10 Best Places to Visit in

Indonesia
Last updated on September 26, 2021 · By Touropia Editors

With 18,330 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest

archipelago in the world. The island nation is home to 167 active volcanoes,
far more than any other country and has some of the largest remaining
tracts of tropical forest anywhere in the world.

Indonesia is both a leisure seeker’s dream and an adventurer’s playground.

Whether you’re looking to bronze on beautiful beaches, hike in search of
endangered orangutan, or snorkel amongst some of the most beautiful
coral reefs on Earth, Indonesia has something for everyone.

Explore the last Indonesian city still ruled by an ancient monarchy, follow in
the literal footsteps of rare Komodo dragons, and soak in steamy hot
springs surrounded by nothing but wild, raw jungle. If you’re looking for
magic hidden in the everyday, you’ve found it. Here’s a look at the best
places to visit in Indonesia.

10. Raja Ampat Islands[SEE MAP]

An island cluster on the northwestern tip of Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat
is one of the most sensational diving destinations in Indonesia. Raja Ampat
– which means ‘Four Kings’ – is made up of four major jungle-clad islands
surrounded by turquoise lagoons and pearly-white palm-fringed beaches –
Waigeo, Salawati, Misool, and Batanta – along with thousands of smaller
islands.

The archipelago is celebrated for its rich marine life and underwater coral
reefs – home to as many as 75% of all known coral species! With everything
from underwater photography to wreck diving, it’s so beautiful, you should
definitely invest in an underwater camera.

But the fun isn’t limited to offshore. The islands are also a fantastic bird-
watching destination. Pack your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for
eagles swooping overhead and birds of paradise such as the Wilson’s and
Cendrawash chirping in the treetops while you trek to waterfalls and
mysterious age-old caves.

Best Places to Visit in Indonesia

9. Tanjung Puting National Park[SEE MAP]

flickr/Budi Nusyirwan
Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the world’s natural wonders
celebrated for its endangered orangutans – some of the last of these
orange, long-haired primates on Earth.

Located in the jungles of Borneo – the third-largest island in the world

that’s part of Indonesia, Malaysia and the sultanate of Brunei – the park is
home to a variety of wild lowland habitats on a peninsula overlooking the
Java Sea. Habitats range from swamp forests to alluvial plains and ocean
coastline that provides a home to a diverse array of wildlife – so diverse
that it was declared a game reserve before being deemed a national park in
1982.

While orangutans are the obvious draw, you’ll also be able to spot the odd-
nosed proboscis monkey, the vulnerable clouded leopard, and over 200
species of birds in the park. Couple these rare animal sightings with fresh
jungle air and no light pollution making for excellent star gazing, and the
park makes for the perfect adventure. Explore on foot or by klotok boat
with a knowledgeable guide – it’s up to you.

8. Flores Island[SEE MAP]

michael-day / Flickr

The Indonesian island of Flores means ‘Flowers’ in Portuguese, a name that

hails from the European missionaries who arrived in the 16th-century. Lying
to the east of Sumbawa and to the west of Lembata in Nusa Tenggara, the
long island of Flores is famous for its amazing multi-colored crater lakes
around Mount Kelimutu, traditional village homestays, and endless
opportunities for adventure tourism.

The lakes are truly a sight to behold in every color you can think of – from
browns and greens to aqua blue; colors caused by the minerals reacting to
the gas of the region’s volcanoes. The Kelimutu three-colored lake is a
must-see from the top of the volcano at sunrise.

For those in search of more physical activity, Egon volcano can be reached
with a self-guided or guided hike. The north coast has many offshore
islands and coral reefs to explore with an exhilarating dive or snorkel. Or
you can simply relax and soak your tired muscles in the enchanting hot
springs hidden within the jungle – bliss!

7. Torajaland[SEE MAP]

Nicknamed ‘the Land of the Heavenly Kings,’ Torajaland (Tana Toraja) is

tucked within the lush central highlands of Indonesia’s Southern Sulawesi,
a region that’s dotted with rice fields, limestone peaks, and bamboo-clad
hills. Home to the Toraja, a Christian and animist people, Tana Toraja has a
fascinating culture that’s remained largely and surprisingly independent
from western influence.

Torajans are famous for their massive peaked-roof houses known as

tongkonan and spectacular but gruesome funeral rites. After a person’s
death, the body is kept – often for several years – until the actual funeral
ceremony, which can last for several days. The deceased is then finally
buried in a small cave or in a hollow tree. The biggest funerals are usually
held in the dry-season months of July and August, but there are funerals
year-round.

Exploring Tana Toraja with a local guide is expensive but worth it. They’ll
give you a sneaky glimpse into these interesting customs and some of the
lesser-known burial sites and village compounds known for their colorful
exteriors and boat-shaped rooftops. Visit by yourself, and you’ll still be able
to see some of the more famous sites on a trekking trip, but you’ll lack the
local insight and insider tips that these tours afford.

6. Bukit Lawang[SEE MAP]

Lip Kee / Flickr

Bukit Lawang is a small village situated at the eastern side of Gunung
Leuser National Park about 90 kilometers northwest of Medan, the capital
city of North Sumatra. A rehabilitation center for orangutans was founded
here in 1973. The main purpose is to preserve the decreasing number of
orangutan population due to hunting and deforestation.

The ecotourism here provides jobs and an income for local families living in
the village and is a worthy charity to support, if not for the animals alone.
The chance to see orangutans in the wild is the major drawcard, but the
village is also a worthy stop. It’s built in a sustainable way that takes the
surrounding environment into consideration.

Bukit Lawang is a popular destination for guided jungle trekking, acting as

the gateway to the Gunung Leuser National Park. Here, you can spot
Thomas Leaf Monkeys with their unusual haircuts, walk in the footprints of
tigers and elephants, and explore on foot with local bird and nature walks.