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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Indonesia
Indonesia is a huge country, in both population and land area, with significant cultural and geological diversity. With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, it is the largest archipelago in the world. The population of around 240 million people is derived from 300 ethnic groups who speak over 250 different languages. While Bali is usually the destination most familiar to foreign visitors, there is a wealth of other top tourist attractions in Indonesia to discover in this vast and varied country.
10Lake Toba
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Lake Toba on the island of Sumatra is an immense volcanic lake about 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. Formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some 70,000 years ago, it is the largest resurgent caldera on Earth. Genetic estimates suggests that there were only a few thousand humans that survived the catastrophe. The island in the middle – Pulau Samosir – is the largest island within an island and contains two lakes. Besides visiting “a lake on an island within a lake on an island” tourist also come here to kick back and relax and swim in the volcanically warmed waters.

9Tanjung Puting
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The Tanjung Puting National Park is located on the island of Borneo in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan. The park is a popular ecotourism destination, with many local tour companies offering multi-day boat tours to view wildlife and visit the research centers. Wildlife include gibbons, macaques, clouded leopards, sun bears, pythons, crocodiles and – most famously – orangutans. Unfortunately the park is heavily threatened by illegal logging and forest clearing for agricultural uses.

8Baliem Valley
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The Baliem Valley in the highlands of Western New Guinea offers a glimpse into what was recently a stone-age world. The valley was not known to the outside world until 1938 when an aerial reconnaissance flight southwards from Hollandia (now Jayapura) discovered a large agricultural population. Wamena is the starting point for most visitors who come nowadays to marvel at the mountain views, roaring rivers, tribal villages and at the tough but sweet spirit of the warm Dani people.

7Mount Bromo
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Gunung Bromo is an active volcano and part of the Tengger massif, in East Java. At 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) it is not the highest peak of the massif, but it is the most well known. The area is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Indonesia and Java. The top of the volcano has been blown off and the crater inside constantly belches white smoke. It is surrounded by the Sea of Sand of fine volcanic sand. The overall effect is unsettlingly unearthly.

6Bunaken
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Located at the north of the island of Sulawesi, Bunaken is one of Indonesia’s most famous dive and snorkeling areas. The island is part of the Bunaken Marine Park where you can see more than 70% of all fish species that live in the western Pacific ocean. The best time for diving in Bunaken is between the months of April and November.
 
5Torajaland
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Torajaland (Tana Toraja) is a highland region of South Sulawesi, home of the Toraja people. Torajans are famous for their massive peaked-roof houses known as tongkonan and spectacular but gruesome funeral rites. After a person’s death, the body is kept – often for several years – until the actual funeral ceremony which can last for several days. The deceased is then finally buried in a small cave or in a hollow tree.

4Gili Islands
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Lombok’s most popular tourist destination, the Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes still playing reggae and no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace. Note that the name “Gili Islands” is rather redundant as gili simply means “small island” in Sasak and there are many other islands around the coast of Lombok with Gili in their names.

See also: Where to Stay in Gili Islands

3Komodo National Park
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The Komodo National Park is a national park located within the Lesser Sunda Islands that includes the three larger islands Komodo, Padar and Rincah, and 26 smaller ones. The park is named after the Komodo Dragon, the world’s largest living reptile that can reach 3 meters or more in length and weigh over 70kg. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carcass of dead animals, they are formidable predators and will also hunt prey including birds, and mammals. Attacks against humans are very rare.

2Borobudur
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Located 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Yogyakarta on Java, the Borobudur is the one of the most famous Buddhist temple in the world. The Borobudur was built over a period of some 75 years in the 8th and 9th centuries by the kingdom of Sailendra, out of an estimated 2 million blocks of stone. It was abandoned in the 14th century for reasons that still remain a mystery and for centuries lay hidden in the jungle under layers of volcanic ash. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia.



1Ubud
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Perched among stunning terraced rice fields, Ubud is considered the cultural heart of Bali and one of the top tourist attractions in Indonesia. There are dance and music performances every day throughout the city as well as numerous art galleries and craft shops to explore. Although Ubud has long been valued as a great place to learn about Balinese culture, tourism in Ubud boomed exponentially in the last decades. Fortunately, it only takes a short walk or bicycle ride to escape from the crowds and commercialism.
touropia com/tourist-attractions-in-indonesia/
 
7 Exotic Islands of Nusa Tenggara
7Alor Island
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flickr/ALBERT Jata
Alor is one of the easternmost islands in Nusa Tenggara. It’s also one of the archipelago’s least visited isles, making Alor an ideal destination for travelers who wish to experience island life in an unspoiled environment. Soaring volcanoes in the center of Alor form a formidable barrier, and islanders often use wooden ferries to travel to different parts of the island. The capital city of Kalabahi in the only flat area on the island. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities on Alor’s outlaying islets. Alor’s scenic beaches, including Mali, Maimol and Batu Putih are favored for sunbathing and relaxed swimming.

