Things to Do in Indonesia: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

Indonesia’s essential Buddhist monument is best treated as a contemplative early-morning visit rather than a quick photo stop. Pair it with nearby Prambanan only if you have a full, well-paced day in central Java.

2.5h Timed entryTake the earliest available entry; mid-morning brings both heat and tour groups.

Reserve a timed temple-access slot in advance if you want to go beyond the grounds; general entry is easier.

Pairs with: Prambanan Temple · Dieng Plateau

#2Uluwatu TempleMustBali4.6(54,000)

The draw is the cliff-edge setting as much as the temple itself, and it is one of Bali’s strongest sunset stops. Allow time for the Kecak performance if that interests you, but protect loose belongings from the resident monkeys.

2h Walk upArrive well before sunset to explore before performance crowds gather.

Temple entry is generally walk-up; reserve Kecak seats ahead for popular sunset performances.

Pairs with: Tanah Lot (Tourist attraction) · Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

#3Prambanan TempleMustJava4.7(111,000)

Prambanan is Java’s great Hindu temple complex and the necessary counterpoint to Buddhist Borobudur. Give it enough time to walk the wider complex rather than photographing only the central towers.

2.5h Walk upLate afternoon gives softer light and is less punishing than midday.

Entry is usually straightforward, though special evening performances should be reserved in advance.

Pairs with: Borobudur Temple · Dieng Plateau

#4Bromo Tengger Semeru National ParkMustJava4.8(47,000)

The volcanic caldera, sea of sand and sunrise viewpoints are among Indonesia’s defining natural experiences. It requires an early start and some logistical patience, so build it into an overnight stay rather than trying to rush it from a distant city.

6h Book aheadSunrise is busiest but most atmospheric; a later crater walk can be quieter.

Arrange transport and park access ahead, especially for weekends, holidays and sunrise departures.

Pairs with: Borobudur Temple · Prambanan Temple

#5Komodo National ParkMustNusa Tenggara (NTT & NTB)

Komodo combines the country’s most famous wildlife encounter with exceptional island, beach and snorkeling scenery. It is a destination in its own right, so allow several days and choose a reputable boat operator rather than forcing it into a Bali side trip.

8h Book aheadMorning landings are cooler and generally quieter than the busiest midday stops.

Reserve day boats or liveaboards well ahead in peak season; park fees are typically handled by operators.

Pairs with: Angel's Billabong

#6Raja AmpatMustPapua

Raja Ampat is Indonesia’s marquee marine destination, prized for extraordinary reef life and remote karst-island scenery. It rewards travelers who can devote time and budget to getting there, rather than those seeking a quick beach add-on.

8h Book aheadStay multiple nights and start boat excursions early, before wind and day-boat traffic build.

Book accommodation, boats and diving well ahead; access permits and transfers are usually arranged locally.

#7Ulun Danu Beratan TempleShouldBali4.6(53,000)

This lakeside water temple delivers one of Bali’s most recognizable landscapes, especially when the mountain weather is clear. Use it as a scenic stop on a north-central Bali day rather than making it the sole destination.

1h Walk upArrive near opening, before day-trip coaches and clouds build.

Pairs with: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces · Tanah Lot (Tourist attraction)

#8Jatiluwih Rice TerracesShouldBali4.8(16,000)

Jatiluwih offers the broader, more immersive rice-growing landscape that many travelers actually hope to find in Bali. Come for a walk through the terraces and make it a slow half-day rather than a drive-by viewpoint.

2.5h Walk upMorning is coolest and clearest; rain often arrives later in the day.

Pairs with: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple · Tanah Lot (Tourist attraction)

#9Dieng PlateauShouldJava4.7(13,000)

This highland volcanic landscape adds a very different Java experience: crater lakes, geothermal scenery and farming villages instead of monuments and cities. It works best as an overnight detour from Yogyakarta or a stop within a longer central-Java route.

5h Walk upStart early for clearer views and warmer daylight for walking.

Pairs with: Borobudur Temple · Prambanan Temple

#10Sacred Monkey Forest SanctuaryShouldBali4.5(60,000)

More than a monkey encounter, this is a lush temple-and-forest walk in central Ubud. It is easy to fit into a first Bali itinerary, provided you follow the animal-safety rules and keep food and unsecured items out of sight.

1.5h Walk upVisit at opening, when paths are calmer and the heat is lower.

Pairs with: Tegallalang Rice Terrace · Uluwatu Temple

#11Istiqlal MosqueShouldJava4.8(22,000)

Southeast Asia’s most important modern mosque visit provides essential context for Indonesia’s Muslim-majority identity. Combine it with nearby civic sights, and dress modestly while checking access around prayer times.

1h FreeVisit outside prayer periods, preferably on a weekday morning.

Pairs with: National Monument · National Museum of Indonesia · Jakarta History Museum

#12National Museum of IndonesiaShouldJava4.7(21,000)

This is the best single museum stop for understanding the archipelago’s art, archaeology, ethnography and material culture before traveling onward. Use it to add context to temple visits and to avoid treating Indonesia as only Bali and volcanoes.

2.5h Walk upWeekday mornings offer the most room in the major galleries.

Check current gallery access before visiting, as openings can be phased or limited.

