18 best things to do in Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest island nation in the world, with more than 17,000 islands spread between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It stretches across three time zones and covers more land than the continental U.S., so there’s a lot of ground to cover. There are so many great things to do in Indonesia, from visiting ancient temples, diving near coral reefs, and hiking volcanoes to just seeing what daily life is like on the islands. Here are our favorites.

1. Orangutan-watching

Seeing orangutans in the wild is one of the best things to do in Indonesia. These great apes share about 97% of their DNA with humans, and their behavior really shows it—from how they swing through the canopy to how carefully they look after their young. They only live in the wild on Borneo and Sumatra, and their numbers have dropped more than 80% over the last century.

Tanjung Puting National Park is a good place to see orangutans in Borneo. For Sumatra, it’s Gunung Leuser. Both places have guided treks and focus on conservation. 

How to get to orangutan-watching sites

To get to Tanjung Puting, fly into Pangkalan Bun in Central Kalimantan, then hop on a klotok—a traditional riverboat—and ride up the Sekonyer River. If you’re going to Gunung Leuser, fly to Medan in North Sumatra, then take a drive (about 4–5 hours) to Bukit Lawang. 

When to visit orangutan-watching sites

The dry season runs from May to September. That’s when the trails are easiest, and the orangutans often hang out closer to the river to forage. June through August is fruiting season—durian, jackfruit, lychees—so there’s a better chance of catching them feeding. See our guide to the best time to go to Indonesia for more info.

2. Tana Toraja, Sulawesi

Tana Toraja sits up in the mountains of South Sulawesi and has a cultural history that’s deeply rooted in its views on life and death. The Torajan people are known for their elaborate funeral ceremonies, which can last several days and often involve buffalo sacrifices. These aren’t sad events—they’re seen as a major life passage and a way to honor the dead as they continue their spiritual journey.

You’ll also see tongkonan—traditional houses with sweeping, curved roofs shaped like boats—decorated with detailed carvings. Burial sites are just as unique. Some are cut directly into limestone cliffs and watched over by tau-tau, carved wooden figures meant to represent the dead. 

An Indonesia travel expert is the only way you're likely to experience such an event. A local guide isn’t just helpful for navigating the area—they’ll help you understand what you’re seeing and avoid accidentally crossing boundaries. Some funerals or family gatherings may be open to visitors, but that doesn’t mean everything is for display. Always ask before photographing people, tau-tau (the wooden effigies), or sacred sites.

How to get to Tana Toraja

If you're wondering how to plan a trip to Indonesia to see Tana Toraja, you'll want to fly into Makassar (Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport), then drive or take the overnight bus to Rantepao. It’s about 7–8 hours by road, with views of Bugis villages and coffee farms along the way. 

If you’d rather cut the drive, fly to Palopo instead—that knocks the road time down to 2–3 hours. Once in Rantepao, you can hire a local guide to help navigate the smaller villages and burial sites.

When to visit Tana Toraja

July and August are the peak months for funeral ceremonies, and that also lines up with the dry season. December is another active time with harvest-related events. If you’re invited to a ceremony, it’s polite to bring something small—cigarettes or palm wine are common.
 

3. Borobudur Temple

Borobudur sits quietly in central Java, surrounded by green hills and rice fields. It’s the largest Buddhist temple in the world and probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Indonesia. 

Built in the 9th century, the temple is made up of nine stacked levels you can walk around, with over 2,600 carved panels and more than 500 Buddha statues. 

The layout is based on Buddhist ideas about the path to enlightenment—people walk clockwise around each level, gradually making their way to the top. Near the summit, there are dozens of Buddhas inside stone domes, and the highest point is marked by a large stupa.

How to get to Borobudur Temple

It’s about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Yogyakarta. Most people fly into Yogyakarta International Airport and either hire a driver for the hour-long drive or join a tour. You can also take public transport to Borobudur village, but it takes longer and can be a bit confusing if you don’t speak the language. A lot of travelers visit Borobudur and Prambanan in the same day since they’re not too far apart.

When to visit Borobudur Temple

Try to get there for sunrise if you can—you’ll need a special ticket, but it’s cooler and one of the best things to do in Indonesia. It’s usually less crowded on weekdays. If you happen to be there around Vesak Day (usually May or June), you’ll see Buddhist ceremonies taking place, though it does draw more people.

4. See the mischievous macaques of Sacred Monkey Forest

Right in the center of Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest is home to more than 1,000 long-tailed macaques. They live among shady trees and temple ruins, and the area is still used for religious ceremonies. 

