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10 Best Places to Visit in Indonesia
With 18,330 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. The island nation is home to 167 active volcanoes, far more than any other country and has some of the largest remaining tracts of tropical forest anywhere in the world.
Indonesia is both a leisure seeker’s dream and an adventurer’s playground. Whether you’re looking to bronze on beautiful beaches, hike in search of endangered orangutan, or snorkel amongst some of the most beautiful coral reefs on Earth, Indonesia has something for everyone.
Explore the last Indonesian city still ruled by an ancient monarchy, follow in the literal footsteps of rare Komodo dragons, and soak in steamy hot springs surrounded by nothing but wild, raw jungle. If you’re looking for magic hidden in the everyday, you’ve found it. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Indonesia.
10. Raja Ampat Islands [SEE MAP]
An island cluster on the northwestern tip of Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat is one of the most sensational diving destinations in Indonesia. Raja Ampat – which means ‘Four Kings’ – is made up of four major jungle-clad islands surrounded by turquoise lagoons and pearly-white palm-fringed beaches – Waigeo, Salawati, Misool, and Batanta – along with thousands of smaller islands.
The archipelago is celebrated for its rich marine life and underwater coral reefs – home to as many as 75% of all known coral species! With everything from underwater photography to wreck diving, it’s so beautiful, you should definitely invest in an underwater camera.
But the fun isn’t limited to offshore. The islands are also a fantastic bird-watching destination. Pack your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for eagles swooping overhead and birds of paradise such as the Wilson’s and Cendrawash chirping in the treetops while you trek to waterfalls and mysterious age-old caves.
9. Tanjung Puting National Park [SEE MAP]
Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the world’s natural wonders celebrated for its endangered orangutans – some of the last of these orange, long-haired primates on Earth.
Located in the jungles of Borneo – the third-largest island in the world that’s part of Indonesia, Malaysia and the sultanate of Brunei – the park is home to a variety of wild lowland habitats on a peninsula overlooking the Java Sea. Habitats range from swamp forests to alluvial plains and ocean coastline that provides a home to a diverse array of wildlife – so diverse that it was declared a game reserve before being deemed a national park in 1982.
While orangutans are the obvious draw, you’ll also be able to spot the odd-nosed proboscis monkey, the vulnerable clouded leopard, and over 200 species of birds in the park. Couple these rare animal sightings with fresh jungle air and no light pollution making for excellent star gazing, and the park makes for the perfect adventure. Explore on foot or by klotok boat with a knowledgeable guide – it’s up to you.
8. Flores Island [SEE MAP]
The Indonesian island of Flores means ‘Flowers’ in Portuguese, a name that hails from the European missionaries who arrived in the 16th-century. Lying to the east of Sumbawa and to the west of Lembata in Nusa Tenggara, the long island of Flores is famous for its amazing multi-colored crater lakes around Mount Kelimutu, traditional village homestays, and endless opportunities for adventure tourism.
The lakes are truly a sight to behold in every color you can think of – from browns and greens to aqua blue; colors caused by the minerals reacting to the gas of the region’s volcanoes. The Kelimutu three-colored lake is a must-see from the top of the volcano at sunrise.
For those in search of more physical activity, Egon volcano can be reached with a self-guided or guided hike. The north coast has many offshore islands and coral reefs to explore with an exhilarating dive or snorkel. Or you can simply relax and soak your tired muscles in the enchanting hot springs hidden within the jungle – bliss!
7. Torajaland [SEE MAP]
Nicknamed ‘the Land of the Heavenly Kings,’ Torajaland (Tana Toraja) is tucked within the lush central highlands of Indonesia’s Southern Sulawesi, a region that’s dotted with rice fields, limestone peaks, and bamboo-clad hills. Home to the Toraja, a Christian and animist people, Tana Toraja has a fascinating culture that’s remained largely and surprisingly independent from western influence.
Torajans are famous for their massive peaked-roof houses known as tongkonan and spectacular but gruesome funeral rites. After a person’s death, the body is kept – often for several years – until the actual funeral ceremony, which can last for several days. The deceased is then finally buried in a small cave or in a hollow tree. The biggest funerals are usually held in the dry-season months of July and August, but there are funerals year-round.
Exploring Tana Toraja with a local guide is expensive but worth it. They’ll give you a sneaky glimpse into these interesting customs and some of the lesser-known burial sites and village compounds known for their colorful exteriors and boat-shaped rooftops. Visit by yourself, and you’ll still be able to see some of the more famous sites on a trekking trip, but you’ll lack the local insight and insider tips that these tours afford.