Pairs with: National Monument · Istiqlal Mosque · Jakarta History Museum

#13Tanah Lot (Tourist attraction)ShouldBali

Tanah Lot is Bali’s classic sea-temple silhouette and remains a rewarding sunset stop despite its heavy commercial framing. Treat it as a short scenic visit, not a deep temple exploration, and arrive before the final rush.

1.3h Walk upCome in late afternoon, but before the sunset crowd packs the viewpoints.

Pairs with: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces · Ulun Danu Beratan Temple · Uluwatu Temple

#14Tana TorajaShouldSulawesi

The Toraja highlands offer one of Indonesia’s most distinctive cultural landscapes, known for traditional houses, burial sites and living ceremonial traditions. Visit respectfully, use a local guide for context, and avoid treating private rites as spectacle.

6h Walk upMornings are best for village walks and photography before rain and haze build.

Most sites are paid locally; arrange a guide and transport ahead through your accommodation.

#15Lake TobaShouldSumatra

Lake Toba provides a calmer, highland counterweight to Indonesia’s temple-and-beach circuit, with Batak culture adding depth to the scenery. Base yourself around the lake or on Samosir rather than attempting it as a hurried excursion.

6h FreeTravel on weekdays if possible, when ferries, roads and lakeside villages feel less busy.

#16Tanjung Puting National ParkShouldKalimantan

A river journey through Tanjung Puting is Indonesia’s classic orangutan-focused wildlife trip, with forest travel as important as the viewing platforms. Go with an established local operator and allow enough time for the boat journey to feel like part of the experience.

8h Book aheadStart river travel early and expect wildlife viewing to depend on weather and animal movement.

Reserve a klotok river boat and guide in advance, particularly in the drier travel months.

#17Tegallalang Rice TerraceIf timeBali4.4(56,000)

Tegallalang is the convenient, highly photographed version of Bali’s rice-terrace scenery, close enough to fold into an Ubud stay. Go for the landscape and a short walk, but choose Jatiluwih if you want a less commercial agricultural setting.

1.3h Walk upGo at opening; the narrow paths become busy quickly.

Pairs with: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary · Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

#18Taman Mini Indonesia IndahIf timeJava4.6(175,000)

This vast cultural park is a practical introduction to Indonesia’s regional architecture, dress and traditions when your trip is centered on Jakarta. It is most useful for families or visitors without time to travel widely across the archipelago.

4h Walk upWeekday mornings are substantially calmer than weekends and school holidays.

Pairs with: National Museum of Indonesia · National Monument

#19National MonumentIf timeJava4.6(123,000)

Monas is Jakarta’s central civic landmark and the quickest way to orient yourself in the capital’s monumental core. The observation deck is worthwhile mainly for first-time visitors wanting a city overview.

1.3h Walk upGo shortly after opening on a weekday for shorter elevator queues.

Observation-deck tickets are normally bought on site and can run out on busy weekends.

Pairs with: Istiqlal Mosque · National Museum of Indonesia · Jakarta History Museum

#20Bogor Botanical GardensIf timeJava4.7(105,000)

Bogor’s gardens offer a green, historic break from Jakarta and make sense as an easy day trip for plant lovers or families. They are not a reason to shorten time allocated to Java’s temples or volcanoes.

2.5h Walk upGo early on a weekday, before Bogor traffic and afternoon rain.

Pairs with: National Monument · National Museum of Indonesia

#21Jakarta History MuseumIf timeJava4.6(23,000)

Set in the old colonial heart of Kota Tua, this museum is a useful short stop for Jakarta’s layered history. Its real value is as part of a walking visit to the square and surrounding historic streets.

1.3h Walk upVisit on a weekday morning, when Kota Tua is more relaxed.

Pairs with: National Monument · Istiqlal Mosque · Ancol Taman Impian

#22Angel's BillabongIf timeBali4.5(6,000)

This dramatic natural tidal pool on Nusa Penida is visually striking but conditions can be dangerous and access depends on the sea. Visit only with a realistic island itinerary and never treat it as a safe swimming stop when waves are active.

45m Walk upAim for early morning and check tide and swell conditions locally before approaching the pool.

Pairs with: Tanah Lot (Tourist attraction)

#23Ragunan ZooNicheJava4.5(118,000)

This large urban zoo is primarily a local family outing rather than a defining Indonesia experience. Consider it only if traveling with children or if you have extra time in Jakarta.

3h Walk upWeekday mornings are the least crowded and least hot.

Pairs with: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

#24Ancol Taman ImpianNicheJava4.6(48,000)

This waterfront leisure district is Jakarta’s broad entertainment zone, with beaches, rides and family attractions. It is useful as an easy local outing, but has little priority for a first Indonesia trip with limited time.

3h Walk upAvoid weekend afternoons, when local traffic and admission lines peak.

The precinct has an entry charge, while many individual attractions require separate tickets.

Pairs with: Dunia Fantasi Ancol · Jakarta History Museum

#25Dunia Fantasi AncolNicheJava4.6(80,000)

Dunia Fantasi is a conventional amusement park inside Ancol, best reserved for families, thrill-ride fans or rainy-day flexibility. It is not a substitute for Jakarta’s cultural sights or the country’s landscapes.

5h Book aheadArrive at opening; weekends are busiest throughout the day.

Buy online ahead for weekends and holidays to reduce entry queues.

Pairs with: Ancol Taman Impian · Jakarta History Museum