Indonesia | 23 Best Places Where You Must Go

Indonesia is extraordinary for people who want to relax and try new things. The Indian Ocean & the Pacific Ocean are on either side of Indonesia. Indonesia is made up of about 13,000 islands.
Even though Muslims make up the majority of the population, Indonesia is a secular, democratic nation. Nusantara, which means “archipelago” in Javanese, will be the name of Indonesia’s new capital city.
Indonesia’s official currency is the rupiah. Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the main language. Over 94% of Indonesians speak it, although only 20% use it as their primary language. 30% of Indonesians speak Javanese (Jawa).

Indonesia is extraordinary for people who want to relax and try new things. Add these best places to your list if you’re visiting Indonesia soon.
Indonesia has something for everyone, whether you want to tan on beautiful beaches, hike in search of rare orangutans, or snorkel among some of Earth’s most beautiful coral reefs.

Top places to visit in Indonesia

Beaches of Bali

It is one of the most popular places to visit in Indonesia, and it has many cultural landmarks and attractions that make it worth a trip.

But many people go to Bali because of its beautiful beaches. If you want a beach vacation, go to one of Bali’s luxury beach resorts and relax in the sun for a while.

When people think of Bali, they think of warm sand and blue water, and the island doesn’t disappoint them. Kuta is the most well-known beach and a great place to hang out, surf, and get sun. Because this place is so popular, there are a lot of restaurants and things to do.

If you want something less busy and loud, Nusa Dua is a beautiful place to go that only gets a few tourists. Sanur is the place to go if you want to see more of Bali’s culture and do some fun water sports.

Borobudur

This old temple is one of Indonesia’s most well-known and culturally important landmarks. Borobudur was built in the eighth century. It looks like a traditional Buddhist mandala. It is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and is regarded as one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the entire globe.

The vast temple was forgotten for hundreds of years. Many people may have moved to eastern Java because of volcanic eruptions. But it was found again in the 1800s, and now it is one of the most popular things to do in Java.

At sunrise, you can climb up the temple with a torch and watch as the complex is bathed in sunlight, a beautiful sight. Borobudur is close to Yogyakarta, an old Java city known for offering many cultural and historical things.

Orangutans of Borneo

You can only visit Indonesia by viewing the country’s iconic orangutans, and Borneo is the best site.

Even though orangutans live in the wild, they are being forced out of their natural habitats because of land development. Several sanctuaries rescue and protect orangutans. In Kalimantan, part of Borneo that Indonesia owns, one of the largest populations of orangutans in the world. Other primates, birds, and reptiles also live there.

 The Bohorok Orangutan Centre is located near Bukit Lawang and is a great place to watch orangutans, a tourist village in the Sumatran jungle.

Gili Islands

Lombok has become more popular with backpackers and tourists over the years, and the Gili Islands are a big reason. These beautiful islands have beaches that are just as nice as those in Bali. There is also a turtle sanctuary where you can dive and even snorkel.

If you want to see more turtles, you can go to a turtle hatchery, where each year hundreds of these animals are born every day.

The Gilis are also a popular place to go kayaking, and if you want to find a place to get in touch with your body and mind, there are several yoga classes to choose from. The Gili Islands are a less busy but still enjoyable alternative to Bali.

Komodo National Park

Who hasn’t at least once dreamed of seeing a dragon? The komodos of Indonesia are not made up but are hazardous and fierce animals.

The UNESCO World Heritage list includes Komodo National Park. It comprises three main islands, a number of smaller islands, and the sea around them. Some of the world’s richest and most diverse waters are around these islands.

When you go to the park, the komodo dragons are the main attraction, but you can also hike, snorkel, canoe, and visit small island villages. Pink Beach on Komodo Island is another excellent place to visit. One of the best beaches in Indonesia is this stretch of pink sand.

The islands can only be reached by boat, and there is a fee to get in. There are also extra costs for transportation, guides, and other activities.

