Indonesia is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, offering visitors diverse experiences. A visit to Indonesia is like killing two birds with one stone. During your stay, you get to experience a rich cultural heritage, exceptional beach life, and unspoiled natural landscapes and wildlife.
With so many things to do in Indonesia, it can be challenging to prioritise only a few places to visit or experience. The list we have compiled below is not exhaustive, but it gives you an idea of what to expect and how best to plan your trip.
1. Visit Komodo National Park
Known for its giant lizards, commonly referred to as Komodo dragons, this national park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The park is located between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Komodo National Park covers several islands, with Komodo Island as the main attraction. A trip to this park takes 1 to 2 hours, and you must be accompanied by a guide.
2. Explore Borobudur Temple
The Borobudur Temple is a world-famous Buddhist temple comprising a series of terraces. It is located in Central Java and is believed to have been constructed in the 8th century. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Borobudur Temple is ranked among the must-visit places in Java, Indonesia. Besides being an engineering marvel said to have taken 75 years to complete, this temple also serves as a significant spiritual centre for the locals and is a great spot to learn the history and heritage of the people of Java.
3. Dive in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is a popular travel destination located east of Indonesia. It is home to over 500 islands and is one of the best swimming and diving destinations. One popular diving spot is Jellyfish Lake, which is home to millions of golden jellyfish. Other things to do and places to visit in Raja Ampat include the nearby local villages and the Painted Rocks of Raja Ampat, a designated UNESCO Heritage Site.
4. Hike Mount Bromo
Located in East Java, around a 4-hour drive from Surabaya, Mount Bromo is an active volcano home to more than 130 species of birds, four species of reptiles and 22 species of mammals. Some fun activities include trekking, off-road jeep tours, and horseback riding. Besides the scenic landscapes that shape the region around Mount Bromo, this mountain is also a popular Hindu pilgrimage site, with a small temple called Pura Luhur at its base.
5. Relax on Bali’s Beaches
Bali is known for its beautiful and extensive sandy beaches. Some that you can visit during your stay in Indonesia include the Nusa Dua Beach, which features white sand and calm waters; the Nyang Nyang Beach, ideal for those looking to avoid the crowds; and the Nusa Penida Beaches, located on the tiny and untouched Nusa Penida Island. All these are ranked among the best beaches in Indonesia, plus they are family friendly with lots of nearby destinations and fun outdoor activities.
6. Surf in Canggu
Surfing is one of the best things to do in Indonesia. Canggu is a coastal village between Tanah Lot and Seminyak on the southern coast of Bali. Thanks to its consistent waves and several nearby surf schools, it is a popular surf spot. This surf spot is ideal for beginners as well as seasoned surfers.
7. Visit Ubud
Ubud is commonly known as the spiritual hub of Bali, thanks to the huge concentration of temples, yoga studios and other cultural centres. Among the top things to do in Bali, from exploring nature reserves to experiencing the Balinese culture, are all found in Ubud. The city is strategically situated in central Bali and has grown rapidly. It is now popular among yogis, expats, and digital nomads.
8. Experience Traditional Villages
Indonesia has a vibrant culture with over 1,000 known ethnic groups. Most of these groups share nearly the same beliefs, except for a few differences in traditions, customs, and languages. One of the best places to learn about the local culture and traditions is the Mari Mari Cultural Village on Borneo Island. Another spot to visit within the island is the Iban Longhouses, which are traditional homes of the Sarawak tribes.
9. Go Wildlife Watching in Sumatra
Sumatra is the largest island by landmass and is entirely within Indonesian territory. It is located in western Indonesia and is known for its diverse and dense tropical forests. Here, you will find the rarest animal species, from proboscis monkeys and clouded leopards to endangered animals such as the Sumatran rhino, Sumatran tiger, and Bornean elephant.
10. Explore Gili Islands
The Gili Islands consist of three tiny islands located near the coast of Lombok Island. This region is known for its coral reefs, sea turtles, and even a sunken ship at the Wreck Point close to Mentigi Beach. A day in Gili Islands is filled with fun activities such as snorkelling, swimming, and strolls along the white sands and coconut palms. There are also nearby hotels and restaurants, which you can visit to dine and relax for the rest of the day.
11. Trek Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani is the second-highest Volcanic Mountain in Indonesia. It is located within the Gunung Rinjani National Park in West Nusa Tenggara. This mountain is popular among hikers and nature lovers. For beginner hikers, it is advisable to always hike Mount Rinjani in the company of a local guide. It takes around 3 hours to hike to the summit and back. To ensure a smooth hike, you should be in good health, have appropriate clothing, and be well-adapted to sudden environmental changes.
12. Visit Prambanan Temples
Besides sandy beaches, nature reserves, and archeological findings such as the Stone Garden, temples are the other must-visit places during your trip to Indonesia. The Prambanan Temples is a complex comprising 240 Hindu temples located in Yogyakarta in southern Java. If you want to learn about Hindu divinities and their history, this is the place to be.
13. Go Rafting on the Ayung River
With close to 12 kilometres of rafting track, the Ayung River is one of the top destinations in Bali. This is especially true if you are looking for an ideal white-water rafting spot. The rafting track features level 2 to level 3 rapids and will take you close to 2.5 hours to complete. Along the track are beautiful forest canopies, scenic waterfalls, and local wildlife.
14. Visit the Spice Islands
The Spice Islands, also known as the Maluku Islands or the Moluccas, are small islands between New Guinea and Celebes. Once known for producing mace, nutmeg, and cloves, the islands now draw visitors to their crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and dense rainforests. The islands offer a glimpse into colonial history and traditional lifestyles, making them a must-visit spot for history lovers and adventurers.
Make the Most of Your Time in Indonesia
Having explored some of the best things to do in Indonesia, you want to plan your itinerary to feature key places that pique your interest. If you have time, you can visit all the areas listed above. However, that would be a stretch, considering these are not the only top destinations in Indonesia. That said, plan your travel in advance and, where possible, book your ideal accommodation early to avoid inconveniences.
