Tourism in Indonesia

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Asia / Southeast Asia

Tourist attractions

Borobudur Temple Compounds

Region: Magelang, Central Java

Cultural heritage

World's largest Buddhist monument built in 9th century; sunrise tours popular

Prambanan Temple Compounds

Region: Special Region of Yogyakarta

Cultural heritage

Spire complex dedicated to Hindu trinity shining in sunset

Bali (Kuta, Ubud, Nusa Dua)

Region: Bali Province

Beach/Culture

Diverse tropical resort from surfing to Balinese dance and spas

Komodo National Park

Region: East Nusa Tenggara

Nature

Komodo dragon habitat and world-class diving spot

Raja Ampat Islands

Region: West Papua

Nature

"Ocean Amazon" with limestone islets dotting emerald sea

Mount Bromo

Region: East Java

Volcanic landscape

Spectacular sunrise over moon-like sand sea and crater

Lake Toba

Region: North Sumatra

Nature

Supervolcano caldera lake; experience Batak culture on central Samosir Island

Bunaken Marine National Park

Region: North Sulawesi

Nature

World-renowned dive spot with drop-off coral reefs and transparency

Yogyakarta Palace (Kraton)

Region: Yogyakarta City

Cultural heritage

Symbol of Javanese culture where royal family still resides

Monas (National Monument)

Region: Central Jakarta

Modern architecture

Panoramic capital view from 132m tower

Suggested itineraries

Javanese Culture and World Heritage 4 Days

Duration (days): 4

Highlights: Yogyakarta, Borobudur, Prambanan, Malioboro Street

Train from capital to ancient capital for intensive art and ruins tourism

Bali & Komodo Island 7 Days

Duration (days): 7

Highlights: Ubud, Kuta Beach, Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park

First half relaxation in Bali, second half dragon exploration cruise from Flores Island

Sumatra Wilderness Expedition 10 Days

Duration (days): 10

Highlights: Medan, Bukit Lawang Wild Orangutan Sanctuary, Lake Toba, Padang

Adventure course combining rainforest trekking and caldera lake ethnic cultural experience

Travel tips

  • Visa exemption for short-term tourism up to 30 days; confirm in advance for extensions
  • Dry season (May–October) is best tourist season but mountain areas cold mornings and evenings
  • Authorized money changers offer good rates and safe counterfeit checks
  • Tap water not potable; purchase bottled water
  • At local street stalls, can adjust amount of spicy sambal seasoning
  • Use ride-hailing apps GOJEK/Grab for safe motorcycle taxis with transparent fares
  • Restaurant operating hours may shorten during Ramadan period
  • Credit cards mainly in urban areas; cash basic in rural areas
  • Obtain permission and consider worshippers when photographing mosques and temples
  • Some marine areas regulate sunscreen ingredients for coral reef protection
  • Check volcanic activity information on meteorological agency website for highland climbing
  • Cross-body bags convenient for urban pickpocket prevention
  • Prepare folding umbrella or raincoat for rainy season squalls
  • Domestic flights often delayed; allow buffer time for connections
  • Batik patterns and quality vary by region; Yogyakarta orthodox, Pekalongan colorful

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