Located on both sides of the equator surrounded by waters of Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17000 islands. The South Asian country is counted as one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is home to beaches, volcanoes, hundreds of ethnic groups, wildlife-thriving jungles, all of which look painted by the very Gods. From ancient Hindu temples, adventure sports, relaxing Balinese massage to a number of wonderful experiences, every moment spend here is unforgettable.
Here is our check list of the wonderful things to do in Indonesia that you must include on your holiday.
Pray at Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one of the seven ocean temples in Indonesia. Located on the coast of Bali, the ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Balinese Sea Gods is an important tourist site. Standing as a beacon of spiritual guard against the tumultuous ocean currents, the shrine is protected by all kinds of sea snakes. The beautiful setting, the spiritual bliss and the spectacular sunset lure you for a visit.
Pay a visit to Sacred Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey forest in Bali is a centuries-old temple complex now converted into a sanctuary for monkeys. Considered as manifestation of the Hindu monkey God, the beings are revered here. Get ready for a rendezvous with Balinese long-tailed macaques with no cages, and no bars. Be armed with your camera so you can capture them in action, having fun and their playful tricks.
Explore the Ghost Palace Hotel
Officially a luxury resort overlooking a breathtaking view, the Ghost Palace Hotel is an eerie tourist attraction in Indonesia. Several stories revolve for its abandonment, each one as mysterious and fascinating. The elegant property has been abandoned for over 2 decades and is now a haunting site for all those visitors taking a break from beaches, sightseeing and adventure.
Worship at Gereja Ayam, the Abandoned Chicken Church
Standing amid dense jungles, Gereja Ayam ‘the Chicken Church’ is one of the must visit places in Indonesia. The inspiration behind the construction of the church in the 1990s is a dream of building a place of worship for all. People of many different religions, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians, all can visit and worship in their own way. The church is tribute to worship, built like a bird- mostly chicken complete with giant, squawking head, and decorative tail feathers.
Spit the dangerous Komodo Dragons at Komodo National Park
The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia, the Komodo National Park is the sanctuary of around 5,700 Komodo dragons, giant lizards. Situated in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, it’s the sanctuary of the dangerous-looking beasts that exist nowhere else in the world. A guided tour of the national park is exhilarating. Explore the rugged hillsides of dry savannah, pockets of thorny green vegetation, white sandy beaches, and blue waters hiding corals that thrive with marine life.
Bow your heads at the largest Buddhist temple in the world at Borobudur
The 9th century Mahayana Buddhist Temple at Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most exciting things to do in Indonesia. Laid out in a lotus form, the sacred flower of Buddha, the temple is an outstanding example of Indonesia’s art and architecture. The magnificent 72 sculpted figures of Buddha inspire people come to worship, scale the central platform, and marvel at the scenery that stretches beyond the central temple complex.
A charming day in the Abandoned Bounty Beach Bungalows Resort
The Abandoned Bounty Beach Bungalows Resort is a beautiful resort in Bali lost in time. The luxury lodging is built in the scenic environs of Gili Meno. Pay a visit to experience a quiet getaway from the city into a haunting premises of the abandoned hotel waiting for its guests.
Witness the marvelous Tirta Gangaa Water Palace
The former royal palace, Tirta Gangaa Water Palace is a unique mix of Balinese and Chinese architecture. Constructed in 1948 by the last King of Karangasem. The remarkable King not only designed the layout, but also himself helped with the construction of the gardens. The water of Tirta gangga is believed to be holy and therefore it hosts many religious temple ceremonies. The water shows is especially spectacular and must not be missed.
Marvel at the magnificence of Goa Gajah
Historical associated with the archeological site of Goa Gajah makes it a must visit place in Indonesia. The 11th century ‘Elephant Cave Temple’ is highly revered and was intended for enclosed meditation and prayer. It features a courtyard with many tales to tell, beautiful carvings on the wall, fountains and bathing pools. The central meditation cave offers the desired ambiance for complete nirvana. Pay a visit and feel spiritually cleansed.
Get spooked at the abandoned village of Trunyan
Trunyan nestled along the remote location of the shore of Lake Batur is an abandoned mysterious site. Inhabited by the Bali Aga people, the village is known for its unusual treatment of dead bodies. Post the ritual cleansing, the dead body is placed in bamboo cage and kept under a magical tree which restrain the fouling smell from the corpse. Explore the village and feel all kinds of eerie.
Offer Prayers at Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is the iconic, most photographed and a must visited place in Indonesia. Situated on the shores of Lake Bratan, the water temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his better half Parvati. Devotees also make offerings to the Lake Goddess, Devi Danu, to pray for abundant of water and crops. An 11-storey pelinggih meru in the complex is the center of attraction of the Shivaite floating temple.
Test the feat of Jembatan Akar
Jembatan Akar means the root bridge. True to its meaning, it is a bridge that is formed by intermingling of the roots of two parallel trees over a stream. Counted as one of Indonesia’s best tourist attractions, Jembatan Akar lures visitors from all over the world. The masterpiece of organic architecture was the idea of an Islamic teacher Pakih Sohan.
Soak in the unrivalled bliss of Padar Island
Padar Island is a collection of three beautiful archipelagos, so stunning that you can’t take your eyes off them. Get ready for an out of the world experience by hiking to the Padar Island. A heaven for photographers and trekkers, the Island mesmerizes with awe-inspiring sunset and sunrise views. The place is surely a must visit when planning a trip to Indonesia for soaking in its pristine beauty.
Admire the collection at Symon’s Art Zoo
Symnon’s Art Zoo is an interesting residence cum art gallery cum studio of an art lover Symon. The gallery is surely every art admirer’s dream. Soak in the various hues, admire the splendid art work and try to understand a skewed view of this talented craftsman. There are murals, paintings, framed pictures etc. on almost every inch of the house. The Art Zoo is undoubtedly a hard to miss place in Indonesia.
Get impressed by Gunung Padang
The 5-terraced Gunung Padang Pyramid is known for impressive architecture and history dating back to 20,000 BC. Try to unveil the hidden mysteries that are often associated with this structure. To start with, a recent and strange discovery of a rolling stone in the 5th terrace has astonished many.
Learn about Prehistoric Cave Art of Maros Pangkep
The rock art of the karst caves within Maros and Pangkep is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia. It is surprising to know that one of the handprints is nearly 40,000 years old. These are now the oldest known hand stencils in the world. Only a true art reconnoiter can understand what these symbolize, but the art is so fascinating that it catches the attention instantaneously.
Attend Solo Batik Carnival
Partake in the Solo Batik Carnival which beguiles you to the core. Marking the annual celebration of the Indonesian Heritage, the fiesta brings life to the Surakarta City. The town becomes active with models dressed up in colorful attires and dancing to traditional numbers during the parades. Even the UNESCO has recognized the Indonesian batik as the Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Anak Krakatau
Located between the Sumatra and Java in Indonesia, Krakatau is a volcanic island. The volcano erupted catastrophically in 1883. The caldera so emerged formed a new island in 1927 which came to be known as Anak Krakatau. Tourists visiting Indonesia usually throng the archipelago.
