Stretching across Southeast Asia and into Oceania, Indonesia is an archipelago nation comprising around 17,500 islands. The country has a long and diverse history and culture. Home to some of the most active volcanoes, Indonesia has more than 1,300 ethnic groups and 700 languages, each with unique customs and traditions. Some of the most popular aspects of Indonesian culture are its art, music, dance, cuisine, and clothing. For example, Indonesia is famous for its batik fabric, gamelan music, wayang puppetry, rendang curry, and nasi goreng fried rice. The country is rich in bio-diversity and has unique animal and plant species. Indonesia also has six official religions: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and indigenous beliefs.
Have some prior knowledge of the best places to see in Indonesia if you plan to visit this enchanting country.
Top Places to Visit in Indonesia
- Bali
- Ubud
- Jakarta
- Lombok
- Yogyakarta
- Bali
A beautiful island in Indonesia, Bali is believed to be first inhabited by Austronesian people from Taiwan around 2000 BC. The Balinese people still follow their culture and language. Bali was also part of the mighty Majapahit Empire that ruled most of Southeast Asia in the 13th-6th centuries.
The Dutch colonised Indonesia in the 19th century. Bali became part of the Indonesian Republic in 1949 after gaining independence from Dutch rule. The island underwent economic and social changes, especially with tourism booming in the 1970s. Bali is now one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and among the best places to visit in Indonesia.
This city is famous for its music, dance, drama, paintings, sculptures, carvings, weaving, and metalwork. Bali is also renowned for its religious festivals, ceremonies, and offerings, which reflect its Hindu beliefs and values.
Things to do in Bali
- Visit the Bali Safari & Marine Park to find hundreds of animals from different continents. Enjoy fun activities at the Bali Agung Theatre, the Safari Tram, the Elephant Back Safari, and the Fun Zone.
- Relax at the Pandawa Beach. Engage in swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or kayaking in the clear blue waters.
- Visit Tanah Lot Temple, the Uluwatu Temple, the Ubud Palace, the Bali Museum, and the Ubud Art Market.
- Enjoy the Kecak Fire Dance, the Barong Dance, the Legong Dance, and the Wayang Kulit.
- Ubud
The name Ubud is derived from the Balinese word "Ubad" meaning medicine. Ubud was once a source of medicinal herbs and plants for the locals. Its history dates back to the 8th century when a holy priest from India named Rshi Markandaya founded the Gunung Lebah Temple at the confluence of two rivers. The temple is a sacred site for pilgrims and among the top places to visit in Indonesia.
Ubud became the seat of feudal lords in the late 19th century, who nurtured the art scene. They invited painters, sculptors, dancers, and musicians to live and work in Ubud. The place also attracted many foreign artists and writers in the 20th century, including Miguel Covarrubias, Walter Spies, Antonio Blanco, and Elizabeth Gilbert. They were inspired by the beauty and spirituality of Ubud and contributed to its fame and popularity.
Things to do in Ubud
- Visit Ubud Monkey Forest, a sanctuary for hundreds of long-tailed macaques that roam freely among the trees and temples.
- Make a trip to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a scenic landscape showcasing lush green rice fields carved into the hillside.
- Visit Goa Gajah, an archaeological site dating back to the 11th century. Enter the cave through a mouth-shaped entrance and view the statues of Hindu gods inside.
- Hike along the Campuhan Ridge Walk, one of the best hiking trails in Ubud.
- Jakarta
Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta has a long and rich history, dating back to the 4th century CE when it was a Hindu port called Sunda Kelapa. Various rulers, including the Sundas, the Banten Sultanate, the Dutch East Indies, and the Japanese Imperial Empire, conquered it. These rulers gave Jakarta a different name, such as Jayakarta, Batavia, and Djakarta. Jakarta became the city's official name in 1972 after Indonesia gained independence from the Dutch in 1949.
Jakarta has many places to see in Indonesia, attractions such as museums, monuments, parks, shopping malls, and nightlife. However, the city faces many challenges, such as pollution, traffic congestion, flooding, and sinking. To skirt these issues, the government has planned to relocate the capital to a new city in East Kalimantan on Borneo island.
