Top Vacation Spots in Indonesia

Indonesia is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. That's not surprising, because this island nation has tons to offer in terms of culture, cuisine, and landscapes.

From imposing volcanoes to white-sand beaches and bustling cities to lush rainforest, there is no shortage of unique places to see in Indonesia. Whether you want to lounge on a beach, get that perfect Instagram shot, or hike through the tea fields, Indonesia has the ideal spot for every kind of traveler and every budget.

Hop on your motorbike or hail a tuk-tuk and join us in exploring Indonesia's top vacation spots.

As Bali's capital, it's no wonder that Ubud is the top vacation spot in Indonesia. The city is a favorite among both backpackers and luxury travelers. Surrounded by green rice terraces, lush jungle and picturesque waterfalls, there is no shortage of breathtaking views around Ubud. Stunning villas and infinity pools will make splurging on your accommodation totally worth it.

Ubud boasts a wealth of hip shops, cafés, yoga classes, cultural experiences, and a great nightlife scene. Local restaurants serve a mix of traditional dishes and trendy health foods. Looking for a blend of creativity, spirituality, and relaxation? This is it!

What to see and do in Ubud:

• Get lost in the Ubud Monkey Forest
• Learn about Balinese art and culture at the Blanco Renaissance Museum and the Museum Puri Lukisan
• Trek through the endless Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• Get on a thrilling jungle swing and enjoy the scenery from above
• Explore the famous Elephant Cave
• Purify body, mind and spirit at the Tirta Empul Temple

Canggu is a surfing hotspot with suitable waves for both beginner and advanced surfers. The atmosphere in town is consequently laid-back and beachy. It's a popular destination for backpackers who want to relax and unwind before heading off on their next adventure.

With its trendy beach bars and hip Western eateries, Canggu is far from a traditional Indonesian town. But it is an excellent place to try a few yoga classes, party, and enjoy your vacation. Renting a motorbike is a great way to explore the countryside outside Canggu.

What to see and do in Canggu:

• Savor delicious dishes at the many hip restaurants
• Enjoy the beach vibes at The Lawn beach lounge club
• Take a surf class with In Da Surf Camp & School
• Visit the Tanah Lot Hindu shrine
• Take a horseback ride through the beautiful countryside
• Check out the many murals and street art around town

Once a humble fishing village, Kuta is now one of Bali's most famous beach towns. It is the perfect place to go diving, surfing or just lounge on the beach.

Enjoy your days in the sun, but don't forget to stay for the epic sunsets. If you want to score some nice souvenirs, Kuta has an abundance of markets, malls, and shops. You can't leave Kuta without spending a few nights exploring the bars, pubs, and beach parties.

What to see and do in Kuta:

• Visit Waterbom, one of the biggest water parks in the country
• Support the local community and environment by shopping at Upcycle
• Visit the beautiful Vihara Dharmayana Kuta temple
• Go surfing or swimming at Kuta Beach
• Lend a helping hand at the Bali Sea Turtle Society

Kintamani is a lovely area in the Balinese highlands. It doesn't have the typical beach vibe that most people associate with Bali. Still, it's certainly worth visiting for those who want to experience another side of the island. Here, you'll encounter traditional Balinese culture and fewer tourists.

It is essential to respect the local communities by dressing modestly and using a guide when trekking or touring the sites. Kintamani is famous for its beautiful landscapes and lush nature, dominated by the volcano Mount Batur.

What to see and do in Kintamani:

• Climb the active volcano Mount Batur
• Soak in the warm waters of the Batur Natural Hot Springs
• Take a Kintamani Village Tour
• Go on a cycling tour through the rice fields
• Visit a Luwak Coffee Farm, where they produce the most expensive coffee in the world

Tulamben has grown from a small fishing village to one of the most popular diving spots in Indonesia. Whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner, Tulamben offers a beautiful underwater world for you to explore, like the shipwreck of the USAT Liberty cargo ship and the stunning coral reefs.

If you're not much of a diver, you can also opt to snorkel among the coral reefs. This isn't a place to lounge on the beach due to the rocks, but you'll find plenty of pools to take a dip in.

