Picture this: glistening waters, crisp fresh air and a jaw-dropping view from above the clouds. Not a single skyscraper is in sight; all one hears is the wind howling and the circling birds chirping. Retreating into the wonders of nature has proven to be therapeutic and is the primary reason why we constantly set time aside, whenever possible, to embark on hikes.

From Bali’s Mount Batur, East Java’s Ijen Volcano to North Sumatra’s Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, here are 8 Best Hiking Trails in Indonesia with Breathtaking Sceneries.

Source: Wanderlust East Java

#1 IJEN VOLCANO, EAST JAVA

Standing at 9,183 feet, the majestic Ijen Volcano is renowned for its gorgeous kilometre-wide, turquoise-colour crater lake. This magnificent stratovolcano is also where sulphur mining operations take place. The emitted blue flames—however beautiful—are extremely toxic and one should not go near it.

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Source: Outbound Corner

#2 PADAR ISLAND, KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

UNESCO World Heritage Site Komodo National Park comprises of three major islands—namely Rinca, Komodo, and Padar – and Padar Island is definitely the most underrated destination out of all. The peak offers out-of-the-world panoramic views so do remember to bring your GoPro along!

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#3 MOUNT BATUR, BALI

Mount Batur—an active Balinese volcano—last erupted in the year 2000 but has fallen back into a deep slumber for the past decade and a half. Rising 1,717 metres above sea level, a hike up the scenic Indonesian mountain can be completed within two hours one-way by fit climbers.

If you are planning on an adventure to Mount Batur, read our Mount Batur guide which includes 9 things one should expect and prepare for.

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Source: Remote Islands

#4 MOUNT BROMO, EAST JAVA

It takes approximately four hours to drive from Surabaya—the capital of East Java—to active Indonesian volcano Mount Bromo, but the long journey has not deterred many from hiking up the prominent volcanic mountain. Needless to say, the scenery is incredibly beautiful.

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Source: Indonesia’d

#5 MOUNT KELIMUTU, FLORES

A hike up Mount Kelimutu is especially rewarding as climbers are in a spectacular visual treat of The Crown Jewels of Flores – a natural site of three colourful lakes that changes its colour numerous times a year. The interesting thing is that the change is unpredictable.

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Source: Trekking Rinjani

#6 MOUNT RINJANI, LOMBOK

Mount Rinjani is not for the faint-hearted. A trek up the active volcano takes approximately three days and you would be traversing through a diverse range of ecosystems. Upon reaching the summit, hikers are treated to a mesmerising view of Lombok Island. It is best to hire an experienced tour guide as there are several routes to get up to the volcano.

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Source: Top Indonesia

#7 PULAU GUNUNG API, BANDA ISLANDS

A climb up isolated volcanic island Gunung Api Banda is certainly no easy feat. The route is characterised by broken rock fragments and the tedious journey will have you moving two steps forward and one step back.

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Source: Wonderful Indonesia

#8 SIPISO-PISO WATERFALL, NORTH SUMATRA

Located in the lush greenery of North Sumatra is Sipiso-piso Waterfall, a picturesque 120-metre near-vertical waterfall that plunges dramatically into a gorge. The waterfall is accessible within a 45-minute drive from Indonesian town Berastagi.

Read: 8 Best Beaches in Indonesia You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Life

Some people travel for food, some people travel for shopping; of course, there are travellers who actually embark on holidays just to trek.

If you have never been on a hiking vacation or are planning for one, it is important to consider various factors to ensure your safety. Investing in quality hiking shoes and protecting yourselves from insects are some to get you started.

Here are 8 Tips on What To Expect and How To Plan For A Trekking Holiday.

#1 ALTITUDE SICKNESS

There are various forms of altitude sickness and most people do not even know that they actually suffer from it!

Altitude sickness is basically caused from a high ascent and symptoms include exhaustion, hyperventilation and nausea due to oxygen deprivation. It can affect victims from 2,500m and onwards. People do die from worst case scenarios – so please do not take this as a joking matter!

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#2 UV PROTECTION

Before heading outdoors, slather on generous amounts of sunblock lotion on both your face and body to shield yourselves from harmful ultraviolet sun rays.

Do bring along sunglasses and a bottle of sunscreen for reapplication. You will be thankful when the scorching sun rays get unbearably blinding and painful.

#3 MAP AND PLAN

Map out your hiking route and inform your loved ones about your whereabouts.

There are many guided tours led by experienced tour guides, which is highly recommended for those who are visiting a foreign destination for the first time. Venturing off unchartered terrain could be highly dangerous due to unforeseen obstacles such as wild animals encounters and other hazardous situations.

#4 MULTIPURPOSE SCARF

A multipurpose scarf can protect you from the blazing sun, sudden sandstorm or sudden cold. Of course, bring a long an ultra lightweight thin one so that you could easily stuff it in your bag.

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#5 WATERBOTTLE

Chances are, there would not be any water coolers for potable water, or shops where you get to buy clean bottled mineral water – so take along a filled water bottle with you to hydrate yourselves from time to time.

#6 QUALITY SPORTS SHOES

Investing in high quality, durable sports shoes is a must. The last thing you want to happen during a strenuous hike is to experience a faulty sole or fall from a slippery path due to poor grip.

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#7 MINI TORCHLIGHT

The sun rises and sets at different timings across different countries and different seasons, so take along a mini torchlight just in case you have to find your way in near or complete darkness.

#8 LIGHT BACKPACK

To navigate around, you would need a light and handy backpack to store all your belongings, i.e. water bottle, mini torchlight and scarf.

Refrain from tiny handbags that can hardly put more than a wallet, or overly heavy duffel bags as they can be very cumbersome.

Read: 8 Best Hikes In Asia For Every Adventurous Traveller.