Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Best Places to Visit in Indonesia

Indonesia is a diverse and amazing travel destination that is spread across over 17,000 islands in the ocean. There are beaches, volcanoes, and jungles to explore here, and every region offers something a little different for travelers. Only about one-third of Indonesia’s islands are inhabited, however, there are around 240 people who call this region home and speak over 250 different languages.

A thorough trip to Indonesia takes some time, so you either plan to explore just a couple of regions or go all out with a stay of two weeks or more. These are some of the very best places to visit in Indonesia.

Bali Bali
Credit: Bali by Bigstock.com

Bali

Bali is the most famous and most popular travel destination in Indonesia, so it’s a great place to start your trip. Bali is often packed with tourists and considered to be on the “beaten track,” but it’s definitely still worth a visit. Some of the best beaches in Bali are Nusa Dua Beach, Sanur Beach, Geger Beach, and Padag-Padang Beach. The beaches are the big draw, but this area is also known for its diving, surfing, food, temples, and art. This is also a great place if you love nightlife. Seminyak, Sanur, Kuta, and Nusa Dua are some of the most popular nightlife spots in Bali.

Jakarta Jakarta
Credit: Jakarta by Bigstock.com

Jakarta

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and also worth a visit during your travels. This city is congested and hectic, and it is in sharp contrast to many other regions of Indonesia that you will likely explore as well. Chances are you’ll be routed through Jakarta for travel because it’s a prominent international airport hub with flights to many cities around the world.

Komodo Komodo
Credit: Komodo by Bigstock.com

Komodo

Komodo is best known around the world for the Komodo dragon, but there is much more to this region than just reptiles. You can get to Komodo from Labuan Bajo and Flores and do all the diving, sailing, and kayaking you’ve been dreaming of. Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also home to large fruit bats known as flying foxes after dark. The national park is located in the Lesser Sunda Islands, which includes the larger Komodo, Padar and Rincah, and 26 smaller islands.

Yogyakarta Yogyakarta
Credit: Yogyakarta by Bigstock.com

Yogyakarta

History and cultural lovers will enjoy exploring Yogyakarta. This is a great base to stay in while you see the temples of Borobudur and Prambana. This is an intersection between Buddhist and Hindu religious traditions, so there are lots of things to learn about in this culturally-rich area. Other temples in the area include the Sewu Temple and the Sambisari Temple. Expect to see plenty of street artists, puppet makers, and food vendors giving a dose of local flavor to the streets here. The best areas for shopping are the streets of Malioboro and the Beringharjo market.

Tanjung Puting National Park Tanjung Puting National Park
Credit: Tanjung Puting National Park by Bigstock.com

Tanjung Puting National Park

Tanjung Puting National Park is best known for its orangutans and it has become a favorite spot for eco-tourism in Indonesia. This national park is located on the island of Borneo and is home to macaques, gibbons, sun bears, crocodiles, and sun bears too. The eco-tourism industry here is doing its part to stop illegal logging and forest clearing practices and bring a greater environmental appreciation to the region.

Lake Toba Lake Toba
Credit: Lake Toba by Bigstock.com

Lake Toba

Head to Lake Toba to experience the natural beauty of Indonesia. This lake is located on the island of Sumatra and it spans about 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. In fact, it is the largest volcanic lake in the world! Not only is the scenery here beautiful, but the waters are soothing and warm as well. Visitors often travel here to relax and soak in the volcanically-warmed waters. This is a favorite relaxation spot for hikers and backpackers traveling through the region.

Mount Bromo Mount Bromo
Credit: Mount Bromo by Bigstock.com

Mount Bromo

Located in East Java, Mount Bromo is an active volcano that stands 7,641 feet high. It is the most well-known peak of the Tengger massif and a popular destination for tourists. Since this is an active volcano, you will likely see billowing white smoking coming from inside the crater where the top of the volcano has been blown off. If possible, rent a Jeep or ride a horse to the top of the volcano to see an amazing sunrise.

Gill Islands  Gill Islands
Credit: Gill Islands by Bigstock.com

Gill Islands

Located in Lombok, the Gill Islands are a popular tourist destination that’s made up of three small islands. Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air are relaxing islands with little traffic and plenty of reggae music playing in the local cafes. If you’re looking for a little adventure in the area, consider trekking the Gunung Rinjani or going surfing along the coast.

Banyuwangi Banyuwangi
Credit: Banyuwangi by Bigstock.com

Banyuwangi

Located at the east end of Java, Banyuwangi can be reached from Bali via ferry. A remote and beautiful national park, the Alas Purwo National Park is here, as well as world-class surfing. The volcanic scenery is unforgettable and a favorite spot for outdoor photographers.

Torajaland Torajaland
Credit: Torajaland by Bigstock.com

Torajaland

The highland region of South Sulawesi is home to the Toraja people, who are known for their unique architectural designs. This group builds tongkonans, which are double-peaked roof houses. The Torajans are also known for their interesting funeral rituals and burial traditions. Visitors should also make a point to explore the Pasar Bolu market in Rantepao to shop for coffee beans, antique bead necklaces, and livestock.

Baliem Valley Baliem Valley
Credit: Baliem Valley by Bigstock.com

Baliem Valley

Western New Guinea is where the Baliem Valley is located, a region that was not known to the outside world until 1938. This is an area of native people and an enlightening peek into a unique and beautiful culture. Most visitors start their Baliem Valley adventure in Wamena and then branch out to explore the tribal villages and soak up the stunning mountain views. The Lani, Dani and Yali tribes live in this remote region of Papua.

Raja Ampat Raja Ampat
Credit: Raja Ampat by Bigstock.com

Raja Ampat

Divers will likely find Raja Ampat to be their favorite place in all of Indonesia. Marine experts have estimated that over 75 percent of the coral species in the world are located here. There are thousands of coral reef fish that can be viewed on dives in this area.

Bunaken Bunaken
Credit: Bunaken by Bigstock.com

Bunaken

Another top diving destination in Indonesia is Bunaken. It is one of the most famous diving and snorkeling areas in this region and it is also part of Bunaken Marine Park. The months between April and November are the best times to dive in Bunaken.

Travel Deals

8-Day Ireland Green w/ Envy Tour | Save $1000/Couple

$2199+

Beaches Negril - All-Inclusive w/ Water park

$331+ pp/pn

Create the Ultimate Trip to Anchorage this Year

PLAN

7-Day Italy Guided Tour: Rome, Spoleto & Florence

$1919+

9-Day Private Chauffeur Ireland Vacation

$3555+

N. Europe Cruises | Up to 45% Off + Credit up to $300

$999+

Up to $400 Off | Air & 15-Day Peru, Argentina & Brazil Tour

$3199+

10-Day Danube Explorer Cruise | 2 For 1 Fares

$3835+

Air & 6-Nt Irish B&B Escape | $125 Off

$1274+

Alaska Cruise Adventures up to 15% Off w/ LeapAK15

$3750+

Air & 14-Day Small Group Tour of Rajasthan, India

$1699+

Save $400 | 10-Day Ireland by Train w/ Activities & Tours

$1399+

$125 Off | Air & 6+ Nt Ireland Custom B&B Getaways

$1274+

Air & 12-Day South Africa Guided Adventure | $200 Off

$3099+

Air & 14-Day Norwegian Fjords Tour | Up to $400 Off

$3799+