Why Visit Indonesia

The real question is – why not visit Indonesia? As a country rich in history and culture, Indonesia provides the best experience to visitors all year round. 

Whether it’s the national cuisine, art, architecture, diverse historical background or breathtaking landscapes – it is a place where tourists keep coming back to.

We want you to catch a glimpse of Indonesia’s spectacular attractions before you leave the comfort of your home, so that’s why we have a list of the reasons why you should visit Indonesia at least once in a lifetime.

1. Natural wonders of Indonesia

This splendid country is home to some of the most famous natural phenomena of the world. Each of them a good reason why visit Indonesia.

Tumpak Sewu waterfall on the island of Java is the first on our “must-see” list.  Why, you may ask? It is a worldwide known attraction, recommended by all visitors willing to have a fun and action-packed day. 

Also, Tumpak Sewu translates to “a thousand waterfalls”, due to the high number of waterfalls in one single area. Can you even imagine the feeling of water falling on your body?

Raja Ampat is a little corner of paradise in Indonesia. The archipelago consists of more than 1,500 islands on West Papua’s coast. Each island offers something exceptional. Full jungle coverage, coral reefs, beautiful beaches, or paintings in the caves – this habitat has it all. Make sure to make a stop there and immerse yourself in this wonderful nature.

Another popular tourist spot is Komodo Island, famous for having one of the seven pink sand beaches in the world. The island is home to a unique species of giant lizards, called Komodo dragons, which visitors can only see here. The crystal clear sea is only an addition to this astonishing scenery.

For something truly magical, head to the mountains. We know climbing is a bit exhausting, but the view from those heights is a lifetime experience. Taking into account that Indonesia is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, many mountains in this beautiful country are either active or dormant volcanoes. 

Our recommendation is Mount Rinjani. This famous mountain is known as the best trek in Southeast Asia. Make sure to get a good rest ahead so you can be ready for an adventure like this. Mount Rinjani is an active volcano, which makes it even more interesting for hikers and alpinists. The last eruption was in 2010, and the ashes from this massive volcano closed airports on three Indonesian islands.

2. Indonesian cultural heritage

Besides the natural beauty, you should definitely go sightseeing in the before mentioned cultural heritage. What’s a better way to start your tour than the Indonesian UNESCO World Heritage sites?

Our recommendation would be the remarkable Borobudur and Prambanan temples. The two temples are located an hour away from each other and they symbolize worship and gratitude, both for the Hindu and Buddhist religions. Furthermore, they are famous not only for that but also for the fact that they are the largest temple in Indonesia. Borobudur (also referred to as Barabadur) is considered a “Buddhist Monastery on a Hill” and is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. 

Another location worth a visit is Sultan’s Palace in Yogyakarta. Built on hundreds of years of tradition, the colourful construction enriches the region’s history. This sacred palace complex is full of old Javanese symbolism.

Daily about a hundred guards are watching over the palace. It’s not necessary to find a guide to instruct you through the palace, but it’s easier to understand the history if you do. You also pay them as you wish. The locals consider the Palace to be one of the best places that treasure their past glory, history, and culture.

3. Jodipan – The Village of Color

Now, we know you have never seen an attraction like this. Kampung Warna-Warni (Indonesian for Village of Color) is situated in the city of Malang in East Java. The village wasn’t always this admirable – it was once a neglected slum area ready to be demolished by the government. The change started in June 2019, when a group of students got the idea to paint the area in rainbow colours so it would look more appealing. The concept turned out great and it raised the town’s economy. 

Today this appealing place is one of the most visited places in Indonesia. 

The Rainbow Village is a complex of several places combined in one, situated near the town centre. We can guarantee that the 10-minute walk comes by fast because all you are thinking about is the photo angles that work the best for you. 

Not only that the area is full of colours, art installations, umbrellas and recycled artworks; but it also has a lot of 3D murals. Most of them are located in Kampung Tridi (The 3D Village). The murals go from one picture to another in a blink of an eye.

Kampung Biru Arema (The Blue Village) is the newest project made of houses and buildings completely painted in blue. It is inspired by the cities of Santorini (Greece) and Chefchaouen (Morocco).

All communities charge separate fees, and they take cash payments only, which later go to a savings fund. So when you go make sure that you spend some money on a souvenir or a small art piece to support the local community.

4. Amazing Indonesian cuisine

The cuisine is one huge reason why visit Indonesia, one of the most diverse countries in the world. A nation with hundreds of cultures undeniably has a lot to offer attraction-wise, but the cuisine is also worth a mention.

The cuisine of this beautiful country is known to be one of the most vibrant and colourful cuisines in the world. The reason for this may be the fact that the regional, indigenous culture is mixed with the influences of Chinese, European, Indian and Middle Eastern tastes. 

The most famous dish is nasi goreng, a dish made of fried rice, cooked with meat and vegetables on the side. A single defined recipe for this dish doesn´t exist, because its composition and preparation vary from one household to another.

Tumpeng is a cone-shaped rice dish served along with vegetables and meat. The rice cone is covered with a banana leaf, which makes the plate appear richer and more colourful.

In 2014, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia gave this yummy dish the status of the official national dish of the country. You can eat a lot of the dishes in Indonesia with your fingers. They believe that it’s tastier because your fingers collect all the flavours and spices.

5. Bali – the Asian heaven

This one is for all the influencers out there who would like to visit Indonesia and capture the moment on their Instagram!

