ADVENTURE

The path less trodden. Places undiscovered. The Great Unknown. ‘Off the beaten track’ is not everybody`s cup of tea. But for those seduced by the beauty of exploration, adrenaline can be addictive. Independent travellers, adventure seekers and backpackers set out on an exciting journey into the wild, pushing their boundaries and testing their limits in search of a thrill. Adventure travel is for those who love getting out of their comfort zone, overcoming fear, facing the most unpredictable situations to quench their thirst for discovery. Taking the least known trails and wandering through the most remote regions, driven by the insatiable curiosity.

TREKKING IN BALIEM VALLEY

Sealed of the rest of the world by mighty the mountain walls and no roads leading from anywhere around, this little kingdom keeps its own Unknown. After Irian Jaya was discovered the region quickly became a focus of attention to the international researchers, journalists and adventurers. Even though the interaction with the indigenous tribes is relatively limited, there are places of rapidly-growing eco-tourism. Baliem Valley is the major hub; and if you visit in August you might well experience one of the bucket-list items of any traveller - the Baliem Valley Festival.

HOW TO TOUR MEKONG DELTA INDEPENDENTLY

Curious travellers who are not afraid of getting lost in the Vietnamese country should forget about the mass-tourism and set out on an exciting ride through the Mekong Delta. Exploring the region independently will allow you to see the authentic Vietnamese culture and discover well-hidden canals where you can experience the genuine local way of life. It is easy – all you need is renting a motorbike!

FINDING THE TRI-COLOURED CRATERS OF FLORES

Flores is hardly short of attractions. While its coastline is the epicentre of beach & underwater tourism, the verdant highlands provide sanctuaries to fascinating ethnic minorities and hill-tribe villages. Portuguese traders and missionaries were fascinated by the beauty of the island already in the 16th century. Later on, the region became a magnet for the Western anthropologists. Today, thrill seekers from all around the world set out on an epic journey through the island to reach its eastern tip and explore the islands truly extraordinary volcanoes and their technicolour crater lakes.

PASOLA & THE FORGOTTEN ISLAND OF SUMBA

A developing nation, yet a rich tradition. The irreplaceable cultural heritage of Sumba is best to be seen in the countryside, where thatch-roof-topped houses tower over the jungles and the female villagers diligently weave and thread on their verandas, while the men are battling with swords and spears on horseback. Travellers who pay a visit in February will get a chance to encounter one of the most remarkable tribal event in Indonesia - Pasola where spill blood is a 'must' in order to restore the balance between the local villages...

FACE TO FACE WITH PORT MORESBY

With the reputation of being the least livable place on our planet, one would say that this notorious city would be left out of the tourism industry. On the contrary, Port Moresby is a fairly attractive destination for all the thrill seekers who decide to explore the Undiscovered. Take a look at some of the awesome things to do in the city and around.

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO WEST TIMOR

For genuine Indonesia-lovers who are in search of the country`s hidden gems. Have you ticked Bali, Lombok, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara? Timor West is the path least travelled and the last widely undiscovered island in Indonesia, stuffed with ’frozen-in-time’ surprises.

DEEP IN THE JUNGLES OF PAPUA

The way of living here in West Papua is very primitive, resembling the prehistoric period. Not much seems to have changed since then in this remote land. Stone-age-like villages are scattered in the thick primaeval jungles, happily enjoying their isolation. The depths of the Papuan rainforest hide fascinating tribes and great travel adventures for those who don`t mind getting out of their comfort zone!

CYCLING THE SILK ROAD IN AMASYA

Cyclo-tourism is a cheap and exciting way of travel. One of Europe`s most scenic and beguiling cycling routes starts in the Turkish town of Amasya – the ancient Silk Road junction.

NORTHERN LAOS - INTO THE WILD

Deep in the misty rainforest and its lush, verdant foliage, there is much to discover; Northern Laos, shares the border with Myanmar, China and Vietnam, and this is where you will want to go if you are after some superb adventures. The hill-tribes of Hmong, Mien and Akha have been walking the highlands for centuries. For travellers instead, this is the ultimate off-the-beaten-track destination where plenty of time and good planning are essential.

GOING TRIBAL IN SA PA

Many would surely agree that Sa Pa is the most memorable region in Northern Vietnam. This small colonial hill-town, situated not far from the border with China, features majestic scenery, awe-inspiring terraces of rice fields, vibrant markets, and various indigenous ethnic groups. Sa Pa has become the leading eco-tourism gem in Vietnam, and although the whole tribal atmosphere can be a little overwhelming the town is definitely worth the visit. To gain an authentic experience avoid all Sa Pa tours and explore the region independently.

