The best places to visit in Indonesia

Located in East Java, Bromo Tengger Semeru is easily one of Indonesia’s most scenic national parks. Spread across 800 square kilometres, the park is centred around a huge, ancient caldera filled with a sea of sand – the only one of its kind in Indonesia. From this lunar landscape rises majestic peaks, including the smouldering Mount Bromo at 2,329 metres and Mount Semeru, the highest mountain in Java at 3,676 metres. The most popular way to visit is a 4x4 tour, which takes you up to one of the viewpoints for sunrise before driving over the sand sea to Mount Bromo itself. Don’t forget to wrap up warm and wear protective footwear – it may be a tropical island, but it can get surprisingly chilly once you’re in the mountains.

Nestled in the jungles of northern Sumatra, Mount Leuser National Park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s a haven for endangered animals such as Sumatran tigers, rhinoceros, elephants and orangutans, which you can watch in their natural habitats on multi-day treks. Although tigers and rhinos are quite elusive, there’s a high chance of spotting elephants and orangutans, as well as macaques, gibbons, saltwater crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species including the spectacular rhinoceros hornbill. Bukit Lawang, a village on the banks of the Bahorok River, serves as the main gateway to the park and has a handful of accommodation options.

The highland village of Wae Rebo is one of the most unique places in Indonesia. Located on the island of Flores, this traditional village lies 1,100 metres above sea level, surrounded by lush green mountains covered in thick forest. It’s known for its thatched, conical huts called Mbaru Niang, which were built with methods that can be traced back for generations. It’s a wonderful destination for those interested in ecotourism, and visitors can either take a day trip or an overnight stay to learn about the local culture and how the residents have preserved it. With no electricity between 10pm and 6am, there are some incredible stargazing opportunities here.

Also in Flores is Kelimutu, three volcanic lakes sitting atop a dormant volcano. Thanks to the volcanic gases and chemicals in the water, the lakes are constantly changing in colour, each one a different shade of blue, green, pink, black, red and brown. Sunrise is a common time to visit, but bear in mind this is when everyone and their mother will be there. It’s better to visit mid-morning after the sunrise rush – this is also when the lake’s colours are most vibrant. Although it may look tempting, swimming is strictly prohibited as the sulphuric water is toxic.

Komodo National Park is a must-see for rare wildlife and picturesque views. Encompassing the islands of Komodo, Padar and Rinca, this is the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest (and most dangerous) reptile. Few experiences are quite as thrilling as getting up close, though always at a safe distance, to these lethal creatures. The waters surrounding the islands are home to healthy coral reefs and rich marine life, and snorkelling and scuba diving are favourite activities here. A boat tour is by far the best way to get around, as you’ll be able to sail between various beauty spots including the famous Padar island and Pink Beach.

Surrounded by central Java's forests and rice paddies lies Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world and one of the most visited attractions in Indonesia. Constructed during the 9th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its sheer size and impressive design, with over 500 Buddha statues and 2,600 relief panels depicting stories from the life of Buddha. To see the structure up close, it’s worth purchasing tickets that allow you to climb to the very top. Most visitors tie it in with a stay in Yogyakarta, a city just an hour’s drive away. It’s long been a centre for Javanese culture and art, such as silversmithing, batik textiles, and shadow puppetry, and is an interesting place to spend a couple of days.

Far away from the rowdy parties and crazy traffic of south Bali lies Lake Beratan, the second-largest lake on the island. Nestled in the less-touristy, mountainous north of the island, Lake Beratan is home to one of Bali’s most iconic views – the stunning Ulun Danu Temple, which appears to float on the lake’s surface. In addition to visiting the temple, visitors can explore the lake on jet skis and canoes, while along the shores are plenty of cafes, coffee shops, and farms where you can pick strawberries. Nearby is the Bali Botanical Garden, where paths wind through themed gardens and thick rainforest home to wildlife including monkeys and various bird species. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the Rafflesia in bloom, the largest (and stinkiest) flower in the world.