What to see and do in Tulamben:

• Scuba dive at the USAT Liberty shipwreck and coral reefs
• Go shopping for food and souvenirs at the morning market
• Visit the beautiful Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Seminyak is one of the best vacation spots in Indonesia for luxury travelers. Instead of backpacker hostels and cheap bars, Seminyak caters to travelers looking for a more elegant vacation experience.

You can enjoy lazy days on the beach with a cocktail, dine at a seaside restaurant, and relax at a wellness spa. There are plenty of temples to admire and markets to shop for souvenirs. Seminyak is the perfect place for a romantic vacation or honeymoon.

What to see and do in Seminyak:

• Learn how to scuba dive and get your PADI certification
• Visit the Pura Petitenget and Pura Masceti temples
• Have a relaxing massage at Bodyworks
• Go surfing or lounge on Seminyak Beach
• Check out some local art at Nyaman Gallery

A quiet beach destination in the north of Bali, Lovina is a collection of small villages that are slowly growing into one seaside town. Instead of white sand, however, the beaches in Lovina have black sand due to the volcanic stone.

Lovina is best known for its nature and wildlife. You can spot wild dolphins, go snorkeling or diving, or visit majestic waterfalls and hot springs. It is also worth renting a motorbike to explore the landscape and see some of Lovina's temples.

What to see and do in Lovina:

• Book an early boat tour to spot wild dolphins
• Visit the Gitgit and Sekumpul waterfalls
• Ride a motorbike to the Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist monastery
• Learn how to prepare delicious Balinese dishes at Warung Ayu
• Take a snorkeling or diving trip

Right off the coast of Bali lies the tropical paradise island, Menjangan. It is part of the West Bali National Park and boasts unspoiled nature.
 

Aside from a few monks, the island is only inhabited by wild "menjangan" (deer), who gave the island its name. The island is small but certainly worth a visit. Crystal clear waters around the island are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. You can book a boat tour here from Lovina for an exhilarating day trip.

What to see and do on Menjangan Island:

• Walk around the island to see the wild deer
• Go snorkeling to admire the beautiful coral reefs
• Visit the Pura Ganesha Menjangan temple
• Relax on the beach and soak in the sun

Penida (Nusa Penida) is a less touristic alternative to Bali, where you can still experience traditional Indonesian life. This gorgeous island is best known for its dramatic cliffs and epic viewpoints. Hiking up to them isn't easy in the heat, but it's always worth it.

Penida is the ideal destination for active travelers who want to be immersed in nature. It also caters to those searching for relaxation time by the water. There are lots of secluded beaches to discover and enchanting lagoons to slip into.

What to see and do on Penida Island:

• Visit the amazing Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave
• Drink a fresh coconut on Atuh Beach
• Bathe in the blessed waters of the Peguyangan waterfall
• Swim with manta rays in the crystal clear water
• Hike up to the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu) viewpoint and the famous T-Rex Beach

Bogor is not only a popular destination for tourists but also for locals who want to escape the bustle of nearby Jakarta. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Indonesia, with a pollution problem as an unfortunate result.

Don't let that deter you, though. Bogor is a lovely city. There are enough tourist attractions and notable sights around town to keep you busy for a few days. And once you've seen those, you can tour the rice fields and tea plantations surrounding Bogor.

What to see and do in Bogor:

• Stay in a Mongolian yurt or Japanese cottage at Kota Bunga Estate
• See how gongs are made at a traditional gong workshop
• Go paragliding for incredible views and an adrenaline kick
• Swim at the Nymph waterfall
• Try some delicious local food at the Ah Poong floating market
• Take a gondola ride in Little Venice

Yogyakarta is not just a financial and urban center in Java, but also the artistic and intellectual heart of the island. Traditions are very much alive here, from the purest form of the Javanese language to the sultan who still rules.

For locals, Yogyakarta is the most livable city in Indonesia. For tourists, it's a hub of cultural attractions, art galleries, and batik shops. Take some time to explore both sides of the city: the traditional side with palaces and museums, and the modern side with street art and cool cafés.

