East Indonesia Overview

Indonesia, formerly named the Netherlands-Indie and well-known in the past as "Gordel van Smaragd" in Dutch language (literally meaning "the Emerald Belt") due to its natural beauty and cultural richness, is the home of no less than 1,340 ethnic groups, encompassing an area of approximately 5,193,250 km², with only 1,919,440 km² of which is land. Its strategic location between two major oceans (Indian Ocean and the Pacific) and two continents (Asia and Australia) and, subsequently, along ancient trading routes between Far East, South Asia and the Middle East, has a significant influence on its ethnic and cultural diversity, besides centuries of complex interactions with the physical environment of each region of the archipelago.

This diversity is mostly evident in the Eastern part of Indonesia, namely in islands of Sulawesi, Bali and Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, Papua and many other minor islands. Multiplicity of customs, religions, traditions and even languages is obvious as you browse through from village to village, region to region, island to island. Papua, for example, has more than 300 languages. Different practices and rituals are observable even in adjacent villages. Indeed, you will experience a strong impression of incredibly rich cultural varieties as you are exploring the remote but truly unforgettable East Indonesia.

Sulawesi

Rambu Solo funeral procession, Tana Toraja

As one of Indonesia's major islands, Sulawesi has many types of cultural features. In Tana Toraja, for example, occasionally you can encounter a distinctive traditional ceremony of funeral called Rambu Solo, which is more similar to a big feast and typically takes place for several days. This kind of ritual ceremony is considerably expensive and exclusively held for rich and influential people only. The traditional graves for the deceased, exotically carved into rocky hills, are among the most visited tourist spots in Tana Toraja.

Bunaken Marine Park

For eco-tourism and especially marine tourism devotees, the Bunaken Marine Park, declared one of the World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 2005 and only 35-minutes sea-trip from Manado harbor, is a perfect choice. The beauty of its rich varieties of colorful fish and coral reefs well-preserved from vandalism, can be enjoyed either by diving and snorkeling, or by specially designed subs. The best time to visit is around May-August when you can have  the clearest visibility in the water and most ideal temperature for diving.

Further to the southeast, you find the Wakatobi National Park, which is considered the biggest national maritime park in Indonesia, encompassing an area of about 1.39 million hectares of land and sea. It is the natural habitat of no less than 112 species of coral reefs, 93 species of fish, and some species of petrels and turtles. Besides enjoying its natural beauty, you can also explore diverse kind of cultural uniqueness by local inhabitants in and around the park.

Bali

One can hardly have any doubt that this "Island of the Gods", the nickname Bali Island used to be known by, is one of the most popular among domestic and foreign travelers in Indonesia, especially for its cultural heritage. Its nature, its people, even the atmosphere hanging over the island is hard to forget. There is even a popular saying that simply suggests you not to die before visiting Bali.

Its traditional performing arts, especially the dances, are widely well-known and ever fascinating. Your first footstep on this island is already welcomed with the Pendet dance, the greeting dance which is originally performed as ritual dance for temple purification. It is performed by 4-5 young female dancers.

Pendet dance

Another famous Balinese performing art is the Kecak, a form of dance and music drama, alternatively known as Ramayana monkey chant, performed by at least 150 male dancers percussively chanting "cak" and moving their hands and arms, depicts a battle from the Ramayana. The best spot to watch this performing art is at Pura Uluwatu at sunset.

Kintamani Lake

The natural attractions of Bali are no less awesome. Kuta beach, among others, is the most visited one. If you are a sea-wave surfer, this beach will indeed be your paradise. In the Sangeh forest in Ubud you can enjoy the natural habitat of hundreds of apes, which are considered sacred by locals, that it is forbidden to disturb the apes or to harm them. Batur Kintamani lake lies at the 2nd highest mount in Bali, and is also Bali's biggest lake. It offers you beautiful scenery and fresh, cool air around the lake. Lovina beach, though less well-known, is an excellent choice for tourists as well, where you can watch dolphins in  their natural habitat swimming and jumping around. In Tanjung Benoa beach you can enjoy many kinds of water games like banana boat, parasailing, jetski, scuba diving etc., due to its very calm waters.

The unfinished part of GWK statue

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, founded in 1992, is a cultural park with the gigantic Garuda Wisnu statue as its main attraction. Planned to have heights of 126 meters and 64 meters of wing span, it is intended to be one of the tallest and largest of modern-day sculptures.Still being a developing project, the existing parts of the statue and the whole park itself are currently developing into a cultural park that covers cultural exhibitions, events and amusement attractions as well as becoming the information and communication forum for local, national, regional and even international cultures.

Nusa Tenggara

Further to the east from Bali, there are more tourist attractions varying from eco-tourism to historical tours to culinary tours especially in Lombok, Sumbawa and Timor Islands. The most famous icon of Nusa Tenggara (literally meaning: "Southeast Islands") tourism is the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), as shown in the picture below.

Komodo Dragon in the Komodo Island

It is the world's only living dinosaur which you can find in the Komodo National Park located in the Komodo Island in East Nusa Tenggara. It can grow to a maximum length of 3 metres (10 ft) in rare cases and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms (150 lb). Fossils very similar to V. komodoensis have been found in Australia dating to greater than 3.8 million years ago, and its body size remained stable on Flores Island, one of the handful of Indonesian islands where it is currently found, over the last 900,000 years.

Lombok

Despite the natural characteristics of Nusa Tenggara which are marked by large proportions of steppe particularly in East Nusa Tenggara, due  to the dry climate and low, unevenly distributed rainfall, you can expect so many, many unforgettable experiences upon your arrival here.

