Top 25 Must-Experience Activities in Indonesia

The Republic of Indonesia, situated in Southeast Asia, is the most extensive island nation globally, comprising over 17,000 islands and hosting a population exceeding 225 million. Spanning approximately 1.9 million square kilometers, Indonesia extends from Aceh in the north to Papua in the southeast. As it lies on the equator, Indonesia enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by distinct dry and rainy seasons, although high temperatures and humidity persist throughout the year. It is the most populous Muslim-majority nation globally, yet also recognizes other state religions, including Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.

Having been colonized by the British, Portuguese, Japanese, and Dutch, Indonesia declared its independence in 1945, subsequently establishing Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian) as its national language. This variant of the Malay language incorporates loanwords from Arabic, Dutch, and Portuguese, which was developed to standardize communication among the population, in contrast to the multitude of regional dialects found within its provinces.

Today, Indonesia is renowned for its multicultural islands, ranging from the devoutly religious Aceh in the north, to the administrative heart located in Java, the idyllic haven of Bali, and the remote province of Papua bordering Papua New Guinea. As the fourth most populous country and the fifteenth largest in terms of land area, the diverse nation offers numerous avenues for exploration. Let’s take a closer look at the most engaging activities in Indonesia.

1. Go surfing in Kuta

Explore the renowned Kuta Beach, a coastline in southern Bali, where gentle rolling waves ideal for novice surfers can be found. Multiple options exist for hourly surfing lessons, or individuals may choose to rent a boogie board to enjoy the waves. For those preferring a dry experience, visitors congregate on the beach at dusk to capture photographs of the breathtaking sunset while enjoying a refreshing beverage.

2. Visit Borobudur Temple

The Borobudur Buddhist temple, situated in Magelang, Central Java, is conveniently accessible for travelers residing in nearby Yogyakarta. Originating in the 9th century, Borobudur is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a central dome surrounded by 72 sculpted representations of Buddha, rendering it the largest Buddhist temple on the globe. Visitors frequent the site for worship, to ascend the central platform, and to take in the panoramic vistas that extend beyond the temple complex.

3. Sunbathe on Pulau Weh in Aceh

Pulau Weh, or Weh Island, is located at the northern tip of Sumatra, off the coast of Aceh. This island is still geologically active and is positioned within the Andaman Sea. Home to Sabang, the northernmost town in Indonesia, visitors are drawn to the island for snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters, teeming with tropical fish and elusive Megamouth sharks. Guests can opt to stay at Gapang Beach near Sabang or explore Anoi Itam Beach, renowned for its distinctive black sand.

4. Eat Padang Food

Many individuals in Indonesia assert that the finest cuisine originates from Padang, the capital of West Sumatra. Padang food is still traditionally presented throughout Indonesia, and diners can easily locate a Padang restaurant by the tower of dishes displayed in the window. Individual plates of diverse dishes, sometimes numbering between 20 and 25, are placed before customers who combine them with rice at their table. Diners are only charged for the dishes they select. Signature Padang dishes include Beef Rendang, a spicy curry made with chilies and coconut cooked with beef, pounded cassava leaves in coconut milk, and jackfruit curry with snake beans.

5. Say a prayer at Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is renowned for its striking rock formation emerging from the sea, upon which the Hindu temple, Pura Tanah Lot (Tanah Lot Temple), is situated. Over time, ocean currents have sculpted the rock from the coastline, allowing it to stand isolated at high tide and remain accessible during low tide. It is said that venomous sea snakes guard the temple, making it a site where visitors come to pray or observe the stunning sunsets over the ocean.

6. Enjoy the culture in Ubud

Ubud is situated in the Gianyar regency and is recognized as the principal center for arts and culture in Bali. Contrary to other areas of Bali, Ubud lacks a beach, instead nestled among rice paddies, steep terraces, and verdant forests at the foothills. Ubud features numerous art galleries showcasing the work of many prominent Balinese artists, and visitors may also witness a Tek Tok dance at the Bali Culture Centre in Ubud, a contemporary form of Balinese dance infused with traditional elements, created in 2013.

