I’ll never forget my first sunrise in Indonesia. Standing there at 5am, watching Mount Bromo emerge through the clouds – my brain couldn’t process what I was seeing. Between the jungle temples, midnight volcano flames, and beaches that don’t look real, this country messes with your sense of possible.
These are the most beautiful places to visit in Indonesia that still make my jaw drop. From hiking up misty volcanos in Java to diving with manta rays in Komodo – trust me, they’re even better than the photos. 🌴✨
👉 Find Your Perfect Indonesia Accommodation
👉 My Favorite Tour in Indonesia
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Indonesia
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Indonesian adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Bali for just $370 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: SSave by eating at local warungs (family-run restaurants) and street food stalls. A complete meal of nasi goreng or mie goreng costs around Rp25,000-35,000 ($2-3). Local markets are great for fresh fruit and snacks.
- Transport: Download Gojek or Grab for cheap scooter taxis and car rides. For island hopping, book FastBoat tickets in advance, and use night buses for longer journeys between cities in Java or Sumatra. Using local transport instead of tourist shuttles has saved me hundreds of thousands of rupiah on each trip.
Indonesia is already budget-friendly, especially outside Bali’s tourist hotspots. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore this vast archipelago for even less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Indonesia:
1. Bali: The Island of Gods
- 📍 Location: Bali Province, Indonesia
- 🏆 Best For: 🌴 First-time visitors, 🧘♀️ wellness seekers, 🏄♂️ surf lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Ubud’s rice terraces, visiting Uluwatu Temple, beach hopping in Seminyak
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry, sunny days ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Adiwana Resort Jembawan – Peaceful wellness retreat in central Ubud
Bali is Indonesia’s most famous island, and for good reason. It blends lush landscapes with spiritual energy and a wide range of experiences. Whether you’re chasing waves in Uluwatu or meditating in a jungle yoga shala, Bali offers something that sticks with you.
In Ubud, you’ll find traditional temples, forested paths, and terraced rice fields that feel worlds away from the coastline. If beach life is more your style, Seminyak has trendy cafés and golden sunsets, while surfers head straight to Canggu or Uluwatu for clean breaks and oceanfront views.
Bali also has a deep cultural heartbeat. Daily offerings, local ceremonies, and ancient temples like Tanah Lot remind you that this island moves at its own rhythm. It’s the kind of place where you can do everything, or nothing at all, and still leave feeling recharged.
2. Yogyakarta: The Soul of Java
- 📍 Location: Special Region of Yogyakarta, Central Java
- 🏆 Best For: 🏯 History lovers, 🎨 art enthusiasts, 🌋 cultural adventurers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunrise at Borobudur, exploring Malioboro Street, visiting traditional batik workshops
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for dry weather and temple visits ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Greenhost Boutique Hotel – Artsy eco-hotel with rooftop gardens in Prawirotaman
Yogyakarta, often called Jogja, is where Java’s heart beats loudest. The city is full of history, creativity, and tradition all blending into something that feels both ancient and alive. One of the biggest draws here is Borobudur Temple, a massive 9th-century structure where the sunrise is worth the early wake-up.
Back in the city, Malioboro Street buzzes with life with street vendors, handmade crafts, and endless places to eat. If you’re into art, the batik scene is strong here. Many workshops let you watch or even try the process yourself. It’s also one of the best places in Indonesia to see Javanese dance and shadow puppetry.
For a dose of nature, head toward Mount Merapi, an active volcano not far from the city. Guided tours give you a peek into local resilience and epic landscapes. Yogyakarta feels grounded, expressive, and always worth taking your time to explore.
3. Komodo National Park: Land of Dragons
- 📍 Location: East Nusa Tenggara, between Sumbawa and Flores
- 🏆 Best For: 🐉 Wildlife lovers, 🤿 divers, 🏝️ island hoppers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting Komodo dragons on Rinca Island, snorkeling at Pink Beach, hiking to Padar Island viewpoint
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to December for dry season and clear waters 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Seaesta Komodo – Trendy hillside hotel with ocean views in Labuan Bajo
Komodo National Park is one of the wildest and most surreal spots in Indonesia. It’s the only place in the world where you can see Komodo dragons roaming free, and trust me, they’re even more intense in person. These giant lizards rule islands like Komodo and Rinca, and guided treks let you watch them in their natural environment.
But the park isn’t just about reptiles. The snorkeling and diving here are world-class. Sites like Pink Beach and Manta Point are full of coral gardens, sea turtles, and expectedly, huge manta rays. The water is ridiculously clear, making it perfect for underwater photos and long swims.
One of the best hikes is up Padar Island, where jagged hills overlook curved bays in shades of green and blue. It’s remote, rugged, and the kind of place that reminds you how raw and unreal Indonesia’s nature can be.
