10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Indonesia

Indonesia travel destinations :

Indonesia has 18,330 islands, of which 6,000 are inhabited, making it the largest archipelago in the world. This island country has 167 active volcanoes, more than any other country, and has the rest of the world’s largest rainforest.

Indonesia is not only a tourist’s dream, but also a playground for adventurers. Whether you want to sunbathe on beautiful beaches, hike to find endangered orangutans, or snorkel in some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs, Indonesia has it all.

Explore the last Indonesian city still ruled by the ancient monarchy, follow in the footsteps of the rare Komodo dragon and immerse yourself in the steaming hot springs surrounded by the wild jungle. If you are looking for the magic hidden in everyday life, you have found it. It is the best attraction in Indonesia.

1. Bali

Bali, one of the most visited and dreamed-up destinations on modern travelers’ wish lists, is a kaleidoscope of beautiful beaches, volcanic hills, lush rice paddies, and thousands upon thousands of Indonesian temples. It is famous for its relaxed atmosphere which has attracted backpackers, surfers and yogis for years looking to find their zen in this tropical paradise.

Nicknamed “the Island of the Gods”, Bali is deeply rooted in the spiritual, with many Hindu temples boasting their own colorful architecture, particularly in Ubud, the spiritual capital of Bali. However, not all of Bali’s wonders have gone unnoticed and the island can be uncomfortable during the tourist season in August. If possible, it is better to avoid school holidays as well.

Spend your days relaxing on some of Bali’s best beaches and snorkeling in the Coral Triangle with its endless variety of magical marine life. But the best part of Bali is doing as little as too much. Read your book on a hammock, watch the sunset and feel the slow and relaxed atmosphere of the island, pick up the pace in one of the many lively bars by the sea.

Indonesia travel destinations
Bali

2. Lombok

An increasingly popular alternative to openly commercial Bali, Lombok and its coral-fringed Gili Islands are tropical paradises. Here you can enjoy all the allure of Bali before tourism takes over: surf spots, deserted beaches and magical waterfalls hidden in wet jungles, with the Tiu Kelep waterfall top of the list, with nowhere to go. where to go. Doubts.

Backpackers go to Lombok in search of adventure. Probably because its jungle crowned with volcanoes offers a beautiful walk surrounded by unforgettable landscapes. If you are planning to hike Gunung Rinjani Volcano and its Photogenic Crater Lake, make sure you’re in good shape and book with a trusted guide; This is by no means a walk in the park!

There is also fantastic sunset nightlife on the satellite islands of Gili, especially on Gili Trawangan. Those looking for culture won’t be disappointed either: Mataram markets are a bustling place to shop for souvenirs while mingling with the locals.

Indonesia travel destinations
Lombok

3. The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Nestled in East Java, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is an ethereal but barren paradise of volcanic calderas seemingly continually shrouded in smoke and clouds. The name of the park comes from the merger of the Hindu Tengger people with the two mountains of the park: Monte Bromo and Monte Semeru. The latter is the highest mountain in the Java region and one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia.

The attraction here is less on the wildlife and more on the scenery, however, there are still a few interesting animals to see, such as the Russian Javanese deer, marble cats, wild pigs, and the occasional leopard. The best part of a visit to this park is the opportunity to climb a volcano at sunrise to enjoy some of the most exceptional views of this otherworldly landscape.

For those wishing to climb this active volcano, a license from the national park authority is required and climbing will only be permitted when the mountain is not erupting. Another important landmark of the park is Monte Bromo, characterized by its often undulating, collapsing crater that dominates the valleys of lush plains.

Indonesia travel destinations
The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

4. Komodo National Park

Located in Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara region, Komodo National Park is famous for one thing and only one: its eponymous reptile, the Komodo dragon. Spread over three main islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as a collection of smaller islets, the park provides a sanctuary for this strange dinosaur-like creature. It is the largest living lizard on the planet and can grow up to three meters in length! Reptiles roam the islands freely, and visitors rely on experienced tour guides to identify and protect them.

Today, the park has grown to include the conservation of the entire terrestrial and oceanic ecosystem. There are several endemic species, such as Rinca rats and fruit bats, as well as wild horses, long-tailed monkeys, water buffaloes, and several dangerous snake species.

But while the terrestrial beings of Komodo National Park are really worth a visit, what really stands out is the marine life. The park protects some of the most abundant seascapes in the world, part of the Coral Triangle, home to over 250 species of coral and a plethora of sea sponges and unusual bone fish.

Indonesia travel destinations
Komodo National Park / Photo by altraz on Unsplash





5. Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a bustling city of around 500,000 inhabitants and the most popular tourist destination in Java, due to its proximity to the famous temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. The city itself is a center of education and culture, especially for Javanese fine arts, from theater to ballet performances, and has a wide range of tourist facilities. It is also the last city in Indonesia still ruled by a monarchy.

Yogyakarta is in one of the most seismically active regions of Java and has therefore been repeatedly hit by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In 2006, an earthquake destroyed more than 300,000 homes, while in 2010, the nearby Monte Merapi volcano erupted, spewing lava on neighboring villages.

