best places to visit in indonesia

Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Indonesia for First Timers

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Indonesia is both a relaxation seeker’s dream and an adventurer’s playground. Whether you’re looking for bronze on gorgeous beaches, hiking in search of endangered orangutans, or snorkeling among some of the most gorgeous coral reefs on earth. With all the beauty, here are the best places to visit in Indonesia.

Raja Ampat

best places to visit in indonesia

For those who enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling, the waters of Raja Ampat are one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world! The Nature Conservancy, an international social and environmental organization, reports that approximately 75% of the world’s coral species live in the Raja Ampat archipelago. 

1,318 species of fish, 699 species of mollusks, and 537 species of coral reef have been found at this destination, making it highly bio-diverse and unique. 

Get in the mood for diving as you encounter a wide variety of unique marine life including pygmy seahorses, batfish and manatees found in one of the best place to travel in Indonesia

To reach the Raja Ampat Islands, you must first take a flight from Jakarta or another major city to Sorong, Papua. Upon arrival at Sorong Airport, you can continue your journey by boat to Raja Ampat. 

Raja Ampat has three entrances and checkpoints, Faraya Port on Wasai, Yel Port on Misore Island, and Malindi Airport on Waigeo Island. It’s easily accessible.

Not only is the aquatic beauty exceptional, but the scenery above the water is just as pleasing. The panorama of a series of stone islands surrounded by a gradient of blue water looks so heavenly from the top of the hill. 

Gear up and hike to the top of the hill to see these beautiful views from one of the best places to visit Indonesia

Labuan Bajo

best places to visit in indonesia

The next top places to visit in Indonesia is Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, home to astonishing natural beauty and world-famous ancient animals. From the endemic Komodo dragons on Rinca and Komodo islands, to the exotic island chain, underwater biodiversity to stunning beaches, you’ll find it all when you start your trip from Labuan Bajo. 

Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park go hand in hand. The two are connected, so if you are in Labuan Bajo, you must visit Komodo National Park. To get there, you can take a ferry or speedboat. From morning to evening, there are many departure options.

In addition to Komodo dragons, this national park is also famous for its breathtaking panoramas. Those who like to take pictures must enter some spots here as places to take pictures. The natives call it the iconic Padar Island with its backdrop of hilly islands and gradual blue sea. 

Another place not to be missed is Pink Beach, locally known as Pantai He Mela. The beach’s red color comes from microscopic animals and reddish coral fragments on the shore.

Bali

best places to visit in indonesia

Next on our list of where to visit Indonesia, goes to Bali. Bali is one of the most visited and dreamy destinations on the modern traveler’s list of places to visit. It’s a treasure of beautiful beaches, volcanic hills, lush rice fields, and thousands of Indonesian temples. 

Renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, this tropical paradise has attracted backpackers, surfers and yogis (a person who is proficient in yoga) for years.

Known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali is full of spirituality, especially in Bali’s spiritual capital, Ubud, which boasts countless Hindu temples with their own colorful architecture. However, not all of Bali’s wonders go unnoticed, the island can get uncomfortably crowded during its August tourist season. School holidays should also be avoided if possible.

Spend the day relaxing on one of Bali’s best beaches or diving in the Coral Triangle, home to a wide variety of magical marine life. Read a book in a hammock, watch the sunset, or soak up the island’s laid-back vibe at one of the many lively beach bars.

Also read: Top 19 Best Bali Beaches: Sunbathing, Surfing, and Snorkelling

Flores Island

best places to visit in indonesia

Located east of Sumbawa and west of Lembata in Nusa Tenggara, Flores Island is notorious for its amazingly colorful crater lakes surrounding Mount Kelimutu, traditional village homestays, and boundless destinations for adventure and tourism.

Lakes come in all colors, from golden and greens to light blues. Color caused by minerals reacting to gasses from local volcanoes. Tricolor Lake Kelimutu is a must-see from the top of the volcano at sunrise.

For those who want more exercise, there are self-guided or guided hikes to Egon Volcano. The north coast has many offshore islands and reefs to explore with exciting dives and snorkels. Alternatively, you can loosen up and soak your tired muscles in the enchanting hot springs hidden in the jungle.

Jakarta

best places to visit in indonesia

Indonesia is named for some of the great tourist attractions in Asia where you can travel and explore the culture. Bali may be one of the places everyone is most familiar with when thinking of Indonesia, or the mountains of Java.

Some people may only know Jakarta as the capital city, but Jakarta actually has a lot to offer. This best place in Indonesia to visit is also known for its vibrant aura that speaks to the country’s mixed culture.

Jakarta has a wonderful and rich history and is filled with old Dutch colonial structure, museums and intriguing streets selling antiques and jewelry. The large Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque are very moving. Add to that some great food streets and great shopping and it would make for a good visit for a few days.

Are you excited to make your vacation worth visiting? If yes, add these best places to go to in Indonesia to your bucket list and start planning your vacation today!

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Highly commited and passionate individual. Indah is an adaptive and responsible person who always eager to learn new things. She started her writing journey since Senior High School and currently she’s interested in SEO Content Writer, Copywriting, and Content Creation.

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Expat Property

Indonesia Visas

Expat Event

Business Networking
150,000
Paradise Lane
Social Networking
150,000
Dobu Restaurant & Bar
Business Networking
150,000
Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Sunset Road