When it comes to the sheer variety of experiences on offer, it is hard to beat the enchanting country of Indonesia. One day, you will be enjoying the wonders of sacred temples; the next, you can take in the sights and sounds of a modern cityscape.
With so much on offer, narrowing down your travel itinerary may seem impossible. But once you have visited this magical place, you will want to book your next holiday almost instantly.
Be sure to purchase Indonesian Rupiah before jetting off on vacation to ensure you can hit the ground running on arrival.
Bali
Bali has been a popular tourist destination for decades. Also known as the Island of the Gods, its enticing tropical atmosphere will immediately draw you in the moment you step foot on the island.
It has vast stretches of picture-perfect beaches, spectacular mountains, sacred holy temples, unmatched nightlife and many other hidden gems just waiting to be explored.
Apart from popular spots like Ubud Monkey Forest and Kuta Beach, you can visit the impressive Tirta Empul Temple. It is a Balinese Hindu water temple consisting of a bathing structure.
Locals frequently visit to participate in purification rituals as the water is said to originate from holy water springs. Tourists may visit this sacred location as long as they obey local rules and norms.
Lake Toba
Stretching over a massive 1,145 kilometres square, with a depth of 450 meters, Lake Toba is better compared to a sea than a lake. Located in an ancient crater created by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, it is considered to be the largest lake in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest in the world.
In the middle of the lake is Samosir Island, home to the Tomok and Simanndo ethnic groups. Visiting these native homelands will give you valuable learnings and philosophies derived from their traditions, including traditional dances, handwoven clothes, and wooden puppetry.
Jakarta, Java
There is no better city to fully understand Indonesia’s vast and complex nation than its capital, Jakarta. With a population of more than 10 million people, it may be chaotic, traffic-clogged, and vast in size, but it is home to some of the finest restaurants, vibrant nightclubs, and impressive museums the country offers.
Browse the collections in the Museum Nasional for an extensive history lesson, the Galeri Nasional to appreciate classical art, and the MACAN for a taste of modern and contemporary art. The city has a wide range of architecture, from traditional Dutch colonial buildings to modern skyrises, the perfect balance between old and new in Indonesia.
Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo was a small fishing site situated at the westernmost tip of Flores Island. These days, along with the popular Komodo National Park, it has become the gateway to countless destinations in East Nusa Tenggara.
The area offers many exciting places to visit, including the Gua Batu Cermin (The Mirror Cave), Amelia Hills, and Cunca Wulang Canyon waterfall, to name a few. For outdoors enthusiasts, you will be left speechless by the sprawling natural sights of this impressive place.
Lombok
The island of Lombok is best known for its divine beaches, imposing Mount Rinjani and diverse marine life. Located in West Nusa Tenggara, it has endless opportunities for those seeking tropical adventures.
Experienced hikers can challenge themselves by trekking to the summit of Mount Rinjani, while culture lovers can visit the traditional villages of Sade Rambitan for the ultimate history lesson.
Beaches lovers and surfers can head to Mandalika, with 1,250 hectares of coastal beauty. This southern coast destination continues to grow in popularity for tourists and locals alike, with numerous activities, accommodations and restaurants on offer.
Raja Ampat
Those hoping to indulge in marine and aquatic activities should look no further than Raja Ampat. This natural paradise is located in West Papua, where locals are ready to welcome you to this exquisite location.
Raja Ampat, which translates to ‘The Four Kings,’ is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals surrounding the four main islands. For underwater lovers, it offers some of the best marine experiences in the world. The areas surrounding the islands are home to 540 types of corals, over 1,000 species of reef fish and 700 types of molluscs, making it the most diverse aquatic biome in the world.
Yogyakarta
Once the cradle of civilization in Java, Yogyakarta is now considered one of the foremost cultural centres of Indonesia. The cultural and historical values of the city are what makes it so unique.
Spend your days wandering through the living museum of The Keraton, stop by the famous Alun Alun or shop up a storm along Malioboro Road. For early risers, chase the sunset through famous temples like Prambanan and Borobudur for a cultured and exciting adventure.
Bintan Island
For the perfect blend of leisure and adventure, head to Bintan Island, located in the Riau Islands Province in Indonesia. As the largest island in the province, it is a popular choice for those wanting the best luxury resorts, world-class golf course and scenic coastal landscape all wrapped into one.
For a taste of adventure, head to the Padang Pasir Busung, the sand dunes of Busung, and explore the abandoned ship of MV Doulos Phos or Blue Lake Kawal.
