Things To Do In Indonesia: Discover The Culture And Traditions

The beautiful sunset picture with boats on the water in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.

Indonesia, the largest island in the world, has breathtaking views of over 17,000 islands. It is a wonderful destination full of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you are looking for calm beaches, beautiful cities, or magnificent nature, you will have plenty of things to do in Indonesia! From bustling streets in Jakarta to the peaceful temples of Bali, Indonesia offers countless opportunities for exploration. Be it nature, history, or adventure, Indonesia is the country to witness theirs to the fullest.

10 Things To Do In Indonesia

Below are the 10 unforgettable things you can do in Indonesia as you decide to travel to a beautiful island, Indonesia.

1. Visit Borobudur Temple

The view of Borobudur temple from the Northwest plateau, Central Java, Indonesia.

Photo: Gunawan Kartapranata / Wikimedia Commons

Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, is a classic tourist destination in Indonesia. It was constructed in the 9th century and features stunning architecture and beautiful stone carvings. The Temple consists of nine stacked platforms, the uppermost crowned with a great central dome. Visitors can walk through thousands of relief panels portraying the teachings of Buddhism. Borobudur is situated in Central Java, and the surrounding mountains and fields offer a panoramic view.

Best Time To Visit: During sunrise
Entry Fee: IDR 500,000
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM

2. Hike Mount Bromo

The sunrise view at Mount Bromo shows its active volcano smoke and Mount Semeru.

Photo: Thomas Hirsch (= user Ravn) / Wikimedia Commons

One of Indonesia’s prime volcanoes, Mount Bromo offers the most captivating view for all nature lovers and hikers alike. East Java is the home to Mount Bromo. The surroundings, too, offer something to be lost in, such as a mighty sea of sand inclining down to abrupt cliffs. Early dawn will be when the hike will commence. After much time and energy has been preserved for this, the historical mist will be upon the smoking volcano on the summit, granting the view above worth all the effort.

Best Time To Visit : April to October
Cost/Person: Hike cost IDR 500,000
Timings: 3 AM
How To Reach: A 4-hour drive from Surabaya

3. Explore Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest

The entrance of the Ubud monkey forest between the dense jungle, one of the things to do in Indonesia.

Photo: Arabsalam / Wikimedia Commons

Nestled in Ubud, Bali, the Sacred Monkey Forest is home to hundreds of long-tailed monkeys. An intersection of wildlife and sanctuary, this forest boasts two ancient temples and sacred statues in its bosom. Along your walk, you can witness the antics of lively monkeys swinging from the trees and interacting with the visitors. It provides a sense of serenity in the more frantic corners of Ubud and is an absolute must-visit. Be respectful of their curious and playful nature.

Best Time To Visit : Morning (8:30 AM) to avoid crowds
Entry Fee: IDR 80,000 for adults, IDR 60,000 for children
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: Open from 8:30 AM – 6 PM

4. Snorkeling In Raja Ampat

A person snorkelling in the bird’s head seascape, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, experiencing one of the things to do in indonesia.

Photo: Christo.j.brown / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

West Papua’s Raja Ampat ranks in the top echelon of dive and snorkelling locations globally. The marine biodiversity here is buzzing with more than 1,500 species of fish and an astounding array of coral reefs is unmatched. Super pristine waters in Raja Ampat are just gorgeous; 50 metres of visibility is common. Raja Ampat is an expedition into marine Eden, making it one of the things to do in Indonesia that are worthwhile pursuits for ocean lovers.

Best Time To Visit : October to April
Cost/Person: IDR 2,000,000

5. Relax On The Beaches Of Bali

A fisherman throws the net to catch fish on the beach in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.

Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons

Bali is well-known for its people-friendly beaches, from vein beaches like Kuta and Seminyak to Donna’s relatively off-the-beaten-path Nusa Dua. You can surf, soak in the sun, or dine in the comfort of sand between your toes; lounging on the beaches of Bali is a perfect way to pass the time. The stunning sunsets grace the sky with hues of orange and pink. These beaches are an absolute must-see while in Bali and are considered by beach lovers as one of the top things to do in Indonesia.

Best Time To Visit: April to October
Timings: 24*7
How To Reach: Accessible by car or motorbike

6. Experience Jakarta’s National Monument (Monas)

Enjoying a beautiful sky view of Jakarta’s National Monument with buildings around Indonesia, one of the wonderful things to do in Indonesia.

