Whether it’s the tantalizing aroma of street food, the gentle rustle of palm leaves in the breeze or a symphony of waves crashing onto pristine beaches, Indonesia’s natural beauty will take your breath away. From the smoldering volcanoes of Central Java to the verdant rice terraces of Bali, this vast archipelago is a kaleidoscope of taste, sight and sound. From Jakarta’s luxury malls to the untouched marine biosphere of Rajah Ampat, every sunrise and sunset, encounter with wildlife or dive into crystalline waters adds another verse to the poetic saga that is Indonesia.
Jakarta
The capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta, is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a comprehensive package that includes a range of natural beauty, easy transportation, and a number of challenging and comfortable tourist attractions. Because of its stunning beaches and unique culinary culture, Jakarta’s beauty is on par with Bali Island. If you want to learn more about this fascinating place, you should definitely explore its cultural heritage.
National Monument
- Address: RT.5/RW.2, Gambir, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 22:00 (except Monday)
- Entrance Fee: Free
This enormous building, located in the lovely Merdeka Square, is a symbol of the city. The National Monument honors the fight for Indonesian independence and stands a massive 132 meters high. To be honest, you should visit this location if you’re interested in learning about the national history of Indonesia. In addition to taking in the stunning architecture of the building, one can ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the expansive city.
Jakarta History Museum
- Address: Jl. Lada Dalam No.7, RT.7/RW.7, Pinangsia, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11110, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 09:00 – 15:00 (except Monday)
- Entrance Fee: 5,000 IDR/person
The Jakarta History Museum, also called the Fatahillah Museum, is housed in the former City Hall, which is situated a few hundred meters behind the port and Sunda Kelapa warehouses in Jakarta Kota, the old part of the city. This structure, which was once known as the Stadhuis, served as the Dutch East India Company’s and then the Dutch government’s administrative headquarters.
Constructed in 1710 by Governor General van Riebeeck, this sturdy structure conceals infamous dungeons and unclean water prisons beneath its surface. The history of Jakarta is currently on display in this museum, spanning from prehistoric times to the establishment of Jayakarta town. The collection contains a copy of the Tugu Inscription, which was written in the fifth century during the reign of the illustrious King Purnawarman. This document provides proof that the Tarumanegara kingdom’s center was situated close to Tanjung Priok’s modern seaport. The collection showcases the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Batavia, including those from Europe—particularly the Netherlands—China, India, and Indonesia.
National Museum of Indonesia
- Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No.12, Gambir, Kecamatan Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:00
- Entrance Fee: 25,000 IDR/person
It is one of the best places to visit in Jakarta, Indonesia, and is close to Merdeka Square. The museum’s incredible collection of artifacts provides a thorough understanding of Indonesia’s past and rich cultural legacy. This is for you if you enjoy learning about the historical background of the locations you visit. The building’s Hindu-Buddhist artwork is fascinating, and the treasure room with its incredible gold artifacts will astound you. You will be enthralled with the collection of prehistoric artifacts and ancient ceramics. Ultimately, the collection of weapons will offer you an insight into the historical conflicts that the nation has engaged in and the evolution of weaponry over time.
Istiqlal Mosque
- Address: Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Ps. Baru, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 04:00 – 21:00
- Entrance Fee: Free
The Istigal Mosque, the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia, is a very significant structure located in the center of Jakarta that is well worth seeing. This mosque, which can accommodate 200,000 people, was first built in 1978 and has a lovely marble courtyard with multiple ornamental minarets. The interior features enormous columns supporting the central dome and walls adorned with Islamic iconography and reliefs. It’s nearly impossible to overlook this truly remarkable building when in this part of Jakarta.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
- Address: Jl. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Ceger, Kec. Cipayung, Kota Jakarta Timur, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13820, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:00
- Entrance Fee: 12,000 IDR
If you’re interested in learning more about Indonesian history and culture, Taman Mini Indonesia Park should definitely be on your travel itinerary. Covering 250 acres, the park is rich in cultural traditions and legacy that set Indonesia apart from other countries. Several theme pavilions will be encountered by you. An intricate model of the Indonesian archipelago, an IMAX theater where you can see some of the best films currently showing, a traditional theater with frequent events, and a cable car are all available. Both residents and visitors agree that this expansive park is among the greatest spots in Jakarta to see in a single day.
