Sepak takraw, a traditional ball sport
A blend of volleyball and soccer, sepak-takraw (pronounced "sèpake takro"; "takraw" for rattan ball) is a traditional sport in many Southeast Asian countries, and is very popular in Indonesia. It is played with a wicker or rigid plastic ball 12 cm in diameter. The basic rule is to keep the ball in the air using your head, feet, chest and knees, without ever using your hands. The game is generally fun, very physical and always spectacular. There are several variations. An absolute must!
Pencak silat, a heritage martial art
The martial art of pencak silat is widespread throughout the country and is a source of great pride for the local population. Demonstrations, in addition to official competitions, are regularly organized, especially in major tourist areas, for the benefit of visiting travellers.
In the coastal regions of the archipelago, hand techniques are more important, while in the mountains, feet are more important. Tiger claw" is one of the best-known forms, and is practiced on the western island of Sumatra, where athletes crouch on the ground as they face their opponents.
Surfing, a worldwide reputation
Bali is Asia's surfing Mecca: from the beginners' spots on the famous Kuta beach to the breaks reserved for the most expert riders under the cliffs of Uluwatu, the Balinese waves attract surfers from all over the world every dry season (from April to October, when the wind blows), who come to mingle with the locals. Little by little, Bali has gained a worldwide reputation as one of the most beautiful surf spots in South-East Asia. All surf stores and specialized agencies are concentrated in the south of the island, in Kuta and Legian. In the rest of the country, too, the coasts are potentially affordable, from the northern tip of Sumatra (notably Pulau Weh) to the borders of Timor, via Nusa Tenggara (T-Land, Sumba...) or Java and the famous spot of G-Land and its mythical left.
Other water sports
All resorts offer a wide range of water sports, including jet-skiing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing and towed buoys. In recent years, kitesurfing has also begun to make inroads, notably at Sanur in Bali, Pulau Tabuhan in Java, Pantai Lakey and Hu'u, Lampu'uk or Kuta in the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, etc..
Scuba diving all over the country
Diving and snorkeling are among the most popular activities. In Nusa Tenggara, the Gili Islands, the Togian Islands, Flores or Bunaken and Pantai Bira in Sulawesi, and for the more adventurous, Raja Ampat in Papua, are dream sites for deep-sea enthusiasts. In Bali and Lombok, despite the immense damage to the coral reefs, there's plenty to do! The most famous dive sites are on the east coast, between Sanur and the north-east, near Tulamben and Amed. The islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are rich in flora and fauna. In the far west, the uninhabited and protected island of Menjangan appears to be one of the most beautiful dive sites, while the 7,000 hectares of coral in Bali Barat National Park, not far from Gilimanuk and Menjangan, hold many surprises in store for you. You'll have no trouble organizing your dives here.
Hiking and trekking, grandiose walks
From the crests of volcanoes, where sunrise is a spectacular sight, to the depths of the thick equatorial jungle, Indonesia offers a multitude of itineraries for walkers of all levels. Adventure enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy!
The islands of Bali and Lombok offer great opportunities for hiking. The ascent of Mount Batur (1,717 m) is, for many, one of the "highlights" of a stay in Bali. It can either be done with an agency from Ubud, where you'll find beautiful walks between forests and rice fields, or directly with a local guide in the lake region. For hikers, there's also the Batukaru volcano, Bali's second-highest peak (2,276 m), the volcanic lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan, the ascent of Mount Agung, Bali's roof (3,142 m), the rice fields of Sidemen or the ascent of Mount Gunung Rinjani in Lombok (a demanding three-day trek, but complicated to organize - ask for details). Otherwise, in the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, the Komodo National Park is a must if you want to see the varan, the famous Komodo dragon. Flores also offers superb hiking.
In Java, you can climb the Gunung Bromo and Gunung Semeru volcanoes, or explore the Gede Pangrango National Park. In the Moluccas, the pristine landscapes are a delight, between lush forests and clove and fruit tree plantations. Climbing Gunung Api or Gunung Api Gamalama is very demanding.
But there are superb treks all over the country, and in some remote regions such as Kalimantan or Papua, this is the only way to reach minority ethnic groups or observe endangered animal species.
Attention thrill-seekers!
Climbing is also an option not to be overlooked by thrill-seekers, as there are numerous climbing spots on this immense archipelago. But it's in the western part of Sumatra that you'll find the most interesting routes, in the Harau Valley to be precise.
Rafting is available in the mountainous areas of central Bali. The best spots are on the Ayung river (sungai), near Ubud, and in the east on the Telagawaja sungai, near Muncan. On the south-west coast, you'll find Medewi Beach and Balian. In the rest of the country, we should also mention West Java, and for the more courageous, Gunung Leuser Park on the island of Sumatra. Kalimantan and Sulawesi also offer some interesting rivers. For sufficient water, the wet season is best, from November to March-April.
