With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is surely more than just the novel-turned-film Eat, Pray, Love. From volcanoes and temples to stunning beaches, you wouldn’t run out of beautiful Indonesia tourist spots to visit.
Indonesia gives you a glimpse of the beauty of natural landscapes blended with its unique culture making your trip worthwhile.
Top 20 Indonesia Tourist Spots to Visit
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who seeks peace, calm, and quiet, Indonesia is the best place to be. Here’s a list of some of the most beautiful places in Indonesia you should check out.
- Bali – A tropical paradise
- Gili Islands – For a romantic getaway and best nightlife experience
- Ubud – The cultural heart of Bali
- Nusa Penida – A spectacular offbeat paradise
- Yogyakarta – The best cultural destination in Indonesia
- Bandung – A haven for Instagrammers
- Seminyak – Where best Bali experiences are
- Jakarta – Melting pot of cultures
- Komodo National Park – Home to a pink beach and giant monitor lizards
- Kelimutu Lake – Where you’ll find dramatic volcanic peaks
- Lake Toba – The largest lake in Southeast Asia
- Bunaken Marine Park – Perfect for divers
- Mount Rinjani – The second highest volcano of indonesia
- Borobudur Temple – World’s biggest Buddhist sanctuary
- Tanjung Puting National Park – Home to the amazing orangutans
- Nusa Dua – A sparklingly prestigious area
- Lombok – Boasts magnificent marine life and unbeatable panoramic views
- North Sulawesi – Famous for diving sites
- Wae Rebo Village – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Maluk Beach – Where you’ll see the changing colors of sun rays
Read this Indonesia travel guide to help you discover the best tourist destinations in Indonesia.
What’s inside this blog?
- Best Indonesia Tourist Spots
- Where to Stay in Indonesia
- Frequently Asked Questions About Indonesia Tourist Spots
Best Indonesia Tourist Spots
1. Bali
Mention Indonesia and Bali, without a doubt, will come on top of mind. Known as the “Island of Gods,” Bali takes pride in its lush tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, breathtaking rice paddies, the calming atmosphere of the temples, and colorful coral reefs.
Best time to visit: April to October
Tourist attractions:
- Mount Agung
- Sanur Beach
- Denpasar
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall
2. Gili Islands
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Gili Islands are popular for local and foreign tourists looking for a romantic getaway. It is home to overwater villas, and amazing restaurants that not only serve delicious food but also offer a view that perfectly compliments the experience of beachfront dining.
Best time to visit: September to November
Tourist Attractions:
- Gili Meno
- Masjid Agung Baiturrahman Gili
- Gili Trawangan ViewPoint
- Gili Air
3. Ubud
Photo by Matthew Waring on Unsplash
Ubud is a mesmerizing place to enjoy the most picturesque views of nature and art galleries, and experience a fun culture through their traditional dances. Among its famous attractions is the Tegalalang Rice Terraces where you can find calm and serenity. There’s also a giant swing there that’s really famous to tourists so don’t miss trying it. Discover more of Ubud’s tropical jungles and wellness homes by exploring the unexplored.
Best time to visit: June to September
Tourist attractions:
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Ubud Monkey Forest
- Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall
4. Nusa Penida
If you’re looking for an offbeat but stunning destination, Nusa Penida is the place to be. It boasts gorgeous cliffed coastlines surrounded by pristine waters, a perfect backdrop for the Instagram photo. While it’s near Bali, Nusa Penida remains offbeat (which is quite surprising).
Best time to visit: May to September
Tourist attractions:
- Kelingking Beach
- Nusa Lembongan
- Angel’s Billabong
- Manta Point
5. Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta was known with the slogan of “Jogja The Never ending Asia“ and is one of the foremost cultural centers of Indonesia. From strolling through museums and beach-hopping to shopping, Yogyakarta never disappoints. Another famous thing to do here is chasing sunrise in famous temples like Prambanan and Borobudur.
