Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world, consists of 18,330 islands, just 6,000 of which are inhabited. The island nation features some of the greatest remaining stretches of tropical forest and is home to 167 active volcanoes, more than any other country.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Indonesia
If you’re looking for a somewhere to relax and explore, look no further than Indonesia. There is something for everyone in Indonesia, from tanning on gorgeous beaches to trekking in search of endangered orangutans to snorkelling among some of the world’s most magnificent coral reefs.
See the last Indonesian city still ruled by a monarchy, trek in the footsteps of the elusive Komodo dragon, and relax in hot springs surrounded by nothing but virgin nature. There is enchantment in the ordinary, and you have discovered it. We take a look at some of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations.
1. Raja Ampat Islands
Located off the northwest coast of Papua New Guinea, the island group of Raja Ampat is widely regarded as one of the world’s best places to go scuba diving. Waigeo, Salawati, Misool, and Batanta are the four main islands that make up Raja Ampat, which translates to “Four Kings,” and are surrounded by turquoise lagoons and pearly white palm-fringed beaches.
The underwater coral reefs and abundant marine life in the archipelago have earned it widespread acclaim. The underwater world is so stunning for activities like wreck diving and underwater photography that you should get one.
Yet, onshore activities are just as much fun. The islands are also a great place to go bird viewing. While exploring ancient caves and stunning waterfalls, keep your eyes peeled for soaring eagles and exotic birds of paradise like the Wilson’s and Cendrawash.
2. Tanjung Puting National Park
To see some of the last of these orange, long-haired apes on Earth, you need to travel to one of the world’s natural wonders: Tanjung Puting National Park. The park is situated on a peninsula in the rainforests of Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, which is shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and the sultanate of Brunei.
Originally designated as a game reserve due to its abundance of animals, this area was upgraded to the status of national park in 1982. Its varied ecosystems include swamp woods, alluvial plains, and ocean coastline.
In addition to the park’s namesake orangutans, visitors have a chance to see the odd-nosed proboscis monkey, the endangered clouded leopard, and more than 200 kinds of birds.
These rare animal sightings, along with the park’s clean jungle air and lack of light pollution, make for an unforgettable adventure. It’s up to you whether you want to explore on foot or by klotok boat with a local expert.
3. Flores Island
European missionaries in the 16th century gave the island of Indonesia its name, Flores, which translates to “Flowers” in Portuguese. Flores, a long island to the east of Sumbawa and to the west of Lembata in Nusa Tenggara, is known for the stunning multicoloured crater lakes around Mount Kelimutu, the warmth of its locals, and the boundless possibilities for adventure travel it offers.
Minerals reacting with the volcanic gas produce a rainbow of colours in the lakes, which range from earth tones to bright blues and greens. During sunrise, the Kelimutu three-colored lake is a sight to behold from the summit of the volcano.
Hiking up Egon volcano is a great option for anyone looking for some exercise. Off the coast in the north, there are numerous islands and coral reefs that make for thrilling snorkelling and scuba diving. Or, you can find some peace by soaking your aching muscles in the magical hot springs that are tucked away in the jungle.
4. Torajaland
Known as “the Realm of the Celestial Monarchs,” You’ll find Torajaland (Tana Toraja) nestled among rice paddies, limestone peaks, and bamboo-covered hills in the verdant central highlands of Indonesia’s Southern Sulawesi.
Tana Toraja is the home of the Christian and animist Toraja, who have managed to keep their interesting culture remarkably free of the influence of the West. The tongkonan, Torajans’ gigantic peaked-roof homes, are architectural marvels in themselves, and so are their elaborate, albeit macabre, death ceremonies.
The deceased’s body is usually stored for an extended period of time (perhaps years) until the funeral service, which may stretch for days. The final resting place for the deceased is typically a small cave or a hollow tree.
While most funerals take place in the summer (July and August), during the dry season, there are funerals held at all times of the year. Tana Toraja is pricey to visit without a local guide but well worth the cost.
You’ll get a sneak peek at some of the lesser-known burial sites and village structures with colourful exteriors and boat-shaped roofing, as well as fascinating rituals. While independent travellers can still view many of the same landmarks offered by guided tours, they will miss out on the insider knowledge and helpful advice provided by tour guides.
5. Bukit Lawang
Located on the eastern border of Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang is a small settlement in North Sumatra about 90 kilometres northwest of Medan, the provincial capital. In 1973, this location became an orangutan rescue and rehabilitation facility.
The primary objective is to stop the continuing decline of the orangutan population caused by human activities like hunting and forest destruction. If not for the animals, then certainly because ecotourism provides jobs and income for local residents living in the village.
