Indonesia Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions
As a collection of islands, the Indonesian archipelago conceals countless precious treasures in its vast diversity of landscapes, cultures, and cities. With almost 13,500 islands as if strung together by a thread, the country offers an exciting adventure for everybody, from diving in mostly untouched waters of varying lovely shades of blue and green colors, hiking near rumbling volcanoes to exploring ancient temples yet standing tall and proudly. Visitors are guaranteed to find countless top tourist attractions in Indonesia.
You could roam the lively streets of Jakarta, the country's political, cultural, and economic heart, or step way back in time by visiting the distant villages of Tana Toraja, confront the volatile Anak Krakatu, or explore the Bali's Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Whatever you decide, the adventure is certain to be one overflowing with appreciation and admiration for a country rich in natural beauty and history. Find the top tourist attractions in Indonesia with my Indonesia travel guide.
1) Beaches in Bali. Undeniably Indonesia's wildly popular vacation site, Bali provides a decent number of cultural traditions and landmarks which guarantees a fun visit here. Without doubt, for a lot of people, Bali is the ultimate spot for beautiful beaches. If you're looking for a beach vacation, you should consider any of Bali's top luxury beach resorts so you can then soak up the sun.
Any tourist traveling thus far, will have blue water and warm sand on their mind, and Bali never disappoint. Kuta is a fine beach, plus it's excellent choice for those who want to combine surfing, socializing, and sun all in one trip here. On account of its raging popularity, you'll have no scarcity of restaurants and activities to do while here.
If you're interested in something less crowded and quieter, Nusa Dua is yet a beauty and lures less visitors. But Sanur is the beach to go for a bit more culture and exciting water sports.
2) Borobudur. This very old temple is both famously and culturally important landmark in the country. Built in the eighth century, Borobudur was constructed in the form of a conventional Buddhist mandala. It's not only a top UNESCO World Heritage site but also regarded as one of the world's greatest Buddhist sites.
Though forgotten for seemingly ages, with the firm belief that a lot of the population relocated to eastern Java because of volcanic eruptions, the massive temple was rediscovered in the eighteenth hundreds and, now, is a major draw in Java.
Come by at dawn to enjoy a climb up the temple with a torch-light and for the incredible experience of seeing the complex get bathed in sunlight. Borobudur sits close to Yogyakarta, an aged Javanese city famous for its rich historical and cultural contributions.
3) Orangutans of Borneo. A trip to Indonesia can't be complete if you fail to see some orangutans, and Borneo is a fine place to appreciate these amazing and endangered animals. Despite orangutans yet live in the wilderness, many sanctuaries are actively rescuing and protecting them as new land development continues to encroach on their natural environment.
Located in Kalimantan, Borneo, Tarjung Puting National Park today is home to the world's largest orangutan population, including reptiles, birds, and other primates.
If you can't go to Borneo, you could always see them at the Bohorok Orangutan Centre, located in Bukit Lawang, now a tourism village that lies in the Sumatran jungle.
4) Sacred Monkey Forest. As Bali's cultural heart, Ubud is home to the Sacred Monkey Forest, a peaceful area where you could feel the island's ancient majesty all around you as if the ghosts of the long dead from ancient times are there observing you.
Here, at the Hindu temple, you probably will see several long-tailed macaques, which is a type of monkey typically found throughout Southeast Asia. The temple itself in addition makes a great visit since Balinese Hinduism unites aspects of many various religions, making it both unique and distinct among other kinds of Hinduism practiced these days.
The forest lies close to Pad Angtegal, a little village which has been luring artists of all types for several years, and the artistry, the temple, and breathtaking natural scenery make a visit to the village and forest a must-do in the island.
5) Pura Tanah Lot. As an extremely popular temple in Bali, Pura Tanah Lot was constructed on a rock formation and in the sea. Since the original formation started deteriorating at some point, a part of the rock consequently is today artificial. Yet, it lures visitors in masses, especially during the dusk.
The temple site sits on the south coast of a nearby Beraban village, and you could stroll out at low tide to the temple. When the sun sets, consider browsing through Tanah Lot marketplace in order to buy unique Balinese souvenirs.
