Indonesia's Top Travel Destinations 2024

Discover the diversity of Indonesia: we've compiled a selection of exciting destinations where you can discover colorful corals, the best beaches, pristine rainforests and amazing local traditions.

Depositphotos

Bali

You can’t talk about Indonesia and ignore the country’s most popular island! Bali is one of the best tourist destinations in Indonesia and is ideal for all travelers. An island of luxurious beaches, sacred temples, verdant rice fields and picturesque volcanic hills. Bali is a surfers' mecca, and Ubud, the island's spiritual capital, is a treasure trove of amazing architecture. Spend time on the sea coasts. Explore jungles and waterfalls, and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Island of the Gods.

• How to get there : It’s easy to fly to Bali from anywhere in the world. Ngurah Rai International Airport is located just 13 km from the capital, Denpasar.
• Popular Attractions : Pura Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Mount Batur, Kuta Beach, Bali Bird and Reptile Park, Ubud Monkey Forest, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Nusa Dua Beach.
• Things to do : Visit Balinese temples, stroll through rice paddies, check out art markets, surf, snorkel, dive, zip line, raft, and climb Bali's incredible peaks.

Depositphotos

Lombok

Not far from Bali is the more secluded Lombok. Natural landscapes filled with tropical jungles and mountains give tourists the opportunity to trek through the island's incredible forests. You can spend the day lounging on Lombok's picturesque and secluded beaches and exploring the exotic marine life.

• How to get there : the nearest international airport is Zainuddin Abdul Majid.
• Popular attractions : Mount Rinjani, Gili Islands, Lake Segara Anak.
• Things to do : Experience the exciting nightlife on Gili Trawangan, take a dip in Kalak Hot Springs or enjoy the scenic views from Bukit Pergasingan. In Lombok, you should also hike to Tiu Kelep Waterfall, visit the Lombok Crafts Center and the Botol Art Shop.

Gili Islands

There are three incredible islands near Lombok: romantic ocean views, luxurious villas, and a secluded setting make Gili the best place for a stress-free holiday in Indonesia. Adventure, luxury and a white sandy coast lined with palm trees await you.

• How to get there : Gilicopter charter flights are available from Bali Airport.
• You can also get to the Gili Islands from Bali, Lombok or Padang Bai by public ferries and speedboats.
• Popular Attractions : Gili Trawangan, Trawangan Hill, Shark Point, Deep Turbo Sea Caves, Gili Meno Salt Lake, Gili Meno.
• Things to do : Island hopping, cooking classes, yoga and meditation, snorkeling and diving, Mount Rinjani hike, glass bottom boat ride.

Depositphotos

Jakarta

If you really want to understand Indonesia and not just relax on the beach, visit the islands' capital . The very heart of the country, where the cultures of India, China, Malaysia and other countries are mixed. Jakarta has so many impressive monuments to visit and there are small islands nearby with great beaches. The historical and cultural attractions of Jakarta will give you a great insight into the centuries-old history of this place.

• How to get there : There are regular flights to Jakarta from different countries.
• Popular Attractions : Thousand Islands, Merdeka Square, Ankol Dreamland, Monas Tower, National Museum of Indonesia, National Gallery, Jakarta Cathedral, Dufan Amusement Park, Chinatown Glodok Market, Pasar Baru, Sarina, Pasar Seni Ankol.

Depositphotos

Bandung

Bandung, known as the "Paris of Java", is a bustling city in the west of the island of Java , surrounded by tea plantations and green hills. Its moderate temperatures, vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery have made it popular among tourists. See the Tangkuban Perahu volcano, wander through the tea gardens, visit the Lembang Floating Market and the Bandung Flower Garden. During the colonial era, the city was used as a refuge for the Dutch nobility, so the European architecture of 200 years ago has been preserved. To this day, the city remains very much a cultural capital, where you will find art galleries, museums and cultural centers.

• How to get there : to Kertajati International Airport.
• Popular Attractions : Lembang, Tibing Keraton, Situ Patengang, St. Peter's Cathedral, Bandung Historical Park, Keraton Rock, Kawah Putih, Bandung Zoo, Jeans Street.

Depositphotos

Papua

Much of Papua province is teeming with exotic flora and fauna, covered in lush green rainforests, cascading waterfalls and white sandy coastlines. In some parts of the Indonesian part of Papua, tribal art can still be found on walls and in caves. The region offers all the opportunities for exotic adventures, meeting tribal Indonesians, exploring the rich marine life and walking through the pristine jungle.

