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.
Penyengat Island
A small island situated across Tanjung Pinang, capital of the Riau Islands Province, the island of Penyengat in the 18th century was the twin-seat of the Sultan of the Johor-Riau Kingdom. Today, the Sultan’s palace is being restored. It is an interesting blend of Javanese and Dutch architecture, still imbued with an air of dignity, even though it has been abandoned for more than 80 years. Here are tombs and crypts, and a restored fort.The...
Location: Sumatra » Riau Archipelago » Kota Tanjung Pinang
Pura Agung Pulaki and the enchanting temples of North Bali’s Pemuteran Coast
Aside from the spectacular underwater splendors off its coastline and around the nearby Menjangan Island, the serene little village of Pemuteran is also surrounded by Balinese distinct cultural charm which radiates from the beautiful temples that lie in some of the most dramatic natural settings. Among the most notable are the Pura Agung Pulaki, Pura Pabean, and Pura Melanting. Centered on Pulaki Bay just to the east of Pemuteran Village, the...
Location: Bali » Bali, Kab. Buleleng
Pura Besakih: the revered Mother Temple of Bali
Rising majestically on the western slopes of Mount Agung, and referred to as the Mother Temple of Hindu Bali, is Pura Besakih, or the Besakih temple, covering a vast area that offers breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding this beautiful and artistic temple complex. Facing Mt. Agung’s highest peak, believed to be the abode of the gods, and located at an altitude of 900 meters, Pura Besakih is built in the village of...
Location: Bali » Bali
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PURA MANGKUNEGARAN: its history and the end of the united Javanese Mataram Sultanate
Standing in the northern part of the royal city of Solo in Central Java is the Mangkunegaran Palace, an exquisite representation of Javanese valor and determination against injustice, oppression and colonialsm. The palace is known as puri or pura (pronounced as “puro” in Javanese) and not the usual Javanese term “Keraton” for a palace, since politically it was not...
Location: Java » Central Java, DI Yogyakarta » Kota Surakarta, Kab. Sleman, Kota Yogyakarta
Pura Ulun Danu Batur
Standing enchantingly backed by the magnificent Mount Batur overlooking its vast picturesque Lake, Pura Ulun Danu Batur is regarded as the second most important temple after Bali’s mother temple, Pura Besakih. According to the concept Balinese Rwa Bhineda (The Balance of two opposites), Pura Ulun Danu Batur is regarded as Pradana (feminine) while Pura Besakih is purusha (masculine), thus the two temples complete the universal...
Location: Bali » Bali, Kab. Bangli
Sangiran
Have you ever wondered what humans looked like millions of years ago? Take a trip back in time and make the journey to Sangiran, home of the Java man to find out. The story of Java Man begins over a century ago. In 1890, a Dutch military physician and paleontologist Eugene Dubois discovered a fossilized primate jawbone at Trinil further east down the Solo river. This jawbone possessed distinctly human characteristics. Dubois was convinced that...
Location: Java » Central Java » Kab. Karanganyar, Kota Surakarta
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
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SEMARANG
The city of Semarang, capital of the province of Central Java, sits precisely in the center of the northern seaboard of the fertile and densely populated island of Java. In the 15th century the Chinese emperor’s emissary Zheng He , otherwise known here as Admiral Cheng Ho, set foot here on Java , its auspicious occasion commemorated in the temple of Gedung Batu. From the 17th century onwards, Semarang became a busy...
Location: Java » Central Java » Kota Semarang