Bali
Bali, also referred to as the “Land of the Gods,” captivates with its breathtaking natural beauty, which includes towering volcanoes and verdant terraced rice fields that radiate tranquility. It is renowned as a surfers’ paradise as well! Bali captivates with its vibrant ceremonies and dramatic dances, as well as its arts and crafts, opulent beach resorts, and vibrant nightlife.
Tanah Lot
- Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 07:00 – 17:00
- Entrance Fee as follow
Categories | Fee (IDR) |
Adult | 60,000 |
Child | 30,000 |
Motor Bike Parking Fee | 3,000 |
Car Parking Fee | 5,000 |
Bus Parking Fee | 10,000 |
Photoshoot | 500,000 |
Videoshoot | 2,000,000 |
Drone | 500,000 |
One of Bali’s most famous temples is Pura Tanah Lot, which is located about 20 kilometers northwest of Kuta (the word “pura” means “temple” in Balinese). One of its main wow factors is its breathtaking seaside location on a rocky islet surrounded by roaring waves. It is believed that the priest Nirartha, who asked the local fishermen to construct a temple here after spending the night on the rock outcrop, served as the inspiration for Pura Tanah Lot, which was constructed at the start of the 16th century.
It is considered to be among the most sacred of all the sea temples on the island by the Balinese people. To watch the sun set behind the temple every evening, hordes of visitors from Kuta, Legian, and Sanur make their way through a maze of lanes crowded with souvenir vendors.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
- Entrance Fee as follow
Type of ticket | Category | Fee (IDR) |
Weekdays | Adult | 80,000 |
Child | 60,000 | |
Weekends | Adult | 100,000 |
Child | 80,000 |
The Ubud Monkey Forest, also called the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is a natural sanctuary situated in the Baliese village of Padangtegal. More than 1200 long-tiled macaque monkeys call the roughly 12.5 hectare forest home. You can stroll around and take in the tranquil surroundings in the Monkey Forest. With at least 115 distinct species of trees, the forest is about 27 acres, or a tenth of a square kilometer in size. The Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple, a “Holy Spring” bathing temple, and another temple used for cremation ceremonies are all located in the Monkey Forest.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
- Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 07:00 – 19:00
- Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR
Uluwatu Temple, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is a well-known Balinese sea temple in Bali. It is one of Bali’s nine direction temples, built to ward off evil spirits. This magnificent temple, which seems to be standing guard over the sea from its perch atop a rock, is truly amazing. The Pura Uluwatu temple is said to have been constructed in the eleventh century and then further expanded in the sixteenth century by the Hindu priest and traveler Dang Hyang Nirartha. Several stone padmasana were constructed in this move, which is meant to represent a god’s throne.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
- Address: Uluwatu St, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 09:00 – 21:00
- Entrance Fee as follow
Type of ticket | Fee (IDR) |
Regular Entrance Ticket | 95,000 |
Ultimate Bunding Package | 300,000 |
Buggy Service Ticket | 40,000 |
Some of Bali’s most recognizable cultural landmarks can be found in GWK Cultural Park, such as the magnificent Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, which is 121 meters tall and depicts the Hindu god Vishnu and his mount, the Garuda bird. In addition, the park offers a variety of cultural events and performances, such as the Kecak Garuda Wisnu dance and traditional Balinese music and dance shows, among many others. GWK Cultural Park offers something for everyone, whether you’re an art aficionado, history buff, or just searching for an exciting and different experience in Bali.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
- Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 07:00 – 19:00
- Entrance Fee: IDR 75,000/adult & IDR 50,000/child
The magnificent Ulun Danu Temple is perched on a plateau overlooking Lake Beratan in Bali’s highlands within the mountainous Bedugul Regency. The purpose of Pura Ulun Danu was to honor the goddess Danu. The Balinese word for Danu means “lake,” and the goddess Danu is the ruler of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. There are four hallowed structures in the temple complex. Three stories high, Linga Pura is a temple dedicated to the god Shiva. Pura Puncak Mangu was constructed as a shrine to the god Vishnu and is eleven stories high. Sang Hyang Widhi is worshipped at Pura Dalem Purwa, while Pura Teratai Bang is the main temple. In addition, people who pray for prosperity, procreation, and well-being can be found at this final temple.
The building’s design is in line with the Trimurti belief system, which uses three sacred colors to stand for the three gods—Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. To the Creator, Lord Brahma, the first color is red. The second color is black, which represents Lord Vishnu, the universe’s balancer and protector. Lastly, white in honor of Shiva, the Destroyer god.
