INDONESIA

Indonesia was the first stop on my trip to Southeast Asia. It was April 2022, the borders had reopened a few weeks ago, and I decided to take a one-way flight to Bali. The island was slowly coming back to life, giving me the opportunity to explore it without the hassle of crowds. 

The first time in Asia can sometimes be disorienting, but Bali, with its modern facilities and Western-style restaurants, makes the process of adjusting to the new and different easier. Although it is often crowded and hectic, you can still find authentic corners steeped in culture and tradition.

But Indonesia is so much more than Bali, so I ventured to East Java, where I hiked to the top of an active volcano and admired one of the most spectacular waterfalls of my life, and to the Komodo Islands, where I spent three days sailing among crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. 

Indonesia is a mix of authenticity, culture and natural beauty, and each island has something unique to offer. I can’t wait to return to explore new parts of it!