Indonesia has an amazing nature and culture. There are about 17,000 islands in Indonesia. The number of islands makes Indonesia has a variety of languages, cultures, and attractions. The hospitality of the Indonesian people makes anyone who comes will always be welcomed with open arms. There are many interesting places in Indonesia that you can visit. Let’s find out the best points of interest in Indonesia.
1. Tanah Lot Bali
With a worldwide reputation, Bali has always been the choice of a vacation spot for both ordinary and famous people. Tanah Lot is a must visit place the moment you set foot in Bali. Here you can see the famous Tanah Lot Temple that often appears in postcards and is one of the icons of Bali tourism.
In addition to the temple you also must visit the Sacred Snake Cave. Inside the cave there are some sea snakes that are believed to be the guardian of the temple. Right in front of the Sacred Snake Cave there is Holy Water Cave. The cave has springs that come from the sea. Nevertheless these springs taste plain, not salty.
How to Get There
Tanah Lot is located in Beraban Village, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali Province. It’s about one hour drive from Denpasar. The admission for domestic tourists is Rp 20,000 while for foreign tourists is Rp 60,000. Opening hours is 7 am – 7 pm. Take the time to explore Tabanan. Visiting Tanah Lot is just one of things to do in Tabanan.
2. Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple is a center of worship for the Balinese people. The temple is built on the slopes of Mount Agung and is a complex of temples consisting of 22 temples. Among the temples, the largest is the Great Penataran temple in which there are statues of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
The view at Besakih Temple is amazing. You can see the beauty of Mount Agung which blends harmoniously with Balinese culture. The cool weather will make you happy to linger enjoying Besakih Temple decorated with Balinese-style ornaments, beautiful flowers, and unique sculptures.
How to Get There
Besakih Temple is located in Besakih Village, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali Province. It’s about one and half hours drive from Denpasar. The admission is Rp 15,000. Opening hours is 9 am-5pm. Besides visiting Besakih Temple, you have more things to do in Karangasem.
3. Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Located at the top of the hill makes Borobudur Temple looks so majestic and mighty. Borobudur temple is located at an altitude of 265 meters above sea level.
Borobudur Temple was built in 824 AD and has been listed as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage. Every year Vesak celebration is centered here. Keep in mind that the weather in the Borobudur area is usually hot, so bring an umbrella and water.
How to Get There
Borobudur Temple is located in Borobudur Village, Magelang Regency, Central Java Province. However it is more accessible from Yogyakarta, only about 1 hour drive. The admission for domestic tourists is Rp 40,000 while for foreign tourists is USD 25. Opening hours is 6 am to 5 pm. A day won’t be enough to explore Borobudur, there are many things to do in Borobudur.
4. Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia. Built in the 9th century, Prambanan Temple was dedicated as an offering for Lord Shiva. Prambanan Temple also includes UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage.
The complex of Prambanan Temple is quite wide. To surround it you can ride a train car, just pay Rp 10,000 only. In the evening Prambanan Temple is used as the location of Ramayana Dance performances.
How to Get There
Prambanan Temple is located in Prambanan Village, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Province. The admission for domestic tourists is Rp 40,000 while for foreign tourists is USD 25. Opening hours is 6 am to 5 pm. Don’t you know you have lots of things to do in Prambanan Temple?
5. Kuta Bali
Kuta is probably the most popular tourist destinations in Bali. Here you can find beaches, surf courses, waterpark, inns (from the cheap to five star), places to eat (from cafeteria to restaurant), bars, clubs, to shopping. Surely there is something for everyone in Kuta.
In the evening Kuta atmosphere will be more crowded. You can try for culinary tour at Kuta Street with affordable price or just sit back at Kuta Beach enjoying the sea breeze. If you want to socialize, you can go to bars or night clubs along Legian Street.
How to Get There
Kuta is located in Badung Regency, Bali Province. It’s about 15 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai Internasional Airport. Walking or renting a motorbike is the best way to get around Kuta. Certainly you won’t run out of things to do in Kuta.
