go-explore

38 Destinations to Explore for Your Next Holiday Bucket List in Indonesia!

 

Capital City: Banda Aceh

Must Visit:

Must Do:

  • Encounter a wide range of eye-catching sea creatures at Weh Island.
  • Explore beyond,  to unveil the treasures of Simeulue
  • Spend a whole day full of excitement in Sabang.

Must Buy:

  • Slurp on the succulent and flavorsome Mie Aceh.
  • Sip morning coffee or tea while munching on the chiffon-like Bolu Bhoi.
  • Get one of Aceh’s precious intangible cultural heritages, Sulam Kasab.

 

Capital City: Medan

Must Visit:

  • Lake Toba for its magnificence and countless hidden gems.
  • Maimoon Palace, where Medan’s royal heritage is displayed. 
  • Berastagi, where the incredible sights of Mount Sinabung and Sibayak can be witnessed.

Must Do:

Must Buy:

  • Ulos, the traditional handwoven textile of the Toba Batak tribe.
  • Lontong Sayur, a delightful meal perfect for your breakfast.
  • Mandailing Coffee, a bold-tasting morning beverage.

 

Capital City: Palembang

Must Visit:

Must Do:

  • Sail along the Musi River and discover several exciting spots.
  • Read the largest Holy Quran wood carvings at the Bayt Al Qur’an Al Akbar. 
  • Navigate the biologically-abundant land of Sembilang National Park.

Must Buy:

  • Pempek, Palembang’s signature dish known for its chewy sensation.
  • Lempok Durian, a sweet and juicy snack.
  • Songket, the region’s ornate traditional fabric.

 

Capital City: Padang

Must Visit:

Must Do:

Must Buy:

  • Rendang, a world-famous dish known for its delicate spicy flavor.
  • Pandai Sikek Songket, a highly elegant fabric
  • Koto Gadang Silver, the region’s exquisite metal craft.

 

Capital City: Bengkulu

Must Visit:

  • Pantai Panjang Beach for its stretching shoreline.
  • Fort Marlborough, an abandoned English troop headquarter. 
  • Padang Betuah Beach and Lake for their dazzling views.

Must Do:

  • Get acquainted with the otherworldly Rafflesia Arnoldii flower in the town of Curup.
  • See some cute clownfish up close under the waters of Rat Island.
  • Soothe your eyes at Kebawetan Tea Garden.

Must Buy:

  • Kalamansi orange syrup, a refreshing beverage of the region.
  • Besurek Batik, a sophisticated woven craft
  • Lantung Crafts, handcrafted bags made of wood veneers.

 

Capital City: Pekanbaru

Must Visit:

  • An-Nur Grand Mosque, one of the city’s prided points of interest.
  • Siak Sri Indrapura Palace, Malay, Arabic, and European-influenced landmark. 
  • Anjungan Seni Idrus Tintin, a building with Melayu-Riau-style architecture.

Must Do:

  • Take a trip into the golden age of the Srivijaya Kingdom at Muara Takus Temple.
  • Raise your adrenaline by surfing along the Kampar River
  • Hunt for plenty of local souvenirs ​​at Pasar Bawah.

Must Buy:

  • Selais smoked fish, one of Pekanbaru’s specialty dishes. 
  • Tenun Siak, a woven craft known to boast fine motifs.
  • Bolu Kemojo, the region’s moist and luscious traditional cake.

 

Capital City: Tanjung Pinang

Must Visit:

Must Do:

  • Enjoy a wide array of luxurious offerings of the exotic Bintan Island.
  • Experience truly unforgettable leisure in the city of Batam.
  • Traverse through the hypnotic marine world of Bawah Island.

Must Buy:

 

Capital City: Jambi

Must Visit:

Must Do:

  • Set foot at the eight majestic temples of the Muara Jambi Temple complex.
  • Ascend the outstanding Mount Kerinci
  • Sail around the calm and spacious Lake Gunung Tujuh. 

Must Buy:

  • Gulai Tempoyak, a seafood stew served with fermented durian.
  • Batik Jambi, the region’s traditional fabric rich in meaning.
  • Sebelik Sumpah bracelet, a bracelet made from tree seeds.

 

Capital City: Bandar Lampung

Must Visit:

  • Kiluan Bay for a glimpse of the wild dolphins.
  • Gigi Hiu Beach for its ethereal scenery.
  • Way Kambas for the sights of adorable Sumatran elephants.

