Indonesia is the world’s biggest archipelago, consisting of 18,330 islands, of which 6,000 are inhabited. The island nation boasts more than any other country in the world, 167 active volcanoes, and some of the world’s biggest surviving expanses of tropical rainforest.
Whether you’re looking to relax or go on an adventure, Indonesia has something for everyone. As far as vacation destinations are concerned, Indonesia has it all: stunning beaches, endangered orangutans to hunt for, and some of the most magnificent coral reefs on Earth. Regardless of what you’re searching for, Indonesia offers it.
Learn about Indonesia’s last monarchy, travel in the footsteps of endangered Komodo dragons and relax in steaming hot springs surrounded by untamed, raw nature. You’ve come to the right place if you’re seeking for magic in the mundane. Here are some of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations.
10. Raja Ampat Islands
Papua New Guinea’s Raja Ampat region is home to some of Indonesia’s most spectacular diving sites. Waigeo, Salawati, Misool, and Batanta are the four largest islands in Raja Ampat, which translates to “Four Kings” in the local language. There are also hundreds of smaller islands scattered throughout the turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches of Raja Ampat.
About 75% of all the world’s coral species may be found in the waters surrounding the archipelago. Wreck diving and underwater photography are just two of the many exciting activities you may partake in.
Offshore, though, the fun isn’t the only option. As a birdwatching destination, the islands are a must-see. To get the most out of your trip, pack your binoculars, keep an eye out for birds of prey, and keep an eye out for Wilson’s and Cendrawash singing in the trees.
9. Tanjung Puting National Park
It is one of the world’s natural marvels, known for its orangutans, some of the last of the orange, long-haired apes on the planet.
There are a variety of diverse lowland environments in this park, which is located on a peninsula facing the Java Sea in Borneo. This is the third-largest island in the world, and it’s also home to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. When it was first established as a national park in 1982, the area was designated a game reserve because of its wide diversity of habitats, including swamp woods, alluvial plains, and coastal shoreline.
Over 200 species of birds and more than a hundred different kinds of monkeys may be seen in the national park in addition to the orangutans, who are the area’s most well-known attraction. There are few places in the world where you can see these elusive creatures in their natural habitats, and the park’s lack of light pollution provides for fantastic stargazing. Take a tour on foot or by klotok boat with an experienced guide.
8. Flores Island
Flores is a Portuguese name given to the Indonesian island by European missionaries in the 16th century. Flores, a large island in the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, is known for its multi-colored crater lakes surrounding Mount Kelimutu, traditional village homestays, and an unlimited array of adventure tourism possibilities.
Awe-inspiring lakes ranging from browns and greens to aqua blues may be found across the area, thanks to volcanic gas and minerals interacting with one other. At daybreak, Kelimutu’s three-colored lake is a must-see.
A self-directed or guided walk to Egon volcano is available for individuals who prefer greater physical activities. The north side of the island boasts a wide variety of offshore islets and coral reefs that may be explored by snorkeling or diving. Relax and rejuvenate in the magical hot springs tucked away in the bush — pure joy!
7. Torajaland
Known as ‘the Land of the Heavenly Kings’ Rice fields, limestone peaks, and bamboo-covered hills dot the verdant central highlands of Indonesia’s Southern Sulawesi, home of Torajaland (Tana Toraja). Tana Toraja, the homeland of the Toraja, a Christian and animist tribe, has a remarkable culture that has remained mostly uninfluenced by western influences.
Famous for their enormous peaked-roof homes known as tongkonan, the Torajans also perform beautiful but bloody rituals during the burial of loved ones. The corpse of a deceased individual is held at a mortuary for a period of time, perhaps years, until the funeral service itself, which might span several days. After that, the body is placed in a tiny cave or a hollow tree for last resting place. During the dry season, in July and August, the majority of the country’s funerals take place, however this is not always the case.
Tana Toraja might be pricey, but it’s well worth it to have a native guide accompany you. You’ll get a sneak peek at these fascinating practices as well as some of the less well-known burial grounds and village complexes with their vibrant exteriors and boat-shaped roofing. The most iconic locations may still be seen on a trekking trip, but you’ll miss out on the local knowledge and insider advice that tour operators provide.
6. Bukit Lawang
About 90 kilometers north of Medan, North Sumatra’s main city, is the little settlement of Bukit Lawang on the park’s eastern flank. In 1973, this area saw the establishment of an orangutan rehabilitation facility. The primary goal is to protect the orangutan population, which is being decimated by hunting and deforestation.
