Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands in Southeast Asia, is a land of diverse culture, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforests. From the temples of Bali to the beaches of Lombok and the orangutans of Sumatra, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Indonesia. Here are the top 10 things to do in Indonesia that should not be missed:
1. Visit the temples of Bali
Bali, an island in Indonesia, is known for its beautiful temples, such as Pura Tanah Lot, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, and Pura Besakih, which offer a glimpse into the island's rich culture and history. Visitors can explore the temples, and learn about the island's traditional ceremonies and rituals.
2. Visit the beaches of Lombok
Lombok, an island located east of Bali, is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, such as Kuta Beach, Senggigi Beach and Gili Trawangan. Visitors can enjoy the beaches and take part in various water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
3. Visit the orangutans of Sumatra
Sumatra, an island located in western Indonesia, is known for its rich biodiversity and home to the orangutans, which can be seen in their natural habitat in the Gunung Leuser National Park and the Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.
4. Visit the temples of Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, a city located on the island of Java, is known for its beautiful temples and historical sites, such as Prambanan Temple and Borobudur Temple, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can explore the temples and learn about the history of the ancient Javanese civilization.
5. Visit Ubud
Ubud is a town located in the island of Bali, and it is known for its beautiful rice terraces, traditional crafts, and cultural activities. Visitors can explore the town's many art galleries, take a cooking class, or attend a traditional dance performance.
6. Visit Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is a group of islands located in the western part of Papua province and it is known for its rich marine biodiversity, and it is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. Visitors can also see the beautiful coral reefs and a wide variety of fish and other sea creatures.
7. Visit Komodo Island
Komodo Island is an island located in the Lesser Sunda Islands and it is home to the Komodo dragon, which is the largest lizard on earth, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the dragons in their natural habitat and also enjoy the beautiful beaches and snorkeling/diving.
8. Visit Toraja
The Toraja is a highland area located in South Sulawesi and it is known for its unique culture, traditional houses, and beautiful rice terraces. Visitors can learn about the Toraja's animist beliefs and customs, and see the traditional Tongkonan houses and the Tau-tau effigies.
9. Visit the Wakatobi
Wakatobi is an archipelago located in the Southeast Sulawesi and it is known for its beautiful beaches, rich marine life and traditional villages. Visitors can enjoy the beaches, take a boat tour to see the coral reefs and marine life, and learn about the local culture and customs.
10. Visit Borneo
Borneo is the third largest island in the world, located in the northern part of Indonesia, and it is known for its rainforests and wildlife, such as the proboscis monkey, orangutan, and the sun bear. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the rainforests and see the wildlife.