Heritage Sites
Many of the world's most ancient wonders can be found in Indonesia. From sacred temples to palace ruins, from prehistoric remains to living traditions, visitors from around the world come to Indonesia, attracted by its unique and diverse cultures and vibrant heritage.
Whether you take the opportunity to see traditional batik cloths being made, experience centuries old customs and festivities with a visit to a traditional village, or soak up some history in one of Indonesia's many museums – the list of heritage attractions appears endless.
Ternate and Tidore
Since early in the last millennium, the small islands of Ternate and Tidore in the Moluccas were the only source for cloves in the world. Indian, Arab, Chinese and Javanese merchants used to call on these islands to carry home this precious cargo which sold at exorbitant prices in Europe and the Orient. Cloves, together with nutmeg and mace from the Banda islands were used to flavor and preserve food, as medicines and even as aphrodisiacs. But...
Location: Maluku » North Maluku
.jpg "Jakarta's Inspiring Istiqlal Mosque")
Jakarta's Inspiring Istiqlal Mosque
First opened to the public by Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno, on 22 February 1978, the grand Istiqlal Mosque of Jakarta is the largest mosque in South East Asia both in structure and capacity, as it can accommodate congregations of up to 120,000 people.Located at Jalan Taman Wijaya Kusuma in Central Jakarta, on the north eastern corner of the Merdeka Square, the Istiqlal Mosque stands out with its 45m diameter dome and tall minarets....
Location: Java » DKI Jakarta » Jakarta Pusat
Kuto Besak Fortress
Standing atop the 10 meters high and 288.75 meters long thick walls of Kuto Besak Fortress, one looks down on the passing boats and ships on the Musi River below. Built during the 17th century, Kuto Besak Fort is a legacy of the Palembang Darussalam Sultanate, that ruled from 1550-1823. Acting as a defense post, the location of the Fortress is both politically and geographically strategic as it forms and island on its own, bordered by on its...
Location: Sumatra » South Sumatra » Kota Palembang
Fort Rotterdam and the I La Galigo Museum within: History of South Sulawesi
Standing majestically at the western coast of Makassar, Fort Rotterdam is recognized as the city’s most iconic landmark. With historical traces dating back to the Kingom of Gowa from the 16thth century to colonization by the Dutch, this Fort has silently witnessed many episodes in Makassar’s history, playing a most essential role in its development. Its magnificence and authenticity has always captivated those who set eyes on it. A...
Location: Sulawesi » South Sulawesi » Kota Makassar
SAWAHLUNTO: Historic Coal Mining Town, and Silungkang Gold Songket Sarongs
After an hour’s drive from the city of Padang to its northeastern outskirts, the road splits. Lake Singkarak lies to the left and Sawahlunto to the right, some 95 kilometers from Padang. Sawahlunto is known as the town of the ‘black pearl’ harking back to the once-abundant coal which was the town’s prominent product. Today, approaching the town one finds deserted rail roads, stepped rice fields, and the familiar...
Location: Sumatra » West Sumatra » Kota Sawahlunto
Pangkalpinang: Capital of once thriving Tin-Mining Industry, steeped in Chinese Peranakan Tradition
Located on the eastern coast of Bangka Island, Pangkalpinang is the island’s largest city and capital of the Province of Bangka-Belitung Islands. Aside from its role as the center of the provincial government, economic, and commercial activities, Pangkalpinang serves as gateway for visitors who wish to explore the enchanting beauty of Bangka and Belitung Islands. Long known as the center of the tin mining industry, in its heydays...
Location: Sumatra » Bangka Belitung » Kota Pangkal Pinang
AMBARAWA: Experience Rural Java’s Traditional Life
The hinterland of Semarang, capital of the province of Central Java is lush green: a beautiful scenic landscape of rising volcanoes, green valleys and fertile rice fields. Cruise lines call on Semarang to allow passengers to visit the nearby 9th century Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. One and a half hour’s driving from Semarang on a smooth road towards Salatiga, one enjoys the true Javanese rural life...
Location: Java » Central Java » Kota Semarang, Kab. Semarang
The Batak Museum and the TB Silalahi Center: cultural heartland by the shores of beautiful Lake Toba
Pleasantly situated on the south shores of the incredible Lake Toba, theTB Silalahi Center, which includes the Batak Museum is a complex dedicated to the preservation of the cultural values of the indigenous ethnic population of North Sumatra: the Bataks. The complex itself is located at Jl.Pagar Batu No.88 Silalahi Village, by the town of Balige, about 250 Km from Medan, capital of North Sumatera Province. The complex is established by...
Location: Sumatra » North Sumatra » Kab. Toba Samosir