Indonesia, so huge and so beautiful!

Indonesia is made up of a whopping 17,800 islands—something that would take you a lifetime to explore! It is also home to a vast range of fauna and flora as well as countless linguistic and ethnic groups, cultures, and incredible landscapes. I can’t emphasize enough how much you need to visit (and spend time in) this beautiful country!

I have frequented the island of Bali, visited the dragons of Komodo Island, trekked to the peak of the Kelimutu volcanic lakes, explored the island of Lombok, and went scuba diving throughout the Gili Islands and Raja Ampat. Indonesia has some of the most pristine underwater landscapes and marine life—if you like diving (whether avid or advanced), Indonesia is bucket-list status.

Oh Indonesia, you’ve stolen my heart!

I’ve traveled to Bali many times over the past five years. Whether your idea of luxury is reclining in a hammock in a jungle bungalow or sipping cocktails in your private beachfront villa— Bali can offer it all.

The vibe tends to be that of beach parties or Zen-like retreats, depending on which part of the island you go to. Ubud is rich in Balinese cuisine, expansive jungles and rice fields, and local craft markets. If you’re looking for beaches and fresh seafood, head to Seminyak, Canggu or Uluwatu!

But Indonesia is more than just Bali. I have explored more of Indonesia—everywhere from Komodo to Kelimutu to Raja Ampat.

Lombok and the Gili Islands lie just off the coast of Bali and are accessible by daily speedboats. They’re more rustic and “off-the-grid” than neighboring Bali, and more untouched, in my opinion.

Flores is a beautiful island in eastern Indonesia and one that I would highly recommend, especially if you’re trying to visit the Komodo Islands. During my days in Labuan Bajo, I stayed at Le Pirate Resort, ventured to Padar Island and Pink Beach, Melo Village, Cunca Waterfall, and spotted Komodo dragons!

A major highlight for me was scuba diving in Komodo National Park!

The next day I hopped over to Ende to explore and experience the Wologai cultural village and do a sunrise hike to the Kelimutu volcanic craters—it was an unbelievable experience.

I’ve also adventured through Raja Ampat on a diving Liveaboard trip. I spent 12 magical days onboard and completed a whopping 28 dives throughout the 12-day cruise. It was a bucket list scuba diving trip!

In between dives, we had the opportunity to explore the beautiful lagoons of Raja Ampat and the protected Misool Marine Reserve which protects 300,000 acres of the world’s richest reefs. We hopped on a speedboat to snorkel some smaller reefs and admire the gorgeous, white sand beaches.

There are so many adventures to be in had in Indonesia; the opportunities are endless!

I’m Kiki, a California native, 

who left my career in corporate wealth management in 2011 

to embark on a summer of soul-searching 

that would change the course of my life forever.

Explore the rest of the world with me and let's start it from

THE  BLONDE ABROAD