Comprising of 17,000 magnificent islands and several tiny islets, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. Famed for its tranquil beaches, quasi-active volcanoes, hidden reefs, cascading waterfalls and tropical mountains, this stunning coastal paradise is an ideal holiday destination in the Far East. Blessed with the best of nature’s wonders, this beautiful island is packed with numerous fascinating attractions and interesting things to do. Those of you heading to Indonesia on your next holiday, here is a list of things the island has in store for you:

Beaches

Lying between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, Indonesia is blessed with some of the most pristine and stunning beaches in the world. Ideal to enjoy the best of sun, sand and surf, these beaches are a major highlight and a prominent attraction in the country. Nusa Dua beach, Kuta beach, Senggigi Beach, Plengkung Beach, Pangandaran Beach, Parangtritis Beach, Dreamland Beach and Parai Tenggiri are few of the best known beaches on the island. Surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, rafting, sea walking, flyboarding, kitesurfing and wakeboarding are among the popular water sports on the island.

Attractions

Preserving the treasures of prosperous cultural past, attractions in Indonesia are outrightly amazing and fascinating at the same time. Whether it is the ancient architectural wonders or prominent temples or Chinese pagodas or the volcanic mountains, each site and structure on the island is beautiful in its own unique way. Lake Toba, Ubud Monkey Forest, Mount Rinjani, Mount Merapi, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Mount Batur, Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Kawah Putih, Semeru, Tangkuban Perahu and Ancol Dreamland are a few of the must visit attractions on the island. With the top of the volcano blown off and the crater emitting continuous white smoke, Mount Bromo is simply an astonishing attraction in Indonesia.

National Parks

Whether it is the king of lizard (Komodo Dragons) or the smallest buffalo (Anoa) , the Sumateran Tiger or Merak, the Javan Rhinoceros or Orangutan or Kijang or sea turtles, Indonesia is home to a vast population of birds and animals including a few endangered ones and a perfect heaven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Komodo National Park, Ujung Kulon National Park, Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, Kerinci Seblat National Park, Way Kambas National Park, Tanjung Puting National Park and Lorentz National Park are few of the most popular national parks and wildlife preservation sites in Indonesia.

Temples

Featuring a long cultural and traditional history, Indonesia is home to some of the largest and oldest Hindu temples. Preserving the legacy of an era bygone, these temples in the island are a major attraction among tourists. Borobudur, Plaosan, Sewu, Candi Jawi, Penataran, Surawana, Mendut, Pawon, Sojiwan and Batu Jaya are few of the prominent temples and Buddhist sites in Indonesia. The architecture and design of most of these structures is quite fascinating. Pura Besakih is the most ancient temple in the country.

Food

A perfect blend of traditional and modern flavours, Indonesian cuisine is simply a delight. Prepared using exotic ingredients and natural spices, food in the island is definitely a must try. Sambal (hot sauce or paste typically made from a mixture of a variety of chilli peppers), Satay (dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, served with a sauce), Bakso (Indonesian meatball), Soto (soup mainly composed of broth, meat and vegetables), Gado-gado (salad of slightly boiled, blanched or steamed vegetables and hard-boiled eggs, boiled potato, fried tofu and tempeh), Nasi Uduk (Indonesian Betawi style steamed rice cooked in coconut milk dish), Ayam goreng (dish of chicken deep fried in coconut oil), Bakmi goreng (spicy fried noodle dish), Rawon (beef black soup) Opor ayam (Mie ayam are) a few of the dishes that you must try on the island.

Shopping

Whether it’s antiques or art, jewellery or paintings, carved jewellery or woven and dyed fabrics or stone carvings or masks and ceramics, Indonesia is a shopper’s paradise. Featuring an array of exclusive handmade goods and items, shopping in the island is a major highlight. Although there are several big malls in the country, shopping at Pasar (traditional markets) is a unique experience. Also, you can try on your bargaining skills with the merchants and craftsmen in these markets. Sanur Night Market (Pasar Malam Sindu), Gianyar Night Market, Kuta Art Market, Garlic Lane and Taman Sari Market are few of the popular night markets on the island.

Festivals

Featuring diverse religions and customs, Indonesia is a country packed with ceremonies, festivals and cultural events. Celebrated round the year and offering a glimpse to the rich cultural legacy of the country, all festivals are celebrated with a great pomp and show. Independence Day of Indonesia, Bau Nyale Fishing Festival, Toraja Funeral Ceremony, Waisak, Bali Arts Festival, Bau Nyale Fishing Festival, Asmat Cultural Festival, Baliem Valley Festival, Nyepi and Galungan are among the popular festivals in the country. Besides the traditional festivals, the island also hosts a range of contemporary music events and shows throughout the year.

Culture

Home to diverse religions and traditions from across the world, Indonesia is a cultural melting pot. From Buddhism to Hinduism to Islam to Christianity to Confucianism, the country has equal tolerance for all religions. From religious practices to music and dance and from theatre to festivals, everything about Indonesia’s culture is fascinating. Minangkabau Tari Piring (plate dance), martial arts, paintings, sculptures and architecture in the country beautifully highlight the cultural aspect of the island.

Straddling the equator and flaunting a fabulous melange of traditions and modernity, Indonesia is truly a traveller’s delight. Blessed with the best of the Mother Nature, this fascinating tropical paradise has rich wildlife, incredible rainforests, magnificent corals, stunning beaches, volcanic mountains, and underwater caves. Read on to learn about some of the country’s most interesting natural attractions.

