Indonesia Attractions

Chosen by Alex Robinson, travel journalist and our Indonesia specialist · Updated November 2026

The Best Things to Do in Indonesia

Indonesia’s highlights are spread across thousands of islands, from the great temples of Java and the rice terraces of Bali to wild orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra, Komodo dragons in the east and the coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Below are the places and experiences we think are most worth the journey, island by island, with tips on when to go and how long to allow.

Any of these can be part of a tailor-made Indonesia holiday with private guides and drivers. For visas, health and weather, see our Indonesia travel guide.

Java

1. Borobudur

Built in the 9th century, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its nine stacked platforms are carved with more than 2,500 relief panels and crowned by a great central stupa, with views of volcanoes all around. To protect the temple, the number of visitors allowed on to the upper terraces each day is limited, and tickets for the climb need to be booked ahead. We arrange this for you.

2. Prambanan

About an hour’s drive from Borobudur, Prambanan is Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its tall, pointed towers are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Visit in the late afternoon for the best light, or see the Ramayana ballet, performed with the temples lit up behind the stage.

3. Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, or “Jogja”, is Java’s cultural capital and the best base for Borobudur and Prambanan. Visit the Kraton, the sultan’s palace, watch batik being made by hand and try the local street food, such as gudeg, made with young jackfruit.

4. Mount Bromo

Watching the sunrise over Mount Bromo is one of the great sights of South-East Asia: a smoking volcano rising from a sea of sand inside a vast caldera, with Mount Semeru behind. It means a very early start and a cold morning at the viewpoint, followed by a walk across the sand to the crater rim.

5. Ijen Crater

In eastern Java, Ijen has a turquoise acid lake and sulphur miners who still carry heavy loads out of the crater by hand. Night hikes go to see the “blue fire” of burning sulphur gas, but the crater can close when gas levels are high, so we always check conditions on the day.

Bali, Nusa Penida and Lombok

6. Ubud and the Rice Terraces

Ubud, in the green hills of central Bali, is the island’s centre for art, dance and crafts. Nearby, the Jatiluwih rice terraces are part of a UNESCO-listed landscape shaped by subak, Bali’s centuries-old system of sharing water between farmers. Walk or cycle through the fields early, before the heat and the crowds.

7. Bali’s Temples

Bali has thousands of temples. Don’t miss Uluwatu, on a clifftop above the sea, where the kecak fire dance is performed at sunset; Tanah Lot, on a rock in the waves; and Besakih, the island’s “mother temple” on the slopes of Mount Agung. A guide helps you understand the ceremonies and offerings you will see every day.

8. Nusa Penida

Just off Bali’s south coast, Nusa Penida has dramatic cliffs, viewpoints such as Kelingking Beach and some of the best places in Indonesia to snorkel or dive with manta rays. Sea crossings can be rough, so we time trips for calm weather.

9. Lombok and the Gili Islands

Lombok is quieter than Bali, with long beaches and Mount Rinjani, a volcano popular with experienced trekkers. Off its north-west coast, the three small Gili Islands have no cars or motorbikes, white sand and turtles in the clear water.

The East: Komodo, Flores and Raja Ampat

10. Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the best place in the world to see Komodo dragons in the wild, on guided walks with park rangers. A boat trip also takes in the viewpoint on Padar Island, pink-sand beaches and excellent snorkelling. Trips start from Labuan Bajo on Flores.

11. Flores and Kelimutu

Flores is a long, mountainous island of traditional villages and volcanoes. The three crater lakes of Kelimutu change colour over time, and the remote mountain village of Wae Rebo, with its tall cone-shaped houses, is a rewarding walk for those who make the effort.

12. Raja Ampat

In West Papua, the islands of Raja Ampat have some of the richest coral reefs on Earth, with an extraordinary variety of fish and corals. It is remote and best for keen divers and snorkellers, with the calmest seas from around October to April.

Borneo, Sumatra and Sulawesi

13. Orangutans in Tanjung Puting, Borneo

In Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan, you travel upriver on a klotok, a traditional wooden houseboat, sleeping on deck and stopping at feeding stations such as Camp Leakey to see orangutans in the forest. It is one of the most memorable wildlife trips in Asia.

14. Orangutans in Bukit Lawang, Sumatra

Bukit Lawang, on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, is the main base for jungle treks to see Sumatran orangutans, as well as gibbons and other wildlife. Treks range from a few hours to several days with local guides.

15. Lake Toba, Sumatra

Lake Toba fills the crater of a huge ancient volcano and is the largest lake in Indonesia. Samosir Island, in the middle, is home to the Batak people, with their distinctive boat-shaped houses, tombs and music.

16. Tana Toraja, Sulawesi

In the highlands of Sulawesi, the Toraja people are known for their great carved houses with sweeping roofs, and for funeral ceremonies that can last several days. Visiting with a local guide is a rare and respectful insight into a living culture.

Indonesia’s Top Attractions at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still climb Borobudur?

Yes, but numbers on the upper terraces are limited each day to protect the temple, and you need a special ticket booked in advance. You can also walk around the base and gardens with a standard ticket. We book the climb for you.

Where is the best place to see orangutans in Indonesia?

Tanjung Puting in Borneo, explored by traditional houseboat, and Bukit Lawang in Sumatra, explored on foot, are the two best places. Both give you a very good chance of seeing orangutans in the forest.

How long do I need for Komodo National Park?

Two or three nights in Labuan Bajo is ideal. It gives you a full day on the water to see the dragons on Komodo or Rinca, the viewpoint on Padar and the snorkelling spots, plus time to relax.

Is Mount Bromo hard to visit?

No special fitness is needed for the sunrise viewpoint, which you reach by jeep. The walk across the sand and up the steps to the crater rim is short but steep. Bring warm clothes, as it is cold before dawn.

Which island is best for a first trip to Indonesia?

Most first trips combine Java, for Borobudur and the volcanoes, with Bali, for culture and beaches. If you have more time, add Komodo or a few days in Lombok or the Gilis.

Is Bali too busy?

The south of Bali and central Ubud can be busy, especially in July, August and at Christmas. But step away from the main roads, start early and stay in the north, east or countryside, and you will still find quiet villages, temples and rice fields.

Plan Your Indonesia Holiday

Tell us which of these appeal to you and Alex will put them together into a route that works with the seasons. Explore our Indonesia holidays, find places to stay on our Indonesia hotels page, or request a video call with Alex.