Best time to visit: April to October
Tourist attractions:
- Prambanan Temple
- Borobudur Temple
- The Keraton (Sultan’s Palace)
- Mount Merapi National Park
- Parangtritis
- Indrayanti
6. Bandung
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Just 2.5 hours’ drive southeast of Jakarta,Bandung is a perfect place if you’re looking for a different kind of calm. You can find lots of hotels in Bandung, each with their own unique feature, from budget to luxury. Bandung also has some of the best markets perfect for shopping on a budget,
Best time to visit: April to September
Tourist attractions:
- Moko Hill
- Puncak Bintang
- Kawah Putih (White Crater)
- Tebing Keraton
7. Seminyak
Photo by Victoria Al-Taie from Pixabay
If you want a one-stop Bali Indonesia tourist spot, consider visiting Seminyak. It is home to many stunning beaches, world-class restaurants, high-end spas, designer boutiques, international surf shops and lifestyle brand outlets.
Best time to visit: April to September
Tourist attractions:
- Seminyak Beach
- Petitenget Beach
- Masceti Temple
- Potato Head Beach Club
- Cungga
8. Jakarta
Located on the northwest of Java Island, Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia. It is known as the melting pot of cultures as it’s home to over 10 million people with diverse ethnic group backgrounds. Here you can find various architecture and food that came from influences of Malaysia, China, Arab, India, and Europe.
Suggested article: Jakarta Budget Trip Guide: Places to Visit for FREE
Best time to visit: June and September
Tourist attractions:
- National Monument
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
- Taman Impian Jaya Ancol
- Jakarta History Museum
- Ancol Dreamland
- The Merdeka Palace
9. Komodo National Park
Fan of Jurassic Park, well, Komodo National Park is the closest you can get to a real-life Jurassic experience. It is home to many giant monitor lizards also known as Komodo Dragons, hence the name. This is the only remaining place in the world that is the habitat of Komodo, Varanus komodoensis, the largest living prehistoric lizard. But aside from that, you can also find many stunning beaches in Komodo National Park like the Pink Beach and Padar Island.
Best time to visit: April and December
Tourist attractions:
- Pink Beach
- Padar Island
- Pulau Kelor
- Pulau Kalong
- Lawa Darat Gili
10. Kelimutu Lake
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Kelimutu, which means the boiling lake, is the name given to the three crater lakes found in the mountain. Each has its own colors and a local name but all are believed to be the resting place of departed souls. Kelimutu lakes are unpredictable as to when and what color they will change into: usually the colors are blue, green, and black, and sometimes they turn to white, red, and blue.
Best time to visit: May to September
Tourist attractions:
- Taman National Kelimutu
- Muru Keba Waterfall
- Mt. Kelibara
11. Lake Toba
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Another Indonesia famous place to check out is Lake Toba. Located in Earth’s largest caldera, Lake Toba has a volcanic origin and was formed about 70,000 years ago. This gigantic crater lake consists of an island almost the size of Singapore in its center.
Best time to visit: May and September
Tourist attractions:
- Air Terjun Sipiso Piso
- Bukit Indah Simarjarunjung
- Pasir Putih Parbaba
- Bukit Holbung Samosir
12. Bunaken Marine Park
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Bunaken Marine Park is located in the northern stretch of Sulawesi island. It is rich in marine flora and fauna making it an Indonesia famous place that divers usually visit. You can find numerous of exotic and endangered fish species in its crystal clear waters.
Best time to visit: March to October
Tourist attractions:
- Bunaken
- Siladen Island
- Manadotua Island
- Mount Tampa
13. Mount Rinjani
Photo credits to César González Palomo via Wikimedia Commons
Mount Rinjani is a massive volcano found in Lombok. Standing at 3,726 meters above sea level, Mount Rinjani is the second highest mountain in Indonesia. Adventure seekers, especially hikers, will definitely enjoy this place. The climb may not be easy but it’s totally worth it because of the breathtaking views waiting for you at the peak. MountRinjani won’t be in the 15 top rated tourist attractions in Indonesia for nothing.
