The most scenic road trips in Indonesia

The Trans-Flores Highway runs 670km along the length of Flores, passing through some of the island’s most incredible scenery. Starting in Labuan Bajo in the west (gateway to Komodo National Park), driving east takes you into the highlands where you can visit the mountain village of Wai Rebo and Liang Bua Cave, where remains of hobbit people were found. Head down to the coast to the traditional village of Bena, before taking a detour north to snorkel in the Seventeen Islands Marine Park. Drive further east to Moni, from where you climb Mt Kelimutu with its tri-coloured lakes. Stop at the nearby villages of Koanara and Jopu for ikat textiles. Continue east to Maumere, where you’ll find even more weaving at Bliran Sina Watublapi. Allow a week to see everywhere properly.

Bali’s lake district offers some of the island’s most spectacular scenery. Begin in Kintamani on the shores of Lake Batur. Hike Mt Batur volcano, bathe in hot springs, kayak on the lake and visit Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur temple. Then take the winding mountain road through lush rainforest until you get to Bedugul, a charming village by Lake Beratan. Wander through Bali Botanic Garden and Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple which ‘floats’ on the lake. Continue northwest towards Munduk, passing the twin lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan. In Munduk, take the Munduk Waterfall Trek which passes by four stunning falls, walk through terraced rice fields, and enjoy a cup of local coffee at the many cafes offering dramatic mountain lake views. This whole route is around 86km and is doable in a day, but to really enjoy each spot, we’d recommend staying a night in Kintamani and Munduk.

East Java offers some of Indonesia’s most extraordinary landscapes, and this 336km long, three-day route is the best way to see them. Start in the town of Banyuwangi and head northwest for a sunrise hike up Mt Ijen, a sulphurous volcano with blue flames and a milky-blue lake. Continue west to Bondowoso and down to Jember. Driving around the southern and western slopes of Mt Argopuro, taking the narrow country roads through little villages all the way to Klakah. This is the springboard for exploring the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and its tea plantations, waterfalls, towering peaks and volcanic plains. Wake up at sunrise for wonderful views of Mt Bromo and Mt Semeru and drive across the Sand Sea. Drive further west through the countryside until you reach Malang with its colonial Dutch architecture and charming rainbow village of Kampung Pelangi Jodipan.

This 334km, week-long loop around Lombok takes in its best sights. Start in Kuta on the south coast, known for its dazzling beaches. Head east along the bumpy coastal road to Sekaroh for pink beaches before taking the road inland north to Tetebatu, a beautiful village in the foothills of Mt Rinjani. Wander through the rainforest and paddy fields, before cooling off in Sarang Walet waterfall. A further drive north takes you to Sembalun, a town in the highlands with walking trails, picturesque farmland and views of Mt Rinjani aplenty. Continue on to the village of Senaru for a jungle trek to the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls, before dropping back down to the west coast for killer views all the way south. There are plenty of quiet beaches to stop at, such as Pandanan and Nipah. Head further on into the city for shopping at the traditional Kebon Roek market before driving back to Kuta.

The small island of Ternate was an important part of the spice trade during the 16th century, making it the perfect destination for history buffs. This 45km loop around the island starts in the main city, also called Ternate. Kick off with a local history lesson at the Museum Kedaton Kesultanan Ternate, before heading south through town and turning west into the hills – many of the little roads lead into the spice plantations where you can take a wander through the clove trees. Drop back down to the coast and continue in a clockwise direction round the island, stopping at the crumbling Portuguese fort, Lake Tolire and Sulamadaha Beach. On the north coast is Batu Angus, a striking ‘garden’ formed by lava. Continue south past the airport and finish at the 16th century Fort Tolukko.