The volcano began erupting late on Friday, producing lava fountains and sending a giant plume of ash across the region. Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was among those forced to suspend operations before reopening shortly after midnight on Tuesday, 8 September.

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Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry has guaranteed full refunds for passengers affected by flight cancellations due to the volcano. Refunds are expected to be processed digitally.

Five alternative airports in Kertajati, Semarang, Juanda, YIA (Yogyakarta) and Solo, as well as free ground transportation to them, were made available to airlines and passengers. However, more than 340,000 passengers were affected, and nearly 3,000 flights were disrupted during the closures.

Despite the reopening of the airports, the situation continues to be closely monitored. Anak Krakatau erupted three more times on Tuesday, and experts from Indonesia’s Geological Agency have cautioned that “the probability of further eruptions in the coming periods remains high”.

“We cannot ascertain when this will end due to the dynamic weather,” Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said. During the closures, authorities carried out tests every 30 minutes to monitor whether the ash was spreading or subsiding.

Anak Krakatau translates as “Child of Krakatoa”, in reference to the island that emerged from the ocean within the caldera formed when the original Krakatoa volcanic island was largely destroyed by a catastrophic eruption in 1883. It is located in the Sunda Strait, halfway between the islands of Java and Sumatra. The volcano’s partial collapse in 2018 triggered a tsunami that killed more than 400 people and left thousands displaced.

The cloud of volcanic ash produced by the latest eruption soared to around 6,000 metres on the Java side and 15,000 metres on the Sumatra side. It also stretched into the western Javan province of Banten, according to Indonesia’s meteorological agency BMKG.

Volcanic ash is a major safety hazard for aircraft because their engines can take in silicate particles that melt into a glass-like substance under extreme heat and fuse onto turbine components, potentially damaging critical systems, restricting airflow and causing engines to lose power.

Shipping traffic has also been disrupted in the Sunda Strait, where authorities have put in place a three-kilometre exclusion zone around the volcano. People have been urged to stay away because of the danger presented by further volcanic activity, although authorities have confirmed that there is currently no tsunami warning.

People in affected areas have also been advised to wear masks to protect their airways from volcanic ash, which contains abrasive particles of rock and minerals. In the short term, these can irritate tissues, causing a runny nose, sore throat and breathing difficulties. Longer-term or repeated exposure can pose a greater risk, particularly for people with existing respiratory conditions.

Anyone exposed to volcanic ash is advised to avoid strenuous activity, move to cleaner air as soon as possible, rinse their mouth and nose with clean water and monitor their breathing, seeking medical attention if they experience severe respiratory distress.

L’article Indonesia airports reopen after volcanic eruption disrupts nearly 3,000 flights est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Located off the southeastern peninsula of Sulawesi, in Indonesia’s Southeast Sulawesi province, Buton Island is home to the Butonese people, an ethnic group with a long history shaped by maritime trade and the cultures of the Indonesian archipelago.

Photographs of blue-eyed Butonese children and adults have attracted international attention in recent years, particularly after being shared online. Some have two intensely blue eyes, while others display heterochromia, with one blue eye and one brown eye.

Behind their unusual appearance is a rare genetic condition known as Waardenburg syndrome.

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A rare genetic condition

Waardenburg syndrome affects pigmentation and can result in very pale or bright blue eyes, differences in the colour of the two eyes, patches of lighter skin or hair, and, in some cases, congenital hearing loss.

The condition is estimated to affect around one in 40,000 people worldwide. Several different types of Waardenburg syndrome have been identified and the symptoms can vary considerably between individuals.

Photographs distributed by the Pacific Press Agency have documented members of a family from Buton Island whose blue eyes are attributed to Waardenburg syndrome. The images have helped draw international attention to a physical characteristic that remains extremely unusual in Indonesia, where brown eyes are overwhelmingly predominant.

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Waardenburg syndrome can be inherited, although its genetics vary depending on the type involved. Several genes have been associated with the condition, and some forms follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning an affected parent can have a 50% chance of passing the altered gene to a child.