Bandung
Renowned for its tea plantations and volcanoes, Bandung is an amazing Indonesian city that welcomes thousands of visitors from around the globe each year. Its numerous historical sites highlight the distinctive architectural style for which it is renowned. It boasts a rich history and culture. With so many tourist attractions in Bandung to discover and explore, sightseeing is enjoyable.
Museum Geologi
- Address: Jl. Diponegoro No.57, Cihaur Geulis, Kec. Cibeunying Kaler, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40122, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 09:00 – 15:00 (Tuesday – Thursday) | 09:00 – 14:00 (Saturday & Sunday)
- Entrance Fee: IDR 10,000
For those who enjoy museums or are interested in seeing things from earlier times, the Geological Museum of Bandung, Indonesia, is a veritable paradise. The 1928 opening of the Geological Museum houses some of the rare remnants of the meteorite that struck West Java in 1871, particularly in Sindanglaut. The remnants of the meteorite, known as LL6 chondrite, are extremely uncommon.
Museum Konferensi Asia Afrika
- Address: Jl. Asia Afrika No.65, Braga, Kec. Sumur Bandung, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40111, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 15:00 (except Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- Entrance Fee: Free
One of the best things to do when visiting any place is to check out its museums. The Museum of The Asian-African Conference, which honors the 1955 Bandung Conference of newly independent African and Asian states, is among the most fascinating sites to visit in Bandung. It is a significant structure for a world-changing event as well as an educational museum. During your visit, the Museum of The Asian-African Conference is a great place to see and learn about history. You will undoubtedly make lifelong memories in Bandung if you are traveling to Indonesia during the ideal time of year to visit.
Saint Peter Cathedral Bandung
- Address: Jl. Merdeka No.14, Babakan Ciamis, Kec. Sumur Bandung, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40117, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00
- Entrance Fee: Free
St. Peters Cathedral, a significant city landmark, is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Bandung. Situated in the center of the city, the church, formally known as Katedral Santo Petrus, is well-known throughout the community for its distinctive architectural design. Wolff Schoemaker created the neo-gothic design. Photographers will find St. Peters Cathedral to be an inspiring and visually stunning location for their shots. In the afternoon, just before the sun sets, is the ideal time to get fantastic pictures. The interior is compact but equally stunning as the outside, with a wonderful ambience that you can fully enjoy.
Surabaya
Traveling through Java? It’s worth stopping by Surabaya, which is historically one of the most significant areas of the nation with a variety of interesting attractions. One of the main reasons to visit Surabaya is to experience a genuine Indonesian city life experience away from the main tourist attractions. You can also spend time exploring the city’s cuisine, which includes a variety of specialty dishes like spicy soups and curries.
Monumen Tugu Pahlawan dan Museum Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya
- Address: Pahlawan St, Alun-alun Contong, Bubutan, Surabaya, East Java 60174, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 15:00 (except Monday)
- Entrance Fee: IDR 10,000
A famous site honoring those who battled in the 1945 Battle of Surabaya for Indonesia’s independence is the Heroes Monument and Museum of the 10th November 1945 Battle of Surabaya. It offers children’s patriotic ideological education along with a two-story museum featuring exhibits related to the battle.
Sunan Ampel Great Mosque
- Address: Jl. Ampel Masjid No.53, Ampel, Kec. Semampir, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60151, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: All day
- Entrance Fee: Free
One of the most well-known religious tourism destinations in Surabaya, East Java, is the Sunan Ampel Mosque Complex. Many people who wish to see the splendor of Islamic history in Surabaya visit the mosque, which is situated on Jalan Ampel in the Semampir District. The mosque is a spiritual tourist attraction. Ampel Mosque, the oldest and busiest mosque in Surabaya, has a unique history involving “Sunan Ampel,” a “Wali Songo” who had a significant impact on Java’s Islam. West of Ampel Mosque, in a building, is the Sunan Ampel Mausoleum. Originally constructed, this roughly 45 m by 45 m mosque had 16 teak wooden pillars, each measuring 17 m in length without extensions.
Surabaya Submarine Monument
- Address: Jl. Pemuda No.39, Embong Kaliasin, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271, Indonesia
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 21:00
- Entrance Fee: IDR 15,000
The Submarine Monument, a decommissioned Russian submarine that is now a tourist attraction, is situated in the center of Surabaya. There are tours available, and its exhibits unveil a fascinating history. Both residents and visitors enjoy the monument’s distinctive features, which include the control room, periscope, and torpedo tubes.