When you think of Indonesia, what comes to mind? Bali? Bali is not just a synonym for honeymoon weddings; it has beautiful beaches, mysterious temples, rich history, culture, and traditions, and is also a world-class vacation destination.
Although Bali is the hottest tourist spot in Indonesia, the country’s allure extends far beyond this island. Volcano trekking, jungle adventures, historical strolls, diving spots, the pink beaches of Komodo, and more, offer travelers who love to explore different cultures experiences not to be missed.
Java Island 
Java, the most populous island in the world, is the national center of Indonesia, home to 140 million people. Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta, some of Indonesia’s most important cities, are all located on this island.
Mount Bromo
Here’s the cover of Lonely Planet Indonesia – Bromo, Mount Bromo is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island of Java, Indonesia.
Located in the Tengger Massif in East Java, it is one of the most active volcanoes in the region, often described as one of the most moon-like landscapes on Earth.
Mount Bromo offers one of Indonesia’s most spectacular landscapes. This desolate area gives the feeling of the end of the world, especially at sunrise, making it a must-visit for its breathtaking beauty. Climbing is also easy, with just over 200 steps to reach the crater for an unforgettable sunrise view.
Ijen Volcano
Ijen Volcano, where you can witness blue flames, is rich in sulfur which burns at night, creating an entire area of blue flames. The volcano’s crater has a blue-green volcanic lake about a kilometer wide.
Only three places in the world can you see such blue flames.
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Tumpak Sewu, meaning “thousand layers” in Javanese, is an awe-inspiring waterfall that stands 120 meters tall at the edge of a steep cliff. It flows into a circular valley bottom, with a natural ring of water hidden amidst dense, primeval forest, reminiscent of Jurassic Park.
In the distance stands Mount Semeru, the highest active volcano in East Java, making the view even more spectacular!
De Djawatan Forest
The De Djawatan Forest is a tropical rainforest in Central Java, Indonesia, known as Indonesia’s “green lung.” It’s one of the last remaining tropical rainforests in the world. When you enter this forest, it feels like stepping into the Fangorn Forest from “The Lord of the Rings.”
Located in the village of Benculuk, in the southern part of East Java.
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is one of the oldest cities on Java and one of Indonesia’s oldest royal cities. It has always been a place of pilgrimage, with many people visiting for Borobudur and Prambanan.
Borobudur is one of the world’s largest Buddhist monuments, built in the 8th century, featuring 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The reliefs depict Buddhist stories, historical events, and daily life scenes, while the statues symbolize Buddhist spirituality and ideas. Borobudur’s sunrise was listed by CNN in 2012 as one of the 27 must-see sights in a lifetime.
The Prambanan temple complex consists of 240 temples, with the three most important being dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, symbolizing Indonesian Hindu culture. Built in the 9th century by King Rakai Pikatan of the Mataram Kingdom, these temples are also a UNESCO World Heritage site, making them a must-visit for tourists in Indonesia.
Yogyakarta’s Jomblang Cave is a natural sinkhole. This area was once an ancient forest that collapsed underground due to geological movements thousands of years ago, forming a circular pit about 50 meters in diameter on the surface. At noon, you can witness a unique light show inside the sinkhole, which was discovered by chance and has become a niche, mysterious attraction with a daily visitor limit of around 40 people.
Raja Ampat Islands
Located at the junction of Asia and Oceania, to the west of New Guinea, Raja Ampat is a vast marine area composed of 1,500 small islands, shallow bays, and reefs, with four major islands: Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo. The local name “Raja Ampat” translates to “Four Kings” or “Four Realms,” commonly known as “Raja Ampat.”
Indonesia is one of the most naturally spectacular countries in the world. This beautiful nation boasts top luxury hotels, the most beautiful sunrises, and the richest underwater world, with 75% of the world’s species living in the enviable Raja Ampat. Here, you’ll find 540 species of colorful corals, over 1,000 types of coral fish, and approximately 700 species of mollusks.
The nearest airport to Raja Ampat is Sorong Airport, with direct flights from several major cities in Indonesia like Manokwari, Jayapura, Ambon, Makassar, Manado, and Jakarta.
Sumba Island
On the eastern side of Sumba Island in Indonesia lies the particularly beautiful Walakiri Beach, a stretch of white sand with unique mangroves and coconut trees. It’s said to be the perfect spot for watching sunsets and stargazing!
You might not have heard of Walakiri Beach, but you might have seen these trees… after all, many photographers have captured some stunning shots here!
Komodo Island
Not far east of Bali, Komodo Island boasts not only a stunning underwater world but also rare, beautiful pink sand beaches!
Due to volcanic and seismic activity, Komodo’s ecosystem is isolated from the rest of the world. The island’s unique ecology has given rise to some distinctive species, the most famous being the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, along with one of the world’s most primitive mammals, the tarsier, and various other wildlife.
Hiking to Padar Island, where four different colored beaches meet, you’ll see red, white, black, and yellow sands. From the highest vantage point, enjoy the blue sea and sky, overlooking the island’s spectacular panorama, witnessing the stunning view of four bays on one island.
Apart from the world’s most seductive pink beach in the Bahamas, you can also see pink sand on Komodo Island.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, an island off the southeast coast of Bali, Indonesia, is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and impressive cliff landscapes. It’s not well-known domestically, but its attractions have become very popular on Instagram, attracting more Western tourists than domestic ones.
Kelingking Beach, known for being the location of the iOS 11 wallpaper, is the most famous attraction on Nusa Penida and the most crowded spot on the island. It features towering cliffs, beautiful beaches, and deep blue waters.
Local Specialty Foods
Rendang
Rendang, a traditional Indonesian dish from Padang, is often hailed as one of the most delicious foods in the world. Tender beef is cooked to perfection with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in juicy meat with rich flavors and a perfect balance of taste, beloved by Indonesian tourists!
Satay
Satay, skewers of marinated meat grilled over charcoal and served with a fragrant sauce – no wonder this dish was one of President Obama’s childhood favorites. Satay or meat skewers are undoubtedly one of the most famous Indonesian dishes, recognized by many Southeast Asian countries as their own.
Indonesian Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng)
Indonesian Fried Rice can be found in restaurants, hotels, and street stalls all over Indonesia. This dish uses rice as a base, stir-fried with fresh ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and finely chopped pork or chicken.
Gudeg
Gudeg is a signature sweet dish from Yogyakarta, made from unripe jackfruit, rich coconut milk, and palm sugar. To preserve its authentic flavor, it’s often cooked in an earthen pot over firewood or charcoal. This delicious dish is typically served with chicken, boiled eggs, tempeh, tofu, chili sauce, or crispy beef skin with chili sauce. It’s common on Yogyakarta streets, with the most famous spots being Wijilan and Barek.
Javanese Coffee
Javanese coffee has a rich chocolate and nutty aroma, with a full body, low acidity, a hint of sweetness, and subtle bitterness, making it perfect for slow savoring. Coming from Java Island, Indonesia, it’s one of the most famous coffee varieties in the world.
Indonesia is a vibrant and diverse country, from the bustling nightlife of its cities to smoldering volcanoes, dense tropical rainforests, and numerous cultural landmarks like Borobudur and Prambanan, making it a place worth visiting.
