17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Indonesia

17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Indonesia

A group of islands called the Indonesian archipelago is home to a vast array of cultures, natural settings, and urban centers. Indonesia, which has more than 17,000 islands under its control, has an experience and attractions for everyone, from diving in largely unexplored waters to climbing active volcanoes and old temples.

You can walk the crowded streets of Jakarta, visit the isolated settlements of Tana Toraja to go back in time, enjoy in the beauty of Bali, or confront the active Anak Krakatau.

Whichever you decide, you can be sure that the experience will leave you in awe of and grateful for a nation with as much history and natural beauty as this one. Our list of the top attractions in Indonesia will help you choose the greatest locations to go.

1. Beaches of Bali

Bali, which is possibly the most well-liked vacation destination in Indonesia, features a lot of historical sites and cultural attractions that are worth seeing.

But, Bali's stunning beaches are what most people associate with the island. If a beach trip is what you're after, you might want to visit one of Bali's opulent beach resorts and spend some time lazing around.

Everyone visiting Bali is going to be thinking about the warm sand and clear ocean, and the island does not dissapoint. The most popular beach in Bali is Kuta, which is perfect for anyone who prefer to mix socializing, surfing, and the sun. Due to its popularity, there are a ton of restaurants and activities available.

Nusa Dua is still beautiful but attracts less people if you're looking for somewhere a little quieter and less congested. A little more culture and fantastic water sports may be found in Sanur.

2. Borobudur

The most well-known and historically significant monument in Indonesia is this ancient temple. A traditional Buddhist mandala inspired the construction of Borobudur, which was completed in the eighth century. One of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist sites in the entire world.

Since a large portion of the people is thought to have relocated to eastern Java as a result of volcanic explosions, the enormous temple has been abandoned for many years. Yet it was once again found in the 1800s, and now it is one of Java's greatest attractions.

A torch-lit ascent of the temple and the spectacular sight of the complex being bathed in sunshine are only possible if you go at sunrise. A historic Javanese city recognized for its extensive cultural and historical offerings, Yogyakarta, is close to Borobudur.

3. Orangutans of Borneo

Without seeing some orangutans, a vacation to Indonesia wouldn't be complete, and Borneo is a fantastic location to see these lovely and vulnerable animals.

Many sanctuaries rescue and guard orangutans despite the fact that they still exist in the wild due to land development that threatens their natural habitat. One of the world's largest orangutan populations can be found in Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan, the portion of Borneo that belongs to Indonesia, along with other primates, birds, and reptiles.

If you can't make it to Borneo, orangutans can also be viewed at the Bohorok Orangutan Centre in Bukit Lawang, a tourist destination in the Sumatran jungle.

4. Gili Islands

Lombok has been increasingly popular among travelers and backpackers over the years, and the Gili Islands are one of its main draws. These beautiful islands provide beaches that are just as beautiful as Bali's, as well as diving and snorkeling options at a turtle sanctuary.

Visit a turtle hatchery, where hundreds of these animals are hatched each year, if you're seeking for more turtle action.

In the Gilis, kayaking is also very popular, and there are lots of places to take yoga courses if you want to find a place to relax your body and mind. A less hectic, although nonetheless interesting, substitute for well-known Bali are the Gili Islands.

5. Komodo National Park

Who hasn't at some point in their life not dreamed of seeing a dragon? The komodos of Indonesia are dangerous and ferocious beasts; they are not legendary beings.

Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes the surrounding marine ecosystems as well as three major islands and a handful of smaller ones. Some of the world's richest and most diversified marine life can be found in the waters off these islands.

Despite the fact that visitors to the park can also go hiking, snorkeling, canoeing, or visit little towns on the islands, the komodo dragons are always the main attraction. Pink Beach on Komodo Island is an additional feature. One of Indonesia's best beaches is along this stretch of pink sand.

The islands require visitors to come by boat, and there is an entrance fee in addition to additional costs for transportation, tour services, and other activities.

6. Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud

The Holy Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a peaceful location where you can sense the majesty of the island's past, is located near Ubud, the island of Bali's cultural center.

Long-tailed macaques are a kind of monkey that are widespread in Southeast Asia, and you will see a lot of them. Moreover, three Hindu temples from Bali, built around 1350, can be found there. Avoid holding anything that can attract the monkeys' attention as you move through the jungle, such as umbrellas and water bottles, and refrain from exhibiting any food. If you're carrying something, they might try to steal it!

The temple, artwork, and breathtaking natural setting make a visit to the forest and village in Bali a must-do activity. The forest is next to Padangtegal, a small village that has long attracted artists of all kinds.

7. Mount Bromo

On the Ring of Fire, which contains some of the planet's most active volcanoes, is where Indonesia is located. Many of the nation's volcanoes, like Mount Merapi, are renowned for their ferocious eruptions and their breathtaking but hazardous beauty.

One of the most well-known mountains is Mount Bromo, which is mainly recognized for its breathtaking vistas, especially when viewed from its vantage point above the crater at daybreak. You can still see white smoke emanating from Bromo, whose top was destroyed in an eruption.

The Mount Semeru, the tallest mountain in Java, and the volcano are both a part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The Tengger people live in the park; they are a remote ethnic minority with roots in the former Majapahit empire.

8. Tana Toraja

You'll feel like you've traveled back in time when you visit Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi Province, and you'll also have a chance to see the variety and depth of Indonesia's ancient traditions.

Boat-shaped homes and other distinctive buildings are Tongkonan's most notable architectural features, but the people are what truly distinguish this slice of natural beauty. According to several reports, they are the warmest and friendliest people you could want to encounter when traveling.

Death is treated with respect and joy by Toraja people. The dead are buried in graves dug into nearby caves after elaborate ceremonies involving loads of food and traditional dance.

Visit towns and interact with the inhabitants, go hiking in the renownedly lush and pure countryside, and more of the top things to do in the area.

9. Kalimantan, Borneo

Borneo is among the few locations that evoke wild, uncharted adventure. Borneo is home to a wide variety of animals, including orangutans, exotic birds, Sumatran rhinos, pygmy elephants, and other species. It is one of the planet's most ecologically diverse regions.

You can travel down Kalimantan's Kapuas River, the longest in Indonesia, visit Dayak communities, and see Chinese, Malaysian, and even European influences in the ports and cities along the route. Kalimantan is a province of Indonesian Borneo.

You can also go on a rainforest hike to get a chance to observe some of Borneo's renowned wildlife up close. Orangutans, clouded leopards, slow lorises, sun bears, and many other types of animals may be found at West Kalimantan's Bukit Baka-Bukit Raya National Park, which is home to two of Borneo's tallest mountains.

10. Lake Toba

Lake Toba is a lake and a supervolcano, making it another of Indonesia's natural wonders. The lake, which is located in a crater, is thought to have resulted from a catastrophic eruption and was formed between 69,000 and 77,000 years ago.

The lake's surface area is 1,145 km2, and its depth is 450 m. There are still frequent reports of volcanic activity in this area, which has raised some islands above the ocean.

Lake Toba is a study in natural beauty and the mighty forces shaping our world. You can go swimming, water skiing, canoeing, or fishing here, or you can just stroll about on a bike or on foot.

11. Mount Krakatau

Certainly, the 1883 explosion of Indonesia's most well-known volcano, Krakatau, was the biggest eruption ever recorded. The eruption had a significant impact on global climate conditions and was extremely deadly for surrounding Java and Sumatra's population. The island known as Anak Krakatau, or "Child of Krakatau," is the newest of those created by the 1883 eruption. It forced its way to the surface in 1930.

Significant eruptions continue to occur from this young, unstable volcano as it rises higher out of the water. Visitors can visit Anak Krakatau, the child of Krakatau, for a reminder of the immense, invisible power that permeates Indonesia at every turn, as it continues to spew smoke and fire.

