15 Must-Visit Attractions in Indonesia

Introduction

When most people think of Indonesia, they think of Bali. And while this is one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago, there’s so much more to explore! From lakes and volcanoes to Flores Island and Komodo National Park, Indonesia has plenty to offer travelers looking for something off the beaten path. Let us be your guide through 15 must-visit attractions in Indonesia:

Borobudur

Borobudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist monument in Central Java, Indonesia. It was constructed during the reign of the Sanjaya dynasty, and abandoned following the overthrow of the kingdom. The temple compound is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist attractions.

Borobudur was built as a mandala, a precise geometrical arrangement of Buddhist shrines and temples that expresses sacred ideas through their hierarchy and interrelationships.[1] The monument consists of six square terraces at different heights topped by three circular platforms with multiple stupas (dome-shaped monuments) in each stage; it is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.[2] The bottom two levels are decorated with reliefs illustrating episodes from previous lives of Gautama Buddha; those on the uppermost terrace depict his last days.[3]

Construction started in 778[4] under Javanese King Panangkaran,[5][6] who commissioned its construction for his mother,[7][8] Queen Mahendradatta[9][10], who had become a nun after her husband died.[11][12] It was abandoned before it could be completed after an earthquake on 26 July 852,[13][14] which killed more than 1,500 workers.[15] For centuries it was thought that earthquakes destroyed Borobudur but recent studies suggest they only contributed to its destruction.[16][17][18].

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo (Gunung Bromo) is an active volcano, located in East Java, Indonesia. It is the tallest mountain in East Java and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Indonesia. The name Bromo derived from the Javanese word “bromo” meaning “sulfur”.

The volcano has erupted periodically throughout history and there have been at least 20 eruptions since 1575 AD. The last eruption occurred on September 27th 1994 when Mount Semeru erupted killing more than 100 people who were visiting nearby crater area known as Kawah Ijen (Blue Fire).

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia, and for good reason. The park is home to some of the world’s most unique creatures: Komodo dragons. These giant lizards can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh more than 300 pounds! They have been around since before humans walked on Earth–but don’t worry; they aren’t poisonous or aggressive towards humans (unless they are threatened).

The park itself covers an area of 1,800 square miles with over 2,000 different species of plants. You’ll find beaches, hillsides and forests within its bounds as well as several volcanoes including Mount Gede Pangrango which rises up over 6 kilometers above sea level at its highest peak

Halimun National Park

Halimun National Park is a national park in West Java, Indonesia. It is located east of Jakarta, between Bogor and Cianjur. The park covers an area of 658 km2 (254 sq mi) and includes two hills: Mount Halimun (1,133 m or 3,731 ft) and Mount Gede Pangrango (1,570 m or 5,150 ft).

Halimun National Park has been designated by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve since 1977.[3]

Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon

Ujung Kulon National Park is located in West Java, and it’s the largest national park in Indonesia. As a protected area, Ujung Kulon offers visitors an opportunity to see some incredible wildlife, including the endangered Javan rhinoceros.

Taman Nasional Gunung Semeru

Taman Nasional Gunung Semeru is a popular tourist destination located in the province of East Java. It’s one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, and its history dates back to prehistoric times.

The park contains many different types of flora and fauna, including coffee plants that thrive at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level. The park also has several hot springs (warmed by volcanic activity), which are used by locals for bathing purposes or as sources for cooking food.

Goa Lawah Temple, Flores Island

Goa Lawah Temple is located on the eastern side of Flores Island, Indonesia. The temple was built between 1222 and 1223 by King Jayabaya and was dedicated to his mother, Dewi Tara.

It is believed that this temple was once a royal burial ground for members of the royal family who ruled over the area centuries ago. This can be seen through its architecture which includes beautiful carvings and statues depicting different scenes from life during this time period. Today, Goa Lawah Temple serves as one of Indonesia’s most visited tourist attractions due to its unique history as well as its stunning architecture and design!

Lake Toba

Lake Toba is a volcanic lake located in North Sumatra, Indonesia. It’s the largest volcanic lake in the world and the deepest (1,145 feet). The volcano erupted 74,000 years ago and is now dormant. The lake is also known as Samosir Island because it’s home to one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations–a village called Pematangsiantar on its shoreline called Batu Karas.

Baliem Valley, Papua North Sulawesi

Located in the centre of Papua, the Baliem Valley is a fertile valley surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The area is home to many different tribes, including the Dani people who are famous for their ritualistic headhunting.

Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

Tana Toraja is a small region in South Sulawesi that’s famous for its unique culture and traditions. The Toraja people are known for their elaborate funeral rites, which can cost up to $20,000 per person. They are also known for their coffee, which has won several awards at international competitions.

The best way to get there? Take an hour-long flight from Makassar Airport (UPG). From there you can rent a car or take public transportation–the easiest option if you’re traveling with luggage!

Conclusion

Indonesia is a country with many attractions, from the beautiful beaches of Bali to the amazing temples of Borobudur. The natural beauty and culture of this country will take your breath away, so don’t miss out on visiting Indonesia!