Wonderful Indonesia – that’s what the official tourism tagline says and we cannot deny it! This archipelago of 17,000 islands is unbelievably stunning. Indonesia offers some of Mother Nature’s best features, from unspoiled beaches to glorious jungles. Moreover, the country is blessed with diverse cultures, as around 1,000 ethnic groups strive in its lush land. Thus, it can be challenging to choose just a few places to visit in Indonesia. So, we will show you the best places to visit in Indonesia. Check them out and put them on your 2023 bucket list!
Best Places to Visit in Indonesia – Summary
- Lombok and Gili Islands
- Bali
- Komodo National Park
- Ijen Crater
- Mount Bromo National Park
- Yogyakarta
- Raja Ampat
- Sumba
- Tanjung Puting National Park
- Tana Toraja
Lombok and Gili Islands
The tiny island is a whole package of awesomeness. Lombok is a tropical island that is nestled in the Bali Strait. Thus, it is known to be an alternative to Bali. Like its neighboring island, Lombok has a jaw-dropping landscape of fine powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and spectacular volcanoes. From the untouched Tanjung Aan Beach to the majestic Mount Rinjani, everything in Lombok will take your breath away.
Another paradise that you can visit in Lombok is the Gili Islands. The charming archipelago is located a few kilometers off the coast of Lombok’s mainland. They are the perfect spot to make your tropical dream come true. It has pristine beaches, gorgeous turquoise waters, and stunning coral reefs. Moreover, the Gili Islands is dotted with resorts, restaurants, yoga classes, and bars that will lure you to stay longer.
Must-Visit Places in Lombok: Tanjung Aan Beach, Sembalun Hills, Selong Belanak Beach, Senggigi Beach, Sade Village, Pink Beach, and Mount Rinjani
Things to Do in Lombok: Snorkeling, diving, surfing, visiting turtle conservation centers, beach-hopping, hiking, going for a cultural trip, and sightseeing
Bali
A list of the best places to visit in Indonesia won’t be complete without Bali. The world-renowned island is undeniably charming. It offers different kinds of amazing beaches, lush mountains, magnificent rice terraces, and stunning landscapes. Moreover, the culture of Bali is fascinating. See how Hinduism and Bali’s traditional culture collaborate perfectly with modern life and tourism.
Bali has a little bit of everything for everyone. It has gorgeous beaches for everyone who loves the sun or misses the sea. Furthermore, it has a lush landscape of mountains, jungles, and rice fields for everyone who is looking for a tranquil vacation. Not to mention, Bali has a jubilant nightlife scene and awesome parties that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Also, we have an essential Bali Travel Guide to help you plan your perfect trip to Bali! Click here to check it out.
Must-Visit Places in Bali: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot Temple, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta Beach, Mount Batur, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Ubud
Things to Do in Bali: Beach-hopping, surfing, sightseeing, visiting temples, and traditional villages, learning about Balinese culture, taking yoga classes, cafe-hopping, sampling local foods and partying
Komodo National Park
Pay a visit to the home of these dinosaurs’ descendants. Mighty and ferocious, the Komodo dragons. Thus, the majestic animals live in paradise. Fly to Nusa Tenggara, which is located further east of Bali, and find their natural habitat. You can see the Komodo dragons in the Komodo National Park. As you step into the park, you will see a plethora of exotic islands surrounded by brilliant blue sea.
Komodo National Park comprises three islands, which are Komodo, Padar, and Rinca. These islands are undeniably fascinating with their hilly structures, meadowed hills, and perfect beaches. The Komodo dragons roam around the islands and you can see them at a close distance. Although it seems frightening, the adventure is very safe as you have experienced guides accompanying you.
Must-Visit Places in Komodo National Park: Labuan Bajo, Padar Island, Rinca Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Kalong Island, Manta Point, and Batu Cermin Cave
Things to Do in Komodo National Park: Exploring the park in a guided tour, snorkeling, diving, cruising the islands, hiking to viewpoints, sightseeing, chilling on the beach, and swimming with manta rays
Ijen Crater
Take a glance at one of the most fascinating phenomena on the planet in Ijen Crater. The stunning volcanic crater is home to the world-famous ‘blue fire’. It is a magical sight in which sapphire blue fire is blazing from the cracks of the crater. For that reason, Ijen Crater is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
Although midnight hikes to Ijen Crater are highly popular, the landscape looks beautiful both during the day and at night. In the daytime, the crater features a beautiful turquoise lake. However, be careful when visiting because the waters contain high sulfur. Meanwhile, at night, the crater lights up with an unbelievably gorgeous blue fire. So, whether you are a night owl or a morning bird, Ijen Crater has a little bit of everything for you!
Things to Do in Ijen Crater: Going for a hike to see the ‘blue fire’, sightseeing, and traveling to the nearby cities of Malang and Banyuwangi
Mount Bromo
The unique volcano offers the most astonishing sunrise scene in Indonesia. Mount Bromo is an active volcano in East Java, nestled between four regencies. Mount Bromo is a part of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and is a popular destination locally. However, due to its outstanding views, Mount Bromo starts to gain popularity internationally.
Mount Bromo features volcanoes, calderas, and hills that are shrouded in mist and thin volcanic smoke. You can hike the mountain and visit the smokey calderas. It requires only a few hours’ hikes as Mount Bromo is relatively small. Alternatively, you can stay in Lautan Pasir or ‘Sea of Sand’, a tourist area that features a vast, desert-like landscape. Furthermore, you can also hop on a jeep to tour around the mountain.
