A Week in Indonesia

While there are countless places to visit in Indonesia, if you're traveling to Indonesia for the first time, you can't go wrong with Yogjakarta and Bali.

Yogjakarta, considered by many to be the cultural center of Java, is the perfect base from which you can visit ancient temples.  From Yogja, the Buddhist Borobudur complex is about 1.5 - 2 hours' drive away.  The Hindu temple complex Prambanan is also a must-see, about 30 to 40 minutes' drive from Yogja.  Our favorite place to stay is Warwick Purser's d'Omah, 20 minutes outside of the city, in Tembi Village.  If you want to splurge, stay at the peaceful Amanjiwo, minutes away from Borobudur. 

After a few days in Yogja, take one of the many direct flights to Bali.  Ubud, somewhat of a bohemian enclave, is our favorite part of the island.  I used to recommend the d'Omah there - a unique, quiet retreat, but I've since become aware of Cinta Inn (http://www.cintainn.com/), which friends confirm is comfortable and probably the best overall value place to stay in the center of Ubud.  If you want to spend some time on the beach, both Hyatts, among many other properties, are reasonably-priced and comfortable.  For more luxurious accommodations, consider the Conrad Suites.  My mom and I recently stayed at the Mercure (http://www.mercureresortsanur.com/), in Sanur, and found it to be clean, comfortable and very good overall value.