Discover the Best Places to Visit in Indonesia (2025)

Planning your next adventure? From pristine beaches to lush jungles, Indonesia offers some of the most breathtaking destinations in Southeast Asia. Here's your ultimate guide to the best places to visit in Indonesia.

indonesia travel

1. Bali – Island of the Gods

Arguably the most famous destination in Indonesia, Bali is a paradise for beach lovers, surfers, yoga enthusiasts, and digital nomads alike. With iconic spots like Ubud, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, it offers everything from luxury resorts to jungle retreats.

bali

Top Experiences:

  • Surfing at Kuta Beach

  • Temple visit at Uluwatu & Tanah Lot

  • Rice terrace trekking in Ubud

  • Sunrise hike to Mount Batur

  • Check hotel price here

Best Time to Visit: April to October


2. Komodo National Park – Home of the Dragons

Located in East Nusa Tenggara, Komodo Island is part of a stunning archipelago famous for its Komodo dragons, pink-sand beaches, and epic diving spots.

komodo national park

Top Experiences:

  • Trekking with dragons on Komodo Island

  • Snorkeling in Pink Beach

  • Diving in Manta Point

  • Boat tours from Labuan Bajo


3. Yogyakarta – Cultural Capital of Java

Yogyakarta, often called Jogja, is a center of Indonesian culture and history. It’s the gateway to Borobudur and Prambanan, two of Southeast Asia’s most magnificent ancient temples.

Yogyakarta

Top Experiences:

  • Sunrise at Borobudur Temple

  • Traditional batik shopping

  • Ramayana ballet at Prambanan

  • Street food at Malioboro


4. Raja Ampat – Indonesia’s Hidden Gem

Tucked away in West Papua, Raja Ampat is an untouched paradise ideal for snorkeling, diving, and eco-travel. It’s part of the Coral Triangle, home to the richest marine biodiversity in the world.

Raja Ampat

Top Experiences:

  • Diving in Misool

  • Island hopping

  • Kayaking between limestone karsts

  • Watching marine life in crystal-clear waters


5. Lombok & the Gili Islands – Tranquility & Turquoise Waters

Just east of Bali, Lombok is perfect for those seeking less touristy vibes. Combine it with the Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno – for some of the best island life Indonesia has to offer.

lombok island

Top Experiences:

  • Mount Rinjani trek

  • Scuba diving around the Gilis

  • Beach hopping in South Lombok

  • Nightlife on Gili Trawangan


6. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park – Volcanic Wonders

Mount Bromo is one of Indonesia’s most iconic natural landmarks. Watching the sun rise over its smoking crater is a bucket-list experience for adventure travelers.

Top Experiences:

  • Sunrise trek to Mount Bromo

  • Jeep safari through the Sea of Sand

  • Hike Mount Semeru (Indonesia’s highest volcano)


Travel Tips for Visiting Indonesia

Visa

1. 🇮🇩 Indonesia Immigration Official Portal

    • ✅ Visa-on-arrival, e-Visa, multiple-entry visas, and more

    • 🌍 For all nationalities

    • 🔗 https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/
      (This is the official e-Visa portal of the Indonesian Immigration Department.)

2. 🌏 Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3. ✈️ Embassy or Consulate Websites

  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

  • Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season)

  • Getting Around: Domestic flights, ferries, and scooters are popular


🗓️ 10-Day Indonesia Itinerary: Beaches, Temples & Dragons

Perfect for first-time travelers, this 10-day itinerary covers the best places to visit in Indonesia while balancing exploration and relaxation.


Day 1–3: Bali – Beaches, Temples & Culture
  • Day 1: Arrive in Denpasar, Bali

    • Relax in Seminyak or Canggu

    • Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple

  • Day 2: Explore Ubud

    • Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces

    • Monkey Forest & traditional markets

    • Optional: Balinese cooking class

  • Day 3: Adventure day

    • Sunrise trek to Mount Batur

    • Soak in Toya Devasya Hot Springs

Overnight: Ball


Day 4–5: Yogyakarta – Java’s Cultural Heart
  • Day 4: Flight to Yogyakarta

    • Explore Prambanan Temple

    • Enjoy local art and cuisine

  • Day 5: Sunrise at Borobudur Temple

    • Visit Kraton Palace and Taman Sari Water Castle

    • Evening shopping at Malioboro Street

Overnight: Yogyakarta


Day 6–7: Komodo Island – Wildlife & Natural Beauty
  • Day 6: Fly to Labuan Bajo

    • Join a 2D/1N boat tour of Komodo National Park

    • Trek with Komodo dragons on Rinca Island

    • Snorkel at Pink Beach

  • Day 7:

    • Morning hike on Padar Island (epic viewpoint)

    • Swim with manta rays at Manta Point

    • Return to Labuan Bajo by evening

Overnight: Labuan Bajo


Day 8–9: Jakarta – Urban Exploration
  • Day 8: Fly to Jakarta (Indonesia’s capital)

    • Visit National Monument (Monas) and Istiqlal Mosque

    • Explore Kota Tua (Old Town)

  • Day 9: Day trip to Thousand Islands or relax in Ancol Dreamland

Overnight: Jakarta


Day 10: Departure
  • Enjoy last-minute shopping at Grand Indonesia Mall

  • Fly out of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)


Optional Add-Ons (if you have more time):
  • Lombok & Gili Islands: Island hopping & scuba diving

  • Raja Ampat: Remote diving paradise

  • Mount Bromo: Volcanic sunrise in East Java

🍽️ Best Indonesian Foods to Try
  • Nasi Goreng – Fried rice with egg & spices

  • Rendang – Spicy slow-cooked beef (can find mushroom rendang)

  • Sate Ayam – Chicken skewers with peanut sauce

  • Bakso – Meatball soup

  • Martabak – Sweet or savory stuffed pancake

 
🌱 Vegetarian-Friendly
  • Gado-Gado – Warm veggie salad with peanut sauce

  • Tempeh Goreng – Fried fermented soybean cake

  • Sayur Lodeh – Coconut milk veggie stew

  • Tahu Balado – Spicy fried tofu

  • Nasi Uduk – Fragrant coconut rice with sides (choose veg options   

From the bustling streets of Java to the serene beaches of Raja Ampat, Indonesia tourism offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for cultural richness, nature, or adventure, these best places in Indonesia should top your 2025 travel bucket list.

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