Must-See Tourist Attractions in Indonesia

Published on October 31, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Enchanting and diverse, Indonesia is a true treasure for travelers seeking wonder. Exploring this multifaceted archipelago reveals a mosaic of spectacular landscapes, ranging from Bali’s pristine beaches to Sumatra’s mysterious jungles.

Culture enthusiasts will be captivated by the exceptional heritage of Borobudur and Prambanan temples, while adventurers will be drawn to the breathtaking spectacle of active volcanoes, such as Mount Bromo or Kawah Ijen.

Whether diving into multicolored coral reefs or sharing a traditional meal with locals, every visitor is sure to find their bliss among the must-see tourist attractions of this colorful country.

Discovering Indonesian Wonders

Indonesia abounds with natural and cultural wonders, among which certain sites are absolute must-sees for travelers seeking unique experiences.

Bali

• Paradise beaches: Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, renowned for their turquoise waters and sunsets.
• Cultural ambiance: Ubud, an artistic and spiritual center, offers Balinese dance performances, craft markets, and typical temples.
• Activities: Surfing, diving, cycling or walking through traditional villages and rice fields.
• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: UNESCO World Heritage site, offering spectacular landscapes perfect for hiking or photography.

Borobudur Temple (Java)

• UNESCO World Heritage, this 9th-century Buddhist temple impresses with its stupas and carved bas-reliefs tracing Buddhist history.
• Cultural significance: Major pilgrimage site and symbol of Buddhist influence across the archipelago.
• Activities: Sunrise visit for a mystical atmosphere, garden exploration, and discovering local life in Yogyakarta.

Komodo National Park

• Natural habitat of the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest living lizard.
• Unique biodiversity: Pink beaches, mangroves, coral reefs.
• Activities: Island hiking, dragon watching, snorkeling and diving to discover marine life.

Raja Ampat (West Papua)

• Archipelago of over 1,500 islands, recognized for exceptional marine biodiversity.
• Diving paradise: Multicolored corals, tropical fish, turtles, manta rays.
• Pristine nature: Kayak excursions, Papuan village exploration, exotic bird watching.

Site	Cultural and Historical Significance	Tourist Activities	Natural Features
Bali	Hindu tradition, Balinese arts, UNESCO rice fields	Surfing, diving, hiking, crafts	Beaches, terraced rice fields
Borobudur	9th-century Buddhist temple, UNESCO	Sunrise visit, gardens	Stupas, bas-reliefs, panoramic views
Komodo	Komodo dragon habitat, UNESCO park	Hiking, snorkeling, diving	Unique wildlife, pink beaches
Jatiluwih (Bali)	UNESCO rice fields, Balinese agriculture	Hiking, cycling, photography	Terraced landscapes
Raja Ampat	Papuan villages, local traditions	Diving, kayaking, bird watching	Exceptional marine biodiversity

Must-Do Activities in Indonesia:

• Scuba diving and snorkeling in the waters of Komodo and Raja Ampat.
• Hiking through Bali’s rice fields or Java’s volcanoes.
• Discovering temples and participating in local ceremonies.
• Exploring local life: markets, traditional villages, cultural performances.

Indonesian wonders offer harmony between heritage, nature, and adventure, inviting every traveler to immerse themselves in the archipelago’s fascinating diversity.

Practical Travel: How to Explore Indonesia

Indonesia, with its 17,000 islands scattered across a vast territory, requires careful planning to optimize travel. The choice of transportation depends mainly on distances to cover and available time.

Efficient Transportation Methods

Air travel stands out as the most practical solution for covering long distances between main islands. Several low-cost airlines offer regular flights connecting major cities across the archipelago, saving precious time given the considerable distances between some destinations. However, delays remain frequent due to weather conditions, requiring flexibility in scheduling, particularly during layovers.