The main lure is seeing wild orangutans, although the village is interesting as well. It was constructed in a way that minimises its impact on the natural environment. As the entry point to Gunung Leuser National Park, the jungles of Bukit Lawang are frequently visited by tourists on guided jungle treks.
Thomas Leaf Monkeys, known for their distinctive hairstyles, can be seen here, as can the tracks of tigers and elephants, and a variety of local bird and wildlife excursions.
6. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, located in East Java, is a bleak but otherworldly paradise of volcanic calderas that seems to be permanently shrouded in smoke and fog. The Hindu Tengger people and the park’s two mountains, Bromo and Semeru, inspired the park’s name.
Of Indonesia’s many active volcanoes, the latter is the highest peak in the Java region. While the beautiful landscape is the main lure, wildlife enthusiasts can still catch a glimpse of Java rusa deer, marbled cats, wild pigs, and even a leopard once in a while.
The highlight of a trip to this park is the opportunity to ascend a volcano at sunrise and take in breathtaking vistas of the bizarre terrain below. Climbing this still-active volcano requires a special permit from the national park authorities, and you can only do so during times when the peak is not erupting.
Mount Bromo, with its collapsed crater that frequently belches smoke, is another well-known feature of the park. It rises above the park’s verdant lowland lowlands.
7. Lombok
Lombok and the Gili Islands, located just off its coast and surrounded by coral reefs, are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to the more commercialised island of Bali. Tiu Kelep Waterfall is the most spectacular of many enchanted waterfalls hidden in Bali’s steamy woods, which offer a taste of the island’s charm before tourism took over.
In pursuit of excitement, many backpackers travel to Lombok. This is probably due to the fact that a walk through its volcano-topped jungle offers spectacular views. The Gunung Rinjani volcano and its picturesque crater lake are worth the effort, but only if you’re in good shape and have a reliable guide lined up.
After dark, the Gili islands, especially Gili Trawangan, become vibrant hotspots for entertainment. Culture vultures need not worry; Mataram’s marketplaces are a bustling spot to pick up trinkets and mingle with the locals.
8. Komodo National Park
Situated in the province of Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia, Komodo National Park is renowned for its eponymous lizard species. The park protects this prehistoric-looking species over three main islands: Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, as well as a number of smaller islets.
It can grow to an impressive three metres in length, making it the world’s largest living lizard. Visitors rely on knowledgeable tour guides to help them spot the reptiles and keep them safe as they move freely around the islands.
The park’s mission has evolved to encompass protecting the entire ecosystem, not only land and sea. In addition to the rare Rinca rat and fruit bat, you can also find wild horses, long-tailed macaques, water buffalo, and venomous snakes.
While Komodo National Park’s terrestrial creatures are fascinating in their own right, the park’s marine biodiversity is truly remarkable. Part of the Coral Triangle, this marine park is home to more than 250 different types of coral, in addition to numerous types of sea sponges and rare bony fish.
9. Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, a city of half a million inhabitants, is the most visited place in all of Java because of its closeness to the world-famous temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. The city itself is a hub for learning and culture, especially in the realm of Javanese fine arts, with venues hosting anything from opera to ballet.
It is also the last major city in Indonesia that remains under direct royal control. Yogyakarta is frequently hit by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because of its location in one of Java’s most seismically active regions.
Around 300,000 homes were destroyed in the 2006 earthquake, and in 2010, Mount Merapi erupted, raining lava on the neighbouring communities. In addition to the Buddhist and Hindu temples in the area and the sites within the city itself (which is compact enough to be seen on foot), Yogyakarta is a fantastic home base for a Merapi Lava Tour, which will take you to nearby villages frozen in time by the solidified lava.
10. Bali
Bali is a mosaic of stunning beaches, volcanic hills, verdant rice paddies, and hundreds upon thousands of Indonesian temples, making it one of the most visited and dreamed-about locations on the modern traveler’s bucket list.
For years, hikers, surfers, and yogis have been drawn to this tropical paradise for its reputation as a chill place to find inner peace. Bali has a rich spiritual history, earning it the moniker “Island of the Gods.”
The island is dotted with Hindu temples, many of which can be found in Ubud, the island’s cultural heart. However, word of Bali’s beauty has spread, and the island can become overrun with visitors during the peak season (August).
School breaks should be avoided if at all possible. Take it easy on some of Bali’s finest sands and go scuba diving in the Coral Triangle, home to countless species of exotic fish and coral.
But the best part about Bali is that doing nothing at all may be just as rewarding. Once the sun sets, you can read in a hammock while taking in the island’s mellow, laidback attitude at one of the numerous lively beachfront bars.