Known as the Land of Gods, stepping your foot on the land of Bali makes you wonder – am I in heaven? And we won’t hesitate to tell you that the answer is yes, you are. 

Let’s start with the beaches. There are a lot of options to choose from, whether you are looking for tourist-filled spots to meet new people or untouched nature where you can get some peace. And the idyll doesn´t end there! Peaceful lakes and waterfalls, areas with active volcanoes, dense jungles and mountains covered in forests. 

A popular town on the island is Ubud, also known as its spiritual and healing centre. The artistic and spiritual heritage and rich nature are what attract foreigners to this beautiful harmony.

Ubud has its own Monkey forest, a dense jungle that is home to over 600 Balinese macaques. 

The three holy temples in this forest are open only to worshippers, who know better than to smile at the monkeys and interact with them.

There is so much to dive in, so make sure you make enough time for everything. In Bali, it’s common to see different price range buildings next to one another. For instance, you could be having lunch in a luxury restaurant and have a view of the object that serves cheap local food. Given that the price range is very flexible, the possibilities are endless.

This is truly a place where anyone can find enrichment for their soul and mind.

6. Kelimutu Lake – a lake that changes colours

This place is a bit different from the ones we put on a list so far. The lake is located 1,639 meters above sea level – and not only that but it´s located right on the top of the Kelimutu volcano. 

This lake consists of three lakes separated by a rocky wall, and each offers a beautiful view of the true natural wonder, a changing colour scheme. Whereas other coloured lakes in the world often get their shades from different types of bacteria, the lakes of Mount Kelimutu are a bit more complex. The change in their appearance cause the gases and fumes (e.g. sulfur dioxide) that come from the volcano and cause changes in the chemical composition. This phenomenon occurs only in this area, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

Kelimutu Lake is also considered to be a sacred place where the ancestors find eternal rest.

According to traditional beliefs, the colour of the waters depends on the mood of the spirits. The colors vary from blue, green, and red, to black, brown and white. No one can predict the colour variation. The appearance of the lakes changes daily, so you never know what surprise you´re going to stumble upon. 

Still not impressed? The next reason on our list will surely knock you off your feet and consider your thoughts to visit Indonesia.

7. Wellness resorts

While visiting this beautiful country, it would be a shame not to try some of the activities typical for the local way of life. Indonesians are famous for their love for nature and for nurturing the purity of life. As much as they value spirituality, they also know the importance of health and well-being in one’s body. That’s why there are so many wellness resorts in this area.

Kamandalu Ubud is a serene resort located near the centre of Ubud, Bali. It offers a one-of-a-kind experience, incorporating all experiences in one – yoga, wellness, meditation, traditional organic cuisine, spa treatments, and more. 

You can also arrange a private pool for yourself and your better half, have a floating breakfast, and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

MesaStila in the city of Java is a resort surrounded by a coffee plantation and a dense jungle. Just like any other resort in Indonesia, it provides the services of massage, steam room and spa. On top of that, the resort also offers a weight loss program. It includes nutritional guidance along with a range of fitness exercises so the participants can adapt to a healthy lifestyle. 

A popular session in Indonesia is called the Balinese spa. It´s a massage practice that usually lasts 2 hours or more, and relaxes your whole body and mind. Aromatherapy plays a key part in this process. Not only can the scented oils be very soothing, but they also make the massage easier since it uses various techniques. After the massage, you can soak your feet in flowers or dip yourself in a milk and honey bath. Sounds amazing, right? 

Some other popular resorts are Nusa Lembongan, Tabanan, Amanjiwo, Selemadeg, and Fivelements. All of them offer a variety of amenities that make you forget all your worries.

8. Perfect weather

Don’t you think it’s amazing that you can travel somewhere and not worry about being cold?

Despite the opinions of many, there is no ideal time to visit beautiful Indonesia.

The tropical climate is a key reason people love to come. Tourism reaches its peak every year around the Christmas holidays, so make sure to book your trip months in advance. Take a couple of days to explore everything. You don’t want to miss a thing!

The main reason for Indonesia’s tropical climate is the rainfall.

With that being said, it’s the reason why Indonesia has no typical seasons. The difference between summer and winter is not so obvious in terms of high and low temperatures. 

There are only two seasons in this area, dry season (from April to October) and wet season (from November to March). The temperature barely changes from season to season (on land it’s always averaging 26-28°), so whether you decide to travel in one season or another, you’re going to enjoy your stay. 

Since the weather is almost always the same, nothing is stopping you from taking surfing classes on the famous Kuta beach or walking on the coal-black sand of Anoi Itam.

Outdoor activities are a must in the nice and warm weather of this country. Snorkelling, rafting on the rivers, island hopping, or just walking around – the choice is yours!

9. Welcoming people

Last but not least, local people are surely an addition to the beauty of Indonesia. What makes them so special is the warm welcome they offer.

Getting to know the people, their culture and their beliefs will make your visit to Indonesia so much more gratifying. They are big lovers of art in any form, whether it’s dance, music, traditional pottery, carvings, paintings, textile design, etc.

Indonesia has a national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which means Unity in diversity. It promotes acceptance and mutual understanding among many cultural groups there. The motto is inscribed on Garuda Pancasila, the national emblem of Indonesia. Indonesians are strong believers in helping each other and being kind to new faces in their area. Foreigners love the friendliness of locals, so if you ever decide to visit Indonesia, know that they will make you feel at home.