Categories: About Indonesia

14 Weird Things to Do in Indonesia Before You Die

Also known as the emerald of the equator, the magnificent nature of Indonesia not only captivates the domestic tourists, but also the international. A great number of the international tourists have time off to enjoy the Nusantara’s natures and cultures. Among many of the tourist destinations, which of them are the most visited by the international tourists?

1. Bali

From the popularity of the name overseas, we must agree that Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, especially things to do in Denpasar. The various landscapes, the exotic white sand beaches, the surging beautiful waves, the stunning sunset and sunrise, the fertile green rice fields, the hills, all in one package of an island, Bali.

Popularly known as the Island of the Gods, Bali is blessed with enchanting beautiful nature and the unique Hindu culture that become the attraction of the island. Bali offers almost everything a traveler wants from the prosperous spirituality of the culture, the exotic beaches, the incredible nature, all of those make Bali become the most popular destination for the foreign tourists in Indonesia.

More Places in Bali to Visit:

2. Baliem Valley

Baliem Valley is located in West Papua highland. The journey to Baliem Valley is usually started from Wamena. When the journey begins, we can see the magnificent mountains, the natural rivers, and the traditional tribes in Papua, including the enthusiastic Dani Tribe.

You may also like another destinations in West Papua:

Tanjung Puting National Park

The national park is located in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. We can see the wildlife inhabited the national park such as gibbons, bears, monkeys, pythons, leopards, and the famous orangutan. We can also visit the research center in the national park. Thus, this may be your unforgettable weird things to do in Indonesia.

However, Tanjung Puting National Park is endangered because of the illegal logging and the land clearing for plantations.

More Places in Central Kalimantan: Best Beaches in Kalimantan (Breathtaking Scenery)

4. Gili Islands

Known for its amazing islands, Lombok has Gili Islands. The famous islands are consisted of three islands: Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno. Gili means small island, which also means that there are many other Gili islands in Lombok.

You can certainly enjoy your favorite music on the beaches of the islands, away from the hectic of city life. What a peaceful place.

More comprehensive articles about Gili Islands:

5. Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is located in East Java, and one of the most visited destinations. Situated on 2329 above sea level does not make Mount Bromo the highest mountain, but the most popular.

The interesting event that you can find in Bromo is Kasodo Ritual from Tengger Tribe. The ritual is held to avoid bad lucks and diseases, and also to pray for abundant harvest. In the ritual, people will throw offerings to the crater of Mount Bromo and there will be others who catch the offerings as a symbol of blessing from the God. Further information, please take a look on Things to Do in Mount Bromo, East Java Indonesia.

6. Komodo Island

Komodo Island is a national park located in the Sunda Kecil Islands. Sunda Kecil Islands have three main islands: Rinca Island, Komodo Island, and Padar Island, with other 26 smaller islands.

The island is named Komodo because it is inhabited by Komodo, a giant prehistoric lizard that can grow up to the length of 3 meters long and weight of 70 kg. Komodo eats animal carcasses; most of them are mammals and birds.

Even though the lizard rarely attacks human, we nevertheless should be careful if we visit the island since it only takes a drop of the lizard’s saliva to our wounds in order for it to spread millions of bacteria to the body.

7. Bunaken

Bunaken is the part of Bunaken National Park in northern part of Sulawesi Island.

If you love diving and snorkeling, the national park is the safe haven for you since it one of the most popular diving spots in Indonesia, which is so beautiful.

We can found in Bunaken National Park about 70% of Pacific Ocean fish; a really amazing place to dive in. There are also many best spots in Bunaken that you can visit.

8. Borobudur

Located around 40 km to the northwestern of Yogyakarta, Borobudur is the most popular Buddhist temple in the world.

Borobudur is built for about 75 years in the era of Syailendra Dynasty.

The giant temple is magnificently splendid with the surrounding beautiful scenery. You can do Borobudur Yogyakarta. Not a wonder that many travelers come to visit the temple.

Here is the place where you can learn about Indonesian history, religions, and ancient times.

9. Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja is a highland located in South Sulawesi. The traditional house that you can find in Tana Toraja is called Tongkonan, a house with peaked big roof. You do things to do in Tana Toraja.

What makes a visit to Tana Toraja is the culture. It has a ritual that involves the deceased bodies. After the person is dead, his body will be kept, usually a year, before it comes to the real funeral ritual. The ritual takes several days. Eventually, the body will be buried in the hole of trees or small caves.

10. Toba Lake

Toba Lake is a volcanic lake in Sumatera. The eruption of a super volcano around 70.000 years ago created a massive crater that becomes Toba Lake with 30 km in width and 100 km in length. You may also check on Lake Toba Sumatra Indonesia

In Toba Lake, you can swim in the warm water of the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Besides of the beautiful nature, you can also enjoy the Sumatera traditional culinary in the available restaurants around the lake.

11. DKI Jakarta

As the capital city of Indonesia, no wonder that Jakarta is the most visited city by international tourist. Many of them that land on Soekarno-Hatta airport take time to walk around the city.

More Tourist Attractions Around Jakarta:

Best Playgrounds in Jakarta (Outdoor and Indoor Spots)
Things to Do in North Jakarta
Things To Do In West Jakarta Indonesia

In Jakarta, you can visit Thousand Islands that have beautiful beaches and other destinations in the city like culinary places, museums, and the shopping centers.

12. Banten

Banten is also visited by many foreign travelers because of the interesting destinations such as Pelabuhan Ratu, Buaya Garden, and many other natural destinations. Further, check on this Things to Do in Banten Indonesia (Natural Spots)

You can enjoy here the natural view of the fresh Banten city that is far away from the frantic daily life in big cities.

Banten also has culinary spots that make the city worth to be visited by the domestic or international tourists. Well, you can do many weird things to do in Indonesia.

13. Riau Islands

Riau Islands is another destination that attracts foreigner travelers to come.

One of the main attractions is Anambas Islands, which is the best tropical islands in Asia and the most attractive diving and snorkeling spot.

The islands can be put on your travelling list if you seek a natural beach to spend on your vacation. Check out here: 15 Stress-Relieving Things To Do in Riau Islands

14. Karimunjava

Karimunjava is the islands that are located in Central Java, or precisely in Jepara. There are beautiful beaches and clear water. Also, there are at least 242 variety of fish and endangered animals like green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, and white-chested sea eagles.

Karimunjava also offers the gorgeous underwater view that you can enjoy by snorkeling. Check out here: Things to Do in Karimun Jawa Island Indonesia

Those are the most visited destinations in Indonesia and weird things to do in Indonesia. Hopefully the list will help you to plan the best destination for your next vacation in Indonesia. Happy planning for your vacation!