Best time to visit: April to July
Tourist attractions:
- Segara Anak
- Gunung Rinjani National Park
- Senaru Crater Rim
14. Borobudur Temple
Photo by Maulana Iskak from Pixabay
Situated in Java, the magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist sanctuary. It sits on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills, allowing you to embrace breathtaking views of the wonders of nature. Borobudur temple is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues and the structure is like a set of massive interlocking Lego blocks held together without any glue.
It remained strong even though it was neglected for 10 centuries. In 1815, Borobudur temple was rediscovered, buried under volcanic ash. In the 1970s, the Indonesian Government and UNESCO worked together to restore Borobudur to its former majesty and the restoration took eight years to complete. Now, it is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia that travelers across the world never miss.
Best time to visit: April to October
Tourist attractions:
- Borobudur Temple
- Green Park
- Pawon Temple
- Taman Wisata Candi Boro Borobudur
15. Tanjung Puting National Park
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Want to experience wildlife in Indonesia? Tanjung Puting National Park is the best place to be. It is home to around eight species of monkeys including the proboscis monkey (the ones with the distinctive long nose). You will also see wild orangutans swinging through the thick and lush vegetation, some crocodiles, and over 220 species of birds.
Best time to visit: August, September and October
Tourist attractions:
- Camp Leakey
- Tanjung Keluang
- Pondok Tanggui
- Kubu Beach
16. Nusa Dua
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Another popular Bali Indonesia tourist spot is Nusa Dua. It is a sparklingly prestigious area because most of the world-renowned luxury hotels,resorts, exclusive golf courses, and deluxe spas are found at Nusa Dua. Aside from the luxury and exclusivity Nusa Dua offers, it also takes pride in its pearly fine white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters that will completely take your stress away.
Best time to visit: April to September
Tourist attractions:
- Pasifika Museum
- Puja Mandala
- Waterbow
- Nusa Dharma
- Bali Collection
17. Lombok
With its pristine beaches and unbeatable panoramic views, the majestic island of Lombok is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia. Lombok is home to many white sand beaches, lush forests, and amazing lakes.
Must-read: Most Scenic Places to Visit in Lombok, Indonesia for an Unforgettable Trip
Best time to visit:
Tourist attractions:
- Mount Rinjani
- Segara Anak Crater Lake
- Gili Islands
- Selong Belanak Beach
- Merese Hill
18. North Sulawesi
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
If you want to explore more of Indonesia’s underwater world, North Sulawesi is the best tourist spot in Indonesia to visit. It is famous for its diving sites, nature parks, and volcanic mountains.
Best time to visit: June and October
Tourist attractions:
- Bunaken
- Bunaken National Park
- Tangkoko, Lake Linow
19. Wae Rebo Village
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Our list of the most beautiful places in Indonesia wouldn’t be complete without the Wae Rebo Village. It is a small (and out of the way) village located on around 1,100 meters above sea level and approximately 3 to 4 hours travel by foot from Denge Village. Wae Rebo Village is surrounded by picture-perfect mountains and the dense Todo forest.
This tourist attraction in Indonesia is a must-visit because of its unique charm brought by the traditional home of the Manggarai tribe. Here you’ll feel absolutely connected with nature because there is no mobile signal, the electricity is only available from 6 to 10 pm, and the sound you’ll mostly hear is the chirping of the songbirds. The air at Wae Rebo Village is relatively cold, especially in the dry season, so don’t forget to bring your jacket if you’re planning to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best time to visit: May to September
Tourist attractions:
- Flores
- Ruteng
- Mules Island
- Reok
- Todo
20. Maluk Beach
Located along the western coast of south Sumbawa Island, Maluk Beach is one of the stunning beaches you’ll find in the country. Its waves are vibrant and the colors of the sun rays usually change, making it like a magical Indonesia tourist place.
