10 Romantic Destinations in Indonesia

Forget Paris or the Maldives. There are equally, if not more, awe-striking destinations closer to home that will provide the perfect for an amorous holiday. Case in point: Indonesia. With over seventeen thousand islands, large and small, there is no shortage of adventures awaiting you in a country teeming with floral and fauna, as well as cultural heritage. Our ten most romantic destinations in the Emerald of the Equator will leave the both of you swooning.

 

Ubud

Image Courtesy of Hanging Gardens of Bali

 

The highlands of Ubud offer a magical retreat for couples, while maintaining close proximity to the buzzy parts of Bali. Take a tour of the highlands to visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and the sacred Monkey Forest, and snap a photo while you take a huge Bali Swing over the verdant forests. Ubud is also a treat for the foodies; gems like Will Goldfarb's Room 4 Dessert and Restaurant Nusantara by the award winning Locavore team await. Popular cafes like Milk &anmp; Madu have also opened in Ubud so you don't have to go far for your fix.

Stay: In an endeavour to emulate the ancient legend of Babylon, the Hanging Gardens of Bali comes pretty close with villas that invite you to relax in the tranquility of the jungle and an infinity pool overlooking the majestic Ayung valley.

 

Lombok

Courtesy of Indonesia Tourism

 

Lombok neighbours Bali and certainly rivals it in terms of the sights and sounds it offers, particularly with the Gili Islands (perfect for snorkelling and diving) just half an hour away on a fast boat. Scaling Mount Rinjani is a must in Lombok but summiting the 3,723m peak is not for the faint hearted so beginners can opt for a crater rim hike for a taste of this active volcano - the views are just as breathtaking. Don't miss Lombok's other natural attractions, like the Benang Kelambu Waterfall that'll look right at home on a Jurassic Park set and Pink Beach, whose name is derived from the coral that lends the sand a pinkish hue.

Stay: The Oberoi Beach Resort is your best bet at one hell of an indulgent stay at Lombok. From guided snorkeling, to sunset dinners and cruises, it really can’t get more romantic than this. Rekindle the nomadic spirit in you with their recommendations for nearby natural and cultural destinations.

 

Sumba

Image Courtesy of Febiyan R. on Unsplash

 

Just an hour's flight from Bali, Sumba is home to indigenous culture and a well-kept surfer's secret. Lamboya and Wanokaka are local villages you can visit with a local guide. Witness the tradition of Pasola that ushers in the rice harvest, or make purchases from farmers and artisans selling produce and traditional ikat (Indonesian decorative fabric). Matanyangu Waterfall is a sight to behold, accessible by hiking. For surfers, Pantai Marosi and Kerewei also offer waves that rival their crowded Bali cousins.

Stay: With 28 unique villas, a range of bespoke dining options, and a stable of 17 Sumbanese horses that frolick in the sea with you, the unparalleled gritty luxury of Nihi Sumba continues to draw tourists to this exclusive resort. Pre-arranged activities also makes it easier to decide what to do for the day. ded by tropical fauna, the luxury villas come with a private pool and meals of your choice, made by the villa's personal chef.

 

Anyer

A haunt for the nearby Jarkartians, Anyer is most well-known for its soft sandy beaches and pristine waters that house coral reefs and marine life. There’s the bustling Sambolo Beach, the coconut tree-lined Cibeureum Beach, and Marbella Beach where upscale resorts and beach clubs are located. Enjoy water sports at Marina Beach, with a wealth of facilities nearby to ensure a frills-free relaxation with your partner. If you’re feeling more adventurous, head to offshore Sangiang Island to find a blooming ecosystem of marine life in crystal-clear waters and untouched nature. For a slice of history, pay a visit to Anyer Lighthouse and Krakatoa Island to find out about the tsunami that happened in 1883.

Stay: With a private pier for dining, the beachfront ASTON Anyer Beach Hotel is our go-to for any romantic getaway. Their 125 sqm Honeymoon Villas overlook the sea and make for a picturesque view. Alternatively, the sophisticated Novus Jiva Anyer at 32 metres above sea level provides the best of both worlds with their stunning villas that come with a private plunge pool.

 

Lembang

Image courtesy of Indonesia Tourism

 

Looking to escape the usual sun-soaked spots? Head to Lembang, an hour from Bandung, for its fresh, cool atmosphere that comes with its altitude of up to 2,084m above sea level. Above sprawling tea plantations, Keraton Cliff and Tangkuban Perahu Mountain are a couple of key places to witness Lembang's panoramas. Stargazing at Bosscha Observatory is also on the cards, while the Floating Market offers a medley of local nosh. Be sure to check out the pictured Cikole Orchid Forest (looking quite mist-tical) for a fantasy-like experience.