Mount Bromo

Indonesia is on the Ring of Fire, with some of the world’s most active volcanoes. Many of the country’s volcanoes, like Mount Merapi, are known for their dangerous beauty and violent eruptions.

Mount Bromo is one of the most well-known because it has some of the best views, especially when you stand over the caldera at sunrise. In an eruption, the peak of Bromo was blown off, and you can still see white smoke coming out of the mountain.

The volcano is in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, also home to Mount Semeru, Java’s tallest mountain. The Tengger people live in the park. They are an isolated ethnic group whose ancestors came from the old Majapahit empire.

Tana Toraja

South Sulawesi Province’s Tana Toraja will make you feel like you’ve returned in time. It will also show how rich and varied Indonesia’s long-standing cultures are.

The boat-shaped houses and other buildings in Tongkonan stand out immediately, but the people make this natural paradise so unique. Many travelers say they are the kindest and most welcoming people you could meet on your trip.

Death is treated with respect and joy by the Toraja. There is a lot of food and traditional dance at funerals, and the dead are buried in graves built in caves nearby.

Some of the best activities in the area are visiting villages and talking to the locals or trekking in the famously green and clean countryside.

Lake Toba

Lake Toba is a body of water, a lake, and a supervolcano. It is another natural wonder of Indonesia. The lake, which is in a crater, is thought to have been formed between 69,000 and 77,000 years ago by a massive volcanic eruption.

The lake is 450 meters deep and 1,145 square kilometers in size. Volcanic activity is present, and some islands are now above the water because of it.

Lake Toba is a beautiful example of the vital forces on Earth. Here, you can swim, water ski, canoe, fish, walk, or ride your bike around the area.

Gunung Rinjani

Gunung Rinjani, another famous volcano in Indonesia, is a popular activity on the island of Lombok. Rinjani has fewer eruptions and activities than others, but its eruption in the late 1300s, which made a caldera, is thought to have been one of the strongest in human history. Rinjani’s caldera has a lake, and another active volcano, Mt. Baru, is in the lake.

It is possible to spot the elusive black ebony leaf monkey and the sulfur-crested cockatoo, long-tailed macaques, and other exotic species in Rinjani National Park. You can go on hikes with a guide and camp in the park for the night.

The park does warn that treks are complicated, so if you want to hike up the mountain, you should be in good shape and have all the right gear.

Flores

Flores is one of the most beautiful places in all of Indonesia. It is between Komodo and Lembata islands. The island is full of lush, tropical areas humans haven’t touched. Kelimutu volcano is the most well-known thing to see on Flores. It’s best known for its three lakes, which have different colors depending on how acidic the water is.

In the village of Bena, you can see megaliths from the Stone Age; in Wae Rebo, you can see traditional conical houses called Mbaru Niang.

Jakarta

Indonesia is known for its beaches, rice fields, and volcanoes, but its busy capital differs greatly from those places. Here, tourists can see the more modern side of a place that is otherwise very traditional.

The city has more than 170 shopping malls, and each is full of stores, high-end restaurants, and movie theaters.

Several fascinating museums in Jakarta are worth seeing. More than 800 modern art pieces are displayed at the Museum MACAN, which opened recently. There is also the Museum Nasional, which has more than 70,000 artifacts from archeology and culture, and the lively Museum Layang-Layang, which is all about the art of making kites.

Take advantage of Jakarta’s Old Town, Kota, to see how the city looked in the 17th century.

Banda Islands

Bali and Lombok are popular vacation spots for a reason, but the Banda Islands, which are less well known, have their appeal as a place to get away from the crowds. This group of 10 small islands is near the Banda Sea, more than 6,500 meters deep.

People in the spice trade have known about the Bandas for a long time because they have a lot of nutmegs. The Bandas have been called “Eastern Indonesia’s best-kept secret,” They offer divers and sailors many exciting things to do.

Divers can see sharks, sea turtles, whales, the endemic Ambon scorpionfish, lobsters, and many other animals at dive sites that humans haven’t touched.

