With over 17,000 islands and a population of over 225 million, the Republic of Indonesia is the largest island country in the world. Spanning over an area of 1.9 million square kilometers, Indonesia enjoys a tropical climate and attracts millions of travelers due to its diverse culture, breathtaking islands, and its tropical charm.
From the temples of Bali to the forests of Ubud, and from the sprawling rice terraces in Tegallalang to the amazing watersports in Kuta, include these 10 best things to do in Indonesia for an unforgettable journey ever!
10 Things To Do In Indonesia
1. Visit The Famous Tanah Lot Temple
Paying a visit to the famous Tanah Lot Temple is one of the top things to do in Indonesia. Much famed for its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops, this ancient Hindu temple is Balis most important landmarks. This temple is perched atop a cliff and the constantly crashing waves make Tanah Lot Temple a not-to-be-missed icons in Bali. The onshore site is dotted with smaller shrines alongside visitors leisure facilities that comprise restaurants, shops, and a cultural park presenting regular dance performances.
Location: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 8217, Indonesia
Timings: All Days – 7 AM to 7 PM
Suggested Read: Beautiful Places In Indonesia: 28 Landscapes So Marvelous That It Will Make Your Trip Worth It!
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2. Relish The Greens Of Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Famous for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies that involves subak, a traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system, exploring Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud is one of the unique things to do in Ubud, Indonesia. The Tegallalang rice terraces alone offers a scenic outlook that spreads across the slopes and the valley. Painters and nature lovers also enjoy visiting this spot, and there are numerous art kiosks and cafes near the ledge offering their wares.
Location: Jalan Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Timings: All Days – 24 Hours
3. Explore The Bali Safari & Marine Park
A visit to Bali Safari & Marine Park is one of the must things to do in Indonesia. Covering 40 hectares of land in the Gianyar regency, this place offers a fun day out, and serves as one of the islands largest and most visited theme parks. It is home to over 60 species of animals who roam free in large enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. Enjoy riding on a safari bus, watching fascinating elephant talent shows, get cuddly with baby orangutans, and much more.
Location: Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,8, Serongga, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80551, Indonesia
Timings: All Days – 9 AM to 5 PM
4. Adore The Architectural Beauty Of Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah Elephant Cave is an archaeological site of significant historical value that makes visiting this cave one of the best things to do in Indonesia. Located on the cool western edge of Bedulu Village, this central meditational cave lies 6 kms out of central Ubud. Featuring bathing pools and fountains, Goa Gajah was built on a hillside wherein two small streams formed a campuhan or a river junction.
Location: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Timings: All Days – 8 AM to 4 PM
Entry Fee: 15,000 IDR per adult and 7,500 IDR per child
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5. Visit The Famous Besakih Temple
If you are in this beautiful island, you dont have to ponder on what to do in Indonesia owing to its rich diversity. A visit to the famous Besakih Temple known as Balis Mother Temple for over 1,000 years is one of the top things to do in Indonesia. Perched 1,000 metres high on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih is an artistic and unique complex that comprises at least 86 temples including the main Pura Penataran Agung. Being the biggest and holiest of the island’s temples, it is surrounded by breathtaking and scenic rice paddies, hills, mountains, streams, and more.
Location: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia
6. Surfing in Kuta
One of the fun and interesting things to do in Kuta, Indonesia is to experience the best of surfing on the Kuta beach. This beach houses a strip of beaches in South Bali where the sea rests on a sand bar and provides gentle rolling waves which are perfect for beginners learning to surf. Travelers can either take the surfing lessons or can rent a sponge board, and ride the waves crashing against the shores. Apart from surfing, this beach is also famous for exquisite sunsets.
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7. Do Not Miss Out On The Padang Food
If you a gastronome and happen to be in Indonesia, you cannot miss on trying the Padang Food. It is believed that the best food in Indonesia hails from Padang. Served in the traditional way all over Indonesia, a Padang restaurant can easily be spotted by the tower of dishes stacked in the window. Tiny individual plates of the different dishes, sometimes as many as 20 or 25, are placed before customers who mix them with rice at the table and visitors only pay for the dishes they touch. Traditional Padang favorites include Beef Rendang, a spicy curry paste made with chilies and coconut and cooked with beef, pounded cassava leaves with coconut milk, and jackfruit curry with snake beans. Undoubtedly, trying Padang food is one of the best things to do in Indonesia.
8. Meander Around Lake Toba
Strolling around the Lake Toba is one of the best things to do in Indonesia for when you feel all lazy. This natural lake sprung from the crater of a long dormant volcano and is not only the largest lake in Indonesia but the largest volcanic lake in the world too. One can swim, enjoy a variety of water sports on the lake, or visit the traditional houses of the indigenous people, the Batak. You can also visit ornate stone replicas of Batak houses which are the graves of long dead Batak kings and nobles, or spend the afternoon in a traditional Batak village learning about Batak weaving techniques and other forms of art.
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9. Shop Till Your Hearts Content At Ubud Art Market
Image Credit: rikirisnandar for pixabay
Shopping at the Ubud Art Market is among the top things to do in Indonesia. The Ubud Art Market, is located opposite the the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace and is open daily. Here you can find beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats, statues, kites, and many other handicrafts.
10. Say Hello To The Long-Tailed Buddies At Monkey Forest
Much famed as the Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, touring the Monkey Forest in Ubud is one of the best things to do in Indonesia. Being a home to more than 700 Balinese long-tailed monkeys, this forest lies within the premises of a local village called Padangtegal. Considered to be a vital economic, spiritual, and an educational center for the locals, the forest also houses about 186 species of trees which makes exploring this dense forest one of the most fascinating things to do in Indonesia.
Further Read: 12 Indonesian Islands That Will Take Your Breath Away!
While such an amazing holiday destination awaits your arrival, Indonesia offers a lot to see and experience which is beyond one’s imagination. And to discover the charm of such an incredible island, include these amazing things to do in Indonesia in the itinerary of your next trip and book a customizable tour package with TravelTriangleto make your trip even more fascinating!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Indonesia
What is famous food in Indonesia?
Indonesian Satay, Fried Rice, Rendang, Nasi Rawon, Sop Buntut (Oxtail Soup), Siomay, Indomie, Nasi Uduk, etc. are the best food items to try in Indonesia.
What is there to do in Indonesia?
Some of the best things to do in Indonesia are surfing, shopping, visiting famous temples like Tanah Lot and a lot more.
Is it safe to visit Indonesia during Covid?
Make sure that you have completed both the doses of vaccinations and get yourself tested at least 48 hours before your departure. You need to follow all the travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities.
What is Indonesia known for?
Indonesia is a beautiful country that offers blissful views and soul-stirring experiences. It is known for its volcanoes, temples, beaches and more.
What is the best time to visit Indonesia?
May to September is the best time to visit Indonesia. During this time, the weather is perfect to explore the country.
Which is the best city in Indonesia?
Bali is one of the most popular cities in Indonesia. It offers mesmerizing views and thrilling experiences. Some of the best places to visit in Bali are Ubud, Kuta, Denpasar, and more.
Is Uber available in Indonesia?
Uber used to be available in Indonesia. Now it has been replaced by companies like Grab and Go-Jek which also provide good services.
How many days are enough for Indonesia?
5-6 days are sufficient for going on a trip to Indonesia. In 5 days you can easily explore the places like Bali, Yogyakarta and more.
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A mass-media graduate, Priyanka is a passionate writer and an avid traveler. Whether it’s about capturing the sunsets or hogging up some delicious food from different places, she never leaves a second to decide. Her mantra of keep going is “work, save, travel, repeat” which she lives by heart.
