Where to visit in Indonesia besides Bali?

Are you looking for a cheap vacation destination or yearning to figure out what the hype about Indonesia is all about? No matter what the reason is, this tropical paradise to bound to take your breath away. I have travelled there alone, with my friends, and family too! Still, I can never have enough of this place. Did you know that Indonesia is the biggest archipelago in the whole world? And not only that, but it is also the 4th most populous country in the world. And with most of the Indonesia people being Muslim, it is the country with the largest Muslim population. There are many more interesting facts about Indonesia that I will share here, including the 10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Indonesia. So, stay tuned!



The origin of Indonesia

Indonesia gained its freedom from the Netherlands in 1945. Indonesia was a Dutch Colony for most of its Colonial rule and finally gained sovereignty. It got its name, Indonesia, not before its independence. The former name of the country was Dutch East Indies. Indonesia took its best form and started growing to what it is today after the United Nations (UN) recognized the western part of New Guinea as part of it in 1969.



The interesting Geography of Indonesia

Indonesia is located in the Pacific and Indian oceans, the coast of Southeast Asia, and lies across the Equator. This largest archipelago in the whole world spans a distance of one-eighth of the earth's circumference. It comprises an important crossroads of the earth's tectonic plates and fords two faunal realms.



How many Islands does Indonesia have?

Indonesia has 18,110 islands. However, some sources claim the number to be 17,502. Only 6000 of these islands are inhabited.



What are the five main islands of Indonesia?

Of all the islands in Indonesia, the leading five are:

1. Sumatra

Sumatra is the 6th largest isle in the world and the second-largest in the group of Sunda Islands. It is significant for its exciting wildlife, natural resources, moist climate, and active volcanoes. This island stretches from northwest to southeast for more than 1600 km and has a maximum width of around 525 km. It has some non-volcanic islands on its western side, but none of them are densely populated.

Is Sumatra dangerous for tourists?

Sumatra is not dangerous for tourists at all. But women should dress conservatively to avoid any unnecessary/hostile attention nuisance.


2. Java

Java is the most populated isle in the world, stocking 65% of Indonesia's population. The Indonesian capital Jakarta is on this island. So, this island dominates Indonesia politically and economically. It consists of three provinces, East, West, and Central Java. Java is a highly volcanic-prone area with 112 volcanoes, of which 32 are active. This island has rich vegetation too. The climate is overall hot and humid. There are eight UNESCO Heritage sites in Indonesia, and half of them are in Java! The four UNESCO Heritage sites in Java are:

  • • Prambanan Temple.
  • • Sangiran Early Man Site.
  • • Borobudur Temple.
  • • Ujung Kulon National Park .


3. Borneo/ Kalimantan

It is the 3rd largest island on the earth after Greenland and New Guinea. The Java sea separates Java from Borneo.

Is Borneo a part of Indonesia?

Borneo is politically divided among three countries Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Indonesia has the most considerable political component and claims in Borneo with five of its provinces, East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan. This island's highlights are its navigable rivers and dense rainforest. It is also home to the world's largest flower, the monster flower.

Is Indonesia Borneo safe?

In general, Borneo is a safe destination for tourists with low crime rates.


4. Sulawesi

It is one of the Greater Sunda Islands in Indonesia. Sulawesi is Indonesian Celebes. It is a highly mountainous island with a curious shape. It has four different Peninsulas that form three significant gulfs. The southern peninsula of the island has large plain islands used for rice cultivation.


5. New Guinea

It is the second-largest isle on the earth. It is divided into two parts: the Indonesian provinces and the other is an independent country, Papua New Guinea. Indonesia comprises the Papua and West Papua in the west of New Guinea. But, the central part of the island is the Papua New Guinea country.



7 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Indonesia:

These are the seven tourist attractions in Indonesia that you should include in your Indonesia trip itinerary.

1. Bali

Bali is the first place to pop up in mind when talking about Indonesia. It has become the highlight for tourists worldwide for its stunning beaches and mesmerizing natural scenarios. It is called the Traveller’s paradise.

Indonesia Bali Travel Guide:

There are some facts that you should know before visiting Bali, especially for the first time. We have a perfect guideline where to visit in bali. So, here is all that you need to know before coming to Bali-

Types of Accommodation in Bali:

You will find all sorts of accommodation facilities in Bali, starting from Hostels, guest houses to Luxurious beach resorts.

