Places to Visit in Indonesia: This land is gifted with pristine beaches, exotic water villas on tranquil islands, vibrant tribes and their cultural ethos. No! We are not talking about some exotic dream but about the Indonesian landscape. Indonesia is home to many surreal destinations, and together they offer a mix of amazing island wonders and hair-raising thrills. Here is a list of the most beautiful places in Indonesia, including islands, beaches and lakes for water babies; National parks for wildlife lovers; Active volcanic sites for adventurous souls; And places for city explorers.
If you are visiting Indonesia soon, make sure to put these beautiful places in Indonesia on your list and enjoy the beauty of nature that is abundant in these places. Make sure you include these places in your itinerary when planning an exciting trip to Indonesia, one of the most beautiful places in the world and the most visited holiday destination.
Let’s find out what makes Indonesia special.
1- Gili Islands, Lombok – For the best nightlife
Overwater villas are so romantic that there is no way to forget them when making a list of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. Surrounded by white sand beaches and blue waters, the complex of three small and isolated islands Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air holds unique natural charm.
- Tips: The best time to visit Gili Islands is between June to September as its crystal clear waters create perfect conditions for water activities.
- Things to do: Apart from adventure sports like snorkeling, surfing and diving, there are island hopping, fishing, and glass bottom boat tours. Otherwise, just relax in one of the beachside cafes or shacks.
- Best places to stay: Les Villas, Oceano Jambuluvuk and Ombak Sunset.
Tourist Attractions: Gili Meno, Masjid Agung Baiturrahman Gili, Gili Trawangan Viewpoint - Places to eat: Ya Ya Warung, Kayu Cafe, Little Bali Restaurant
Best time to visit: September to November - How to reach: The easiest way to get to Gilis from Lombok’s airport or Senggigi is to walk to the nearest travel agent, taxi desk, or tour and book a package.
2- Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua – Explore rare species of corals
Raja Ampat, meaning four kings, is an archipelago consisting of 1,500 small islands in addition to the islands of Waigeo, Misool, Salavati and Batanta. The awe-inspiring backdrop of steep, wooded islands, warm beaches and marshy lagoons, small atolls that look like mushrooms and sparkling turquoise waters makes this place a perfect delight for travelers. One of the famous tourist destinations in Indonesia is rich in diversity of marine flora and fauna 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: snorkeling, underwater diving, kayaking and enjoying nature.
- Best places to stay: Swiss Bellhotel, Marina Mamberamo, and Bellagri Hotel.
- Tourist Attractions: Misool, Kri, Dampier Strait, Gam
- Places to eat: Warung Cahaya Bon Waisai Raja Ampat, Rumah Makan Pondok Lesehan
- Best time to visit: October-April
- How to reach: Fly to Sorong, the nearest Indonesian city in West Papua, after landing at Sorong Airport, transfer to Sorong Port. At Sorong port, take a ferry to Waisai, the capital city on the main Raja Ampat island. From Vaisai to the islands.
3- Maluk Beach, Sumbawa Island – Witness the changing colors of the sun’s rays
This is one of the stunning beaches in Indonesia located on the west coast of South Sumbawa island. The waves also look alive and magical with the changing colors of the sun’s rays. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
- Tips: Sumbawa Island is a rural destination and offers an authentic local village experience for adventurers and explorers.
- Things to do: Sunbathing and wave surfing are common activities here. One can also visit the Malu Tortoise Conservation Center located nearby.
- Best places to stay: Rentung Beach Hotel, Nomad Tropical Beach Resort, and Ring Samton Inn. There are many homestay options available around Maluk Beach.
- Tourist Attractions: Mantun Hill, Pink Beach, Tanjung Ringgit
- Places to Eat: Happy Restaurant, Maymo Beach Lodge, Dreamtime Sumbawa Homestay
- Best time to visit: May to December
- How to reach: Mauritius International Airport, Sir Sibsagar Ramgoolam Air Terminal, is 48 km from the main city of Port Louis. Mauritius is very well connected to major cities around the world such as Paris, Dubai, Vienna, London, Delhi and Johannesburg.
