Sukanya Sen
A land gifted with pristine beaches, exotic water villas on serene islands, quasi-active volcanoes, vibrant tribes and their cultural ethos. No! We are not talking about a fascinating dream but about the fairy tale-like Indonesian landscapes.
There are many surreal places in Indonesia, and together they offer a mix of outlandish island wonders and spine-chilling wildlife adventures. Here’s a list of the most beautiful places in Indonesia, covering islands, beaches and lakes for the water babies; national parks for wildlife lovers; active volcano sites for adventurous souls; and places for city explorers.
16 Places to visit in Indonesia
If you’re visiting Indonesia anytime soon, then make sure to keep these 16 places in your bucket list and enjoy the nature’s beauty which is abundant at these locations.
Gili Islands
Raja Ampat Islands
Maluk Beach
Kelimutu Lake
Lake Toba
Bunaken Marine Park
Komodo National Park
Mount Bromo
Mount Rinjani
Ijen
Dieng Plateau
Torajaland
Borobudur Temple
Ubud
Tanjung Puting National Park
Derawan Islands
1. Gili Islands, Lombok
Over-water villas are so romantic, that there is no way to forget them while making a list of most beautiful places in Indonesia. Fringed by white sand beaches and blue water, the complex of three small and isolated islands namely Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air bears unique scenic appeal.
Tips: The best time to visit Gili Islands is between June to September as thhe crystal clear water poses perfect conditions for water activities. Things to do: Besides adventure sports like snorkeling, surfing and diving, go island hopping, fishing and touring in glass-bottom boats. Else, just chill out in a beachside cafe or shack. Best places to stay: Les Villas, Oceano Jambuluwuk and Ombak Sunset.
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2. Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua
Raja Ampat, meaning Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising islands Waigeo, Misool, Salawati, and Batanta, besides 1500 minor ones. The awe-inspiring backdrop of steep, forested islands, sizzling beaches, and marshy lagoons, small atolls looking like mushrooms and shining turquoise water makes the place a perfect delight for travelers. One of the famous Indonesia tourist spots is rich in marine flora and fauna diversity including rare species of corals.
Tips:-There are no ATMs on this island. Make sure you have all the cash you need to survive on the island. Things to do: Snorkelling, underwater diving, kayaking and relishing nature. Best places to stay: Swiss Belhotel, Marina Mamberamo,-and Belagri Hotel.
3. Maluk Beach, Sumbawa Island
This is one of the stunning beaches of Indonesia located along the western coast of south Sumbawa Island. With the changing colors of sun rays, the waves also look vibrant and magical. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
Tips: Sumbawa Island is more of a rural destination and poses authentic local village experiences for adventures and explorers. Things to do: Sunbathing and wave surfing are common activities here. One can also visit the Malu Turtle Conservation Center located nearby. Best places to stay: Rantung Beach Hotel, Nomad Tropical Beach Resort,-and Ring Sameton Inn. There are numerous homestay options available around Maluk beach.
4. Kelimutu Lake, Nusa Tenggara Timur
Of all the Indonesia tourist places, Kelimutu Lake is a league apart, and certainly one of the most visited of beautiful places in Indonesia. Kelimutu is a collective term given to three crater lakes formed by the volcano of the same name and is deemed . Though situated on the same volcanic peak, three lakes display three different colours red, blue and white. The crater lakes are the must-visit Indonesia tourist spots.
Tips: The island is a rural destination and still not developed infrastructure-wise. It is imperative for the visitors to dress modestly and respect the culture and traditions of the local people. Things to do: Go for trekking and exploring the beautiful landscapes and lake wonders. Sunsets and sunrises in Kelimutu are surreal. Best places to stay: Kelimutu Crater Lake Eco Lodge
5. Lake Toba, North Sumatra
Lake Toba, situated on Earths largest caldera, has a volcanic origin and was formed approximately 70,000 years ago. It may sound like a riddle but Lake Toba is situated in an island, which again is in a lake! If you didn’t get it, read again. It is indeed one of the popular Indonesia tourist places in the whole world.
Tips: The climate at Lake Toba gets cold. Keeping woolen clothing with you should come in handy. Things to do: Swim in the volcanic warmed water. Besides, it is perfect to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings of this beautiful place in Indonesia. Best places to stay: Hotel Carolina, Toledo Inn and Hotel Tiara Bunga.
6. Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi
The picture clearly says that next in our list is among the most beautiful places and a famous tourist place in Indonesia. Bunaken Sea Park located in the northern stretch of Sulawesi is rich in marine flora and fauna. The sight of numerous exotic and endangered fish species present in the crystal clear water have increased the tourist density of the area.
Tips: The best time to visit the marine park is from July to August. Yo should plan your trip around these months. Things to do: Snorkeling and diving stick to them. They are the best ways to discover the glamorous and unusual aquatic life of the Bunaken Sea Park. Best places to stay: Siladen Resort, Living Colours Dive Resort and The Village Bunaken. Besides, there are plenty of home-stay options for backpackers.
