When we think of Indonesia, Bali often comes to mind, and for all the good reasons. With its terraced rice fields, beachside cafes, and deep sense of spirituality, Bali is undeniably beautiful. But Indonesia is far more than just one island.

Made up of over 17,000 islands, this sprawling archipelago is a fascinating blend of cultures, landscapes, and languages. More than 300 ethnic groups and around 700 languages are spoken, each island has its own rhythm and story.

You could watch wild orangutans in the rainforests of Kalimantan, hike active volcanoes in Java, sail through the turquoise waters of Komodo, or meet the indigenous tribes of Papua. Indonesia is a place that keeps surprising you. 

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Here’s a list of the best things to do in Indonesia, and I know that these experiences will stay with you for the rest of your life.

1. Watch the Sunrise Over Borobudur Temple

No trip to Indonesia is complete without witnessing the ethereal sunrise over Borobudur Temple, an experience that deserves a top spot on your Indonesia bucket list. Nestled near Yogyakarta in Central Java, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a masterpiece of 9th-century architecture. With its intricate carvings, tiered platforms, and over 500 Buddha statues, the temple tells stories etched in stone and radiates a sense of calm and timelessness.

Perched on a hill and surrounded by lush rice fields and distant volcanoes, Borobudur becomes truly magical at dawn. As the first light of day brushes the misty horizon, the temple’s silhouettes slowly come to life, with golden rays casting shadows over ancient stupas and revealing breathtaking views of the Kedu Plain. It’s a spiritual moment, even if you're not religious.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  Few places blend natural beauty, historical wonder, and quiet reflection quite like Borobudur at sunrise. Like the Angkor Temples of Cambodia, this is not just a photo opportunity; it's a moment that stays with you.

• Best time to visit:
  Dry season, from April to October, offers the clearest skies for sunrise views. Arrive around 4:30 AM for the special early access ticket, available through Manohara Resort, the official sunrise tour operator.

• How to get there:
  Fly into Yogyakarta International Airport. From there, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Borobudur. Many travellers base themselves in Yogyakarta for a few days, combining a sunrise tour with visits to Prambanan Temple and the city’s cultural treasures.

2. Search for Borneo’s Elusive Orangutans

Spotting a wild orangutan in its natural habitat is one of the most profound wildlife experiences you can have in Indonesia. With their soulful eyes, shaggy red fur, and eerily human mannerisms, orangutans share over 96% of our DNA, making them one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. The name "orangutan" comes from the Malay words orang hutan, meaning "person of the forest," a name that perfectly reflects their quiet, observant presence among the trees.

Indonesia's Kalimantan, the southern and largest part of Borneo, is a true rainforest frontier. Covered in thick jungle and home to sprawling river systems, it offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and search for these endangered primates. Tanjung Puting National Park, in Central Kalimantan, is one of the best places to do just that. With over 5,000 wild orangutans, this park is a critical conservation area and one of the most accessible places to see them swinging through the trees or ambling along the forest floor.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  Because seeing orangutans in the wild isn’t just an adventure, but i’s a powerful reminder of our connection to the natural world, and of what’s at stake in the fight to protect it.

• Best time to visit:
  Go between June and September, the dry season, when the weather is ideal for river cruises and the chances of wildlife sightings are higher.

• How to get there:
  Fly to Pangkalan Bun Airport in Central Kalimantan via Jakarta or Surabaya. From there, take a short transfer to Kumai Port and hop aboard a traditional klotok boat for a multi-day cruise through the national park - sleeping, eating, and wildlife-spotting on the river. You can also book a guided tour to spot the wildlife in this region.

3. Climb Mount Bromo and Witness the Gorgeous Sunrise

Few landscapes in Indonesia leave such a lasting impression as the surreal volcanic plains of Mount Bromo. Located in East Java, this smouldering volcano rises from a vast sea of ash within the Tengger Caldera, creating a cinematic, almost otherworldly setting. Named after the Hindu god Brahma, Mount Bromo stands at 2,329 metres and remains one of Indonesia’s most iconic natural landmarks, and for good reasons.

