Indonesia is an archipelago with approximately 17,500 islands hosting extraordinary natural diversity and beautiful landscapes. Just like other Southeast Asian countries, the blend of traditional cultures and contemporary daily living is unique. The cities in Indonesia consist of both bustling metropolises and serene coastal areas. Each of these is worth exploring if you are flying into this side of the world.
List of cities in Indonesia for travellers
The cities of Indonesia offer unforgettable journeys. Here’s a short list of interesting places to explore:
The capital city of Jakarta is a major hub of business, culture and entertainment. It is significant in the region as Southeast Asia's largest city. The cityscape contains administrative centres, a multitude of museums, skyscrapers and shopping malls.
If you are a history buff, don’t miss the 18th-century Merdeka Palace, a remnant from the area’s colonial past. Meanwhile, Setu Babakan offers a unique cultural experience. Explore the many cuisines, and at the end of the day, step out into Jakarta's vibrant nightlife.
Located on the island of Java, Yogyakarta has special historical and cultural significance. Among the Indonesian cities, Yogyakarta stands out as a major centre of classical Javanese fine arts because it once hosted the region’s ancient civilisation.
The fascinating Borobudur and Prambanan temples, built in the 8th and 9th centuries, are popular tourist destinations. The Buddhist temple complex of Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located in the central foothills of Bali island, Ubud is a paradise of medicinal herbs. The terraced rice paddy fields, steep ravines, and crystalline waterfalls make the place a sight to behold. One also finds ancient temples hewn into rock.
Ubud has a rich heritage of traditional crafts and performance arts and is also renowned for being a yoga and wellness centre. Don’t miss the famous Sangeh Monkey Forest, the Goa Gajah cave, and Pura Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring temple, among other attractions.
Bandung has the third-largest urban population in Indonesia. It is the capital of the West Java province. Bandung has a cool climate and is a preferred weekend getaway for the residents of Jakarta.
Bandung has its share of scenic beauty: volcanic mountain slopes, lush rice fields, tea plantations, lofty palm trees, and waterfalls. The city was founded by the Dutch three hundred years ago, and its historical colonial architecture gives it the nickname “Paris of Java.”
The capital city of East Java, Surabaya, is the second largest city in Indonesia. The Brantas River drains into the Madura Strait of the Indian Ocean here.
This industrial powerhouse used to be a major trading hub in past centuries. It has an interesting history spanning Dutch and British colonialism; it played an integral role in Indonesia's independence struggle and is called the City of Heroes.
Surabaya has always been strategically located. Today, it is a bustling city, and its port is a naval station. You will find chic modern skyscrapers alongside heritage colonial buildings.
Ruled by Sultans hundreds of years ago, Banda Aceh is known variously as the "porch of Mecca" or "doorway to Mecca." This is because it is an important stop for pilgrims travelling to Mecca. This city has great historical significance. Marco Polo travelled here in the 13th century. The city also finds mention in the 14th-century literature of the iconic Moroccan traveller, Ibn Battuta.
The Grand Mosque of Baiturrahman, located in the city centre, is a special attraction not just for pilgrims but also for tourists: it was relatively unharmed during the tsunami and gave shelter to many. This "miracle" inspires much popular legend today.
Interesting facts about the top cities in Indonesia
Here are some interesting facts about Indonesia and its cities:
- The capital of North Sumatra, Medan, is a multicultural melting pot of ethnicities like Malay, Chinese, Indian and Batak. It has the largest Tamil community in the country, most of whom live in Kampung Madras.
- The South Kalimantan capital, Banjarmasin, is famously referred to as the 'City of a Thousand Rivers'. The Muara Kuin Floating Market is a fascinating experience here.
- As per its UNESCO designation, Kota Ambon is a Creative City of Music. The foundation of Ambonese culture is music, as can be seen (and heard) once you are in this melodious city.
Conclusion
Each city in Indonesia has its own unique charm and allure. You will come across great cultural diversity and busy modern urban activity. While visiting the cities of Indonesia, make sure to familiarise yourself with local customs and invest in comprehensive travel insurance. An appropriate plan allows you to cover yourself against unexpected situations such as medical emergencies, and have a stress-free holiday from end to end.
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