Writing 9: The 10 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Indonesia

Indonesia is a country rich in cultural diversity, home to around 300 ethnic groups and 700 languages. It is one of the largest countries in the world, counting around 17,500 magnificent islands, some of which are still unexplored. Our guide explores the top 10 places to see while you are traveling across the country.

Dieng Plateau, Central Java

Formed after the eruption of the Prau mountain, the Dieng Plateau is a caldera complex situated at 2,000 meters above sea level. Its location makes it one of the coolest destinations in Indonesia, and the change is easily noticeable coming from the surrounding lowlands. The major sights to visit there include a multicolored lake, a hot spring and ancient Hindu temples. Different in character from the rest of Java, trekking through the lush rolling hills, passing by beautiful plantations, and breathing in the fresh air while looking at the mountains in the horizon, is one of the most fascinating journeys to be taken in the area.

Lake Maninjau, West Sumatra

A little off the beaten path, in a region where many unspoiled natural wonders can still be found, lies the beautiful Lake Maninjau. The lake is located in a volcanic crater, 461 meters above the sea. To reach the end destination, the journey involves negotiating 44 hairpin turns on the steep road down from Bukittinggi. With all the twists and bends, the ride can be eventful, but with the breathtaking views over the blue lake and the surrounding hills, it is worth the effort. The lake Maninjau is one of the most serene and quiet places in the country, far away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. The area is one of the best spots to relax, restore inner peace and experience a slow paced life.

Thousand Islands, DKI Jakarta

Just a 90 minute speedboat ride from the marina in Ancol lays the beautiful Pulau Macan, namely the Tiger Island. For breathtaking views, crystal clear water, white sand, great snorkeling spots in a well preserved environment, mouthwatering and fresh food, and a chilled atmosphere, this is the place to be. There is one resort on the island: the Tiger Islands Village & Eco Resort. The staff there ensures a comfortable stay and the resort engages in conservation activities by planting corals and mangroves, aiming to be a model for other eco-resorts nationwide.

Yogyakarta and Surroundings, Central Java

Yogyakarta is the arts and culture and culinary hub of the island of Java. Days can be spent exploring  its streets in search of the best batik, puppet makers, gamelan concerts, food vendors, street art and  much more. But it does not end here. The city is also the main hub for the more historical side of  Java, constituting the perfect base to explore the nearby temples of Borobudur and Prambanan.  Dating back to the ninth century, the former is one of the oldest Buddhist temples, with more than  2,000 relief panels and 500 Buddha statues. Dating back to the same time, the latter is a  Hindu temple where you can enjoy beautiful evening dance performances staging the Ramayana,  one of the greatest Hindu epics of all times.

Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara

Close to Timor Leste, the Komodo Island is home to one of the most fascinating creatures on earth: the Komodo dragon. The dragon is native to Indonesia, and these islands are the only place where they can be found living in the wild. It is the largest lizard in the world, sometimes growing as tall as three meters long and weighing up to 70 kilograms, with sharp claws and poisonous saliva. Their natural habitat is the tropical forest where they live in groups. The Komodo National Park is a protected site in Indonesia, and it has become illegal to hunt or harm these deadly dragons. With the permission of the local government, local and foreign tourists alike visit the islands every year.