What is Indonesia Famous For? Top 37 Factors Behind the Popularity of Indonesia

The pristine beaches and stunning scenic beauty of Indonesia attract tourists from all over the world. Apart from the beaches, there are a lot of tourist attractions in Indonesia which makes it difficult to decide which to choose and which to skip. 

Are you curious to know what Indonesia is famous for? Then keep reading this article to get a clearer idea.

If your next vacation is to Indonesia, do not forget to carry some cash in Indonesian Rupiah, which is their official currency. This will allow you to have hassle-free shopping in the local markets. Moreover, as of November 2022, IDR 1 is equal to INR 0.0052.

Below are some of the most visited places that you must explore during your trip to Indonesia:

1. Elephant Safari Park

This is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Indonesia. Here, you can get a holistic idea of elephants and their lifestyle. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can even get a chance to bathe them. So, ensure you do not miss out on this tourist spot.

2. Saraswati Temple Ubud

You can get to witness extensive, intricate architectural designs on this temple. Additionally, a beautiful lotus pond is surrounded by lush greenery. You can also spend a lazy afternoon in this temple with your family and friends.

3. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

It is mandatory to take a stroll down the rice field at Ubud while touring around Bali. The rice fields are extremely well-planned and gorgeous, offering an exotic view. So, try to add Tegallalang Rice Terraces to your itinerary while travelling to Indonesia.

4. Campuhan Ridge Walk

If you love trekking, visiting Campuhan Ridge walk is a must. This place offers one of the best nature trekking experiences in Indonesia that you should not miss out on. Here, you can witness quaint bridges, small villages, lush paddies and rippling rivers that can rejuvenate your body and mind.

5. Sanur Beach

This is a sparsely populated beach that offers you to spend leisure time with your family and friends. Moreover, you can try different water activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and making sand artefacts. Apart from that, you can also witness the Pura Blanjong temple, which is a popular temple made of coral.

6. Gunung Payung Beach

This beach is not frequented by tourists, which enables you to enjoy this beach peacefully with your close ones. Additionally, you won't be able to stop admiring the beauty of this beach once you visit here.

7. Petitenget Temple

Here, you can witness some of the finest architecture in this Hindu temple. Additionally, you can get an insight into the cultural significance of these architectures. So, bring out your traditional attire while visiting this temple and learn about the rich culture of this heritage site.

8. Tirta Empul

According to popular belief, this temple was constructed by Lord Indra himself. However, the most attractive feature of this temple is its holy spring water. The locals believe that this spring water has the power to cure diseases. Hence, there is a popular practice of bathing in this water when a person suffers from a disease.

9 Pasifika Museum

In this museum, you can get to see a variety of artworks of Asian origin. This accounts for this museum is a great cultural centre. So, avoid missing out on this tourist spot while touring around Bali would be best.

10. Bali Safari and Marine Park Gianyar

This is a 40 – hectare nature park in Gianyar, where you can witness several wild animals. The animals wander openly, adding more thrill to your visit to this natural park. Additionally, you can also get to witness some of the underwater creatures in their natural habitat.

11. Thousand Islands

These are a chain of about 108 islands at the Jakarta shore. However, only 13 of these islands have been properly developed to date. You can plan a picnic with your friends and family on this island as the other islands are not that inhabited. 

12. Ancol Beach City

If you want to witness an upscale and fancy lifestyle centre, you can take a tour around Ancol beach city. You can enjoy several water sports here to add thrill to your vacation. This place also has live concerts and other entertainment facilities to make your vacation exciting.

13. Jakarta Cathedral

Here, you can witness mesmerising buildings, some iconic artworks and Rozeta Rosa Mystica stained glasses. This is the central Roman Catholic cathedral located in Indonesia. Hence, you must take some time from your hectic trip schedule to visit this place.

14. Kuta Beach

This is a popular beach in Indonesia due to its white sand. Additionally, you can find a high population of lobsters on this beach. Therefore, you can try out the offbeat sport of lobster fishing for a memorable experience.

15. Mount Rinjani

It is a popular tourist destination due to its mesmerising scenic beauty. Additionally, it is the second-highest active volcano in Indonesia. At this volcano's peak, you can see a beautiful blue crater lake that offers you an astounding view.

16. Lorentz National Park

If you love mountain climbing, then Lorentz National Park is a perfect destination to cater to your excitement. You can camp beside Lake Habbema with your family and friends for a breathtaking experience. Additionally, you can interact with the tribes to get an insight into their lifestyle.

17. Love Lake

Love Lake is a perfect choice if you are looking for a photogenic destination in Indonesia. This pretty heart-shaped lake will compel you to click as many pictures as possible while touring around this place.

