Indonesia's Best Major Islands

Rich with colonial architecture, museums, cuisine, and more, Indonesia's third-largest city is an epicenter of culture.

Admire the buildings, visit the markets, and expand your palate discovering the diverse delicacies offered by Medan's food stalls.

These 19C palatial quarters boast Hindu and Ottoman architecture with Malay motifs, as well as fine European decor.

Located within a residential complex, this fine large temple boasts elaborate architecture, and many statues of mythical creatures.

Boasting hand-painted tiles, murals, and lavish furniture, this historic building offers a glimpse into early 20C Medan.

While the area offers hiking and river swimming, the village is famed for its orangutan reserve, home to other animal species as well.

The colossal volcanic Lake Toba boasts an island in its center with a traditional Batak village, and a serene natural beauty.

The city's largest Buddhist temple boasts an array of deity statues, as well as fine decorations and a notable incense burning altar.

The intricate Indo-Gothic architecture belies its Catholic denomination, but this church also houses artworks and features a garden.

Combining Spanish, Hindu, and Ottoman architectural elements, this marvelous mosque boasts an octagonal plan and fine decorations.

With its traditional architecture, historic landmarks, and diverse cuisine, this large city also boasts beaches and parks.

Offering lovely views over the Indian Ocean and beautiful scenery with its sandy shore, this beach is a also great for surfing.

A beach with nice views, Air Manis is a great place to throw a picnic or to read a book away from the busy city streets.

Explore the Old Town with its colonial buildings and architectural curios, but be sure to taste the locally famous spicy stew.

Set in a replica of a Minang palace, the museum exhibits relics of history, archaeology, culture, and other aspects of West Sumatra.

A gorgeous island just off the city of Padang, offering crystal clear water full of fascinating coral reefs, and white sandy beaches.

A beautiful nature reserve featuring waterfalls, rainforests, lush scenery, indigenous flora and fauna, and much more to explore.

This 19C Sunni mosque is Padang's largest, featuring an intriguing mix of European, Asian, and Middle Eastern architectures.

Take a boat to visit this lovely island, home to pristine beaches, great diving and snorkeling, as well as hiking and biking.

Discover authentic culture of the native Minangkabau as you visit this caldera lake, known for its lush scenery and water sports.

Reconstructed after a fire, this 19C royal palace still boasts original architectural style and ornaments, yet now houses a museum.

Indonesia's capital is a unique blend of old and new, with traditional marketsand modern skyscrapers, ancient temples, and modern nightclubs.

Lose yourself in this fascinating city, admiring the towering modern buildings, stopping in a market, and scoping out the best food.

This renowned recreational complex boasts an amusement park, an aqua parks, and an oceanarium, offering something for all ages.

A popular miniature park showcasing various aspects of Indonesian culture, from architecture, to traditions, dances, garb, and more.

With slides and rides of all sizes, both adults and children will enjoy cooling down at this exciting water park.

Hike through the crag to visit this waterfall and two others, or head to the camping ground for a night amidst the pines.

A zoological park housing native flora and fauna, featuring an amusement park, a petting zoo, animal shows, and more.

Located in Merdeka Square, this massive tower reaches 132 m tall and symbolizes the struggle for Indonesian independence.

Home to a collection of artifacts, artwork, ethnography, and more, this museum exhibits thousands of years of Indonesian history.

Named for the Indonesian national hero Fatahillah, this historic square is lined with some of the city's best museums.

Jakarta's cultural center hosts theaters, galleries, exhibits, and an archive, revealing Indonesia's diverse and rich culture.

Over 100 islands are scattered off the coast of Jakarta, offering picture-perfect beaches, luxurious resorts, lush nature, and more.

Comprising the ecosystems surrounding Halimun and Salak Mounts, this national park is home to a variety of native flora and fauna.

Indonesia's largest mosque features eclectic modern architecture and bears symbolic decorative elements.

Housed in a Neoclassical building, the museum relays Indonesia's history through its economic development with audiovisual exhibits.

Housed in a 18C city hall, this museum exhibits archaeological findings, historic artifacts, and a rich collections of fine ceramics.

This 20C cathedral boasts elaborate neo-Gothic architecture with stained-glass windows, lofty vaulted ceiling, and twin-towers.

Hike through the cool rainforest to reach this beautiful waterfall, cascading down 7 tiers, and visit the nearby butterfly house.

Centered on two volcanoes, this national park also features lakes, native animal and bird species, and botanical gardens.

