Indonesia is globally popular for its unique islands, natural settings, diverse culture, and beautiful cities.
With a collection of more than 13,500 islands, there is a variety of adventurous activities and things to do in Indonesia.
The country offers so much to explore including its beautiful architecture like mosques and temples.
Apart from this, Indonesia is home to several beautiful beaches and hiking trails that travelers may not find anywhere else.
Top 10 Things To Do In Indonesia To Make Most Of Your Trip
From shopping to visiting the beautiful streets of Jakarta and exploring some remote villages, take a look at the 10 best things to do in Indonesia that are not to be missed.
1. Explore Indonesia’s Fourth Largest City “Badung”
Bandung is one of the most beautiful cities and tourist spots in Indonesia. Currently, it serves as the capital of West Java.
The city was once called Java’s Paris due to its vibrant streets, numerous waterfalls, picturesque rice fields, tropical climate, and endless volcanoes.
Besides admiring its natural beauty, there are plenty of activities travelers can do here.
What to do in Bandung?
1. Visit Kawah Putih large volcanic lake with naturally striking blue color and white clouds over its surface.
2. Get hot water therapy in Tangkuban Perahu. Hiking and photography are must-do activities at this tourist spot.
3. See the cultural mix of Indonesia and the Dutch at Gedung State– the most iconic building in the city.
4. Shop at Indonesia’s largest shopping centre Trans Studio Mall. This place also has the only largest indoor amusement park.
5. Stroll around Braga Street which brought the nickname ‘The Paris of Java‘ to this city.
Upscale cafes, jazz bars, and restaurants give a unique flavor to the street.
Also Read: Things To Do In Medan City Of Indonesia
2. Head Towards The Various Volcanoes
Indonesia has exclusive tourist spots that no other country has where tourists can actually witness the lava.
Among 150 volcanoes here, most are active and still amaze everyone with their smoking calderas.
The active volcano at Mount Bromo is quite special among all. Locals even pray this volcano and throw sacrifices to please the Gods.
Other Famous Volcanoes in Indonesia are:
- Mount Batur
- Mount Tambora
- Gunung Agung
- Mount Merapi
- Kelud
- Ijen
- Mount Semeru
- Krakatoa
- Mount Rinjani
3. A Day Trip to Kaliurang and Ullent Sentalu Museum
Kaliurang is just 25 km north of Yogyakarta city and it is one of the most pleasant tourist places in Indonesia.
However, the weather is here quite cold as the place is around 900 meters above the sea.
Still, travelers visit Kaliurang for exploring Ullen Sentalu Museum.
The museum is dedicated to the Javanese culture and exhibits some relics belonging to some influential Java women.
OPENING HOURS
- Monday: CLOSED | Tuesday-Sunday: 08.30 – 16.00 WIB
TICKET
- Adiluhung Mataram Tour : IDR 50,000
- Vorstenlanden Tour* : IDR 100,000
ADDRESS– Jl. Boyong Kaliurang, Sleman, DI Yogyakarta
4. Visit The Royal City -Yogyakarta
The royal city of Yogyakarta is the country’s cultural and artistic center, and also the soul of Indonesia.
Mixed with modern life, ancient heritage, and plenty of posh restaurants; Yogyakarta is undoubtedly the perfect tourist spot to begin a trip to Indonesia.
Notable structures and never seen tourist attractions here will teach you a lot about this country’s history.
Start by visiting:
- Borobudur temple
- Prambanan temple
- Ratu Boku temple
- Tamam Sari- Waterplace of Yogyakarta
- Becci Peak
- Hobit house at Seribu Batu Songgo Langit
- Taman Gumuk Pasir- Ther is a Heart of Flowers amidst the sand
5. Witness The Breathtaking Sunrise From Mount Bromo
You may have seen many sunrises, but the one at Mount Bromo will make you fall for the beauty of this volcano.
Yellow-golden sun rays dropping on the cloudy mountain leave a heavenly experience on your mind.
For that, you have to walk straight for half an hour on the surrounding mountain Penanjakan.
