The best sights in Indonesia

Indonesia is a natural and cultural mix. This is the edge of exotic nature, which was formed millions of years ago; Buddhist and Jewish temples; colorful settlements and the most vivid impressions. It is simply impossible to see all the sights of Indonesia in one trip. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the best of them so that you have the opportunity to make plans for research for your future vacation.

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The best nature reserves in Indonesia

The nature of the southern islands is incredibly rich. There are as many as 50 national parks here. These are biosphere reserves and natural parks, which are under the protection of UNESCO.

Betung-Kerihun, Kalimantan

Betung Kerihun National Park on the island of Kalimantan (Borneo) covers an area of about 8 thousand square kilometers, and is part of the UNESCO reserve. This is a meeting point with the wild mountain nature of the rainforest. On a vast territory there are three hundred species of birds and about 500 species of plants, many of which are endemic. Here you can count several dozen species of palms, about a hundred varieties of orchids and enjoy the greenery of the impenetrable jungle. Betung Kerihun is still home to unknown species and orangutans, which are now found only on some Indonesian islands.

The most popular sightseeing tours in the park:

• On the rivers Mendalam, Sibau and Tekelan.
• Hiking to Batang waterfalls Pilung and Sediq.
• Tanjung caves tour Lokang.
• Climbing Betung and Kerihun peaks.

Location: Kalimantan Island, in the northeast of West Kalimantan province, near the border with Malaysia.

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Komodo Nature Reserve

Komodo Island is a national park of world importance. This is the habitat of Komodo monitor lizards - the largest lizards on the planet. But not only this remote island-reserve attracts travelers. Komodo is an incredibly rich land with an ecosystem from prehistoric times. It is a volcanic island where there is not a wide variety of vegetation, but there are pristine reefs, mangrove forests, seamounts, huge terrestrial and underwater biodiversity. You are expected to meet giant stingrays, whales, dolphins, sea turtles. Komodo is a real paradise for divers.

Part of Komodo Park is the picturesque Padar Island, with its incredible rocky coastline. In the waters around Komodo, you can go on a tour for a few days on a fishing boat.

Location: between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores.

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Bromo-Tengger-Semeru, Java

Or Bromo National Park, located in the eastern part of the island of Java. The volcanic cones of the ancient caldera of the Tengger volcano are simply mesmerizing. On the territory of Bromo there is a sandy sea. Tengers live in these mountains - an authentic people with a preserved medieval way of life. The peaks of Bromo and Semeru attract trekking enthusiasts. Five active volcanoes among the cloudy haze surprise with their alien beauty.

What is worth seeing in Bromo Park:

• The legendary waterfall of Madakaripura.
• Temple of Poten.
• The highest peak in Java, Semeru (3676 meters).
• The smoking volcano Bromo.
• Sand sea.

Location: East Java Province.

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Bukit Barisan Selatan, Sumatra

Huge national park in the south of Sumatra, along the Bukit mountain range Barisan. Geographically located in three provinces at once - Lampung, South Sumatra and Bengkulu. The park's tropical forests, along with Leuser Mountain and Kerinci Seblat, are part of the UNESCO Natural Heritage in Indonesia. This is 324 thousand hectares of protected tropical forests with a rich flora. Bukit Barisan is included in the Global 200 Ecoregions, that is the most outstanding terrestrial, freshwater and marine wildlife areas on the planet.

Location: the main entrance to the park is located in the city of Bandar, southwestern Sumatra, Lampung province.

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Bali Barat, Bali

Literally, in the translation of Bali Barat - Western Bali. This is a part of the amazing nature of the island, with mighty deciduous forests, where a rare ecosystem is preserved, with incredible coral reefs. The park is wild. Only a relatively small area of Bali Barat is allowed, which occupies the entire northwestern Prapat Peninsula Agung. There is a well-established tourist infrastructure, picturesque trekking routes and beautiful beaches with protruding reefs. In the forests of Bali Barat is home to about 200 species, including flying foxes, black monkeys, Balinese deer and many others.

Where is located: in the west of the island of Bali.

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Mount National Park Gede Pangrango, Java

The stunning nature reserve of West Java, which is often chosen by tourists staying in Jakarta. The active Gede Volcano and neighboring Pangrango Mountain offer amazing West Java itineraries that can stretch from a couple of hours to several days. Due to the rich flora and fauna, these places are included in the list of natural sites protected by UNESCO. Around the peaks there are enough accommodation facilities, landscaped parks, picturesque tea plantations.

• Location: West Java Province.
• How to get there: from the capital of Indonesia to the Mount tourist center Gede Pangrango National Park in Cibodas town about 2.5 hours. It is also convenient to get from Jakarta via Gunung Putri. From Bandung, the capital of West Java province, it takes about 3 hours by car to the park.

