Top activities for Indonesia

Consider over 17000 islands spread through an area three times larger than the biggest European country, all of it covered by warm equatorial waters. Interact with hundreds of ethnicities populating the islands. Trace the centuries of history with all the accompanying cultural treasures: arts, crafts, legends, rituals. Observe volcanoes - extinct, dormant and active. Enter large expanses of jungle, often untouched, and in some locations even unexplored. Get used to cities interwoven with agriculture and villages crawling together to form centers of trade: don’t be surprised to see farmers working in a rice field between a shopping mall and a bank. Similarly, take for granted the magic mixed with daily life. Don't forget lagoons so transparent that to observe multi-colored coral gardens on the bottom one doesn’t even need to snorkel – but snorkeling is more fun, of course. Test your balance against world-class surf. Try hearty, filling, tasty food and delicious coffee wherever you go. And, last but not the least, meet some of the most chilled-out, hospitable and helpful people in the world. In short, experience Indonesia, an extremely versatile travel destination. Whether you’re looking for sportive thrills, cultural exploration, or a quiet holiday in a beach bungalow, here you will find it without effort.

Indonesia

Are you ready to get inspired by a world of art, design and culture? From creative hubs filled with the best galleries, museums, and ongoing exhibitions, to imaginative centres and workshops frequented by locals - check out the coolest curated spaces in {{area}}. 
The scene here is dynamic and endlessly evolving, whether you're an architecture admirer, a culture vulture, or an art and design enthusiast. Feed your creative side and dive right in! 

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When it comes to the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of dining and drinking experiences to take your tastebuds on a journey through {{area}}! Searching for the best local markets with yummy stalls? Curious about cooking classes, or wondering which traditional drinks and bites to try out? Our community of locals have some tasty recommendations for you.

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Beaches, national parks, urban parks, forests, dunes, heathlands - you name it! We've lined up the best of locally recommended nature activities in {{area}} that are sure to get some fresh air in those lungs! If it's anything you can explore and do in the great outdoors, you can plan it here.

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Lace up those hiking boots and get out on the trail! We’ve organized the top nature walks and hikes in {{area}} for all the outdoor lovers looking to go the limits. There are plenty of routes you can choose from - all offering you stunning views that make each step even more worth it.

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All of the landmarks, viewpoints, monuments, city skylines, and hidden gems at your fingertips! These are the places that will astound your sight and senses,  and would also make a pretty Instastory. 
From urban architecture to natural wonders, explore the must-see spots in {{area}}, and revel in the beauty that surrounds you here.

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Come one, come all - come big, come small! We've rounded up all of the kid-friendly places in {{area}}, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor activities, and museums for you and your family to enjoy. These places and activities are fun (and safe!) for the whole family, no matter what size or age!

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Ready for an epic time? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for an exciting outdoor activity - check out what {{area}} has going on. There's truly never a dull moment here. From biking, adventure parks, and water sports to wonderous new environments - we rounded up the best things for you to do to have an adventurous time outdoors.

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From hiking active volcanoes to the safari trip in open savannah, East Java will surpass your adventurous appetite. Known as the Land of Sand and Fire, East Java conceals some of the most iconic volcanic peaks in Indonesia. The star attraction is Bromo Tengger-Semeru National Park featuring Mt. Bromo and Mt. Semeru – both very active volcanoes. These emblematic calderas higher than 3000 m above sea level offer an ultimate volcanic experience. On top of this comes a 10 km large Tengger sand sea creating desolate savannah beauty. On the easternmost tip of the island stands Ijen Plateau, an ancient crater of a still active but quiet volcano. Its main attraction is a blue lake and blue fire of Kawah Ijen, the largest acidic lake in the world. If you fancy savannah, try a safari trip to Baluran National Park, also called “Little Africa of Java”, where wildlife roams free. For a truly unworldly experience, visit Sukamade Beach in Betiri National Park to admire endangered turtle species.

