21 Best Places to Visit in Indonesia

Surrounded by 17,508 islands, Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago. A paradise for nature lovers, most of Indonesia is covered with forests and bordered by the sea. The country amazes tourists with its diverse weather, geography, and culture.

Keep reading to learn about the top tourist places to visit in Indonesia.

Currency in Indonesia: Rupiah is the official currency of Indonesia. 1 Rupiah is equal to 0.0054 Indian rupees as of 13th March 2023*.

*Currency rate changes are subject to the market exchange rate.

The top 21 tourist places to visit in Indonesia are listed below. It comprises sun-kissed beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, heritages and picturesque villages. However, while planning a visit to Indonesia, check the exchange rate and ensure you carry enough money in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) to cover all your expenses during your stay.

Here are the top destinations for you.

Indonesia is popular for its attractive beaches all over the country. Here is a list of beaches perfect for vacation days:

1. Seminyak Beach, Bali

Seminyak can be among the ideal tourist places in Indonesia for a peaceful and relaxing vacation. The place has lavish restaurants, exotic villas, and amazing marine life to attract tourists.

• Tourist Attractions: Purpa Fine Art Gallery, Potato Head Beach Club, Masceti Temple, Cungga, and Puputan Square.
• Things to Do: learning Yoga in Yogashala of Seminyak, exploring the beaches, enjoying horse riding, and visiting the temples of Pura Luhur Uluwatu
• Location: Southern part of Bali
• Timing: 6 AM to 7 PM
• Entry Fee: Rp30000

2. Nusa Penida, Bali

If you want to visit an offbeat place in Indonesia, then Nusa Penida can be a great option. It is one of the three exotic Nusa islands in Bali. The beautiful temples in Nusa Penida add a picturesque view to the island. Some tips for visiting Nusa Penida can be carrying enough cash, booking lodgings beforehand in the peak season, etc.

• Tourist Attraction: Kelingking Beach, Pasih Uug Beach, Atuh Beach, Crystal Bay
• Things to Do: Snorkelling, adventurous watersports, enjoying different perks of beach
• Location: Klunkung district
• Timing: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

3. Gili Trawangan, Bali

Gili Trawangan is also among a group of the island archipelago in Indonesia and one of the most beautiful and well-developed tourist destinations. The unique seascape will mesmerise you with its beauty and soothe your soul. Besides, the marine environment is also perfect for adventure water sports such as scuba diving, snorkelling, etc. In addition, the island is full of modern facilities and fun elements to make your vacation more enthusiastic.

• Tourist Attraction: Surf Point Bongkas, Gili Trawangan Turtle Hatchery, Azure Spa
• Things to Do: Water sports, enjoying local spa
• Location: Bali West, Coast of Lombok
• Timing: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

4. Gili Air, Bali

Beach and island lovers can also visit Gili Air which is a prime destination for a peaceful vacation. The island is less crowded but full of every type of entertainment. You can spend leisurely hours at the beach, go to cosy cafes or enjoy your party nights in the local nightclubs. In addition, the region also offers many activities such as watersports, horse-riding, fishing, etc.

• Tourist Attraction: Gili Meno beach, Surf Point Bongkas
• Things to Do: Enjoying local cooking classes,                snorkelling, enjoying on the beach
• Location: Bali West, Coast of Lombok
• Timing: Throughout the day

The cities in Indonesia are full of life, art and architectural structure. Besides, the ambience is also very attractive in these places.  Here are some of the must-visit city attractions in Indonesia:

5. The National Monument, Jakarta

The National Monument in Jakarta is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia. It is a 132-metre-tall tower that offers a stunning view of the city of Jakarta. Apart from this, the tower is also famous for its marvellous architecture.

• Tourist Attractions: Jakarta Cathedral, Monas Tower, Thousand Islands, National Gallery, Merdeka Square, National Museum, and Ancol Dreamland.
• Things to Do: Enjoying the city view, exploring architecture, photography, shopping at the Grand Indonesia Mall, etc.
• Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
• Timing: 8 AM to 4 PM and 7 PM to 10 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

6. Trans Studio Makassar, South Sulawesi

Trans Studio Makassar is one of the most popular places to visit in Indonesia. The place is perfect for spending leisurely hours, enjoying movies etc. You can have a nice get-together here with your friends and family. Apart from this, you can also enjoy shopping in this studio mall.