Must Do:

  • Unveil the underwater treasures of Pahawang Island.
  • Bring your kids to have fun and learn about various wildlife at Lembah Hijau.
  • Ride the electrifying waves of the Krui coastal area.

Must Buy:

  • Seruit, Lampung’s famous seafood dish.
  • Tapis, an aesthetically-pleasing fabric.
  • Sulam Usus, a highly-detailed woven craft of the region.

 

Capital City: Pangkal Pinang

Must Visit:

Must Do:

  • Seek for Instagrammable shots around Kaolin Lake.
  • Get to know more about the critically acclaimed “Laskar Pelangi” novel by Andrea Hirata at the author’s Museum of Words.
  • Have a cup of coffee in the humble local stall of Manggar.

Must Buy:

  • Cual, Bangka Belitung’s vivid fabric.
  • Pewter crafts, the region’s excellent metal works.
  • Sambal Lingkung, a hot and flaky fish floss.

 

Capital City: Pontianak

Must Visit:

  • The Equatorial Monument, where shadowless sunlight occurs twice a year.
  • West Kalimantan Museum, where an expansive collection of the region’s cultural memorabilia is displayed.
  • Radakng House, the largest traditional house in Indonesia. 

Must Do:

  • Discover the rich wildlife of West Kalimantan at the expansive Lake Sentarum National Park.
  • Experience a festive Chinese New Year celebration at Singkawang.
  • Discover about 1,000 species of plants inside the Arboretum Sylva forest.

Must Buy:

  • Petrus ice cream, a cold dessert served inside a split coconut.
  • Tenun Kebat, a gorgeous and philosophical fabric of the Dayak Tribe. 
  • Sambas Songket, the region’s most prized fabric.

 

Capital City: Samarinda

Must Visit:

  • Melawai Beach for its street foods while seeing the incredible sea view.
  • Pampang Village for the one-of-a-kind culture of the Dayak Kenyah Tribe.
  • Museum Samarinda, a museum featuring the city’s deep history. 

Must Do:

  • Swim along with the majestic giant green turtles under the waters of the Derawan Archipelago.
  • Get up close with the stingless jellyfish of Kakaban Island.
  • Cruise along the great Mahakam River.

Must Buy:

  • Ulap Doyo, Dayak Benuaq Tribe’s traditional fabric made from the fiber of Doyo leaves. 
  • Anjat, Dayak Tribe’s handcrafted backpack made of rattan.
  • Abon Kepiting, a crumbly crab floss.

 

Capital City: Banjarbaru

Must Visit:

  • Loksado for its unmatched panorama.
  • Tahura Sultan Adam for fun paragliding. 
  • Martapura, where premium-quality diamonds, golds, and silvers can be found.

Must Do:

  • Shop for fresh produce while sightseeing along the river at Lok Baintan Floating Market in Banjarmasin.
  • Observe how diamonds are unearthed at the Cempaka Diamond Fields.
  • Catch sight of the long-red-nosed Proboscis monkey at Kaget Island.

Must Buy:

  • Dodok Kandangan, chewy Borneo sweets.
  • Sasirangan, the region’s vibrant fabric.
  • Jangang Kopiah, a Songkok hat woven from the roots of Jangang trees.

 

Capital City: Palangkaraya

Must Visit:

  • Kahayan Bridge for its worth-cherishing surrounding scenery. 
  • Betang House, the region’s spacious traditional house.
  • Central Borneo Souvenir for some locally made knick-knacks. 

Must Do:

Must Buy:

  • Kelakai chips, made from kelakai ferns, plants commonly found in Palangkaraya.
  • Batik Dayak, the region’s fabric boasting plentiful motifs.
  • Central Kalimantan’s durable and waterproof handmade wood fiber hat.

 

Capital City: Tanjung Selor

Must Visit:

  • Amal Beach, a serene beach lying on the eastern edge of Tarakan Island.
  • Batu Lamampu Beach for its comforting views.
  • Metun Sajau, to witness the day-to-day routine of Dayak Kenyah Bakung and Dayak Punan Tribes.

Must Do:

  • Educate yourself on the conservation of the eccentric Proboscis monkey and mangrove forest at Tarakan Mangrove & Proboscis Conservation Area.
  • Have a hair-raising experience by rafting along the Keburau River.
  • Caving at Mesas Cave to witness the marvel of nature. 

Must Buy:

  • Lawa, a specialty of the Bulungan Kingdom made from seasoned seaweed.
  • Arabic Coffee, a cup of coffee infused with spices. 
  • The remarkable Sesingal Tidung hat and Tarakan’s Ikat traditional woven fabric.