You can arrange your lodging and tours or choose a live-aboard boat that stops at many excellent dive sites around the islands.

This is one of the most well-known temples in Bali. It was built on a rock in the sea. The original formation fell apart at some point, so some of the rock is now man-made. Still, there are a lot of people at Pura Tanah Lot, especially at sunset.

Pura Tanah Lot

This temple complex is on the southern coast of the village of Beraban. You can walk out to the temple when the tide is low. After the sun goes down, you can look through the stalls at Tanah Lot market to find unique souvenirs made in Bali.

Raja Ampat

One of Indonesia’s most beautiful things is the green, cone-shaped islands surrounded by blue and turquoise water. This tropical paradise comprises hundreds of islands and cays, but the beauty is not just on the surface.

Many kinds of fish and other marine life exist in the warm, clear waters. The coral reefs here are some of the most biodiverse on the planet. This makes it a popular place for diving in Indonesia.

Mount Krakatau

Undoubtedly, the 1883 eruption of Krakatau, Indonesia’s most famous volcano, was the biggest one ever seen. The eruption had a significant effect on the weather all over the world and killed a lot of people in nearby Java and Sumatra. Anak Krakatau, meaning “Child of Krakatau,” is the youngest of the islands made when Krakatau erupted in 1883. It came to the surface in 1930.

This young, dangerous volcano keeps coming out of the water and erupting significantly. Anak Krakatau still spews smoke and fire, and tourists can visit Krakatau’s child to be reminded of the excellent, unseen power everywhere in Indonesia.

Bukit Lawang

Go to a small village near the Bahorok River in north Sumatra to explore and enjoy this lush, tropical place. It is a huge refuge for Sumatran orangutans and many other plants, birds, and animals.

The Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, ends at Bukit Lawang. From Monday to Sunday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., you can go to the sanctuary to learn about the fantastic (and cute) orangutans, take a memorable nature hike, and enjoy the tropical beauty of this place.

Bunaken National Marine Park

UNESCO designated Bunaken National Park as a World Heritage Site and a marine hub northwest of Sulawesi Island. It is home to more than 390 species of coral, fish, and reptiles.

Bunaken National Park is the best place for marine lovers. It has a total area of 75,265 hectares.

From Sulawesi, tourists can get to this beautiful park by speedboat. There are more than 20 places where you can dive in Bunaken National Marine Park. Most tourists who come to Indonesia have yet to learn about this hidden gem, but those who do come here with a plan.

If you are interested in marine life, coral beds, and tropical scenery, Bunaken would be a great place to visit.

Ubud, Bali

Ubud is the place where most tourists go to relax and unwind. It is known as the cultural heart of Bali. Thousands of TripAdvisor reviews of Ubud’s top resorts and tourist spots will back this up.

Ubud has long been known as a place to refresh one’s soul because of its large rice paddies, old Hindu temples, and cultural attractions. Many people think that Ubud’s laid-back villages, green jungles, and vegan food secrets show what Bali is all about.

The Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Goa Gajah, the Ubud Art Market, Tirta Empul Temple, and the Sacred Monkey Forest are some of the best places to visit in Ubud (If you’re afraid of monkeys, be careful because they might follow you if you have something interesting)

People who like to mix their vacations with a bit of art and culture can visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum and the Agung Rai Museum. These two museums are new to tourist bucket lists.

There’s no reason to skip Ubud on a trip. In actuality, it is one of the rare locations in Bali where authentic Balinese culture is still alive and well. Because of this, it’s one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.

Nusa Penida, Bali

Nusa Penida is one of the most photographed places in South-East Asia. It is an island that is part of Bali. Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida are the three Nusa Islands. Nusa Penida has the most beautiful beaches and places to take pictures.

The island is big and has a lot of exciting places to visit. Many tourists book a night on Penida Island to see all the best places.