The forest covers about 30 acres (12.5 hectares), and it’s treated as both a spiritual and ecological space. You’ll see the monkeys hanging out in groups, grooming each other, chasing around, or trying to sneak food from distracted visitors. They’re used to people but still act like wild animals, so keep your stuff zipped up or in your bag.

How to get to the Sacred Monkey Forest

If you’re staying in Ubud, it’s usually just a short walk. The entrance is on Jalan Monkey Forest, which runs through the middle of town and is lined with cafés and shops. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Bali, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Hiring a driver is the easiest way to get there. It's usually pretty doable no matter how many days in Bali you have.

When to visit Sacred Monkey Forest

Go early in the morning (around 8:30–10:00 AM) or later in the afternoon (4:00–5:30 PM). It’s cooler then, and the monkeys are usually more active. April through October is the dry season, which makes walking around a bit more comfortable. Try to avoid going during heavy rain—the monkeys usually hide, and it’s less fun to walk through the forest when it’s wet.
 

5. Climbing an active volcano

There’s nothing quite like standing on the edge of a crater as the sun rises and steam drifts into the morning air. Indonesia has some unforgettable volcano hikes, and the experience can be anything from a short trek to a full-on multi-day climb, depending on where you go.

Mount Bromo in East Java and Mount Rinjani in Lombok are two of the most accessible routes if you’re looking for something challenging but manageable. Rinjani is more intense and usually done as a multi-day trek with camping. Mount Merapi, just outside Yogyakarta, is steeper and more unpredictable—it’s still one of the most active volcanoes in the country—so it’s better for experienced hikers.

The landscapes around these volcanoes feel like another planet—think black sand seas, scattered boulders, sulfur vents, and smoking craters. These are active zones along the Pacific Ring of Fire, and many locals see the volcanoes as sacred. Most guides will share local stories and explain how these mountains are tied to the culture and geology of the region.

How to get to the volcanoes

From Yogyakarta, it’s easy to join guided hikes to Mount Merapi. For Bromo, fly into Surabaya, then continue by car to the village of Cemoro Lawang, where jeep tours to the crater usually start early in the morning. 

Mount Rinjani treks begin in the villages of Senaru or Sembalun on Lombok. You’ll need a guide for any of these hikes. Multi-day routes typically include food, water, tents, and sleeping gear.

When to visit the volcanoes

April through October is the dry season, so trails are in better shape and visibility is clearer. May to September is generally the most reliable time to go. Avoid January and February—heavy rains make conditions risky, and some routes may be closed. If you want to catch the sunrise from the summit, plan for an early start—many treks begin before midnight or around 2–3am.
 

6. Face the dragons

Komodo dragons are the largest living lizards on the planet. They can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long and weigh more than 150 pounds (68 kilograms). You’ll find them in Komodo National Park, a cluster of islands east of Bali where these animals still roam free. They're strong, fast when they need to be, and their bite can be dangerous—it’s laced with venom and bacteria. They mostly hunt deer, wild boars, and sometimes water buffalo.

The park covers several islands, with Komodo and Rinca being the main ones for seeing the dragons. Rangers lead small group walks and explain their hunting habits, mating season, and why they're considered vulnerable in the wild. You’ll also pass through dry savannah landscapes, and there’s plenty to see in the surrounding sea—colorful coral reefs, manta rays, and reef fish.

How to get to Komodo National Park

Start by flying into Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. From there, join a boat trip to Komodo or Rinca. You can do a day trip, but a multi-day tour gives you more time to explore the area, snorkel, and visit beaches like the famous pink sand one on Padar Island.

When to visit Komodo National Park

The dry season, from April to December, is the best time to go. Dragons tend to be more active between July and September, which is their mating season. During the rainy season (January to March), boat rides can be rough, and some trails are closed. 
 

7. Pink Beach, Komodo Island

Pink Beach on Komodo Island is one of a handful of beaches in the world with naturally pink sand. The color comes from tiny red coral fragments that mix with white sand, creating a pale rose tone that stands out, especially when the sun is overhead. 

The beach is backed by calm, clear water and a shallow coral reef, making it a good place for a swim or a casual snorkel. You’ll likely see plenty of reef fish here, and sometimes sea turtles or rays. Since the beach is fairly remote, it tends to stay quieter—though it can get busier around midday with boat tours.

That said, Indonesia is anything but short of fantastic beaches; see our pick of the best beaches in Bali and the best beaches in Lombok.

