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Written by: Emily Chen
Landmarks in Indonesia
- Updated: September 30, 2023 | Published:
Indonesia, a vast archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, is a land of diverse cultures, awe-inspiring landscapes, and unparalleled natural beauty. From ancient temples steeped in history to volcanic mountains that touch the sky, the country offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler.
In this article, we take you on a journey to the top 12 landmarks of Indonesia, showcasing the nation’s rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and extraordinary natural wonders. Discover the largest Buddhist temple in the world, the serene waters of a volcanic lake, the dramatic cliffside temples of Bali, and much more.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Indonesia’s enchanting landmarks promise a lifetime of memories and captivating stories to share.
Iconic Landmarks in Indonesia
1. Borobudur Temple, Central Java
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- What to Expect: A tour of the temple complex, exploring its unique architecture, reliefs, and stupas, sunrise and sunset viewing
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, history and culture enthusiasts
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 2.5 million
- Geographical Location: Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Built in the 9th century, it is located in Central Java, Indonesia. The temple consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome.
Borobudur features over 500 Buddha statues and 2,672 relief panels, offering a rich narrative of Buddhist teachings and the life of the Buddha. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the temple’s intricate architecture and symbolism.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit, as the temple’s silhouette is accentuated against the sky.
2. Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- What to Expect: A tour of the temple complex, exploring its unique architecture, reliefs, and statues, traditional dance performances
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, history and culture enthusiasts
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 1.2 million
- Geographical Location: Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
Prambanan Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, built in the 9th century. It is located in Yogyakarta, Central Java, and dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva).
The temple complex consists of 240 temples, with the main temple dedicated to Shiva, reaching 154 feet in height. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the temple’s intricate architecture, reliefs, and statues.
Traditional Ramayana ballet performances are held at the open-air theater near the temple during the evenings, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia.
3. Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara
- Best Time to Visit: April to December
- What to Expect: Komodo dragon sightings, trekking, snorkeling, scuba diving, boat tours
- Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, families, solo travelers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 200,000
- Geographical Location: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. Located in East Nusa Tenggara, the park spans several islands, including Komodo, Rinca, and Padar.
Visitors can take guided tours to spot the dragons in their natural habitat, trek across the islands’ rugged landscapes, and enjoy spectacular views from vantage points.
The park also offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Boat tours provide an alternative way to explore the islands and their surrounding waters.
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4. Mount Bromo, East Java
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- What to Expect: Sunrise viewing, trekking, horseback riding, off-road jeep tours
- Ideal For: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, photographers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 350,000
- Geographical Location: Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java, Indonesia
Mount Bromo, an active volcano, is a popular natural attraction in Indonesia. Located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, the volcano stands at 7,641 feet above sea level.
Visitors can trek to the summit or opt for horseback riding and off-road jeep tours to explore the breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Sea of Sand.
Sunrise viewing from various viewpoints, such as King Kong Hill and Penanjakan 1, is particularly popular, offering stunning vistas of the volcanic complex and the surrounding caldera.
5. Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- What to Expect: Island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, birdwatching, trekking
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, divers, wildlife enthusiasts
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 25,000
- Geographical Location: West Papua, Indonesia
Raja Ampat Islands, an archipelago of over 1,500 islands, is renowned for its biodiversity and pristine coral reefs. Located in West Papua, the islands boast some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving sites.
Visitors can explore the rich marine life, including manta rays, sharks, turtles, and various fish species. Island hopping, birdwatching, and trekking are other popular activities, offering the chance to discover Raja Ampat’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Conservation efforts in the area ensure that the islands remain a pristine paradise for future generations.
6. Ubud, Bali
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- What to Expect: Cultural experiences, art galleries, yoga and wellness retreats, shopping, traditional markets, rice terraces, Monkey Forest
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, culture and art enthusiasts, wellness seekers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 3 million
- Geographical Location: Bali, Indonesia
Ubud, known as the cultural heart of Bali, offers a unique blend of traditional arts, spirituality, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore art galleries, attend traditional dance performances, and participate in yoga and wellness retreats.
The town is also home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and markets, offering a wide range of shopping and dining options.
