12 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Indonesia
12 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Indonesia
There’s so much to love about Indonesia–its dramatic sights, heavenly natural landscapes, flavorful culinary creations, and interesting culture. It has always been worth traveling to because of the many attractions you can visit, whatever type of traveler you are. And if you’re the type of traveler who loves to explore scenic spots, we’ve listed down some of the most beautiful places to see in Indonesia. From temples to unspoiled beaches, we’ve got you covered. Welcome to Wonderful Indonesia!
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple
Located in Central Java, the Borobudur Temple is a Buddhist temple known to be one of the world’s greatest monuments. It’s a compound composed of several temples, the main one being the Borobudur temple and the two temples Mendut and Pawon. The temple compound was said to have been built around the 8th and 9th centuries AD during the Syailendra Dynasty.
This historical treasure was restored by the Indonesian government and UNESCO that took eight years to finish. You may climb the top of the temple to better explore its architecture more closely. Best to join a guided tour to know the history behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: Jl. Badrawati, Kw. Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
Gili Islands
Gili Islands by Mathis Jrdl via Unsplash
Eyeing a tropical retreat in Indonesia? Travel to the great Gili Islands, known for their crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. Gili islands are composed of three islands, each with its unique characteristics. Gili Trawangan is where you go if you’re up for lively island nightlife, as it’s recognized as a party island. Aside from being a party paradise, it’s also a haven for many divers as it has diving spots perfect for scuba diving. But if you want solitude, visit Gili Meno, the quietest among the three islands. It’s the best island to relax and have a quiet vacation while enjoying island activities. The last is Gili Air, a mix of the two islands. You get entertainment options and water activities such as surfing and snorkeling that Gili Trawangan has, but it’s also tranquil in some parts like Gili Meno.
You may take private transport options from Lombok International Airport to go to the Gili Islands.
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple by Darren Lawrence via Unsplash
This sea temple is famous for its sunset views by the cliff. Found in Bali, this temple sits on top of a steep cliff that’s made more magical by its overlooking sea views and the sound of the waves crashing into the cliffs. As one of Bali’s nine key temples, Uluwatu Temple is a spiritual spot that’s believed to protect Bali from evil spirits. Aside from the temple itself, a visit to Uluwatu gives you a glimpse of Indonesian culture through the traditional Kecak dance. You’ll also see monkeys roaming around the temples that are believed to be temple guardians. Stay alert, though, as these monkeys are known to steal tourists’ belongings! When visiting the temple, make sure to wear a sarong and scarf.
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Entrance fee to the temple: IDR 30,000
Raja Ampat Islands
Raja Ampat Islands by Sutirta Budiman via Unsplash
Tourists know Bali is the best place to see the beautiful beaches of Indonesia, but there are more island destinations to see in the country, and one of them is the Raja Ampat Islands. This tourist spot is home to 75% of the world’s species, making it the best place to explore underwater. Marine biodiversity on this island is breathtaking, where you are welcomed by enchanting coral gardens and sea creatures such as pygmy seahorses, turtles, manta rays, schools of tuna, and more. Of course, to see this slice of paradise, you can do so by snorkeling or diving. It’s a mustn’t miss activity to be able to appreciate the vast underwater. If you’re up for an adventure in Indonesia, put this on top of your bucket list!
Tanjung Puting National Park
Tanjung Puting National Park by Dimitri B via Unsplash
A walk into Tanjung Puting National Park lets you encounter wild animals you might have never seen before. It is home to the world’s largest orangutan population, and you can see them up close and personal as they freely roam around the jungle. Located in Kalimantan, this national park boasts a diverse wildlife attraction made accessible through conservation efforts. To make your trip to this park more exciting, hop on a boat ride and see monkeys swing by and happily jump from one tree to another. Aside from the apes, you can see other animals, such as crocodiles, sun bears, and civets.
Address: Teluk Pulai, Kumai, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan 74181, Indonesia
Entrance fee: IDR 120,000
Flores Island
Flores Island by Marcus Woodbridge via Unsplash
Flores is a group of islands in the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. It’s one of the islands known for its underwater, thanks to its rich marine biodiversity. Though it’s quite far from other Indonesian destinations, it’s worth a trip if you want off-the-radar adventures.
