Indonesia Travel Guide

Sunrise over Mount Bromo, Java

Mt. Bromo is one of the three volcanoes on the postcard picture that’s associated with Indonesia. Visiting this active volcano offers you an opportunity to see one of the most magical sunrises you’ll ever experience. The verdant countryside and volcanic gases you’ll see are all picturesque.

There is also the opportunity to explore the landscape on beautiful desert horses. Gallop away on these majestic horses as you take in the scenery around you. It’s worth mentioning that there might be many tourists at Mt. Bromo which can ruin the experience. Consider visiting during the off season if you want to beat the crowds.

Kawah Ijen, Java

Yet another volcano in Indonesia, Kawah Ijen is renowned for its beautiful scenery and its incredible crater lake, made of pure sulfuric acid. Hiking to the summit of the Kawah Ijeh allows you to see the stunning sunrise and meet the sulfur miners working in the crater.

Another phenomenon Kawah Ijen is famous for is the blue fire, which is as beautiful as it is dangerous. In the dark, you can see the sulfur burning in the crater, creating mesmerizing blue flames.

Climb the Rinjani Volcano, Lombok

Getting to the summit of the Rinjani Volcano is not for everyone. The trek will take about 3 days and may be the most challenging thing you’ll do in a long time. But if you are feeling up for it, sign up for a guided tour.

The silhouette of Rinjani can be seen from far away and it entrances hikers to make their way to the peak. The trek itself is fun as you get to enjoy incredible scenery and camp in the wild. But the real attraction is the summit where you see lush valleys with intense purple and green vegetation that seems otherworldly. The lake crater is also incredible with its rich turquoise color. A truly magnificent experience.

Climb the Merapi Volcano, Java

Hiking Merapi is an all-night affair. However, the trek is a shared tour and you’ll be in the company of other people eager to conquer the fire mountain – unless you choose to go with a private guide as I did. Remember to bring along a camera as there are several incredible sceneries on the way to the summit.

You’ll always remember the stunning sunrise you’ll experience at the peak of the volcano. Starting into the heart of the most active volcano is also something you won’t be forgetting in a hurry. All that aside, the feeling of satisfaction you feel after conquering the volcano will alone make the trip worth it.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Bali

Who would have thought rice terraces would make for a good tourist destination? Surprisingly, the rice terraces in Bali are stunning and are the very definition of the word ‘green’. The rice fields are cultivated in line with the flowing hillside topography of the Batukaru mountain range. Interestingly, rice has been planted here as far back as the 9th century.

I like that the terraces are not crowded unlike the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. You can enjoy a peaceful walk or hike on the terraces and take a break from the chaotic world we live in.

Komodo National Park

What does one go to do at the Komodo National Park? It’s obviously to see the world’s only wild population of Komodo dragons. But there’s a lot more to this park than these large and deadly replies. The park also has a rich marine life you can enjoy when you go underwater. There are several stunning hiking routes and an amazing pink beach. Oh, and the sunsets here are straight out of paradise.

Lake Toba, Sumatra

Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world. That alone should be enough for anyone to visit the lake but Toba isn’t just big. It has beautiful and scenic views that you won’t see anywhere else. The lake is also home to another lake (yep, there’s a lake in Lake Toba) which is an amazing phenomenon.

There is no shortage of water-based activities to do here and you’ll see people having fun on a kayak, banana boats, jet skiing, swimming, and even fishing. Perhaps more important than what the lake has to offer is the hospitality of the locals. They’ll make you feel welcome which is an added advantage.

Borobudur & Prambanan Temples, Java

If you are fascinated by old-world culture and architecture, you’ll want to see the Borobudur and Prambanan temples in Java. The Borobudur temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and the most visited site in all of Indonesia. You’ll have to visit the site yourself to see the wonders that make millions of people flock there annually.

The Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva. Built sometime in the 8th century, the complex has some 240 temples that are mythical, beautiful, and awe-inspiring.

Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan (Borneo) for Orangutans

There’s something interesting about seeing animals in their natural habitat and that’s what you get when you visit the Tanjung Puting National Park. You get to see monkeys, orangutans, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Exploration of the park is mostly done on a boat and you get to see the wildlife going about their business as you cruise along the waters.

You may have a hard time believing the scenery is real. But it is very real and the stunning pictures you take will prove it to you, haha.

Diving or snorkeling in Bunaken Island, Sulawesi

Bunaken island has a beautiful underwater world and is the scuba diving and snorkeling headquarters of Indonesia. The corals here are among the most beautiful on this planet. You also get to see different fish species and other wildlife. If you have a thing for underwater photography, you’ll take stunning pictures here. If you aren’t a diver, you can snorkel instead.

I also recommend you taste some of the cuisines the island has to offer. They are very fresh as most are sea food and very delicious.

Bair Island, Kota Tual, Maluku

From pristine forests to beautiful mangrove forest, Bair island is unbelievably beautiful. You can walk along the beautiful beach, sunbath on a boat, or go snorkeling. Whatever you do, you’ll have fun. The crowd on Bair island tends to be low and you can expect to enjoy some solitude on the island. Sometimes, it can feel like you are on your personal island.

Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua

Raja Ampat promises pure, unaltered beauty. It’s bound to be one of the most alluring places you’ll ever visit. The beaches are perfect, the waters clear and pristine, the communities kind and welcoming, and the overall surrounding is very picturesque. Sounds too good to be true? A visit will convince you.

Have I mentioned that Raja Ampat is also one of the most sought-after and exceptional diving destinations in the world?