Places to Visit in Indonesia for an Unforgettable Adventure

Often considered a transit point and a stopover destination, Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is the perfect place to begin your adventure. Check into the exclusive The Orient Jakarta, a Royal Hideaway Hotel and use this as your base to discover the city. Here you'll discover a melting pot of cultures, vibrant markets, and surprising nightlife. Venture into the heart of the old town, Kota Tua, where historic buildings transport you back to the colonial era. Meanwhile, in the Glodok neighbourhood, you can tuck into spectacular cuisine thanks to the strong Chinese community found there. Then, when you have exhausted all the things to see and visit in Jakarta, head back to the hotel to luxuriate in the glamorous suites or enjoy a relaxing treatment in its spa.

Bali, often referred to as the Island of the Gods, is one of the most popular Indonesia places to visit, offering a rich blend of natural beauty and spiritual depth. Ubud offers picturesque, luscious landscapes with the Tegalalang Rice Terraces stretching across the hills in vibrant green waves. Beyond its breathtaking vistas, Bali enchants with ancient temples like Tirta Empul and the serene Monkey Forest, all echoing the spiritual teachings of Balinese Hinduism. Despite being part of a predominantly Muslim nation, Bali stands out for its deeply rooted Hindu traditions, visible in the countless shrines adorning homes and public spaces. 

Active visitors will love the adrenaline rush of river rafting on the Ayung and world-class surfing at beaches such as Uluwatu. Meanwhile, those in search of culture and history will be enchanted by the traditional dance at Ubud Palace. Of course, remember to dress modestly when visiting the temple and sarongs are often available at the entrance so that you can always approach sacred spaces with the utmost respect. 

While the island of Java is home to many treasures, there is none quite like Borobudur, an archaeological gem and one of the most famous attractions in Indonesia. This gigantic 9th-century Buddhist temple is a World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist temple in the world. To really see it at its full glory, make sure to visit at dawn when the sun illuminates its stupas amidst the mist. It's also recommended to arrive before dawn to avoid the crowds. If this impressive landmark is not enough, a few kilometres away is the Prambanan Temple, an equally impressive complex of Hindu temples that is well worth a visit on the same day.

The Indonesian archipelago is formed by volcanic activity and one place where you can marvel at the force of nature is the Bromo Volcano in Java. Located in East Java, this steaming crater sits amidst a surreal landscape of ash and mist. Head here at dawn to begin a trek accompanied by the first rays of sun and enjoy the spectacular play of light over the sea of ​​sand. Looking for more Indonesian things to do? You can also take a jeep ride to the Mount Penanjakan viewpoint, offering panoramic views to die for.

Wildlife enthusiasts will fall in love with Komodo Island. Indonesia is the only place in the world home to Komodo dragons, and seeing them in their natural habitat is a humbling experience. Yet it is not just weird and wild reptiles that you will find here. Visitors to Komodo National Park can admire the pink sand beaches and a seabed teeming with life. If you are into diving and snorkelling, this is the place to be. 

While we are on the topic of diving and aquatic adventures, Raja Ampat is a paradise and one of the top natural Indonesia attractions. This archipelago in West Papua is home to the greatest marine biodiversity on the planet, with intact coral reefs and crystal-clear waters teeming with life. Despite its wealth of natural wonders, it is surprisingly less touristy than other places to visit in Indonesia. If you're not into diving, you can snorkel in Kabui Bay or enjoy a kayak trip around its limestone islets.

Located on the island of Sumatra, Lake Toba is the largest volcanic crater in the world and a top place to visit if you are craving relaxation. A product of an eruption thousands of years ago, Lake Toba is the largest lake in Southeast Asia. Visitors to the lake can also travel to the island of Samosir, located on the lake, which offers stunning landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and the chance to experience Batak culture. 

You can tour the island on a motorbike, visit the traditional village of Ambarita, or take a dip in its warm waters. Whatever adventure you choose, it will be sure to make your visit to Indonesia feel memorable.

As you explore Indonesia, you will see that it is not short of stunning landscapes. Yet, of all the exotic places in Indonesia, one in particular stands out. The Gili Islands. If you're looking for a paradise destination without the hustle and bustle of Bali, the Gili Islands are perfect. This small archipelago offers white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere free of cars and noise. Here, relaxation is the name of the game and sunrise yoga sessions, snorkelling with turtles and hammocks overlooking the sea for a quiet siesta, there is no chance that you will be in a rush to leave. Gili Trawangan is the liveliest, with bars and beach parties, while Gili Meno and Gili Air are quieter.

When travelling the country, a visit to Yogyakarta is a must. Known as Indonesia's cultural capital, Yogyakarta is the best place to discover the country's art, music, and history. Here you are just a short distance from the previously mentioned Borobudur and Prambanan temples. Yet, this destination offers so much more. Lose yourself in the lively Malioboro Market, sample delicious local cuisine, and attend a traditional Javanese dance performance. Before your Yogyakarta sightseeing comes to an end, you cannot miss the Sultan's Palace and the batik workshops, where you can see how this traditional textile technique is made.

Keen to discover Indonesia off the beaten track? Flores Island is a destination still little explored but full of wonders. It is perhaps most famous for its volcano, Mount Kelimutu, with three crater lakes that change colour depending on geothermal activity. Nature and geography lovers will fall in love with this natural phenomenon, along with the island's pristine beauty. You can also visit the traditional Bena village, with its bamboo houses and thatched roofs, or take a boat trip along the Maumere coast for a taste of sustainable tourism.