6. Bukit Lawang [SEE MAP]
Bukit Lawang is a small village situated at the eastern side of Gunung Leuser National Park about 90 kilometers northwest of Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra. A rehabilitation center for orangutans was founded here in 1973. The main purpose is to preserve the decreasing number of orangutan population due to hunting and deforestation.
The ecotourism here provides jobs and an income for local families living in the village and is a worthy charity to support, if not for the animals alone. The chance to see orangutans in the wild is the major drawcard, but the village is also a worthy stop. It’s built in a sustainable way that takes the surrounding environment into consideration.
Bukit Lawang is a popular destination for guided jungle trekking, acting as the gateway to the Gunung Leuser National Park. Here, you can spot Thomas Leaf Monkeys with their unusual haircuts, walk in the footprints of tigers and elephants, and explore on foot with local bird and nature walks.
5. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park [SEE MAP]
Tucked within East Java, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is an ethereal yet barren wonderland of volcanic calderas seemingly continuously surrounded by smoke and clouds. The park gets its name from the merging of the Hindu Tengger people and the two mountains found in the park – Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru. The latter is the highest mountain in the Java region, and one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia.
The draw here is less about wildlife and more about the scenery, yet there are still some interesting animals to be seen, such as Java rusa deer, marbled cats, wild pigs, and the occasional leopard. The best part about a visit to this park is the chance to climb a volcano at sunrise for some of the most exceptional views across this otherworldly landscape.
For those who wish to climb this still-active volcano, a permit from the national park authority is required, and you’ll only be allowed to ascend when the mountain isn’t erupting. Mount Bromo is another prominent landmark in the park, characterized by its often-billowing collapsed crater peeking out above the lush lowland valleys.
4. Lombok [SEE MAP]
An increasingly popular alternative to overly commercial Bali, Lombok and its offshore coral-ringed Gili Islands are tropical paradises. Here, you can enjoy all the appeal of Bali before tourism took over – surfing hotspots, uncrowded beaches , and magical waterfalls tucked within steamy jungles, of which Tiu Kelep Waterfall tops the list without question.
Backpackers head to Lombok in search of adventure. This is likely because its volcano-topped jungle provides for a great trek surrounded by unforgettable scenery. If you’re planning on hiking the Gunung Rinjani volcano and its photogenic crater lake, make sure you’re fit and have booked with a reputable guide – it’s by no means a walk in the park!
There’s also a fantastic nightlife scene when the sun goes down on the satellite islands of Gili, particularly Gili Trawangan. Those in search of culture won’t be disappointed either – the markets in Mataram are a vibrant place to pick up souvenirs while mingling with the locals.
3. Komodo National Park [SEE MAP]
Located in Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara region, Komodo National Park is famous for one thing and one thing only – its reptilian namesake, the Komodo dragon. Spread across three main islands – Komodo, Rinca, and Padar – as well as a collection of smaller islets, the park provides a sanctuary for this strange looking creature reminiscent of the dinosaurs. It’s the largest living lizard on the planet and can reach a mighty three meters in length! The reptiles roam freely over the islands, and visitors rely on experienced tour guides for sightings and to keep them safe.
Today, the park has expanded to include the conservation of the entire ecosystem both on land and in the ocean. There are several endemic species, such as Rinca rats and fruit bats, as well as wild horses, long-tailed macaques, water buffalo, and several species of dangerous snakes.
But while the terrestrial beings within the Komodo National Park are definitely worth seeing, it’s the marine life that really stands out. The park protects some of the most abundant marine landscapes in the world, part of the Coral Triangle, home to more than 250 species of coral and a plethora of sea sponges and unusual bony fish.
2. Yogyakarta [SEE MAP]
Yogyakarta is a bustling town of some 500,000 people and the most popular tourist destination on Java, due to its proximity to the famous temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. The city itself is a center of education and culture, particularly for Javanese fine arts – from theater to ballet performances, and has a wide range of tourist facilities. It is also the last Indonesian city still ruled by a monarchy.
Yogyakarta lies in one of the most seismically active parts of Java and has thus repeatedly been struck by earthquakes and volcano eruptions. In 2006 an earthquake flattened over 300,000 houses while in 2010 the nearby volcano of Mount Merapi erupted, spewing lava over nearby villages.
