Discover the best things to do in Indonesia, from Bali’s beaches to Yogyakarta’s temples, Jakarta sightseeing, and Lombok attractions. A complete, practical travel guide.
Indonesia is not a single experience destination. It is a vast archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, stretching between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Cultures, religions, landscapes and cuisines change significantly from one island to the next. For travellers, this diversity is Indonesia’s greatest strength.
This guide covers the top things to do in Indonesia, with an emphasis on practical, well known destinations alongside quieter cultural centres. It includes detailed sections on Bali, Java, Jakarta and Lombok, helping you plan a well balanced trip.
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, but tourism tends to concentrate in a few regions. Bali, Java and Lombok together account for a large share of international arrivals. That makes sense logistically, but it only scratches the surface.
Broadly, Indonesia can be divided into these travel regions:
Each region offers something distinct, and the best trips often combine two or more.
Bali remains Indonesia’s most visited island, welcoming millions of travellers each year. While it is often associated with beaches, Bali’s appeal lies in how easily visitors can shift between coastal towns, inland villages, and spiritual sites.
Bali’s coastline varies widely. The south is known for busy beach towns and nightlife, while the north and east are quieter and more traditional.
Surfing is central to life in southern Bali. Even beginners can find lessons and manageable waves, particularly around Kuta and Canggu. More experienced surfers head to Uluwatu and Padang Padang for reef breaks.
Balinese Hinduism shapes daily life on the island. Temples are not tourist set pieces but active places of worship.
Key temples include:
Visitors should dress modestly, typically wearing a sarong and sash.
Kuta is often the first stop for travellers arriving in Bali, as it is close to Ngurah Rai International Airport.
While Kuta has a reputation for nightlife, it also offers practical advantages.
Kuta Beach is one of Bali’s most accessible surfing spots, with sandy bottoms and gentle waves. Equipment hires and lessons are widely available.
Kuta has large shopping centres, pharmacies, and international restaurants. It is useful for short stays, particularly before onward travel.
Travellers looking for quieter experiences often move north after a day or two.
Canggu has grown rapidly over the past decade. What was once a laid back surf village is now a centre for digital nomads, cafés and creative businesses.
Canggu is known for its café culture. Many establishments cater to remote workers, offering good Wi Fi and relaxed environments.
Echo Beach and Batu Bolong are popular for sunsets. Beach clubs tend to be casual rather than formal, with a strong focus on music and food rather than luxury.
Canggu offers consistent surf and a large number of yoga studios, making it a popular base for longer stays.
Seminyak sits between Kuta and Canggu, offering a more polished version of Bali’s southern coast.
Seminyak is known for its dining scene, ranging from local Indonesian restaurants to chef led international kitchens. Boutique shopping is more curated than in Kuta.
Seminyak Beach is quieter than Kuta and lined with resorts and beach bars. Accommodation here often focuses on comfort rather than nightlife.
Yogyakarta, often shortened to “Jogja,” is one of Indonesia’s most important cultural centres. Located in Central Java, it offers insight into Javanese traditions, arts and royal history.
Borobudur and Prambanan are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and rank among Southeast Asia’s most significant monuments.
Batik textiles, puppetry (wayang), and traditional music are integral to the city. Workshops and museums provide deeper understanding beyond surface tourism.
Yogyakarta cuisine tends to be sweeter than other parts of Java. Gudeg, made from young jackfruit, is a local speciality.
Jakarta is often overlooked by leisure travellers, but it provides valuable context for understanding modern Indonesia.
Jakarta is one of Southeast Asia’s best cities for regional Indonesian food. Dishes from across the country are available in one place, often at street prices.
Traffic in Jakarta can be heavy. Using trains or planning carefully is essential for short visits.
Located east of Bali, Lombok offers strong natural appeal with fewer crowds.
Lombok’s southern beaches are less developed than Bali’s. They are popular with surfers and travellers seeking quieter settings.
Mount Rinjani is Indonesia’s second highest volcano. Multi day treks are popular, though they require good fitness and planning.
The Gili Islands, off Lombok’s coast, are known for clear waters and relaxed atmospheres. Motorised vehicles are restricted, contributing to their slower pace.
Indonesia has a tropical climate. The dry season runs roughly from May to September, while the wet season falls between October and April. Rain tends to come in short, heavy bursts rather than all day downpours.
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic phrases is appreciated.
Indonesia offers an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e VoA) to citizens of many countries for short visits, including tourism. Read our guide on how to applya for Indonesia e-VoA here
Visa policies can change. Always verify details through official Indonesian immigration websites before travelling.
Indonesia rewards travellers who plan thoughtfully. Whether you are interested in beaches, culture, history or food, the country offers depth beyond its headline attractions.
Before travelling, ensure your visa requirements are up to date. If eligible, consider applying for an e Visa on Arrival (e VoA) in advance to save time on arrival.
Check official partner of the Indonesian government website and apply early to travel with confidence.