If not for the animals, the ecotourism in this community offers employment and an income for the folks that live there. Orangutan sightings in the wild are the main attraction, but the community is also a worthwhile stay. Because of this, it was constructed in a manner that minimizes its impact on the environment.
As the entry point to Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang is a popular spot for guided jungle treks. You may see Thomas Leaf Monkeys with their distinctive hairstyles, follow in the footsteps of tigers and elephants, and go birding and environment exploring on foot.
5. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, located in East Java, is an ethereal yet desolate paradise of volcanic calderas always shrouded in haze. The Hindu Tengger people and Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru, the park’s two most prominent peaks, came together to give the park its name. One of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, it is the tallest peak in the Java area.
Although the wildlife is less of a lure than the beauty, visitors may nevertheless witness Java rusa deer, marbled cats, wild pigs, and even the rare leopard. There is no better way to see this incredible scenery than by climbing a volcano before daybreak and taking in the breathtaking vistas.
Ascent of this still-active volcano is only permitted when the peak is not erupting with a permission from National Park Authority necessary. In addition to Mount Rinjani, Mount Bromo rises majestically above the verdant lowlands with its often-billowing collapsed crater.
4. Lombok
Lombok and the Gili Islands, a group of coral-ringed islands off the coast of Lombok, are tropical paradises. Tiu Kelep Cascade, a stunning waterfall buried away in a steamy rainforest, is unquestionably one of the best places to see in Bali before it became a popular tourist destination.
Lombok is a popular destination for adventure-seeking backpackers. This is most likely due to the fact that the rainforest on top of the volcano makes for an incredible hike through breathtaking surroundings. The Gunung Rinjani volcano is a formidable challenge, so make sure you’re physically fit and have hired a competent guide before embarking on the trek.
Gili Trawangan, one of Gili’s satellite islands, has a very lively nightlife scene after sunset. If you’re looking for a taste of the local culture, Mataram’s markets are a great location to get unique items and meet the locals.
3. Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park, located in Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara province, is most known for its reptilian namesake, the Komodo dragon. There are three major islands in the park: Rinca (the largest), Komodo (the second largest), and Padar (the smallest). There are also other smaller islands inside the park. It’s the world’s biggest lizard and can grow to a whopping three meters long! Visitors to the islands depend on knowledgeable tour guides to point them in the right direction and ensure their safety.
On land and at sea, the park’s scope has broadened to encompass protection of the whole ecosystem. Wildlife includes Rinca rats, fruit bats, water buffalo, and a variety of deadly snake species that are all native to this area.
However, the aquatic life in the Komodo National Park is what truly makes the experience memorable. Coral Triangle National Park preserves some of the world’s most rich marine landscapes, including more than 250 different varieties of coral, as well as a slew of sea sponges and bizarre bony fish.
2. Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is the most popular tourist destination in Java because of its closeness to Borobudur and Prambanan’s famed temples. The city itself is a cultural and educational hotspot, especially for Javanese fine arts, which include anything from drama to ballet. It also has several tourist attractions. That’s not all: It’s Indonesia’s only monarchy-ruled city, making it unique.
Because of its location in a seismically active area of Java, Yogyakarta has been hit by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on a regular basis. In 2006, a devastating earthquake leveled more than 300,000 homes, while Mount Merapi, a neighboring volcano, erupted in 2010.
Yogyakarta is an excellent starting point for a Merapi Lava Tour, which is both sobering and fascinating.
1. Bali
Bali is a kaleidoscope of stunning beaches, volcanic hills, verdant rice fields, and tens of thousands of Indonesian temples, making it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations today. Known for its laid-back vibe, this tropical paradise has long drawn hikers, surfers, and yogis in search of a place to rediscover their inner peace.
Bali, often known as the “Island of the Gods,” is a very spiritual place, with many Hindu temples in Ubud, the island’s spiritual hub, each with its own unique style of colorful architecture. While Bali’s natural beauty has not gone unnoticed, it may get overcrowded during the peak tourist season in August. School breaks should also be avoided if at all feasible.
Dive the Coral Triangle and see an unlimited variety of fascinating marine life while resting on some of Bali’s finest beaches. It’s not only about doing a lot in Bali; it’s also about doing a little. As the sun sets, relax in a hammock with a good book and take in the island’s laid-back ambiance at one of the island’s numerous lively beachside bars.
