Postcard: Indonesia 2020
Another excellent Indonesia adventure completed, this time with a private group of Wild Earth Explorers from Mexico. It always gives me a warm feeling and brings a smile to my face when I know I am heading to Indonesia, one of my all-time favorite places on the planet.
We started our expedition in the remote highlands of Torajaland in the heart of Sulawesi. A place famous for its elaborate and complex death rituals, unique architecture, and spectacular mountain scenery. We spent days trekking through lush green rice paddies, dense forests, and small mountain villages, exploring local markets and were honored guests witnessing first-hand traditional funeral ceremonies. The views were some of the most breathtaking I have ever witnessed, with distant mountains, forests, clouds, and mist rising over rice fields with grazing water buffalos.
After the rolling landscapes and cultural immersion of Torajaland, we traveled to Raja Ampat, West Papua, considered to be the world's marine biodiversity hotspot. From the comfort of our privately chartered yacht, we spent 10 blissful days sailing through the stunning islands, diving, and snorkeling amongst a multitude of marine life, both large and small. We observed passing Manta rays and reef sharks and spotted the smallest of colorful critters in nutrient-rich tropical waters. In between exploring the underwater riches, we enjoyed relaxing massages, delicious cuisine, an early morning hike to witness the Bird of Paradise, and a surprise beach BBQ on an isolated island.
In a month, Robin Aiello, our marine biologist and snorkel guide extraordinaire, and I will be heading back to Indonesia to explore the spectacular reefs and fishlife at Wakatobi, a unique and tranquil island paradise far away from civilization and crowds. The house reef is bustling with life and a perfect place to start our Indonesian adventure before we board our privately chartered yacht to explore the remote islands of Halmahera and Raja Ampat. In between exploring the underwater riches, we'll stay in a private villa hotel amid Bali's rice terraces, indulging in fine dining, market exploration, temples, trying our hand at a cooking class, watching traditional dances, and relaxing with massages. I cannot wait to return to this incredible country.
If you are interested in joining us on one of our fabulous Indonesian expeditions, there is still one last room available on our 2021 Indonesia expedition. Check out the details.
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PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Herbert Perez (drone aerial images)