Lake TobaCity/Region: Sumatra
Lake Toba sparkles like a precious stone, embedded in the northern highlands of
Sumatra and surrounded by steep and fertile mountains. Filling in a giant volcanic crater, it is the largest lake in
South East Asia with depths of up to 1,680ft (525m) in places. In the middle sits the jade-green island of Samosir, which is the origin of the friendly Batak people. Evidence of their culture and traditions is visible in the little Batak villages with their characteristic curved roofs, the traditional dance performances at Simanindo's Batak Cultural
Center and distinctive woodcarvings and weavings sold around the island. Numerous resorts and villages are scattered around Samosir; the Tuk Tuk peninsula and village of Ambarita being the most popular places for tourists to linger. Despite the amount of guesthouses and restaurants on Samosir, there is little other tourist infrastructure, but the variety of activities and the cultural experience makes this Sumatra's most fascinating and relaxing destination.
KutaCity/Region: Bali
Kuta, just a short drive from the airport in southern
Bali, has become the island's most popular and most crowded resort, blessed as it is with a lovely sweep of golden sand, crashing surf and spectacular sunsets. The natural attractions have now been complemented by the tourist trappings, and Kuta is bursting with hotels, shops, restaurants and energetic nightlife, teeming with touts and vendors offering everything from sarongs and '
Rolex' watches to hair-braiding and tattoos. The atmosphere is relaxed, cheerful and friendly, where visitors find it easy to wear a smile and enjoy excellent accommodation with good food. A must for every visitor is a visit to the nearby Temple of Tanah Lot, Bali's most holy place and a magical experience when viewed at sunset, perched on a wave-lashed rocky islet.
LovinaCity/Region: Bali
On Bali's north coast, Lovina resort stretches along several kilometers of black volcanic coastline, encompassing six villages, with Kalibukbuk the established tourist center. Although the second largest resort outside of the Kuta region, it is not as developed as the south of the island, but it has a rural charm, and guesthouses are prettily situated on the beach or among the rice fields. Ducks, pigs and chickens scratch in the fields and cattle wander along the roads. Colorful Balinese boats take tourists out to see the sociable dolphins, most active at sunrise, and the reef-protected waters provide a calm environment for snorkeling. Situated between the main diving sites on the north coast of Bali, Lovina is a good base for diving excursions. Bali's only Buddhist monastery, Brahma Vihara Arama, is a few kilometers away and can be combined with a visit to the delightful setting of the Air Panas hot springs at Banjar.
SenggigiCity/Region: Lombok
Just a few miles south of Ampenan, Senggigi is the most developed tourist resort on Lombok, characterized by broad bays, towering headlands and first-rate hotels and restaurants, and with the only nightlife in Lombok. Being close to the airport it makes a good first or last night stop for those intent on exploring the island. The drive north along the coast from Senggigi to Pemenang is a great day out for those with a car offering spectacular views of the Gili Islands and across to Bali when the weather is clear. The twisting road takes visitors to an expanse of coast that is totally undeveloped with only a few coastal villages dotted behind sweeping bays of turquoise water and palm trees. Just south of Senggigi is the Batu Bolong Temple - weighed down under an excess of lurid pink paint its shrines are spread around a rocky promontory with fabulous views in both directions along the coast. The main part of the temple is built over an archway in the rock, the hole through which virgins were once supposedly sacrificed to appease the gods. Today this is a quiet and peaceful spot and a favorite with local fishermen.
Kuta, LombokCity/Region: Lombok
Not to be confused with its better-known namesake on Bali, Lombok's Kuta is almost totally undeveloped by comparison, having only been discovered by surfers a few years ago and still devoid of any large resort hotels. The whole south coast is characterized by miles of stunning curved sandy bays set beneath empty, rolling hills. There are plans for development, but, with luck, that is still many years away. The southeast peninsula and Awang Bay are dotted with tiny fishing villages untouched by tourism, while inland villages specializing in local crafts such as pottery, weaving, basketware and carving, can be visited.
Gili IslandsCity/Region: Lombok
Situated a few miles off the north west coast of Lombok, the three Gili Islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air - were discovered by backpackers in the 80s and until recently remained a haven for budget travelers in search of paradise. The islands are surrounded by glorious soft sandy beaches, colorful coral reefs and crystal clear turquoise waters, ideal for diving. There are almost no roads or motor vehicles but small ferries transport guests between islands, none more than twenty minutes apart. Most of the accommodation is on Gili Trawangan, generally small bamboo bungalows a few meters from the beach - like
Thailand's islands twenty years ago. Mainstream tourism is beginning to establish itself here and a few exclusive hotels have opened up, most recently on the smallest, least developed island, Gili Meno.