6West Timor
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flickr/rainy city
Located at the eastern end of Nusa Tenggara archipelago, West Timor makes up the Indonesian half of the island of Timor. East Timor is an independent country. Kupang is the region’s main city and the capital of East Nusa Tenggara as well. Nearby attractions include the coconut palms, white sands and clear blue waters of Lasiana Beach and the underground natural swimming pool located at Crystal Cave. Kupang is also a good place to shop for authentic ikat textiles and hand-carved wood tokens. West Timor’s offshore islands of Kera and Semau offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

5Sumbawa
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wikipedia/Torbenbrinker
Located to the east of Lombok, Sumbawa is best known for its great surfing, although getting to the best surfing spots can be challenging in this largely undeveloped island. With its mountainous terrain and predominantly conservative Muslim population, Sumbawa lacks the infrastructure and tourist accommodations of other islands in Nusa Tenggara. Surfers can catch a bus or charter a car at the main town of Sumbawa Besar to reach the breaks at Maluk or Lakey beach. Sumbawa Besar also offers access to Moyo Island, an atoll and nature preserve that’s a popular snorkeling destination.

4Sumba
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flickr/monica.renata
Situated to the south of the arcing Nusa Tenggara archipelago, Sumba is most notable for retaining its ancient traditions. Whether it’s the Bronze Age megalithic burial sites, the sometimes lethal spear-throwing war game of Pasola or the highly detailed ikat textiles that can take months of labor to craft, Sumba can feel like an island lost in time. East Sumba features several bungalow resorts where visitors can relax on white sandy beaches or participate in water sports like surfing, snorkeling or game fishing.

3Flores Island
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flickr/michael-day
Lying to the east of Sumbawa and to the west of Lembata in Nusa Tenggara, the long island of Flores offers an array of natural and archeological wonders. The most famous attraction in Flores is the Kelimutu volcano caldera, which has three lakes fed by volcanic gas that change color according to the amount of oxidation in the water. Archeological finds abound in Flores. A prehistoric bronze boat is on display near the village of Maumere, the villages of Bena and Luba are known for their Stone Age megaliths and at the Liang Bua Cave is western Flores, skeletons of the previously unknown species Homo floresiensis, nicknamed “hobbits,” were discovered in 2004.

2Komodo National Park
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Encompassing both Rinca Island, Komodo Island and a number of islets, the Komodo National Park is known the world over as the habitat of the Komodo Dragons, giant carnivorous monitor lizards that can reach up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length. The reptiles roam freely over the islands, and visitors rely on experienced tour guides to keep them safe. Komodo National Park is also famous as a world-class scuba diving destination. Because sharks, sea snakes and sea-wasp jellyfish share the coral reef with other sea life, however, it’s not a place for novice divers. Snorkeling areas like those at Pantai Merah offer an alternate option for underwater explorations.

1Lombok
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flickr/rajkumar1220
The most western island of Nusa Tenggara, Lombok is often compared to its closest neighbor: Bali. Lombok has the same kind of beautiful beaches, splashing waterfalls and volcanic scenery as the island across the Lombok Strait, with less commercialism and fewer crowds. In many ways it is the tropical paradise that many people still mistakenly imagine Bali to be now. The island’s northern area is dominated by the enormous volcano of Gunung Rinjani, and trekking at least part of the way up is the reason many tourists visit the island. The three Gili Islands, just off the northwest coast are Lombok’s most popular beach destination, while the luxurious Senggigi resort and Kuta, a popular surfing center, also offer great beaches. With its manmade lagoon and mix of Hindu, Islamic and native Sasak architectural styles, the Narmada Taman temple is worth a visit as well.
 
6 Reasons to Plan a Romantic Getaway to the Gili Islands
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Imagine your picture perfect romantic getaway. Did you think about a tropical beach on an island with beautiful white sand and crystal clear turquoise blue water? Yeah, us too!

If you’re looking for a tropical romantic getaway on an island you’ve honestly probably never heard of, then you definitely need to start planning your trip to the Gili Islands.

The Gili Islands are an archipelago of 3 small islands just off the East coast of Bali, Indonesia. Conveniently, the Gili Islands each offer a different vibe and experience which means that this destination works for just about any couple out there.

If you’re like us, and the honeymoon vacation is your idea of a romantic getaway, then both Gili Meno and Gili Air offer a romantic, relaxed, honeymoon vibe. Gili Meno is actually commonly referred to as the honeymoon island and Gili Air offers tons of beautiful beaches and is inhabited by a number of locals who will make you feel right at home.

Perhaps the honeymoon style getaway isn’t particularly your style? That’s ok!
Gili Trawangan is the most popular of the Gili Islands and is known as a party destination. It also has a number of awesome swings and hammocks hanging over the ocean that will be sure to relax you after a long day of fun.

Regardless which island you choose- or perhaps you’ll choose 2- or all 3 of them– there are a load of reasons that the Gili Islands ought to be your next romantic getaway!

Here is why we think you should plan a romantic getaway to the Gili Islands!

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– Natural Beauty –
We think these pictures can pretty much speak for themselves. The Gili Islands are one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. White sand beaches meet crystal clear water that is about as warm as a bath.

