The most gorgeous architecture in Indonesia

The largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur is one of Indonesia's most visited tourist sites. Dating back to the 9th century, the temple offers architecture lovers a chance to admire a well-preserved example of ancient Javanese Buddhist architecture. Constructed using volcanic stone, the temple is built as a massive mandala with tiered levels, each representing the Buddhist cosmos. On the highest level at the very centre is a giant stupa surrounded by smaller ones concealing a Buddha statue inside. As you circle each level, you’ll see carved relief panels depicting Javanese folklore and stories from Buddha’s life. It’s worth booking a sunrise or sunset tour to soak up the magic and beauty of the place without the crowds. 

Surrounded by jungle-covered hills and rice paddies, the Tana Toraja region is where you’ll find unique buildings called Tongkonan, characterised by their massive, boat-shaped roofs. These houses are culturally significant to the Toraja people, playing an essential role in ceremonies, including the famous funeral rites. The houses are built on stilts, with the space underneath used for storage or shelter for livestock. They also feature decorative carved wooden panels painted in red, white, black, and yellow, each colour with its own symbolic meaning. In addition to seeing the Tongkonan in traditional villages like Ke’te Kesu, you can also learn about the funeral ceremonies at ancient burial sites like Londa, hike through the hills, and visit waterfalls and limestone caves. 

Wae Rebo is an intriguing example of traditional architecture in Indonesia. Nestled in the highlands of Flores, this Manggarai village is home to a handful of thatched houses called Mbaru Niang. Made from wood and bamboo, these conical huts have five levels, each one with its own purpose as living quarters, food and goods storage, seeds storage, food stock storage, and a space for offerings to ancestors. Visitors can see inside the huts, admire the mountain views, shop for handicrafts made by the villagers, and taste the famous Robusta coffee grown here. Wae Rebo is quite remote, and it takes the better part of a day to get to from Labuan Bajo. We recommend staying overnight in the village for the full experience, which includes tasting local dishes and enjoying some amazing stargazing. 

Southeast Asia’s largest mosque is a huge, impressive building on the edge of Jakarta’s main Merdeka Square. It’s also the ninth largest in the world by capacity, with room for up to 200,000 people. The mosque is regarded as a symbol of religious harmony and was actually designed by a Christian architect – it’s also right next to the neo-Gothic Jakarta Cathedral. Combining modern and classic Islamic design, the main feature of the mosque is its impressive dome, spanning 45 metres and supported by twelve large columns. The interiors are bright and airy, with five storeys and balconies on four levels – the higher levels give you an amazing vantage point (keep an eye out for the beautiful Arabic calligraphy). Outside is an open-air courtyard with its towering minaret. Entry is free, but be mindful that this is an active place of worship. Dress appropriately and leave your shoes at the entrance. 

This palace complex is the home of the reigning Sultan of Yogyakarta, the only remaining region in Indonesia that’s still ruled by a monarchy. The palace is one of Yogyakarta’s top attractions, found right in the heart of the city. Made up of a series of shaded courtyards, ornate halls, and elegant pavilions, the palace blends traditional Javanese architecture with Dutch flourishes like stained glass and decorative figurines. Wander through the palace grounds and check out the two little museums which house royal family heirlooms and old photographs. Make sure you visit in the morning between 9am and 10am to catch the daily performances, which include gamelan orchestra, dance, poetry, and puppet shows.

Bandung is home to many colonial-era and Art Deco buildings, and Gedung Sate is one of the most iconic. Literally translating to ‘satay building’, the name references the rooftop structure resembling a satay skewer. Built between 1920 and 1924, Gedung Sate once served as the headquarters of the colonial Dutch East Indies government. It’s an interesting fusion of architectural styles, including Italian Renaissance, Spanish Moorish influences, and Hindu and Islamic elements. While the building has been used as the office of the Governor of West Java since the 1980s, a section is open to the public who want to visit the mini museum that tells the history of Bandung and Indonesia during colonial times. Surrounded by manicured gardens full of flowers and mature trees, it’s also a lovely place to take a break from sightseeing. 

Set amongst the rice terraces and valleys of Bali’s cultural hub lies Ubud Palace. Also known as Puri Saren Agung Ubud, this 18th-century Balinese landmark is the residence of Ubud’s royal family. As the royal family no longer has legal power, the palace is used more as a ceremonial building. However, it remains a fantastic place to get to know Balinese arts and culture, with traditional dance performances each night. The beautiful architecture, with its stone carvings and grand doorways, is a testament to local craftsmen and artists who wanted to show off their skills to the royal family. Combine a visit to the palace with a visit to Ubud Art Market, where you can find all kinds of handicrafts and souvenirs.