How to get to Pink Beach

Start by flying to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. From there, most people take a boat tour through Komodo National Park, and Pink Beach is often included as a stop. It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours to get there by boat, depending on sea conditions. If you want more flexibility or a longer stay, you can look into a private charter.

When to visit Pink Beach

The best time to go is during the dry season, from April to October. Water visibility tends to be better then, and the beach’s pink tones show up best under clear skies. The sand tends to look its most colorful around midday when the sun is high. 
 

8. Surfing at G-Land, Java

G-Land (Grajagan Bay) is known for its long, powerful left-hand reef break that peels across a stretch of East Java coastline. It’s tucked inside Alas Purwo National Park, surrounded by thick jungle, and is one of Indonesia’s more remote surf destinations. You can easily spend an entire Indonesia itinerary here.

When the swell hits just right, the wave lines up for over 20 seconds and breaks across seven distinct sections, which is where the nickname “Seven Giants” comes from. This is a surf trip best suited for experienced surfers. The local surf camps are pretty straightforward—just the basics—but that’s part of the draw.

How to get to G-Land

You can fly into Banyuwangi in East Java, then take a 2-hour drive to Grajagan village and hop on a short boat ride from there. Some people fly into Bali instead and take a speedboat from Benoa Harbor, which usually takes around 3 to 4 hours. 

Most surfers book through a camp, which handles transport, accommodation, and food—booking in advance is smart since capacity is limited.

When to visit G-Land

Surf conditions are best between April and October, with the most consistent waves coming through from June to August thanks to offshore winds and steady swell. May and September can also be good, and you might have a bit more space in the lineup.
 

9. The Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are three small, car-free islands off the coast of Lombok—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Each has its own pace, and which Gili Island is best for your trip will depend on your travel style. Trawangan is known for its nightlife and social crowd, Meno is quieter and more secluded, and Air feels like a low-key mix of the two.

You won’t find any cars or motorbikes here—just bicycles and cidomos (horse-drawn carts). The white sand beaches and clear, shallow water make it easy to spend all day outside.

Snorkeling is popular, especially for spotting sea turtles around the reefs. Off Gili Meno, there’s a well-known underwater sculpture installation that’s turned into an artificial reef over time.

How to get to the Gili Islands

From Bali, you can take a fast boat from Padangbai, Sanur, or Serangan. The trip takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the sea. From Lombok International Airport, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Bangsal Harbor, where you can catch a public or private boat. Once you’re on one island, it’s easy to hop between the three by small boat—transfers run frequently.

When to visit the Gili Islands

The dry season from May to October is the most reliable for clear skies and good water visibility. July and August are peak season with more visitors. May, June, September, and October usually have great conditions and fewer crowds.
 

10. See the world's smallest and cutest primate

Tarsiers are tiny nocturnal primates found mainly in Sulawesi. They’re only about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) tall, with huge eyes that don’t move—so they turn their heads nearly 180 degrees instead. You’ll most likely see them in Tangkoko Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi, where they live in lowland rainforest.

They’ve been around for around 45 million years and still look a bit alien—with long fingers, bat-like ears, and an intense stare. Despite their size, they can leap over 16 feet (5 meters) between trees and communicate with high-pitched calls. 

How to get to see tarsiers

Fly into Manado, then travel about 37 miles (60 km) to Tangkoko Nature Reserve. You can hire a driver or join a guided tour from the city. Once inside the reserve, a local guide is required—they know the areas where tarsiers sleep during the day. For more info for your trip, be sure to see our Indonesia travel tips.

When to visit tarsiers

May to October is the best time to go, when trails are dry and easier to walk. The best times to see tarsiers are early morning (around 5–7 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM). 
 

11. Try Indonesian food

Indonesian food is as varied as the country’s 17,000-plus islands. You’ll find familiar dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice) and satay, but there’s so much more to try if you dig a little deeper. Rendang from Padang is a slow-cooked beef dish packed with spice and depth.

In Bali, babi guling (roast suckling pig) is a go-to for special occasions, while in Yogyakarta, you’ll run into gudeg, a sweet stew made from young jackfruit. In Sulawesi, seafood is often cooked with bold chili-based sauces that hit hard and linger.

You’ll find some of the best food at warungs—small, family-run eateries. They are everywhere and usually serve home-style dishes at low prices. 

How to get to try Indonesian food

Head to a local warung—these simple, casual places are where most people eat daily. 

For street food, night markets are a great bet. In Jakarta, check out the Glodok area. In Bali, Gianyar Night Market is popular. For Padang-style food, look for rumah makan Padang restaurants—you’ll recognize them by the stacked plates of food in the window..

