Save on the extra miles to more distant spots, because our neighbour is a country packed with more activities than you could imagine. It’s not just about beaches or volcanoes; Indonesia is your next stop for outdoor fun and sports that’ll make your holiday a fulfilling one.
Save on the extra miles to more distant spots, because our neighbour is a country packed with more activities than you could imagine. It’s not just about beaches or volcanoes; Indonesia is your next stop for outdoor fun and sports that’ll make your holiday a fulfilling one.
Tropical paradises, temple ruins and spicy sambal belado come to mind when we think of Indonesia. But that’s not all there is to our South-east Asian neighbour. With her archipelago of islands, each forging a different kind of landscape, there’s always something for the wild at heart.
Other than the volcano explorations and jungle treks you see travellers sharing on Instagram, Indonesia also hosts myriad international golf, cycling and sailing competitions. There’s truly no shortage of things to do in the +62.
SAIL ANAMBAS
This event hosts a fleet of 30 to 50 yachts on a trip around the Anambas Islands every year. The mysterious Anambas Islands make for a great sailing experience, and even if you don’t sail, the competition (June 6-12) is a fabulous event to witness: The waters are crystal clear, and diving aficionados can jump in whenever there’s a lull.
Also expect to be wowed by the culture of the Natuna Regency archipelago. The Anambas Islands are part of the regency, which is known for its rich marine life, so exploring this archipelago should be the next thing you check off your bucket list.
SSG INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
If you’ve been teeing off for more than a little while and wish to take your game a bit further, it’s time to get on a ferry to Batam, where the 2019 SSG International Amateur Championship will be held.
This golfing competition is included in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, and the 2019 edition will run from June 30 to July 3 at Tering Bay Golf & Country Club. The tourney will have three rounds of 18 holes. So for amateur golfers, this presents a sweet chance to pick up your clubs and get ready to take your game to the next level.
NONGSA CHALLENGE
Batam is also a fab destination for passionate cyclists (serious or amateur), and the Nongsa Challenge provides a much-needed alternative route to your local rides.
From June 30 to July 3, join fellow bikers on an urban race through the rustic areas of Batam. The race is divided into these categories: Cat 1 for the fastest riders (35 kmh); Cat 2 for casual riders (20 kmh); and the Women’s Open (25 kmh).
So get ready to have a wheel of a time at the Nongsa Challenge, which may very well be the ride of your life – at least for this summer season.
Jazz on the Beach
While most visitors to Bali head for the boisterous beach clubs, Bintan offers you something more laid-back. Imagine lying on the sand, mojito in hand, listening to jazz tunes. You can do that all at the jazz festival (June 22-23) on Lagoi beach, one of the most popular beaches in Bintan.