Located on an isthmus and in vicinity of a beautiful nature reserve, this town boasts superb surfing conditions and several beaches.

Encompassing the southern reaches of the city, this national park features lush natural landscape and a wonderful secluded beach.

Pristine and secluded, this hidden gem of a beach is an amazing find with its gorgeous sandy beach, blue water, and fine scenery.

Walk along the streets taking in the local color, explore the many tiny shops, or spend your day people-watching on the beach.

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on this little-known beach, or visit the adjacent nature reserve for an encounter with native animals.

Famed for the aquamarine waters of its river, this gorge is a paradise for adventurers who enjoy rafting and natural beauty.

Get a taste of Indonesian countryside, visiting this quaint rural village located amidst breathtaking landscape and rice paddies.

Brimming with cultural treasures, this city offers diverse museums, great food, and access to Indonesia's best ancient temples.

Hire a rickshaw to explore the colorful city streets, or wander around by food, visiting shops, temples, and local food stalls.

Offering many fun and interactive exhibitions, this science museum is perfect for young children and adults young at heart.

Boasting a river winding its way through the premises, this zoo also features an orchid hothouse, a lake, and a botanical garden.

This 18C palace complex is home to the Sultan of Yogyakarta and offers markets, a historical museum, mosques, and live performances.

Indonesia's biggest Hindu temple dates to the 9C, boasting fine traditional architecture, elaborate reliefs, and rich ornamentation.

Remnants of an ancient settlement boasting many architectural relics, including a bathing area, small shrines, walls, and more.

Now a hub of silversmiths, this district boasts remnants of a 16C Sultanate capital, including a mosque, a palace, and fortifications.

This remarkable museum exhibits traditional masks, puppets, textiles, superb Javanese art, and boasts an outdoor sculpture exhibit.

Housed in a 19C fort, this museum showcases photographs, documents, and dioramas depicting significant historic events.

Built in the 18C as a royal recreational garden, this complex boasts artificial lakes, fine architecture, and other ornate elements.

Climb up to the summit for spectacular views over the surrounding area, or explore by foot this national park and all it can offer.

Adorned with elaborate relief panels and Buddha statues, this 9C temple complex is a remarkable example of Javanese architecture.

Dedicated to the life and works of Affandi, an Indonesian artist, this museum exhibits his painting and personal belongings.

Honoring an 18C prince who rebelled against the Dutch, this museum exhibits 19C weaponry, statues, and a few of his personal items.

Stroll through the packed stalls, admiring local craftsmanship, sampling fresh veggies and fruits, and soaking up the local culture.

Follow the meandering road until you reach this secluded beach, known for its white sand, azure water, and beautiful landscape.

Indonesia's second-largest Buddhist compound dates to the 8C, boasting nearly 250 lavishly ornamented shrines.

A temple complex dating to the 9C, featuring over 200 structures of unique architectural technique and abundant decorations.

Also known as Surakarta, this vibrant city is home to a famed royal palace, traditional architecture, and rich cultural museums.

This 9C Hindu temple complex boasts unique architecture, and consists of the oldest Hindu constructions on the Java island.

Spreading up the slopes of a small hill, this 10C temple complex contains several shrines and offers great views over the countryside.

Established in the 18C, this lovely university city boasts a wealth of Colonial architecture, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene.

Walk around town, enjoying the mild climate, and admiring the lovely old architecture, dating from Dutch Colonial times.

Offering hands-on exhibits, this private museum follows the history of Malang, Javanese royal houses, and local crafts.

Featuring a family-friendly theme park, an animal-centered museum, and an array of animals, this zoo promises fun for all ages.

Encompassing the colossal Tengger Caldera, within which other volcanoes have arose, this national park is rich with endemic flora.

Sunbathe and swim on this beautiful beach, enjoying the scenery, or cross the bridge to the tiny islet off shore and rest there.

From beautiful scenery to a sandy shore, this little-known beach offers a great respite from its more crowded neighbors.

Trace your path through a lush forest on your way to this waterfall, famous for its abundance of rainbows on sunny days.

Whether you take a jeep or opt to climb up by foot, this active volcano offers an interesting experience and marvelous panoramas.

Pack enough snacks to last the day and go off to explore this gorgeous island, famed for its lush landscape and a picturesque lagoon.

Walk through the forest to reach this waterfall descending 84m into a pool, camp on the grounds, fish, or enjoy a jog in the area.

