Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by asoulwindow
I have never been to Indonesia. But recently a friend of mine Medhavi Davda has inspired me to go there. Off late, I see a trend of many travelers choosing Indonesia for their vacation. I myself dream of going there soon and writing about Indonesia based upon my travel. Her travels educated me that Indonesia is not just about Bali or the Komodo islands. Be sure that in spite of these mega attractions, there are many more places in Indonesia, which can claim equal if not more prominence. The tourist hot spots here, are varied and in numbers, so I have highlighted ten of the best to assist you in planning your next trip to Indonesia. This is a research based list of top places to set foot in when in Indonesia.
Table of Contents
1) BANDUNG
This fourth largest city in the country, is the perfect starting point for your holiday. The attractions here including, shopping, volcanoes and craters, dining and the unmissable culture show Saung Angklung Udjo.Lembang is one of the best spots in Bandung and staying at grand hotel lembang is recommended and it is easy to get awesome discounts with Traveloka hotel deals.
2) BOROBUDUR
A prominent UNESCO world heritage site, the largest 9th century Buddhist monument here occupies the pride of place. It is said that the sunrise view from Borobudur is quite incredible.
3) KALIURANG
This popular weekend destination, is located 25 km north of Yogyakarta, and because of its relative high elevation, enjoys a great climate. The Ullen Sentalu museum here, deserves special praise because of the cultural exhibits depicting the lives of famous women of Java.
4) YOGYAKARTA
The heart of art and culture of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is a major tourist attraction. In spite of the rapid development, the place, the locals are extremely friendly. The city is s good place to camp for visiting the famous temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. I have always fancied finding myself near an active volcano. This looks like a place where I can realize that dream.
5) BROMO TENGGER NATIONAL PARK
This spectacular volcano, though not as high as the other celebrated ones, is certainly the most impressive to look at. Hiking up the slopes to view the sunrise is said to be a magical experience.
ALSO READ: Visiting Uluwatu temple in Bali
6) KOMODO ISLAND
The diverse marine habitat in Komodo will amaze you. Being a wildlife enthusiast, this place attracts me the most. Who doesn’t want to see a monster which looks like it belongs to pre historic era? Nature at its best is what a trip to Komodo is about. No doubt, these islands are known for their giant lizards, the Komodo dragons, but there are other charms too. The best place to experience the culture of the numerous ethnic groups of Indonesia.
7) BALI
Bali and its beaches draw visitors in hordes like no other place in Indonesia, if not the world. Apart from tje cultural landmarks, the warm sands and blue waters never fail to disappoint. The Kuta beach is an icon of Bali for those who want to mix sunshine with outdoor activities. A friend of mine Jeetendra Sharma and Pooja Sharma showed me pictures of Bali from their trip. No matter, how cliched this destination is, I still want to experience it.
8) TANJUNG PUTING NATIONAL PARK
No trip to this country could be deemed complete without getting a glimpse of the famous orangutans of Borneo. It is said that the largest population in the world resides in this park, besides other primates and birds.
9) GILI ISLAND
These picturesque islands near Lombok are worthy rivals to the more beaches of Bali, if not better. The turtle hatchery and snorkeling are major draws. As they are less crowded, they provide a great alternative to those who cannot visit Bali. I have trekked only in India and Nepal. It would be exciting to trek here.
10) UBUD
The Hindu Temple (Pic: Pixabay)
The sacred monkey forest here is a place where you can find peace and serenity among hundreds of long- tailed macaques. Situated near Padangtegal, the Hindu temple here is a reminder of stunning natural beauty and artistry. A must visit place when in Bali.
The view from my #SoulWindow looks exciting!
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Great post, maybe you should add Raja Ampat too… if fabulous place to visit and welcome to my country, Indonesia..
Great post! Yogyakarta is one of my favorite cities. You definitely will love Indonesia!
Hi! I myself an Indonesian, living in Bandung City. Thanks for your writing about my country. Though there are still so many beautiful hidden places that is haven’t known much for tourism. For example, the one i have just wrote https://pandabearjourney.wordpress.com/2017/01/20/a-walk-into-pine-woods-north-bandung-serenity/
Come see my blog to see another. 🙂
Yes, it does seem like an amazing place. Though I love the offbeat destinations, I would love to start with the tourist Bali. Have heard lot of great things about it.
I recommend another list from Indonesia you have to try: Raja Ampat (Whale Shark, Manta, east side), Weh Island (best wooden lodge, west side), and Seram Island (the deepest sea in Indonesia east side). 😀
Wow. Those are some great ideas. Will check these again as and when I plan a trip to Indonesia
Ubud seems like a place I would love. Nice post.
I will definitely consider and learn more about Ubud prior to making holidays plans for Indonesia.
I think so too. All the best. May your travel dreams come true.
Indonesia is such a rich country that I find myself always going back. Now I have Yogyakarta in my next to do list 😉 But also heard great thing about the Komodo Island. Thanks for sharing this top places.
Welcome. I am sure Indonesia is worth going back to.
There’s many things to explore actually in Indonesia. This is just some of the popular tourist spot. 🙂
True that. This is not the entire list. But the list of places I want to travel to first.
I have never travelled to Indonesia either but having just read now about Borobudur in particular, It genuinely sounds like somewhere I would enjoy. Awesome thanks for putting this together and changing my mind 🙂
Borobudur is definitely on top of my wishlist of places to see in Indonesia. I am a history buff.
There are so many other beautiful places in Indonesia besides Bali and you showed some of them perfectly in your article. I have read recently an article about the Komodo island, how many beauties it hosts, including 3 different colored beaches. I’d love to visit it.
Oh yes. I am most excited about Komodo Dragons. I have a gut feeling, me and dragons will gel well. 😊
so many places on my bucket list from your piece. I am going to have to plan some serious travel time to take in all the beauty that you have shown us.
I hope Indonesia happens in 2017 to both of us.
Amazing post. Earlier I thought I could do a weekend (or at max extended weekend) getaway to Indonesia and come back 😀 But your post has now changed that notion. I should plan a good amount of time while traveling here
Yup. I discovered that myself too while writing this. One week will sure be injustice to Indonesia.
So amazing, all of them! Of course Bali looks like a painting, makes me really feel like want to be there immediately. I like the calmness in these pictures, thank you for sharing this. Which of these location would you like to visit first?
Yes, it does look like an exciting destination. Though I love offbeat destinations but would love to start with Bali. Have heard great things about it. These are not my pictures. Credit given. 😊
Well lovely post about a really small part of Indonesia, Lombok ,Giava and Bali around! I’ve been in all these places and I can say that more of them are already too crowded (Bali and Gili Islands for example)! Responding to this post I suggest you to get to Sulawesi, like Togean Islands, Tana Toraja area and around there!! 😀 Anyway thanks for this post, helpful for many people want to go there for the first time!
Thanks for the suggestions. Since I have not been to Indonesia I would love to explore both….touristy as well as offbeat Indonesia.
Loads to explore across Indonesia.
Yup. Indeed.