Importantly, however, blue eyes are not a characteristic of the entire Butonese population. They occur among certain individuals and families on the island.

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Portuguese legends and the history of Buton

The appearance of blue eyes on Buton has also inspired stories linking the phenomenon to European ancestry.

Portuguese sailors and traders were active across the Indonesian archipelago during the spice trade, and local accounts tell of marriages between Portuguese visitors and members of Butonese society. One story claims that a Butonese princess married a Portuguese sailor, giving rise to descendants with European features.

However, contemporary explanations for the particularly striking blue eyes seen among some Butonese families focus on genetic mutations associated with Waardenburg syndrome rather than establishing European ancestry as their cause.

The history nevertheless reflects Buton’s position along centuries-old maritime trading routes connecting different parts of Southeast Asia and beyond.

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One island in a vast archipelago

Buton itself covers approximately 4,727 square kilometres, making it one of Indonesia’s larger islands. According to Indonesia’s 2020 census figures, the administrative areas covering the island had a combined population of around 415,000 people.

Much of the island remains relatively sparsely populated compared with Indonesia’s major urban centres, while its communities maintain distinct languages, traditions and cultural practices.

The Butonese are historically known as sailors and traders, and their culture extends far beyond the physical characteristic that has attracted international attention. Traditional clothing, weaving, family rituals and Islamic customs continue to play an important role in communities across the island.

Indonesia is one of the world’s most culturally and linguistically diverse countries, encompassing thousands of islands and hundreds of ethnic and linguistic groups. The unusual blue eyes found among some inhabitants of Buton offer another striking example of the genetic diversity found across the vast archipelago.

L’article Why striking blue eyes can be found on this Indonesian island est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The tennis centre will form part of the 150-hectare Samara Lombok development on the island’s southern coast, around 25 minutes from Lombok International Airport. The resort is also set to become the first Destination by Hyatt property in Southeast Asia. At launch, the development will include three boutique hotels and 150 villas, forming the first phase of a wider masterplan comprising 500 residential villas. 

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The Rafa Nadal Tennis Center will feature four tennis courts and four padel courts, offering programmes for players of all ages and abilities. Training will follow the methodology developed by Rafael Nadal and his technical team through more than two decades on the professional tour, the academy said.

Maribel Nadal, deputy general manager of the Rafa Nadal Academy, said the opening represents an important milestone for the organisation’s global growth.

“We’re very excited about the arrival of the first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Southeast Asia. Lombok is a destination with enormous international potential and we believe that this project will help bring our methodology and our passion for sport to new generations of players and families from all over the world.” 

Samara Lombok co-founder Steve Ebsworth said sport lies at the centre of the resort’s concept.

“Samara is built to be a playground in the truest sense – a place where guests can be as active as they wish, for as long as they wish, then come back together over a shared story,” he said, adding that tennis and padel sit “right at its heart” of the development. 

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Beyond the sports facilities, Samara Lombok will include 12 dining concepts curated by chef Will Meyrick and children’s cookery author Annabel Karmel, a marine biology and watersports centre operated by Rascal Voyages, and a football training centre backed by an unnamed club partner. Villas will be offered on 90-year leaseholds, significantly longer than the lease terms commonly available in Bali and much of Indonesia. 

The new centre will join the Rafa Nadal Academy’s growing international network, which already includes academies in Mallorca and Kuwait, Rafa Nadal Tennis Centers in Costa Mujeres, Sani, Hong Kong, Marbella and Punta Cana, as well as the Rafa Nadal Tennis Programme in Egypt. A further Rafa Nadal Tennis Center is also planned for Brazil in 2028. 

The announcement comes as Lombok continues to attract investment from international hospitality brands seeking alternatives to neighbouring Bali. Alongside Samara Lombok, the island has welcomed several high-end hotel developments in recent years, including The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa and Gran Meliá Lombok. Improved accessibility is supporting that growth, with Scoot recently expanding its Singapore–Lombok service from 4 to 10 weekly flights.

