101 Best Places to Visit in Indonesia

A stupendous group of islands lies scattered around the Pacific Ocean, with lush rainforests covering them and steaming active volcanoes standing tall upon them. A gorgeous, flourishing marine archipelago surrounds these islands, housing a unique range of marine flora and fauna. This is Indonesia – the most naturally gifted country in Oceania, full of wonderful things to do and interesting places to visit.

The sheer range of natural experiences that you can have in the country is spellbinding and will get your adrenaline pumping only by reading about them. Not only is the natural richness unique in itself, it is further complemented by the many human activities that are possible there. It is one thing to admire volcanoes from afar, but it is quite another thing to hike up their length and stand look down into their bubbling depths. It is one thing to marvel at the turquoise seas that kiss the island shores, but quite another to enjoy them intimately with snorkelling, scuba diving, or submarine adventures.

Visiting Indonesia means allowing yourself the gist of a manifold range of experiences; experiences that will live on as picturesque memories long after you’ve finished exploring the island country. There are many wonderful places to visit in Indonesia, making it hard to know where to get started. This is why this carefully curated list is a great place to begin your planning for your future trip to Indonesia. Bookmark it and return to it while your craft a great itinerary. It will ensure that you have a wonderful trip when you finally visit Indonesia.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Indonesia:

01Places to Visit in Bali
Ubud

1. Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud- The Ubud Monkey Forest is a sacred, revered forest owned by the Padangtegal village, where you will come across over 700 monkeys playing freely around the hundreds of trees that cover it.

2. Elephant Safari Park North Ubud- Taking a safari through this park is a wonderful way to enjoy the elephants of Ubud up close. The safari not only takes you close to the elephants and educates you about their lives but also gives you the chance to bathe them if you so, please.

3. Blanco Renaissance Museum, Ubud- This landmark museum in Ubud is the cultural focus of Ubud, and houses a vast collection of paintings, books, illustrations, collages and lithographic Balinese artworks, making it an interesting place to visit.


4. Saraswati Temple Ubud- High in spirituality and rich in ornate architectural intricacies, the Saraswati Temple in Ubud is reached by crossing a beautiful lotus pond standing in the midst of lush greenery. It makes for a lovely stopover on an afternoon stroll.

5. Tegallalang Rice Terraces- One of the must do things in Bali is taking a stroll through lush rice paddies that enrich the landscape of Ubud, and the well-designed Tegallalang Rice Terraces are a gorgeous place to engage in one.

6. Ubud Traditional Art Market- To get a taste of local life and to collect some memorable souvenirs in Bali, pay a visit to the Ubud Traditional Art Market and shop for some silk scarves, handicrafts, handmade woven bags and more interesting products.

7. Campuhan Ridge Walk- One of the most breathtaking nature treks that you can take in the Ubud region, Campuhan Ridge Walk will take you through lush paddies, quaint bridges, rippling rivers and small villages to bring you to the majestic Pura Gunung Lebah temple complex.

8. Goa Gajah 'Elephant Cave'- This 9th-century cave is a fascinating place to visit in Ubud. The intricate engravings of terrifying creatures and demons on its entrance tell a tale of cultural practices that are very interesting.

9. Dinner at Locavore- A dinner at Locavore is a must in Ubud. The delicious, artistically prepared food is a delight to the senses and a great satisfaction for the palate.

Kuta

10. Waterbom- Relax and have some adventurous fun as you race laps in the pools, enjoy crazy rides and hang out at the poolside bars of this thrilling waterpark in Kuta.

11. Underwater World In A Submarine- Kuta’s underwater world is extraordinarily rich and enjoying its mysterious depths through the windows of a submarine is one of the most exotic things to do in Bali.

12. Kuta Night Market- Arts and crafts, food ingredients and street stalls, clothes and trinkets, Kuta’s many night markets are a fantastic way to enjoy the local life of the island and chance upon some charming souvenirs to take back home.

13. Sanur Beach- Swim, snorkel, and relax on the soft sands on one of the most pristine beaches in Kuta. It is not heavily populated at most times, adding to its pleasure. The Pura Blanjong temple, made of coral, is also a popular attraction here.

14. Shell Museum- Revel in the unique beauty of hundreds upon thousands of shells from all over the world that are encased in the halls of the Shell Museum in Kuta.

15. Gunung Payung Beach- Being low on the tourist radar means that visitors to the Gunung Payung Beach can easily enjoy the peace and solitude that it offers while admiring its startling beauty.