4- Lake Kelimutu, Nusa Tenggara Timur – dramatic volcanic peaks
Of all the tourist destinations in Indonesia, Kelimutu Lake is a league apart, and definitely one of the most visited beautiful places in Indonesia. Kelimutu is a collective term given to and understood by three crater lakes formed by the volcano of the same name. Despite being located on the same volcanic peak, the three lakes display three different colors: red, blue and white. Crater Lakes are a must-see tourist destination in Indonesia and are definitely one of the best things to do in Sumatra to entertain the adventurer inside you!
- Tips: The island is a rural destination and is still not developed in terms of infrastructure. Visitors must dress modestly and respect the culture and traditions of the local people.
- Things to do: Go trekking and discover the beautiful landscapes and wonders of the lake. The sunsets and sunrises in Kelimutu are unreal.
- Best place to stay: Kelimutu Crater Lake Eco Lodge
- Tourist Attractions: Taman National Kelimutu, Muru Keba Waterfall
- Places to eat: Moppy’s Place, Chianti Restaurant, Good Money Cafe
- Best time to visit: May – September
- How to reach: From Moni, the Kelimutu Volcanic Lakes are about forty-five minutes away. Flying into Ende is another good option. The town of Ende is forty minutes away from the airport and then the nearest village is three hours away. From the village, people usually walk for about two and a half hours to reach the lakes.
5- Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi – exotic range of fish species
The picture clearly says that the next place on our list is one of the most beautiful places and famous tourist destinations in Indonesia. Bunaken Sea Park, located in the northern part of Sulawesi island, is rich in marine flora and fauna. The sight of many exotic and endangered fish species present in the crystal clear waters has increased the tourist density of the area.
- Tips: The best time to visit the marine park is from July to August. You should plan your trip around these months.
- Things to do: snorkeling and diving are among them. They are the best way to discover the glamorous and unusual aquatic life of Bunaken Sea Park.
- Best places to stay: Ciladen Resort, Living Colors Dive Resort and The Village Bunaken. Additionally, there are plenty of homestay options for backpackers.
- Tourist Attractions: Bunaken, Siladen Island, Manado Tua Island, Mount Tampa
- Former Locations: Nelson Bunaken, Arto Moro Bunaken, Coral View Dive Resort
- Best time to visit: March-October
- How to reach: To reach the park, you first have to go to Manado. It is the second largest city in Sulawesi after Makassar and is located about 50 minutes by boat from Bunaken Island. So to reach Manado, the best way is to take a flight from Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bali.
6- Komodo National Park, Nusa Tenggara Timur – For giant monitor lizards
One of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Indonesia, the island lies between Sumbawa and Flores along western Nusa Tenggara Timur and is popular for the presence of giant monitor lizards known as Komodo dragons. The island is dry, rugged and barren and is a part of the Komodo National Park and Marine Reserve. Aerial views prove that this is undeniably one of 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: Apart from seeing the endangered Komodo dragons, there are many activities that can be enjoyed in Komodo National Park. Go kayaking, diving, trekking or guided island tours.
- Best places to stay: Vesiku Eden Beach Hotel, Komodo Resort and Golo Hilltop.
- Tourist Attractions: Pink Beach, Pulau Kelor, Pulau Klong, Lava Darat Gili
- Places to eat: Manta Point, Bacala Bajo, Café Melinzo
- Best time to visit: April and December
- How to reach: Traveling around Komodo Island can be relatively easy, but to get to Komodo, you must first travel to Bali and then to Labuan Bajo by plane or boat and finally to Komodo Island by boat. Some local airlines fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores.
7- Borobudur Temple – the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world
Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world which not only has religious significance but is also praised for its architectural beauty making it one of the best tourist destinations in Indonesia. Built around the 8th century, this temple reflects the long-preserved history of the country which can be seen in its architecture, culture and customs. This ancient temple is home to ornate stone carvings, a grand structure worth seeing and beautiful views around the monument.