Things to Do in Mount Bromo: Going for a sunrise hike, going for a jeep tour, hiking the calderas, seeing the savannah, and horseback riding
Yogyakarta
Have a peek at Indonesia’s diverse culture in Yogyakarta. The lovely city is the cultural melting pot of Indonesia, offering a scene of the fascinating Javanese culture. Moreover, Yogyakarta is one of the ten cities in Indonesia that is ruled by a monarchy. For that reason, Yogyakarta is bursting with heritage, culture, and historical sites. It is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia for ravishing cultural trips.
Visiting Yogyakarta means a lot of cultural tours. You can see the magnificent Sultan’s palace, enchanting Hindu temples, and beautiful traditional art performances. Moreover, Yogyakarta also offers exquisite natural landscapes. Get ready to be captivated by the majestic Mount Merapi in the north and glimmering beaches in the south. Then, for adventure seekers, extreme activities like caving and rock climbing are available in Yogyakarta!
Must-Visit Places in Yogyakarta: Keraton Yogyakarta (Sultan’s Palace), Mount Merapi, Sonobudoyo Museum, Taman Sari, Prambanan Temple, Borobudur Temple, Ratu Boko Temple, and Malioboro Street
Things to Do in Yogyakarta: Visiting temples and palaces, learning to make batik textiles, sampling local food, going for walking tours, hiking, trekking, and sightseeing
Raja Ampat Islands
Nestled on the island of Papua, Raja Ampat is a splendid hidden gem in Indonesia. The small archipelago is home to verdant isles, a brilliant turquoise sea, and an exquisite underwater ecosystem. Thus, Raja Ampat is a divers’ dream destination due to its spectacular diving spots and marine biodiversity. No wonder Raja Ampat is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia!
Located in the far eastern part of Indonesia, visiting Raja Ampat can be costly. However, the thrilling experience is worth every penny. The exquisite landscapes, untouched beaches, and extraordinary biodiversity describe what a paradise looks like. Moreover, you can learn about the unique culture of Eastern Indonesia in this beautiful archipelago.
Must-Visit Places in Raja Ampat: Pianemo Island, Wayag Archipelago, Kabui Bay, Friwen Beach, Pasir Timbul, and Arborek Village
Things to Do in Raja Ampat: Diving, taking a dive course, snorkeling, canoeing, island-hopping, beach-hopping, visiting local villages, sampling local foods, and sightseeing
Sumba Island
Tucked in the small islands of eastern Indonesia, Sumba is a paradise only a few know about. With its unspoiled beaches, insane waterfalls, and spectacular savannah, Sumba is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia. Moreover, the island has an interesting culture and friendly communities that will make you feel welcome. Therefore, it is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia
Sumba boasts an untouched natural beauty that you can find nowhere else. It has a series of gorgeous hills covered with thin meadows. The hills turn golden during the dry season and fresh green during the wet season. Therefore, they are the main attraction of Sumba. Moreover, Sumba is home to one of the world’s top resorts, which is the Nihi Sumba. You can also find a lot of accommodations, from luscious five-star to humble homestays, to stay on the island.
Must-Visit Places in Sumba: Walakiri Beach, Tarimbang Beach, Weekuri Lagoon, Wairinding Hills, Ratenggaro Village, Lapopu Waterfall, and Waimarang Waterfall
Things to Do in Sumba: Sightseeing, swimming in waterfalls, beach-hopping, snorkeling, visiting traditional villages, hunting for Sumba traditional textiles, photography, and horseback riding
Tanjung Puting National Park
Head to the wilderness of Borneo and find awesome creatures. Tanjung Puting National Park is a nature reserve in Borneo, Indonesia. It is home to the world-famous orangutan and several other big primates. With its stunning landscapes and unique adventures, Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
Visiting Tanjung Puting National Park means a wild adventure. You will be taken to explore a lush rainforest and cruise through the enormous Sekonyer River. In the forest, you can find the auburn-haired orangutans and see them from a close distance. Additionally, you will learn more about orangutan conservation in Camp Leakey. So, if you are into sustainable travel and looking for a perfect place to travel, Tanjung Puting National Park is worth the shot!
Things to Do in Tanjung Puting National Park: Go for a cruise tour along Sekonyer River, see orangutans, visit orangutans’ feeding spot, and learn about orangutan conservation in Camp Leakey
Tana Toraja
If you are into mesmerizing and unique cultures, Tana Toraja is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia for you. Translated as ‘The Land of Toraja’, this fascinating village is home to the Toraja tribe. The Toraja people are famous for their distinctive funeral tradition, which is undeniably fascinating to discover.
Located in South Sulawesi, Tana Toraja is veiled by verdant hills and rugged granite cliffs. Besides its funeral tradition, Tana Toraja offers a friendly community, beautiful culture, and breathtaking mountainous landscapes. Moreover, if you want to see the Rambu Solo’s funeral ceremony, you should travel to Tana Toraja in the summer months of June to August.
Must-Visit Places in Tana Toraja: Sa’da Village, Lemo Cliff, Keta Kesu, Yesus Buntu Burake Statue, Bori Kalimbuang, and Mount Sesean
Things to Do in Tana Toraja: Seeing the Rambu Solo ceremony, snapping photos of Tongkonan houses, visiting traditional villages, hiking, sightseeing, visiting ancient sites, and shopping handmade crafts and souvenirs
These places in Indonesia are surely enchanting! So, which one do want to visit the most this year in 2023?
If you are planning to travel to Indonesia, we have a great option for you! Sit back and relax as you join amazing trips organized by experienced travelers from all over the world. Moreover, you can connect with Indonesian travelers that know the destination like the back of their hands! Other than that, you will go on a trip with like-minded travel buddies and have lots of fun. Whether you want to discover the beauty of Lombok or work with other digital nomads in Bali, we have it all for you!
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