16. Kuta Beach in Kuta- One of the most popular beaches in Bali, Kuta beach is the best place on the island to enjoy some adventurous water sporting activities. The sunset as seen from this beach is magnificent too.

17. Vihara Dharmayana Kuta- Immerse yourself in Buddhist Zen energy with a visit to this serene Chinese Buddhist temple. Standing calmly amidst the hectic bustle of the city, this temple catches the eye because of its vibrant Chinese architecture.

18. Petitenget Temple- Slip on a traditional dress and walk into the halls of this ancient Hindu temple, enjoying its ancient architecture and learning its cultural significance.

Seminiyak

19. Seminyak Beach- One of Bali’s most fashionable beaches, Seminyak Beach is a glorious place to rejuvenate in luxury, and enjoy the posh restaurants lining the coast. The sunset from this beach is absolutely fabulous too.

20. Tirta Empul- Located in the town of Tampaksiring, this Hindu temple, said to be created by Lord Indra, is renowned for its holy spring water. Taking a bath in these powerful waters is said to have curative effects, and is an extremely popular thing to do in Bali.

21. Seminyak Square- Enjoy the mingling of the local and touristic crowds in this vibrant, lively square. Shopping for souvenirs in its many shops and stalls is a great way to enjoy the square along with eating its street food.

22. Eat Street of Seminyak- A must-visit attraction in Bali, Seminyak’s Eat street is a colourful street lined with shops and stalls selling all variety of Indonesian food. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to experiment with traditional flavours here.

Nusa Dua
23. Camel Ride on Nikko Beach- To ride on the back of a camel as the waves froth around you and the sea winds ruffle you is a memorable experience and one that should not be missed when on Nikko beach. Early mornings are the best time for such rides.

24. Pantai Geger Beach- A comfortable, sheltered beach near Nusa Dua, Pantai Geger is a lovely place to spend some relaxed moments in Bali. Swimming in the smooth waters of this beach is a popular activity.

25. Pasifika Museum- A vast collection of artworks specific to the Asia-Pacific region is housed within the premises of this museum, making it a great cultural stopover when you’re in Bali.

26. Mandara Spa- Let yourself relax completely as you enjoy one of the luxurious spa packages offered by this upscale resort. Undertaking their traditional Balinese spas is a great idea.

Other Attractions in Bali

27. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan- Situated on the shores of the Lake Bratan, this iconic Shaivite water temple complex in Bali is a gorgeous place full of spirituality intertwined with the best of nature.

28. Mount Batur- Trek up to the top of this active volcano in the darkest hours of the night, reaching its summit just in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise from its rim. The night trek and the sunrise will be memories you cherish lifelong.

29. Uluwatu Temple- Perched atop a 70-metre-high cliff facing the sea, this water temple in Bali is a lovely spiritual destination to immerse yourselves within, with spellbinding sea views that add to the powerful atmosphere of the temple.

30. Tanah Lot Temple- The sea waves lash wildly upon the rocks, sending their waves spraying high upon the ancient walls of the Tanah Lot Temple, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site revered for the legends attached to it.

31. Bali Safari and Marine Park Gianyar- Go for a thrilling safari through the large open zoo of this park and marvel the sight of the underwater creatures in their natural habitats as you enjoy the many attractions of this beautiful 40-hectare nature park in Gianyar.

32. Jimbaran Bay- A place where luxury meets with primitive lushness, Jimbaran Bay is a spellbinding location. Some of the most upscale resorts are located on the secluded shores of this bay, so you can enjoy a peaceful yet comfortable vacation in Bali.

33. Watch Dolphins at Lovina Beach- Dozens of laughing dolphins make their way to the shallow waters around Lovina Beach early in the morning, and can easily be sighted from the shore. If you want a closer interaction, row out into the sea with a fisher boat.
02Places to Visit in Jakarta
Image Credit : architectureimg.com
34. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah- Some of the most admirable landmarks of Indonesia, along with their clothing, dance forms, and archipelago are housed in miniature form within the premises of the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah miniature park, making it an extremely popular tourist attraction in the region.

35. Ancol Dreamland- Enjoy thrilling adventures with the rides and pools that make up the Ancol Dreamland such a fun-filled, adrenaline-boosting place to visit in North Jakarta.

