Indonesia is a destination where every trip can feel completely different. With thousands of islands, ancient temples, tropical beaches, volcanic landscapes, traditional villages, and incredible underwater environments, there is no shortage of places to explore.
Whether you are visiting Bali for the first time or planning a longer journey through Java, Lombok, or the Indonesian islands, these experiences should be on your list.
Here are 12 of the best things to do in Indonesia.
1. Explore the Temples of Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is one of the best places in Indonesia to experience the country’s history and culture.
The city is surrounded by important temples and historic sites, with Borobudur and Prambanan being two of the most famous.
Borobudur is an enormous Buddhist monument surrounded by beautiful landscapes, while Prambanan is a spectacular Hindu temple complex.
Beyond the temples, spend time exploring local markets, traditional arts, cafés, and the city’s historic streets.
Best for: History, culture, photography, and architecture.
2. Watch the Sunrise at Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is one of Java’s most dramatic landscapes.
The volcanic scenery becomes especially impressive around sunrise, when the first light reaches the surrounding mountains and volcanic terrain.
Many travelers leave very early to reach a viewpoint before sunrise.
After watching the sunrise, you can continue exploring the volcanic landscape around Mount Bromo.
The experience is particularly rewarding for photographers and adventure travelers.
3. Explore Ubud in Bali
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali and offers a different experience from the island’s coastal areas.
Spend a few days exploring:
- Rice terraces
- Hindu temples
- Art galleries
- Local markets
- Traditional villages
- Waterfalls
- Balinese restaurants
Ubud is also a popular destination for wellness retreats and travelers looking for a slower pace.
Walking through the surrounding countryside is one of the best ways to experience the area.
4. Relax on Bali’s Beaches
Bali has beaches for different types of travelers.
You can choose lively coastal areas with restaurants and beach clubs or quieter beaches away from the busiest tourist zones.
Popular areas include Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, and the southern coast.
Uluwatu is particularly famous for dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean.
For a more relaxed beach experience, consider exploring areas outside the main tourist centers.
5. Visit Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is one of Indonesia’s most unique destinations.
The park is famous for its Komodo dragons, but the surrounding islands and marine environment are equally impressive.
Boat trips allow travelers to explore several islands in the region.
Depending on the itinerary, you can enjoy:
- Wildlife viewing
- Hiking
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Beach visits
- Scenic viewpoints
The combination of wildlife and tropical scenery makes Komodo an unforgettable experience.
6. Go Snorkeling in the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
The three main islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — each have their own atmosphere.
The surrounding waters offer opportunities to see colorful coral, tropical fish, and other marine life.
Gili Meno is generally quieter, while Gili Trawangan is more lively. Gili Air offers a balance between the two.
7. Hike Mount Rinjani
For adventure travelers, Mount Rinjani on Lombok is one of Indonesia’s major hiking destinations.
The mountain offers dramatic views of volcanic landscapes and surrounding areas.
A multi-day trek can be physically demanding, so preparation and suitable equipment are important.
The experience is best suited to travelers who are comfortable with challenging hikes and changing mountain conditions.
8. Explore Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is known for its dramatic coastline and turquoise water.
The island has become particularly popular for its cliff-top viewpoints and scenic beaches.
Some areas require steep walks and uneven paths, but the landscapes make the effort worthwhile.
You can visit as a day trip from Bali, although staying longer allows you to explore the island at a more relaxed pace.
9. Experience the Amazon-Like Beauty of Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is one of Indonesia’s most spectacular destinations for marine adventures.
The region consists of numerous islands surrounded by coral reefs and clear tropical waters.
Diving and snorkeling are the main attractions, but the islands themselves are equally impressive.
Because Raja Ampat is relatively remote, getting there requires more planning than visiting Bali or Java.
For travelers who love nature and underwater exploration, however, it can be one of Indonesia’s most rewarding destinations.
10. Take a Food Tour in Indonesia
Indonesian cuisine is incredibly diverse.
Traveling between regions gives you the opportunity to try different dishes and cooking traditions.
Some foods worth trying include:
- Nasi goreng
- Mie goreng
- Rendang
- Satay
- Gado-gado
- Nasi campur
- Soto
- Bakso
Don’t limit yourself to hotel restaurants. Local markets, small family-run restaurants, and street-food stalls can provide some of the most memorable food experiences.
11. Explore Flores
Flores is a great destination for travelers who want to experience a quieter and more adventurous side of Indonesia.
The island features mountains, volcanic landscapes, beaches, waterfalls, traditional villages, and scenic roads.
Flores is also an important gateway for travelers visiting Komodo National Park.
A road trip through the island can be an excellent way to experience its landscapes and communities.
12. Visit Lake Toba
Lake Toba in North Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s most impressive natural destinations.
The enormous volcanic lake is surrounded by green mountains, while Samosir Island sits within the lake.
Visitors can explore the countryside, learn about Batak culture, visit traditional villages, and simply enjoy the peaceful scenery.
Lake Toba is particularly appealing if you want to escape the busier tourist areas.
Best Experiences in Indonesia for Different Travelers
For Beach Lovers
Bali, Lombok, the Gili Islands, and Nusa Penida are excellent choices.
For Adventure
Mount Bromo, Mount Rinjani, Komodo National Park, and Flores offer plenty of opportunities for adventure.
For Culture
Yogyakarta, Ubud, and North Sumatra are great destinations for discovering Indonesian traditions.
For Diving and Snorkeling
Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park, and the Gili Islands are among the top choices.
For Food Lovers
Java, Bali, Sumatra, and major cities such as Jakarta offer a wide variety of regional dishes.
How Many Days Do You Need in Indonesia?
For a first trip, 10 to 14 days is a good starting point.
A simple itinerary could be:
Days 1–4: Bali and Ubud
Days 5–6: Nusa Penida
Days 7–9: Lombok or the Gili Islands
Days 10–12: Java or another destination
If you have more time, you can add Komodo National Park, Flores, or other islands.
Indonesia is spread across a huge geographic area, so avoid packing too many destinations into one itinerary.
Tips for Exploring Indonesia
Indonesia has thousands of islands, so transportation can take longer than expected.
Domestic flights are useful for longer distances, while ferries and boats connect many nearby islands.
Allow some flexibility in your schedule, particularly when traveling between islands.
It is also worth researching local weather conditions before planning outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, or boat trips.
Most importantly, choose experiences that match your travel style rather than trying to see everything.
Final Thoughts
Indonesia is one of the world’s most rewarding destinations for travelers who enjoy variety.
You can explore ancient temples in Java, watch the sunrise over a volcano, relax on tropical beaches in Bali, dive around remote islands, discover traditional villages, and eat incredible local food — all within the same country.
For your first trip, combine a few different experiences rather than focusing only on beaches. A balance of culture, nature, food, and adventure will give you a much better introduction to Indonesia.
