11 Top Tourist Attractions in Indonesia

Indonesia is a huge country 1,700 islands and being one of the largest country in Asia,population of around 240 million people is derived from 300 ethnic groups who speak over 250 different languages. it offers many captivating tourist attractions for travelers. Surprisingly it may not be one of the top destinations of the world yet but it is a good thing as it kept the place with the charm of the unexplored, except for the famous Bali of course.

1. Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur is the one of the most famous Buddhist temple in the world, This 9th century temple is an Indonesia UNESCO Heritage site located in the heart of Java. It is one of the largest Buddhist temple in the world, consisting of six square platforms with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha status. Thousands of Buddhists does their pilgrimage here in Borobudur during Waisak day. This Buddhist temple is one of its kind, setting itself apart from the rest of Asia’s Buddhist temple with unique structures and carvings. Try to get in during the earliest opening time at 8am to catch the temple at the most serene to fully appreciate the beauty of it.

2. Lake Toba

Lake Toba

Lake Toba on the island of Sumatra is an immense volcanic lake about 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. Formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some 70,000 years ago, it is the largest resurgent caldera on Earth. Genetic estimates suggests that there were only a few thousand humans that survived the catastrophe. Lake Toba is rumored to be a product of a massive supervolcanic eruption known as the Toba catastrophe theory which has supposedly killed many of the human population. Besides there are the Batak people here that are well known for their friendliness.

3. Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo

Gunung Bromo is an active volcano and part of the Tengger massif, located in East Java, can be touted as the most iconic among the many volcano mountains in Indonesia. This is due to it strategically lies in the middle of Tengger caldera, a crater of fine volcanic black sand, while standing foreboding spewing off white sulphurous smoke. It is still one of the most active volcanoes in the world and continues to draw many travelers from far and wide to wake up at wee hours to hike and catch the sunrise over the ethereal view of Mount Bromo.

4. Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan, a Hindu temple situated in Yogyakarta, is a well known tourist attraction in Java, Indonesia. It is built during the 9th century for Trimurti as an expression that God is the Creator (Brahma), Preserver (Vishnu) and also the Destroyer (Shiva). It is also one of the Indonesia UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient temple is one of the largest Hindu temple architecture in Southeast Asia.

5. Gili Islands

Gili Islands

Lombok’s most popular tourist destination, the Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes still playing reggae and no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace. Note that the name “Gili Islands” is rather redundant as gili simply means “small island” in Sasak and there are many other islands around the coast of Lombok with Gili in their names.

6. Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat islands is definitely one of the top tourist destination in Indonesia not only for divers but also nature lovers and travelers alike. This diver’s paradise is well known for its riches in wild marine life, pristine reefs and corals that would wow even the most seasoned diver. It is part of the world’s Coral Triangle which is known for housing more than 3000 species of fish and other extraordinary habitats that breeds the biodiversity of its marine life. Also Raja Ampat is a remote place left untouched by development and only independent travelers that are nature lovers made their way here.

7. Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja

Torajaland (Tana Toraja) is a highland region of South Sulawesi, home of the Toraja people. Torajans are famous for their massive peaked-roof houses known as tongkonan and spectacular but gruesome funeral rites. After a person’s death, the body is kept often for several years until the actual funeral ceremony which can last for several days. The deceased is then finally buried in a small cave or in a hollow tree.

8. Komodo Islands

Komodo Islands

Komodo Islands is a national park located within the Lesser Sunda Islands that includes the three larger islands Komodo, Padar and Rincah, and 26 smaller ones. The park is named after the Komodo Dragon, the world’s largest living reptile that can reach 3 meters or more in length and weigh over 70kg. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carcass of dead animals, they are formidable predators and will also hunt prey including birds, and mammals. Attacks against humans are very rare.

9. Bunaken 

Bunaken

Bunaken is one of Indonesia’s most famous dive and snorkeling areas, located at the north of the island of Sulawesi. The island is part of the Bunaken Marine Park where you can see more than 70% of all fish species that live in the western Pacific ocean. The best time for diving in Bunaken is between the months of April and November.

10. Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot temple is a Hindu temple that has a stunning natural beauty, it stands on solid sea rock and Tanah Lot at sunset time is the best view that can be enjoyed when visiting this one of the famous tourist attraction in Bali. Tanah Lot temple is one of the very sacred temple in Bali island.

11. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

This majestic mosque, located in the city center of Banda Aceh is one of the top destination here and stood as a testament to the historical grandeur of Sumatra. It is a significant symbol to the Aceh people for their rich religion and culture. This is especially so as it survived the devastating 2004 tsunami still intact. The design of this mosque is a fusion of the colonial and Moghul Indian architecture with the local traditional Acehnese features.

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