Stay: Go glamping in the highlands with Trizara. Complete with ensuite terraces and hot showers, enjoy being one with nature at this 47-tent resort without compromising on modern conveniences. There's even a nightly bonfire for some good ol' marshmallow roasting.

 

Belitung Island

Image courtesy of Indonesia Tourism

 

Situated off the east coast of Sumatra, gigantic granite stones pepper Belitung Island's landscape, giving it a uniqueness that few other Indonesian islands can match. With the permission of the 19th century Dutch-built lighthouse operators, camp overnight stargazing on Pulau Lengkuas. Starfish await on the beaches of Pulau Batu Belayar and Pulau Pasir, or change up the scenery with Danau Kaolin's stunning deep blue pools of water in white stone formations. Supporting local sustainability efforts eco-tourism through the Eco Lodge at Pulau Kepayang by planting corals and freeing turtles!

Stay: The Santika Premiere Beach Hotel is located three minutes from Tanjung Tinggi Beach, and promises a serene waterfront experience for couples. Enjoy the up-market benefits of a top-notch hotel, spiced up with a genuine Indonesian touch in their authentic food.

 

Yogyakarta

Image courtesy of Indonesia Tourism

 

For the heritage lovers, there's Yogyakarta in Java, home of UNESCO Hindu and Buddhist temples. Sunrise pictures at Borobudur and Prambanan don't get any more magical - or can it? Well, the Jomblang Cave and its "Light of Heaven" phenomenon is fitting of a desktop wallpaper. Then, see the sights and sounds along Oyo River as you float downstream. 30km north of the city, the most active volcano in Indonesia Mount Merapi stands to challenge adventurous couples attempting to scale it. You might just want to say a few prayers at the temples before your conquest.

Stay: Surrounded by lush teak forests, Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa is transportive and restorative with its spacious pool villas and four poster beds. Guests get complimentary drop off services to Borobudur Temple too

 

Lake Toba

Image courtesy of Indonesia Tourism

 

The world's largest crater lake, Lake Toba in northern Sumatra is twice the size of Singapore and a certified sweater weather haven. Visit Samosir Island - the heart of Lake Toba - home to the Batak people whose rich culture can also be explored at Batak Museum, Tomok Village, or Tuk Tuk to learn more about the area's rich culture. There are gorgeous waterfalls like Binangalom Waterfall and Sipiso-piso Waterfall nestled in the many cliffs around Lake Toba.

Stay: A quaint abode with ornate wooden cottages on the shores of Samosir Island, Carolina Cottages is tucked within a lush tropical garden. With a minimart and scooter rental on site, you're all set to explore the area.

 

Ora Beach

Image courtesy of Indonesia Tourism

 

Hidden in the north of the rainforest-covered Seram Island of Central Maluku, Ora Beach made the Condé Nast Traveler’s top 30 beaches in 2020, mostly thanks to its crystal clear waters and well-maintained corals. Swimming and snorkelling around limestone cliffs are undoubtedly the highlights of Ora Beach, though you wouldn't say no to long walks along the secluded beachfront either. The nearby Saleman Village offers a peek into the local market fare of this island of spices.

Stay: Ora Beach Eco Resort offers all-inclusive packages with meals and accommodation in kamar laut (water cottages) over see-through waters and the beautiful coral reefs. For a better gastronomic experience, Lisar Bahari Guest House is the better option but requires a boat ride to access the beach.

 

Pulo Cinta

Image courtesy of Indonesia Tourism

 

Half an hour's boat ride from Gorontalo's Boalemo Harbour in North Sulawesi, Pulo Cinta ("Island of Love") might just be the most romantic getaway for any couple. Named after the heart-shaped atoll in the centre, the private island is said to be the secret rendezvous of the Prince of Gorontalo and a Dutch trader's daughter, this was their escape for their forbidden love to flourish. The dining options are an amalgamation of local spices and fresh seafood, uplifted by Celebes flavours.

Stay: Boasting spacious overwater villas - powered by solar energy - with private sun decks, Pulo Cinta Eco Resort is prime for honeymooners.

 

Top image: Gili Trawangan, photo by Tom Bixler on Unsplash