36. Trip to the Thousand Islands- Hop your way from one island to the other over a course of 108 islands that stand in a chain off the shores of Jakarta. Only 13 islands are developed, so you can enjoy a solitary picnic on any of the others for a memorable adventure.

37. Monas Tower- The impressive Monas Tower stands in the centre of Merdeka Square in central Jakarta and is a beloved site for Indonesia. The tower is a tribute to the struggles faced by Indonesians for independence.

38. Ragunan Zoo- Exotic animals and endangered species find a loving home in the grand Ragunan Zoo.

39. Istiqlal Mosque- The largest mosque in southeast Asia, Istiqlal Mosque is a landmark structure in Jakarta which is renowned for its sweeping, minimalist architecture as well as its gorgeous metalwork of Arabic calligraphy.

40. Ancol Beach City- Ancol Beach City, located inside Ancol Dreamland, is an upscale, fancy lifestyle centre where you can enjoy a wide variety of water sports and entertainment facilities like live musical concerts.

41. Kota Tua- Stroll around the ancient European buildings of Kota Tua (Old Town) which speak eloquently of the colonised past of the country, and pay a visit to its many landmark buildings including the various museums there.

42. National Museum- Learn about the archaeological, historical, ethnological, and geographical roots of Indonesia with a visit to the National Museum. It’s a great way to understand the region in depth.

43. Jakarta Cathedral- The Jakarta Cathedral is the central Roman Catholic cathedral of Indonesia, with an eye-catchingly impressive building, the famous Rozeta Rosa Mystica stained glass and other iconic artworks situated around its premises.

44. National Gallery of Indonesia- One of the most important art galleries in Indonesia, this art gallery houses over 1770 artworks by both Indonesian and foreign artists like Raden Saleh, Affandi, Victor Vasarely, and Sonia Delaunay among others.

45. Sailboats at Sunda Kelapa Port- Enjoy the waters of the Pacific Ocean by heading out for an exhilarating boating expedition by hiring a sailboat from the Sunda Kelapa Port. You can rent a boat for the whole day and enjoy a glorious day in the sea.

46. Atlantis Water Adventure- Let your hair down and enjoy a dose of adrenaline-filled adventure as you partake of the many wonderful rides that the Atlantis Water Adventure is famous for.
03Places to Visit in Yogyakarta
47. Merapi Volcano- This active volcano is one of the most impressive destinations to visit in Yogyakarta. It is generally enjoyed with a jeep tour, though you can also hike up if you have a strong fitness level.
48. Jomblang Cave- Enter this spellbinding cave where sunlight plays magical tricks with the musty dark, and walk through the tunnel connecting Goa Jomblang to the Grubug cave for a breathtaking experience.
49. Sinden Beach- A scenic beach which offers tourists the chance to enjoy some magnificent sea panoramas, fish and just simply relax on its smooth silken sands, Sinden Beach is a must-visit in Yogyakarta.
50. Kalibiru National Park- A lush natural landscape covered in a mantle of silence and solitude, Kalibiru National Park is not only a great place to immerse yourselves in nature, but also a place to enjoy fascinating sunsets and thrilling outdoor activities.
51. Timang Beach- A white sand beach in Yogyakarta, Timang Beach is especially popular for its extensive lobster population. So, if you’re looking for an offbeat thing to do in Indonesia, try out lobster fishing on Timang beach.
52. Kedung Kandang Waterfall- Hidden amidst the lush natural landscape of Botak Mountain, the Kedung Kandang Waterfall is a marvellous sight to behold in Yogyakarta, simultaneously rich in cultural myths and legends.
53. Watu Lumbung Beach- Enjoy the glorious sunset that spreads over the horizon as you sit upon the rocks around the Watu Lumbung Beach with the waves breaking gently all around you. It’s a beautifully meditative experience to have in Indonesia.

54. Prambanan Temple - Dedicated to the Trimurti, and renowned for its beautiful reliefs illustrating the epic of the Ramayana, this ancient Hindu temple complex in Yogyakarta is a must visit in the region.
04Places to Visit in Lombok
57. Mount Rinjani- Known as the second highest active volcano in Indonesia, Mount Rinjani is a jaw-dropping destination. A stunning deep-blue crater lake stands upon the summit of the volcano, and the panoramic views from its heights are unforgettable.

58. Tiu Kelep Waterfall- Hike through the dense natural landscape of North Lombok till you come upon the Tiu Kelep Waterfall, which is famed as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Once here, definitely go for a swim in the waterfall lake.

