Indonesia's Western Islands

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Constructed in 1995, this temple is Indonesia's second-largest outside of Bali, boasting traditional architecture and local myths.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Descend into the this vertical cave, where lush primeval verdure awaits and the light filters in through the natural skylight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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