10 Reasons to Visit Indonesia

Indonesia is a destination of endless possibilities, where every island offers something unique. Whether you’re seeking wildlife, relaxation, cultural immersion, or culinary delights, this archipelago delivers. It’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm people make it a wonderful destination to visit.

Here are some of the best reasons to visit Indonesia:

1. Bali’s Endless Allure

Bali is Indonesia’s most famous island for a reason. It is a land of lush rice terraces, golden beaches, spiritual retreats, and a vibrant arts scene - perfect if you are seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.

The best experiences in Bali are:

• Ubud: The cultural heart of Bali, known for its rice terraces (Tegallalang), Sacred Monkey Forest, and traditional dance performances.
• Beaches: Seminyak with trendy beach clubs and upscale dining; Canggu: a surf and digital nomad hub with a laid-back vibe; Padang Padang is a hidden cove with turquoise waters (featured in Eat Pray Love); Nusa Penida has dramatic cliffs and Kelingking Beach, often called “T-Rex Bay.”
• Adventure: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek - take a pre-dawn hike to watch the sunrise over the caldera; White Water Rafting on the Ayung River or Telaga Waja River; Visit the waterfalls at Tegenungan, Sekumpul, and Nungnung with gushing cascades and swimming holes.
• Wellness: Bali is a global hub for yoga retreats and spa treatments using local ingredients like coconut and turmeric.
• Hidden Gems: The Sidemen Valley is a quieter alternative to Ubud, with stunning rice fields and home-stays, whilst Amed is a diving and snorkelling paradise with black sand beaches.

2. Historical and Cultural Treasures

Indonesia’s history is a tapestry woven from Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms, Islamic sultanates, Dutch colonial rule, and indigenous traditions. This rich heritage is visible in its ancient temples, colonial architecture, and living cultural traditions.

The best historical sites to visit are:

• Borobudur (Central Java): The world’s largest Buddhist temple, built in the 9th century. The sunrise tour is a magical experience as the mist lifts over the surrounding volcanoes.
• Prambanan (Central Java): A stunning Hindu temple complex dedicated to the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). The Ramayana Ballet performed here during the dry season is a cultural highlight.
• Trowulan (East Java): The ruins of the Majapahit Empire, once the largest and most influential Hindu-Buddhist kingdom in Southeast Asia.
• Kota Tua (Jakarta): A colonial-era district with Dutch-style buildings, museums, and cafes.
• Uluwatu Temple (Bali): A clifftop temple with panoramic ocean views and traditional Kecak fire dances at sunset.

The best cultural experiences are:

• Wayang Kulit: Shadow puppet performances retelling ancient epics like the Mahabharata.
• Batik Making: Learn the art of batik in Yogyakarta or Solo, where the craft is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Balinese Ceremonies: Attend a melukat (purification ritual) or Nyepi (Day of Silence), Bali’s unique New Year celebration.

3. Biodiversity and Wildlife Encounters

Indonesia is one of the most biologically diverse countries on Earth, home to species found nowhere else. Whether you are trekking through jungles or exploring marine parks, the wildlife encounters are unforgettable.

Some of the iconic species you can see are:

• Orangutans: See these gentle giants in Borneo (Tanah Toraja, Kalimantan) or Sumatra (Gunung Leuser National Park). 
• Komodo Dragons: The world’s largest lizard species, found only in Komodo National Park.
• Sumatran Tigers: Critically endangered, best spotted in Kerinci Seblat National Park.
• Javan Rhinos: One of the rarest mammals, found in Ujung Kulon National Park.
• Birds: Indonesia has 1,700 bird species, including the paradise bird and cockatoos. West Papua and Sulawesi are birdwatching hotspots.

4. Volcanic Landscapes and Adventure

Indonesia’s 139 active volcanoes create dramatic landscapes perfect for hiking, hot springs, and adventure.

The best volcanoes to climb are:

• Mount Batur (Bali): A 2-hour hike for sunrise views over the caldera.
• Mount Rinjani (Lombok): A multi-day trek to the summit, with rewards like the Segara Anak Lake and hot springs.
• Mount Ijen (East Java): Famous for its blue fire crater and sulfur miners who carry baskets of sulfur up the mountain at dawn.
• Mount Merapi (Central Java): A challenging but rewarding hike near Yogyakarta.

Adventure activities include: White Water Rafting on the Progo River (Java) or Ayung River (Bali); Canyoning in West Java or Bali, combining waterfalls, jumps, and rappels; and Paragliding over Pangandaran Beach (West Java) or Timbis Beach (Bali).

5. A Culinary Adventure

Indonesian cuisine is a flavour explosion, blending indigenous traditions with influences from India, China, the Middle East, and Europe. The diversity of ingredients - fresh seafood, tropical fruits, aromatic spices, and slow-cooked meats - make exploring their cuisine a highly enjoyable experience throughout your trip. 