• Tourist Attractions: Fort Rotterdam, Museum Balla Lompoa, Bantimurung waterpark
• Things to Do: Enjoying movies, shopping, etc.
• Location: South Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

7. Saloka Fun Park, Semarang

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Semarang. You can explore different fun elements here, such as games for kids, a giant Ferris and several other rides. Apart from these, great refreshment options are available inside this fun park.

• Tourist Attraction: Goa Rong View, Dusun Semilir, Ambarawa Railway Museum, Rawa Pening lake
• Things to Do: Enjoying rides, spending leisurely hours
• Location: Semarang, Indonesia
• Timing: 10 AM to 8 PM
• Entry Fee: Rp120000 – Rp150000

8. Maimun Palace, Medan

Situated in the centre of Medan, Maimun Palace is one of the famous places to visit in Indonesia. This iconic landmark is a heritage site in Indonesia and has beautiful architecture. You can explore Indian, Malay, Italian and Spanish features in this palace. Apart from this, there are several other attractions nearby this palace that you can explore for a complete day trip.

• Tourist Attraction: Sri Deli Park, Taman Ahmad Yani Medan, Tjong A Fie Mansion, etc.
• Things to Do: Exploring city life, popular buildings, temples, and architectural excellence
• Location: Medan, Indonesia
• Timing: 8 AM to 5 pm
• Entry Fee: Rp10000

9. Barelang Bridge, Batam

Barelang Bridge in BatAM is a great weekend destination in Indonesia. This bridge is architectural excellence that connects different important islands with Batam. The place becomes heavenly during the sunset, making it a photographer’s paradise.

• Tourist Attraction: Kepri Mall, Nongsa Beach, Pantai Glory Melur Batam
• Things to Do: Exploring architecture, photography, visiting nearby famous places
• Location: Batam, Indonesia
• Timing: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

10. St. Peter's Cathedral, Bandung

St Peter's Cathedral in Bandung is a famous tourist attraction and has outstanding architectural excellence. It is situated in the central part of Bandung, and photographers come here to capture some great city moments during sunset. The surroundings are peaceful and perfect for a great day outing.

• Tourist Attraction: Sistine Chapel, Pantheon, Vatican Museum
• Things to Do: Exploring history, art and architecture, and photography
• Location: Bandung, West Java
• Timing: 7 AM to 7 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

Indonesia is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We have listed the most popular ones for you:

11. Tana Toraja, Sulawesi

Famous for products like wooden arches and carved rocks, Tana Toraja is one of the most artistic tourist places in Indonesia. People also come here to study the people belonging to the Toraja group.

• Tourist Attractions: Batatumonga, Londa Tomb, Kete Kesu, Ma’nene Tradition, Tarra Tree, and Bori Parinding.
• Things to Do: Here is how one could plan an ideal day visiting Tana Toraja: go to the Londa caves, witness Ke’te Kesu (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and enjoy hiking at the Gunung Sesean.
• Location: South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia
• Timing: 9 AM to 9 PM
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

12. Wae Rebo Village, Satar Lenda

The Wae Rebo Village in Indonesia is for those who want to experience life away from the busy routine. It is home to diverse flora, fauna, and some unique huts, making us feel at home with nature.

• Tourist Attractions: Todo, Flores, Reok, and Mules Island
• Things to Do: Hiking, interacting with people from the Manggarai tribe, hiking, etc., are some activities to indulge in during a trip to Wae Rebo Village.
• Location: Satar Lenda, Satarmese Barat, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
• Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fee: Rp200 (non-staying guests) and Rp350 (staying guests)

13. Borobudur, Central Java

Borobudur  is a Buddhist temple complex and a famous UNESCO site in central Java. People visit here for a glimpse of the grand architecture and indulge in religious activities. The beauty of the sunrise tour in Borobudur is very famous among tourists.

• Tourist Attraction: Pawon Temple, Mendut Buddhist Monastery, Punthuk Setumbu
• Things to Do: Exploring art and architecture, spiritual activities, etc.
• Location: Yogyakarta, Central Java
• Timing: 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Entry Fee: Rp350000

Places full of natural beauty are the best for unwinding and relaxing on vacation. Luckily, Indonesia has plenty of those.