6. Ubud Bali
Bali is not just about the beach. Come to Ubud to see the other side of Bali. You will encounter verdant rice fields, clear streams, chirping of the birds, green trees, thick Balinese culture, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Ubud Monkey Forest is a must-visit place. Not only monkeys, the forest also has beautiful temples and a sacred pond. In addition you have to go for a stroll and feel the sensation of eating in the middle of a verdant rice field. There are many great restaurants with rice field views.
How to Get There
Ubud is located in Gianyar Regency, Bali Province. It’s about one hour drive from Kuta. You definitely have lots of things to do in Ubud.
7. Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is a must-visit mountain when you are in Java. This active volcano has a stunning beauty. Mount Bromo is also one of the best places in Indonesia to enjoy the sunrise.
In addition, Mount Bromo is surrounded by sea of sand. You can explore it by renting a horse. If you are lucky you can see the traditional ceremony performed by the Tengger tribe in the crater of Mount Bromo.
How to Get There
Mount Bromo is located in Probolinggo Regency, East Java Province. It’s about 3.5 hours drive from Surabaya. The admission for domestic tourists is Rp 27,500 on weekdays and Rp 32,500 on weekend. While for foreign tourist is Rp 217,500 on weekdays and Rp 317,500 on weekend. With the beauty of Mount Bromo, there are lots of things to do in Mount Bromo.
8. Ijen Crater
Ijen Crater is famous for its blue fire phenomenon that can only be seen in the early morning. Therefore visitors usually start the climb since 1 am. You must be in good shape to reach Ijen Crater which is located at the top of Mount Ijen, about 2,443 meters above sea level.
Another attraction of Ijen Crater is the activity of sulfur miners. For the sake of the fortune they go up and down Mount Ijen while carrying dozens of kilograms of sulfur. From Ijen Crater you can also see other mountains around such as Mount Raung, Mount Suket and Mount Rante.
How to Get There
Ijen Crater is located on the border of Situbondo Regency and Banyuwangi Regency, East Java Province. You can travel by car or bus from Surabaya or come through Banyuwangi’s Belimbing Sari Airport. The admission for domestic tourist is Rp 5,000 on weekdays and Rp 7,500 on weekend. While for foreign tourist is Rp 100,000 on weekdays and Rp 150,000 on weekend.
9. Toba Lake
Lake Toba, which is the largest lake in Southeast Asia, is a flagship attraction of Sumatra. It is not difficult to enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba. There are many hotels and resorts around the lake. You can also rent a jetski to surround Lake Toba.
In the middle of Lake Toba there is Samosir Island. You can take a ferry to cross to the island. In Samosir Island you can see Batak’s traditional dance, explore museum of Batak, pilgrimage to king of Batak and buy typical souvenir of Batak.
How to Get There
Lake Toba is located in Parapat, Girsang Sipanganbolon, Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra Province. It’s about 4 hours drive from Medan. You should spend the night at Lake Toba, there are many interesting spots in Lake Toba.
10. Tana Toraja
Tana Toraja is located in a mountainous area and is famous for its natural beauty and culture. You can see the green rice fields with mountains in the background. The cool weather will make you feel at home here.
The people of Tana Toraja have rituals and traditions that are run strictly. One of the most interesting is Rambu Solo, which is a funeral ceremony. The family of the deceased will slaughter dozens of buffalo and pigs to entertain the mourners. The ceremony can last for days, even up to 2 weeks for the nobility.
How to Get There
Tana Toraja is located in South Sulawesi Province. It’s about 10 hours drive from Makassar.
More best points of interest in Indonesia
11. Gili Islands
The beauty of Gili Islands’s beaches rivals the beauty of Bali’s beaches. Its white sand and turquoise sea are indeed a breathtaking scenery. The favorite activity here is playing by the beach or just relaxing on a lounger.