What to see and do in Yogyakarta:

• See the Ramayana Ballet at the Prambanan temple
• Shop for local arts and crafts in Kota Gede
• Learn about Indonesian history and culture at Papermoon Puppet
• Visit Kraton Palace and Taman Sari (Water Palace)
• Try the local street food, such as fried rice cakes, at Malioboro
• Attend a cultural show at Wayang Theatre

Yogyakarta is the perfect base to explore Borobudur, the most famous temple in Indonesia. Comparable to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Borobudur is a massive complex of temples rising among the rice fields and forests.

Borobudur most likely gets its name from the Sanskrit term, 'Vihara Buddha Ur,' meaning 'Buddhist temple on the hill'. Made up of nine levels, the complex was built between 750 and 850 A.D. The best way to enjoy this magnificent structure is to book a sunrise tour and explore it before most tourists arrive.

What to see and do in Borobudur:

• Come early to watch the sunrise over the temples
• Walk through the temple complex on a guided tour
• Try making your own pottery at the Karanganyar pottery village

Malang is one of the smaller and less touristic cities on Java, but it is certainly worth visiting. Most of its highlights can be seen in a day. Take some time to admire the architecture of historic buildings and visit a local market.

The elevation in the mountains makes the temperatures in Malang pleasantly cool compared to elsewhere in Indonesia. It is also a great base to visit Mount Bromo, and there are several beautiful waterfalls worth seeing in the area.

What to see and do in Malang:

• Wander through the colorful Rainbow Village and Blue Village
• Chase the Coban Putri, Coban Rondo, and Coban Sewu waterfalls
• Visit the magical Batu Flower Gardens - great for colorful Instagram shots
• Take a motorbike ride through the tea fields

Jakarta is a megalopolis and one of the biggest cities in the world. The noise, chaos, and sheer size can be quite overwhelming, which is why most tourists opt to spend as little time as possible here. It's a shame, because Jakarta has much to offer.

If you are interested in the modern, urban side of Indonesia, Jakarta is the best example. But you can also see lots of historic buildings and museums. In Jakarta, you can witness Indonesia as it once was and see what it is becoming - all while enjoying an abundance of restaurants and a crazy nightlife.

What to see and do in Jakarta:

• Go shopping for antiques at the Jalan Surabaya Flea Market
• Admire the presidential palace, Istana Merdeka
• Learn about Indonesian culture in the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah open-air museum
• Wander through the Dutch colonial part of the city, Kota Tua or Old Town Batavia
• Visit the National Museum to learn about the history of Indonesia

Give yourself time to properly explore Surabaya. You will find the city grows on you the longer you spend there. Once you look past the pollution, chaos, and traffic, you will see the beauty that lies beneath.

Surabaya has historical significance as the starting point of the Indonesian fight for independence. It also has a big Chinatown, a labyrinth of streets called the Arab Quarter, and lots of Dutch colonial architecture.

What to see and do in Surabaya:

• Book the famous Bromo Midnight Tour to see the sunrise from the top of Mount Bromo
• Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at the Majapahit Hotel
• Have a bowl of very spicy Rawon Setan soup
• Visit the Cheng Hoo Mosque, a fascinating blend of Chinese and Muslim culture
• Play a game of golf at Yani Golf

Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices and unsure of what to see in Indonesia? Definitely head to the Gili Islands. They are the postcard example of a tropical paradise—soft white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and waving palm trees.

This is where you come to unwind and enjoy those relaxing beach vibes. Each island offers a different atmosphere, from the crazy nightlife on Gili Trawangan to the laid-back locals on Gili Meno.

What to see and do in Gili Islands:

• Explore the underwater world on a diving or snorkeling trip
• Catch a few waves on the southwest coast of Gili Trawangan
• Volunteer with sea turtles at the Gili Eco Trust
• Take a cooking class at the Sweet & Spicy Gili Cooking School
• Party in one of Gili's hottest beach bars

Mataram is a conglomeration of villages that have grown into the biggest city on Lombok Island. The community in Mataram is diverse, with large populations of Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Chinese Indonesians.

It's not a very popular destination among backpackers, and you won't find any hostels. But it's still worth a couple of days to explore Mataram's history and culture and visit the main sights.