Apart from nearby Buddhist and Hindu temples, and the sights in the city itself – small enough that it can be explored on foot – Yogyakarta is also a great base for exploring the surrounding villages locked in time by hardened lava on a Merapi Lava Tour, an activity that’s both sobering and captivating.
1. Bali [SEE MAP]
One of the most visited and dreamed-of destinations on the modern traveler bucket list, Bali is a kaleidoscope of beautiful beaches, volcanic hills, lush rice paddies, and thousands upon thousands of Indonesian temples. It’s celebrated for its laidback atmosphere that’s attracted backpackers, surfers, and yogis for years, who have come in search of finding their Zen in this tropical paradise.
Nicknamed the ‘Island of the Gods,’ Bali is deeply rooted in the spiritual, with endless Hindu temples boasting colorful architecture all of their own – particularly in Ubud , Bali’s spiritual capital. Yet all of Bali’s wonders have not gone unnoticed, and the island can get uncomfortably packed during the tourist season around August. If possible, school holidays are best avoided too.
Spend your days relaxing on some of Bali’s best beaches and diving in the Coral Triangle with its endless array of magical marine life. But the best part about Bali is just as much about doing a little as a lot. Read your book in a hammock, watch the sun go down, and feel the island’s slow, laidback vibe step up the pace at one of the many animated beachfront bars.
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Reader interactions.
February 21, 2024 at 4:27 am
It’s a really nice list. A good guide for those who want to go to Indonesia. Especially Bali island is one of our favourite places. Thank you very much.
October 15, 2019 at 9:53 pm
My wife and I are planning a holiday to Bali in December and this will be very informative and will like to get such writeups. Could i know which is the best time and season to visit.
September 5, 2016 at 11:24 pm
Kuta is kind of like the Tijuana of Bali. The streets are narrow here and there are hundreds of stalls, selling faux-brand ripoffs, novelty souvenirs. There are plenty of hotels and you are sure to get some great sun time in, but the frantic energy here is only inviting for so long.
November 26, 2015 at 9:30 am
omg… toraja is my hometown! I think July and August is not the best time to visit this wonderful land but December
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Must-see attractions in Indonesia
Prambanan Temple
Central Java
Comprising the remains of some 244 temples, World Heritage–listed Prambanan is Indonesia's largest Hindu site and one of Southeast Asia's major…
Borobudur Temple
Dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, and built from two million blocks of stone, Borobudur is the world's largest Buddhist temple and one of Indonesia's…
Raja Ampat Islands
These small, uninhabited and incredibly picturesque islands, 30km beyond Waigeo, feature heavily in Raja Ampat promotional material. It’s mainly…
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls
Central Mountains
Newly developed as a tourist attraction in early 2018, the falls here are among the best on Bali. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the car park; a 500m…
Bada Valley
Central Sulawesi
Seemingly scattered haphazardly around the hills near Lore Lindu National Park are some 400 ancient stone megaliths of unknown origin that might be over…
Taman Nasional Kepulauan Togean
Togean Islands
Togean Islands National Park was gazetted in 2004, and in 2017 was declared a tourism area of national significance. The park encompasses 3400 sq km of…
The Ijen plateau's most extraordinary sight is the magnificent turquoise sulphur lake of Kawah Ijen. A night hike to the crater in which the lake boils…
Muara Jambi
This scattering of ruined and partially restored temples is the most important Hindu-Buddhist site in Sumatra. The temples are believed to mark the…
Beside the southern alun-alun (main square), Yogya's enormous kraton (palace) is the cultural and political heart of this fascinating city. Effectively a…
Candi Sukuh
In a magnificent position 900m above the Solo plain with fine views of Gunung Lawu, Candi Sukuh is one of Java’s most enigmatic and striking temples. It’s…
Agung Rai Museum of Art
If you only visit one museum in Ubud, make it this one. Founder Agung Rai built his fortune selling Balinese artwork to foreigners in the 1970s, and…
Kelimutu National Park
Kelimutu National Park is a Nusa Tenggara must. Its centrepiece is Gunung Kelimutu, crowned by three startling lakes that shift colour thanks to…
Sekumpul Waterfall
Sitting 18km southeast of Singaraja, some six or seven separate waterfalls – all fed by upland streams – pour up to 80m over cliffs in a verdant bamboo…