L’article Samara Lombok to open Southeast Asia’s first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in 2028 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The joint study, produced by the Brunei-based organisation Borneo Futures, the initiative World Weather Attribution, and Liverpool John Moores University, found that at least 58 Tapanuli orangutans were killed during the disaster. The estimate was based on a survey of the western part of the Batang Toru forest, which is home to most of the species’ total population of around 800 individuals. The true death toll could, however, be significantly higher, as the study only covered part of the forest.

The Tapanuli orangutan was only officially recognised as a distinct species in 2017, marking the first time in nearly a century that a new great ape species had been identified by scientists. These primates are renowned for their intelligence, complex social behaviours and tool-using abilities.

Cyclone Senyar triggered extreme rainfall across parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, causing devastating floods and landslides. In Indonesia alone, the disaster killed at least 1,200 people and damaged around 300,000 homes.

Environmental groups have said that rapid deforestation on the island of Sumatra worsened the impact of the catastrophe and could have long-term consequences for already vulnerable species. Researchers have found that human-induced climate change appears to have intensified both the rainfall and the frequency of extreme weather events around the Malacca Strait.

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The findings regarding orangutans were inferred by analysing satellite images of the damage to the western block of Batang Toru and by consulting historical records of orangutan populations in the area. Erik Meijaard, lead author from Borneo Futures, explained that without sufficient forest cover to stabilise the soil, heavy rainfall causes the hillsides to become saturated and collapse in the form of fast-moving landslides, leaving the orangutans with little chance of survival.

“This level of loss is substantial for a species with such a small total population. When combined with ongoing pressures such as habitat degradation and human–wildlife conflict, it further increases the urgency of implementing and adequately funding a coordinated species action plan,” said Meijaard.

His concerns were echoed by Indonesian conservationist Panut Hadisiswoyo, and both researchers urged the authorities to work more closely with NGOs and scientists to prevent similar disasters and protect the remaining population.

While hunting and poaching have historically contributed to the decline of orangutans across Sumatra, conservationists say that the greatest threats today come from habitat destruction, forest fragmentation, infrastructure projects, and human-wildlife conflict, as orangutans are pushed into increasingly smaller areas.

Hadisiswoyo added that, although hunting can be reduced and controlled through conservation efforts, poor land management remains a major challenge that must be addressed if the species is to survive.

L’article Deadly Sumatra floods wipe out 7% of world’s rarest great ape population est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Designed by the Bali-based architecture firm MORQ and interior design office Studio Wenden, the complex comprises four distinct, yet visually coherent buildings scattered around Pererenan. Built as rectangular blocks, their façades are “functionally aesthetic”, wrapped in a porous, lattice-like sunshade crafted from handmade clay tubes produced in the nearby village of Tabanan.

Further Hotel by MORQ and Studio Wenden

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From the outside, the brickwork lends the buildings an unexpected elegance – distinctive, warm and almost sculptural. Inside, the interplay of light and shade becomes the defining experience. “The relationship between light and shadow is an underlying theme that characterises our work,” said Andrea Quagliola, co-founder of MORQ, whose studio also operates in Perth and Rome. He added that the shifting daylight supports ‘a sense of discovery and spatial depth’ as one moves through the spaces.

Each building is organised around its own roof terrace, which is designed like a courtyard with a view of the sky and a sheet of water at its centre. Hospitality areas retreat into the shadows around it, creating a calm transition between sunlight and dimmer, cooler interiors. The largest of the four structures features a pool on its roof, tucked into a shaded alcove, invisible from the street below. Guests can enjoy snacks and relaxed dining at the rooftop restaurant Portion, while Bar Vera, located on the ground floor, offers a more substantial dining experience. Coffee is provided by St Ali, which is housed in one of the other buildings.

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The hotel’s 25 suites feature sunken beds and materials such as cast iron, dark timber, and travertine. “Natural, sustainable materials feature prominently in our design choices, adding a tactile dimension to the overall architectural experience. Each touchpoint, from the polished wood underfoot to the bespoke textiles, underscores our commitment to luxury and sustainability”, according to the hotel description. Some of the rooms open onto lush, plant-filled courtyards, while others have open-air baths.