Popular attractions include the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where visitors can witness the island’s iconic terraced landscapes, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a conservation center for Balinese long-tailed macaques.
7. Lake Toba, North Sumatra
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- What to Expect: Scenic views, swimming, boating, trekking
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, nature lovers, photographers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 200,000
- Geographical Location: North Sumatra, Indonesia
Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, is a stunning natural attraction in North Sumatra. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 74,000 years ago, the lake covers an area of approximately 1,130 square miles.
At its center lies Samosir Island, which offers a glimpse into traditional Batak culture and architecture. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, swimming, boating, and trekking around the lake, as well as exploring local villages and hot springs.
The serene atmosphere and picturesque landscapes make Lake Toba an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
8. Tanah Lot Temple, Bali
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- What to Expect: Sunset viewing, Balinese architecture, cultural performances, local markets
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, culture enthusiasts, photographers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 3 million
- Geographical Location: Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Tanah Lot Temple, one of the most iconic sea temples in Bali, is perched on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by crashing waves. The temple, dedicated to the sea gods, is an important site in Balinese mythology and culture.
Visitors can admire the unique Balinese architecture and enjoy stunning sunsets, as the temple’s silhouette is cast against the sky.
Cultural performances, such as the Kecak dance, are held at the temple’s open-air theater during evenings, while local markets offer a variety of souvenirs and crafts.
9. Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- What to Expect: Unique cultural experiences, traditional architecture, funeral ceremonies, trekking, coffee plantations
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, culture and history enthusiasts, nature lovers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 100,000
- Geographical Location: South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Tana Toraja, a highland region in South Sulawesi, is known for its unique cultural practices and stunning landscapes. The Toraja people are famous for their elaborate funeral ceremonies, which can last several days and involve sacrificial rituals, traditional dances, and feasts.
Visitors can witness these ceremonies, explore traditional Toraja architecture, and trek through the region’s lush landscapes and coffee plantations.
The fascinating blend of ancient traditions and natural beauty make Tana Toraja an unforgettable destination for those seeking authentic cultural experiences.
10. Bunaken National Marine Park, North Sulawesi
- Best Time to Visit: April to November
- What to Expect: Snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, mangrove forests, turtle nesting sites
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, divers, wildlife enthusiasts, families, solo travelers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 50,000
- Geographical Location: North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Bunaken National Marine Park, located in North Sulawesi, is a marine paradise boasting diverse coral reefs and abundant marine life.
The park is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, offering vibrant underwater landscapes teeming with various fish species, turtles, and other marine creatures.
Glass-bottom boat tours provide an alternative way to experience the park’s underwater wonders. Visitors can also explore mangrove forests and turtle nesting sites, contributing to the park’s conservation efforts.
11. Uluwatu Temple, Bali
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- What to Expect: Sunset viewing, cliffside location, Balinese architecture, Kecak dance performances
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, culture enthusiasts, photographers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 1.5 million
- Geographical Location: Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Uluwatu Temple, perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, is one of Bali’s most sacred sea temples. The temple, dedicated to the supreme god of Indonesian Hinduism, Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, in his manifestation as Rudra, offers a stunning example of Balinese architecture and a breathtaking setting for sunset viewing.
The temple is also home to a population of mischievous long-tailed macaques, adding a playful element to the experience.
In the evenings, visitors can attend traditional Kecak dance performances, held at the nearby open-air theater, which showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bali.
12. Dieng Plateau, Central Java
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- What to Expect: Ancient temples, volcanic craters, hot springs, trekking, panoramic views
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, history and culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 200,000
- Geographical Location: Central Java, Indonesia
The Dieng Plateau, a volcanic plateau in Central Java, is home to some of the oldest Hindu temples in Indonesia, dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries. The plateau offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with ancient temples nestled among volcanic craters, hot springs, and colorful lakes. Visitors can explore the temples, trek through the plateau’s rugged landscapes, and enjoy panoramic views from vantage points such as the Sikunir Hill sunrise viewpoint. The combination of cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery make the Dieng Plateau a must-visit destination for travelers seeking diverse experiences in Indonesia.
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