The best things to do in Indonesia

What is it? A marine region in the waters around the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands. 

Why go? It’s the most diverse marine ecosystem on the planet, home to over 3,000 reef fish species and 581 coral species. The rich waters are a habitat for various types of sharks, manta rays, turtles and ocean sunfish, as well as smaller creatures like pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs. In Indonesia, the Coral Triangle spreads from central Indonesia to West Papua. 

Don’t miss: Some of the best places to dive include Bunaken National Park and Wakatobi National Park in Sulawesi, Derawan Islands in Kalimantan, and Raja Ampat in West Papua. 

What is it? The second tallest volcano in Indonesia, on the island of Lombok.

Why go? Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy a challenge can tackle this monster of a volcano, soaring 3,726 metres above Lombok. There are several routes you can take, and treks can last between two to four days. The volcano has a variety of landscapes, from savanna to lush jungle and montane forest, so there’s always something different to look at. From the crater rim, the views of the lake below will take your breath away, especially at sunset when the crater is filled with golden light. The climb to the summit is tough, but on a clear day you can see the whole of Lombok, plus the neighbouring islands of the Gilis, Sumbawa and Bali.

Don’t miss: The hot springs near the crater lake are a wonderful spot to soak your aching muscles.

What is it? Three small islands off the northwest coast of Lombok.

Why go? Surrounded by powdery white sands and turquoise waters, these islands are the perfect spot for a beach holiday. No motor vehicles mean a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere – the only way to get around is on foot, bicycle or horse and cart. Activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, watersports, yoga, horse riding, and spa days. For partying, Gili Trawangan is the best option. If you prefer somewhere quieter, Gili Meno and Gili Air are better choices.

Don’t miss: On Gili Trawangan, take a short walk up the hill for the best sunset views. There’s also a Japanese machine gun bunker from when the island served as a naval base during WW2.

What is it? A national park spread over the three islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar. 

Why go? The park is home to the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest monitor lizard. Using their venom to poison and kill their prey, the lizards can eat up to 80 percent of their body weight in one go. Outside of mating season (June and July), your chances of spotting these dragons are very high. 

Don’t miss: The park has some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the country, so be sure to book an island hopping tour or a liveaboard so you can experience the various beauty spots around the archipelago.

What is it? Indonesia’s sprawling capital city, home to 11.35 million people.

Why go? It’s not a popular destination for international tourists when compared with other places in Indonesia, but look past the heaving traffic and you’ll find a city with a perfect blend of old and new. Get a taste of Indonesian culture and city life through Jakarta’s many museums, galleries, street food stalls, and neighbourhoods, each one with its own distinct character.

Don’t miss: Blok M. This area is an amalgam of the city’s best food, art, and nightlife, where you’ll find cheap eats, thrift and vintage stores, coffee shops, pop-ups and event spaces.

What is it? A lesser-explored island in East Nusa Tenggara.

Why go? Sumba’s secluded beaches and stunning waterfalls are only just beginning to appear on the main tourist trail. While its wild landscapes are a highlight, it’s the unique culture that sets the island apart. Indigenous marapu beliefs are based on ancestor worship, and you can learn about these through ceremonies and visiting traditional villages such as Ratenggaro, Praijing and Tarung-Waitabar. 

Don’t miss: The Pasola Festival. This ritual spear battle is held around February or March to please the spirits, and the bloodier the battle, the better the harvest season.

What is it? An island chain off the west coast of Sumatra known for its world-class surfing. 

Why go? They may be remote, but ‘The Ments’ as they’re more fondly known, are home to some of the best waves in the world. First visited by international surfers during the 1990s, The Ments have remained off the beaten track to this day. It’s not the place for beginners though, as most of the waves here can get quite gnarly, with many breaking over sharp coral reefs. Part of the appeal is that there isn’t a bad time to go. However, May through to September has particularly good swells. 

Don’t miss: The Macaronis, Hollow Trees (aka Lances Right), and The Hole are some of the most well-known breaks.

What is it? One of the most well-known waterfalls in Indonesia, located in East Java. 

Why go? Found deep in the jungle with Mount Semeru (Java’s tallest volcano) keeping a watchful eye in the background, Tumpak Sewu is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the country. Loosely translating to ‘thousands of stacks’, the waterfall is made up of ‘thousands’ of threads of water cascading down a semicircular wall of rock. At 120 metres, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Indonesia, and it’s an incredible experience to look up and feel the force of the water tumbling down.

Don’t miss: From the base of Tumpak Sewu, walk a further 10 minutes to Goa Tetes, another waterfall with striking rock formations and caves.