12 unforgettable experiences to enjoy in Indonesia

1. Horseback riding on a paradisiacal beach

We didn't expect to experience this... Horses, an empty beach, the golden light at the end of the day. Like in a dream 🥰

Gili Asahan is part of the “Forgotten Gili”, a small archipelago that is still unknown off the coast of Lombok. It's super quiet here and there are few hotels. The island is authentic, with superb coral reefs, where we could see quite a few turtles.
It is in this untouched setting that we experienced this horseback ride, between the turquoise sea and the green hills. An experience that we will not soon forget!

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2. Swim with jellyfish (safe)

Direction Misool, in the south of Raja Ampat. There is a secret lake there, nestled in the heart of the jungle, populated by translucent jellyfish... and completely harmless.

We found ourselves swimming among them, without wetsuits, and without stress.
They move slowly, like in slow motion, it's quite mesmerizing!
It is not the first time that we have had the chance to live this experience and frankly... we never get tired of it!

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3. Participate in a Balinese ceremony

Nothing to do with a show organized for tourists.
We are talking about a real ceremony, in a small Balinese village, alongside families, dressed in traditional outfits.

We didn't understand everything, but we felt a lot. The atmosphere, the songs, the gestures transmitted over generations... it was strong.
We let ourselves be carried away, trying to respect each moment, and each smile.

Every time we come back to Bali, we ask our drivers and friends Wayan and Ketut if there is a ceremony in their village. And they are always happy to take us there. For them, it's natural to share that. And for us, it's a privilege

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4. Sleep in a bamboo house lost in nature

An alarm in front of the rice fields, the songs of birds in the jungle, and that feeling of sleeping Inside-out...
There is something magical about bamboo houses. Open to nature, often perched in the heart of the Balinese forest, they invite you to slow down, to disconnect, to breathe.

It is so pleasant.
But be careful: it's a nature experience in every sense of the word!

👉 Small disclaimer :
Bamboo houses are not almost never completely closed. So yes, there may be surprise guests: geckos, frogs, or other small local critters. Nothing dangerous huh, but if you're the type who's freaked out about bugs... plan your mind 💪

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5. Meet the Mentawai Flower Men

Sleep in the jungle. Bathing in the river. Go worm hunting with the tribe. Cook sago around the fire.
Here, we share the daily lives of those who are still living in direct connection with nature.

On the island of Siberut, off the coast of Sumatra, live the Flower Men. An animist tribe that believes in the spirits of nature, hunts with bows, and continues traditions that have been passed down for generations.

It's a real adventure. Comfort is almost non-existent, but the experience is so powerful.
And even though the price may seem high, it feels like a privilege to be there. We are not in a setting, we are invited into their world.

👉 What touched us the most: out of the 7 grandsons of Kuki, a former shaman we met, only one chose to stay and live in the jungle. Perhaps he will be part of the last generation of Flower Men...

Honestly? It is one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives.
But sometimes... it was hard. Not least because of the comfort: you sleep in a house on stilts, and at night, pigs and chickens literally fight under your feet.

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6. Make your own silver ring in Bali

It's an activity that we hadn't really planned... and that turned into A real highlight of our trip.
We met Made, a Balinese jewelry maker with a heart on his hands. He welcomes you to his small workshop, guides you step by step, and above all, he takes the time.

You choose your design, you shape your ring, you polish it, and in the end, you leave with a unique piece of jewelry, made by you, for you.
It's the perfect kind of experience to do as a couple, or to give as a gift.

And really, Do not hesitate to go see Made : it's one of the most beautiful encounters we've ever had... and you'll leave with a memory that's much more precious than a magnet made in China 🙈 (I'm the first to buy them).

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7. Swim with manta rays

You can see it in several places in Indonesia, but each time, it is the same wonder.
We were lucky to meet some at Nusa Penida and also at Raja Ampat, both when snorkeling and diving.

In Raja Ampat, we went back several times, on different spots. When diving, the experience is even more magical: you stay put at the bottom, you observe... and you wait for the rays to dance around us. A silent, majestic ballet.

In Nusa Penida, it's more accessible but it can get busy depending on the season. So if you can, try to leave early in the morning or outside of tourist peaks.

And no matter the location, Remember to respect the distances. These sea giants are sensitive, and this moment will remain even stronger if you observe them gently.

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8. Kayak in Pulau Pototoga, Mentawai

It was this place that made us want to come to the Mentawai in the first place.
A small paradisiacal island with three palm trees, at the entrance of a blue lagoon surrounded by mangroves. It was simple, but we were immediately drawn to it.

Since then, a storm has changed the scenery a bit, the palm trees are no longer as beautiful but the place is still hot.
We rented a kayak and set off to explore the area. Between the mangroves, the colors, the calm... it was super peaceful. We didn't see anyone. Just nature and us.

Not a crazy activity, but a suspended moment that we will not forget.

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9. Sleep in the jungle to observe orangutans

The jungle in Sumatra is one of the most beautiful that we have ever seen. Dense, lively, full of sounds that you won't forget.
We slept 2 nights there, and honestly, it goes by quickly. It is an intense but accessible experience, especially when you are lucky enough to be accompanied by friendly and passionate guides who also know how to set the mood when needed.

But we want to be honest: The encounter with the orangutans left us a bit divided.
Yes, it is impressive to see them in their habitat. But there can be quite a few people, sometimes too many.

👉 If you go there, really take the time to choose an agency that is respectful and does not hesitate to go deeper into the jungle (see the tips in my guide). It makes all the difference!

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10. Surfing one of the most beautiful waves in the world — Mentawai

The Mentawai is a name that every surfer dreams of. And for good reason: perfect, regular waves, in a completely wild setting, far from everything.

Here, no roads, no network, just boats, legendary spots... and a community of enthusiasts who live for it.
Even if you don't surf, Just observe, it's already impressive.

It's not necessarily accessible to everyone, but if you have the opportunity to experience it even just a few days, it's still an exceptional experience.

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11. Attend a funeral ceremony at the Toraja

Welcome to Toraja country, in the heart of Sulawesi. It is one of our favorite places in Indonesia.
What we like here is this rare balance: a people who live in a modern world, while having succeeded in preserve ancient traditions.

And among them: funeral ceremonies.
Here, death is not seen as a tragic end, but as a An important milestone, celebrated collectively. It is a whole process, often long and complex, that can last weeks, sometimes months after death.

Attending a Toraja ceremony is questioning your own vision of the world. It shakes up, it moves, and it opens the mind wide.

👉 If you go: respect, curiosity, and an open mind are essential. These amazing people welcome you warmly, but every gesture has meaning.

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12. Go liveaboard to Raja Ampat or Komodo

It's scheduled for us this summer... and we already know that it's going to be unbelievable.
Whether you choose Raja Ampat or Komodo, the idea is the same: Living several days on a boat, sail between paradisiacal islands, dive or snorkel all day long, and sleep at sea.

There are lots of different ranges, from simple boats to luxury yachts. But at the end of the day, What matters is access to preserved spots, often inaccessible from land.
Crazy corals, reef sharks, rays, multicolored fish... a visual orgy.

👉 Small downside if you go to Komodo in July-August : some spots are very busy at this time of year, such as Padar Island, Pink Beach, or Manta Point.
But sometimes it's enough to shift your schedule a bit to find peace and quiet.

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