Top 5 Unique Destinations in Indonesia
Take a stroll down Ubud’s mystic temple trails, or follow in the literal footsteps of rare Komodo dragons in Gunung Leuser National Park. Test your stamina on an expedition to Bromo Tengger-Semeru volcano, or soak in a natural hot spring with mystical forest views.
1. Lake Toba
As one of the most unique places in Indonesia, Lake Toba entices travellers with a stunning tapestry of experiences. The blue lake is surrounded by quirky villages and lush rainforest, while the Batak people still follow their traditional culture. It's also a great place to spot wildlife such as orangutans and clouded leopards in Tanjung Puting National Park.
In addition to stunning scenery, Lake Toba is a great place to unwind on beaches with calm waters and serene sunsets. There are also a number of Indonesian and Western restaurants around the lake which offer a view over the beautiful landscapes.
Those who are more adventurous can rent a motorbike to explore the area with ease. This is an ideal way to experience Lake Toba's natural beauty, as you can cruise along scenic routes and discover enchanting villages and spectacular viewpoints. It's best to hire a guide as they will be able to provide helpful information and share their local expertise.
For those who would prefer to spend their time relaxing in the sun, there are several beach resorts at the shores of Lake Toba. These include Tomok, Simanindo, and Ambarita. They are a perfect place to enjoy the lake's clear water and white sandy beaches. The beaches are also great for witnessing awe-inspiring sunrises.
For nature lovers, the Sipisopiso waterfall is a must-visit. It is the highest waterfall in Lake Toba and the tallest in Sumatra. The nearby Tele Observation Tower offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the lake. The town of Tomok is a popular choice for visitors looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. It has a handful of hotels and guesthouses with wonderful lake views, including the historic 'Teletubbies Hill'.
2. Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is a spectacular active volcano and one of the best destinations for seeing volcanic mountains in Indonesia. Located in the Tengger Semeru National Park, this mountain is best seen at dawn as it rises over a sea of sand and other mountains. It is often smoldering and trailing smoke, making for a dramatic landscape.
From the town of Cemoro Lawang, you can hike to see the sunrise or take a pony ride across the sand sea floor to reach the summit for a better view of the volcanoes. The latter option can be much quicker if you're short on time as you don't need to trek to the summit of Mount Penanjakan (the highest viewpoint).
Both routes are popular so it's best to get to the viewing spots early. Once you're there, sit down on the sand to relax and watch the sun rise over the horizon. There are many viewpoints you can visit, such as Seruni Point, King Kong Hill, Bukit Perahu, and Bukit Cinta. But be warned: each of these places will be packed with other tourists - even at the crack of dawn!
You can also walk up to the crater of Mount Bromo itself, which is a bit of an effort. But once you're at the crater, you can climb up to the rim and peer inside. It's pretty cool to see the volcanic steam and smell the sulphur.
Although you can do both of these activities in a day, I would recommend doing the hike and visiting the crater first. Then you can have a relaxing afternoon at the hotel or stroll around Cemoro Lawang village and get that last shot of the smoldering crater before it gets too crowded.
3. Java
If Jakarta is Java’s brain, then Yogyakarta is its heart. The cultural centre of the country, you’ll find batik workshops, life-changing street food and the famous Ramayana Ballet here. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby sites, including the volcanic crater at Krakatau and the pristine beaches of Anyer.
It’s well worth getting out of the city and into the lush green hills to visit the epic Dieng Plateau. This stunning self-contained destination is a place of pilgrimage where you can see Buddhist temples and bathe in natural hot springs that bubble up from the ground. The views are also breathtaking and the whole experience is truly magical.
From here you can also head to Mount Bromo for a breath-taking sunrise and explore the volcanic crater at Ijen. The landscape here is like something from a fantasy and there’s even a large acid lake that is mesmerising to behold.
Alternatively, you can head to the coast and soak up the sunshine on the pristine white sand beaches of Anyer or a secluded beach on Pulau Sempu or Red Island. There are also a number of diving spots in the area and you can also snorkel around the coral islands of Karimunjawa.
If you want to get more out of your trip, head to Laweyan Batik Village for a unique experience that’s part shopping trip, industrial visit and cultural heritage tour all in one. The village has been operating since the Kingdom of Pajang and its sturdy European building architecture is an impressive sight to behold. From here, you can also enjoy a range of artisanal goods, such as handicrafts and jewelry.
4. Bandung
Located 1700 meters above sea level, Bandung is the capital of West Java and has a cool climate all year round. It is also home to many enchanting sights that will leave you with lifetime memories. From the mystical sulphuric lake Kawah Putih to the iconic Gedung Merdeka which was the venue of the Asia-Africa conference in 1955. The area is also known for its food. You can try authentic West Java cuisine such as soto betawi and kucing tepung.
The city is also well-known for its beautiful nature, and the one of the top things to do in Bandung is hiking at Dusun Bambu. The park is a family leisure park that offers bamboo bridges, paddy fields, and beautiful mountain views. The park is also home to a waterfall where you can take pictures that will definitely make your Instagram feed stand out from the rest.
Another must-see attraction is the Dago Dream Park which will take you into a world that will awaken the child in you. The theme park is inspired by the Jawa, Bali and Sunda cultures and features many rides that will make your photo-taking experience unique.
For shopping and dining, you can visit Paris Van Java Mall which is the most famous mall in the city. The mall is filled with various renowned brands and is also home to an outdoor street that makes it ideal for strolling and browsing. The other place to go for shopping is the Jalan Setiabud which has plenty of cheap clothes and souvenirs. This area is also home to a large number of traditional markets and stalls. It is a good place to practice your bargaining skills.
5. Bali
Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali’s enchanting tropical vibe is enough to leave you breathless. Pristine beaches, glorious mountains, sacred holy temples, and vibrant nightclubs all await you on this Indonesian gem.
A must-visit on any trip to Bali is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud. This valley of stair-like rice fields is a beautiful sight, where hard-working farmers tend to their crops.
Another heavenly spot is the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Lake Batur. The clifftop temple perches on a smooth and reflective surface, and has been a favorite picture-taking spot for years, from polaroids to digital cameras to the Instagram age. This iconic temple is particularly impressive at sunrise or sunset, and offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding vistas.
For a different kind of adventure, head to the East of Bali to visit the Lempuyang Temple, an ancient mountain temple that sits at 1,175m high. It offers a jaw-dropping vista that encompasses the entire island of Bali, and is framed by six other temples and waterfalls. The temple predates many other Hindu temples, and is often called the Gate of Heaven.
The Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok are magnets for backpackers thanks to their pristine beaches and legendary sunsets, but they also offer some exciting activities. You can snorkel with hawksbill and green sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters around the largest island, Gili Trawangan.
If you’re looking to do some shopping, Bali is famous for its boutiques and bohemian shopping areas. Seminyak’s and Canggu’s stores have the best range of Western goods, while Ubud has a variety of smaller boutiques that specialize in local artisanal pieces.
