Arcopodo (Indonesia)

The Semeru National Park's views are other-wordly. It's mind blowing to see life spring up on a sterile land that's been rocked by so many eruptions. What I loved at Arcopodo was finding myself eye to eye with two, small identical statues that the locals come to worship.

Offerings were scattered at their feet and the statues were clothed - something you'll frequently see in Indonesia. I was able to have some fascinating chats with the local people.

Arcopodo is a must if you're visiting the island of Java, even if you're not planning to go on hikes. Make sure you take enough to eat and drink, as this is an isolated area.