The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Indonesia. So if you are in Indonesia, I recommend visiting the following:
- Besakih Mother Temple, Bali, Indonesia
- Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Bali, Indonesia
- Gitgit Waterfall, Bali, Indonesia
- Goa Gajah, Bali, Indonesia
- Pura Gunung Kawi, Bali, Indonesia
- Tegenungan Waterfall, Bali, Indonesia
- Tirta Gangga, Bali, Indonesia
- Ulun Danu Batur Temple, Bali, Indonesia
- Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia
- Borobudur, Central Java, Indonesia
- Madakaripura Waterfall, East Java, Indonesia
- Mount Bromo, Eastern Java, Indonesia
- Mount Kelimutu, Flores Island, Indonesia
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud, Indonesia
- Mount Rinjani, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
- White Crater, West Java, Indonesia
- Prambanan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
1. Besakih Mother Temple, Bali
The temple Besakih or Temple Mother is located on the slope of the Volcano Agung. It is considered one of the most sacred temples of the island of Bali. The Temple Mother, in fact, this formed by 20 temples, numerous Hindu ceremonies are carried out, reason why almost with security they will be able to witness one in its visit. One of the great myths about entering this temple is the need for a guide to enter the interior of the temple, which is not true. In this temple as well as in all Hindu temples it is mandatory to have your legs covered, so if you are wearing shorts it will be necessary to wear a saron.
2. Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Bali
It is a bigger cultural park of Bali, located in the town of Unggasan, an area that is in the south of Bali. This tourist zone is a cultural park that counts on very complete facilities, from halls of traditional dance, movie theatres, exhibition halls, commercial centres, restaurants and coffees, the arena of Segway Fun Ride until photographic study. Most interesting is the area where there is a statue of the god Wisnu riding a Garuda bird. The statue of Garuda Wisnu is made of copper and bronze, with a height of 263 metres, higher than the Statue of Liberty in New York.
3. Gitgit Waterfall, Bali
A true gem carefully hidden in the lush rainforest. It is in the plateau area surrounded by tropical trees, a 40 metre waterfall that continuously pours into a rocky pool with a small sanctuary that is believed to protect the place. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful pool where they can swim. To get there is a practically easy walk, along a wooden boardwalk, above a small gorge and cool streams. They are ideal spaces to relax near the natural rock pools, you can observe an amazing landscape.
4. Goa Gajah, Bali
It is a small shrine carved into the rock known as the Elephant Cave. The entrance to the cave features an open mouth, like that of a demon, and despite its terrifying image it is said that it served, rather than to attract evil spirits, to scare them away. It is also believed that the cave was a place of meditation and spiritual cleansing where religious offerings were made. The interior of the Goa Gajah is a T-shaped tunnel and is over 1000 years old.
5. Pura Gunung Kawi, Bali
It is one of the most unique archaeological sites in Bali, comprising a collection of ancient shrine reliefs carved into a cliff face. The main site overlooks the sacred Pakerisan River, which also flows by the Tirta Empul Temple one kilometre to the north. Across the river from the ancient reliefs is a temple courtyard with ancient Hindu shrines in a more contemporary architectural style, to which pilgrims flock, especially during their Piodalan anniversaries.
6. Tegenungan Waterfall, Bali
Tegenungan is one of the most popular waterfalls in Bali, which is full of tourists. Like other waterfalls in Bali, to reach the waterfall you have to go down many stairs but at certain points there are interesting places that you can use to take pictures while resting. Many tourists swim here when the water flow is normal, but during the rainy season, visitors cannot swim because the water flow is very heavy. It already has complete facilities, such as several cafes and restaurants, restrooms and clothing storage, souvenir stores, and most importantly, lifeguard teams are always ready to help you.
7. Tirta Gangga, Bali
This tourist place is one of the most interesting places east of Bali, this place is famous for its beautiful aquatic garden. Tirta Gangga was constructed in 1937 by the king Karangasem called Anak Agung Anglurah Karangasem. Tirta Gangga has several pools complete with showers and fountains and decorated with statues of gods, it is said that they used this place as a bathing pool for the king and his family. All the water flowing in each pool comes from natural springs that are sacred to the local residents. All the showers and fountains in the pools do not use electric machines, but instead use a very complicated traditional irrigation system.
