There is more to Indonesia than just Bali! When I was researching a trip to Indonesia (to add to my ever-growing list), I discovered that this country is much more than one popular beach tourist destination.
With more than 17,000 islands, of which 8,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. It’s the world’s most populous country, with 255 million people speaking over 300 languages among them. A land of so many cultures and customs, sights of nature, deep and rich cultures have evolved.
Indonesia is home to 167 active volcanoes, far more than any other country. Beaches are also a large attraction, and aside from the obvious like Bali and Lombok, there are many other wonderful beaches to visit.
Indonesia also has some of the largest remaining tracts of tropical forest anywhere in the world. Sulawesi’s coastline offers stunning white-sand beaches and diving spots, while Sumatra is lined with dozens of volcanoes.
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, would likely be your first or last stop while visiting. With millions of residents, the capital has upscale shopping malls, restaurants, street food and shops.
Here are the places to visit in Indonesia:
Bali
Bali is one of the world’s most popular island destinations. Its tropical beaches, lush terraces, varied landscapes and rugged coastlines are why Bali is always voted one of the best islands in the world. The combination of diving and surfing, beautiful beaches, and friendly people have made Bali the most popular tourist destination. While you could spend your days on the beach or at one of the island’s famous spas, you could feed your active side and visit Monkey Forest, or go on a wildlife adventure at the Bali Safari and Marine Park, and the Bali Bird Park. Get in touch with your spiritual side at Pura Tanah Lot, one of the most sacred temples in Bali.
Lembang
Lembang Bandung is the main destination for nature lovers in Indonesia. After visiting the bustling capital and the beautiful beaches, trek into the mainland composed of hills and mountains. Mount Tangkuban Perahu is the most famous mountain vacation in around Bandung. It’s accessible with cars until the top of mountain. For a nature and mountain vacation, stay at the Grande Paradise for the Grand Paradise Lembang best deals. Vipassana Graha Theravada Temple is also a must-visit. The Buddhist monks stay here, and you can have meditation class in the area.
Photo: CHJL
Komodo Island
Komodo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the Komodo Dragon, the largest living carnivorous lizards that can reach up to 10 feet long. The reptiles roam freely over the islands, and visitors rely on experienced tour guides for sightings and to keep them safe. Komodo National Park is also famous as a world-class scuba diving destination.You may even catch legions of flying foxes (large fruit bats) in the star-filled night sky.
Photo: jon hanson
Lombok
Lombok has the same kind of beautiful beaches and volcanic scenery as Bali, but with less commercialism and fewer tourists, making it one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.The island’s northern area of Gunung Rinjani has a volcano, a tourist destination. The three Gili Islands off the northwest coast are the most popular beach destinations.
Mount Bromo
Standing tall at 2329 m, Mt Bromo at Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park is one of the most iconic mountain in Indonesia. Climb the 7000-foot volcano to the top to catch one of the most stunning sunsets over the blue misty volcanic craters. Covering an awesome area of 800 square kilometres, there are many things to explore. You can trek across the desert on a pony, or rent a jeep.
Photo: Thomas Hirsch
Raja Ampat
Known as one of the best diving destination in Indonesia and the world, Raja Ampat is estimated to host over 75% of world’s coral species with more than a thousand tropical fish species. A diver’s paradise, Raja Ampat is made for those who love marine life.
Photo: Jonathan Chase