12. Raja Ampat

One of Indonesia's most beautiful vistas is the fairyland of green, cone-shaped islands surrounded by azure and turquoise waters. This tropical paradise is made up of hundreds of islands and cays, yet the beauty is not only above ground.

Warm, clear seas support an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish. Since these coral reefs are among the most biodiverse on the globe, diving is very common here in Indonesia.

13. Gunung Rinjani

Gunung Rinjani, another well-known volcano in Indonesia, is a popular tourist destination in Lombok. While Rinjani does not see the same level of activity and eruptions as some of the other islands, it is thought that the caldera-forming eruption that took place there in the late 13th century was among the most intense in recorded human history. Inside the caldera of Rinjani is a lake and Mt. Baru, another active volcano.

You might see unusual wildlife in Rinjani National Park, like sulfur-crested cockatoos, long-tailed macaques, and black ebony leaf monkeys. You can camp overnight in the park and there are guided treks available.

The park does warn that treks are difficult, so if you intend to walk the mountain, you should be in good physical condition and be ready with the necessary equipment.

14. Pura Tanah Lot

Built on a marine rock formation, this temple is among the most well-known in Bali. A section of the rock is now synthetic because the original formation eventually started to degrade. Nonetheless, Pura Tanah Lot is extremely popular, especially when the sun is setting.

You can stroll out to the temple compound at low tide, which is located on the southern coast of Beraban village. Explore the Tanah Lot market's kiosks after the sun sets to find one-of-a-kind Balinese trinkets.

15. Banda Islands

The lesser-known Banda Islands have their own allure as an off-the-beaten-path getaway, but Bali and Lombok are tried and true vacation spots for a reason. The Banda Sea, whose depths exceed 6,500 meters, is bordered by this group of ten tiny islets.

Due to their abundant nutmeg supply, the Bandas have been on the minds of those in the spice trade for a long time. The Bandas, known as "Eastern Indonesia's best kept secret," offer countless delights to sailors and divers alike.

The endemic Ambon scorpionfish, sharks, marine turtles, whales, lobsters, and a wide variety of other animals can all be seen at pristine dive sites.

You can choose to book your own lodging and excursions or go with a live-aboard boat that makes stops at a lot of fantastic dive sites throughout the islands.

16. Jatiluwih Rice Fields, Bali

Although the beaches may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Bali, the lush paddy fields come in second. The Jatiluwih Rice Fields' terraces are so lush and supportive of life that they were recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape as a component of Bali's Subak System.

The painstakingly tended and watered fields are evidence of Bali's abundance of natural resources as well as the skillfully developed techniques of the local farmers. Without seeing these expansive acres, no trip to Bali is complete.

17. Jakarta

The renowned beaches, rice fields, and volcanoes of Indonesia are in sharp contrast to the country's bustling capital. The cosmopolitan side of this otherwise very traditional location can be found here for visitors.

The city is home to more than 170 retail centers, all of which are packed with designer shops, upscale eateries, and movie theaters.

Some notable museums are among Jakarta's additional attractions. Over 800 works of modern art are on display at the comparatively new MACAN Museum. Additionally, there is the bustling Museum Layang-Layang, which is devoted to the craft of kite-making, as well as the Museum Nasional, an institution of archeology and ethnology with more than 70,000 relics.

If you want to see Jakarta as it was in the 17th century, make sure to visit Kota, the Old Village.

18. Flores

One of Indonesia's most stunning locations is Flores, which lies between the islands of Komodo and Lembata. The unspoiled, verdant landscape of the island is abundant. The Kelimutu volcano is the most well-known landmark on Flores. It is best known for its three lakes, each of which possesses a unique color that varies according to the water's acidity.

You can also see traditional conical homes, known as Mbaru Niang, in Wae Rebo and Stone Age megaliths in the hamlet of Bena.