What to see and do in Mataram City:

• Visit Batu Payung, also known as Umbrella Stone Beach
• Pray at the beautiful Pura Agung Narmada Hindu temple
• Trek to the summit of Mount Rinjani
• Snap some great Instagram shots at the stunning Mayura Water Palace
• Enjoy a luxury spa experience at the Puri Mas Spa Resort

Senggigi is the main seaside resort on Lombok. It offers beaches and luxury hotels, drawing in a different crowd than backpacker beach hubs like Canggu.

While it's not the most exciting place in Lombok and doesn't possess the most beautiful beaches, it is a great place to spend a few relaxing days. Senggigi offers some good snorkeling and diving opportunities, a few cultural and natural sights, and some lovely spas. The main draw of Senggigi is the spectacular sunsets!

What to see and do in Senggigi Beach:

• Shop for traditional souvenirs at the Lombok Handicraft Centre
• Rent a surfboard and catch some waves at Desert Point
• Visit the Batu Bolong Temple
• Get a relaxing massage at Lemongrass Spa
• Catch the stunning red and gold sunset
• Take in the view from the top of Malimbu Hill

Komodo National Park takes the crown, even in a country filled to the brim with exquisite nature and wildlife. The national park was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragons. It is the only place on earth where this ancient species lives in their natural habitat.

The only way to see the Komodo dragons is on a guided tour with a ranger. While they certainly don't breathe fire, they are still dangerous - especially since they grow to about 3 meters long and 160 kg in weight.

What to see and do in Komodo National Park:

• Hike on Padar Island
• Take a boat tour to the sandbanks and the famous pink beaches
• Spot Komodo Dragons on a guided tour with a ranger
• Explore the cool waters of the Rangko Cave
• Watch a million bats take flight every evening
• Swim with manta rays and sea turtles

At 450 meters, Lake Toba in the north of Sumatra is the deepest lake in the world! It was formed as the result of a massive volcanic eruption. Samosir Island is a peninsula in Lake Toba and the most popular destination in the area. Life here is remote and quiet, with quaint guesthouses and traditional restaurants. The mountains and villages make it an excellent spot for hiking or exploring by motorbike.

What to see and do in Samosir + Lake Toba:

• Take a photo with the boat at the Taman Simalem Resort viewpoint
• Visit the romantic Sapo Juma Tongging Garden
• Camp on Bukit Holbung, also known as Teletubbies Hill
• Enjoy the warm waters of the Sipoholon Hot Springs
• Take in the view from Menara Pandang Tele, Samosir
• Visit a ghost town near the Sinabung volcano

In the middle of the north Sumatran jungle lies the village of Bukit Lawang—a paradise for nature lovers. Here, you can enjoy traditional Indonesian village life, learn about the local culture, and take in the majesty of the rainforest. Lie back in a hammock, hang out with locals or go on a trek through the jungle.

The main reason travelers go to Bukit Lawang? To see the wild orangutans! This is one of the last few places on earth where you can see this endangered species in their natural habitat.

What to see and do in Bukit Lawang:

• Join the local kids for a refreshing fully-clothed dip in the river
• Book a guided tour to see wild orangutans
• Go elephant watching at nearby Tangkahan
• Jam with the locals on Saturday night at a live music event at Thomas' Retreat
• Take a motorbike tour around the local villages and see how traditional foods like tofu are made

Outdoor enthusiasts and beach bums alike will love Sumba Island. It offers an abundance of beautiful landscapes, from lakes and waterfalls to hills and plains.

Most tourist attractions are located on the west side of the island, but as a whole, the island is pleasantly quiet. You might even have some of the gorgeous beaches all to yourself! The blue water is not only great for swimming but surfing, too.

What to see and do on Sumba Island:

• Float around Weekuri Lake
• Visit the delightfully quiet Tarimbang Beach
• Learn about traditional village life and support the local community in Kampung Tarung
• Lounge in the sun or go surfing at Marosi Beach
• Find the hidden entrance to the beautiful Air Terjun Lapopu waterfall
• Explore nature and wildlife in Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park

A small island off the coast of Indonesia and Singapore, Bintan has historical ties to Malaysia. It has been an important trading post since the 3rd century. With its white-sand beaches, palm trees, and deep blue water, this tropical paradise offers more to do here than just tanning and swimming. It is an excellent place for water sports, like surfing and diving. There are also many cultural and historically significant sights on Bintan, such as temples, monuments, and palaces.

