Whether you’re thinking of historic temples or jaw-dropping sights and delicious delicacies you must try at least once in your life, the amazing Indonesia always comes to mind. Sharing our borders on the Borneo Islands, this neighbouring country is home to a variety of vacation gems that await.
From relaxing beaches to affordable experiences that make every holiday an unforgettable time, Indonesia is one of those spots where you’ll never have too many return trips. Furthermore, this country has some of the friendliest locals who are always ready to help put a smile on your face wherever you visit. For these reasons alone, it’s easy to see why making a trip to the amazing Indonesia is on many holidaymakers’ bucket lists.
But don’t fret if this is your first time, because we’ve put together a list of 8 unbelievable places you must see in amazing Indonesia for you. Are you ready to explore our neighbour’s home grounds? Well, hope you’re strapped in because we’re about to take you on an adventure.
Time your moment for Tanah Lot
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Nestled on the southwestern coast of the Tabanan Regency in Bali, Tanah Lot is by far one of the most iconic rock formations of the island. A world-renowned tourist site, it’s the home of Pura Tanah Lot (or Tanah Lot temple), an ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple that was allegedly built in the 16th century. Restoration works to the temple were later done in the 1980s when it was deemed unsafe following natural disintegration from the rock’s formation.
What strikes plenty of tourists to visit is how the dramatic waves would crash against the rock formations, creating an unbelievable sight that many photographers crave. At low tide, visitors are welcome to walk across the offshore rocks and onto the grounds of Tanah Lot itself. While the temple itself is only open to pilgrims and not visitors, you’re always welcome to admire the construction and surroundings of what puts Tanah Lot at the top of amazing Indonesia’s must-visit list.
A Travee’s tip: Tanah Lot is exceptionally beautiful at sunset, with the skies taking on a golden glow as the sun meets the sea. For the best views, you should make your way to this spot at approximately 4PM. However, if you’re not a fan of crowds and don’t mind a view that’s just a little less grand, Tanah Lot is equally as beautiful at sunrise and often hosts fewer visitors in comparison.
Experience the beauty of the Tegenungan Waterfall
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With lush greenery surrounding the majestic sights of gushing waters, the Tegunungan Waterfall is a scenic stop for both locals and tourists alike. Fondly known to the locals as the Blangsinga Waterfall, it’s located at the Kemenuh Village just by the Petanu River. A light hike is expected to make your way to the foot of the waterfall, but the sight of the 15-meter-high cascade often makes the trek worthwhile. Boasting clean and clear waters, this spot is one of the reasons amazing Indonesia continues to be a traveller’s favourite.
Interestingly enough, you’ll often see rows of rocks being stacked by the side of the Tegunungan Waterfall. With plenty of rocks of different shapes and sizes, visitors seem to have put themselves to the challenge of rock balancing while enjoying the relaxing vibes of the rapids. And if you’re lucky enough, you might just be able to spot a rainbow behind the waterfall when the sun hits it just right.
A Travee’s tip: You can always spot the locals enjoying a family day out by taking a refreshing dip just by the river from the Tegenungan Waterfall. If you’d like to join them to cool down after a long day of exploring or post-hike, don’t forget to bring a change of clothes so you’ll have something dry to wear after. We recommend visiting during the dry season between April and October as there’s less rainfall and the paths are less slippery, though you should always exercise caution if you plan to step in the water.
Marvel at the agricultural efforts of the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
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As the third-largest rice producer in the world, the agricultural effort of amazing Indonesia is one that often amuses visitors. This is because farmers have a unique way known as the Subak system to cultivate the paddy fields locally, turning flat-land paddy plantations into tiered terraces that stretch across the vast, hilly fields. The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are one such plantation where you’ll be able to see this amazing agricultural effort, perfectly utilising plantation space and conserving soil use to help boost crop yield and manage water consumption between farms.
To best enjoy your visit to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, you’ll want to walk along the pathway that the farmers have carved out along the hills. This allows you to get to the centre of the rice terraces, putting you up close and personal with the paddy and its yields. You’ll often get to speak with the farmers who are happy to walk you through the process of planting, caring, and harvesting the rice, especially during peak seasons, so be sure to keep an open mind when visiting. Who knows, you might just return with newfound knowledge and respect for rice!
A Travee’s tip: The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are best visited just before the harvest season. These can range from February to April and again from September to November. By doing so, you’ll be able to see the rice terraces at their full growth potential, making it a sight to truly remember amazing Indonesia by.
See one of the highest temples of Bali, the Lempuyang Temple
Photo by If you’ve ever come across pictures on social media of someone posing in between two intricately carved split gates, then it’s most likely one that was photographed at the Lempuyang Temple. Set atop Bisbis Hill of the Tista Village, this beautiful temple was founded in the 11th century AD and comprises seven temples – each boasting a unique design that you’ll have to see to believe.
The most prominent spot of the Lempuyang Temple is the split gate that faces Mount Agung, an active volcano that’s recognised as the highest peak of Bali. Nicknamed the “Gateway to Heaven” by tourists and locals alike, visitors would often stand in between the split gates and see light spilling in behind them for the picture. This illusion is what makes picturing the Lempuyang Temple so popular, though you can always beat the crowd by arriving earlier. The temple’s height also offers crisper and cooler air in the morning, a bonus for those who sacrifice their lie-ins.