Things to do in Jakarta
- Visit the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. It is a cultural theme park displaying the diversity of Indonesia's regions, cultures, and traditions.
- Explore the historic district of Kota Tua. The old town of Jakarta dates back to the colonial era. You can enjoy the architecture of the Fatahillah Museum, the Jakarta History Museum, and the Wayang Museum.
- Enjoy shopping at the Menteng Flea Market and Tanah Abang Market.
- Enjoy the nightlife at Kemang, Senayan, and Jalan Jaksa.
- Lombok
Lombok has been inhabited by various ethnic groups, mainly the Sasak people, who have their own language and culture. In the 17th century, Lombok was divided into several small kingdoms that often fought with each other—one of them, Mataram, allied with the Dutch to resist the Balinese invasion.
In 1894, the Dutch launched a military campaign to overthrow the Balinese rule in Lombok and took over the island. During World War II, Lombok was occupied by the Japanese forces.
After independence, the island developed its tourism industry and started attracting visitors from around the world. The place is famous for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, waterfalls, and volcanoes. The popular beaches and surfing spots are at Kuta and Banko Banko in south Lombok. It is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
Things to do in Lombok
- Climb Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Southeast Asia and one of Indonesia's most popular hiking destinations.
- Visit Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfall in the north of the island near Mount Rinjani. You can also visit Benang Stokel. Try the flying fox or zip line across the waterfall for an adrenaline rush.
- Explore the Senggigi Coastline. You can find many hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. The coastline is also home to some of the best beaches on the island, such as Batu Bolong, Mangsit, and Klui.
- Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is named after Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama from the Hindu epic Ramayana. The name means "a city that is fit to prosper". Modern Yogyakarta was founded in 1756 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, who established the Yogyakarta Sultanate, one of the last remaining monarchies in Indonesia. The sultan still lives in the palace or Kraton, the cultural and political heart of the city.
Yogyakarta is famous for its classical Javanese arts and culture, such as batik, wayang, gamelan, and dance. You can see these traditions in various museums, galleries, and performances around the city.
The place is also home to some of Southeast Asia's most impressive ancient temples, such as Borobudur and Prambanan. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Things to do in Yogyakarta
- Explore classical Javanese arts and crafts. Visit the Kraton or the palace of the sultan, where you can watch traditional performances and exhibitions.
- Learn how to make batik. It is a textile art that uses wax and dye to create patterns on fabric.
- Watch wayang or shadow puppet shows, listen to gamelan music, or see dance performances.
- If you are looking for some fun after dark, check out the cafes, bars, and clubs offering live music, karaoke, or DJ sets.
Best Time to Visit Indonesia
Given its tropical climate, Indonesia boasts a year-round appeal, though weather conditions may differ based on the specific region and time of year.
The dry season (May to September) is generally the best time for outdoor activities such as trekking, surfing, diving, island-hopping, and enjoying sunny beaches and lively festivals. However, prices are high during this peak season.
The wet season (October to April) is not enticing for outdoor activities, as heavy rains and landslides can force the closure of volcano trails. However, this is also a quieter and cheaper time to visit, and there are still plenty of cultural attractions and indoor activities to enjoy.
The shoulder season (March-June and September-November) is a good compromise between the dry and wet seasons, as the weather is pleasant, tourist numbers are lower, and prices are affordable. The time is also great for encounters with orangutans, whale sharks, and mola (sunfish).
Different islands and regions may have different weather patterns and peak times; hence, it is essential to check the specific conditions of your destination before packing up.
Travel Insurance for Indonesia
Obtaining travel insurance for your trip to Indonesia is a safety net that protects you from unexpected bumps during times when you are engrossed in adventure and discovering new things. It is like having a backup plan for your vacation and guaranteeing that you can comfortably plan the places to visit in Indonesia. What would you do if your luggage gets lost or your flights get delayed or cancelled? Travel insurance covers you fully and can also cover medical costs if you fall ill or get injured while exploring the beautiful Indonesian landscape. Proper travel insurance covers trip cancellations, emergency evacuation, lost passport and other essential documents, and extended accommodation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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