7. Komodo National Park, Nusa Tenggara Timur
One of the most sought-after tourist places in Indonesia, the island is located between Sumbawa and Flores, along western Nusa Tenggara Timur, and is popular for the presence of giant Monitor Lizards known as Komdo Dragons. The island is arid, rugged and barren and forms a part of Komodo National Park and Marine Reserve. Aerial views prove that it is inarguably, among the most beautiful places in Indonesia.
Tips:-The best time to visit the park is during the dry season which runs from April to December. Things to do: Besides spotting endangered Komodo dragons, a range of activities can be enjoyed Komodo National Park. Go for kayaking, diving, trekking or the guided island tours. Best places to stay: Waecicu Eden Beach Hotel, Komodo Resort, and Golo Hilltop.
8. Mount Bromo, East Java
Mount Bromo or better known as Gunung Bromo is a volcano in the active state. The top of the Bromo forms a crater which emits white smoke at regular intervals. A part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, this volcano is fringed by the sea of volcanic sand. It is one of the most visited tourist places in Indonesia.
Tips: If you are opting for a private car to reach here, make sure you make arrangement well in advance. Things to do: Hiking and trekking Best places to stay: Java Banano Bromo
9. Mount Rinjani, Nusa Tenggara Barat
Locally known as Gunung Rinjani, this is an active volcano on Mount Lombok. It is the second highest volcano of Indonesia after Mount Kerinci in Sumatra. The hilly landscape is dominated by the Crater Lake called Segara Anak, which has a natural hot spring in it. It is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
Tips: The hiking to this mountain is not for casual travelers and novice because of its treacherous path. Things to do: Besides enjoying the serene yet daring beauty of a volcano, Mount Rinjani is a good place to go hiking. Climbing alone is not advisable, so prefer going in a group. Best places to stay: Hakiki Inn, Green Orry Inn, and Dewi Tunjung Biru along with plenty of decent home-stay options.
10. Ijen, East Java
Ijen is one of the group of volcanoes within a huge acidic blue-water crater. Ijen is located in eastern Java, lying west of Gunung Merapi. It is the tallest volcano of the cluster and dangerously beautiful place in Indonesia. The area is rich in sulfur and famous for mining activities.
Tips: You will smell a stench in the air because of high amounts of sulfur in it. You can have the masks from the entry point. Also, wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes to reach this place. Al Things to do: Trek up to the crater or in the foothills, the beauty of the place is enthralling. Also, the local villages are worth a small exploration trip. Best places to stay: Berlian Abadi, Manyar Garden Hotels and Ijen Resorts and Villas.
11. Dieng Plateau, Central Java
Tectonic-ally formed after an eruption, this plateau is a caldera situated almost 2000 metres above sea level. This marshy plateau, known as Dieng which means abode of God, is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
Tips:-The guesthouses in this part of Java are sparse and may only have least of basic amenities. Also, it gets really cold in the highlands. Make sure you pack proper clothing. Things to do: Trek to the multi-coloured Telaga Warna lake and explore the Arjuna temple. Best places to stay: Kresna Gallery Hotel, Arjuna Hotel and Surya Asia Hotel. There are numerous homestay options available for backpackers.
12. Torajaland, South Sulawesi
The highland region known as Torajaland, located at southern Sulawesi is the home of Toraja tribe. Torajan people are well-known for their culture, tradition, rituals and high peaked-roof houses called Tongkonan. Their unique pattern makes it a distinct and beautiful place in Indonesia.
Tips: You will find bizarre and extraordinary cultures being followed in this part of the region like-their funeral. Try not to freak out.
Things to do: Hiking is the best, and the only thing to do here. It will be fun to explore the model Toraja settlement at Kete Kesu.
Best places to stay: Luta Resort, Riana Guest House and Hotel Indra.
13. Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is the worlds biggest Buddhist sanctuary which not only has a religious significance but it is also admired for its architectural beauty. Built around the 8th century, this temple reflects the country’s long preserved history which can be seen in its architecture, culture and customs. This ancient temple is a home to ornate stone carvings, a grand structure to gaze at and scenic views which surrounds the monument.
Location: Jl. Badrawati, Kw Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
14. Ubud
The art and cultural capital of Bali, Ubud is a mesmerizing place to enjoy the scenic surroundings, art galleries and traditional dances. It is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia which attracts tourists every year. Surrounded by tropical jungles, calm rivers and varied wellness homes, this place is indeed a must visit while in Bali.
Must Visit Attractions: Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Ubud Monkey Temple
15. Tanjung Puting National Park
While Indonesia is country blessed with the finest tropical jungles and traditional villages, there is more to this exotic Southeast Asian destination. Just in case youre not satisfied with all these natural settlements and craving for more, then visit the Tanjung Puting National Park which is a home to adorable Orangutans.
Location: Teluk Pulai, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia Timings: 6AM-7PM
16. Derawan Islands
The Derawan Islands is an archipelago of six islands and makes a great escape for the tourists who are looking out for a relaxing paradise. These islands offer a varied range of adventures and scenic beauty. From the sublime sea caves to the lavish resorts and lakes, this island paradise is one of the hidden beautiful places in Indonesia and gives the tourists worth a reason to visit.
Location: East Kalimantan
They a one of my most stunning and beautiful places so far i have been too ,in Indonesia and hope this information can be of helpful upon your planned visit to in Indonesia .
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