Hands down, this is my favourite country.
Trying to list all the reasons to visit Indonesia is a nearly impossible, and never ending task.
With over 17,000 islands spanning from South East Asia across to Oceania, you are spoilt for choice.
The ever popular Bali became a second home for me and I discovered there is a good and the bad side to it.
You can find remote paradise in Raja Ampat, explore some of the world’s most famous temples in Yogyakarta and be amazed at a million other things.
- I hope this in-depth Indonesia travel guide will help you plan an incredible adventure to these islands and if you have any questions, just give me a shout. What to see in Indonesia Erm, everything? Seriously, this country blows me away and after spending six months exploring it I still feel like I have barely scratched the surface. My personal favourites were Raja Ampat and Komodo for sheer natural beauty, scuba diving and wildlife (think Mantas, Dragons and Dolphins). That said, I even managed to find a soft spot for Jakarta – undoubtedly one of the most slated cities in the travel blogging world. The top attractions in Indonesia Cultural Hub of Ubud, BaliUbud is full of vegan cafes, yoga retreats and lush green rice paddies. There are a million and one things to do in Bali, but if you want to slow down, a few days in cultural Ubud is a winner. Visit the famous water temples, enjoy traditional dance and explore the famous Monkey forest before taking in the lush green landscape. Mount Bromo, JavaAn incredible spot in Java to catch the sunrise, Mount Bromo, with its aggressive smoke and surrounded by mist is now one of the most popular volcanoes to visit in Indonesia. Ijen Blue Fire Lake, JavaThe Ijen sulphur mines are not only a dangerous workplace for underpaid staff but now a popular tourist attraction thanks to the ‘blue fire’ that is emitted from the lake at night. Hidden beaches in BaliWhilst many people will stick to the long sands of Seminyak and Kuta, Bali has some incredible, and empty beaches just waiting to be discovered. Find my favourite on the link above. Scuba Diving in Batu BatongLabuan Bajo, with its manta rays, dolphins and incredible underwater world is the ideal place to scuba dive or snorkel. The HMS Victory wreck in Bali is another popular dive site. Tanah Lot Temple, BaliThis famous temple along the south coast of Bali draws in the crowds, especially for sunset. On a rock slightly out to the ocean, this is a typical tick on any Bali bucket list. The Gili Islands, LombokThese three spots of sand surrounded by crystal clear waters and huge turtles are a short boat ride away from Bali and an easy beach escape to a slower pace of life. Indonesia UNESCO List Borobudur and Prambanan, YogyakartaIn Yogyakarta, known locally as Jogja, you can find two of the most famous temples in the world. The Hindu complex of Prambanan and the towering structure of Borobudur can easily be done on a one or two day visit. Komodo National ParkHome to the Komodo Dragon, a boat trip across the still waters of the bay will deliver you to this wilderness island which is protected. The huge lizards are impressive and a local guide will keep you safe (with a stick?) Rainforests of SumatraSumatra is a wildlife and safari dream. With leopards, tigers, elephants and white rhinos it is a world away from the beaches of Bali. Due to continued deforestation, this natural habitat is sadly in danger. Sangiran Early Man Site, FloresThe discovery site of a now extinct human species. Measuring in at only 3.5 meters tall you can visit the place that the homo floresiensis was discovered, although the remains now live elsewhere. Indonesia also has the cultural landscape of Bali province, Lorentz national park and Ujung Kulon park inscribed on the UNESCO list. Unique places to visit in Indonesia Jellyfish Lake, BorneoThis inland lake is one of a few in the world where you can swim through the still water which is full of colourful jellyfish. With a sting so weak that it does not affect humans this is one of Indonesians most unique activities. Raja Ampat, West PapuaLiterally translated as four kings, Raja Ampat is billed as ‘the world’s last paradise’ and it does not disappoint. Think cabin living, perfect sands, no phone signal and even tribal islands. It will cost you time and money to get here but I promise it is worth every cent. See Wild Orangutans in BorneoBorneo’s forests are stunning, and the chance to see Orangutans in the wild or support the conservation efforts is something not to miss if you venture to Kalimantan. With a whole host of options for staying right in the heart of the action, such as Uncle Tans wildlife camp, you are guaranteed to be at one with nature. Toraja Land, SulawesiSulawesi, one of the biggest islands in Indonesia, is full of unique and diverse cultures. One of the more popular to visit is Toraja land for their lavish funeral ceremonies which can go on for days. The 1000 islands and JakartaA short boat ride from the manic capital of Jakarta, the 1000 islands are Indonesia’s answer to the Maldives. Think over water bungalows, undersea tunnel aquariums and the kind of beaches that beg for a coconut and a good book. ©https://www.danflyingsolo.com/indonesia-travel-guide/
