1

i wouldn't recommend staying in the coast, but you must see Bali. it is really worth seeing and its famous for the Hindu culture. if you don't want to stay at the coast, you should definitely stay in Bandung. It's one of the most popular city in Indonesia. although Jakarta is the most popular, but it's very crowded and hot. Bandung is suitable for shopping and there are lots of food from different culture. I prefer taking the Cipaganti taxis to travel to the public minibus, it's more comfortable although it's more expensive for sure.
Good luck

2

Well, February not really a bad time, maybe you should start your trip from Bandung cause it's near from Jakarta and a nice place to spend your time though consider you're not really interested in snorkeling, surfing, climbing or beaches.
You know Bandung has plenty of many interesting things which might suit you.
I guess you should definitely try to visit several places there, like there's the famous Saung Angklung Mang Udjo place where Java native music instrument angklung which soothing many people hearts and you can buy some if you want. And also there's Braga Street, the place where you can spend your night time in classical cafe which also a heirloom from the Dutch colony long time ago. And Bandung always good to be visited any time.
Personally I'd rather choose to spend my time in Bandung than Jakarta, it's so peaceful and relaxing.
If you don't like to do some snorkeling and whatever that is, maybe you should also visit Manado in northern Indonesia, the Sea Garden Bunaken which where you could have some sub-marine experience, where you get into a submarine and Bunaken was said as the best sea garden the world ever had...

3

Well, start in Banda Aceh where your friend is and head east. Theres nothing as good as continuous travelling without having to get on a plane. And when you get to Alor you will have seen a lot of the country. After that you might like Kalimantan if there's time.

4

if you like to do snorklin or diving, go to karimun jawa island its a beautifull island as well for snorkling or diving, if you need more information about beautifull place at indonesia just mail me ninetours.indonesia@gmail.com

5

Yes start in Banda Aceh and then go south.
Don't worry too much about the weather. During rainy season it usually rains only in the afternoon. In Sumatra you'll mostly travel inland and don't have to deal with rough seas and in some part rainy season is already over.

6

First of all, thanks for the advice. It seems like starting in Banda Aceh and then going by land all the way to Alor is the most popular plan.
Are there any downsides to this plan?

Edited by: hclanham

7

Hello hclanham.., Greetings From Sumatra!..., you can start from Banda Aceh because you have a friend there and then next to North Sumatra, the most popular object there is orang utan. Bukit Lawang , Leuser National Park, Lake Toba, Pulau Samosir , Air Terjun Sipiso-piso and others. / you can ask from the local. then West Sumatra like Bukittinggi , Lake Maninjau , Anai valley ,Harau valley ,Puncak Lawang, Ngalau Kamang , Sianok Canyon /very beautiful. Koto gadang village. then for the island you can choice Mentawai Island and Sikuai Island, sikuai great place for relaxing.. and then kerinci / Mount Kerinci. and then Taman Nasional Kerinci Seblat. and then Jambi then Palembang , popular with Jembatan Ampera and Sungai Musi. and ending in Lampung for sumatra.

For java i recommended west java that is a Gunung Tangkuban Parahu., very GREAT place for view. and Central Java i know like Candi Borobudur and more. then in East Java i know like Mount Bromo..,very nice..!. Pulau Sumba , Alor . Papua/Raja Ampat. Sulawesi and then Kalimantan/Borneo.
So enjoy your trip. have a nice day!..

8

@rajoameh --thanks a lot for that very helpful information.

How many days should Banda Aceh to Jakarta take?