Top 10 Unique Places in Indonesia - Shelly Burks - Travel Blogger 2023

No matter whether you come to Indonesia for relaxation and leisure or seek thrilling adventures, you will discover everything in this stunning country. 

We have compiled a list of must-visit destinations in Indonesia to savor its cuisine, culture, architecture, history, and, of course, its breathtaking landscapes!

Dieng

A prominent highlight that cannot be overlooked in the area is the scenic hike around Mirror Lake and Colorful Lake. 

The trek offers breathtaking views of the two adjacent lakes and their surrounding mountains. The cool and refreshing mountain air provides a pleasant relief from the typical tropical heat prevalent in most of the surrounding tropical environment.

Bintan

Bintan is a beautiful island in Indonesia that you'll want to explore. Rent a motorbike, cruise along the island's coastline, and choose affordable beachside huts that suit your preferences.

 One of the highlights of Bintan is its amazing seafood. Freshly caught and reasonably priced, this delightful addition makes visiting Bintan truly worthwhile for seafood enthusiasts. It's certainly one of the best islands in Indonesia.

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is an archipelago located off the Bird's Head Peninsula and is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. 

What makes Raja Ampat special is that it lies outside of the tourist park and is an untouched marine ecological park. 

Raja Ampat is a popular destination for divers, and they also have an excellent homestay program where locals take great care of their environment. You won't find large resorts here, and that's its charm.

Jakarta

This mega-city is filled with numerous attractions. You can take a stroll around the old Dutch area of Kota and visit the towering National Monument.

 If you enjoy the bustling city atmosphere, museums, Dutch architecture, shopping, nightlife, and exploring all the diverse cultures that Indonesia offers, don't miss Jakarta and make it a part of your vacation in Indonesia.

Yogyakarta

Once a royal city, Yogyakarta is famous for Indonesia's traditional arts, literature, as well as its captivating history and traditions.

Surrounded by ancient temples, royal palaces, and stunning natural beauty, you'll definitely want to explore Yogyakarta on any trip to Indonesia. Discover the enchanting water castle of Tamansari, a former royal retreat complete with private baths, underground tunnels, and a mosque.

See if you can turn a local legend into reality by visiting the nearby Southern Square and walking blindfolded between the twin banyan trees.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. The island is located off the coast of Bali, making it a popular destination for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bali. 

It offers you a chance to sit back and relax. A great reward awaits you as you will find a truly beautiful place to stay with a stunning swimming pool. If you ever feel bored, you can always take a boat from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida.

Nusa Penida

You only need to take a short boat trip from there to reach Nusa Penida, which has some of the best beaches in Indonesia.

The majority of its west coast comprises of towering cliffs, offering spectacular views of the azure waters of the Badung Strait from the top. If you can brave the treacherous journey to reach them, you'll be rewarded with pristine beaches at the foot of the cliffs. 

The beauty of Nusa Penida attracts many Instagram users who love quick snaps, but they mostly visit the far northwest corner of the island, near Angel's Billabong, Kelingking Beach, and Crystal Bay.

Sumba

Sumba Island is far off the tourist trail, but it's undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. While Sumba is a paradise for world-class surf experiences, there is much more to explore beyond its stunning coastline.

Local people hold dear to their cherished traditions and cultural values, living a simple yet meaningful life. The best things to do in Sumba include swimming in Lake Weekuri, discovering waterfalls, visiting traditional villages, and surfing at one of the many secluded beaches.

Ambon

Ambon is part of the Maluku Islands and is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.

Not heavily influenced by Western culture, Ambon offers a lot in the traditional Indonesian way. A visit to Namalatu Beach will give you a chance to witness the traditional Sahureka-reka dance or head to Liang Beach to witness the thrilling Mua tre Gila dance.

You should also consider taking a day trip to one of the nearby islands, such as Saparua, via a high-speed boat. You can spend the morning at the market and then visit Duurstede Fortress to learn a bit of history and enjoy the island's scenic views.

Belitung

You will find scattered beaches with towering granite rocks, smooth sand, and crystal-clear turquoise waters to admire the perfect coral reefs. Join a boat tour to explore various small islands and sandy coves, dive into the warm waters, or simply relax under palm trees with a young coconut in hand.

For the more adventurous, there are large rocks to climb, offering a 360-degree view of the beaches and islands. Belitung is a hidden tropical paradise you have never heard of before.

Which place do you want to visit the most among these places? We hope our compiled list will be helpful for your upcoming trip!