Introduction
Indonesia is a gorgeous country located in Southeast Asia, made up of over 17,000 islands. It has a lot to offer visitors, from beautiful beaches and forests to ancient temples and vibrant cities. You will find some of the friendliest people who welcome tourists with big smiles. There are many wonderful places for you to explore in Indonesia. Here are the top 10 most popular for you to consider visiting on your next trip.
1. Bali
The island of Bali is definitely at the top of almost every traveler's list for Indonesia. Often called the "Island of the Gods," Bali allures you with its rich culture seen through ornate temples, colorful ceremonies, arts, music and dances. You can spend time relaxing on its beautiful sandy beaches in the southern peninsulas of Bukit and Nusa Dua. The surfing near Kuta Beach is considered some of the best in the world. Make sure to visit Ubud, the cultural center of Bali located amongst gorgeous rice paddies and forests.
2. Komodo National Park
To see the largest lizard on Earth, the Komodo Dragon, head over to Komodo National Park. This group of islands is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site located between Sumbawa and Flores. Here you can take guided tours to see the Komodo Dragons up close while walking their habitats. You also have opportunities to enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking through forests and seeing other wildlife like wild boar, deer and buffalo.
3. Yogyakarta
The vibrant cultural city of Yogyakarta on the island of Java is another favorite stop in Indonesia. Admire the elaborate 18th century Sultan Palace with its mix of European colonial and traditional Javanese style architecture. Visit the significant Buddhist temple complex of Borobudur, one of the oldest in the world dating back to the 8th century. Trek to the top of Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes that last erupted in 2018. Experience the arts, shopping, dining and nightlife in this lively college town.
4. Mount Bromo
For an unforgettable sight, journey over to Mount Bromo located within the massive Tengger caldera in East Java. Watch a magnificent sunrise peer over the volcano and bathe its surroundings in glowing light. The landscape looks almost extraterrestrial with its swirling valleys and craters spreading to the horizon. stand at the viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan then ride a horse to ascend towards one of the volcanic cones and peer inside at the smoking crater.
5. Gili Islands
Off the northwest coast of Lombok sit a trio of small islands called Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, better known together as the Gili Islands. These islands attract those looking for a remote tropical paradise getaway with postcard worthy beaches and vibrant marine life perfect for snorkeling and diving. Gili Trawangan appeals most to partiers and backpackers while Gili Meno offers a more relaxed, romantic vibe. Tiny Gili Air provides an enjoyable, laidback atmosphere with pristine natural landscape.
6. Tanjung Puting National Park
True wildlife lovers must visit Tanjung Puting National Park, one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in Indonesia located on Borneo island. A visit here lets you cruise through the jungle along Sekonyer River to Camp Leakey, named for the late Kenyan paleontologist Louis Leakey. This is the site of the Orangutan Research Center where you can view the delightful endangered Bornean orangutans up close in their natural habitat. You’ll feel awe seeing the bond between these sweet great apes and their caretakers.
7. Lake Toba
For a magnificent natural sight, make your way over to North Sumatra to behold Lake Toba, one of the largest volcanic crater lakes on Earth at over 402 square miles. In the middle sits Samosir Island almost the size of Singapore that you can explore by boat or moped. You can take in the tremendous lake views by hanging out on the shoreline or from high above at restaurants perched along the rim. Hike to waterfalls, visit hot springs, explore villages and learn about the animist Batak culture of the locals.
8. Prambanan
Not far from Yogyakarta lies Prambanan, a 9th century Hindu temple complex with towering spires that create an unbelievably exotic silhouette against the Indonesian sky. As the largest temple site in Java, Prambanan contains over 200 temples sitting within a lush landscape of grassy lawns, trees and small gardens. The main Shiva temple stretches 47 meters high. Visit around June to catch the Ramayana Ballet performed on an outdoor stage with the temple lit up behind.
9. Raja Ampat Islands
Divers around the world drool over the prospect of exploring the crystal clear waters around the Raja Ampat islands located off West Papua province. Raja Ampat translates to “Four Kings” for the four largest islands making up an archipelago of over 1,500 little islands here. Enjoy magnificent snorkeling and scuba diving to behold manta rays, sea turtles, hundreds of species of coral and fish plus unique pygmy seahorses. When not underwater, hike through mangroves or sublime beaches and coastal rock formations on land.
10. Ubud Monkey Forest
Despite the name, Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali isn’t just for monkeys but a lovely nature reserve and Balinese Hindu temple complex in Padangtegal village. Walk through lush forested areas with bamboo lined pathways as over 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques swing through the branches high above you. Make sure not to have any plastic bags or loose items they can snatch. Stay clear of mothers with infants that may get aggressive. Witness traditional Balinese ceremonies held at the main Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple then peruse locally made handicrafts nearby.
Conclusion
Clearly Indonesia offers something for all types of travelers from nature buffs, beach bums, culture hounds, adventure junkies and wildlife enthusiasts. With endless islands to explore across lush forests, towering volcanoes, prime surfing waves and underwater worlds brimming with life, you’ll find paradise somewhere within this spectacular Southeast Asian archipelago. Whether you seek relaxation, parties, enlightening culture or engaging wildlife encounters, visiting Indonesia’s most popular destinations will create special memories to cherish forever.