• How to get there : Domestic flight from Jakarta, Bali or Makassar to the nearest airport in Papua, Nabire.
• Popular Attractions : Raja Ampat, Jayapura, Goa Jepang, Base G Beach, Manokwari, Fak Fak, Pulau Biak, Lorenz National Park, Love Lake, Cayman Island.

Depositphotos

Komodo Island

Komodo is one of the popular tourist attractions that requires a separate visit. The island is part of Komodo National Park, home to the giant Komodo dragons, or monitor lizards. This place, located between Sumbawa and Flores, attracts many tourists every year. And besides monitor lizards, there is something to see here. The underwater world of the reserve guarantees excellent snorkeling.

• How to get there : to the nearest airport in Labuan Bajo on Flores Island . Flights available from Bali. There are also boats running to Komodo Island from Labuan Bajo, Lombok and Sumbawa.
• Popular Attractions : Pink Beach, Pulau Kalong, Pulau Kelor, Lava Darat Gili, Batu Bolong Reef, Penga Reef, Rinca Island.
• What to do : Try zip lining, hike and enjoy scuba diving.

Depositphotos

Nusa Penida

Often considered the hidden gem of the Indonesian archipelago, Nusa Penida offers travelers a glimpse of unspoiled natural beauty and a break from the usual sights of mainland Bali. The magical landscapes with lush green flora and high cliffs plunging into the turquoise sea are simply mesmerizing! Some of the most famous beaches are here: Atuh with its quiet bay and picturesque cliffs, Kelingking with a cliff in the shape of a T-rex and Crystal Bay with excellent diving opportunities. There are two more delightful islands nearby, one of which can be reached via a bridge. Nusa Penida is rich in cultural history, with Balinese temples hidden in the hills and traditional communities.

• How to get there : to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, then by boat or speedboat.
• Popular Attractions : Kelingking Beach, Pura Puncak Mundi, Banah Cliff, Pura Dalem Ped, Angels Billabong, Tembeling Beach, Broken Sea, Lembongan Seaweed Farm, Secret Point Beach, Temple Point, Atuh Beach.
• Things to do : Hike to Kelingking Beach, swim at Atuh Beach, rock formations at Brocken Beach, speedboat ride to Crystal Bay Beach, sunset cruise, diving at Manta Point.

Depositphotos

North Sulawesi

North Sulawesi is full of wonders: the colorful corals and volcanic mountains, the wildlife reserve and the sea surrounding the landscape of this magnificent island. As you explore the villages along the coastline, you will come across wonderful rice fields and gardens with a variety of flora. Tondano, Tomohon and Woloan are peaceful villages that will help you get to know Indonesian traditions better.

• How to get there : Sam Ratulangi International Airport is 13 kilometers away. Ferries and boats to North Sulawesi operate from Bau Bau, Luwuk, Bitung, Gorontalo and Kendari.
• Popular Attractions : Paal Beach, Bunaken, Sukarno Bridge, Bunaken National Park, Tangkoko Research Station, Linou Lake.

Depositphotos

Lake Toba

Originating 75,000 years ago, Lake Toba is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia. This is one of the most fascinating regions of the island of Sumatra . Right on the volcanic lake is the unique “island within an island” of Samosir, where you can see houses with boat-stern tops and get acquainted with the traditions of the Batak people.

• How to get there : Lake Toba can be reached from both Silangit Airport and Kualanamu Airport. Buses, tuk-tuks and taxis are available to the lake from the nearest airport. There are no direct flights, but you can take a connecting flight from Jakarta.
• Popular Attractions: Batak Village, Hot Springs, Batak Museum, Tomb of King Sidabutara, Gajah Bobok Hill, Huta Bolon Simanindo Museum.

Depositphotos

Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat is an archipelago made up of 1,500 islands sparkling among turquoise waters. These are wild and incredibly beautiful coastlines, pristine beaches, small atolls and turquoise water, rich in marine flora and fauna. Be sure to try snorkeling and diving - rare corals are found in the local waters. Go kayaking and trek through the rainforest. Remember that there are no ATMs on the island; travelers will need to carry enough cash in local currency.

• How to get there : The closest city to the islands is Sorong, West Papua. You can fly to the airport and take a ferry from Sorong Harbor the rest of the way.
• Popular attractions : Gum, Cree, Dampier Strait, Misoul.

Depositphotos

Bunaken Marine Park

Bunaken amazes with the richness of marine flora and fauna. It is located on the northern part of the island of Sulawesi and is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia today. The crystal clear waters are home to a variety of exotic fish. From June to August, Bunaken Marine Park welcomes the maximum number of travelers.

• How to get there : to Manado Airport. Next to the park by boat, about 50 minutes on the way.
• Popular attractions : Manadotua Island, Siladen Island, Mount Tampa, Bunaken.