Popular dishes are:

• Nasi Goreng: Indonesia’s national dish, a fragrant fried rice with sweet soy sauce, egg, and optional toppings like chicken or shrimp.
• Sate (Satay): Skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce. Try sate Madura (chicken or beef) or sate lilit (minced seafood).
• Rendang: A slow-cooked beef curry from West Sumatra.
• Gado-Gado: A fresh vegetable salad with peanut dressing, perfect for vegetarians.
• Soto Betawi: Jakarta’s creamy beef soup with coconut milk and spices.
• Martabak: A sweet or savoury stuffed pancake, popular as a late-night snack.

Food culture is everywhere in Indonesia, in restaurants, by the beach and on the streets:

• Street Food: Markets like Pasar Santa (Jakarta) or Sanur Night Market (Bali) offer affordable and delicious options.
• Dining Etiquette: Use your right hand for eating (the left is considered unclean). It’s polite to try a bit of everything when invited to a home.
• Regional Specialties: Each region has its own culinary identity. For example, Padang food (West Sumatra) is served in small portions on trays, while Javanese cuisine is sweeter and milder.

6. World-Class Snorkelling and Diving

Indonesia is a paradise for underwater enthusiasts, boasting 20% of the world’s coral reefs and some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth, with over 3,000 species of fish and 600 species of coral.

Some of the top diving spots are:

• Raja Ampat (West Papua): Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and encounters with rare species like the wobbegong shark and manta rays. It’s often called the “Amazon of the Seas.”
• Komodo National Park (Nusa Tenggara): Famous for its strong currents, which attract large pelagic species like sharks, turtles, and schools of fish. The park is also home to the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard.
• Bunaken (Sulawesi): A UNESCO World Heritage site with vertical drop-offs and walls teeming with life, including sea turtles and reef sharks.
• Gili Islands (Lombok): Accessible for beginners, these islands offer calm waters, sea horses, and turtle sightings.

The best time to visit for snorkelling is April to October when the weather is dry ensuring optimal visibility.

8. Cultural Festivals and Events

 

Indonesia’s festivals are a vibrant mix of religious ceremonies, traditional rituals, and modern celebrations, offering a glimpse into its diverse cultures.

The best festivals are:

• Nyepi (Bali): The Day of Silence, where the entire island shuts down for 24 hours. There are no lights, no travel, no noise. A unique Hindu New Year celebration based on Hindu-Balinese cosmology.
• Pasola (Sumba): A thrilling horseback jousting festival held in February or March, part of the Marapu (ancestral worship) tradition.
• Waisak (Borobudur): A Buddhist festival celebrating the birth of Buddha, marked by processions and prayers at Borobudur Temple.
• Jember Fashion Carnival (East Java): A dazzling parade of handmade costumes inspired by Indonesian culture and global trends.
• Galungan and Kuningan (Bali): A 10-day Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, with penjor (bamboo poles) decorating the streets and daily offerings to the gods.

8. Warm Hospitality and an opportunity to meet local people

Indonesians are known for their friendliness and warmth, often going out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. Travelling with Veloso Tours you can connect with locals and experience authentic traditions.

Some of the local experiences include:

• Stay with a Balinese family in Ubud or a Dayak family in Borneo to learn about their way of life.
• Participate in farming activities, such as rice planting in Tegallalang (Bali) or coffee harvesting in Sumatra.
• Join a cooking class in a local home to learn how to make rendang or sambal.

9. Lombok’s Untouched Beauty

Lombok, just across the narrow Lombok Strait from Bali, offers a quieter, less commercialised, and an equally beautiful alternative to Bali. It’s landscapes range from pristine beaches to volcanic mountains, and it’s far less crowded than its famous neighbour.

The highlights of Lombok are:

• Mount Rinjani: A challenging but rewarding trek to the summit of one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. The crater rim hike offers breathtaking views of the turquoise Segara Anak Lake.
• Gili Islands: Three car-free islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Ideal for snorkelling, diving, and relaxation.
• Senggigi Beach: A long stretch of golden sand with excellent sunset views and water sports.
• Sasak Villages: Experience the traditional culture of the Sasak people, who live in stilted houses and practice ancient weaving techniques.

10. Visa free entry for UK nationals, superb accommodation and sailing adventures

UK nationals can enter Indonesia Visa-free for a stay up to 30 days. Once there, you will find a wide range of quality hotels and lodges to suit all budgets and interests. The quality of accommodations is world-class, from major hotel names like Aman Resorts, Belmond, Ritz Charlton, and St Regis to small boutique hotels and eco-friendly lodges.  Veloso Tours can advise on the best places to stay depending on your interests and budget.

Sea Trek Bali operate 2 comfortable motor sailing yachts operating voyages in the Indonesian archipelago. The most popular is a 7-night cruise from Bali to the Komodo Islands. For more details, click the link here.

 

You can see our range of privately-guided tour itineraries here. Contact us for expert advice on your adventure to Indonesia.