10 Most Beautiful Places in Indonesia

Indonesia has rich natural resources and diverse cultural backgrounds. It has not only popular attractions, but also many unknown places worth visiting. This article selects 10 representative travel destinations, including the specific address of each place, the best travel time, special features, and activities that can be experienced. It is suitable for travelers who like to explore diverse scenery and local culture.

1. Ubud · Bali

Location: Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali

Best Time: April–September (dry season)

Highlights:

• Cultural and artistic center of Bali
• Surrounded by rainforests and rice terraces
• Popular destination for yoga and wellness

A natural swimming pool at Bali Pulina, a civet coffee plantation in Ubud

What to Do:

1. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest and explore ancient temples
2. Tour Neka Art Museum for Balinese art history
3. Participate in a purification ritual at Tirta Empul Temple

2. Komodo Island · East Nusa Tenggara

Location: Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara

Best Time: April–December

Highlights:

• Home of the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard
• Famous pink sand beach
• Rich marine biodiversity and world-class diving

What to Do:

1. Hike to Banu Nggulung to spot Komodo dragons
2. Dive with manta rays at Manta Point
3. Watch fruit bats in Kalong Island at sunset

3. Borobudur Temple · Central Java

Location: Magelang, Central Java

Best Time: May–September (clear morning views)

Highlights:

• The world’s largest Buddhist temple (9th century)
• Over 2,600 stone reliefs depicting Buddhist stories
• A major pilgrimage site during Vesak Day

What to Do:

1. Walk around the temple clockwise at sunrise
2. Visit nearby Mendut Temple
3. Experience local village life and traditional crafts

4. Mount Bromo · East Java

Location: Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java

Best Time: April–October

Highlights:

• Active volcano with dramatic landscapes
• Cultural ceremonies by the Tenggerese people
• Popular site for sunrise and Milky Way photography

What to Do:

1. Trek across the Sea of Sand to the crater
2. Watch sunrise from Mount Penanjakan
3. Stay at Lava View Lodge for a volcano view

5. Lake Toba · North Sumatra

Location: Samosir Island, North Sumatra

Best Time: May–September

Highlights:

• World's largest volcanic lake, formed by a supervolcano
• Home of the Batak culture
• Hot springs and scenic cycling routes

What to Do:

1. Explore Tuk Tuk and ancient Batak tombs
2. Visit Sipisopiso Waterfall
3. Try local dishes like grilled pork (Babi Panggang Karo)

6. Kawah Ijen Volcano · East Java

Location: Banyuwangi, East Java

Best Time: May–October

Highlights:

• Famous for its rare blue fire phenomenon
• Active sulfur mining site

What to Do:

1. Hike early morning to see the blue flames
2. Photograph the turquoise acidic crater lake
3. Talk to sulfur miners and learn about their work

7. Parepare · South Sulawesi

Location: Parepare, South Sulawesi

Best Time: All year round

Highlights:

• Authentic small port city, hometown of former president Habibie
• Local coastal culture and slow-paced life

What to Do:

1. Try Barongko (steamed banana dessert)
2. Enjoy a sunset ride along the waterfront

3. Visit the Habibie museum

8. Kampung Naga · West Java

Location: Tasikmalaya, West Java

Best Time: April–October

Highlights:

• Traditional Sundanese village with no electricity
• Preserved ancient way of life and architecture

What to Do:

1. Walk down to the village through the forest
2. Learn bamboo weaving and local cooking
3. Respect local customs and restrictions (no photography in some areas)

9. Kerinci Seblat National Park · Jambi, Sumatra

Location: Kerinci, Jambi Province

Best Time: June–October

Highlights:

• One of the largest national parks in Southeast Asia
• Home to endangered Sumatran tigers and hornbills

What to Do:

1. Jungle trekking to spot wildlife
2. Visit eco-villages focused on conservation
3. Explore waterfalls and birdwatching trails

10. Traditional Salt Fields · Ende, Flores

Location: Ende Regency, Flores

Best Time: July–October

Highlights:

• Coastal salt farming with centuries-old methods
• Unique landscape with shimmering shallow salt ponds

What to Do:

1. Observe and try traditional salt making
2. Photograph sunset over salt flats
3. Talk with local families about their coastal livelihood

t10 Practical Tips for Traveling in Indonesia

1. Wear proper shoes and pack essentials
   Hiking shoes are recommended for volcanoes, rice fields, and jungles. Bring rain gear, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.

2. Respect local culture and customs
   Dress modestly in temples and traditional villages. Always ask before taking photos, and avoid wearing red at ceremonies.

3. Plan for climate differences
   Mountain areas can be cold in the mornings and evenings, while islands are hot and humid. Adjust clothing and schedule accordingly.

4. Carry enough cash in remote areas
   Many islands and rural spots don’t have ATMs, so bring local currency, including small denominations.

5. Download offline maps and translation apps
   Some regions have poor signal. Offline Google Maps and an Indonesian phrase app can be very helpful.

6. Travel eco-friendly and reduce plastic use
   Some regions limit plastic. Bring your own refillable bottle, shopping bag, and reusable utensils.

7. Book transport and stays in advance
   For remote destinations like Flores, Komodo, or Kerinci, boat tickets and homestays should be reserved ahead of time.

8. Do not feed wild animals
   Whether it’s monkeys, orangutans, or sea turtles, avoid feeding or touching wildlife for your safety and their protection.

9. Bring essential medications
   Carry bug patches, digestive pills, motion sickness meds, and first-aid basics, which may be hard to find locally.

10. Respect both nature and people
    Treat volcanoes, tribal villages, and coral reefs as someone’s home, not just attractions. Travel kindly and humbly.