Indonesia road trip: explore Java’s active volcanoes, idyllic waterfalls and endless beaches
- Forget the bustle of Bali and explore the sprawling beauty of Java as you hit the back roads to discover the natural landscape
- Head south of Jakarta to find a favourite surf location, before going east to a volcanic geopark
There is far more to Indonesia than the resorts of Bali, particularly if you are willing to venture off the beaten track. Even a relatively short road trip from Jakarta allows you to explore a variety of glorious landscapes and experience life on Java, the world's most populous island.
Escape the sprawling metropolis of Jakarta, and head directly from the airport towards the south coast, avoiding the downtown areas. While it is less than 100 kilometres (62 miles) as the crow flies, traffic en route means the journey can take up to four hours.
Head to the coastal town of Pelabuhan Ratu. While this translates rather poetically to “Harbour of the queen”, it is mainly of interest for hosting several hundred wooden fishing boats, and a quayside market with an array of tropical fish, squid, shellfish and crabs.
For a side excursion, follow a coastal road west along a highway for a couple of hours, and turn onto a narrow side road to Sawarna beach. Here you’ll find a long sandy beach that stretches for more than 2 kilometres (1.2 miles). Powerful waves make this beach a popular surfing location. It is scenic, too, especially by the eastern headland, where a wave-carved rock platform is topped by two neighbouring outcrops of rock, standing like house-sized natural sculptures.
Back on the road, you’ll pass through rural villages that are dotted with Dutch-influenced houses – single-storey, topped by gabled roofs that extend to shelter verandas. Brick red roof tiles contrast with walls painted cheery colours like orange, red, or blue.
You might even stumble across a village hosting a wedding party – as we did on a recent family visit.