 

Capital City: Serang

Must Visit:

Must Do:

  • Watching one of the world’s rarest mammals, the Javan rhino, go about their day at Ujung Kulon National Park.
  • Witness the magical martial art performance of Debus.
  • Have a joyful time with the watersports at Sambolo Beach. 

Must Buy:

  • Sate Bandeng, a smoky milkfish satay rich in spices.
  • Serang’s complex and unmatched batik. 
  • Banten’s gorgeous signature pottery. 

 

Capital City: Jakarta

Must Visit:

  • The National Monument, or Monas, for its expansive garden and historical museum.
  • Fatahillah Museum for a flashback to old Jakarta.
  • Jakarta Aquarium & Safari for its wide range of cute sea creatures.

Must Do:

  • Take the whole family to have fun and learn about Indonesia at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII).
  • Spend a good time at Ancol, Jakarta’s renowned coastal recreation center
  • Gain a deeper knowledge about Indonesia during the prehistoric era at the National Museum.

Must Buy:

 

Capital City: Bandung

Must Visit:

  • NuArt Sculpture Park for the masterpieces of Nyoman Nuarta, the designer of Garuda Wisnu Kencana.
  • Mount Tangkuban Perahu, a volcano that resembles an upturned boat.
  • Kawah Putih, a crater lake boasting a magical ambiance.

Must Do:

  • Delve into Sundanese art and culture at Saung Mang Udjo.
  • Explore every side of Braga Street and enjoy many of its awesome offerings.
  • Rejuvenate your body in the hot springs of Ciater.

Must Buy:

 

Capital City: Semarang

Must Visit:

  • Lawang Sewu, a legendary former head office for The Dutch East Indies Railway Company.
  • Sam Poo Kong Temple, an oriental temple known for its festive vibe.
  • Semarang Old Town for its classical atmosphere.

Must Do:

Must Buy:

  • Lumpia, Semarang’s iconic crunchy spring roll.
  • Wingko Babat, a delightful coconut cake.
  • The appetizing desserts of Toko Oen.

 

Capital City: Yogyakarta

Must Visit:

Must Do:

  • Shop ‘til you drop along the famous Malioboro Street.
  • Catch stunning photos in each corner of Tamansari Water Castle.
  • Discover the stellar works of Affandi, a noted Indonesian painter, inside his museum.

Must Buy:

  • Gudeg, a young jackfruit stew with an exceptional taste.
  • The remarkable silver crafts from the Kotagede area.
  • Bakpia Pathok, a hearty and crumbly small cake filled with various flavors.

 

Capital City: Surabaya

Must Visit:

  • Suramadu Bridge, a magnificent 5.4 km long bridge connecting the city with Madura.
  • Ijen Crater, home to the phenomenal “Blue Fire”
  • Monkasel, a massive submarine monument.

Must Do:

  • Put yourself in awe by exploring the bustling natural treasures of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
  • Witness the nimble movements of Reog Tengger traditional dancers.
  • Learn about anything related to tobacco at the Sampoerna Museum.

Must Buy:

  • Spikoe cake for a tea time company.
  • Homemade extra spicy chili sauces from Bu Rudy's eatery.
  • Siropen Telasih, a classic syrup with a variety of flavor offerings.

 

Capital City: Denpasar

Must Visit:

Must Do:

Must Buy:

 

Capital City: Mataram

Must Visit:

Must Do:

  • Get closer to the fascinating Sasak Tribe at Sade Village.
  • Explore the hard-to-forget wonders of the Sumba region.

Must Buy:

 

Capital City: Kupang

Must Visit:

Must Do:

Must Buy:

  • The scrumptious traditional snacks of Flores.
  • Flores coffee beans for their nutty aroma and caramel-like sweetness.
  • Ayam Rarang, grilled chicken blended with various spices as well as dried cayenne pepper.

 

Capital City: Gorontalo

Must Visit:

  • Pulo Cinta, a heart-shaped quiet resort in the middle of the sea.
  • Saronde Island, Gorontalo’s hidden tropical paradise.
  • Otanaha Fortress for its mesmerizing green hill panorama.

Must Do:

  • Start a marine adventure around the enchanting Togean Island
  • Dive into the extraordinary underwater realm of Tomini Bay.
  • Meet the gentle and wonderful whale sharks at the Whale Shark Sightseeing Spot.

Must Buy:

  • Karawo, Gorontalo’s prized traditional embroidery.
  • Pia Gorontalo, a melt-in-your-mouth snack with a variety of flavors.
  • Pinogu coffee, a blend of robusta and lierika coffee that is said to be a favorite of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.