Later, go for a jeep tour or horse riding on the sea of sands surrounding Mount Bromo.
Enjoying the cool refreshing climate of this area while riding a horse is the best thing to do in Indonesia.
6. A Day Trip To Komodo Islands
Honestly, a day won’t be enough to capture everything amazing on Komodo Island.
Especially, if you wish to see the Komodo dragon. But if you are lucky then this 3-m long creature might appear in front of you.
Chances are pretty slim even though there are around 4000 largest lizards on this island.
This is because they usually live far away from hiking trails. So, best of luck finding a komodo dragon!
Apart from this, you should definitely try snorkeling on Pink Beach, gazing at stars on the cruise, or playing with Manta Rays.
End your trip at Kanwa Island where you can relax on a white sand beach and relish refreshing smoothies.
7. Spot The Unique Wildlife Of Indonesia
proboscis monkey and mouse deer (chevrotain)
Wildlife in Indonesia is the center of attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. The country has unusual, unseen, and rare species due to its diverse fauna.
From proboscis monkey (the flat nose monkey), Bornean elephant, flying fox bat, to Sumatran tiger; you will find never seen animals.
Here are the best tourist spots to see rare wildlife of Indonesia:
1. Baluran National Park– Indonesia’s Little Africa
2. Kerinci Seblat National Park– Known for having the world’s largest flower Rafflesia and the tallest Titan arum
3. Raja Ampat Islands– Spot Birds-of-Paradise
4. Way Kambas National Park– A home to Indonesia’s rare species
5. Komoda National Park– A home to the largest lizard in the world
8. Snorkeling- The Best Thing to do in Indonesia
Indonesia will not let you sit and relax especially when you are near one of its beautiful beaches.
Clean, clear, and calm water will keep calling you to dive and explore underwater life.
You won’t regret it if you listen to the water waves and go snorkeling.
The best time to enjoy snorkeling is when the water temperature is mostly mild and warm.
So, plan your trip around May and October.
And the next best thing to do in Indonesia is dive in and check out the colorful fishes and coral reefs.
Best Snorkeling Places in Indonesia:
- Wakatobi Island
- The Banda Islands
- Cendarawasih Bay
- Jemeluk Bay
- Bunaken National Park
9. Take A Bite Of Delicious Indonesian Cuisine
Food is like the soul of any country and for Indonesia, they are the pride of its culture.
Therefore, don’t indulge yourself in eating foods of your choice rather taste the best foods of Indonesia.
We have prepared a complete list of every dish you must try here, starting with the national dishes of Indonesia.
Sate- Skewered grilled meat with sauce
Nasi goreng- Fried rice cooked with kecap, tamarind, chili, shrimp paste, garlic, and shallots
Tumpeng- Made with different types of rice and served in a cone-shaped bamboo container
Rendang- Slow-cooked beef in coconut milk coated with spices
Desserts to Try:
sweet martabak
Martabak- Pan-fried cakes with toppings like candy sprinkles, Nutella, bananas
Surabi- Indonesian pancakes
Kelepon- Traditional rice cakes coated with coconut shavings
Tasting all these heavenly delicious foods is a must-do thing in Indonesia.
10. Admire The Architecture Of Unique Mosques
Around 86.7 % of the Indonesian population is Muslim thus you will see mosques in most places here.
For tourists, they are more than worship sites as their stunning architecture and connection to Indonesia will amaze them.
Must-See Mosques in Indonesia
1. The Grand Istiqal Mosque– Largest mosque in Southeast Asia
2. Dian Al Mahri Mosque– The Golden Dome Mosque
3. Soko Tunggal- Famous for having a roof standing on one pillar
4. The Great Demak Mosque– Fusion of Islamic and Javanese Hindu architecture styles
5. Muhammad Cheng Ho Mosque– Chinese Muslim religious site
Ideal Time to Visit Indonesia
For experiencing what we mentioned here in the list of best things to do in Indonesia, you must come at the right time.
July and August are the most welcoming time here as the weather is dry but soothing.
To enjoy a beach vacation, snorkeling, and other water activities, the time between April and October is ideal.