18. Dome Church Blenduk

You can see some of the finest wooden architecture in this Church. These architectures include Roman porticoes and edges and a stained glass window that impart a stunning appearance to this Church. 

19. Kaimana Island

If you want to distance yourself from the hustle and bustle of the country and spend some alone time with your family, Kaimana Island is the perfect destination. You can get to witness some stunning limestone cliffs and get to witness the beauty of Indonesian beaches.

20. Suramadu Bridge

This is one of the longest beaches in Indonesia. You can get to experience Madura Straight from different perspectives while crossing the bridge. Additionally, you can enjoy this place both day and night. So, try to keep from missing out on this place while planning your itinerary. 

In addition to the popular places, you must also be aware of popular things in Indonesia to explore them during your trip. Below are some of the things that Indonesia is famous for that you must explore while touring around the country:

21. Nasi Goreng

This is one of the must-try dishes of Indonesia that you must not miss out on. This is somewhat similar to fried rice and is served along with meat and vegetables. You can get this dish during breakfast or even when it is late at night.

22. Friendly locals

The locals of Indonesia are excessively nice and friendly towards tourists. Additionally, they will always do extra to help you in every possible way. However, you must stay careful as there are scammers too.

23. Rica-Rica

This is another spicy but popular dish of Indonesia that you must try while travelling around the country. This dish contains two types of chilli, contributing to its spicy nature. Additionally, the dish is generally garnished with meat or fish to enhance the taste.

24. Indonesians speak multiple languages

Indonesians can speak over 700 languages. So, it becomes extremely difficult to choose which language to learn so that you can interact with them. However, you can talk to them in the Indonesian language itself.

25. Snorkelling and diving

If you are fond of snorkelling or diving, you can get plenty of opportunities in Indonesia. The perfect combination of the amazing seabed, clear water and huge diversity of underwater animals is perfect for snorkelling and diving.

26. Expensive coffee

Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee in the world and popular in Indonesia. It is made of partially digested cherries, and then defecated by Asian palm civets. However, you must do thorough research before trying this coffee.

27. Incredible wildlife

You can witness different incredible wildlife in Indonesia. These include orang-utans, komodo dragons and a lot of marine animals. Additionally, several species are endemic to Borneo and Sumatra. 

28. Photogenic spots

Several photogenic spots in Indonesia are extremely popular. In addition, there are several additional props that you can use to enhance your pictures. You can also ask local people to click your photos. They are not professionals; however, they can suggest unique poses to enhance your photographs.

29. Indomie

This popular noodle company sells noodles worldwide and originated in Indonesia. Today there are about 50 flavours of this noodle available. So while sightseeing in Indonesia, you must try these noodles at least once.

30. Batik

This is a popular technique to dye clothes that is native to Indonesia. At first, you will have to pour wax on the cloth to block the areas. Then they pour the dye to colour the remaining portion of the cloth.

31. Watch Laughing Dolphins

Laughing dolphins are a delight to watch at Lovina Beach. However, you need to be present in the early morning to view them a shorter distance from the shore. Also, you can hire a fishing boat to view them in close proximity.

32. Monas Tower

This tower symbolises the struggles that Indonesians have faced to gain Independence. This is one of Indonesia's most beautiful towers, located at the centre of Merdeka square in central Jakarta.

33. Merapi Volcano

If you want to witness an exotic active volcano, you must visit Merapi Volcano. This volcano is located in Yogyakarta. You can hire a jeep to tour around the place or even opt for hiking to add thrill to your vacation.

34. Air Kalak Hot Springs

This is an offbeat destination at Lombok and does not witness many tourists. So, if you are looking for a rejuvenating hot water bath, your search ends here. You can relax and enjoy the solitude that it offers.

35. Hiking to Puncak Jaya

If you love hiking and want to add thrill to your vacation, try hiking to Puncak Jaya. This is the highest peak in Oceania and the most difficult one to trek in Indonesia. So, if you love challenges, then hiking on this mountain is worth the try.

36. Waterfalls

There are a lot of waterfalls in Indonesia that are sure to mesmerise you. Additionally, you can click beautiful pictures in front of them and post them on your social media. So, try not to miss out on visiting these exquisite waterfalls.

37. Ijen Crater

This is another unmissable place that you must visit during your Indonesia trip. You can enjoy several stunning views while hiking to the rim of Ijen Crater, making your trip full of adventure. 

Hopefully, now you know what Indonesia is famous for. Multiple places, food and miscellaneous things have made this country famous across the globe. Nevertheless, It is important that you book your tickets at the earliest to save more on the costs. Additionally, you must plan your tour in such a way that you can cover the maximum popular places during your trip to Indonesia.