 

Capital City: Mamuju

Must Visit:

  • Dato Beach, Sulawesi’s rarely-touched paradise.
  • Karampuang Island for its pristine waters.
  • Manakarra Beach for its astonishing ocean view

Must Do:

  • Tour the mangrove forest of Saluleang Mangrove Forest Eco-Tourism.
  • Catch an unforgettable sunrise sighting from the top of Buntu Liarra. 
  • Loosen up to the serene surroundings of Palippis Beach.

Must Buy:

  • Golla Kambu, a sticky rice cake of Mandar Tribe that has a distinct sweetness.
  • Sekomandi Mamuju, Sambu’ Mamasa, and Lipa’ Saq’be of Polewali Mandar, the three awe-inspiring woven crafts of West Sulawesi 
  • Mandar batik, a batik with marine-influenced motifs.

 

Capital City: Palu

Must Visit:

  • Lore Lindu National Park for its fascinating biodiversity.
  • Talise Beach to feel its warm sea breeze.
  • Nosarara Nosabatutu Monument for its astonishing sky view.

Must Do:

  • Enjoy a superb diving and snorkeling experience at Kadidiri Island.
  • Snorkel down the water of Tanjung Karang Beach to see a wide range of cute fishes. 
  • Hike your way up Mount Gawalise and prepare to be stunned by the summit’s panoramic views.

Must Buy:

  • Kaledo, the region’s mouth-watering cow’s trotters soup.
  • Bomba Batik, the region’s signature batik once worn by Elon Musk during the B20 Summit 2022.
  • Tenun Donggala, another woven craft of Central Sulawesi known for its gleaming ornaments.

 

Capital City: Manado

Must Visit:

  • Likupang, a coastal heaven with dreamy hills and beaches.
  • Paal Beach for its striking sea view.
  • Christ Blessing Statue for its divine presence.

Must Do:

  • Sink into the extravagant scenery of the iconic Bunaken sea garden.
  • Seeing the cute wide-eyed tarsiers at the Tangkoko Nature Reserve.
  • Reenergize yourself with the Bakera traditional spa treatment.

Must Buy:

  • Tinutuan, Manado’s flavorful and highly nutritious porridge.
  • Klappertart, a Dutch-influenced soft and buttery coconut cake.
  • Bentenan, Minahasa Tribe’s treasured traditional fabric.

 

Capital City: Kendari

Must Visit:

  • Wakatobi for its never-ending exotic wonders.
  • Moramo Waterfall for its tranquility.
  • Labengki Island for its dazzling turquoise waters.

Must Do:

  • Venture through the colorful marine world of Wangi-Wangi Island.
  • Thrill yourself with watersports provided at Toronipa Beach.
  • Enjoy a nice morning jog around Bokori Island.

Must Buy:

  • Tenun Masalili, the region’s woven fabric which is colored naturally with mango leaves.
  • Kendari Werk, Kendari’s legendary silver crafts.
  • Jambu Mete, a flavorful snack from Kendari made from guava seeds.

 

Capital City: Makassar

Must Visit:

  • Losari Beach for its awesome sundown sight.
  • Samalona Island for its calming vibe.
  • Malino Tea Plantation for its soothing breeze.

Must Do:

Must Buy:

 

Capital City: Sofifi

Must Visit:

  • Morotai Island, North Maluku’s precious pearl which boasts enchanting natural beauties.
  • Dodola Island for its stress-relieving sea panorama.
  • Batu Angus, an eye-catching landscape formed from magma that has frozen over.

Must Do:

  • Experience the flavorsome cuisine and historical delight of Ternate and Tidore.
  • Swim through the vibrant coral reefs of Jailolo Bay.
  • Navigate the whole section of Fort Kalamata.

Must Buy:

  • Tubo batik, the region’s signature batik known for its spice-inspired motifs. 
  • Kue Bagea, a doughy cake made of walnuts and sago.
  • Rempah coffee for its spicy sensation.

 

Capital City: Ambon

Must Visit:

  • Ngurbloat Beach for its mesmerizing splendor.
  • Natsepa Beach for its exciting water sports offerings.
  • Fort Amsterdam for its history and vast blue sea scenery.

Must Do:

  • Watching rare fishes and mollusks roaming freely under the waters of Pombo Island Atoll
  • Snorkel around the pristine waters of Seram Island
  • Catch some marvelous pictures at Banda Neira Island.