Some of the rooms open onto lush, plant-filled courtyards; others include open-air baths.

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Throughout the complex, earthy tones, ochre, terracotta, grey and black create a warm and minimalist atmosphere, animated by the vertical lattices and their shifting shadows, as well as the horizontal lines that guide the staircases. Sudden bursts of colour come from the hotel’s rotating programme of contemporary photography exhibitions, adding further layers of visual depth to the interiors.

In tune with the serene atmosphere of the place is also a shop featuring offerings from Object, a “sensory-inspired” brand, as well as perfumery Oaken Lab, which developed a custom scent for the hotel.

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Claudio Cuccu and Martine McGrath are the minds behind the concept of this ‘diffused hotel’. Cuccu founded the acclaimed boutique property Slow in Canggu over 20 years ago and co-founded Further with Simon Digby and Tim Wiswell. They aimed to create a model that would respond to the island’s rapid development by blending into the local landscape rather than competing with it.

“Our vision was to honour Balinese culture and community while taking hospitality further,” the founders explain. “The diffused concept allows guests to live in the village rather than just visit it – to connect, not just observe.”

If a picture truly paints a thousand words, Further appears to have delivered precisely that.

L’article Further Hotel in Bali blends terracotta architecture with local craftsmanship est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The battle between tourism and the needs of local residents is playing out in many destinations around the world, but Bali, sometimes described as “island of the Gods” is perhaps one of the clearest and most sensitive examples of these tensions playing out in real time. Koster has described the Southeast Asian island’s beaches as “highly important” religious and social spaces for local communities, where Balinese Hindus carry out Segara Kerthi rituals to honour and spiritually purify the sea, and Pakelem ceremonies see offerings made to the ocean as prayers for harmony, safety and blessings.

Despite 2016 Presidential Regulations that define land along the shoreline and 100m inland from the highest tideline as public spaces belonging to the state, hotels and resorts have increasingly flouted the rules, effectively restricting beach areas near their properties and preventing locals from accessing the shore or accusing them of trespassing.

Hotels and hospitality businesses have argued they need to maintain seaward vistas and, in some cases, as reported by The Jakarta Post, villa occupants have tried to stop locals from swimming in waters they consider to be part of their rental property. In addition, hoteliers and guests have been known to offend or drive away locals by allowing other practices that undermine local religious ceremonies to take place simultaneously, even though guidelines exist to regulate tourist behaviour, clothing and photography at sacred sites.

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“Some hotel and villa operators are blocking public access, prohibiting residents from performing religious activities or carrying out inappropriate activities on the shoreline during important ceremonies,” Koster said, adding: “It’s as if those who build hotels or villas think they own the beach and the sea.” Koster said the new legislation would “restore Bali’s beaches to their original purpose,” urging council members to make a decision on the proposals before the end of 2025.

Also on the table are proposals to levy a daily visitor tax on the island to support sustainable development and highlight the need for a responsible tourism model in Bali. A moratorium is currently in place, preventing permits from being issued for new hospitality projects in already-developed areas.

L’article Bali set to outlaw private beaches as new legislation advances est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The forthcoming hotel, to be named Hotel Indigo Bali Ubud, is planned to launch in 2027 and will offer 130 rooms. According to IHG’s announcement, it will be located near the Blangsinga Waterfall and Village, adjacent to an ancient riverside temple and surrounded by a lush hillside that slopes down to a river. 

Designed to connect guests with the local nature and cultural heritage of the area, this signing marks IHG’s second property in Ubud. The company underscored Indonesia’s key role in its regional strategy and development, pointing to a total of 92 luxury and lifestyle hotels currently open or under construction across Southeast Asia and Korea.

“Our growth in Indonesia is an exciting one — with 33 open hotels and 12 in the pipeline. Our brands are giving travellers more options across the country, reflecting the strength of our partnerships and the rising demand for authentic stay experiences,” said Chris Anklin, Senior Director, Development, South East Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts. 

