Things to Do in Indonesia

Indonesia: South Asia’s Tropical Paradise!

Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands spread across the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. This tropical paradise is known for its dense forests and its breath-taking beaches. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia is Bali. However, that’s not the only place this country offers- there are plenty of places to visit in Indonesia and you will have no shortage of things to do in this island nation!

Indonesia Travel Facts

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Most Important Things to Do in Indonesia

Indonesia has a rich and unique South-East Asian culture and is truly a melting pot of different cultures for people all over the world. Its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and glamorous cities have made it one of the best choices for any kind of tourist bucket list. There are many fun activities and adventurous things for tourists to do in Indonesia:

1. Visit Jogja: The Never Ending Asia

   Yogyakarta or Jogja is an important city in Indonesia known as the cultural centre of the city. It has also been dubbed Java’s cradle of civilization and has excellent landmarks for visitors. You can come here to experience Indonesia’s modern cultural aesthetic as well as its traditional art forms. The place has the magnificent temples of Prambanan and Borobudur, as well as the Keraton.

2. Visit the Stunning Borobudur & Prambanan Temple

   Dating back to the 8th century, the Borobudur Temple is one of the most photographed monuments in the world. The stunning architecture is, favourite among tourists. Make sure to get a tour guide who can show you around and take stunning pictures of you against the serene backdrop. If you have time, don’t forget to watch the sunrise from the Borobudur as the beauty of that moment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

3. Visit the Raja Ampat Islands

   This is Indonesia's most popular tourist haunt, located in West Papua. The place is known for its beautiful beaches and colourful coral reefs. Seafood delicacies and an amazing view make it a perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. But the Raja Ampat Islands don't just attract nature lovers. There are also some very ancient rock paintings that have been found in this region, which draw a considerable number of international visitors.

4. Have a Fun-filled Day at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

   This is another must-visit location for tourists who are looking for things to do in Indonesia with family. Located in Ubud, it houses hundreds of signature long-tailed Balinese Monkeys. The sanctuary remains open to visitors every day from 9 am to 5 pm. But visitors are warned beforehand to keep their belongings secure because the monkeys tend to snatch away anything they can reach.

5. Create Memories in Padar Island

   This Island was once the home of the mighty Komodo Dragon of Indonesia. But over time, due to a loss of vegetation, the dragon population became extinct. Padar Island is now known for its natural beauty. The view of the sunset over the water from the beaches of Padar Island is a photo opportunity that tourists should not miss out on.

6. Explore the Jomblang Cave

   The Jomblang is an underground cave system known for its unique and colourful beams of light that penetrate the surface and enter deep into the cave. Exploring the Jomblang Cave is a thrilling experience for all tourists. This sinkhole is a part of the Gunung Kidul cave system and attracts a lot of tourists because of its unique experience. You'll need to book these tickets way in advance as there is a maximum limit of 70-80 people per group in a day.

7. Bathe at the Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls

   Tumpak Semu is one of the largest waterfalls in Indonesia. The water gushing down from great heights creates this U-shaped waterfall. This tiered waterfall in East Java offers a spectacular view from all angles and can blow anyone's mind. Also called Coban Sewu, make sure to reach here early for sunrise. In the background is the stunning Semeru Volcano which gives a view unlike another.

8. Walk Around the Rainbow Village of Malang

   This tiny little village is known as the rainbow village because of its colourful decoration. Earlier a slum in Malang, this town was on the verge of destruction when some people suggested painting the slum candy colours. Everything in the rainbow village is painted in the colours of the rainbow. 

   Today, it is one of the best tourist attractions in Indonesia and barely 10-minute walk away from the town centre! Of course, the photo opportunities in this village are endless and you won’t regret visiting this place.

9. See the Blue Flame of Ijen Lake

   From far away, this lake looks like a dreamy and serene place you can’t wait to touch, but the water here is unique. In this lake, lucky tourists get to see the famous blue flame. Also known as the largest acidic crater lake in the world, Ijen has numerous sulphur vents that burn with dazzling neon blue flames. 