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Gunung Palung, Kalimantan

On the western side of the island of Kalimantan, there is a national park where the largest population of orangutans on the islands lives in a natural environment. This is Taman National Park Gunung Palung, one of the most extensive national parks, about 65 percent of which is still untouched by humans and retains its pristine ecosystems. The unique plant world is striking in its diversity.

Taman National Park has infrastructure for tourists and research centers, many interesting routes with mountain climbing, kayaking and visiting historical sites.

Location: West Kalimantan province, near the city of Ketapang.

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Best zoos in Indonesia

Taman Safari Prigen, East Java

Near the town of Prigen in the eastern part of the island of Java is a mega -popular safari park - Taman safari Indonesia II Jatim. If you are planning a trip to East Java, this place is a must visit. The park is home to animals and birds of many species, including penguins, for which special conditions have been created. You can feed and play with animals here freely. In addition, on the territory of Taman safari Prigen has a hotel, cafes and a small water amusement park. Great place for families and animal encounters.

Location: Pasuruan, East Java.

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Taman Safari Cisarua, Java

An excellent zoo located in close proximity to Jakarta. Taman safari Cisarua is another park in the Taman network, and is the most extensive of the three. If you plan to stay in the capital of Indonesia, this zoo will be worthy entertainment in the area. About 3 thousand animals of various species live here. Shows with tigers, elephants, dolphins, birds of prey and sea lions are held at certain hours.

Location: West Java, 80 kilometers from Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta.

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Safari Park and Marine Park, Bali

There are many stunning parks on the touristic island of Bali. Bali is one of those places. Safari and Marine Park is a corner of wildlife in the southeast of the island, in the district of Gianyar. On the well-groomed territory you will meet tigers, lions, rhinos, zebras, elephants and other animals. The highlight of this place is that here you can not only wander around the territory. The safari park hosts bright animal performances, cafes, rides and taxi services. A ride on a Balinese elephant will not leave anyone indifferent.

Location: in the southeastern part of Bali, at a distance of 20 kilometers from Ubud.

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Bird and Reptile Park, Bali

Another amazing park in the Gianyar district of Bali, which is home to multiple species of birds and reptiles. This is one of the main and most visited ecotourism centers in Bali. About 250 species of birds live on the territory of 2 thousand square meters, many of which simply roam among the staring guests. In the reptile park, you can feed the alligator and take pictures with the iguana.

Location: Bali, Gianyar district, 15 kilometers from Denpasar.

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Mason Elephant Park, Bali

The Elephant Park in Bali is a fairly well-known place, which all the guests of the island devote time to visit. The park is located on a well-groomed green area, among the jungle. About 30 adult Balinese elephants live here. Animals can be stroked, fed, ridden and even bathed. There are performances in the park, a cafe and a mini-hotel, in case you want to communicate with the elephants longer.

Location: Bali, Gianyar district, 18 kilometers from Ubud.

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Monkey Forest, Ubud

Perhaps the most famous park in Bali. This place can be considered the central park of Ubud, but very unusual. The atmosphere of antiquity reigns here, thanks to temple buildings and unusual religious sculptures. Funny and mischievous macaques that live in Monkey Forest set the mood for tourists with their curiosity. Be vigilant and follow the rules indicated at the entrance to the park so that your valuables are not damaged.

Location: Bali, Gianyar district, Ubud.

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Famous temples in Indonesia

It is no secret that the temple complexes of Indonesia cannot be compared with any other ancient structures. In Java and Bali, you can find a large number of Hindu and Buddhist buildings, whose age is calculated for centuries.

Prambanan, Java

The largest temple complex of the Indonesian Islands is located in the center of the island of Java. Considered an iconic masterpiece of Hindu religious architecture. Prambanan consists of 8 majestic temples with spiers, in addition to additional buildings and the ruins of more than 200 ancient temples built in the 9th century. Special shuttles run across the vast territory of the complex. Prambanan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Location: Central Java, on the slope of the Murapi volcano. Nearby is the temple of Borobudur.
• How to get there: by car or bus from the city of Yogyakarta (18 kilometers).

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Borobudur, Java

A little further from Prambanan there is the second, no less popular temple complex of Java, founded in the 7th-9th centuries - Borobudur . It is a huge stupa, consisting of 8 tiers. On the topmost tier, 72 small stupas were built. Inside the temple there are a huge number of Buddha statues and religious sculptures. Borobudur is a mecca for all tourists. Many people visit Java just to see this 8 wonder of the world. Near the temple there is a small hotel.

Visiting: from Yogyakarta to Borobudur, as well as Prambanan, excursion transfers are organized. You can also get there by buses with transfers. The first option will be much more comfortable.

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Sewu Temple

Another Javanese temple complex. A place with a Buddhist atmosphere. It is located just a kilometer from Prambanan, so visiting shrines can be combined. Since the 8th century, Sewu has been one of the main cities on the island. From the central temple of Mahadeva depart small stupas, whole and dilapidated. It is guarded by imposing stone guards - dvarapalas. And at the main entrance you can see an ancient inscription.