Photo: Ramayoni / Wikimedia Commons

The National Monument, located in downtown Jakarta, is a symbol of Indonesia’s independence. Within the base of the monument is a museum describing the national struggle for independence, giving a rundown of Indonesia’s history. It is surrounded by a wide park that will allow you to enjoy peaceful relaxation after exploring the monument. The visit to Monas serves as cultural appreciation yet provides one of the few reincarnations of educational activities in Indonesia.

Entry Fee: IDR 20,000 for adults, IDR 10,000 for children
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM

7. Visit The Tana Toraja Highlands

A tradition of changing the corpse clothes in Tana Toraja Highlands in Indonesia, one of the things to do in Indonesia.

Photo: RaiyaniM / Wikimedia Commons

The Tana Toraja Highlands in Sulawesi is an area rich in culture and tradition, famed for its memorial ceremonies and diverse burial practices. Dramatic landscapes dotted with traditional Tongkonan houses and cliffside tombs give a glimpse into an intriguing past. You can learn about local festivals, explore ancient burial sites, and hike through beautiful mountains and rice fields. For those with an interest in anthropology and tradition, Tana Toraja provides an enormous cultural experience and one of the most unusual things to do in Indonesia.

Best Time To Visit : June to September
Duration: 1 – 2 days
Cost per Person: IDR 500,000 to IDR 1,000,000
Timings: 24*7
How To Reach: A 7-hour drive from Makassar

8. Experience Wildlife At Komodo National Park

The picture of a Komodo dragon on the riverside at Komodo National Park in Indonesia.

Photo: Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia Commons

Komodo National Park, a World Heritage site by UNESCO, is most associated with the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard on earth. You can book guided tours into the national park, taking in the wonders of these prehistoric beasts in their natural habitat. In addition to the dragons, beaches are pristine, coral reefs are alive, and some of the best dives in the entire world await those looking to explore. The richness of the fauna provides Komodo National Park with something for nature lovers.

Best Time To Visit : April to December for dragon sightings
Entry Fee: Around IDR 150,000 for the park
Duration: 1 – 2 days
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
How To Reach: Fly to Labuan Bajo, then take a boat to the park

9. Go Island Hopping In The Gili Islands

The fishermen catching fish on the Gili Islands, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Tidore and Ternate are among the best things to do in Indonesia. The Gili Islands off the northwest shore of Lombok are tropical islands that are perfect escapes in Indonesia. Each of the islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air has its unique charm and appeal. There are lively Gili Trawangan with its beach clubs and entertainment, while Gili Meno is a serene spot with wonderful beaches. Gili Air is between the other two islands and is a great place to learn to dive.

Best Time To Visit : May to September
Duration: 1 day to explore all three islands
Cost/Person: IDR 500,000
How To Reach: Fast boats from Bali or Lombok

10. Explore Yogyakarta And The Sultan’s Palace

The Donopratono gate with one of the Dwarapalakas of Yogyakarta and the Sultan's Palace.

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons

Banda Aceh, the largest city in Indonesia, is the most significant of the few places allowed to stick to the Sharia law under the land surface of UNESCO. Besides visiting the Aceh Tsunami Museum, the most important tourist monument in the city, and the complete ocean of Aceh, another thing to do is to visit the place where Islam could find a radical accelerator. Kraton is the seat of the Sultan. Today, Yogyakarta is known for its heritage, culture, handicrafts, and the beach nearby.

Entry Fee: IDR 15,000
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 8 AM – 2 PM

Whether you’re hiking volcanoes, diving in wandering waters, or exploring ancient temples, there are many amazing things to do in Indonesia. The country’s diversity will keep you wanting to come back for more. Its rich culture, sprawling landscapes, and beautiful dark-skinned locals will all have you hooked. Indonesia is an entire world waiting for you to discover with TripXL, so plan a customised tour plan today!

Cover Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Indonesia is between April and October, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
Many nationalities enjoy visa-free access to Indonesia for 30 days; it’s better to check specific visa requirements for your country.
The Indonesian currency is referred to as Indonesia-Rupiah.
Some fantastic things to do around Indonesia include the visit of Borobudur Temple, trekking Mount Bromo, snorkelling in Raja Ampat, and exploring the beaches of Bali.
Expats in Indonesia benefit from a low cost of living, significantly cheaper than in Western nations. As of 2024, living costs are about 57% lower than in the UK and 62% lower than in the US.

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