7. Meander around Lake Toba

Lake Toba, situated in North Sumatra, is a significant body of water that originated from the crater of an ancient volcano. It holds the distinction of being the largest lake in Indonesia and the largest volcanic lake globally. Visitors to Lake Toba can select from swimming, engaging in water sports, or visiting traditional Batak houses of the indigenous population. They may also see elaborately constructed stone replicas of Batak houses that serve as tombs for former Batak kings and nobles or spend time in a traditional Batak village to learn about ancient weaving techniques and various forms of arts and crafts, including blowpipe-making.

8. Go trekking in Bukit Lawang

Located a four-hour drive from the capital city of North Sumatra, Medan, Bukit Lawang hosts the largest Sumatran orangutan sanctuary in Indonesia and serves as the entrance to Gunung Leuser National Park, which stretches north to Aceh Province. Common activities in this area include trekking, tubing on the river, or visiting the orangutan sanctuary to learn about the habitat and conservation efforts for this remarkable protected species.

9. Get away from it all on the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands encompass three main islands: Gili Meno, Gili Air, and Gili Trawangan, all situated off the coast of Lombok. Gili Trawangan is the largest and most populated, but even there, the infrastructure remains basic, with transport primarily conducted by bicycles or horse-drawn carts. There are no cars or police presence, which is why many travelers opt for the ferry or speedboat ride from Bali to enjoy a tranquil escape from the bustling towns of Senggigi in Lombok or Bali.

10. Marvel at the lakes of Kelimutu, Flores

Kelimutu is a volcano situated in central Flores, known for its three crater lakes. These lakes are notable for their varying colors of blue, red, and green, presumed to be a result of ongoing volcanic activity and gases beneath the lake’s surface. Numerous travelers opt to visit the lakes to witness this captivating natural spectacle, or to trek and camp nearby to observe the sunrise over the crater.

11. Celebrate Independence at Monas in Jakarta

The Monas tower, a national monument standing at 433 feet in Central Jakarta, was constructed as a tribute to the Indonesian struggle for independence. Situated within Merdeka (Freedom) Square, it houses a museum accessible to visitors. An observation deck atop the tower offers panoramic views of Jakarta, while the tower is crowned with a bronze flame, symbolizing the ‘Flame of Independence.’

12. Observe the Komodo Dragons

Komodo Island, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is most notably recognized as the habitat of the formidable Komodo dragons. These ‘dragons’ are, in fact, the largest lizards on the planet, possessing venomous saliva utilized to incapacitate their prey. Currently, visitors can observe these lizards as part of guided tours through Komodo National Park, established in 1980 to facilitate conservation efforts and ongoing scientific research and breeding initiatives for these captivating creatures.

13. Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja, which translates to ‘Land of the Toraja’, refers to the indigenous population residing in this area of South Sulawesi. Tana Toraja is recognized as the second most popular tourist destination in Indonesia, following Bali. Visitors are drawn to experience traditional cultures, ornate dwellings, and to observe how local communities have thrived for centuries. Of particular interest are the traditional burial sites of the Toraja people, featuring carved effigies of the deceased, alongside local community markets held every Sunday.

14. Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan has emerged as a tranquil alternative for tourists seeking respite from Bali’s bustling environment. Renowned for its pristine blue waters, Nusa Lembongan offers an assortment of water sports, including diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Additionally, it presents surfing opportunities in its unpolluted waters, which are home to a diverse range of marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Attractions such as operational seaweed farms emphasize educational and conservation efforts focused on marine ecosystems in the area.

15. Climb Mount Rinjani

Standing on the island of Lombok, Mount Rinjani is an active volcano and ranks as the second tallest in Indonesia. Atop this volcano lies a lake formed within the crater, considered sacred by the local Hindu and Sasak populations. Guests may embark on a trek to its summit to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets; however, due to its active status and frequent eruptions, access to the summit is often restricted, and ash clouds can interfere with flights to and from Bali and Lombok.