A Travee’s tip: To reach the top of the main temple at Lempuyang Temple, you’ll be required to climb up to 1,700 steps. As such, we suggest wearing comfortable shoes to make this journey. Because the “Gateway to Heaven” is located within the temple grounds, it’s also recommended to dress modestly as a mark of respect to the place of worship. Outfits that show off the shoulder or are above the knee are not recommended, and you can always rent a sarong at the entrance of the temple.
Dive into the beauty of Nusa Pedina
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For those seeking to spend a day out in paradise, look no further than a visit to Nusa Pedina. Located just 30 minutes out of Sanur by a fast boat, this standalone island is separated from Bali by the Badung Straits. This allows Nusa Pedina to become the untouched gem of today, with visitors only popping in for day-trips. In return, you’ll be invited to stunning viewpoints that feel almost surreal, along with gorgeous beach views that surround the island.
What’s more, Nusa Pedina has become the top spot for aquatic enthusiasts who want to come up close and personal with manta rays and mola molas (also known as the ocean sunfish). Divers will often slip into the crystal-clear waters to escape into the underwater sanctuary, before returning just before sundown to watch the skies turn a golden hue. With plenty of soft and hard corals to be seen, diving around Nusa Pedina is just another reason why amazing Indonesia attracts adventurers of all interests.
A Travee’s tip: Plenty of businesses around Nusa Pedina operate primarily on cash. Due to the lack of ATMs available on the island, you’ll want to be fully prepared by withdrawing just enough of the local currency at the main island of Bali before heading out to Nusa Pedina.
Bask in the sun during the day and get ready to party at sunset in Gili Trawangan
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Another must-see destination where you can bask in the sun and seas in the amazing Indonesia is Gili Trawangan in Lombok. The largest of the 3 Gili islands, this tourist hotspot offers plenty for you to see, do, and even taste from dusk till dawn. Exploring on foot or hopping on a rented bicycle are your best ways to get around this little island, as no motorised vehicles, including motorbikes or cars, are allowed. If you’re bringing along a suitcase, be aware that the roads may be sandy and rocky, so pack light to make your journey easier.
Once you’ve settled in, however, you’ll discover the magic that Gili Trawangan has to offer, with fun to be had on land, in the sea, and even in the skies through paragliders. For instance, one of the best sunsets you’ll experience can be found over on the west side of the island. To soak in as much of the sights as you can, we recommend popping over to the beach before 5PM and making yourself comfortable on either of the hammocks or swings. For the adventurous, you’ll find many excursions where you’ll be taken into the waters either for a scuba dive or a snorkel. All activities are beginner-friendly, so you don’t need experience to enjoy.
A Travee’s tip: For the ultimate beach escapade in the amazing Indonesia, why not visit all 3 Gili islands? Nature conservation is a big deal over at Gili Meno, and you might even catch a glimpse of sea turtles if you’re lucky during a trip to the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary. Meanwhile, over at Gili Air, you can live it out like a local by joining a cooking class or simply hop on a rented bicycle to explore the island and its surroundings before heading back to the action in Lombok or Bali.
Visit one of the world’s greatest Buddhist monuments, the Borobudur Temple
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Did you know that the largest Buddhist compound in the world is set in amazing Indonesia? The Borobudur Temple, located in Central Java, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 9th century as a Mahayana Buddhist temple. It houses over 500 Buddha statues – each in a meditative pose with a unique hand position known as mudra, with 72 of them surrounding the central dome at the top of the temple.
Beyond just a prime tourist destination for anyone visiting the amazing Indonesia, the Borobudur Temple continues to be a popular place for Buddhist pilgrims in the country. The Vesak Day celebrations that honour the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddharta Gautama – or the Buddha – continue to be held at the temple each year. Guests who are interested in partaking in these celebrations are also welcome to join in the event via special tickets, allowing them to join the special lantern festival at night. Visitors who wish to simply marvel at the construction can also do so without hesitation.
A Travee’s tip: While no strict dress codes are being enforced at the Borobudur Temple, it’s always best for visitors to wear modest clothing when visiting this place of worship. Knee-length clothing that isn’t too tight is advisable, and tops that cover the shoulders are recommended. Free sarongs are also available at the entrance, should you need them before entering.
Visit the Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia’s largest mosque
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Last but definitely not least, a trip to the amazing Indonesia would never be complete without a stop by the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. Offering a capacity of up to 120,000 people at once, the mosque is the largest in the city and in Southeast Asia. The mosque was built to commemorate Indonesia’s independence, aligning with its name, Istiqlal, which means independence in Arabic. Construction for the mosque took up to 17 years before it was officially inaugurated in 1978 by the late President Suharto.
Today, the Istiqlal Mosque continues to serve as an inspiration to the locals and tourists who visit the grand building, with religious practices still ongoing within. Among those are Friday prayers and major events such as Eid, where community worship numbers can reach up to 200,000 at the mosque. Entrance to the mosque is free, though visitors are welcome to donate to the conservation efforts of the building and are asked to remove their shoes as a mark of respect to the religious site. If it’s your first time in the amazing Indonesia, we highly recommend visiting this iconic destination.
A Travee’s tip: Though beautiful in the day, a wonderful way to admire the beauty of the Istiqlal Mosque is to visit after sundown. As the light shines upon the building, the serene feeling of tranquillity often overtakes you, and there are fewer pilgrims at these moments. As with most sacred sites, modest dressing is required to enter the Istiqlal Mosque and robes to help cover up are available to borrow at the entrance.