Raja Ampat Islands

Popularly known as ‘The Crown Jewel of the Bird’s Head Seascape’, Raja Ampat is a famous Indonesian archipelago.  With a location between Pacific and Indian Ocean, the beautiful island is famous for its pristine beaches, intriguing caves, lush mangroves and hidden lagoons. With over 540 different types of corals, 1000 coral fishes, over 700 different types of molluscs, and mantra rays and epaulette sharks living near the coast, Raja Ampat is among the top diving and snorkelling destinations in the world.

Komodo National Park

Located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, Komodo National Park is home to over 5000 giant and endangered lizards and a variety of marine animals including blue whales, sperm whales, seahorses, manta rays and octopuses. Not surprisingly, scuba diving remains a popular activity among the visitors here. But the biggest attraction at the Komodo National Park is certainly watching the largest lizards stroll on the coast!

Mount Bromo

Spread across a massive 800 square kilometres, Mount Bromo is a striking, active volcano. Located in a vast plain called the “Sea of Sand’, this mountain is one of the most visited tourist attractions in East Java. You can visit the mountain from the nearby village of Cemoro Lawang. Thereon, you can walk to the volcano. It can take your around 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for an organised jeep tour, which could include a few interesting stopovers.

Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra

Comprising three famous national parks namely Gunung Leuser National Park, Kerinci Seblat National Park and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra tops the list of most visited places on the island. Designated the UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, it is home to an estimated 10,000 plant species, more than 200 mammal species, 580 bird species, and reptiles and amphibians. The critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, Sumatran elephants and leatherback turtles are big hits with the tourists.

Tanjung Puting National Park

Established in 1982 and designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, Tanjung Puting National Park is another popular attraction for nature lovers in Indonesia. Located on the coast of Java Sea, the park is known for being home to orangutans, clouded leopards, civets, cavort, darting kingfishers and regal hornbills, wild boars and sambar deer. Also, Tanjung Puting is home to different species of crocodiles, dozens of snakes, and frogs.

From active volcanic mountains and cascading waterfalls to peaceful lakes, Indonesia is blessed with the best of Mother Nature. For those of you heading to this paradise of a holiday destination, here is a list of must visit natural attractions in Indonesia.

Gili Islands, Lombok

Located slightly off the coast of Lombok, Gili Islands is a famous archipelago comprising of three tiny islands. With miles and miles of stunning white sand beaches, aqua blue ocean water and attractive corals, this island is one of the best places to indulge in water sports and enjoy the stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Snorkelling, swimming, surfing and diving are among the popular adventure activities here. Guided boat tours are available on demand. Offering a taste of authentic Indonesian cuisines on the island are popular restaurants and shacks.

Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua

Generally referred to as ‘The Crown Jewel of the Bird’s Head Seascape’, Raja Ampat is a traveller’s paradise. Comprising of over 1000 tiny islets off the coast of New Guinea, the popular island is home to beautiful beaches, attractive corals, hidden lagoons and spooky caves. You can enjoy numerous water sports and adventure activities here, including snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and surfing. Bird watching and dolphin spotting are most enjoyed here. Don’t forget to pick some interesting gifts and souvenirs from the nearby markets.

Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi

One of the best places to experience underwater marine life, Bunaken Marine Park is a must visit attraction in Indonesia. First established in 1991, this beautiful reserve today is home to over 39 species of corals, and different types of fishes, mollusc and reptiles. Diving and snorkelling are the best way to discover the underwater marine life. Guided submarine and boat tours are available as well.

Komodo National Park, Nusa Tenggara Timur

First established in 1980 for wildlife protection and preservation, Komodo National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Indonesia. Located right in the heart of the archipelago, the reserve is home to a wide range of komodo dragons along with numerous other animals and birds. Besides spotting these endangered dragons, you can enjoy numerous activities like kayaking, diving and trekking. Safari tours to the interiors of the park and guided island tours are also popular.

Comprising of over 1500 small islands, cays, and shoals, Raja Ampat is a popular Indonesian archipelago.

Often considered one of the best reef areas in the world, the isle is known for its pristine beaches, attractive corals, intriguing caves and beautiful hidden lagoons. Here are top five reasons why you should visit the beautiful Raja Ampat.

Beaches

Featuring miles and miles of beautiful golden-yellow sand, it is the beaches and tiny islets that promise a terrific time to the tourists. Corals and lagoons definitely add to the beauty of the island. There are several small shacks and eateries that serve a range of sumptuous delicacies to guests. Few nestaway and wooden guesthouses are available as well.

Snorkelling

Nestled amidst the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean, Raja Ampat is one of the best destinations to enjoy the wondrous marine lifestyle. As the waves and ocean currents off the coast of West Papua are low, conditions here are favourable for snorkelling and underwater diving. There are special diving schools and dedicated instructors who train tourists. Apart from exploring the underwater aquatic animals, visitors here enjoy swimming and other adventure activities.

Nature

Staying in those tiny wooden huts, and waking up to the sound of the waves and the early morning musical melody created by the birds is an experience of a lifetime. Spending some time away from the glitz and glamour of the city, under nature’s ambit is something much loved by the visitors. There are not many fancy restaurants on the island, but there are several small shacks and cafes serving authentic cuisines prepared by the natives.

Welcoming locals

Although a little secluded, Raja Ampat is one of the most welcoming islands in the Indian Ocean. Featuring a long history of tribal invasion, it is home to some of the oldest aboriginal communities and native population. Festivals and celebrations in the remote villages of Arborek and Sawingrai offer an insight into the popular traditions and customs of the islands.

Souvenirs

Since there are no big gift shops here, seashells, pebbles and sometimes pearls are among the valuable collectables on the island. Available in different colours, shapes and sizes, seashells remain the top choice of many tourists. When the ocean current and waves are high, white pearls can sometimes be seen scattered on the beaches. If nothing is available, click some beautiful pictures of the island and the surrounding landscape for your friends, family and yourself!