  • • Studios, Apartments, & Hostels.
  • • Guest Houses & Losmen.
  • • Private Villas.
  • • Resorts.
  • • Hotels.

There are resorts in almost all corners of Bali now. Where you are going to stay depends on the destination too.

Where to stay in Bali?

The most popular destinations are:

• Seminyak:

Seminyak is a famous beach town in Bali with luxurious resorts, bars, and restaurants.

• Canguu:

Though it is comparatively new, it has grabbed the travelers' attention by providing the best mix of all that Bali offers.

• Kuta:

Kuta is mainly for the young people with great beach & surf and affordable hotels. And the best part is that it is located next to Bali International Airport. So, tourists mainly visit the beaches here for the start and end of their trip.

Is Kuta worth visiting?

Kuta is not bad but is too busy and concentrated with bars. If you want to do some drinking and shopping at an affordable price, then you can consider staying in Kuta for a while. Some fact about kuta. But yeah, there are many better places to visit in Bali!

• Sanur:

It is one of the oldest tourist areas in Bali. It is a fishermen village on the east coast of Bali. Sanur is a traditional village controlled by local organizations. It is peaceful, quiet, and an ideal place to stay for families and senior travelers.

• Nusa Dua:

Nusa Dua is filled with luxurious International 5-Star resorts, golf courts with world-class integrated facilities, beautiful beaches, and various watersport activities.

• Denpasar:

If you want a city vibe, then you can consider living in the capital, Densapar. It is just 27 km far from Bali. It is rich in culture, temples, local activity, markets, and Indonesian food.

What is the best month to go to Bali?

It is falling/wet in Bali between October to March and summer between April and September. Travelers generally prefer sunny days for visiting, but as the Indonesia time coincides with the European summer holidays, the beaches can get super crowdy. However, there is a fewer crowd in popular beach resorts during May, June, and September. So, it is the best time to visit Bali.



2. Borobudur

Located in Central Java, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple on the earth. It is approximately 3 km from Mungkid city.

History of Borobudur

Borobudur was established by King Samaratungga. This beautiful site's construction ended between the 8th and 9th centuries. It was very famous at that time and attracted pilgrims from all around the world. Read our guideline before visit Borobudur. But it mysteriously lost its popularity in the 1500s due to the rising prevalence of Islam on the island. It was soon forgotten and got covered with volcanic ashes and dense forests. It was not before Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British governor of Java, in the 19th century, heard of the site and decided on having it excavated.

Construction of Borobudur:

The temple was built on three platforms: 1. It has a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces. 2. Then it has three circular platforms in the trunk of a cone. Around them are 72 openwork stupas, each encompassing a statue of the Buddha. 3. And finally, at the top, a monumental stupa. The temple compound contains three temples, the main Borobudur temple and two smaller temples, Mendut and Pawon. There are more than 500 Buddha statues in the Borobudur temple. Climbing to the top of the temple is the pilgrimage itself.

How do I get to Borobudur?

You can get to Borobudur, Indonesia, by taxi, bus or air. It is a 45-minute drive from central Yogyakarta. So, a cab is the most comfortable mode of transportation if you are low in number. Taxi: The taxi fare should not exceed 16 dollars each way. The cost of the taxi can get as low as 8 dollars too. Some hotels have their transportations too. So, consult your hotel before booking a Taxi. Bus: It is the most common mode of transportation to Borobudur by travelers.

Borobudur temple from Jogjakarta:

Take a bus to Magelang or Muntilan from the local bus terminus. From either Magelang or Muntilan, catch a bus to the Borobudur terminus. The journey will take around two hours.

Borobudur temple from Semarang:

The port town of Semarang is around 100 kilometers away. The busy roads leading out of Semarang can make the journey last more than 3 hours. Most tourists go to Borobudur from Yogya by tour bus. Ask any of the hotels, and they will make arrangements for you.



3. UBUD

It is a town in Bali, a center for Balinese traditional crafts and dance.

What is Ubud Bali known for?

Ubud is famous for the following places:

• Ubud Monkey forest:

It is the main highlight of Ubud. The Ubud Monkey Forest is situated on the borders of central Ubud. Over 700 long-tailed macaques live in this famous monkey forest.

Is Ubud Monkey Forest Safe?

It is the main highlight of Ubud. The Ubud Monkey Forest is situated on the borders of central Ubud. Over 700 long-tailed macaques live in this famous monkey forest.