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Tanah Lot, Bali

A beautiful, instagrammable place with an extraordinary landscape. Tanah Lot is a functioning Hindu temple in Bali. The uniqueness of the shrine is that its buildings are carved on a rock, right on the ocean coast. Among the attractions of Bali, Tanah Lot leads in attendance.

Location: southwest coast of Bali, 22 kilometers from the resort town of Kuta.

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Sanctuary Goa Gadja

This place is also called Elephant Cave. The extraordinary building, carved into the rock, was supposedly founded in the 11th century as a place for meditation. Connoisseurs will find inside many architectural elements that can be attributed to Judaism and Buddhism. For Goa guests Gadja is of particular interest. Thousands of tourists rush to see the ancient cave-sanctuary.

Location: 5 kilometers southeast of Ubud.

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Pura Besakih, Bali

In the eastern part of Bali there is the largest Hindu temple on the island. It is located near the village of Besakih, on the slope of the Agung mountain peak. This is a complex of 23 temples, the construction of which was carried out in the 11th century. After a strong earthquake at the beginning of the 20th century, the temple was carefully reconstructed. The Balinese call Pura Besakih Mother of all temples, and tourists admire its unique views. The complex is located at an altitude of 1000 meters and is surrounded by incredible Balinese landscapes with rice fields, mountain peaks and meadows. Bright religious holidays and ceremonies often take place here.

GPS coordinates: -8.370657657066507, 115.45296725397775.

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Pura Bro, Bali

The central part of Bali attracts with rich greenery and mountain coolness. Among the majestic peaks is a large Lake Bratan, one of the most attractive places to relax in Bali. On the waters of the lake there is an old temple, known since the 17th century. It is dedicated to Devi Danu is the goddess of rivers, lakes and water. The place is very beautiful and therefore popular. Many travelers set themselves the goal of seeing Pura Bro with their own eyes.          

GPS coordinates: -8.27409775128616, 115.16673756931851.

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Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali

The resort area of Uluwatu is located in the south of Bali, in the western part of the Bukit Peninsula. Here, on a 100-meter cliff right above the sea, one of the main temples of Bali - Pura Luhur Uluwatu - was built. From here you have incredible views of the sea from above. Walking trails run along the cliff above the sea and the atmosphere is serene. The temple is a showcase for the traditional Balinese kechak dance, in which 100 to 150 people can take part at the same time. Kecak is an example of the ancient culture of the southern islands.

GPS coordinates: -8.825251973373417, 115.08783705639162.

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Lakes and waterfalls in Indonesia

Sipiso Piso Waterfall, Sumatra

The 120-meter waterfall Sipiso-Piso is located at the northern part of Lake Toba in Sumatra. It is considered unique, since the source of its waters is an underground river that runs under the surface of the plateau. In translation, the name of the waterfall Sipiso-Piso means a sharp knife. Residents of the local Batak ethnic settlement can tell many legends associated with this place. The waterfall has three equipped viewing platforms and hiking trails.

• Location: 45 kilometers from the city of Berastag, North Sumatra.
• GPS coordinates: 2.917194485778363, 98.51954671534074.

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Waterfalls of Bali

Waterfalls are one of the main treasures of Bali. In the central part of the island, among the green mountains and valleys, there are several stunning water cascades. Tourists go in search of Bali waterfalls for stunning scenery and exclusive selfies.

• Banyumala. A 40-meter cascade in the territory of the Wanagiri settlement in the Buleleng district. This is the northern part of Bali. GPS coordinates: -8.216560322269457, 115.10157493327215.
• Tukad Chepung. An amazingly beautiful place where the water flow hid among a deep crevice. In sunny weather, the waterfall is especially beautiful, so it is better to come to it in clear weather and in the morning, when the light falls from the right side. GPS coordinates: 8.440895248829753, 115.38681862599607.
• Kanto Lampo. A place for romantic photo shoots and meditations. A lush water cascade descends on stone terraces among dense jungle. Incredibly beautiful place in Gianyar district. GPS coordinates: -8.532127274214453, 115.33121812826198.

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Lake Toba

On the map of Indonesia you can find a huge number of reservoirs. The most famous and largest lake Toba is located in Sumatra. Its length reaches 100 kilometers, and the greatest depth is 450 meters. There are tourist bases and settlements of the local Batak people on the banks of the Toba. Traditional dwellings, culture and life of ethnic residents are the main reasons for traveling deep into Sumatra.

Lake Toba is one of the most incredible natural sites on the planet. It was formed as a result of the largest volcanic eruption in the last 75 thousand years. There is an island on the lake, which in terms of area could be compared with a small state. In Sumatra, the Toba area is the main tourist destination. If you are planning a trip to the lake, mark the Menara observation deck in your itinerary Pandang Tele, which offers breathtaking views of the lake and the island of Samosir.

Of course, these are not all the attractions that are worth seeing on the equatorial islands. Here you will find many more amazing places. Travel and discover the unique Indonesia!

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