One of the most popular islands in Flores is Komodo Island. This island is best known as the territory of the komodo dragons, the heaviest lizards in the world. Another must-visit island would be Padar Island, that’s best trekked to enjoy swimming in its black, pink, and white beaches.
Location: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Torajaland
A Toraja village By 22Kartika – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, cc
If you’re looking for unique and exotic experiences in Indonesia, look no further than Torajaland. Past Indonesia’s national parks and beach destinations lies a land known for its death rituals and ceremonies. Toraja is located in Sulawesi, Indonesia, and is an off-the-beaten-path, making it a destination to discover.
Toraja people believe that after death, the spirit still lingers in the world. That’s why the bodies of their people are kept and preserved by their families at home for years until they can pay for a funeral. When in Torajaland, visit the Lokomata, a rock boulder with square holes where the dead are laid to rest. Another spot to see is the Bori Parinding, a burial site that uses huge stones as graves. You’ll also see open tombs which eerily display skulls and skeletons for the public to see.
Location: Sulawesi, Indonesia
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
Mount Bromo volcano, Indonesia by Kevin Zhang via Unsplash
Volcanoes are the main highlight of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park; this 800-km wide park at the center of East Java is the province’s largest volcanic region. There’s so much to learn about this park that houses an actual active volcano–where tourists can also stand on its rim. It’s also the ideal place to see the spectacular sunrise, so best to go here early in the morning. It is also a place to view amazing natural sights and landscapes. If you want to get to the best viewpoint, you can do so by trekking. Want an adventurous way to get around the park? Try horseback riding that leads you to the top, where a scenic vista awaits.
Location: East Java, Indonesia
Lombok
This island, located in West Nusa Tenggara, offers a relaxing getaway through its pristine beaches, such as Tanjung Aan Beach. This two-kilometer picture-perfect beach is truly a vision of paradise, made even magical by the hills and blue skies that serve as the backdrop. The best time to go here is in the morning when you get to enjoy the glorious morning view of the sea. Enjoy that vista with a cup of coffee from the cafes lining Tanjung Aan. Want to explore other Lombok beaches? Head to Kuta Beach, another scenic coastline where you can surf and swim to your heart’s desire.
Location: Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia
Komodo National Park
Sandwiched between the Sumbawa and Flores Islands, Komodo National Park is another must-visit park in Indonesia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the turf of about 2,500 komodo dragons and other land creatures such as endemic rats, Timor deer, and the orange-footed scrub fowl. The park also comprises three islands, namely Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, which more than 1,000 fish species also call home–and not only that– the park encompasses 29 volcanic islands.
There are so many activities to do in Komodo National Park that you’ll want to spend a day here. Animal lover? Don’t miss spotting the komodo dragons with the supervision of a park ranger. Aside from the komodo dragons, you can also see birds, mammals, lizards, frogs, and other animals in this park. Go diving or snorkeling to meet the marine creatures to see the dynamic marine biodiversity the park has to offer.
Address: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Website: https://www.komodonationalpark.org/
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta hosts a plethora of adventures for every traveler. It’s regarded as Indonesia’s cultural center, as it was the seat of power that produced the well-known Borobudur and Prambanan temples. Also called the “Neverending Asia,” Yogyakarta is full of exciting Asian adventures you shouldn’t miss.
From temple-hopping to food trips, gallery visits, and coffee hunting, Yogyakarta is the destination for a fun day of worthwhile experiences. If you want to make the most out of your Yogya visit, we recommend that you go on an arts and culture tour, which the city is known for.
Ubud
Natural landscapes, museums, and historic temples abound in the town of Ubud. In this town, you get to discover majestic spots you’ve only read about in books before. This town is packed with numerous hotspots that tourists love. Explore Bali’s Elephant Cave, where you can see a meditational area and stone sculptures.
Go shopping at Ubud Art Market for souvenirs like Balinese paintings, wood carvings, silk scarves, and more. Visit the Taman Saraswati Temple for a serene photo walk. Witness a contemporary theatrical performance at the Bali Agung Show. Birdwatch at the Bali Bird Walk and learn about Bali’s exotic birds. These are just some of the things to do in Ubud!
Planning to visit the wonderful country that is Indonesia soon? Tell us all about your trip in the comment section below!
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