59. Selong Belanak Beach- Lay down and relax on the white sands of this pristine beach in Lombok. Usually uncrowded, the Selong Belanak Beach makes for a delightful romantic spot in Lombok.

60. Snorkelling at the Pink Beach- The Pink Beach is a beautiful pink-tinged beach that is famous for its snorkelling opportunities. The underwater world around this beach is thriving with colourful life, and snorkelling is the best way to enjoy it.

61. Stand at Cliff’s Edge at Lingkoq Datu- To stand upon the edge of the Lingkoqbatu cliff and look out upon the sweeping panorama of the sea stretching out as far as the eye can see is a memorable experience that should not be missed in Lombok.

62. Old Suspension Bridge- Built in 1932, this Old Suspension Bridge is a legacy of the Dutch colonial era. Surrounded by lush natural landscapes all around, with a river flowing past down below, this Suspension Bridge is an exotic site to enjoy in Lombok.

63. Gili Islands- The Gili islands off the coast of Lombok are an extremely romantic destination, renowned for their smooth palm-lined white beaches, delightful snorkelling, adventurous scuba diving and magical sunsets.

64. Air Kalak Hot Springs- Relax your aching bodies in the soothing thermal waters of the Air Kalak Hot Springs, an offbeat destination in Lombok, appealingly unfrequented by touristic crowds.

65. Kuta Lombok- Spend a day or two revelling on the luxuriant beaches of Kuta Lombok, enjoying swimming, snorkelling, lounging and water sports to your heart’s content.
05Places to Visit in Papua
Image Credit : neyuma.com
66. Raja Ampat- An Indonesian archipelago 1500 island strong, Raja Ampat is a paradisiacal location. Sparsely populated, but rich in gorgeous beaches, lush jungles and thriving sea life, it is a spellbinding place to visit.

67. Goa Jepang Cave- Situated next to the Tukad Bubuh River, Goa Jepang Cave consists of an underground network of 14 interconnected caves whose historical significance is detailed out as a part of the tour of these caves.

68. Jayapura- Jayapura is the capital city of Papua and exploring its many malls, museums, beaches and waterparks is a great way to enjoy local life in Papua.

69. Lorentz National Park- Climbing up Mount Carstensz Pyramid, camping beside Lake Habbema, and interacting with the tribal villagers is a fun-filled way to enjoy the lush natural landscape of Lorentz National Park.

70. Kaimana Island- Kaimana is a beautiful coastal region in West Papua with high limestone cliffs towering all around and is the best place to go if you want to enjoy the beauty of the Indonesian beaches in solitude far from touristic crowds.

71. Hiking to Puncak Jaya- Considered to be the highest summit of Oceania, Puncak Jaya is one of the most difficult peaks to climb in Indonesia. Advanced mountaineers will love the challenge of conquering it.

72. Love Lake- This heart-shaped lake in Papua is one of the prettiest and most photogenic locations in the region, so make sure you take a selfie with it while exploring the region.
06Places to Visit in Java
Central Java

73. Dieng Plateau- Explore the volcanic plates, trek the natural trails, hike up the mountains and camp by the ever-changing lakes as you enjoy the grand natural landscape of the Dieng Plateau.

74. The Borobudur- The largest Buddhist temple in the world, the Borobudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Java, and visiting it is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Indonesia.

75. Mount Merbabu- The trek to the summit of Mount Merbabu is one of the best adventures to engage upon in Java, yielding a fair share of gorgeous trails and panoramic views of the trekker. It is not a tough trek, so most people can enjoy it.

76. Dome Church Blenduk -Built in 1753, this ancient church has some of the most exquisite wooden architectures in Central Java, with etched and stained-glass windows, and Roman porticoes adding further grace to the elegant structure.

77. Baturraden- A district of Central Java rich in natural beauty, Baturraden is famous for the sweeping views from its slopes, its gushing waterfalls, and its pools and boating facilities along with the mini-train that connects all of them into a comprehensive whole.

East Java

78. Mount Bromo- Hiking to the top of the active volcano, Mount Bromo, is one of the best things to do in Indonesia and is engaged upon by hundreds of tourists yearly. It offers some of the most adventurous trails in Java.

79. Surabaya Carnival Park- Let the party-spirit take over you as you enjoy the rides, explore the shops and enjoy the food stalls at the Surabaya Carnival Park, where every hour is an adventure.