East Java

Jakarta

South East Sulawesi

The province of Bali consists of the main island itself and three smaller islands – Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Located only 8 degrees south of the equator, Bali is a real tropical paradise. Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali enchants every visitor with its dramatic volcanoes such as Mount Batur, peaceful rice terraces of Ubud, and countless jaw-dropping beaches. With several peaks over 3000 m above sea level, for instance Gunung Agung, Bali offers some great hiking options. Bali’s white beaches, such as Kuta, are undoubtedly the first choice of many first-comers, but even secluded beaches are available everywhere. Surfers and divers alike will be spoiled for a choice of wild beaches as well. Above all, Bali is a spiritual destination with over 10 000 impressively carved temples, Pura Luhur Batukau being one of them. Colorful ceremonies, joyful dances and processions performed island-wide will make you plunge into Bali’s rich cultural heritage no matter where you go.

Bali

If Jakarta is the financial center of Java, Yogyakarta is its cultural capital. This bustling metropolis is one of the most visited destinations in Indonesia, due to its proximity to Indonesia’s two most important archaeological sites – Borobudur and Prambanan (in Central Java). At the same time modern and traditional, this city quickly charms all visitors. Yogyakarta is the guardian of Javanese culture, as it treasures many historical landmarks and preserves centuries-old traditions. An unmissable highlight of Yogyakarta is the kraton, the sultan’s palace, which serves as a hub of traditional life. Yogya, as locals popularly call it, is also a huge urban city with its contemporary cultural attractions such as street art and galleries. For those of you in the quest for active volcanoes, don’t miss Mt. Merapi located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta. Erupting regularly since 1548, Mt. Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia.

Yogyakarta

From urban metropolises to hidden gems for adventurers, Central Java offers some of the best spots to discover in Indonesia. Known as the heart of the Javanese culture and civilization, Central Java is home to the two of the greatest Indonesian monuments – Borobudur and Prambanan. Located only 50 km from each other and dating back to the 9th century, both sanctuaries are enlisted as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and the single most visited attraction in Indonesia. Its inspiring history, majestic architecture and spiritual importance made this stupa a popular pilgrimage site. Nothing less impressive is the Prambanan complex that consists of massive Hindu temples. Damaged by an earthquake in 2006, this spendid site was restored and reopened to visits. If you are into hiking active volcanoes, choose between Dieng Plateau and Mount Merapi, both of them offering spectacular volcanic experiences and otherworldly landscapes.

Central Java

Off-the-beaten-path for a long time, Central Sulawesi has only recently gained some popularity among the travelers moving between the Togean Islands and Tana Toraja. Crossed by the equator, but different from Java, Bali and Sumatra, this tropical province boosts in natural attractions. Thrill-seekers love hiking the rice fields of Lore Lindu National Park observing its rich wildlife, soaking the beauty of its stunning sceneries and exploring its mysterious megaliths dating back to 1300 BCE. Water sports enthusiasts adore island hopping in the Togian archipelago, the Sombori Islands or Lutungan Island, where diving, snorkeling and swimming options are endless. Not to forget gorgeous white sand beaches. In Central Sulawesi, white sand you can even find on the banks of the Lake Poso, the third deepest lake in Indonesia. Another lake that started attracting attention owing to its stingless jellyfish is Mariona Lake, one of the very few places in the world that harbors these unique creatures.

Central Sulawesi

Lavish volcanic panoramas, impassable rainforests and secluded beaches are just some of the highlights West Java has to offer to the most demanding travelers. From a primeval rainforest and its striking wildlife boosting within Gunung Halimun National Park in the west to the extensive beaches of Pangandaran in the east – West Java triggers all senses. In between, you can enjoy fabulous botanical gardens of Kebun Raya in the region of Bogor or perhaps dare to explore a slightly eerie view of the acid-water volcanic lake Kawah Putih. If you are longing for fresh air and relaxing landscapes, opt for a day out cycling or hiking around Puncak Bogor, the area of a mountain pass that connects Bogor to Bandung. However, if you are in quest for historical sites, check out why the city of Bandung is nicknamed “Paris of Java”. This province is also the homeland of the Sundanese people, the second most important ethnicity in Indonesia.