   This phenomenon is so rare that it is only visible in two places on the earth. The other location is Iceland. But the Ijen lake is highly acidic, and contact with its turquoise white water can be extremely harmful. When travelling to risky locations such as these, tourists should have good travel insurance for Indonesia so that they are well cared for in case of any mishaps.

10. Trek to the Top of Mount Bromo

    Mount Bromo is an active volcano. But tourists can get to the top of this mountain when it is safe for tourists to do so. The thrill and beauty of Mount Bromo at sunrise attract a large number of visitors every single day.

Best Things to Do in Indonesia for Foodies

Food in Indonesia is famous for being flavourful and extremely spicy. You’ll find some of the best restaurants and bars in Indonesia serving all kinds of food, but we strongly suggest that you try a delicacy or two if you’re a hardcore foodie:

• Make sure to try rendang, often counted among the most delicious foods in the world. It's an Indonesian delicacy and something you should try at least once!
• Meat lovers can have Satay; a dish Indonesians swear by. You will also find different variations of this dish as you travel across Indonesia. Make sure to have it on a street stall as that's where this dish was perfected!
• Grab a quick breakfast lunch or dinner thanks to Bakso, a meatball-based noodle soup which can be found near any student area.
• Vegetarians must try the Gado-Gado, a healthy mix of different fruits, long beans, potatoes and many other vegetables that are served with a signature peanut sauce. 

Planning an Indonesia Itinerary

Usually, seven days is enough for tourists to enjoy all the sights and sounds of Indonesia. But if they have time to spare from work, Indonesia’s beaches and natural beauty can keep tourists enchanted for weeks at an end.

Step 1: Plan Your Indonesia Journey: How to Reach Indonesia?

By Air: You can take a direct flight to Indonesia from multiple Indian cities. The flight time is approximately 5 hours if there is no layover. The most popular international airports in Indonesia include the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar and Soekarno Hatta International Airport, in Jakarta. 

People can get flights to Indonesia from major Indian cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Amritsar. 

By Sea: If you're not short on time then you can reach Indonesia by sea. There are plenty of cruises but none of them goes directly from India.

Step 2: Buy Indonesia Travel Insurance

Fears about unknown locations and other risks can often stress tourists while travelling. Having travel insurance can come in very handy in this situation. You should buy international travel insurance for Indonesia as soon as you’re done booking your flights and hotels. 

It will compensate you in case of any sudden flight cancellations or rescheduling. Travel insurance companies also compensate tourists in case of loss or damage to their checked-in luggage. Other than these, you’ll be covered for many risks like passport loss, emergency hospitalisation, trip interruption and a lot more.

Step 3: Pack for Indonesia: Travel Trips

Making a travel itinerary for Indonesia is a complex task. The island nation is made up of thousands of inhabited and uninhabited islands with different things to order. While we’ve covered some of the best things to do in Indonesia, here are some essentials before you start booking for your trip: 

• Keep Maps Handy– Indonesia has lots of islands and many means of public transport. It’s easy for tourists to get disoriented amid this hustle and bustle.
• Pick a Good Time– The best time to visit Indonesia is between July and August, however, it will be very crowded at this time and you’ll find expensive bookings.
• Carry Sufficient Cash– Most places in Indonesia have facilities for paying with credit cards or debit cards. But in small local stores, such facilities may not be available. Make sure to keep some local currency in case your card is not accepted.
• Avoid Iced Drinks– Tourists can often get sick from drinking tap water here, so stick to packaged mineral water here. But most tourists forget that the ice in their drinks can also cause diseases. So it’s best to avoid any iced drinks when travelling.
• Buy Executive Train Tickets– For long journeys in Java and Indonesia. It's always better to buy executive train tickets instead of the lower-priced business and economy ones. Executive tickets are a lot more comfortable, but the price difference with the other varieties is not much.
• Use Bechak– Bechaks are Indonesian cycle rickshaws. The rides are affordable and comfortable and a unique experience for many international visitors.
• Carry a Raincoat– Indonesia is known for its heavy monsoons. If visiting during the wet months, make sure to carry a raincoat so that you can enjoy your trip without the worry of getting wet.

Finally, make sure to have good travel insurance for Indonesia so that you can focus on different fun things to do in Indonesia. If anything unexpected does happen, your travel insurance policy will take care of all the rest.