Top 6 Things to Do in Indonesia

Indonesia has always been on the travel bucket list of almost every Indian. With clean tropical beaches, ancient temples, and vibrant culture, this country offers an enriching experience that very few places can. From witnessing the idyllic natural landscapes to climbing a volcano, surfing and snorkelling to exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, there are so many things to do and see in Indonesia.

Located in the southeastern part of the Asian continent, Indonesia is an archipelagic nation consisting of more than 17,000 islands. With the Indian Ocean on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this country has the world’s second-longest coastline and is dotted with several pristine beaches. People from all over the world come here for a fun-filled beach vacation where they can admire natural beauty and experience various exciting water activities.

However, this is not the only thing that makes Indonesia a tourist magnet. This country is also famous for its lush green landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant cities. Apart from this, it is also home to a few UNESCO World Heritage sites, which enthral a large number of history enthusiasts.

In short, no matter what your interests are, this is a place that will never disappoint. You will always find plenty of exciting things to do in Indonesia, as per your personal preferences.

Things to Do in Indonesia

• Explore Temples in Bali and Java
• Visit the Komodo National Park
• Get Up Close with Monkeys
• Hit the Beach
• Climb a Volcano
• Soak in a Natural Hot Spring

Explore Temples in Bali and Java

Indonesia is known for its rich and fascinating history that spans over several centuries, and its temples are a living proof of the same. The country is home to more than 10,000 temples that reflect the Javanese civilisation, and some of them are over a thousand years old. While you can go to any place in Indonesia and you’ll find several temples, Bali and Java are two islands that offer countless options. Among all of them, the most famous ones are Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Sewu Temple, Pura Besakih (Mother Temple), Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple.

Visit the Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous places in Indonesia. This national park is known for its raw, prehistoric landscapes and unparalleled marine biodiversity. One thing that makes it special is that it is the only place on Earth where one can see a Komodo dragon. Apart from this, the naturally pink beaches of this region also add a different charm to it. Here, you can enjoy various activities like scuba diving and snorkelling as well.

Get Up Close with Monkeys

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is one of the must-visit places in Indonesia for wildlife enthusiasts. Officially known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, this is a lush nature reserve which also houses an ancient Hindu temple dating back to the 14th century. This sanctuary belongs to the local Padangtegal village community, and Balinese Hindus consider this forest highly sacred. It is home to more than 1,200 free-ranging Balinese long-tailed macaques. This place offers an immersive experience where you can see these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Hit the Beach

A trip to this country is always incomplete without exploring its beautiful beaches. Indonesian beaches are known for their powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. Whether you are planning to spend a relaxing afternoon or want to enjoy activities like surfing, snorkelling, etc., there are multiple options for everything. The most famous ones include Kelingking Beach, Kuta Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Tanjung Aan Beach, Bingin Beach and Suluban Beach.

Climb a Volcano

Indonesia is a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means there are dozens of volcanoes scattered throughout the country. If you want to try something new and exciting, you can consider climbing a volcano. There are several places for volcano hikes with varying difficulty levels. Mount Batur in Bali is a good option with absolutely stunning views. This is a moderate hike, and the round trip will take somewhere around 7-8 hours. If you start at sunrise, you’ll reach the top on time and can get back to your accommodation by evening. For those looking for an easier option, Mount Kelimutu in Flores is a great choice. The walk is relatively shorter, but the views you get from the top are equally breathtaking.

Soak in a Natural Hot Spring

Due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is home to several natural hot springs across islands like Java, Sumatra, and Bali. Some of the most popular ones are Ciater Hot Springs, Banjar Hot Springs, Batur Hot Springs, and Toya Devasya. The mineral-rich water of these springs is believed to have healing properties and offer deep physical relaxation. If you want to take a break from the usual sightseeing and spend a relaxing day, you can go to any of these places.

When to Visit Indonesia?

There is no universal answer to the most commonly asked question – 'Which is the best month to visit Indonesia?’ This tropical country experiences two seasons: dry (April to October) and wet (November to March). The ideal time to visit entirely depends on the kind of trip you are planning. If you want to do island-hopping and relax on the beach, the dry season is perfect for you. During these months, you get plenty of sunlight with clear skies, so you can enjoy all kinds of water activities, like surfing, snorkelling, etc. This time is perfect for Indonesia sightseeing as well. On the other hand, if you want to visit Raja Ampat (an island chain off the northwest tip of West Papua), then the wet season is a better choice.

Visa Information

To visit Indonesia for tourism purposes, Indian passport holders need a valid tourist visa. Indonesian authorities offer an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) to Indians, which permits a stay of 14 to 30 days. This can be extended once for an additional 30 days. The visa application process is fully online and can be completed through the official VFS Indonesia eVOA portal.

Useful Information You Must Know

• Indonesia is a year-round destination, and last-minute bookings can be very expensive. It is always best to book flights and accommodation well in advance to get good deals.
• Local SIM cards from providers like Telkomsel, GraPARI, etc. are easily available at all major airports or authorised stores in the city. It is best to purchase one soon after you arrive there.
• While cards are accepted almost everywhere, small vendors usually prefer cash payments in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It is best to withdraw enough cash when you are going to a remote destination.
• It is important to respect local customs and ensure good public behaviour to have a smooth travel experience.
• Always dress modestly while visiting any temple, or follow the specific dress code, if any.

Being a treasure trove of experiences, Indonesia is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. With careful planning, you can enjoy an unforgettable holiday that is light on the pocket yet rich in experience. All you need to do is create a travel itinerary including the best places in Indonesia you want to travel to. Or, you can avoid all the hassle and simply book one of our all-inclusive Indonesia tour packages. These packages are designed by a team of travel experts to help you explore this fascinating country in the best possible way!

FAQs

Q1. Is Indonesia worth visiting?

Yes. Indonesia is a country known for its abundance of natural beauty, rich culture and unique traditions. It is home to several stunning beaches that make it immensely popular among those planning for a rejuvenating trip. Ancient temples and other historical landmarks of this country, on the other hand, enthral history enthusiasts. Apart from this, Indonesia also offers plenty of exciting outdoor activities like snorkelling, surfing, hiking, trekking, etc., that make it a must-visit destination for thrill seekers.

Q2. How many days are enough for Indonesia?

Generally, 8-10 days are enough for planning an enjoyable trip. This gives you enough time to cover all the major places to visit in Indonesia. However, you can consider extending your stay if you want to explore a few hidden gems as well, such as the Derawan Islands, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Ciletuh Geopark, etc. All these places are less crowded but offer an equally exciting experience.

Q3. Is Indonesia safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Indonesia is generally considered safe for tourists, especially females and solo travellers. Key destinations like Bali, Yogyakarta, Raja Ampat, etc., have a tourist-friendly culture with warm and helpful locals. However, it is important to take a few basic precautions to ensure a safe and memorable trip. Always avoid going to secluded places at night and do not carry any valuables or large amounts of cash while heading out for sightseeing.

Q4. What is Indonesia famous for?

Indonesia is a beautiful tropical country situated between two major water bodies: the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It has several pristine beaches surrounded by lush green forests that make it popular among nature lovers. Apart from this, Indonesia is known for being home to several ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Q5. When should I avoid visiting Indonesia?

It is recommended to avoid visiting Indonesia during the peak of the rainy season (January – February). This is the time when this country experiences the maximum amount of rainfall. Due to heavy downpours, humidity levels are also high during these months, making sightseeing slightly uncomfortable.