West Java

Rich with rainforests and outstanding biodiversity, Aceh is home to Gunung Leuser, one of the most popular national parks in Indonesia. Even though one of the less known provinces of Indonesia, Aceh has some of the best beaches and serene islands in the country. Hiking, trekking, diving, surfing, camping – you name it, everything is possible in this northern tip of the Indonesian archipelago. Allegedly, at Ulee Lheue Beach, one can experience one of the most beautiful sunsets. In 2004, this province was hit by a disastrous tsunami that killed almost 200,000 people and destroyed a huge part of the infrastructure. Post-tsunami Aceh is renovating rapidly after the natural disaster, and some considerable constructions are taking place all over the province.

Aceh

It is not an overstatement to say that North Sumatra has got the best share of Indonesia, condensed in the largest wilderness area in Southeast Asia. Spread over two provinces – Aceh and North Sumatra and being one of the biggest nature reserves in Indonesia, Gunung Leuser National Park is home to many rare wildlife species. In Bukit Lawang, you can visit one of the last sanctuaries of Sumatran orangutans in the world, or you can see them in the wild if you trek the jungle of Ketambe. At the same time, a magical encounter with Sumatran tigers expects you at Batang Gadis National Park. If you desire to see one of the most active volcanoes in the world, then head to Berastagi to observe the eruptions of Gunung Sinabung. Next marvel to discover is Danau Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, with its main attraction Pulau Samosir, the world’s largest island within a lake. Considered the second-best surfing spot in the world (after Hawaii), Sorake Bay on Nisal Island is the ultimate destination for all surfers.

North Sumatra

Rather an under-the-radar destination, this mesmerizing province has stolen the limelight and dethroned Bali on the global hotlist. If you are Bali-bound traveler, this budget-friendly wonderland with pink-sand beaches, less crowds and some of the best diving spots in Indonesia will make you change your mind. East Nusa Tenggara is now attracting more visitor thanks to world-famous Komodo dragons from Komodo National Park. Besides the giant lizards, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an extraordinary land and underwater wildlife. If you are more into underground explorations, check out Mirror Cave and Rangko Cave near Labuan Bajo. The most fascinating island of East Nusa Tenggara is Flores with its pristine lakes and waterfalls, spectacular diving sites and exotic underwater life. By far the most impressive underwater splendors await diving lovers around Alor Island, the easternmost tip of Flores. Bonus tip – don’t miss a chance to try night diving.

East Nusa Tenggara

North Moluccas

From spectacular volcanic highlands, picturesque valleys and lakes to surfer-friendly beaches, West Sumatra is for good reasons considered as one of the most beautiful provinces of Indonesia. Only in the territory of the Kerinci Seblat National Park, you can find South Asia’s tallest volcano Gunung Kernici (3805 m), a beautiful caldera of Danau Gunung Tujuh, as well as a lovely lake Danau Kerinci and impressive waterfalls of Air Terjun Telun Berasap. Water sports enthusiasts should know that an offshore archipelago of the Mentawai Islands is popular with surfers. If you are looking for an ideal off-the-beaten-path destination, head to the hill town Bukittinggi, from which you can explore a spellbinding Ngarai Sianok Canyon with gorgeous vistas. This area is also the heartland of Minangkabau people, an indigenous West Sumatra’s tribe and the world’s largest matriarchal society. They are also allegedly considered as the friendliest in Indonesia.

West Sumatra

South Sulawesi

West Nusa Tenggara

Lampung

North Sulawesi

Nusa Tenggara Timur

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Top activities for Indonesia

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