80. Suramadu Bridge- Ride upon the longest bridge in Indonesia, enjoying the Madura Strait from a whole different perspective as you ride across it. This should be enjoyed both in the day and the night.

81. Mount Semeru- One of the most adventurous things to do in Indonesia is climbing up the steep ascent that leads to the rim of the highest volcanic mountain in the country. It is a difficult trek, but an extraordinarily rewarding one.

82. Beach Balekambang- Soak in the sun and the wind as you stretch out in the silken sands of Beach Balekambang in Malang. Choppy waters make swimming difficult, but you can always admire the sea views from a distance.

83. Coban Rondo Waterfall- A simple hike leads up to the pretty Coban Rondo Waterfall where you can enjoy the sight of the gushing waters seated on the benches near it, or go for bike rides on the trails around.

84. Ijen Crater- Hiking to the rim of the Ijen Crater is one of the most amazing and unmissable things to do in Indonesia. The views along the way are but a sampler of the stunning panorama that greets you when you reach the top.

85. House of Sampoerna- This cigarette museum is an interesting historical destination to visit in Java. Not only will you learn all about the tobacco industry, you’ll also learn about the extensive Dutch influence in Indonesia when here.

Western Java

86. Grand Mosque of Bandung- This Grand Mosque is truly a grand structure, with its majestic domes and towering minarets forming its greatest attractions. The minarets are 81 metres tall and offer wonderful views of the city.

87. Kawah Putih- You cannot miss a visit to this gorgeous crater lake atop the Mount Patuha that changes in colour as the day progresses, making for a brilliant spectacle of nature.

88. Patenggang Lake- Lush tea plantations surround the Patenggang Lake, and a misty silence hangs upon the air all day long, making boating in this lake an unforgettable other-worldly experience.

89. Hike to Mount Gede- A long hike through dense rainforest will take you to the top of Mount Gede volcano, from where you can enjoy stunning vistas of Western Java. The hike is easily tackled and can be enjoyed by beginners too.

90. Maribaya Waterfall- The Maribaya Waterfall is made up of several small gushing waterfalls falling through the green hills – a beautiful sight to enjoy. The Maribaya Hot Springs close by are also worth visiting.

91. Citumang- Enjoy river rafting, waterfall jumping, body rafting, rope swinging, and fish therapy in this beautiful green canyon with its rich river body.
07Other Places to Visit in Indonesia
92. Komodo Island- A gorgeous archipelago in Indonesia, Komodo Island is a great place for trekking, scuba diving, and snorkelling, as well as the habitat of the exotic Komodo dragons – the largest living lizards on earth.

93. Orangutans of Borneo- Interact with these intelligent apes as you take a safari through the national parks in Borneo or even volunteer in the Orangutan rehabilitation programs run by several organizations in the region.

94. Lake Maninjau, Sumatra- A pretty crater lake surrounded by small villages, Lake Maninjau is a beautiful, offbeat tourist destination and a great place to catch hypnotic sunsets in West Sumatra.

95. Lake Toba- Almost 100 kilometres long and 30 kilometres wide, Lake Toba in Sumatra occupies the caldera of a supervolcano and is the largest lake in Indonesia as well as the largest volcanic lake in the world. It is truly a grand sight to behold in the country.

96. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque- One of the most beautiful mosques in Sumatra, Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is a symbol of the historical, architectural, cultural and spiritual legacy of the region, and is a must visit when you’re in Sumatra.

97. The Mentawai Islands- 70 islands off the coast of Sumatra form the Mentawai islands. Their strong currents and wild waves make them a fantastic surfing destination in Indonesia.

98. Weh Island- Weh island is a small island in the Indonesian archipelago, richly carpeted in tropical forests, with famous white sand beaches adorning its shores. Trekking and water adventures are favourite pastimes here.

99. Palembang- Explore archaeological sites, shop in the local markets, boat in the river, and enjoy the ancient monuments that makeup Palembang – the oldest city in the Malay Archipelago.

100. Nias Island- Falling under the touristic radar, Nias island offers its visitors some of the most beautiful, unspoilt natural destinations in Indonesia, and is an extremely romantic, serenity rich place to visit.

101. Lampung- Enjoy the ancient monuments, sprawling forests, bustling markets, and fantastic hiking trails that are making Lampung a popular backpackers hub in Indonesia.