With more than 17 thousand islands, hundreds of ethnic groups, in 34 provinces, Indonesia is abundant with both natural and cultural treasure. It can probably take a lifetime to really explore the vast country, even for those living in it all their lives! Let alone those that just got here or are in Indonesia for just a relatively short time.
But worry not, as with any places, there are destinations in Indonesia that though would not represent the rest, is a must visit for anyone looking for a true Indonesian experience. Check out this list and see how many of these places have you been?!
1. Bali
A no brainer for anyone coming to Indonesia, this small island has even upstaged the country it’s located in. Some of the must visit places in Bali includes its world famous beaches, Tanah Lot, Ubud, Bedugul, and the countless luxurious hotels and amazing bars with to-die-for views.
Bedugul, Bali
Tanah Lot, Bali
Karma Kandara Bali
A pricey yet worthy luxury villa in perched on a cliff in one of the most idyllic beaches in Bali, Karma Kandara and Ayana Resort offers one of the best view in the island. We can say these places are some of the best resorts that exist! We strongly recommend spending at least one sunset at Ayana’s Rock Bar.
Sunset-watching at The Rock Bar, Ayana Resort, Bali
2. Lombok and The Gilis
Just a few hours by speedboat from Bali, Lommbok island offers an escape from the busier Bali and even more beaches, diving and snorkling spots, and even one of the most beautiful mountain to climb in Indonesia, the Rinjani. In addition to that, there are three islands just off Lombok’s west coast that are a favorite for day-trippers of all diving levels; Gili Air, Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno or The Gilis, as they are often referred to.
Oberoi, Lombok
Gili Trawangan
Turtle-spotting at Gili Air
3. Borneo Island (Kalimantan)
Although one of the biggest, Borneo is actually the least visited island in Indonesia, which makes it a great pick if you’re looking for an off the beaten track adventure. Highlights of Borneo includes river travel along the Sungai Mahakam, the Orangutan Rehabilitation centers at Tanjung Harapan and Camp Leakey within the Tanjung Puting National Park. For arranged tours, check out www.wowborneo.com
4. Flores Island
A remarkably beautiful islands with a number of volcanoes and ripe with indegenous cultures, Flores is also where the world-renowned Ikat weaving comes from, the increasingly popular Labuan Bajo beach is located. But of all the sights in Flores, the 3-colored craters of Kelimutu has probably the most spectacular, situated at 1600 m above sea level close to the summit of Kelimutu volcano.
Kelimutu Crater, Flores
One of the oldest village in Flores, Bena Village at Bajawa.
Visiting the Komodo Dragons at Rinca Island, Flores
A place to stay: Jayakarta Hotel, Labuan Bajo
5. Raja Ampat Islands
Raja Ampat’s underwater diversity and spectacular view makes it often mentioned as the the best diving spot in the world.
The iconic Wayag Islands, Raja Ampat
Canoeing at Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat’s spectacular underwater view
6. Tana Toraja, Sulawesi
A cultural island, hemmed in by mountains on all sides, the toraja prove there is life after death with their elaborate ceremonies. Take the beauty of Bali, the houses of the Bataks in Sumatra and the megalithic cultures of Sumba and you’re still not even close. Cave graves, hanging graves, tau tau (life-sized wooden effigies) of the dead and buffalo carnage every summer; it’s macabre but mesmerising. This is a world unto itself.
Toraja Traditional Houses
(above) A 400 years old family tomb the people of Toraja still use. The Torajans believe that when people die, they won’t be able to ascend to the next life without sacrificing a buffalo (or a boar), as it symbolizes one’s the transport to the afterlife. That’s why the funeral ceremony plays a central role in the Torajan culture, and could even cost hundreds of millions of rupiah. Because without a proper ceremony, they believe that the deceased’s soul will stay with the family, so they would keep the body in their house until the ceremony day, which could mean months or even years of waiting.
7. Danau Toba, North Sumatra
Danau Toba is one of Sumatra’s most spectacular sights. It occupies the caldera of a giant volcano that collapsed in on itself after an eruption about 100,000 years ago. It is so vast that out of the middle of it rises Pulau Samosir, an island as big as Singapore and a main attraction for travellers from around the world and Indonesia alike, especially due to its cooler climate.
Danau Toba, North Sumatera
8. Bunaken, North Sulawesi
The wild shapes and colours of fringing and barrier reefs corals around Pulau Bunaken have attracted those looking for the best underwater views. The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are extremely deep (1566 m in Manado Bay), clear, refreshing in temperature (27-29 C) and harbor some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. Pick any of group of interest – corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges – and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high.
Dugong spotting in Bunaken waters
Bunaken is about 1 hour away by boat from Manado, North Sulawesi’s capital, so day trips are definitely possible if you don’t feel like staying overnight in the island. We recommend some of the numerous resorts dotting Manado coast.
Kima Bajo Resort, Manado
9. Thousand Islands – (Macan and Sepa Island), DKI Jakarta
For those living in the capital, it is probably hard to believe that under the Jakarta province listed a flock of islands with the name of Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands). It consists of a string of 110 islands(so no, not really a thousand) stretching 45 km north into the Java Sea at West Jakarta Bay. While some of the islands that are closest to Jakarta have become increasingly dirty and overcrowded, like Pramuka and Tidung, Pulau Seribu still stores a number of islands still considerably untouched and very idyllic, like Pulau Sepa, and Pulau Macan. Upon stepping into the island, you probably won’t get over the fact that you are only 1,5 hours of boat ride away from Jakarta! Visit www.pulaumacan.com for more information.
Pulau Macan, DKI Jakarta
10.Yogyakarta, Central Java
The second most popular destination after Bali, Yogyakarta is the cultural and spiritual hub for Javanese people. It is also where tourists would usually base their stay when visiting Borobudur, which is actually located in Magelang. We recommend staying at some of Java’s best hotels and spas in Yogyakarta city, and have a tour around to visit attractions such as the Sultan’s Palace or Keraton, Taman Sari (Water Castle),Beringharjo Market to bring home some fine Batik items, Prambanan and Borobudur Temple, and the Ullen Sentalu Museum near the Merapi Mountain–which have been frequently heralded as the best museum in Indonesia.
Borobudur Temple, Magelang
Prambanan Temple
Amanjiwo, Yogyakarta
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