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Want to put some truly mesmerising experiences on your Bucket List?
Here’s our guide to the ten very best things to do in Indonesia.
Welcome to the vibrant tapestry of a Southeast Asian gem, and allow us to introduce you to the best things to do in Indonesia.
You’re about to embark on a journey through the archipelago’s best-kept secrets and must-visit destinations. From mystical temples to fiery landscapes and pristine beaches to untamed wilderness, Indonesia offers an unparalleled blend of experiences for every adventurer.
Join us as we dive into the best things to do in Indonesia, uncovering its hidden treasures, mouthwatering cuisine, and warm-hearted locals, all waiting to make your Indonesian adventure truly unforgettable.
1. Visit Jakarta – you’ve got to!
If you’re looking for adventure in Indonesia, make sure Jakarta finds its place on your itinerary. The bustling metropolis isn’t just a gateway to the archipelago; it’s a vibrant city with its own thrilling experiences.
Explore the old town of Kota Tua, where Dutch colonial architecture collides with modern street art for a unique blend of history and contemporary culture. Dive into the vibrant street food scene, sampling sizzling satay skewers and mouthwatering rendang beef. Find out all about Indonesia in The National Museum and don’t miss Chinatown either.
Then for a dose of nature within the city, venture to the Thousand Islands, a pristine archipelago just off the coast, where you can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and soak up the sun on pristine beaches. Jakarta promises an adventure that’s as diverse as Indonesia itself!
Our Best of Indonesia adventure begins in Jakarta – got to get these things off to the right start.
2. Search for the elusive Javan Gibbon in Pangandaran National Park
Pangandaran, nestled on the southwestern coast of Indonesia’s Java island, is an adventure waiting to be discovered and a major must for your Bucket List. And if a cheeky monkey doesn’t deserve a spot on the list of best things to do in Indonesia, who knows what will?
With its rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and untamed wilderness, Pangandaran is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. Take an exhilarating journey through Pangandaran National Park, where you can trek through dense jungles and stumble upon hidden waterfalls, all while keeping an eye out for the elusive Javan Gibbon swinging through the treetops.
3. Visit our beloved Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, or “Yogya” as you’ll heard it called, is an absolute paradise for adventure lovers. Surrounded by Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes (including Mount Merapi and Mount Bromo), the sunrise views are just sublime.
You’ve got fascinating cave systems dotting the Yogya region too, with opportunities for jungle trekking and white water rafting nearby AND the world’s biggest Buddhist structure. Definitely pop Yogya on your itinerary if you’re looking for the best things to do in Indonesia!
4. Trek Mount Bromo
Trekking Mount Bromo is an absolute must and undeniably one of the best things to do in Indonesia – here’s why. The iconic volcano juts out of the beautiful Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, where you’ll encounter a surreal, otherworldly landscape that’s unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Make sure you begin your hike to Bromo’s rim pre-dawn to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of sunrise casting a warm glow over the vast, eerie sand sea and the smouldering caldera below.
The sight of Mount Bromo’s billowing smoke against a backdrop of endless volcanic terrain is genuinely awe-inspiring. For adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, climbing Mount Bromo is an unforgettable experience that encapsulates the raw, natural beauty of Indonesia’s landscapes. If you’re visiting Indonesia, you MUST do Bromo!
5. Go to Bali. Don’t you dare skip it.
Indonesia without Bali is like a tropical cocktail without the umbrella – it’s just not the same. Talk to anyone who’s already visited and they’ll tell you Bali is the very best thing to do in Indonesia. And as soon as you touch down, you’ll understand why the province (and largest Hindu island in Indonesia) has become more popular over the last couple of decades.
Bali’s got it all: pristine beaches, lush rice terraces, vibrant cultural experiences, and a nightlife that’s hotter than the equatorial sun. If you’re plotting an Indonesian adventure, you’d better pencil in Bali; in fact, use a biro!
Tick Bali off your Bucket List on our Best of Indonesia adventure
6. Visit Ubud while you’re there
Nestled in the heart of Bali’s lush interior is an adventurer’s Eden waiting to be explored: hello Ubud, we’ve been waiting for you to change our lives!
Surrounded by emerald rice terraces, dense jungles and mystical temples, this town is an escapade like no other. Trek to hidden waterfalls like Tegenungan and Tibumana, where you can cool off in the pristine waters after an adventurous hike. Explore the famous Monkey Forest Sanctuary and interact with playful macaques in their natural habitat. And for a spiritual adventure, partake in a yoga or meditation retreat!
Ubud is the gateway to a world of adventure and tranquillity, where nature and culture fuse seamlessly, giving you a truly remarkable experience in the heart of Bali.
7. Take in the temples
There are temples upon temples in Indonesia, each one different from the next, every stone intricately carved to create spectacle after spectacle. We’d really recommend heading into as many as you can to get a feel for Indonesia’ history (and to enjoy some peace!).
Make sure you have something to cover your shoulders and upper legs if you’re visiting temples in Indonesia – you won’t want to risk being turned away. Our personal favourite is the Tirta Empul Temple in Ubud, Bali, where you can go to get your soul purified in the holy springs. Make sure you dip your head into those sacred waters when you get the chance!
Enjoy the purification rituals on our Best of Indonesia adventure
8. Rent a bike and see Indonesia on two wheels
Cycling in Indonesia such a thrill – as you pedal through the diverse archipelago, you witness a kaleidoscope of landscapes, from bustling cities to tranquil rice paddies and pristine coastal roads, and you’ll certainly enjoy it all the more on the saddle with the breeze in your hair.
The warm hospitality of the locals, the tantalizing aromas of street food wafting through the air, and the ever-changing scenery make every ride an adventure. Watch Indonesia’s vibrant culture and natural beauty unfold at the perfect pace when you explore it on two wheels.
In our Best of Indonesia itinerary, we include a cycling tour of the brilliant backstreets, villages and rice fields of Ubud, Bali – and it’s all downhill! Click here to find out more.
9. Overnight at homestays
Staying with local families doesn’t just get you an affordable and comfortable place for the night, but also immerses yourself far better in the heart of Indonesian culture.
From sharing traditional meals to learning local customs and traditions, homestays give you the opportunity to foster genuine connections with the community. You’ll gain insights that go beyond typical tourist experiences, making your stay in Indonesia super memorable and authentic. Homestays really are a great (and inexpensive) way to enrich your travel experience – and, hey, you’ve got to stay somewhere!
10. Don’t forget your tummy – eat as many Indonesian delicacies as you can!
Indonesia’s culinary scene certainly is a mouthwatering adventure for your taste buds. From the fiery rendang beef that packs a flavour punch to the crispy, golden perfection of nasi goreng (fried rice), every dish here is a taste explosion. Let’s not forget a dollop of spicy sambal on the side too.
If you’re looking for a veggie alternative, gado-gado is seriously tasty, with a peanut sauce and fried tofu topping an Indonesian style salad. Then there’s the martabak pancake – perfect filled with chocolate, or cheese!
The best way to visit Indonesia? Our Best of Indonesia adventure!
If you love adventure and you want to do Indonesia right, you’ll be pleased to know we’ve packed in heaps of the stuff you’ve just read into our Best of Indonesia itinerary.
Travel affordably, with a likeminded group of people, and with every element of your trip carefully thought out by people who love adventure just as much as you do.
Hit the button below to find out more about the itinerary and book your spot – if you don’t do it now…will you ever?