What draws travellers here isn’t just the volcano itself, but the unforgettable sunrise view. As dawn breaks, the sky shifts through hues of deep indigo, rose gold, and fiery orange, revealing the silhouette of Mount Bromo alongside its neighbouring peaks, with wisps of smoke rising from the crater. It’s an experience that leaves you quiet and awestruck - a moment of stillness above the clouds.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  Because standing at the edge of an active volcano as the first light of day breaks over a volcanic desert is the kind of adventure that redefines the word "epic."

• Best time to visit:
  April to October is the dry season and offers clearer skies for sunrise views. Avoid weekends if possible, as Bromo is popular with local tourists.

• How to get there:
  Fly into Surabaya or Malang in East Java. From there, arrange a transfer to Cemoro Lawang, the closest village to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Most sunrise treks begin around 3:00 AM, either by jeep to a viewpoint like Mount Penanjakan or by hiking directly to the crater rim if conditions permit. You can also book a guided trek to witness the sunrise at Mt. Bromo.

4. Come Face to Face with a Komodo Dragon

Few wildlife encounters are as thrilling, or as ancient-feeling, as standing just a few metres away from a Komodo dragon. Found only in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, these legendary reptiles are the largest lizards on Earth, growing up to 3 metres in length and weighing over 70 kilograms. Their muscular frames, forked tongues, and slow, deliberate movements make them look like creatures that time forgot.

Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is spread across the Lesser Sunda Islands and includes Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and several smaller islands. While Komodo Island is most famous for its namesake dragons, the park also offers stunning trekking routes, pink sand beaches, and world-class snorkelling among coral reefs and manta rays. Seeing these wild dragons in their natural habitat, roaming dry, rugged terrain under the hot tropical sun, is an experience that feels raw and unforgettable.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  Because nowhere else on Earth can you come this close to a living, breathing creature that looks like it stepped straight out of prehistoric times.

• Best time to visit:
  April to June and September to November offer the best weather, fewer crowds, and excellent conditions for both dragon sightings and snorkelling.

• How to get there:
  Fly to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island from Bali or Jakarta. From there, join a guided day trip or opt for a multi-day liveaboard boat tour to explore Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and the surrounding islands. Rangers accompany tours to ensure safe, respectful viewing of the dragons.

5. Watch the Sunset Over Padar Island

Tucked between the more famous Komodo and Rinca Islands, Padar Island is one of the most visually stunning spots in Komodo National Park. While it may not be home to the Komodo dragons, it draws travellers in with its striking scenery. The island’s landscape is a dramatic mix of rugged hills, jagged cliffs, and curved bays that meet the turquoise sea. Each beach has its own shade of white, black, and even pink (yeah, pink beaches of Indonesia are real!), making Padar a rare geological wonder.

One of the most popular things to do here is the late-afternoon hike to the island’s highest viewpoint. The trail is steep but well-maintained, and the reward is more than worth the effort. As you reach the top, you'll see the island’s unique shape unfold beneath you. When the sun begins to set, the entire scene turns golden, and the sea reflects the warm light. It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring moment that feels far removed from the rest of the world.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  The sunset from Padar’s summit is one of the most unforgettable views in Indonesia. Few places can capture the islands' raw beauty and silence in this way.

• Best time to visit:
  Plan your visit between April and November, during the dry season. Clear skies make for excellent hiking conditions and vibrant sunsets.

• How to get there:
  Fly into Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. From there, join a day tour or a multi-day boat trip through Komodo National Park. Most tours include a stop at Padar Island. The hike to the top takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is best started around 4:30 PM to catch the sunset from the summit.

6. Go Diving in Raja Ampat

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to the edge of the world, where nature feels untouched and the ocean teems with life, Raja Ampat delivers just that. Located off the northwest coast of West Papua, Raja Ampat means "Four Kings" and refers to the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo. Often called the "Last Paradise on Earth," this remote archipelago is home to some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet.

