20 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Indonesia

Indonesia is a breathtaking Southeast Asian archipelago with over 17,000 islands, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. Whether you’re drawn to pristine beaches, ancient temples, vibrant cities, or lush jungles, this diverse country delivers unforgettable experiences.

After exploring Indonesia extensively, I’ve curated this guide to the best things to do in Indonesia, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Start your journey in Bali, where you can relax on stunning beaches like Seminyak and Nusa Dua, or explore the sacred temples of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. Head to Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, home to Borobudur and Prambanan, two of the world’s most awe-inspiring ancient temples. For nature lovers, Komodo National Park offers a chance to see the legendary Komodo dragons, while Raja Ampat is a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Adventure seekers can hike Mount Bromo for a surreal sunrise experience or trek to the crater lake of Mount Rinjani in Lombok. If you crave city life, Jakarta’s vibrant nightlife and culinary scene won’t disappoint. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, explore the wild jungles of Sumatra to see orangutans in Bukit Lawang.

This guide covers Indonesia’s top attractions, blending adventure, culture, and relaxation to help you craft the perfect itinerary. Let’s dive into the must-visit destinations and hidden gems that make Indonesia an unforgettable travel experience.

Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Indonesia

Our first adventure took us around Bali and the whole of Java Island… we still remember the excitement of seeing the sunrise at Bromo or the calm we felt in the Balinese temples far from the tourist crowd. And what can we say about the country's gastronomy? It was one of the places in Asia where we ate the best (oh, those mee goereng -based breakfasts ).

But the real plus of Indonesia lies in its people . Indonesians are incredibly open, friendly and generous, which turns every interaction into a memorable moment. With their hospitality and warmth , they made every corner of the country feel like home. Without a doubt, Indonesia is a destination that captures the heart and leaves you wanting to explore even more.

what to see in indonesia

Ready to discover all there is to see and do in Indonesia ? Check out our favorites!

1. Bali, one of the most incredible destinations to see in Indonesia

The first thing we recommend doing in Indonesia is to discover that, as touristy as Bali is , the island of the Gods is one of the most incredible places in the world. It may be because of its temples , its unique religion in the world, or its extraordinary people… Bali has something special that captivates the traveler. Dazzling green rice fields, ancient temples, beaches with wild waves, and, for nature lovers, we always recommend an excursion to Mount Batur to see the sunrise. It is an unforgettable spectacle!

→ Here you have all our articles about Bali .

what to see and do in indonesia, bali temple

2. Gili Islands

Fall in love with the turquoise blue of the Gili Islands . If you don't know which one to choose, we'll tell you the differences between Trawagan, Air and Meno . After the terrible earthquake that hit them in August 2018, they are slowly becoming the paradise they once were. If you're planning a trip to Bali for more than a week, it's worth spending a few days here.

→ This is the best thing to do in Gili .

3. Nusa Penida

Those who follow traveller accounts on Instagram will have already noticed that Nusa Penida (and specifically Kelingking Beach ) is one of the trendiest destinations. What do you have to do? Go just because Instagram says so? No, obviously! You have to go because if the place is breathtaking in photos... imagine it in real life! Point: it is an island very close to Bali so it is not difficult to get to.

Also notable are Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong , a natural pool where the sea blends with the rock. For diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, Crystal Bay and Manta Point offer unforgettable encounters with manta rays.

→ Nusa Penida Travel Guide

Nusa Penida beach aerial photo

Things to do

4. Flores Island

Flores Island is another very interesting stop, especially to visit the traditional Bajawa villages , freak out on Mount Kelimutu and enjoy one of the least touristy islands in Indonesia (among the touristy ones, of course).

5. Bromo Volcano, one of the excursions you have to do in Indonesia

On the island of Java you cannot miss an excursion to the Bromo volcano , without a doubt one of the great highlights of a trip to Indonesia. Of course, get well informed before deciding which tour to take, we had a rather interesting and theatrical experience XD. Here is the post we wrote about it . Now we laugh but at that moment buaaahhh.

→ Sign up for a well-reviewed tour like this one and don't take any chances XD

Bromo volcano, one of the best things to see in Indonesia

6. Raja Ampat, a paradise to see in Indonesia

If you are looking for an ideal diving destination, the Raja Ampat archipelago is your paradise. It is one of the areas with the greatest marine biodiversity in the world. It is also beautiful on the surface: you surely have that aerial image of hundreds of green islets floating in a sea of different shades. To get there you will have to fly to Sorong and once there travel by sea to the island you choose as your base.

7. Ijen Volcano

To continue exploring Indonesia from above, the Ijen volcano is another of the volcanoes in Java that can be visited. It is quite a spectacle thanks to its blue fire (burning sulphur), although there are certain bad habits around it, such as seeing workers risking their lives for a few rupees or the lack of security, which may make you reconsider your visit. We have read good and bad reviews and in the end we decided not to go. But without a doubt, climbing the Ijen volcano is something that has to be on the list of best things to do in Indonesia.

→ There are 3-day tours to see the Ijen and Bromo volcanoes. Info and prices here .

what to see in indonesia — Ijen Volcano Crater, one of the most brutal images to see in Indonesia

8. Surfing, one of the best things to do in Indonesia

If you're a surfer or have always dreamed of catching waves on a tropical beach, Indonesia is a great destination (for beginners and experts alike). We visited the fishing village of Batu Karas in Java, but if you want a more atmospheric place, check out Canggu (in Bali, a surfer's paradise).

Top Activities

9. Lombok

Writing about Lombok is like holding your heart in your fist: the earthquake that hit this friendly little island in Indonesia was a tragedy, but don't be afraid, this is when the island needs more tourism. If you are going to travel to Indonesia in the next few months, try to stop by here (it is also a beautiful island, especially Tangsi, its pink beach).