• Tegallalang rice terrace:

Tegallalang rice terrace is the most beautiful terraced landscape created by Bali's conventional, centuries-old communal irrigation system, known as Subak. The enchanting scenic landscapes are bliss for any traveler.

• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) :

It is a unique archeological site in Bali. It is filled with stone sculptures, fountains, a temple, and more.

• Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Royal Palace):

It is the palace of the UBUD Royal family and one of the most pre-eminent landmarks in Ubud, Bali.

• Campuhan Ridge Walk :

It is a 9-km-long free beautiful, and easy nature trek. It starts from the picturesque Gunung Lebah Temple, passes over the lush valley of the Sungai Wos River, and stretches towards the hills of Payogan. Other places to visit in Ubud, Bali are:

  • • Ubud Art Market.
  • • Blanco Renaissance Museum.
  • • Taman Saraswati Temple.
  • • Bali Bird Park.
  • • Tegenungan Waterfall.



4. Jakarta

The Indonesia capital, Jakarta, is not the first choice to visit for most tourists. Tourists prefer the calm beach cities over the busy city of Jakarta. But, I believe one should visit Jakarta at least once to get the true essence of Indonesia.

Top sights in Jakarta:

  • • National Monument.
  • • Kota.
  • • Taman Impian Jaya Ancol.
  • • Merdeka Square.
  • • National Museum.
  • • Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.



5. Penida Island:

There are three Nusa Islands, and Nusa Penida is the largest of them. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are the other two. Nusa Penida is a popular destination in Bali for its epic cliffs, beaches, and manta-ray experience.

How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali?

Multiple ferries leave Southeast Bali, Sanur every day for Nusa Penida. It is better to book tickets online as they are guaranteed and include the pick-up charge from the hotel.

Places to visit in Nusa Penida:

  • • Atuh Beach.
  • • Peguyangan Waterfall.
  • • Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave.
  • • Seganing Falls.
  • • Manta Bay.
  • • Crystal Bay Beach Nusa Penida.
  • • Toyapakeh.
  • • Broken Beach.
  • • Angel's Billabong.



6. Gili Islands

It is an archipelago near the coast of northwest Lombok Island. The three Gili islands are Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. The turquoise water, white sand, and turtles are the main highlights of the Gili Islands. Many people think that Gali Islands are part of Bali. But, it is actually in Lombok.

Lombok:

Lombok is in the Lesser Sunda Island chain of Indonesia. It is situated east of Bali and west of Sumbawa. This isle is famous for beaches, surfing spots, Gili Islands, and more.

Which is the best Gili island to visit?

Gili Air is the most popular Gili Island for family trips, honeymoon, and a chill getaway. It is full of restaurants and cocktail bars.

Are Gili Islands expensive?

They are comparatively cheaper than the other popular tourist attraction sites in Bali.



7. Raja Ampat Regency

It is situated in the northwest tip of West Papua Province. Ampat means four, so Raja Ampat means four kings in the Indonesian language. It is a famous archipelago in Indonesia with over fifteen hundred islands. However, the four crucial islands are:

  • • Waigeo.
  • • Misool.
  • • Batanta.
  • • Salawati.

What is Raja Ampat famous for?

It is famous for its biodiversity and diving experiences. Raja Ampat Regency has the highest underwater biodiversity and the widest variety of species globally, including 75 percent of all known coral species.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Indonesia famous for?

Indonesia is famous for Bali, Raja Ampat, local cuisines like Nasi Goreng, Rica-Rica, Borobudur, beaches, wildlife, and so much more.

2. What is the most visited place in Indonesia?

Bali is the most visited place in Indonesia.

3. Why is Indonesia a popular tourist destination?

Indonesia is a popular tourist attraction for its nature, culture, places, and affordability.

4. Is Indonesia safe for tourists?

Indonesia is overall a safe country to visit. But you should plan your trip carefully to avoid issues like muggings, petty theft, and pickpocketing.

5. How expensive is Bali?

Bali is super cheap compared to its amenities. The daily and essential expenses here are way more affordable than in other countries, even in Asia.

6. What Adventure Activities are there in Bali?

Bali's adventure activities include diving, surfing, snorkeling, white water rafting, ziplining, and much more.



Overview:

The world's largest island country has become a paradise for travellers all around the world. Exotic beaches, breathtaking scenarios, dense forests, museums, archeological sites, and numerous tourist attractions make Indonesia famous worldwide. It has come a long way since its inception and becoming a more major tourist destination every day. So, book a ticket to Indonesia fast before it gets expensive!

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