Best time to visit: May to December
Tourist attractions:
- Mantun Hill
- Pink Beach
- Tanjung Ringgit
Where to Stay in Indonesia
After a tiring tour exploring the Bali tourist spots, Jakarta tourist spots, and other Indonesia famous places, make sure to have your well-deserved rest at the best hotels in Indonesia. Here’s a list of the best budget hotels in Indonesia. Just click the location you prefer to see the list.
Price range: PHP 500 to PHP 3,600/night
Price range: PHP 360 to PHP 1,800/night
Price range: PHP 530 to PHP 3,000/night
Price range: PHP 350 to PHP 1,400/night
Frequently Asked Questions About Indonesia Tourist Spots
Q: What are the best places to visit in Indonesia?
A: From Jakarta to Bali tourist spots, we’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful places to visit in Indonesia you should check out.
- Bali
- Gili Islands
- Ubud
- Nusa Penida
- Yogyakarta
- Bandung
- Seminyak
- Jakarta
- Komodo National Park
- Kelimutu Lake
- Lake Toba
- Bunaken Marine Park
- Mount Rinjani
- Borobudur Temple
- Tanjung Puting National Park
- Nusa Dua
- Lombok
- North Sulawesi
- Wae Rebo Village
- Maluk Beach
Q: What are the best Bali Indonesia tourist spots?
A: Here’s a list of the most beautiful Bali tourist spots:
- Ubud
- Mount And Lake Batur
- Nusa Lembongan
- Sanur Beach
- Kuta Beach
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu
- Seminyak
- Pura Besakih
- Mount Agung
- Nungnung Waterfall: Mesmerizing Views
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall
- Ayung
- Green Bowl Beach
- Tirta Empul
- Gitgit Waterfall
- Bali Safari And Marine Park
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Uluwatu
- Dream Beach
- Waterbom Bali
- Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali
- Double Six Beach
- Goa Gajah
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Ubud Art Market
- Sukawati Art Market
- Sanur Night Market
- Bali Swing
- Nusa Penida
Q: Do Filipinos need a visa to enter Indonesia?
A: Visa is not required for the Filipino travelers staying up to 30 days only.
Q: Is Indonesia expensive to visit?
A: Indonesia is totally affordable to visit. It’s not that expensive compared to other Asian countries. In fact, you can spend around PHP 500 (USD 10) for meals for the whole day.
Q: What Indonesia is famous for?
A: Indonesia is famous for its centuries-old temples, pristine beaches, breathtaking nature landscapes, and delicious food.
Disclaimer: ZEN Rooms claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on ZEN Rooms, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
In 2018, there were many big international singers came to Indonesia, from Celine Dion to Gun n Roses. In 2019, there will be a bigger and more lively musician. Check out 10 concerts and music festivals happening from February to March 2019. Don’t miss out & mark your calendar #ZENtraveler!
1. Jakarta Folk Festival
Date: 4 Februari 2019
Location: SCBD, Jakarta Selatan
Website: https://www.loket.com/event/jakartafolkfestival
2. Love Festival
Date: 8 Februari 2019
Location: JCC, Jakarta
Website: http://berlianentertainment.com/event/concert/love-is-live
3. Indonesia National Piano Festival
Date: 10, 17, 24 Februari 2019
Location: Bali, Pontianak, Makassar
Website: https://www.loket.com/event/inpf-bali-dbo
4. Futurepublic
Date: 23 Februari 2019
Location: Ecopark, Jakarta
Website: https://futurepublic.id/
5. Lalalafest
Date: 23 Februari 2019
Location: Bandung
Website: https://lalalafest.com/
6. Java Jazz Festival
Date: 1-3 Maret 2019
Location: Kemayoran, Jakarta
Website: https://www.javajazzfestival.com/
7. Kodaline Politics of Living Tour 2019
Date: 1 Maret 2019
Location: Senayan, Jakarta
Website: https://www.kodaline.com/
8. The Club 90s
Date: 2-3 Maret 2019
Location: Surabaya
Website: http://www.theclub90s.com/
9. The 9th Music Gallery
Date: 9 Maret 2019
Location: Senayan, Jakarta
Website: https://the-musicgallery.com/
10. The Sound Project Vol. 4
Date: 22-23 Maret 2019
Location: Kuningan, Jakarta
Website: http://thesoundsproject.com/
Disclaimer: ZEN Rooms claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on ZEN Rooms, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
When talking about traveling to Indonesia, first destination that comes to mind is Bali. And its capital city Jakarta, is somewhere down the list. Little did many know, Jakarta has a lot to offer, from the modern city life to cultural attractions. And most of these are totally free! So, this is perfect if you’re planning for a Jakarta budget trip!