Ferries provide an economical and eco-friendly alternative for inter-island connections. The national company Pelni handles main routes with a fleet of large ships following fixed schedules, typically 1-2 times per month. Sumatra, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi islands are all connected by regular ferries, allowing travel across the country from end to end. On busy routes like Java-Bali-Lombok-Sumbawa, crossings can be daily or even hourly. Fares vary significantly by class: economy class remains very affordable, while superior cabins can compete with low-cost flight prices. Note: Some crossings may span several days, requiring provisions.

Trains represent an interesting option on certain islands, although the railway network is limited. In Java, trains are very popular and easily connect Jakarta to Yogyakarta. Sumatra also has some lines. From Jakarta Airport, a high-speed train reaches the city center (Sudirman Baru station) in about an hour for 70,000 Rp, providing a fast and economical alternative to taxis.

Buses offer a cheap way to travel between cities within the same island. Inexpensive and easy to book, they generally depart on time, though journeys can be long. Different companies provide day and night services. Bemos (minibuses carrying about ten people) provide an authentic and very economical experience, with routes adaptable to passenger destinations.

Taxis are particularly advantageous for urban travel due to their low cost. Recommended companies include Blue Bird, Express, Taxiku, and Gamya. The GRAB app significantly facilitates taxi searches in major cities. It’s also possible to rent taxis by the day to explore surrounding tourist sites, with prices negotiated directly with drivers.

For short distances and countryside exploration, renting motorcycles or bicycles proves practical, though using these vehicles in cities is not recommended due to dangerous traffic. An international license remains mandatory for riding two-wheelers. Other picturesque options exist, like becak (cycle rickshaws), bajaj, or vespa taxis, mainly permitted on city outskirts.

Main Islands and Attractions

Island	Must-See Attractions	Special Features
Java	Jakarta (capital), Borobudur and Prambanan temples, Yogyakarta, active volcanoes	Most populated island, developed infrastructure, railway network
Bali	Ubud, Hindu temples, terraced rice fields, southern beaches	Major tourist destination, high visitor concentration
Sumatra	Lake Toba, Bukit Lawang orangutans, volcanoes	Wild nature, some railway lines
Lombok	Paradise beaches, Mount Rinjani climb	Quieter alternative to Bali

Climate and Ideal Seasons

Indonesia’s tropical climate divides into two main seasons. The dry season, extending from April to October, represents the optimal period to visit the archipelago, with favorable weather conditions and calm seas. The rainy season, from November to March, brings heavy rainfall that can complicate travel and certain activities, although temperatures remain pleasantly warm year-round.

To avoid tourist crowds, prefer the months of May, June, and September, which combine favorable climate conditions and moderate attendance. The Idul Fitri period (end of Ramadan) and major Indonesian holidays lead to considerable transportation crowds, particularly ferries that may be full even on decks and in corridors.

Accommodation

Indonesia offers accommodation options for all budgets. Luxury hotels concentrate mainly in Bali, Jakarta, and major tourist cities, offering high-end services and Western comfort. Mid-range hotels provide an excellent compromise, combining adequate comfort and reasonable rates. Hostels and guesthouses enable budget travelers to find economical options, often in authentic and friendly settings. Homestays with locals offer unique cultural immersion and very competitive rates.

Essential Practical Tips

Currency conversion: The Indonesian currency is the rupiah (Rp). ATMs are widely available in tourist areas and major cities. It’s recommended to exchange money at official offices or banks rather than on the street. Always keep small bills for local transportation and small purchases.

Health conditions: No vaccines are mandatory to enter Indonesia, but certain immunizations are strongly recommended (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis for extended stays in rural areas). Tap water is not drinkable; prefer sealed bottled water. Prepare a medical kit with antimalarials if visiting rural areas, along with effective mosquito repellent and sun protection.

Visa formalities: Nationals of many countries can benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays up to 30 days, or obtain a visa on arrival. Passports must have at least 6 months validity after entry date. For longer stays or other visit purposes, check with the Indonesian embassy.