TIPS FOR TUBING IN VANG VIENG (FOR PARTY LOVERS)

Laos is crisscrossed with waterways that provide, among others, great potential for tourism. And tons of fun. If you are a social butterfly and have never heard of Vang Vieng, now it is the right time to add it to your bucket list. Why? Well, this peaceful fishing village is actually ‘the party capital’ of South-East Asia. What draws the party lovers to Vang Vieng is the river. Indeed, one can have tremendous fun drifting down the Mekong`s murky waters. However, it can also be a ‘risky business’…

GOING TO SULAWESI (ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW)

Get out of your comfort zone and embark on a challenging journey along the path less trodden. In Sulawesi, you will find peculiar tribes, strange jungle cemeteries, spooky festivals, odd wildlife and the world`s last sea gypsies.

A VOYAGE TO KRAKATAU

Hike to the crater rim of the most (in)famous volcano on Earth to stand at the edge of the devil`s cauldron and feel the lava burning beneath.

A JAUNT TO BAN GIOC – WORLD`S FOURTH LARGEST FALLS

Everyone has heard of Niagara, Iguazu and Victoria Falls. The lesser known yet perhaps more spectacular than all of them together, Ban Gioc-Detian is a must-see. Make sure you don`t skip the world`s 4th largest transnational waterfall if travelling to Northern Vietnam. It only takes a weekend-trip from Hanoi, and a ride filled with adventure!

BORNEO AFLOAT (7 EPIC RIVER JOURNEYS ACROSS KALIMANTAN)

Resembling the Amazon, the jungles of Kalimantan remain largely untouched by mass tourism, and the poor accessibility makes the Indonesian part of Borneo a riverine territory with only a few roads. It is the mysterious, murky rivers that are its highways, and their banks are sanctuaries to the armies of orang-utans and once headhunting tribes, both living by the law of the jungle. The good thing is that anyone can have a taste of the ‘Borneo afloat’, often in comfort. There is nothing like drifting down the Kalimantan`s endless waterways and discovering its wonders. These are the 7 epic river journeys across Kalimantan.

LAKE TOBA & SAMOSIR ISLAND (IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE BATAK)

The indigenous Batak tribes have been walking the highlands of North Sumatra for thousands of years, and still today, much of their culture is under wraps. Pulau Samosir is like a magnet for those who would like to uncover some of the mysteries of the Batak culture. Set in the middle of the huge volcanic lake of Toba, the ‘Island of the Death’ is a living museum of the Batak, where some of the Sumatra`s finest architecture, ancient sarcophagi, stunning sceneries, and fantastic tourist infrastructure will greet the visitors.

A GUIDE TO SUMATRA`S FORGOTTEN OFFSHORE ISLANDS

The western coast of Sumatra is a household name amongst water sports lovers. From Aceh to Lampung, the almost 1800 km long shoreline is has been tempting the wave riders for decades. For greater space and fewer crowds, endless stretches, pristine offshore islands, balmy equatorial climate and the powerful Indian Ocean swell, this is a destination that leaves no surfer disappointed. Lhonga, Padang and Krui breaks are no secrets anymore, and the experts have surely heard of names like ‘Banyak’, ‘Mentawai’ and ‘Nias’. There is much more, however, hiding in the forgotten offshore islands of Sumatra – megalithic cultures and prehistoric tribes dwell in the rainforest, keeping their ancestral way of life alive…

MEET THE ZOMBIES OF TANA TORAJA

Sulawesi`s major attraction and Indonesia`s icon of ecotourism magnetises hundreds of adventurers and photographers each year, for so much has been spoken and written about the local culture and its peculiar customs. The National Geographic named Tana Toraja ‘a place where death doesn`t mean goodbye’. Indeed, the region is famous for bizarre funeral ceremonies, eerie cemeteries, ‘walking’ mummies, skull bones and skeletons - a place where superstitious beliefs continue to grow, where families live with dead bodies for weeks, and live beings are regularly sacrificed. The reason is that the indigenous people here celebrate death a little differently from us – Westerners.

COMING ACROSS THE TOGEAN SEA GYPSIES

Sitting right on the equator, 56 paradisiacal isles and 37 villages are scattered across the azure, brilliant waters of the Molluca Sea. This little tropical wonderland is home to some of the last remaining genuine Bajau Laut, known as the sea gypsies. Moreover, the visitors will find striking seascapes, unspoilt beaches and some of the most attractive diving locations in Indonesia.