When to try Indonesian food

If you're around during Ramadan (the dates shift each year), check out the night markets after sunset—they're packed with dishes made just for that season. Mornings are good for bubur ayam (chicken porridge) and fried snacks with coffee. 

Midday is peak time for nasi Padang places. Around 5 PM, street vendors start setting up, and things usually get busiest between 7–9 PM. Some dishes only show up on weekends—like soto, a light, aromatic soup you’ll often see served on Saturdays.
 

12. See the remnants of Krakatau

Krakatau (also called Krakatoa) is known for its massive eruption in 1883—it was so loud, it was heard over 3,000 miles (4,800 km) away.

The blast caused tsunamis that killed tens of thousands of people. Today, Anak Krakatau—“Child of Krakatau”—rises out of the sea where the old volcano once stood. It started forming in 1927 and still grows about 16 feet (5 meters) every year.

The surrounding islands are part of the old caldera, with black sand beaches and bright blue water. You’ll feel the volcanic landscape underfoot—sharp, dark rock, steep ridges, and occasional sulfur smells drifting through the air. If you snorkel nearby, you’ll see how much marine life has returned to the area since the eruption.

How to get to Krakatau

The easiest way is to go through Anyer or Carita Beach in West Java. From either town, local tour operators can set you up with a boat to the volcano—it takes about 1–2 hours to cross the Sunda Strait. 

Some tours leave directly from Jakarta, with a 3–4 hour drive to the coast first. Most trips include the boat ride, basic meals, and a guide. Some include snorkeling or even overnight camping on nearby islands.

When to visit Krakatau

April through October is usually the best time to go, when the seas are calmer and rain is less likely. Morning departures (around 7–8 AM) tend to be smoother and less hot. Make sure to check the current volcanic activity before planning a trip, as access can change quickly.

13. Snorkeling and diving in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a remote archipelago in Indonesia’s West Papua province, made up of over 1,500 islands. It's known for having some of the most diverse coral reef ecosystems on Earth—about 75% of the world’s known coral species live here, along with over 1,700 species of fish. 

If you’re diving or snorkeling, you can expect to see manta rays, swirling schools of fish, and healthy coral gardens in clear, warm water. The area’s isolation has helped preserve it, and local communities are actively involved in conservation efforts.

How to get to Raja Ampat

To get there, fly to Sorong from Jakarta, Bali, or Makassar with a domestic carrier. From Sorong’s harbor, take a ferry to Waisai—Raja Ampat’s main town—which takes about 2 to 4 hours. Some accommodations can arrange transfers from the airport directly to their islands, which can save some coordination on your end.

When to visit Raja Ampat

Plan your trip between October and April for the best visibility—usually around 65 to 100 feet (20 to 30 meters)—and calmer seas. Manta rays are most commonly seen between December and March. The monsoon season runs from May to September, which can bring rougher seas and make transfers more difficult.
 

14. See the annual Pasola Festival in Sumba

Pasola, which means “spear game” in the local language, is a traditional ritual festival held on Sumba Island. During the event, horsemen from rival villages charge at each other while throwing wooden spears—all while riding full speed on decorated horses. 

It’s part ceremony, part spectacle, and deeply spiritual. The ritual is tied to the agricultural cycle, and the blood spilled during the battle is believed to fertilize the land. There's music, traditional clothing, and a strong sense of community pride around the whole event.

You’ll definitely want to go with a local guide for logistics and to explain what’s happening (and how to avoid unintentionally crossing boundaries). They’ll also know which areas are okay to walk through and which are sacred or off-limits.

How to get to Pasola Festival

Fly into Tambolaka Airport in West Sumba from Bali or via Kupang. From there, you’ll need to arrange transport to the village hosting the festival that year—usually Wanokaka, Lamboya, Kodi, or Gaura. The location rotates based on the timing of the harvest.

When to visit Pasola Festival

Pasola usually takes place in February or March, in line with the arrival of nyale sea worms on the island’s coast. The exact dates are decided using the traditional Marapu calendar and are often announced just a few days in advance. It’s worth planning to stay on the island for 1 to 2 weeks if seeing the event is a priority. 
 

15. Kecak Dance

The Kecak Dance is Bali’s well-known “monkey chant” performance, where 50 to 100 bare-chested men sit in concentric circles, chanting “cak-cak-cak” in layered rhythms while swaying and raising their arms. It’s a vocal performance—there are no instruments. Instead, the chant builds an intense atmosphere as the dancers act out scenes from the Ramayana, focusing on Prince Rama’s battle with the demon king Ravana.