Transportation safety: Keep a watchful eye on your belongings, particularly during ferry embarkation and disembarkation where pickpockets operate. In taxis, verify that the meter is activated or negotiate the price before departure. Always plan flexibility in your schedule due to frequent delays. For Pelni ferries, book tickets a few days in advance at ticket offices or local agencies.

Finding Perfect Accommodation in Indonesia

Accommodation Types in Indonesia and Characteristics

Accommodation Type	Main Characteristics	Indicative Price Range (per night)
Hotels	All comfort levels, from basic to luxury, often well-located, varied services (pool, spa, restaurant)	400,000 to 15,000,000 Rp
Villas	Private lodgings, often with pool and garden, perfect for families/groups, privacy, personalized services	500,000 to 29,000,000 Rp
Hostels	Shared rooms/dormitories, common areas, friendly, suited for small budgets and socializing	From 100,000 to 350,000 Rp
Guesthouses	Family welcome, local immersion, variable comfort, breakfast included, good value for money	150,000 to 500,000 Rp
Homestays	With locals, authentic experience, simple comfort, perfect for cultural immersion	From 80,000 to 250,000 Rp
Resorts	High-end amenities, often seaside, included activities (spa, sports, excursions)	1,000,000 to 20,000,000 Rp
Cottages/Apart-hotels	Independent lodgings, often well-located, equipped kitchen, ideal for extended stays	300,000 to 1,500,000 Rp

Booking Tips

• High tourist season (July-August, December-January): Book 2-4 months in advance for best choices and rates.
• Low season (February-June, September-November): More flexibility, advantageous rates, last-minute bookings possible.
• Recommended platforms:
  • Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, Hostelworld to compare prices and availability.
  • Cozycozy, Expedia, Wego to find exclusive offers or unique accommodations.
• Tips:
  • Check customer reviews to validate actual quality.
  • Prefer establishments offering free cancellation.

Where to Stay by Tourist Sites

Destination	Main Interest	Recommended Neighborhoods/Areas for Accommodation
Bali	Beaches, temples, surfing, rice fields	Ubud (culture, nature), Seminyak/Canggu (beaches), Jimbaran (quiet)
Yogyakarta	Javanese culture, Borobudur, Prambanan	City center, Prawirotaman, Borobudur village
Jakarta	Urban life, museums, shopping	Menteng, Sudirman, Kuningan
Lombok/Gili	Beaches, diving, tranquility	Senggigi (Lombok), Gili Trawangan (Gili)
Sumatra	Nature, volcanoes, orangutans	Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, Padang
Komodo/Flores	Diving, Komodo dragons	Labuan Bajo
Sulawesi	Diving, Toraja traditions	Makassar, Rantepao

Cultural Aspects to Consider

• Prefer accommodations near local markets or traditional neighborhoods to facilitate cultural immersion.
• Ensure ecological sustainability: choose establishments committed to waste sorting, using local materials, limiting plastic.
• Some regions are more conservative (Java, Lombok): verify accommodation compatibility with local customs (respect for quiet, dress codes).

Recommendations by Budget

Budget	Suitable Options	Additional Tips
Small budget	Hostels, homestays, guesthouses, simple guesthouses	Book in outlying neighborhoods
Medium budget	2-3* hotels, modest villas, cottages, apart-hotels	Take advantage of off-season offers
High budget/luxury	High-end villas, resorts, 4-5* hotels	Prefer sea views or premium services

Safety and Travel Management

• Check for safe, security guard or 24/7 security, especially in major cities and tourist areas.
• Prefer accommodations near transportation hubs (bus station, port, airport shuttle).
• Use transfer services offered by accommodation or pre-book reliable taxis (Blue Bird, Grab).
• Rent scooters or cars only with local driving experience.
• For distant visits, organize excursions with local agencies or guides recommended by accommodation.

Remember: Choosing accommodation in Indonesia should align with your priorities: immersion, comfort, budget, proximity to sites, and ecological values. Good accommodation will facilitate discovery and safety throughout your stay.