Lombok Island lies next to Bali, but with a much quieter environment, and surely is a paradise for those seeking tranquility of a tropical island. From its famous Mount Rinjani to its unspoiled, beautiful beaches, to its magnificent landscape, this island surely has plentiful outing delights to offer.

Moving next to Sumbawa Island, you have just as many sightseeing options as well. Historical buildings such as royal palaces and former Dutch colonial governmental buildings, tourist villages where the original, indigenous traditional culture is still on display, and natural charms such as beaches, mountain excursion sites and tiny, forested islands, are all available as you explore this fascinating island.

Kelimutu three-colored lakes

Further to the east, i.e. in East Nusa Tenggara province, you are offered no less spectacular tour. One major  example, the Komodo dragon, has been mentioned above. Another famous site is Kelimutu volcano in Flores Island, which crater has 3 lakes with 3 different colors which periodically change. You can enjoy this magical sightseeing in the day, and keep overnight to watch the sunrise the next morning.

You can also visit the Gunung Mutis Conservation
Area in Timor Island which contains typical homogeneous, highland vegetation forest, and its characteristic wildife. Besides, you can observe the indigenous way of life of local tribes and how they use the ancient technology of their ancestors to sustain life.

Maluku

Now let's move on to the most distinguishing region of East Indonesia. Formerly known as The Spice Island, this vast archipelago is full of historical, cultural and natural tourist sites awaiting for your visit. Administratively, this region consists of 2 provinces, Maluku and  Northern Maluku, with Ambon and Ternate as their capitals, respectively.

 Pintu Kota Beach

Upon arriving in Ambon, which is located at a small island bearing the same name, lots of tourist attractions are already awaiting. The Natsepa Beach Recreation Park is perfect for coastal tourism lovers, and so are the Liang Beach, the Namalatu Beach and Santai Beach, all located in Ambon Island. Even in Pintu Kota Beach, there is a unique natural phenomenon of a gate-shaped big coral reef you can even climb and relax upon.

Bambu Gila Dance

Lenso dance

Beside natural attractions, cultural distinction of Maluku is no less intriguing. For example, the Bambu Gila Dance, especially originated in Central Maluku. Literally meaning "crazy bamboo", this dance is, in fact , mystical. Performed by 6-7 male "dancers" holding tightly to a piece of bamboo, a pawang, or "sorcerer", uses some magical force to move the bamboo to whatever direction he wishes without touching it, with the male dancers almost powerless to resist its moves.

Cakalele dance

Other well-known traditional dances of Maluku are the Lenso dance and the Cakalele dance. The former which is originally a social, youth dance is performed by women, currently as a guest-welcoming dance, whereas the latter which is originally a war dance is performed by both men and women, currently for celebrating special events and as welcome dance as well.

View from atop Duurstede fortress

Maluku also offers a handful of interesting historical sites. The Duurstede fortress at Saparua Island is one major example. It serves as a silent witness to the bravery and heroism of Thomas Matulessy a.k.a. Kapitan Pattimura (1783-1817) and his men when capturing the fortress from the Dutch colonial forces. Its excellent location on a hilltop right facing the seashore gives you a dazzling view from atop the fortress' well-preserved walls.

Ora beach

Moving north to Seram Island, Ora beach at the northern part of the island is a fabulous spot for those in pursuit of tranquility amid natural refreshment. Crystal-clear seawater, fresh air, and a unique accommodation in the form of six wooden cottages built above water level will give you a perfect getaway atmosphere.

Further to the north, cultural tourism lovers will be glad to visit the Ternate Royal Palace in Northern Maluku. It is where the unique royal crown of the Sultan is treasured. Why unique? Because it is made of, among others, 113 jewelries from all around the globe, and of human hair, which consistently grow just like ordinary hair.

Papua

The easternmost part of East Indonesia is Papua. This big island is shared by 2 countries, Indonesia at its western part, and Papua New Guinea at the eastern part. Administratively, the Indonesian part is divided in 2 provinces, Papua and West Papua, with Jayapura and Manokwari as the capitals, respectively.

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is probably the most favorited tourist spot in Papua so far. Consisting of 4 major islands and a number of surrounding minor islands, this place has considerably diverse marine biota; in fact, it is recorded that 75% the world's marine species are found here. An exquisite place for diving and underwater experiences, and also for inland tracking accompanied by local guides. Cendrawasih Bay National Park is another enchanting tourist attraction you should not miss. Covering an area of no less than 1,453,500 hectares, and being the natural habitat of about 196 species of molluscs and and 209 kinds of fish, it is considered the largest marine conservation area in Indonesia.

Sentani lake is another natural tourism favorite. About 9,360 hectares in size, it is indeed the largest lake in Papua, embellished with 21 small islands making it all the more delightful. The annual Sentani Lake Festival periodically held at this site brings you many opportunities to enjoy and explore various cultural exhibitions.
 

Asmat canoe

Cultural richness of Papua is undoubtedly mesmerizing. Manual manufacturing of traditional Asmat canoes is one of them. Made of sandalwood or ketapan wood and beautifully decorated with typical carvings which usually resemble the tribe's ancestors or deceased relatives, these traditional canoes are only manufactured every 5 years, and usually takes about 5 weeks to complete. A special ritual ceremony has to be observed before the canoes are put into use.

There are still so many, many other magnificent tourist destinations across East Indonesia, and I have just mentioned a few above. But one thing I can assure you of: an unforgettable traveling experience is always awaiting you here in this fascinating part of the earth! ^_^