Indonesia is a place with a group of amazing destinations which has so much to offer. It is a vast archipelago with diverse landscapes, vibrant culture and many scenic wonders. Indonesia will take you off with surprise. From spiritual serenity to tropical wonders, Indonesia has it all. It is a blend of traditional heritage and modern energy. With ancient temples, active volcanos, vegetation and wildlife, it is safe to say that there is so much to discover in Indonesia. We have listed some of the best places to visit in Indonesia in this article. Even though it is known majorly for Bali, there are also other beautiful places that one should not miss when in Indonesia.
If you want an unforgettable experience in your stay in Indonesia , then add the following places in your bucket list for your next visit to Indonesia:
1. Jakarta
Jakarta , the capital of Indonesia , is a vibrant city full of culture and heritage. It is a captivating place which is popular for art and history. There are many different sites that tourists can explore here. People can visit the Monas National Monument which is the symbol of Indonesia’s independence. The Istiqlal mosque is also a popular attraction here. People admire it for its beautiful architecture.
Other than this, people can explore the traditional markets like Pasar Baru and Glodok and experience the local culture. The street food in Jakarta is also something that one must try.
2. Raja Ampat Island
Raja Ampat Island is every tourists favourite place. this is because the place offers incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities. It is known to have unbelievable coral reefs and crystal clear waters. The place is so enchanting that it attracts many tourists.You can do island hopping and paddle through the waters on kayak. There you can visit some popular sites like Pulau Wayag, Cape Kri, Pasir Timbul beach, Lenmakana jellyfish lake, Manty Sanda and Arborek village. This place is surely one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
3. Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is deeply engraved with Javanese culture. The place has a youthful charm but is deeply rooted in ancient history. The city is still ruled by a sultan. There are many temples that you must surely visit with some even dating back to the 9th century. The Borobudur temple here is a UNESCO WORLD heritage site. It is also one of the largest Buddhist temples. Prambanan temple is a Hindu temple and also another UNESCO world heritage site.
Other than these beautiful temples, you can also visit Keraton Yogyakarta which is the Sultan’s Palace and showcases extreme Javanese architecture and culture. You can also experience some traditional artforms like Wayang Kulit which is a shadow puppet show and learn the traditional art of Batik-making.
4. Komodo Island
Komodo island is known for being home to Komodo dragons. It also offers rich marine life, unique landscape and beaches. The Komoda national park is a site that you must not miss if you want to catch a glimpse of giant lizards. Apart from this, you can also snorkel in the clean waters and spot a variety of fish, sea turtles and many other marine creatures. You can explore Padar island and the Pink beach. Nature lovers will have a wonderful time of their lives here. We can easily say this is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
5. Bali
We know everyone is already familiar with Bali. But what people miss out is its great diversity as well. There is more to Bali than what people already know. You should definitely explore some rice terrace plantations in Bali. There are also some temples that you can visit like Uluwatu temple- a Hindu temple which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Then there is Tirta Empul temple which is a sacred water temple featuring holy springs and some purification rituals.
There is also a Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Bali zoo that must not miss your bucket list. You can even go hiking at Mount Batur and be totally taken away with the sunrise. In Ubud, you can even participate in yoga programs or deep meditation programs and even spa treatments. All of these diverse range of things makes Bali a power pack of spiritualism and adventure with its beaches, temples and rice terraces.
6. Sulawesi
Sulawesi is a hidden gem in Indonesia. There are many places that you can explore here. The most famous one is Tana Toraja. People here are so deeply rooted in their customs and rituals which sets this place apart from anything that you have seen in Indonesia. The people perform elaborate funeral rituals that might take you off guard. They believe in the afterlife and the funeral rituals revolve around taking care of their loved ones even after they have died. The whole experience might give you some chills.
You can also visit Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Bunaken National Marine Park, Lake Matano and Makassar. Exploring Sulawesi will make you learn about the Torajan culture and traditions which might be the highlight of your trip.
Conclusion
Through this article we have tried to give you a glimpse of the rich culture, tradition, heritage and enchanting beauty of Indonesia. This place has many hidden gems that people might overlook because of the popularity of its beaches. It has many temples with deep historical significance and also many places which are considered to be UNESCO world heritages. In this article we have thrown light on some of the best places to visit in Indonesia. Whether you are chasing a tropical sunset, exploring an ancient temple or immersing yourself in the local culture, Indonesia has you covered.
