A quiet province on the south-west coast of Sumatra, Bengkulu has delightful beaches and balmy weather yet remains relatively undiscovered by travellers. The slow pace of life makes it a great place to kick back and enjoy a cool glass of sugarcane juice while you watch the sun go down.
Things to do in Bengkulu
Bengkulu’s pristine white beaches demand you spend time relaxing in the sun, swimming or eating the freshly-caught fish sold at roadside eateries. Panjang is located close to Bengkulu city, but the effort to get out to Sungai Suci is rewarded with the opportunity for a perfect photo of the picturesque rope bridge that connects to a small tree-covered island.
Looking for adventure? Take a trip out to the remote Enggano Island for some of the best surfing in Indonesia. After you’ve tackled the massive waves, you can go snorkelling in the surrounding untouched coral reefs or visit some of the tribal villages.
Active travellers can climb Mount Kaba, which has two volcanic craters at its peak, including one that’s still active. Bengkulu also has two nature reserves, Taba Penanjung and Bukit Daun, where you can spot the rare Rafflesia arnoldii, the world’s largest flower.
Getting around Bengkulu
There are daily flights from Jakarta to Bengkulu city. Traffic can be a challenge and the more remote sites are not served by public transport, so taxis are the most convenient way to get around. It’s also possible to rent scooters or catch the ferry from Bengkulu to Enggano Island.