4. Raja Ampat: The Crown Jewel of Oceans
- 📍 Location: West Papua Province, Indonesia
- 🏆 Best For: 🤿 Divers, 🛶 island explorers, 📷 underwater photographers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling in Friwen Wall, hiking to Piaynemo viewpoint, diving with manta rays
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April for best marine visibility 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Papua Paradise Eco Resort – Overwater bungalows surrounded by coral reefs
Raja Ampat feels like another planet, but in the best way. This remote archipelago of over 1,500 islands is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth. Whether you’re diving, snorkeling, or just floating above the reef, the amount of sea life here is next level.
The Piaynemo viewpoint is the classic photo spot, with mushroom-shaped islets rising out of turquoise water. But the real magic happens beneath the surface. Coral gardens stretch endlessly, and if you’re lucky, you’ll swim alongside manta rays, reef sharks, and huge schools of fish.
Because it’s so remote, Raja Ampat feels quiet and untouched. Most resorts are eco-friendly and only reachable by boat, adding to the castaway vibe. If you’re looking for something raw, off-grid, and ridiculously beautiful, this is where Indonesia really shows off.
5. Ubud: The Cultural Tapestry of Bali
- 📍 Location: Gianyar Regency, central Bali
- 🏆 Best For: 🧘 Wellness travelers, 🎭 culture seekers, 🌾 nature lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the Tegalalang rice terraces, visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest, watching traditional dance at Ubud Palace
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry, cool mornings ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Bisma Eight – Boutique jungle retreat with modern design near the heart of Ubud
Ubud is Bali’s cultural core, a town surrounded by jungle, rice paddies, and creativity at every turn. It’s slower and more soulful than the beach towns, with temples and art woven into daily life. Start with a walk through the Tegalalang rice terraces, where green steps cascade down the hills.
In town, the Sacred Monkey Forest blends ancient temples with cheeky long-tailed macaques. Just watch your snacks and sunglasses. The local arts scene is also strong. Galleries, woodcarving shops, and evening dance performances are easy to find without feeling overly touristy.
Ubud is also a wellness hotspot. You’ll find yoga studios, plant-based cafés, and massage spots on nearly every corner. Whether you’re here for quiet mornings or a full healing retreat, Ubud gives you the space and setting to actually slow down and reset.
6. Lombok: Bali’s Serene Neighbor
- 📍 Location: West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia
- 🏆 Best For: 🏄♂️ Surfers, 🥾 trekkers, 🌅 peaceful beach lovers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing Mount Rinjani, relaxing at Tanjung Aan Beach, diving around the Gili Islands
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry, clear skies ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Origin Lombok – Chic hillside resort near Kuta with ocean views
Lombok is like Bali’s quieter cousin with fewer crowds, rawer landscapes, and plenty of room to explore. Surfers head straight to Kuta Lombok for waves and chill beach cafés, while beachgoers can unwind at Tanjung Aan, one of the island’s most scenic stretches of sand.
Off the northwest coast, the Gili Islands offer crystal-clear water, coral reefs, and no cars—just bikes and barefoot vibes. It’s a great day trip or overnight stop for diving, snorkeling, or just slowing down with a coconut in hand.
Inland, the real adventure begins. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, draws trekkers from around the world. The climb is tough but rewarding, with views over crater lakes and clouds that make it feel like another world. Lombok balances nature, culture, and solitude better than most islands in Indonesia.
7. Borobudur Temple: A Timeless Marvel
- 📍 Location: Magelang, Central Java
- 🏆 Best For: 🕌 History buffs, 📸 sunrise chasers, 🧘 spiritual travelers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunrise from the temple, walking the stone reliefs, visiting nearby Mendut Temple
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October for dry mornings 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Plataran Heritage Borobudur – Elegant hotel near the temple with serene garden views
Borobudur rises like a giant mandala from the green fields of Central Java. With over 2,600 relief panels and 500 Buddha statues, it’s one of those places where you can’t help but slow down and look closer. Each stone carving feels like a snapshot from centuries ago, and the whole structure feels balanced and intentional.
The pre-dawn climb to the top is worth it. As the sky shifts from blue to gold, the temple slowly lights up, and the view stretches over mist-covered jungles and distant volcanoes. It’s peaceful, quiet, and gives you that early-morning calm that sticks with you for the rest of the day.
Afterward, grab breakfast in town or explore the nearby countryside by bike. Borobudur is a good mix of stillness, scenery, and old-world craftsmanship that makes it feel different from anything else in Java.
8. Lake Toba: A Tranquil Oasis
- 📍 Location: North Sumatra
- 🏆 Best For: 🌋 Nature lovers, 🧘 peaceful escapes, 🧭 cultural explorers
- 📸 Top Experiences: Staying on Samosir Island, visiting traditional Batak villages, kayaking on the lake
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry weather ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Taman Simalem Resort – Scenic hillside retreat with panoramic lake views
Lake Toba stretches like a calm inland sea, surrounded by lush mountains and peaceful villages. Formed by a volcanic eruption, it’s one of the world’s largest crater lakes and one of the most relaxing destinations in Indonesia. The cool air and glassy waters offer a break from the tropical heat found elsewhere in Sumatra.