Getting there takes effort, usually two flights and a couple of boat rides, but once you arrive, the journey feels more than worth it. With crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone islets, and thriving coral reefs, the underwater world here is nothing short of magical. Whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner snorkeler, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant marine life, including manta rays, turtles, and over a thousand species of fish. Beyond diving, you can hire a local boat to explore remote villages, secret lagoons, and ancient rock art tucked along the cliffs.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  Because diving in Raja Ampat isn’t just a bucket-list activity, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into one of the world’s most untouched marine ecosystems.

• Best time to visit:
  Visit between October and April, when the seas are calm and visibility is best for diving and snorkelling.

• How to get there:
  Fly to Sorong via Jakarta or Makassar. Take a ferry or speedboat from Sorong to Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat. Many eco-resorts and dive operators offer transfers from Sorong directly. Booking a stay at a local dive lodge or liveaboard cruise is the best way to explore the region's top sites.

7. Marvel at the Tri-Coloured Crater Lakes of Kelimutu

Deep in the heart of central Flores, Mount Kelimutu offers one of Indonesia’s most surreal natural wonders, with three crater lakes at its summit, each with a distinct and ever-changing hue. These lakes, known collectively as the Kelimutu Lakes, are strikingly beautiful and scientifically fascinating. Their colours shift dramatically - from turquoise to green, from rust-red to black - due to varying mineral content and volcanic activity beneath the surface.

Beyond science, Kelimutu has a spiritual side. Locals believe the lakes are the final resting place for departed souls. Each lake serves a different spiritual purpose, with Tiwu Ata Mbupu believed to hold the spirits of the elderly. At the same time, the other two are reserved for younger people and those who have committed wrongdoings. At dawn, as morning light pierces the mist and the lakes glow with otherworldly colours, the place feels nothing short of mystical.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  Kelimutu is unlike anything else in Indonesia. Watching the crater lakes shift colour under the rising sun is both a visual and spiritual experience that leaves a lasting impression.

• Best time to visit:
  Visit during the dry season, May to September, for clearer skies and better sunrise views. Arrive early, as the clouds often roll in by mid-morning.

• How to get there:
  Fly to Ende Airport on Flores Island from Denpasar. It’s a scenic two-hour drive from Ende to Moni, the closest village to Kelimutu. Stay overnight in Moni to catch the early morning hike to the summit, about 30 minutes from the park entrance.

8. Visit the Ancient Batak Village on Lake Toba

Nestled in the highlands of northern Sumatra, Lake Toba is not only Southeast Asia’s largest lake but also the world’s largest volcanic lake, formed by a massive eruption over 75,000 years ago. Today, this serene caldera is surrounded by misty mountains and dotted with charming villages, making it a peaceful escape far from Indonesia’s busier tourist trails.

One of the highlights of visiting Lake Toba is a trip to Ambarita, an ancient village on Samosir Island, where the traditions of the Batak people come vividly to life. Here, you can explore well-preserved stone chairs used for tribal council meetings and executions, see the striking traditional Batak houses with their pointed roofs, and learn about the community’s complex rituals, including once-practised cannibalistic punishments for enemies and traitors. You’ll also find local artisans keeping ancient crafts alive through traditional weaving and blowpipe making.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  Lake Toba offers a blend of natural beauty and deep cultural heritage. Visiting the Batak village is a rare opportunity to learn about one of Indonesia’s most unique indigenous cultures, surrounded by breathtaking volcanic landscapes.

• Best time to visit:
  Go between May and September, during the dry season, for calm lake waters and clear views of the surrounding highlands.

• How to get there:
  Fly to Silangit Airport (the closest to Lake Toba) or Kualanamu International Airport in Medan. From Medan, it’s a 4–5 hour drive to Parapat, where you can take a ferry across to Samosir Island.