Museum Nasional
Merdeka Square & Central Jakarta
The National Museum is the best of its kind in Indonesia and an essential visit. The enormous collection begins around an open courtyard of the 1862…
Pura Besakih
Perched nearly 1000m up the side of Gunung Agung, this is Bali's most important Hindu temple. The site encompasses 23 separate but related temples, with…
Merdeka Square
It is here that Jakartans come to take a breather from the traffic. The figurative centre of Jakarta, Merdeka Square (merdeka means independence) is…
Pura Luhur Ulu Watu
Bukit Peninsula
This important temple is perched precipitously on the southwestern tip of the peninsula, atop sheer cliffs that drop straight into the ceaseless surf…
Komodo National Park
Komodo & Rinca Islands
Established in 1980, this national park is one of Indonesia's – if not the world's – greatest natural treasures. Within its 1817 sq km area are Komodo,…
Neka Art Museum
Offering an excellent introduction to Balinese art, the top-notch collection is displayed in a series of pavilions and halls. Don't miss the multiroom…
Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman
With its brilliant-white walls, ebony-black domes and towering minaret, this 19th-century mosque is a dazzling sight. The best time to visit is during…
Pura Taman Ayun
Don't miss one of the top temples on Bali, a serene place of enveloping calm. The huge royal water temple of Pura Taman Ayun, surrounded by a wide,…
Weekuri Lagoon
Almost as far west as you can get on Sumba is one of the island's most magical spots, Weekuri Lagoon. On one side, locals and tourists rent black rubber…
Pulau Penyenget
Pulau Bintan
Pulau Penyenget, reached by frequent boats (7000Rp) from the Tanjung Pinang pier, was once the capital of the Riau rajahs. The ruins of the old palace of…
Puri Agung Semarapura
Built when the Dewa Agung dynasty moved here in 1710, this palace compound was laid out as a large square, believed to be in the form of a mandala, with…
Ujung Kulon National Park
On the remote southwestern tip of Java, this Unesco World Heritage–listed national park has remained an outpost of prime rainforest and untouched…
Jimbaran Fish Market
A popular morning stop on a Bukit peninsula amble, this fish market is smelly, lively and frenetic – watch where you step. Brightly painted boats bob…
Pantai Mawun
South Lombok
This beach is reason enough to venture down Kuta way. Some 8km west of Kuta and 600m off the main road, this half-moon cove is framed by soaring headlands…
Pantai Koka
About 5km west of Pantai Paga, look for a small, partially paved road that runs for 2km through a cocoa plantation to a stunning double bay. Facing a…
Jimbaran Beach
One of Bali’s best beaches, Jimbaran’s 4km-long arc of sand is mostly clean and there is no shortage of places to get a snack, drink or seafood dinner, or…
Spider Web Rice Fields
The greatest local site is actually 20km west of Ruteng near Cara kampung. The legendary Spider Web Rice Fields are vast creations shaped as implied,…
Kuta & Legian
Tourism in Bali began here and is there any question why? Low-key hawkers will sell you soft drinks and beer, snacks and other treats, and you can rent…
Taman Nasional Teluk Cenderawasih
After fishermen set out wooden platforms to lure fish in the '90s, some unexpectedly large ones began showing up. Whale sharks! In 2002, this special…
Semarang’s atmospheric old quarter, often referred to by its Dutch name, the Outstadt, is well worth investigating. Until recently, most of the area’s…
Museum Le Mayeur
Artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres (1880–1958) arrived in Bali in 1932, and married the beautiful Legong dancer Ni Polok three years later, when she…
Pantai Seminyak
A lounger and an ice-cold Bintang on the beach at sunset is simply magical. A good stretch can be found near Pura Petitenget, and it tends to be less…
Sangiran Museum of Ancient Man
With the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils in the world (the bones of 70 individuals), Sangiran is an important archaeological excavation site…
This once-splendid pleasure park of palaces, pools and waterways, built between 1758 and 1765, functioned as the playground of the sultan and his…
Pura Luhur Batukau
On the slopes of Gunung Batukau, Pura Luhur Batukau was the state temple when Tabanan was an independent kingdom. It has a seven-roofed meru (multiroofed…
Mendut Temple & Monastery
This exquisite temple, around 3.5km east of Borobudur, may look insignificant compared with its mighty neighbour, but it houses the most outstanding…
Ke'te Kesu'
Tana Toraja
The four stately tongkonan and many granaries that make up Ke'te Kesu' were moved to this picturesque site in 1927 when the savvy family head noticed the…
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