In the center sits Samosir Island, a laid-back place where you can dive into Batak culture. You’ll find unique architecture, traditional dances, and historical landmarks that reflect the island’s deep-rooted traditions. The locals are friendly, and it’s easy to spend hours just wandering around on a scooter or bicycle.
Outdoor activities include kayaking, soaking in nearby hot springs, or taking a boat tour across the lake. Whether you’re after quiet mornings or cultural experiences, Lake Toba gives you space to breathe and slow down without feeling disconnected.
9. Gili Islands: A Tropical Paradise
- 📍 Location: Off the northwest coast of Lombok
- 🏆 Best For: 🏝️ Beach lovers, 🐢 snorkelers, 💑 couples
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling with sea turtles, biking around Gili Trawangan, relaxing on Gili Meno’s beaches
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for dry and sunny weather 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: PinkCoco Gili Trawangan – Beachfront boutique stay with sunset views
The Gili Islands are all about soft sand, clear water, and easy days. With no cars and barely any motorbikes, it’s just you, a bike, and ocean views at every turn. Each of the three islands has its own vibe: Gili Trawangan is the liveliest, Gili Air balances chill with a bit of buzz, and Gili Meno is all about slow mornings and quiet beaches.
Snorkeling is big here. Most people come to see the coral gardens and swim alongside turtles, which are easy to spot off the shore. At night, beach bars light up with fairy lights and bean bags, perfect for cocktails and barefoot dancing.
Whether you’re diving, sipping coconut water, or just watching the waves, the Gilis are made for unwinding. It’s low-key, easy to navigate, and one of the best tropical stops in Indonesia.
10. Mount Bromo: A Majestic Volcanic Wonder
- 📍 Location: East Java
- 🏆 Best For: 🌄 Sunrise views, 🐎 adventurous treks, 🌋 volcano lover
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunrise from Mount Penanjakan, hiking to Bromo’s crater, horseback rides across the Sea of Sand
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for dry skies ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Lava View Lodge – Cozy volcano-front hotel near the Bromo viewpoint
Mount Bromo is one of those places that feels unreal when you see it in person. It sits in the middle of a vast, ash-covered plain called the Sea of Sand, surrounded by dramatic mountain ridges and smoking craters. The scene looks straight out of a sci-fi film, and yet it’s right there waiting to be explored.
The most popular way to experience Bromo is a pre-dawn jeep ride to Mount Penanjakan. From the top, you’ll see a golden sunrise roll across the volcanic landscape. After that, you can hike or ride horseback to the crater rim and watch steam rising from the depths. It’s eerie and breathtaking all at once.
Even after you leave, the otherworldly vibe of Bromo sticks with you. The silence, the colors, and the sheer scale of it all make it one of the most unforgettable spots in Java.
11. Nusa Penida: Bali’s Hidden Gem
- 📍 Location: Southeast of Bali
- 🏆 Best For: 🌊 Scenic cliffs, 🐠 marine life, 🥾 natural adventures
- 📸 Top Experiences: Seeing Kelingking Beach from above, diving with manta rays, exploring Angel’s Billabong
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for clear weather 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Penida Bambu Green – Eco-friendly villas surrounded by nature
Nusa Penida is Bali’s wilder, more rugged neighbor. Reaching the island by boat feels like crossing into another world. Massive cliffs rise straight from the sea, waves crash far below, and winding roads cut through untouched hillsides. It’s a favorite for travelers who want Bali’s beauty without the crowds.
The island’s signature spot is Kelingking Beach, where the cliff outline looks like a T-Rex head jutting into the ocean. The hike down is steep and intense, but the views are worth every step. Other natural wonders like Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach offer scenic stops that are perfect for slow wandering and quiet breaks.
Underwater, Nusa Penida is just as special. Manta rays glide through crystal-clear waters, and snorkeling here gives you a front-row seat to coral reefs teeming with color. It’s the kind of place that feels raw, remote, and wildly rewarding.
- Read next: Top Activities in Nusa Penida
12. Tana Toraja: A Cultural Odyssey
- 📍 Location: South Sulawesi
- 🏆 Best For: ⚰️ Unique rituals, 🏞️ misty mountains, 🏡 heritage villages
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting boat-shaped Tongkonan houses, hiking through rice terraces, witnessing a Torajan funeral ceremony
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for dry trekking weather 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Toraja Heritage Hotel – Traditional-style rooms with mountain views
Tana Toraja offers a different kind of beauty. It’s a region tucked into the highlands of South Sulawesi where traditions still shape everyday life. The villages here are known for their iconic Tongkonan houses, wooden homes with sweeping curved roofs that look like boats turned upside down.
The local culture is centered around elaborate funeral rites. These ceremonies can last for days, involving water buffalo sacrifices, dance, and storytelling. While it might sound intense, it’s a powerful expression of respect and community. Visitors are welcome, and attending one offers deep insight into how Torajans view life, death, and legacy.
Beyond the rituals, the landscapes are peaceful and lush. Mist-covered hills, winding trails, and carved stone graves in cliffs all give the area a quiet, sacred atmosphere. Tana Toraja feels both grounded in the past and incredibly moving to witness in the present.