What to see and do on Bintan Island:

• Visit Panglong Village, home to the Orang Laut (Sea Gypsies)
• Swim and play in Southeast Asia's first artificial saltwater lagoon, Crystal Lagoon
• See the 500 life-size Lohan statues at the Thousand Face temple
• Enjoy some fresh seafood with a sunset view at Kelong Seafood restaurant
• Pick your favorite among the four beaches that make up Trikora Beach

Located right between Indonesia and Singapore, Batam has become a popular destination for travelers from Asia and Europe. Batam is part of a special economic zone but offers more than just duty-free shopping. There are also lots of golf courses, spas, and beach resorts.
 

Despite being a modern and industrial place, there are a few temples worth visiting here. Be sure to indulge in some delicious fresh seafood dishes as well.

What to see and do in Batam City:

• Go water skiing or wakeboarding at Batam Cable Ski Park
• Visit the serene Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya temple and buy some animal-shaped snacks in the café
• Try the regional specialty chili crab dish at Rezeki Seafood Restaurant
• See the sunset reflect off the water at Barelang Bridge

For a small island, Bunaken offers big views - specifically underwater ones! Bunaken National Marine Park is one of the best places on the planet to dive and snorkel, but much less busy than other popular diving spots in Indonesia. You can see beautifully preserved coral reefs and an assortment of colorful fish. Take a boat trip further out to spot whales, turtles, and dolphins.

Other than diving, there isn't much to do on the island, and accommodation options and restaurants are limited. Therefore, it's best to visit Bunaken on a day trip from Manado.

What to see and do in Bunaken:

• Go diving and snorkeling in the Bunaken National Marine Park
• Get PADI certified at the Thalassa PADI Dive Resort
• Rent a boat to spot whales and dolphins
• Watch the sunset over Manado Tua
• Go for a drink with the locals and backpackers in the Deco Stop Café N Bar

There are plenty of paradise islands in Indonesia, and Belitung is one of them. Located right off the east coast of Sumatra, Belitung used to be known for producing pepper, coffee, and tin. An industrial and mining history gives the island an interesting edge.

You can easily spend a week here lazing about on the beaches and snorkeling among the coral reefs or take boat trips to the many nearby islands.

What to see and do in Belitung Island:

• Check out the Dutch lighthouse on Lengkuas Island and relax on the powdery white sand
• Volunteer to plant coral at the Kepayang Island Conservation Center
• Swim in the bright blue pools at Danau Kaolin
• Visit Pasir Island at low tide to look at the starfish
• Enjoy a cup of the iconic Manggar Coffee

Derawan Island is one of the harder-to-reach places in Indonesia, which makes it all the better. It's the most developed of the archipelago and the perfect base from which to visit nearby islands. From here, you can take day trips as well as diving and snorkeling excursions. Most of the islands are hardly ever visited, so you'll have them all to yourself.

The brilliant waters around the islands are teeming with marine life, like sea turtles, manta rays, manatees, and whale sharks. You can even swim among non-poisonous jellyfish and seahorses.

What to see and do on Derawan Island:

• Swim with jellyfish, turtles, and whale sharks at Kakaban Lake. Don't worry, they won't hurt you!
• Walk through the Tarakan Mangrove Forest on nearby Tarakan Island
• See how the local people live in the fisherman's villages
• Take a boat tour to other remote beaches and islands
• Enjoy a fresh coconut while you lounge on the beach

Whether you need a relaxing beach vacation or you want to learn about new cultures and explore breathtaking landscapes, Indonesia checks all those boxes. It's a one-stop-shop for every kind of traveler! In a country this versatile, you will never run out of things to do. Enjoy the warm Indonesian hospitality, indulge in delicious food, and embrace the laid-back pace of island life. Go explore Indonesia for yourself and let this country steal your heart. Which one of our top vacation spots in Indonesia is on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.