Ubud is increasingly attracting travellers seeking alternatives to Bali’s traditional beach resorts, with its cultural attractions, wellness programs, and vibrant natural landscapes. Hotel Indigo Bali Ubud aims to capture the spirit of the area, offering accommodations and experiences tailored for solo travellers, families, and groups. The property will provide neighbourhood guides, interactive social activities, and locally inspired culinary programs, all designed to highlight the character and culture of the surrounding community.

“We are proud to partner with IHG on this landmark project in Ubud. Hotel Indigo is the ideal brand to showcase the unique story of this neighbourhood – from its waterfalls and temples to its artistic and cultural heritage. Together, we aim to create a destination that not only appeals to international visitors but also offers domestic travellers an inspiring way to experience the best of Ubud,” added Michella Ristiadewi, Commissioner, Ristia Group. 

The new hotel expands the Hotel Indigo brand’s footprint in Indonesia, joining existing properties such as Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar and Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach. Globally, Hotel Indigo now operates in more than 25 countries, with a portfolio of 183 hotels and 132 additional properties in the pipeline.

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For the Ubud region, the addition of Hotel Indigo Bali Ubud marks a significant step in its evolution as a destination for luxury and lifestyle travellers, highlighting a shift toward culturally immersive, authentic, and nature-focused stays. With the opening set for 2027, the project is expected to shape the region’s hospitality landscape while offering visitors a high-end experience that celebrates the local community and environment.

L’article Hotel Indigo Bali Ubud to open in 2027, offering luxury, local culture, and community experiences est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Many speciality coffee shops keep a small quantity of Kopi Luwak in stock, although its price keeps most enthusiasts from tasting it. Paying €150 for a 500-gram bag is not unusual. Yet the name Kopi Luwak does not refer to a coffee variety, but to a unique method of production. The raw coffee cherries are eaten by the Indonesian palm civet, pass through its digestive tract, and are later collected, thoroughly cleaned, and roasted.

It is a remarkable process — and one that may not appeal to everyone. Even though no trace of the animal’s excretion remains in the final product, the very idea can deter some from taking a sip. Moreover, as the coffee’s fame has grown, particularly among celebrities, some producers have industrialised the process. Instead of freely roaming the plantations, civets are often kept in cages to make collection easier. For those concerned about animal welfare, it is worth verifying the origin of the beans or choosing another coffee variety altogether.

@galiya_english_ Save the location Must try! Only 3$ per cup of luwak coffee #rec #travelling #bali #locations #travel ♬ original sound – Aeva – AEVA

An acquired taste

Coffee specialists agree that civet coffee offers a noticeably different flavour profile. Because Kopi Luwak refers to the process rather than the bean itself, the taste can vary widely depending on the original coffee used. Nevertheless, compared with their non-digested counterparts, civet beans are typically smoother, less bitter, and often described as having chocolate and caramel notes.

Scientists have long attributed these differences to the civet’s digestive process, but the exact explanation has remained unclear. A new study from the Central University of Kerala in India has now revealed how fermentation inside the civet’s gut alters the fat composition of the beans, shaping their distinctive flavour.

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“Civet beans had significantly higher fat levels, particularly in capric and caprylic acid methyl esters, which affect aroma and flavour,” the researchers wrote. “Elevated protein, caffeine, and specific acid levels in civet beans can be attributed to digestive and fermentative processes, with Gluconobacter species in the civet gut playing a key role. These minor differences in metabolite composition could influence flavour differences in the final roasted coffee, as they are affected by the civets’ digestion and fermentation procedures.”

These fatty acid methyl esters are well-known in the food industry for producing a dairy-like aroma, which may explain Kopi Luwak’s distinctive smoothness. The researchers note, however, that more studies are needed to fully understand how each stage of the process affects the coffee’s complex aromas.

L’article Why Kopi Luwak is unlike any other coffee in the world est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The incident occurred on Mount Batukaru, the second-highest peak on the island and one of its wildest areas, where adventure seekers tough enough to brave leech-infested trails are rewarded with temples and panoramic mountain views. But in late September 2025, a group of walkers met a single stray dog that managed to bite several of them on their lower bodies. The animal was later captured and euthanised. Rabies tests on the creature came back positive, meaning all the injured hikers required immediate rabies vaccines.

