Top Highlights of Indonesia
Best Things To Do In Indonesia
1. Get In Nature
Indonesia is one of those countries where if you’re not exploring the outdoors, you’re doing it wrong. Don’t waste any time in the cities; get in nature as soon as possible! From Sumatra to Papua, you can find various lakes, mountains, rainforests, giant boulders, sand dunes, and much more.
Indonesia’s blue lakes are absolutely stunning, including the Paisu Pok Lake in Banggai Sulawesi and Labuan Cermin in Kalimantan.
Lake Toba is the biggest volcanic lake in the world, offering breathtaking views.
2. Climb The Volcanoes
Indonesia has 400 volcanoes, with 130 of them active. Most volcanoes are open to tourists for hiking. One of the best experiences is hiking up to Mount Bromo in Java, where you can walk up to the smoking crater!
In Bali, the most popular hike is Mount Batur at sunrise. Not to mention, Mount Agung offers a challenging climb.
3. Visit The Waterfalls
Every island in Indonesia has stunning waterfalls. The best waterfalls are located in Sumatra and Java, but Bali and Lombok have impressive waterfalls too.
Chase waterfalls at the Ciletuh Geopark in West Java, which is rich in beautiful waterfalls. Ponot Waterfall in North Sumatra impresses with its height of more than 250 meters!
4. Watch The Wildlife
Indonesia houses nearly 20 percent of the world’s animal species, providing incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. On Komodo Island, you can see the largest lizards, while Tangkoko Reserve offers a chance to see bug-eyed tarsiers.
5. See The Volcanic Lakes
Explore volcanic lakes and hot springs throughout Indonesia. The iconic Kawah Ijen crater in East Java is a must-see, while Kawah Putih and the three lakes of Mount Kelimutu in Flores also provide stunning sights.
6. Explore A Cave
Indonesia’s limestone mountains hide spectacular caves worth exploring. A sparkling limestone cave at Rammang Rammang offers a unique experience, while the Rangko Cave in Flores features a mesmerizing blue pool.
7. Go Diving & Snorkeling
As part of the Coral Triangle, Indonesia boasts some of the world’s most vibrant marine life. Dive or snorkel in rich waters filled with colorful corals, rare fish, and possibly even whale sharks! Noteworthy snorkeling spots include Belitung Island.
8. Relax On The Beaches
Indonesia’s beaches, often overshadowed by the Maldives and Thailand, are stunning and less crowded. Scattered remote locations hide breathtaking white sand, vibrant pink beaches, and surf spots, often providing a private escape.
9. Visit A Lighthouse
Explore Indonesia’s colonial Dutch lighthouses, with notable examples such as the one on Lengkuas Island and another on Pulau Karang in Sumatra.
10. Stroll The Terraces
Bali may be famous for its rice terraces, but scenic crop terraces are present throughout Java, Lombok, and beyond. Witness beautiful landscapes at Dieng Plateau and the Majalengka terraces in West Java.
11. Trek A Rainforest
Indonesia shelters some of the world’s most vital rainforests, making rainforest tourism crucial in preserving these environments. Popular trekking locations include Gunung Leuser National Park in Sumatra, famed for its biodiversity, including the world’s largest flowers.
12. Go Island Hopping
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is perfect for island hopping! Favorite destinations include Komodo and Belitung.
13. Watch The Sunrise
The beautiful tropical sunrises across Indonesian islands are mesmerizing. For an unforgettable experience, hike at night to catch the sunrise from a volcano summit or enjoy the views at Sanur Beach.
14. Watch The Sunset
As Indonesia promises stunning sunsets, head to locations like Amed Beach in Bali or explore sunsets across Java and Sulawesi for breathtaking photo opportunities.
15. Find The Hidden Gems
Indonesia is filled with hidden gems, especially in regions such as Maluku, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. Discover breathtaking spots that remain mostly untouched by tourists.
Conclusion
We hope this curated list of top things to do in Indonesia inspires your journey. From natural wonders to unique cultural experiences, Indonesia has an endless array of treasures waiting to be explored.