8. Ulun Danu Batur Temple, Bali
The Temple Pura Ulun Danu Batur has all the features of the exquisite Balinese religious architecture, with its characteristic meru or Balinese pagodas. In total the Pura Ulun Danu Batur is an architectural complex composed of 9 small temples. Pura Ulun Danu Batur is the perfect place to admire Lake Batur. This lake is the main source of irrigation for many of the Balinese and also the source of abundance for its visitors. When located in the centre of the Batran Lake, in a high zone, the climate of the temple is fresh.
9. Uluwatu Temple, Bali
Built on the rocky cliffs of the Balinese coast, the Pura Uluwatu, is known to be one of the best places to contemplate the incredible sunsets over the waters of the Indian Ocean. To access the temple you must climb some stairs, which makes the views incredible. The Pura Uluwatu Temple is one of the most famous places on the island to witness the famous Fire Dance or Kecak. The temple is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and the entrance fee is IDR 30,000.
10. Borobudur, Central Java
Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and is located in Indonesia, on the largest of its islands, the island of Java. It resembles a 9-level mountain almost 35 metres high and its construction took 75 years; it consists of 6 square platforms crowned by 3 circular platforms and is decorated with 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 relief panels. There is a special full moon day when thousands of monks come to the temple to celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, it is truly a spectacle to behold.
11. Madakaripura Waterfall, East Java
Madakaripura is a sacred area, including lines of waterfalls that reach a height of 200 metres at some points. Madakaripura Waterfall is a waterfall that can be reached easily, through a narrow but well paved road. Along the way green mountains and the incredible lush landscapes of the island accompany you. The local people offer to guide you to start the trek to the waterfall, negotiate the price and let them accompany you.
12. Mount Bromo, Eastern Java
Bromo is one of the volcanoes that make up the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park on the island of Java. The park is named after its two volcanoes, Semeru and Bromo. ‘Tengger’ is the name given to the people who live in the area. While climbing Bromo is something you can do on your own and without a guide, for Semeru you have to apply for a permit in advance from the park authority. If you are lucky and the day is clear, this sunrise may be among your favourites in the world. The sunrise is not enjoyed from inside the park, but there are a number of viewpoints where you can see it.
13. Mount Kelimutu, Flores Island
Mount Kelimutu is located on the island of Flores in Indonesia. It is a volcanic mountain of passive degassing, which rises about 1639 metres above sea level and hosts an impressive scenery: three volcanic crater lakes that change colour throughout the year. The Island of Flowers is known for the fertility of its soil, with verdant soils and rich vegetation that enchants the eye. This earthly paradise is complemented by the town’s waterfalls and hot springs, which are relatively easy to access.
14. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud
The sacred forest of the monkeys, is an almost obligatory visit for the visitors of Ubud. The monkey forest, as everyone calls it, is a natural reserve of approximately 27 hectares, where we can find a combination of nature with Hindu temples which is inhabited by about 300 monkeys of all ages. It is an activity of 1 to 2 hours of duration where you can walk surrounded by nature at the sight of hundreds of monkeys.
15. Mount Rinjani, West Nusa Tenggara
The imposing Rinjani Mountain is a huge volcano that towers over the island of Lombok. Besides the spectacular night views of the Gunung Rinjani National Park to which it belongs, the climb to the top is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in Indonesia. Along the way, whether you reach the finish line or not, you will understand why this is one of the best destinations in Asia for astro-tourism. The climb to the top may not be easy, but it is well worth it, and is considered one of the best views in the country.
16. White Crater, West Java
It is a huge crater lake that superficially resembles a white sandy beach although it is not for swimming, sulphur leaching from the soil makes the water very acidic. The captivating and haunting sight of a huge blue-green lake in the centre of a huge volcanic crater makes Kawah Putih a popular day trip stop for thousands of Indonesians.
17. Prambanan, Yogyakarta
It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and the largest in Indonesia. It is not a single structure, but is composed of hundreds of stone temples of different shapes and sizes. Several of these temples are located in a raised courtyard, surrounded by dozens of smaller temples. Entrance to the Prambanan temple complex is priced at 21 € for foreign visitors and around 3.5 € for Indonesians. There are also usually several guides available who tell stories, legends and symbols of Prambanan.
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