Not only beaches, Gili Islands also have underwater beauty that should not be missed. The holiday atmosphere is really felt. Every night bars and clubs always throw a lively party. Plus the absence of vehicles makes Gili Islands free from pollution.
How to Get There
Gili Islands are located near Lombok Islands, West Nusa Tenggara Province. You can depart from Bali’s Padang Bai Port by speedboat directly to Gili Islands. Or you can come to Lombok International Airport, then to Bangsal Port by car. From Bangsal Port you can take a boat to Gili Islands. Since Gili Islands are famous as the party island you have lots of things to do in Gili Islands.
12. Komodo National Park
Komodo dragon is the ancient animal that can only be found in Indonesia. You can see it with your own eyes in Komodo National Park. Here you will find hundreds of komodo dragons that roam freely, living side by side with the population.
In addition Komodo National Park also has an exotic Pink Beach and stunning underwater beauty. A day would not be enough to enjoy the beauty of Komodo National Park. The best way to explore Komodo National Park is to rent a boat or take a liveonboard tour.
How to Get There
Komodo National Park is located in East Nusa Tenggara Province. To get to Komodo National Park, you must first come to Labuan Bajo. There are many flights from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo, or from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo. From Labuan Bajo Port you need to rent a boat to get to Komodo National Park. The admission for domestic tourists is Rp 22,500 while for foreign tourists is Rp 150.000, plus Rp 80.000 for the cost of guide ranger. You won’t get bored here. You have many things to do in Komodo National Park.
13. Tanjung Puting National Park
Tanjung Puting National Park is the place to rehabilitate orangutan, the native animal of Kalimantan. Being in a tropical rainforest, you can see orangutan life in its natural habitat. Feeding time is the most awaited event because you can also feed as well.
For a tour in Tanjung Puting National Park, you need to take a liveonboard tour that will follow the Sekonyer River that divides the national park. Not only orangutans, you will also find monkeys, bekantans, birds, snakes, crocodiles and typical plants of Kalimantan. A peaceful atmosphere of the forest will make you forget about the bustle of life.
How to Get There
Tanjung Puting National Park is located in Central Kalimantan Province. First you take a plane from Jakarta to Pangkalan Bun. Upon arrival at Pangkalan Bun you continue the journey by taxi to Port Dumai. There are several boats rented for a tour to Tanjung Puting National Park.
14. Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is an exotic archipelago that becomes the jewel of Eastern Indonesia. Raja Ampat is currently the main destination for marine tourism in Indonesia. It is said that the beauty of Raja Ampat’s underwater is the best in the world.
In addition there is also a cluster of karst islands that forms a beautiful formation. It’s very instagramable. And it’s mandatory to take pictures with the background of these karst islands. Eat, dive and sleep is the motto when you holiday in Raja Ampat.
How to Get There
Raja Ampat is located in Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua Province. From Jakarta you take a plane to Sorong. From Sorong you continue the journey by plane or boat to Waisai. Upon arrival at Waisai you can rent a boat for island hopping or to go to dive spots. Spend your time wisely because there are lots of things to do in Raja Ampat Islands.
15. Bunaken National Park
Bunaken National Park is one of the marine parks that have the highest biodiversity in the world. There are various coral reefs and no less than 150 species of fish. Bunaken National Park has more than 20 dive spots with varying depths.
Bunaken National Park is a popular tourist attraction in Sulawesi. Located not far from the city center makes this marine park is often visited by local and foreign divers. In addition to diving, underwater beauty can also be enjoyed with a glass-bottom boat.
How to Get There
Bunaken National Park is located in Manado, North Sulawesi Province. It’s only about 30 minutes from Manado Port. Make sure you are in prime condition, there are many wonderful spots in Bunaken Island.
Ok guys, now you know the best points of interest in Indonesia. No doubt Indonesia has the best Places To Visit in Indonesia with its beautiful nature and culture. Let’s visit Indonesia..!