We’ve compiled a list of 7 places that travelers can visit for free! From the art museums to shopping centers, these places are perfect for all kinds of travelers.
1. Istiqlal Mosque
Istiqlal Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Jakarta. Constructed in 1978, the Istigal Mosque is the largest Mosque in Southeast Asia. The mosque can accommodate up to 200,000 people. Its courtyard is amazing, flashing its designer marble and decorative minarets. The interiors of the Istiqlal Mosque have decorative Islamic designs.
2. Merdeka Square
Measuring to 75 hectares, Merdeka Square is one of the must-visit places in Jakarta. If you have seen Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, you’ll be in so much awe when you see Merdeka Square because it is five times bigger than the Tiananmen Square! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes when going to Merdeka Square because there will be a lot of walking. It’s also the perfect place to hangout with your travel buddies after a tiring day of sightseeing around the city.
3. National Gallery
Even if the National Gallery houses many of Indonesia’s most monumental and prestigious artworks, tourists can enter the National Gallery of Indonesia free of charge. The gallery has more than 1,700 items in its collection for everyone to enjoy. If you’re an art lover, this should top your list of the best free things to do in Indonesia. This place will definitely make your Jakarta budget trip perfect!
4. Jakarta Chinatown
If you are looking for a place to visit at night, Jakarta Chinatown is the right spot for you. Since the Chinese immigrants reached Jakarta in the 17th century, they have established their roots there. The population of these immigrants is an important part of the city’s history and thus you can consider it to be one of the historical places in Indonesia. You can find some amazing traditional Chinese architecture, markets, temples, and delicious food in Jakarta Chinatown! In fact, it happens to be among the favorite places of all shopaholics who are on a Jakarta budget trip!
5. Jakarta Cathedral
Built in 1901, the Jakarta Cathedral serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic establishment since the beginning. At first look, you’d think there’s a resemblance of Jakarta Cathedral to the Sagrada la Familia of Barcelona, Spain. The facade of the church has some amazing Roman decorations and stunning white spires; and its interiors give a glimpse of European cathedrals.
6. Kota Tua
To enjoy Jakarta sightseeing to the fullest, you should not miss out the Kota Tua. It is a neighborhood that comprises downtown Jakarta where you can see and admire the Dutch-style architectures that date back to the 17th century. It is home to the remains of Oud Batavia, a walled Dutch settlement in Jakarta. Touring this neighborhood is sure to delight history and culture buffs. Featuring fantastic Dutch architecture, museums, and temples, you can unearth the former glory of Oud Batavia and learn more about Indonesian history. This is absolutely one of the best free things to do in the city that will make your Jakarta budget trip more fun!
7. Suropati Park
One of the best free things to do in Jakarta is going to Suropati Park. It is full of tall shady trees that will sway as the fresh air blows. It has a mix of nature, urban, and an artistic vibe that fits any personality. You will find doves that consider Suropati Park as their home and you can occasionally see groups or individuals practicing their musical instruments under the trees.
To make your Jakarta budget trip more affordable, make sure to book the best budget hotel in Jakarta at www.zenrooms.com!
Disclaimer: ZEN Rooms claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on ZEN Rooms, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