14. Elephant Safari Park, Bali

Elephant Safari Park in Bali is a great place to enjoy a refreshing day trip. You will encounter elephants closely, enjoy elephant riding, and get valuable information about their lifestyle.

• Tourist Attractions: Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Waterbom Bali
• Things to Do: Enjoying nature, Elephant riding, bathing elephants
• Location: Tegallalang, Bali, Indonesia
• Timing: 7 AM to 3 PM
• Entry Fee: Rp295000

15. Lorentz National Park, Papua

In Lorentz national park, you can enjoy diverse fauna and flora. Moreover, the ancient caves at Papua are known for their intricate paintings that speak volumes about the country's ancient culture and art. Also, you can visit nearby villages to interact with tribal people and explore their lifestyles.

• Tourist Attractions: Jayapura, Goa Jepang Cave, Kakimana island, Love Lake
• Things to Do: Interact with the tribal people and learn about the culture and history by visiting museums, visiting marine species, nature walks, trekking, hiking
• Location: Papua province, Indonesia
• Timing: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

16. Lake Toba, Sumatra

Lake Toba is a 75,000-year-old lake that has been a renowned tourist attraction in Indonesia since ancient times. It is also a popular honeymoon destination visited by young couples looking to explore the nature of Indonesia.

• Tourist Attractions: Gajah Boboka Hill, Batak Museum, Hot Springs, King Sidabutar’s tomb, and Batak Village.
• Things to Do: Tourists may enjoy a warm bath in the hot springs or enjoy adventurous activities like boat rides, kayaking, and motorbike rides here.
• Location: North Sumatra, ‎Indonesia
• Timing: 9 AM to 4.30 PM
• Entry Fee: Rp7,000 per person

17. Dieng Plateau, Java

Dieng Plateau is a famous nature visiting place in Indonesia which is considered as “Abode of Gods”. The picturesque landscape of this region is flocked by tourists every year. In addition, this region also has several beautiful Hindu and Javanese temples. Further, the region has a historical connection with the Kalinga Kingdom. Thus, it is an excellent place for vacation with its overall offerings.

• Tourist Attractions: Volcanic Craters, Telaga Warna, Arjuna Temple Complex
• Things to Do: Exploring history and culture, enjoying the scenic beauty, trekking, hiking
• Location: Central Java, Indonesia
• Timing: Throughout the Day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

18. Tiu Kelep Waterfall, North Lombok

Tiu Kelep Waterfall is a prime nature spot in Indonesia. The place is surrounded by pristine nature and a beautiful hilly landscape. People can try swimming in the waterfall lake and enjoy the beauty of nature.

• Tourist Attractions: Rinjani Trekking Summit, Mount Rinjani
• Things to Do: Enjoying the scenic beauty, trekking, hiking, snorkelling
• Location: North Lombok, Indonesia
• Timing: Throughout the Day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

19. Maribaya Waterfall, Bandung

Another great natural spot in Indonesia is the Maribaya Waterfall, surrounded by a beautiful hill region. The soothing site will mesmerise you with its freshness and charm. Apart from this, you can also visit Maribaya hot Springs, a famous tourist spot nearby.

• Tourist Attractions: Fairy Garden, Wisata Maribaya
• Things to Do: Enjoying the natural beauty, trekking, hiking,
• Location: Bandung, Indonesia
• Timing: Throughout the Day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

20. Kawa Putih, Bandung

Indonesia is a land of volcanic construction. Thus, there are multiple craters which are also famous spots for exploring bounteous nature. Kawa Putih is one such volcanic crater that has turned into a beautiful lake. The lake is beside Mount Patuha, so you can also enjoy trekking and hiking here.

• Tourist Attractions: Ranca Upas Camping Ground, Cibuni Renagganis Crater
• Things to Do: Nature walk, trekking, hiking
• Location: Bandung, Indonesia
• Timing: Throughout the Day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee

21. Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud

Tegallalang Rice Terraces is a vast paddy-growing region in Ubud. The area is filled with lush greenery and is a perfect place to stroll on the rural side of Bali. You can also visit this region's nearby attractions for a complete day trip.

• Tourist Attractions: Sacred Monkey Forest, Bali Swing, Aloha Ubud Swing
• Things to Do: Walking amidst the paddy fields
• Location: Tegallalang, Indonesia
• Timing: Throughout the Day
• Entry Fee: No entry fee