In addition to the nearby Buddhist and Hindu temples and the city sites small enough to explore on foot, Yogyakarta is also an ideal base for exploring nearby villages time-locked by lava hardened in Merapi lava. Tour, an activity that is both sober and captivating.

Indonesia travel destinations
Yogyakarta

6. Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat, a group of islands in the far northwest of Papua New Guinea, is one of Indonesia’s most sensational diving destinations. Raja Ampat, which means ‘four kings’, is made up of four main jungle-covered islands surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white palm beaches: Waigeo, Salawati, Misool and Batanta, as well as thousands of smaller islands.

The archipelago is famous for its rich marine life and underwater coral reefs, home to up to 75% of all known coral species! With everything from underwater photography to wreck diving, it’s so beautiful that you should definitely invest in an underwater camera.

But the fun isn’t limited to the coast. The islands are also fantastic destinations for bird watching. Grab your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled to see eagles and birds of paradise like Wilson and Cendrawash singing in the treetops as you make your way to the waterfalls and mysterious ancient caves.

Indonesia travel destinations
Raja Ampat Islands

7. Flores Island

The Indonesian island of Flores means “Flores” in Portuguese, a name that comes from European missionaries who arrived in the 16th century. Flores Island, Long Island is located to the east of Sumbawa, to the west of Lembata in Nusa Tenggara, famous for its incredible multi-colored crater lake, surrounded by Kelimutu Mountain, traditional family homes in the countryside, and endless sightseeing possibilities. adventure.

The lakes are truly a sight to behold in all the colors you can imagine, from browns and greens to blue waters; colors caused by the reaction of minerals to gas from volcanoes in the region. Lake Kelimutu in three colors is a must see from the top of the volcano at sunrise.

For those looking for more physical activity, the Egon volcano can be reached with a self-guided or guided hike. The north coast has many islands and coral reefs to explore with an exciting dive or snorkel. Or you can just relax and soak your tired muscles in the beautiful hot springs hidden in the jungle – ecstasy!

Indonesia travel destinations
Flores Island

8. Torajaland

Tana Toraja, nicknamed the “land of the kings of heaven”, is located on the lush central highlands of Sulawesi in southern Indonesia. The area is dotted with rice fields, limestone peaks and bamboo forests. Home to the Toraja, a Christian and animist people, Tana Toraja has a fascinating culture that has remained broad and surprisingly independent of Western influence.

The Torajans are famous for their huge houses with pointed roofs, known as tongkonan, and their spectacular but gruesome funeral rituals. After a person’s death, the body is kept, often for several years, until the funeral ceremony itself, which can last for several days. Finally, the deceased was buried in a small cave or hollow tree. The larger funerals usually take place during the dry season months of July and August, but there are funerals throughout the year.

Exploring Tana Toraja with a local guide is expensive but well worth it. They will give you an overview of these interesting customs and some of the lesser-known cemeteries and complexes in the village, known for their colorful exteriors and boat-shaped roofs. Visit on your own and you will be able to see some of the most famous places on a trek, but you will miss the local information and advice that these tours offer.

Indonesia travel destinations
Torajaland / Photo by Robert Tjalondo on Unsplash

9. Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is a small town located on the east side of Gunung Leuser National Park, about 90 kilometers northwest of Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. In 1973, an orangutan rehabilitation center was founded here. The main objective is to preserve the decreasing number of orangutan populations due to hunting and deforestation.

Ecotourism here provides jobs and income for local families living in the village and is a charity worth supporting, if not just the animals. The chance to see orangutans in the wild is the main attraction, but the village is also an interesting stopover. It is built in a sustainable way, taking into account the surrounding environment.

Bukit Lawang is a popular destination for guided jungle treks, serving as the gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park. Here you can see Thomas’ leaf monkeys with their unusual hairstyles, walk in the tracks of tigers and elephants, and explore on foot with local birds and nature walks.

Indonesia travel destinations
Bukit Lawang

10. Tanjung Puting National Park in Borneo

Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the world’s natural wonders famous for the endangered orangutan, the last long-haired orange primates on Earth.

Located in the jungle of Borneo, the third largest island in the world part of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Sultanate of Brunei, The park is home to various wild lowland habitats on the peninsula overlooking the Java Sea. Habitats range from swamp forests and floodplains to the ocean coast, home to a wide variety of wildlife, so diverse that it was declared a game reserve before being considered a national park in 1982.

While orangutans are the obvious attraction, you’ll also see the pointed-nosed proboscis monkey, the vulnerable cloudy leopard, and over 200 species of birds in the park. Combine these sightings of rare animals with the fresh jungle air and no light pollution, creating excellent stargazing, and the park is the perfect adventure. Explore on foot or on a klotok boat with an expert guide; you decide.

Indonesia travel destinations
Borneo

Travel Insurance

The most important advice I can offer is to buy good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. This is full protection in the event of a problem. I never travel without it, as I have had to use it several times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy that’s right for you:

Summary :

A large number of islands, each with their own food, culture, history, and wonders of nature; Indonesia can’t be completely investigated in a lifetime. Be that as it may, for novices, the islands of Java, Bali, and Lombok will give a superb image of this broad country. Regardless of whether you need to hang out on white-sand sea shores, test yourself with an arduous mountain climb, or investigate the nature saves, these three islands positively will not disillusion.

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