The dance was developed in the 1930s and blends older trance rituals with theatrical storytelling. The fire dance at the end, especially under torchlight, gives it a different kind of energy. It can be especially moving after spending the day at Bali's temples.

How to get to Kecak Dance

You’ll find regular performances in southern Bali, especially at the open-air clifftop amphitheater at Uluwatu Temple. It's a great addition to any Bali itinerary. Ubud also has performances in more traditional settings.

From Kuta, Seminyak, or Denpasar, you can hire a driver or take a taxi. Many hotels can help arrange transportation and tickets. 

When to visit Kecak Dance

Performances happen year-round, usually starting around 6:00–6:30 PM. If you’re going to an outdoor venue, the dry season from April to October is your best bet for clear weather. The Uluwatu show lines up with the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
 

16. Trek through the Mentawai Islands

Off the coast of Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands are home to an Indigenous community that still follows traditional ways of living. 

The Mentawai people are known for their tattoos, herbal medicine, and shamanic ceremonies. If you trek here, expect to hike through dense rainforest, wade through rivers, and stay in uma—wooden longhouses where several generations often live together. Guides usually bring you into villages where you can spend time with families.

The forests are home to wildlife like Mentawai macaques and gibbons, both found only in this part of the world. Some also add a few surfing days—the Mentawais are known for breaks like Macaronis and Rifles.

How to get to Mentawai Islands

Fly to Padang (Minangkabau International Airport) in West Sumatra, then take a fast ferry from Bungus Port to Siberut Island—it takes around 3 to 4 hours. Ferries to Sipora or North Pagai leave from Padang’s main harbor. Since logistics can get tricky, it’s best to book a local guide in advance.

When to visit Mentawai Islands

The best time to go is during the dry season, from April to October. River crossings are easier and the trails are less muddy. If you’re planning to surf, May to September brings consistent southern swells. Try to avoid January and February—rain is heavy and travel can get disrupted.

17. Explore the caves of Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is known for its offshore temple, but at low tide, you can also walk out to a series of sea caves beneath the rock. These limestone caves were carved by centuries of ocean waves, and Balinese tradition says they’re home to sacred sea snakes that protect the temple from bad spirits. If you’re curious, there’s usually a cave keeper around who may show you the snakes for a small donation.

The caves are only accessible when the tide is low. You’ll cross the exposed seabed to reach them, and inside it’s cool, echoey, and quiet.

One thing that stands out is how fresh water seeps through the cave walls and mixes with saltwater—creating these strange, small ecosystems. It’s a side of Tanah Lot most people miss, and one of the best tours in Bali to take.

How to get to Tanah Lot Caves

From Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud, you can get to Tanah Lot in about 30–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic. You can hire a driver or go with a tour. Once inside the complex, just follow the main path toward the temple. If the tide’s out, you’ll see where people walk across the rocks to the base of the temple formation.

When to visit Tanah Lot Caves

Plan to go during low tide—tide times shift daily, so it’s worth checking online before you head out. Late afternoon often works well, especially if it lines up with sunset. The dry season, from May through September, generally has more stable weather. Some Bali yoga retreats include excursions here.

18. Lake Toba

Lake Toba is the world’s largest volcanic lake, formed by a massive eruption about 74,000 years ago—the biggest volcanic event on Earth in the last 25 million years. The lake covers around 440 square miles (1,145 square kilometers) and reaches depths of nearly 1,500 feet (450 meters). In the middle is Samosir Island, which is big enough to feel like its own region.

The lake area is home to the Batak people, whose traditional houses have high saddleback roofs and whose music includes powerful vocal harmonies. 

The climate’s cooler up here, which makes it a nice break from the lowland heat. There are also hot springs around the lake where you can soak, and plenty of places to swim or just take it easy. Most towns around the lake are laid-back and easy to explore.

How to get to Lake Toba

You can fly into Silangit International Airport, which is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the lake. From there, it’s a short drive to most lake towns. 

Another option is flying into Medan’s Kualanamu Airport, then driving around 4 hours to Parapat. Ferries run from Parapat to Samosir Island and usually take 30–60 minutes. There are also long-distance buses from other cities like Padang and Bukittinggi.

When to visit Lake Toba

May through September is the dry season and the best time to be outdoors. June and July are good for lake activities like swimming or kayaking. From December to February, heavy rain is common and can make it harder to get around. For a cultural angle, check out events like the Lake Toba Festival, usually held around mid-year.