Because the roads could be better, finding a way to get around can take a lot of work. Scooters are the most common way to get around. Nusa Penida is a great place to go for a romantic trip.

Nusa Penida is one of the top destinations in Indonesia for those looking for extreme experiences. 

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Indonesia has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Even experienced hunters can’t stay away from them. The East Java Island’s Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, also called “A Thousand Waterfalls,” is the best place for nature lovers in Indonesia.

Since Lumajang Regency isn’t a well-known tourist spot, the Tumpak Sewu Waterfall site is more relaxed than some of Bali’s most photographed waterfalls. Good things are challenging to get.

The same is true of this event. The Tumpak Waterfall site is off the beaten path, so getting there may cost you a few extra dollars. But it’s worth it for the views and atmosphere.

If you’ve never seen a big waterfall up close, the power of Tumpak Sewu will surprise you. Just be careful because the stones are always wet and can be slippery.

Maluk Beach

Indonesia has so many beautiful beaches. These coasts are beautiful, from the busy town of Kuta in Bali to the Gili Islands in Lombok.

Maluk Beach in West Nusa Tenggara is one of the places every tourist visiting Indonesia should see.

Maluk’s remote location, white sand beaches, and clear turquoise waters are why people come here.

The Malu Turtle Conservation Centre is also a must-see, which is close to the beach.

The beach can get crowded during the middle of the day, but if you go at sunrise or sunset, you’ll be amazed by the views.

Bintan Island

Bintan is very close to Singapore and is part of the Riau Archipelago. Bintan was a Dutch colony, but now it is a high-end luxury resort island with water sports, golf courses, and quiet beaches.

It would take about an hour to get to Bintan Island from Singapore by ferry. So, many wealthy tourists who go to Singapore extend their trip to Indonesia to Bintan.

Bintan is a great place to go if you like colonial architecture because it has many beautiful rooms and buildings with Dutch influences.

Some of the best things about Bintan Island are the restored Sultan’s Palace, the Grand Mosque with a story about a cement substitute, and Senggarang, a famous Chinese village.

Going to Bintan Island won’t strain your finances if you have a little extra money in your budget. This is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in Indonesia because there are only a few backpackers here.

Mount Ijen

Mount Ijen in East Java, also known as the “Blue Lava” Volcano, is one of the most underrated and exciting places that most tourists miss. Its iconic blue flames are almost unnatural.

The blue flames of Mount Ijen are much more dangerous than regular lava because they contain a lot of sulfur, gas, acids, and other minerals.

It would take about 2 hours to hike up the crater, but if you’re not an experienced hiker and don’t like hiking up a volcano at dawn, this may be a challenging adventure.

Ijen is a popular place for tourists to visit, but it is also where sulfur is mined because the crater makes so much sulfur.

If the idea of such a volcano surprises you, you should see Mount Ijen.

When should you go to Indonesia for the best weather?

From mid-April to September is the best time to visit Indonesia when it is dry. This tropical country has two types of seasons: dry and wet. The wet season in Indonesia lasts from October to about the middle of April. During the dry season, the days are warm, sunny, and dry, which makes them great for hiking, sightseeing, and other activities that don’t involve water. The best times to visit Indonesia are in May, June, and September if you want to enjoy the great weather of the dry season without having to deal with a lot of other tourists.

The difference between the dry and wet seasons is minor in places like Kalimantan and Bali. The weather on the central Molucca islands is very different from place to place, which makes them an excellent place to visit in January. Temperatures in Indonesia are stable and stay around 28 degrees Celsius no matter the time of year. From mid-June to mid-September, there are a lot more tourists, but during the wet season, there are a lot fewer.

shajiaferdous

Hey, lovely folks out there! This is Shajia Ferdous, a traveller. Last few years I have been travelling with my partner or friends.
Let’s Pack The Bag is all about traveling and for travellers. You can find mind-blowing ideas of holiday destinations or places you want to visit once in a lifetime. Find me on Instagram, Twitter , Linkedin or Pinterest here. Thank You.