{"id":98806,"date":"2019-11-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-14T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/incredible-south-east-asia\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:53:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:53:23","slug":"incredible-south-east-asia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/incredible-south-east-asia\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Incredible Places to Visit in Southeast and Central Asia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Southeast Asia offers a range of amazing destinations for budget-wise South Africans. Spot rare leopards in Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka<\/a>, encounter Komodo dragons in Indonesia or stroll down the charming streets of Luang Prabang in Laos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Travelstart has you covered when it comes to getting there and enjoying the unmissable highlights on offer. Return flights to gateway cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong<\/a> and Jakarta<\/a> are very reasonable, plus the rand is still strong in Southeast Asia, which keeps ancillary costs low.<\/p>\n

Indonesia<\/h2>\n

1. Flores Island, Indonesia<\/h3>\n

\"Kelimutu<\/p>\n

Visit the exotic jewel-coloured lakes on Flores island in Indonesia<\/a>. The three lakes include \u2018the enchanted lake\u2019, \u2018the lake of elders\u2019 and \u2018the lake of young men and maidens\u2019. The outstanding bright colours are a result of oxygen. When oxygen is limited the lakes appear green, but at other times they can appear red or even black. Get there with cheap flights to Jakarta<\/a>, the gateway to Indonesia.<\/p>\n

2. Manado Bay, Indonesia<\/h3>\n
\"manado
Image courtesy of @kyh87<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is the ideal destination for snorkellers and divers. Visit the Bunaken Island National Marine Park for a world-class marine experience with coral reefs that teem with life, from seahorses and squid to nudibranchs.<\/p>\n

3. Komodo National Park, Indonesia<\/h3>\n

\"Komodo<\/p>\n

Situated in the Lesser Sunda Islands, come face to face with the world\u2019s largest lizard – the mighty 3-metre long Komodo Dragon – at Komodo National Park! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the national park has also been nominated as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.<\/p>\n

4. North Sumatra, Indonesia<\/h3>\n
\"orangutan
Image courtesy of @alexexplores<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Travel to the Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Bukit Lawang. Fringing the Gunung Leuser National Park, the centre\u2019s rehabilitation programme is no longer operating but you can still view the orangutan feeding sessions behind the centre twice a day. You can also go trekking and tubing on the Bohorok river.<\/p>\n

5. Lake Toba, Indonesia<\/h3>\n

\"Lake<\/p>\n

The largest and deepest volcanic lake in the world, Lake Toba is located on the island of Sumatra. Explore the surrounding hot springs, volcanic landscape or visit an ancient Batak village and enjoy traditional Batak song and dance.<\/p>\n

6. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia<\/h3>\n

\"Rice<\/p>\n

Experience traditional Balinese culture in Ubud. Sample the cuisine of Bali<\/a> in all its glory, visit emerald-green rice fields and take in the art and architecture synonymous with this tropical paradise.<\/p>\n

Also read:<\/strong><\/p>\n