16. Dive in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat, which translates to ‘Four Kings’, comprises a group of islands off the coast of West Papua in Indonesia. This emerging tourist destination is celebrated for its remarkable marine biodiversity, encompassing thousands of fish species, turtles, and rare coral. The archipelago consists of four main islands, some of which boast ancient rock art. Tourists can traverse the islands on traditional wooden boats operated by local fishermen.

17. Climb Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo, located in East Java, is another of Indonesia’s active volcanoes and ranks among the most frequented tourist attractions in Java. Named after the Hindu god Brahma, access to the summit for climbing is contingent on the volcano’s activity status. Guided tours are available to visit the crater, and for early risers, an ascent to the summit allows for a spectacular sunrise view over the Tengger massif, a mountain range that includes Mount Bromo.

18. Explore the Mentawai Islands

The Mentawai Islands consist of over seventy islands located off the western coast of Sumatra. These islands are home to the indigenous Mentawai people, who lived in seclusion until the 19th century. Today, the islands are renowned for their exceptional surfing opportunities, which have led to dedicated surfing retreats being heavily promoted in this region. Many experienced surfers regard the Mentawai Islands as offering some of the world’s finest surfing conditions.

19. Watch a Kecak Dance performance in Bali

The Kecak dance, a popular performance that originated in the 1930s, is a combination of dance and drama narrating the battle scene from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Traditionally, this dance was performed solely by men, although contemporary performances now include women, who form a circle and clap their hands to create a ‘cak’ sound, which gives the dance its name. The musical accompaniment consists of chants derived from a traditional performance called Sanghyang, which combined dance with elements of exorcism. Nowadays, the Kecak dance is performed for audiences across Bali.

20. Go Shopping in Jakarta

As the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta is widely recognized for its shopping amenities. Opportunities abound for shoppers of varying tastes and budgets, ranging from the famous flea market in Menteng to upscale shopping malls such as Plaza Indonesia or Grand Indonesia, which feature the latest brands and designers.

21. Candi Prambanan

Candi Prambanan is a temple complex located in Central Java, dating back to the 9th century, and is often compared to the Buddhist temple Candi Borobudur as the Hindu counterpart. Like Borobudur, Candi Prambanan is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ranks among the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. Visitors can wander through the temple grounds, exploring galleries, smaller shrines, and a variety of temples, each dedicated to a distinct Hindu deity.

22. Shop for traditional Batik in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, often referred to as the cultural capital of Java, is a vibrant university town, home to the esteemed Gajah Mada University. Apart from the university, Yogyakarta is overseen by a Sultan residing in his palace, known as the Kraton. The region boasts a flourishing arts scene, which includes famous Batik factories—an age-old textile technique that involves dyeing fabrics outlined with wax. Eager visitors can tour these factories, participate in Batik-making, and purchase traditional Batik clothing or accessories.

23. Explore Manado

Manado is the capital city of North Sulawesi, ranking as the second-largest city in Sulawesi after Makassar. This diverse city features notable Chinese temples, Christian churches, and the world’s fourth tallest statue of Jesus Christ. On Bunaken Island, a national park offers an opportunity for visitors to partake in scuba diving or snorkeling activities and to discover the region’s unique flora and fauna. Manado is also famous for its culinary offerings and has been recognized as an Indonesian food tourism center.

24. Venture to Papua

Papua Province, located in the easternmost part of Indonesia, should not be confused with the independent region of Papua New Guinea, situated to the east. Papua remains underexplored by tourists, yet it encompasses some of the largest untouched rainforests outside of the Amazon. The region is characterized by an array of unique flora and fauna, along with striking coral reefs and indigenous tribal art for adventurous travelers to discover.

25. Get a bird’s eye view at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, translating to Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park, is a theme park situated in East Jakarta. The park is subdivided into the 26 provinces of Indonesia, offering visitors a brief yet insightful tour of the nation through replicas of traditional houses, local customs, traditions, and glimpses of daily life. For those unable to travel extensively across Indonesia’s varied regions, Taman Mini provides a comprehensive overview of one of the world’s most compelling and diverse nations.