Must Buy:

  • Asida, a sweet and succulent dessert often available during the holy month of Ramadan.
  • Eucalyptus oil, which has plenty of health benefits.
  • Fresh spices, such as clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

 

Capital City: Manokwari

Must Visit:

  • Cendrawasih National Park for the sights of rare land, sea, and air creatures
  • Bakaro Beach for its joyful atmosphere.
  • Lake Anggi Giji for its crystal clear waters.

Must Do:

  • Stop by Kafiar Beach to start a rip-roaring surf ride.
  • Discover the diverse wildlife of Kofiau Island.
  • Make a handicraft with the locals of Sauwandarek Tourist Village.

Must Buy:

  • Nutmeg syrup, an aromatic and refreshing beverage mainly found in the Fakfak region.
  • Salted fishes from Wawiyai Village for a side dish.
  • Ebi or Dried shrimps made at Beo Village. 

 

Capital City: Jayapura

Must Visit:

  • Lake Sentani for its glittering waters.
  • Bukit Jayapura City for a chance to witness the city from above.
  • Base G Beach for its comforting sound of the waves.

Must Do:

  • Catch a glimpse of the enchanting Bird of Paradise, Cendrawasih.
  • Cruise freely around the vast hills of Love Lake.
  • Gather knowledge about the history of Papua at Loka Budaya Museum.

Must Buy:

  • Tifa, the traditional musical instruments of the region.
  • Papua’s signature batik, which is renowned for its vibrant color..
  • Teh Sarang Semut, a tea brewed from ant’s nest.

 

 

Capital City: Merauke

Must Visit:

  • Sota Garden, the easternmost point of Indonesia.
  • Lampu Satu Beach, for its breathtaking sunset.
  • Time Capsule Monument, a majestic newly built landmark.

Must Do:

  • Roam around the ultra-expansive Payum Beach.
  • Meet with a myriad of exotic creatures along the Rawa Biru Swamp.
  • Cross the Wasur National Park and encounter numerous rare flora and fauna.

Must Buy:

  • Keladi, traditional crackers of the region.
  • Abon Gulung, a savory rolled bread filled with crumbly beef floss.
  • Lontar Cake, a buttery and milky custard pie.

 

 

Capital City: Nabire

Must Visit:

  • Ngurtafur Beach for its magical embossing sandy path.
  • Biak Island for its enchanting reefs and waterfalls.
  • Nusi Beach for its calming serenity.

Must Do:

  • Traverse the exciting points of Mimika, home to the world’s largest gold mines. 
  • Observe the meticulous woodcrafts of the Asmat tribe.
  • Sightseeing the stretching mountains from Lorentz National Park.

Must Buy:

  • Papeda, a gummy and savory porridge made from sago.
  • Aunu Sanebre, a rice served with anchovies and sliced taro leaves.
  • Ikan Bungkus, smoked fish wrapped in taro leaves.

 

 

Capital City: Jayawijaya

Must Visit:

  • Jayawijaya Mountains, the only point where snow appears in Indonesia. 
  • Walesi Waterfall for its eye-soothing scenery.
  • Lake Habbema for its stunning charm.

Must Do:

  • Climb up the challenging Osua Trikora.
  • Hunt for a spectacular photograph around Aikima Village’s White Sands.
  • Pass through the magical highlands of Baliem Valley.

Must Buy:

  • Selingkuh Shrimps, a hearty seafood specialty of Baliem.
  • Wamena coffee, an organically-processed coffee boasting a distinct flavor. 
  • Noken, traditional woven bags made from wood fibers.

 

 

Capital City: Sorong

Must Visit:

  • Raja Ampat, for its heavenly tropical sceneries.
  • Misool for its out-of-this-world wonders.
  • Waigeo for its incredible turquoise sea.

Must Do:

  • Mingle with the friendly locals of Arborek Tourism Village.
  • Reach the summit of the Arfak Mountains to reveal a phenomenal view.

Must Buy:

  • Kopi Senang, a coffee with extraordinary taste and aroma.
  • Red fruit, a highly nourishing fruit often found in the region.
  • Sago Martabak, Papua’s twist on the iconic martabak pancake made from sago.

 

Read Also: 10 Trip Ideas for a Memorable New Year Holiday in Indonesia

Now, after reading the expansive list of Indonesia’s destinations, are you ready to make your bucket list come true? Make sure to read the latest international travel regulations to enter Indonesia before you do so. Always comply with the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environment Sustainability) health protocol along your journey in the archipelago.

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