9. Swim with Stingless Jellyfish off Kakaban Island

Tucked away in the remote Derawan Islands of East Kalimantan, Kakaban Island offers one of the most surreal swimming experiences on Earth. Home to a rare land-locked marine lake, this small island is famous for its population of stingless jellyfish, one of only two such places in the world, the other being Palau in the South Pacific.

Surrounded by dense mangroves and fed by ancient seawater trapped inland, Kakaban Lake hosts millions of translucent jellyfish that have evolved over thousands of years without predators, and therefore without stingers. Snorkelling here feels like floating through a dreamscape, as these gentle creatures pulse around you in a quiet ballet. It's peaceful, otherworldly, and absolutely unforgettable.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  Swimming with stingless jellyfish is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can only be found in two places globally, and Indonesia is one of them. It's a rare glimpse into a completely unique marine ecosystem.

• Best time to visit:
  The ideal time to visit is between June and September, during the dry season when the seas are calmer and visibility is better for snorkelling and diving.

• How to get there:
  Fly to Berau via Balikpapan or Jakarta, then drive to Tanjung Batu, followed by a boat ride to Derawan Island. From Derawan, it's a short boat trip to Kakaban. While it takes effort, many local dive operators offer packages including Kakaban and nearby Maratua and Sangalaki islands.

10. Discover the Upswept Architecture and Unique Culture of Tana Toraja

Tucked away in the lush highlands of South Sulawesi, Tana Toraja is one of Indonesia’s most culturally rich and visually striking regions. Its landscape is dotted with tongkonan, traditional ancestral houses known for their dramatic upswept roofs. Some say the roofs resemble buffalo horns, others see boats, and some even compare them to spacecraft. Regardless of interpretation, these architectural wonders reflect the deep spiritual roots and craftsmanship of the Torajan people.

While the cool highland air and rolling green hills make it a lovely place for hiking, what draws many visitors here is something far more unique: the elaborate funeral rituals. In Torajan belief, death is not immediate. The deceased are considered to be merely "sick" until families can afford a proper funeral, which can take years to arrange and often costs tens of thousands of dollars.

During this waiting period, mummified loved ones are kept in the home, still cared for as members of the family. Funerals themselves are massive events with buffalo sacrifices, traditional music, and community feasts, offering visitors an insight into an extraordinary way of viewing life and death.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  Tana Toraja offers one of the most profound cultural experiences in Indonesia. Its blend of architecture, spirituality, and ritual is both fascinating and deeply moving, unlike anything else you’ll encounter in Southeast Asia.

• Best time to visit:
  The dry season from June to September is ideal for trekking and coincides with the funeral season, when you're most likely to witness local ceremonies.

• How to get there:
  Fly to Makassar (Sultan Hasanuddin Airport), then take a scenic 8–10 hour drive or an overnight bus to Rantepao, the cultural heart of Tana Toraja. From here, you can explore the traditional villages and countryside with a local guide.

11. Spot Rare Sumatran Tigers on a Thrilling Night Safari

Deep within the misty rainforests of Sumatra, Kerinci Seblat National Park stands as one of the last strongholds for Indonesia’s most elusive predator - the Sumatran tiger. Once, Indonesia was home to three tiger subspecies, but habitat loss and poaching led to the extinction of the Javan and Balinese tigers. Today, fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild, making every sighting a truly remarkable experience.

These tigers are smaller and more agile than their mainland cousins, with vivid orange fur and thick black stripes that help them blend into dense jungle undergrowth.

Kerinci Seblat, the largest national park on Sumatra, is believed to shelter nearly half of the remaining wild population. Join a night safari with expert guides to venture into this primaeval wilderness after dark, the best time to glimpse these nocturnal cats on the move. As you journey through the forest, you may also encounter other rare and endangered species, such as the Sumatran rhino, Sunda clouded leopard, and the gentle Sumatran elephant.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  Few experiences rival the thrill of searching for wild tigers under the stars. Kerinci Seblat is a biodiversity hotspot and a rare window into Indonesia’s vanishing wilderness.