A small town on the island of Bali, featuring art galleries, museums, and temples, and offering access to nearby natural attractions.

This popular sanctuary is home to over 600 macaques famed for causing mischief, but also three 14C temples and lush natural scenery.

Hunt for bargains as you make your way through the central streets of Ubud, where a charming atmosphere floods its colorful shops.

A palace complex boasting traditional style and nice gardens. Visit at night and you might glimpse a traditional dance performance.

Spanning 9km along hills and through breathtaking natural vistas, this hiking trail features temples, valleys, and cultural curios.

Hike down stairs and through the jungle to reach these waterfalls, comprising seven separate cascades into a breathtaking whole.

This picturesque craggy headland boasts a 16C Balinese temple, offering a superb moment for a memorable picture.

Hosting daily dance concerts, this 19C temple features elaborate stone carvings and sculptures of local gods and mythic creatures.

A simple botanical garden full of endemic Balinese plants, featuring orchid greenhouses, medicinal gardens, and a cacti collection.

Housed in a complex boasting traditional Balinese style, this museum's galleries host from classical to modern Indonesian artworks.

Exhibiting the works of Antonio Blanco, a famous and eccentric local artist, this museum features gardens and a restaurant as well.

Home to over 5,000 birds, this popular aviary offers shows and features landscaped enclaves, as well as an array of native plants.

Home to nearly 400 animals, this safari boasts an open-air enclave, a water park, a playground, theaters, and other facilities.

This museum exhibits modern and pre-modern Balinese art of traditional techniques, including ink, woodcarving, paintings, and more.

Explore Indonesian art in this museum, exhibiting all from ancient Kamasan painting on tree barks to modern works by Batuan artists.

Combining art and style, this elegant restaurant seconds as a contemporary art gallery, exhibiting local and international artists.

Enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the Indian Ocean, bask in the sun, and swim through the turquoise water of this popular beach.

Sprawling along the coast of the Lombok Island, this resort features a large temple, gorgeous bays, and a nearby waterfall.

A lively and popular destination, Seminyak offers luxurious spas, shopping, great food, nightlife, and a superb beach.

One of Bali's most popular beaches, Seminyak's beautiful sandy shores are full of eateries, resorts, and vibrant nightlife.

Wander around the streets, visiting shops, cafes, and spas, or spend the hours at the beach working on your tan.

Bask in the sun, swim in the clear blue water, and enjoy the feeling of white sand between your toes on this lovely quiet beach.

This picturesque craggy headland boasts a 16C Balinese temple, offering a superb moment for a memorable picture.

Hike down stairs and through the jungle to reach these waterfalls, comprising seven separate cascades into a breathtaking whole.

Home to over 5,000 birds, this popular aviary offers shows and features landscaped enclaves, as well as an array of native plants.

Home to nearly 400 animals, this safari boasts an open-air enclave, a water park, a playground, theaters, and other facilities.

Enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the Indian Ocean, bask in the sun, and swim through the turquoise water of this popular beach.

A bustling seaside resort set in a a fishing village, visitors enjoy the picturesque beaches, fresh seafood, and local culture.

Sprawling along the coast of the Lombok Island, this resort features a large temple, gorgeous bays, and a nearby waterfall.

With a history reaching to the 10C, this impressive temple boasts a beautiful purification bath replenished with fresh spring water.

Indonesia's second-biggest city is home to museums, mosques, parks, and markets, and boasts a rich cosmopolitan charm.

Explore the winding streets of this city center, admiring the historic buildings housing shops and lively cafes.

Pleasantly green and tranquil, this popular municipal park also features playgrounds, skating amenities, food stalls, and more.

An enormous shopping center, featuring upscale shops, diverse eateries, movie theaters, children's playgrounds, and more.

Boasting several domes of gorgeous blue and a 99m minaret, this impressive mosque also has a beautiful modern architecture.

Featuring a family-friendly theme park, an animal-centered museum, and an array of animals, this zoo promises fun for all ages.

Encompassing the colossal Tengger Caldera, within which other volcanoes have arose, this national park is rich with endemic flora.

Indonesia's longest bridge is a cable-stayed construction spanning over 5km, offering great views and a wonderful sight when lit.

Come early in the day and take a tour of this factory-museum, learning about the history and production of locally famed cigarettes.

Whether you take a jeep or opt to climb up by foot, this active volcano offers an interesting experience and marvelous panoramas.

Trace your path through a lush forest on your way to this waterfall, famous for its abundance of rainbows on sunny days.