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6 Beautiful Sights You Wouldn’t Want to Miss While in Indonesia

Uluwatu Temple is a famous ancient sea temple built on the tip of a cliff.

6 Beautiful Sights You Wouldn’t Want to Miss While in Indonesia

The archipelago of Indonesia has plenty to offer. There’s so much to explore from pristine beaches, water villas scattered over the 17,000 islands, and vibrant wildlife! With so many surreal places in so little time, we’re here to help make a condensed list of places to visit.

So, without further ado, here are six beautiful sights and sounds that you should not miss in Indonesia:

 

Bali

Your visit to Indonesia is not complete without seeing what Bali offers. This place has it all – from scenic mountains, exciting shopping, lively nightlife, and surf-worthy waves. Bali is dubbed the Island of Gods, and it’s easy to see why:

  • You can watch the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets from the magnificent Uluwatu Temple or Tanah Lot.
  • Bali is where you can witness the intriguing “fire and trance” dance known as Kecak (Indonesian: tari kecakilolahhe).
  • Walk around the immense Ubud Monkey Forest.
  • Discover the cultural sights, including the Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah) and Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
  • Reach the top of Mount Batur.
  • Taste some of the finest seafood at Jimbaran Beach.
  • Enjoy surfing, shopping, and meeting new people on the beaches of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak.
  • Head north to visit the Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, the temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, and the Jatulawih Rice Terraces.
  • East Bali is abundant with water palaces, such as Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung.

Bali is the perfect place for your short holiday if you don’t have enough time to see Indonesia’s beauty.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a unique temple on the shore of the lake where visitors can explore Indonesian culture and enjoy great views.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a unique temple on the shore of the lake where visitors can explore Indonesian culture and enjoy great views.

 

Nusa Penida

Everyone knows the tourist magnet, Bali. But it can get too busy and noisy. Why not go offbeat and visit Nusa Penida? This island is so close to Bali yet has smaller crowds. What’s to see here? Start with the breathtaking cliffed coastlines that sit in the middle of pristine waters. Then, explore:

  • Kelingking Beach
  • Atuh Beach
  • Broken Beach (also known as Pasih Uug)
  • Angel’s Billabong

Stay at a treehouse and go snorkelling at Crystal Bay. Don’t forget to see manta rays at Manta Point. You can reach Nusa Penida easily through an hour ferry ride – or even better, go on a day cruise from Bali.

Kelingking Beach viewpoint, or Secret Point, is located on the west side of Nusa Penida.

Kelingking Beach viewpoint, or Secret Point, is located on the west side of Nusa Penida.

 

Yogyakarta

If you love wandering around historical buildings, you will adore Yogyakarta. It’s the place to be if you’re looking to inspect ruined cities and ancient temples. UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the temples of Prambanan and Borobudur, are in this city. They are deemed some of the most beautiful landmarks in all of Asia.

While in Yogyakarta, don’t miss the 18th-century royal complex, as well as Taman Sari, the water castle in the area. When it’s time to grab a bite, order the local fried chicken called Ayam Goreng, offered at Ayam Goreng Suharti.

Prambanan Temple is impressive in scale and completely enchanting in its features.

Prambanan Temple is impressive in scale and completely enchanting in its features.

 

Raja Ampat

Let’s say that you only have time to visit one destination. Aside from Bali, Raja Ampat (literally The Four Kings) is where you may want to spend your entire holiday. Whether you’re looking to go diving, travel to remote islands, or enjoy the serenity that’s far from skyscrapers, noise, and congested traffic, Bali is for you. While here, don’t miss:

  • The sunset and sunrise at the Raja Ampat Dive Lodge dock
  • Snorkelling at a jetty
  • Hiking the Piaynemo for a 360-degree view of Raja Ampat
  • Walking on Pasir Timbul, a floating sand island

Raja Ampat is a pristine paradise with an interesting backstory that you will want to hear from a native. It’s the ultimate place to visit for underwater enthusiasts. It offers an incredible experience comprising 540 types of corals, over 1,000 types of coral fish, and 800 varieties of molluscs. Raja Ampat is indeed the most diverse underwater library for underwater biota and exotic coral reefs.

A picturesque view from the top of Piaynemo Island in Raja Ampat.

A picturesque view from the top of Piaynemo Island in Raja Ampat.

 

Komodo National Park

The mighty Komodo dragons are giant lizards that reside in the Komodo National Park in Indonesia. Almost 6,000 of these giant lizards roam around the island. And what’s truly fascinating about the Komodo dragons is that you can never find them anywhere else in the world but here. That’s why numerous people, especially scientists, visit and study these lethal lizards.

But seeing the Komodo dragons is not the only thing that you can do here. Plenty of activities await, and some that you must try are:

  • Snorkelling and diving at the Manta Point, Penggah Island, and Batu Bolong
  • Hiking and trekking
  • Capturing the beauty of the very Instagrammable hotspot, Padar Island
  • Swimming and enjoying the sun at Pink Beach and Mawan Island

The Komodo National Park is found at the centre of the Indonesian archipelago, right between the Flores and Sumbawa islands. The national park is unlike any other. It covers more than 2,190 square kilometres and is considered a conservation priority area.

The waters of the Komodo National Park have some of the top diving spots in the world.

The waters of the Komodo National Park have some of the top diving spots in the world.

 

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is not your ordinary volcano. It’s a majestic object surrounded by smoke and a kaleidoscopic sky. That’s why it has become one of the most iconic sights in the country. Get into an unforgettable excursion by hiking and reaching its climax. It’s a rewarding experience as you watch the sunrise from Java Island.

There are numerous other volcanoes around, but Mount Bromo is the only one you are allowed to climb. Even more thrilling is that this volcano is still active. That’s why you will find certain areas blocked off from tourists. If you like adventure, you should not miss this opportunity. It’s a once in a lifetime chance, and you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to reach the top. You can make your climb easier by hiring a jeep or motorbike once you get to the other side of the Sea of Sand. Remember, though, that there are still about a hundred steps to take through the staircase to get to the rim of the volcano.

Mount Bromo is the most iconic and the most hiked mountain in Indonesia.

Mount Bromo is the most iconic and the most hiked mountain in Indonesia.

And there you have it! Indonesia is genuinely charming and captivating, with numerous places to see and destinations to visit. Whether you wish to learn more about Indonesian culture, see older temples and pagodas, or witness the religious practices of Buddhists, Hindus, and other religions in the country, you’re bound to see something interesting.