There are many surreal places in Indonesia, and together they offer a
mix of outlandish island wonders and spine-chilling wildlife
adventures. Here’s a list of the most beautiful places in Indonesia,
covering islands, beaches and lakes for the water babies; national parks
for wildlife lovers; active volcano sites for adventurous souls; and
places for city explorers.
1. Gili Islands, Lombok
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Overwater villas are so romantic, that there is no way to forget them
while making a list of most beautiful places in Indonesia. Fringed by
white sand beaches and blue water, the complex of three small and
isolated islands namely Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air bears
unique scenic appeal.
Things to do: Besides adventure sports like
snorkeling, surfing and diving, go island hopping, fishing and touring
in glass-bottom boats. Else, just chill out in a beachside cafe or
shack.
Best places to stay: Les Villas, Oceano Jambuluwuk and Ombak Sunset.
2. Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua
Raja Ampat, meaning Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising islands
Waigeo, Misool, Salawati, and Batanta, besides 1500 minor ones. The
awe-inspiring backdrop of steep, forested islands, sizzling beaches, and
marshy lagoons, small atolls looking like mushrooms and shining
turquoise water makes the place a perfect delight for travelers. The
area is rich in marine flora and fauna diversity including rare species
of corals.
Things to do: Snorkelling, underwater diving, kayaking and relishing nature.
Best places to stay: Swiss Belhotel, Marina Mamberamo and Belagri Hotel.
3. Maluk Beach, Sumbawa Island
This is one of the stunning beaches of Indonesia located along the
western coast of south Sumbawa Island. With changing colors of sun rays,
the waves also look vibrant and magical.
Things to do: Sunbathing and wave surfing are common activities here. One can also visit the Malu Turtle Conservation Center located nearby.
Best places to stay: Rantung Beach Hotel, Nomad
Tropical Beach Resort and Ring Sameton Inn. There are numerous home stay
options available around Maluk beach.
4. Kelimutu Lake, Nusa Tenggara Timur
Kelimutu Lake is a league apart, and certainly one of the most
visited of beautiful places in Indonesia. Kelimutu is a collective term
given to three crater lakes formed by the volcano of the same name.
Though situated on the same volcanic peak, three lakes display three
different colours – red, blue and white.
Things to do: Go for trekking and exploring the beautiful landscapes and lake wonders. Sunsets and sunrises in Kelimutu are surreal.
Best places to stay: Kelimutu Crater Lake Eco Lodge
5. Lake Toba, North Sumatra
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Lake Toba, situated on Earth’s largest caldera, has a volcanic origin
and was formed approximately 70,000 years ago. It may sound like a
riddle but Lake Toba is situated in an island, which again is in a lake!
If you didn’t get it, read again.
Things to do: Swim in the volcanically warmed water.
Besides, it is perfect to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings of
this beautiful place in Indonesia.
Best places to stay: Hotel Carolina, Toledo Inn and Hotel Tiara Bunga.
6. Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi
The picture clearly says that next in our list is among the most
beautiful places in Indonesia. Bunaken Sea Park located in the northern
stretch of Sulawesi is rich in marine flora and fauna. The sight of
numerous exotic and endangered fish species present in the crystal clear
water have increased the tourist density of the area.
Things to do: Snorkeling and diving – stick to them.
They are the best ways to discover the glamorous and unusual aquatic
life of the Bunaken Sea Park.
Best places to stay: Siladen Resort, Living Colours
Dive Resort and The Village Bunaken. Besides, there are plenty of
homestay options for backpackers.
7. Komodo National Park, Nusa Tenggara Timur
The island located between Sumbawa and Flores, along western Nusa
Tenggara Timur, is popular for presence of giant Monitor Lizards known
as Komodo Dragons. The island is arid, rugged and barren and forms a
part of Komodo National Park and Marine Reserve. Aerial views prove that
it is inarguably, among the most beautiful places in Indonesia.
Things to do: Besides spotting endangered Komodo
dragons, a range of activities can be enjoyed Komodo National Park. Go
for kayaking, diving, trekking or the guided island tours.
Best places to stay: Waecicu Eden Beach Hotel, Komodo Resort, and Golo Hilltop.
8. Mount Bromo, East Java
Mount Bromo or better known as Gunung Bromo is a volcano in active
state. The top of the Bromo forms a crater which emits white smoke at
regular intervals. A part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park,
this volcano is fringed by sea of volcanic sand.
Things to do: Hiking and trekking
Best places to stay: Java Banano Bromo
9. Mount Rinjani, Nusa Tenggara Barat
Locally known as Gunung Rinjani, this is an active volcano on Mount
Lombok. It is the second highest volcano of Indonesia after Mount
Kerinci in Sumatra. The hilly landscape is dominated by the Crater Lake
called Segara Anak, which has a natural hot spring in it.
Things to do: Besides enjoying the serene yet daring
beauty of a volcano, Mount Rinjani is a good place to go hiking.
Climbing alone is not advisable, so prefer going in a group.
Best places to stay: Hakiki Inn, Green Orry Inn, and Dewi Tunjung Biru along with plenty of decent homestay options.
10. Ijen, East Java
Ijen is one of the group of volcanoes within a huge acidic blue-water
crater. Ijen is located in eastern Java, lying west of Gunung Merapi.
It is the tallest volcano of the cluster and dangerously beautiful place
in Indonesia. The area is rich in sulphur and famous for mining
activities.
Things to do: Trek up to the crater or in the
foothills, the beauty of the place is enthralling. Also, the local
villages are worth a small exploration trip.
Best places to stay: Berlian Abadi, Manyar Garden Hotels and Ijen Resorts and Villas.
11. Dieng Plateau, Central Java
Tectonically formed after an eruption, this plateau is a caldera
situated almost 2000 metres above sea level. This marshy plateau is
known as Dieng which means abode of God.
Things to do: Trek to the multi-coloured Telaga Warna lake and explore the Arjuna temple.
Best places to stay: Kresna Gallery Hotel, Arjuna Hotel and Surya Asia Hotel. There are numerous homestay options available for backpackers.
12. Torajaland, South Sulawesi
The highland region known as Torajaland, located at southern Sulawesi
is the home of Toraja tribe. Torajan people are well-known for their
culture, tradition, rituals and high peaked-roof houses called
Tongkonan. Their unique pattern makes it a distinct and beautiful place
in Indonesia.
Things to do: Hiking is the best, and the only thing to do here. It will be fun to explore the model Toraja settlement at Kete Kesu.
Best places to stay: Luta Resort, Riana Guest House and Hotel Indra.
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