The center of the islands are covered densely by beautiful trees and other greenery that makes its way all the way up to the beach- providing a very private feel.




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– No Cars –
There is literally zero chance that a car will keep you awake at night, and you will have zero concern about renting a car here because there are no cars on the islands.

The “faster” form of transportation is a horse drawn carriage that will take you around the island for about $7.




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– Snorkeling –
Gili Meno and Gili Air share a reef between them that offers some incredible snorkeling! We chose to snorkel just off Gili Meno because we found out that it is essentially sea turtle Mecca.

We were not at all disappointed as we ended up swimming with two beautiful sea turtles and a ton of gorgeous fish!




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– People –
To catch you all up a bit, we are currently spending 2 months in Bali, Indonesia. Over the last 2 weeks we have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most incredible people we have ever met.

The people of Bali are beyond happy, humble, friendly, and hospitable. The same goes for the Gili Islands and most parts of Indonesia. The locals you’ll meet on the Gili Islands make you feel like family.

We only stayed on each island for one night but just after 24 hours we had our hotel staff and some of our new local friends asking us not to leave!




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– Exclusive –
Other than a few hundred locals and a few hundred tourists, the Gilis are very exclusive. Ask your friends…odds are that most haven’t even heard of them.

It’s not hard to find a private beach and really feel like you and your significant other have escaped to paradise!




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– Budget Friendly –
Yes! For a 4-star hotel you’re probably looking at spending about $80-90 a night. On top of that, food, drinks, snorkeling, scuba diving, and other activities are all super cheap as well!

theblondeabroad com/2011/09/09/monkey-forest-ubud-markets-an-organic-farm/
 
Wayag island, Raja Ampat

© Stanislav Sedov


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Mount Prau, Dieng, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

© zukhrufi aprilia


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Gili lawa, Flores

© Windy Prahesti


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Balangan Beach, Bali

© Odika Bayu


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Komodo Island, Flores.

© bang_tora


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Tarimbang Beach, East Sumba.


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Kelingking beach, Nusa penida, Bali

© Andhika Bayu


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Jomblang Cave, YOGYAKARTA

© Heru KMJ


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Pig island, Gorontalo.


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Ora beach, Maluku

© Paramiswari


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Cikaso waterfall, Sukabumi, West Java.

© Herukmj


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Lembah Harau, West Sumatera.

© Ari Afandi


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Tegenungan waterfall, Bali.

© Aurynhg


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Tegal panjang, Garut, West Java.

© Desti


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Wayag island, Raja ampat.

Photo by : Albern Sultan


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Gili trawangan, Lombok.


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Flores Pink Beach

© Ezra Tefa


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Mount Bromo, East Java.

© diyan_fadani


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Selong hill, Sembalun, Lombok.


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Selecta Garden, Malang, East Java.

© Ameilia Sinarta


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Mandorak beach, Sumba barat daya.

My Trip My Adventure


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Kemuning tea plantation, Karanganyar, Central Java.


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Kanawa Island

© Rayza Djo


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Wayag island, Raja Ampat.


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Kedung pedut waterfall, Yogyakarta.

© Hafizh Yoga


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Mt. Bromo, East Java.

© aditzt


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Pink beach, Flores.


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Waerebo village, Flores, NTT.

© Christon Aprilando


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Mount prau, Dieng, Central Java.

© dnym_


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Morotai Island, MALUKU


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Cloud Lounge, Jakarta.


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Menjangan resort, Bali.


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Penimbung waterfall, Lombok.

© Buckhori Juniansyah


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Labuan Cermin, Berau, East Kalimantan.

© erinern_


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Kelor Island

© Ardian Bobby


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Seram Island, Maluku


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Green Canyon, West Java.

© adityagalihl


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Matantimali, Palu, Central Sulawesi.


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Pasir timbul, Raja Ampat.


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Iboih Island, Aceh.

© Fariz Hidayat




Little Venice, Cianjur, West Java.

© Taufiq Rahman





Pianemo, Raja Ampat.

© Putu Yuliatini




Kalibiru, Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta.

© Angelina Kusuma




Grafika cikole, Lembang, Bandung West Java.

© pevypev


 
Argapura, Majalengka, West Java.

© Adi Ryan ANS




Ora beach, Seram island, Maluku.

© Hendrik





Labengki Island




Pagang Island, West Sumatera.

© Yudhisa Putra




Wayag, Raja Ampat.


 
Lake Labuan Cermin, Berau, East Kalimantan.

© Faril Fistama




Komodo Island, Flores.

© Stefano Unterthiner




Bair Island, Maluku




Kalibiru, Yogyakarta.

© Advina Ratnaningsih




Curug malela, Bandung, West Java.

© Kusdaniva


 
Coban sewu falls, Lumajang-Malang, East Java.

© Al Fandi




Kawe Beach, Raja Ampat.




Langkai Island, Makassar.

© Ardiyanta




Tanjung Aan, Lombok.

© ubayamrinur


 
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