→ Lombok travel guide

travel guide to lombok

10. Tana Toraja, a unique destination to see in Indonesia

When it comes to jaw-dropping places, Tana Toraja takes the cake. This little gem is located on the fascinating island of Sulawesi , a corner that already has its exotic touch. But what really puts Tana Toraja on the map are the funeral rituals of the Toraya people , which are anything but conventional. Here, death is not the end of the story, it is just the beginning!

Funerals are a true celebration, sometimes lasting for days, with buffalo sacrifices, mass parties and even coffin parades through the mountains. If you are looking for a place where traditions will blow you away, this is the place to go .

11. Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Indonesia

We return to Java and head to the city of Yogkyakarta (Yogya for its friends). It is the cultural capital of Indonesia and the centre of batik , where you can spend a couple of quiet days strolling through the village and surrendering to the charms of Indonesian food (ains, those satay).

But there are also two temples nearby that could be on the cover of any National Geographic magazine: Borobudur (the largest Buddhist temple in the world) and Prambaran (a Hindu temple that can compete with Angkor in terms of spectacularity). If you don't have much time, a good idea is to take a tour that takes you to both.

→ This was our time in Yogyakarta .

Borobudur, one of the must-see sites in Indonesia

12. Jakarta

What about Jakarta ? Well, we're going to include it mainly because it's the capital of the country and because your plane will most likely fly through here, but for us it was quite disappointing. And we love big cities... but Jakarta got the better of us.

Of course, we always say that to get to know the heart of a country, you have to visit its capital. And for those who enjoy local cuisine, there are plenty of options.

13. Sumatra and the orangutans _

Let's change the environment drastically. We're going to see orangutans in the wild ! The best place is on the island of Sumatra , specifically in the area of Bukit Lawang . The best thing is to do a trekking of several days in the jungle (2 or 3) to fully enjoy the experience.

where to see orangutans in Borneo Sepilok

Fun Things to do

14. Enjoy gastronomy, one of the best things to do in Indonesia

We found Indonesian cuisine to be one of the most complete and delicious in all of Asia (especially Balinese), so something you have to do, apart from trying their typical dishes, is sign up for a cooking class and learn to replicate the recipes at home.

It will be like returning to Indonesia without leaving your kitchen: learning to prepare these typical dishes is a great plan and suddenly, boom!, one bite transports you back to the beaches of Bali or the street markets of Java.

15. Komodo National Park

Of the things we didn't do, the Komodo National Park cruise is one of the ones that caught our attention the most. They usually last two days/one night and you have to go to Labuan Bajo, from where they leave. When we followed our friend Carla's trip, our teeth got so long that we would have scared a Komodo dragon XD

We have Padar Island Viewpoint , the most famous viewpoint in Komodo National Park, well on our radar . From there, after a somewhat steep hike, you can enjoy an incredible view of the three beaches on the island, each with a different color: one with white sand, one with black sand and the famous pink sand beach ( Pink Beach ). We want to go! Don't you think it's one of the most beautiful places to see in Indonesia ?

Komodo Island, Indonesia

16. Balinese Villas

Treat yourself to a stay in one of the many Balinese villas with a pool and surrounded by rice fields: you will feel like you are in “Eat, Pray, Love”. And the best thing is that they are not expensive at all: we stayed in one that was amazing for €40/night (2-bedroom villa – we were 4 people).

→ Here you can find and book the one you like the most .

Balinese village

17. Kalimatan

Enough of swimming in the pool and sipping beers while watching the sun set over the rice fields, right? If you're after a real adventure, head to Kalimantan , Indonesian Borneo . Here, wild and lush nature awaits you, and the best part: orangutans in their natural habitat ! There's nothing like seeing these furry cousins swinging through the trees - an experience that will leave you speechless.

Of course, Borneo is not the cheapest option in Indonesia, but the feeling of being in the middle of the jungle with these orange giants is worth every rupee.7

Tours & Activities

18. Weh Island

Pulau Weh is a hidden gem in North Sumatra where you can spend your days between two worlds: diving in its crystal-clear waters, full of amazing marine life, and then relaxing on its quiet white sand beaches. It's the kind of place where you can go from underwater action to total relaxation in a matter of minutes. If you like the idea of a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, you'll love Pulau Weh.

19. Togean Islands

The Togean Islands , in the Gulf of Tomini (Sulawesi), are another Indonesian paradise perfect for combining adventure and relaxation. Known for their marine biodiversity , they offer incredible diving spots such as Batu Daka, with a World War II shipwreck, and excellent snorkeling spots such as Karina Beach.

For relaxation, Kadidiri Island has idyllic beaches and beachfront accommodation, while Malenge Island is ideal for enjoying deserted beaches. You can also explore the Una Una volcano or visit the Pulau Papan village.

Come on, it's a dream come true for travelers, thanks to the guys from Viajeros Lowcosteros (go crazy with their stories !) 🙂

20. Moluccas Islands

Finally, we finished one of our travel dreams (thanks Loida for putting this one in our heads too, as if we didn't have enough already XD): sailing to the Moluccas , the spice islands, and staying for a while like two castaways on a lost little island. The trip is really long, but according to the photos and stories from our friend, it's sooo worth it. And since we're there... let's go to Papua , right? But that's another story!

what to see in indonesia. moluccas islands

And of course… come back! As you will soon understand, Indonesia is huge and it is impossible to discover all the charms of this country in just one trip. These are for us the best things to do in Indonesia . Do you know any more? Which is your favorite?