Regional health agency head, Surya Wira Andi, said: “Most of the victims were bitten on the feet. All of them have received the necessary vaccination, and they will complete the full three-dose regimen within a month.”

Although almost eliminated in some parts of the world, rabies is a zoonotic virus that remains rife in Indonesia, and the problem is reported to have worsened when COVID-19 interrupted vaccination programmes. Litter on hiking trails and offerings left at temples that attract wild and stray animals are also said to be contributing to the issue by attracting creatures into territories shared with each other and humans.

Affecting mammals including dogs, cats, livestock, monkeys, humans, and other species, rabies attacks the central nervous system and brain, causing inflammation. Symptoms include headaches, fever, and eventually hydrophobia (fear of water) and photophobia (fear of light). Once the onset of symptoms is experienced, the disease is usually fatal. However, following up any bite with an immediate anti-rabies vaccine or serum has brought down fatality rates.

Over 34,000 bites from animals suspected to carry rabies were recorded in Bali in the first six months of 2025 alone, resulting in 12 human deaths. Those figures, and the recent attack, have prompted an emergency vaccination drive.

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Tabanan Agriculture Agency has confirmed the vaccination of around 500 pet and stray dogs, as well as a rescue and relocation programme to prevent the spread of rabies to the rest of the island’s wildlife. Agency livestock and animal health head, Gede Eka Parta Ariana, told press that the agency is working in collaboration with local non-governmental groups to focus on so-called “red zone” areas, where there is a high alert for rabies transmission.

“At least nine stray dogs around the area have also been rescued and taken to an animal shelter by a team from a local non-governmental organisation working in collaboration with our agency,” he said, speaking to The Jakarta Post.

Anyone who encounters a stray or wild animal while at home or travelling abroad should avoid any contact with it, if at all possible. If a bite or scratch does ensue, it is vital to thoroughly clean and disinfect the wound straight away, alert authorities, and seek prompt medical attention from health workers who can administer vaccines.

L’article Mass dog attack in Bali prompts emergency rabies vaccination drive est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

At least 18 people were killed, and nine cities, including the provincial capital of Denpasar in the central south of the island, were submerged after heavy rainfall made rivers burst their banks, according to a statement by Bali’s Disaster Mitigation Agency.

Environmental campaigners and experts have issued repeated warnings about the over-exploitation of Bali for tourism purposes. The government responded by publishing a list of guidelines around tourist taxes, sacred sites, the use of licensed guides and accommodation, dress etiquette, and littering – all aimed at ensuring “Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values,” in the words of Governor Wayan Koster in March 2025.

Now it is likely that regulations will go further. Indonesia’s state news agency, Antara, reported Koster saying: “After handling the floods, we will meet again to ensure no more permits are issued for hotels, restaurants, or other facilities on productive land, especially rice fields.” The intervention will begin “this year,” Koster said, adding that “the land conversion ban will align with Bali’s 100-year plan. From 2025 onward, no productive land can be converted into commercial facilities.”

Under the proposed rules, land development for private residences will still be allowed, subject to planning approval, but commercial building works would be prohibited. Perhaps counter-intuitively, Bali’s environment minister, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, has described the moratorium on new restaurants, hotels, and commercial facilities as “crucial for Bali’s tourism,” noting that “the recent flooding has drawn serious attention.”

His words echo those of Santorini’s mayor Nikos Zorzos, who in 2024 called on the Greek government to “halt the construction of all types of hotel units, short-term rentals, and especially strategic investments, not only for the caldera but for the entire island of Santorini.” If tourism were not managed in a more “rational” way, Zorzos warned, the island’s popularity with visitors and therefore its economic success would ultimately be threatened as overtourism “consumes the place and reduces its advantage as a destination.”

In Bali, which welcomed 2.9 million foreign visitors through Bali airport alone in the first half of 2025, the number of hotels grew by seven percent in the four years between 2019 and 2023, to reach a total of 541 on a territory of 5,633 km².

L’article Bali bans construction of new hotels and restaurants after deadly floods est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.