• Best time to visit:
  March to October offers drier conditions for trekking and safaris, with June to August being the most favourable months for wildlife sightings.

• How to get there:
  Fly into Padang (Minangkabau International Airport), then take a 7–9 hour drive to Sungai Penuh, a gateway town near the national park. Local guides and rangers can organise safaris and jungle treks into tiger territory.

12. Experience the Mesmerising Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple

Perched dramatically on a cliff edge above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. As the sun dips below the horizon, it becomes the stage for one of the island’s most captivating cultural spectacles: the Kecak dance. This unique Balinese art form blends rhythmic chanting, expressive movement, and epic storytelling, reenacting a climactic battle from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

First developed in the 1930s, the Kecak dance is performed by a circle of sarong-clad men who chant “cak-cak-cak” in hypnotic unison, creating a powerful soundscape that drives the story forward. Amid this chorus, elaborately costumed dancers portraying Rama, Sita, and Hanuman bring the ancient tale to life through expressive gestures and dramatic scenes. The golden hour setting at Uluwatu Temple, with the waves crashing below and the sky ablaze with colour, makes this performance all the more unforgettable.

• Why it belongs on your list?
  The Kecak dance at Uluwatu is a powerful cultural ritual in a breathtaking location, offering a vivid glimpse into Balinese mythology and tradition.

• Best time to visit:
  Arrive in the late afternoon to explore the temple grounds and secure a seat for the 6 PM performance, which begins just as the sun sets.

• How to get there:
  Uluwatu Temple is about an hour’s drive from Denpasar or Kuta by taxi or scooter. For the full experience, consider booking a guided cultural tour that includes entry to the dance performance.

13. Feast on the Rich Flavours of Indonesian Cuisine

A journey through Indonesia is as much about taste as it is about travel. With over 17,000 islands, the archipelago offers a dazzling array of culinary traditions shaped by centuries of trade and cultural exchange with China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. Indonesian cuisine is bold and aromatic - often spicy, sweet, and deeply satisfying - yet varies widely from one region to another.

National staples like nasi goreng (fragrant fried rice), satay (grilled meat skewers), and gado-gado (a hearty salad topped with rich peanut sauce) can be found across the country, but true food lovers will want to explore deeper. In West Sumatra, try beef rendang, a slow-cooked dry curry rich with coconut milk and spices, considered one of the world's tastiest dishes. On Bali, don’t miss bebek betutu, a ceremonial spiced duck wrapped in banana leaves and roasted to perfection. In Java, snack on lumpia, the crispy fried spring rolls often filled with bamboo shoots and minced meat - it’s delicious, trust me!

No Indonesian meal is complete without sambal, a fiery chilli paste that adds heat and depth to nearly everything it touches.

Where to try the best dishes:

• Beef Rendang – Head to Padang in West Sumatra for the most authentic version.

• Bebek Betutu – Sample it in Ubud, Bali, where many warungs and restaurants serve this ceremonial dish.

• Lumpia – Visit Semarang, Central Java, for the original Javanese-Chinese version.

• Nasi Goreng & Satay – Widely available, but try night markets in Jakarta or Bandung for top street food experiences.

• Sambal Varieties – Explore sambal stalls in Lombok and Sulawesi for regional takes on this spicy essential.

You can also attend a Balinese cooking class, to learn how to make these mouth-watering dishes, and also taste them!

Bali is every bit as dreamy as you already know, and there’s a lot to do in Bali. It’s the ideal place to slow down, unwind, and soak in the soulful rhythm of island life. But here’s the thing - Bali is just the beginning! Indonesia is absolutely stunning, and there’s a whole world beyond Bali waiting to be explored. From trekking through the otherworldly volcanoes of Java, spotting wild orangutans in the rainforests of Borneo, diving into the crystal-clear waters of Raja Ampat, or witnessing ancient rituals in the highlands of Sulawesi, you’ll find it all here.

So, if you’re up for a real adventure, Indonesia will take your breath away, again and again.