Visit Indonesia Tourism Office marketing manager Craig Gibbons said Bali is the main drawcard for most Kiwis but getting them beyond their comfort zone is not an easy task.

The tourism office only keeps a record of Australian figures, but Gibbons said the numbers reflect much the same pattern for Kiwi travel.

“Last year we had 750,000 Australians visit Indonesia and of that figure 730,000 only went to Bali,” said Gibbons. “Sometimes they go onto Lombok, but not much further.”

Gibbons said the challenge lies in getting people out to places that are less developed than Bali and its surrounding islands, which are known for their five-star resorts and exclusive retreats.

“Our main goal is to promote Indonesia beyond Bali,” said Gibbons. “It’s a very big country. The further east you go away from Bali the infrastructure declines a little and so it usually only attracts the more intrepid tourist.”

From New Zealand, those ‘tourists’ are often surfers, attracted by the country’s impressive waves and isolated beaches.

“Surfers seem to be the most well travelled tourist type in Indonesia travelling from the northern tip of Sumatra all the way down across to Indonesian Timor. That’s where we see Kiwi surfers ending up. They’re often in places that are not high on the tourism radar.”

For those clients who like their creature comforts, Gibbons suggests sticking to the Western side of the country where places like Java and Sumatra offer a range of five star resorts.

Meantime, the Indonesian side of Borneo is a haven for adventure based activities, as well as flora and fauna expeditions and clients might even come across orangutans.

“If clients are interested in history and culture there’s a lot of organised tours running through Sumatra and Java. Travel agents in New Zealand can book through Garuda, Orient Holidays and Geckos,” said Gibbons. “To travel to the eastern side, to places such as Sulawesi, Flores and Papua, it becomes more of an independent trip for people who are interested in trekking and diving.”

Gecko’s Adventures, who specialise in tours for clients aged 18 to 35, do a 22-day Indonesian Paradise tour which takes in a large chunk of the country.

“When people think of Indonesia they usually only think of Bali beach resorts but there’s much more to it than that,” said Gecko’s representative Jane Reed. “Travelling is about immersing yourself in the local culture, grassroots adventure, getting off the beaten track, interacting with the locals, getting on and off local transport - it’s about having an authentic experience.”

This is the first year the programme has been introduced but Reed said it is slowly building and they have some good forward bookings out of New Zealand for 2012.

Indonesian Paradise is priced at $2918 per person including local payment.

New airport for Lombok

The brand new Lombok International Airport (LOP) can now receive A330s and Boeing 767s. Located in Central Lombok, 40km south of Mataram Selaparang Airport, LOB can accommodate three million passengers a year.

Independent Indonesia

The Travelfish.org iPhone app guide to Bali has been released in AppStores globally. The app features more than 20 destinations across Bali including Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, Lovina and Nusa Lembongan.

Spa time with Marriott

The Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua has opened C Spa, which offers treatments to both children and adults.
The spa consists of three treatment rooms for couples, three single treatment rooms, plus a lounge for manicures, pedicures and massages. Guests booking a three-treatment package will receive a 15 per cent discount, while booking four treatments receives a 30 per cent discount.
The children’s treatment package encompasses a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure and can choose from edible ingredients like chocolate, strawberry or honey.

Ayana’s social media deal

Ayana Resort and Spa Bali has launched an offer for Facebook and Twitter fans, with a bonus resort credit for all bookings. Valid until June 30, 2012 the 'like-to-tweet' offer is priced from $219 for a room per night and $666 for villa per night, with an additional resort credit of $50 per room for bookings of less than three nights, and $100 per room for bookings of three nights and more.

Accor’s new Jakarta addition

Accor recently opened the Pullman Jakarta Central Park (PJCP), an upscale hotel targeting business travellers.

Located in Podomoro City Super Block, the hotel is attached to the shopping complex Central Park and is easily accessible from Sudirman Central Business District area.  

Opening room rates at Pullman Jakarta Central Park start from A$147 per room per