- Tip: Reach the site early and avoid visiting on weekends
- Things to do: Seeking blessings, religious purposes, spiritual
- Places to Stay: Plataran Borobudur, The Amarta, Amanjivo, Plataran Heritage Hotel
- Tourist Attractions: Borobudur Temple, Pavon Temple, Taman Wisata Kandy Boro Borobudur
- Places to eat: Stupa Restaurant, Patio Restaurant
- Best time to visit: April to October
- How to reach: If you are arriving in Jogjakarta and going straight to Borobudur Temple, you can use the local bus terminal to catch a bus to Magelang or Muntilan. From any location, you can catch a bus to Borobudur Terminus.
8- Derawan Island – To relax and unwind
Derawan Islands is an archipelago of six islands and is a great place for tourists who are looking for a relaxing paradise and the best tourist attractions in Indonesia. These islands offer a variety of adventures and natural beauty. Derawan Islands is one of the most beautiful islands of Indonesia. From spectacular sea caves to lavish resorts and lakes, this island paradise is one of the hidden beautiful places in Indonesia and gives tourists a good reason to visit.
- Tips: Stay in beachfront resorts to get the perfect view of sunset and sunrise.
- Things to do: Indulge in water sports, go sightseeing
- Best places to stay: Grand Hyatt, Westin Resort, Sofitel Beach Resort
- Tourist Attractions: Maratua Island, Sangalaki Island, Manimbora Island
- Places to Eat: April Resto, Rm. Carlina
- Best time to visit: May to October
- How to reach: To reach Derawan, SilkAir flies from Singapore to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. Or you can fly to Balikpapan or Tarakan from Jakarta, Surabaya or Denpasar by Garuda Indonesia. Then take a connecting flight to Tanjung Redeb in Berau. From here boats will take you to the islands.
9- Belitung – For Dutch colonial architecture
One of the best places to visit in Indonesia, Belitung is an island located in the east of Sumatra and is famous for its pristine beaches and calm waters and is one of the must-see places in Indonesia. The island’s largest town is Tanjung Pandan which has Dutch colonial architecture and a colorful port. Pulau Lengkuas is one of the offshore islands that has a 19th-century lighthouse and if you want to explore scuba diving in Indonesia, it has amazing opportunities for snorkeling and other water sports activities. Add it to your Indonesian tourist destinations.
- Tips: Don’t miss the sunset view from Pantai Tanjung Tinggi Beach
- Things to do: Island hopping, visiting the lighthouse, enjoying the marine life, water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving, watching breathtaking sunsets, off-roading on empty roads.
- Best Places to Stay: Hotel Santika, Fairfield, Arumadalu, BW Suite
- Tourist Attractions: Tanjung Pandan, Manggar, Gentung, Badau
- Places to eat: Lemadang Seafood & Grill, RM Batu Garuda, Kampong Dedaun
- Best time to visit: April to October
- How to reach: Tourists coming from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur can reach Belitung via connecting flights from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
10- Nusa Dua – For white sand beaches
For a perfect holiday in Indonesia, don’t forget to head to Nusa Dua which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. The place is home to gorgeous beaches and offers many luxury resorts, ensuring the most comfortable stay in one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. You will find many pocket-friendly options here in terms of food and accommodation.
- Tips: Stay in beach front resorts to get the perfect view of sunset and sunrise.
- Things to do: Indulge in water sports, go sightseeing
- Best places to stay: Grand Hyatt, Westin Resort, Sofitel Beach Resort
- Tourist Attractions: Museum Pasifika Bali, Puja Mandal, Waterbowl
- Places to eat: Nusa Dua Pizza, Raja Bali Nusa Dua, Paisan Restaurant
- Best time to visit: April-September
- How to reach: Nusa Dua is located 20 kilometers from Denpasar. If you are coming from Ngurah Rai International Airport, it will take you 30-40 minutes to reach Nusa Dua. You can take taxis from the airport, although they can be a bit expensive. We recommend that you use Grab, Blue Bird or Go Jake to get around in Bali.
Are you excited to make your vacation worth the trip? If yes, then make sure to add these exotic places to your bucket list and plan a trip to Indonesia today and have the most memorable time here in the tropical paradise. Don’t miss the above-mentioned beautiful places in Indonesia!