Exploring Indonesia: Islands, Beaches & Cultural Experiences

1. Senaru Waterfalls

If you’re looking forward to an enjoyable hike and an exploration of the best that Indonesia’s nature has to offer, then a trip to the Senaru Waterfalls is exactly what your itinerary needs to make your vacation in Indonesia spectacular. While Senaru is most commonly known for being the starting point of the Mount Rinjani trek, there are also three fantastic waterfalls to trek to and enjoy. The difficulty of the hikes depends on which waterfalls you intend to visit. The first of the waterfalls to see in Senaru is the Air Terjun Sindang Gila. It is arguably the most popular of all three and is a moderate 20-minute hike from the village. Next is the Air Terjun Tiu Kelep, which is a 60-minute trek upstream from the Sindang Gila. Lastly, but not the least, is the Air Terjun Betara Lenjang. The last waterfall is the most difficult to get to as it requires a 2-hour trek through rough terrain and tropical jungle.

Senaru Waterfalls, Senaru Village, Lombok Island, Indonesia

2. Ancol Dreamland

Undeniably the largest and most visited recreational park in Jakarta, the Ancol Dreamland is a huge attraction that draws hundreds and thousands of visitors yearly. The Ancol Dreamland is home to several attractions such as an called Seaworld, which is home to a lagoon for fishing and boating as well as a waterpark with artificial waves. Dunia Fantasi, also known as Fantasy World, is another feature of Ancol Dreamland, and is home to adrenaline pumping rides like the Tornado and Hysteria. Cultural attractions can also be visited at the dreamland such as the Pasar Seni Art Center and a handicraft market.

Ancol Dreamland, Kota Tua, Jalan Londan Timur No. 7, RW. 10, Kota Tua, Ancol, Pademangan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14430, Indonesia

3. Bali and the Islands of Paradise

What better way could there be to explore and experience the island of Bali and many others than on an amazing 8-day cruise aboard the vessel Panorama II. This island adventure, aptly named Bali and the Islands of Paradise, sails from Benoa Port to the Rinca Island and provides all tourists with an island-hopping adventure unlike any other. Some of the stops included on the cruise include the Satonda Island, a remarkable flooded volcano which has a glistening lake at its center. The Keramat Island is another stop on the trip and guarantees all aboard one of the best snorkeling experiences that Indonesia has to offer care of the magnificent coral reefs in its waters. The Komodo National Forest is another stop that is anticipated, as well as Moyo Island.

Bali and the Islands of Paradise, Phone: 406-541-2677

4. Bali Botanic Garden

Nestled in the mountainous region of Bedugul, the Bali Botanic Garden is the largest garden of its kind in Indonesia and boasts of beautiful gardens and a breathtaking view of the lowlands of Bali from its perch at 1300 meters above sea level. The botanic garden provides locals and tourists alike with a great escape to the cooler uplands of Bali in addition to lovely views of rare tropical flowering plants as well as wildlife. Other outstanding features of the Bali Botanic Garden include the Bali Treetop Adventure Park, which is home to 160-meter long zip-lines, and the culturally rich Ulun Danu Temple that sits on the slopes of Tapak Hill.

Bali Botanic Garden, Jl. Kebun Raya Eka Karya, Candikuning, Tabanan 82191, Indonesia

5. Bali Safari and Marine Park

See thousands of amazing animals up close and experience the adventure of a lifetime at the Bali Safari and Marine Park. Promising a fun, educational and adventure packed journey for all those who visit, the park is home to over 100 species of animals. Some of its more notable tenants include endangered species like the Orangutan, the Bali Mynah bird, and the gorgeous Komodo Dragon. In addition to amazing exhibits and animal galleries, the Bali Safari and Marine Park is also an educational center that is at the forefront of Indonesia’s wildlife conservation efforts. As such, visitors can participate in learning opportunities to help build an appreciation for Indonesia’s endemic wildlife and a heart for conservation.

Bali Safari and Marine Park, Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,8, Serongga, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80551, Indonesia, Phone: +62-361-95-00-00

6. Bali Zoo

A top attraction on the island of Bali, the Bali Zoo is home to hundreds of interesting and rare animals and offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences to all those who visit.

Guests who want to dine like royalty with an adorable guest at the start of the day can book a Breakfast with Orangutan experience at the zoo playground. Meanwhile, on the Elephant Expedition, guests can take a jungle ride on the back of an elephant then feed the gentle giants after. For those who want to enjoy a completely unique island adventure, on the other hand, the zoo offers one of Bali’s latest and most popular performance attractions, Dinner with the Great Elephant.

Bali Zoo , Jl. Raya Singapadu, Sukawati 80582, Indonesia, Phone: +62-361-29-43-57

7. Blanco Renaissance Museum

Dedicated to a man who was arguably the most prolific and famous artist to ever reside in Bali, Don Antonio Blanco, the Blanco Renaissance Museum is a flamboyant building that features a mix of Spanish and Balinese architecture. Originally a physician, Don Blanco eventually moved to Bali in 1952 after years of traveling to further his studies and inspiration in the arts. Although he died just before the inauguration of his museum, the Blanco Renaissance Museum features some of his most prized works, created at different periods of his career. See the works up close and personal then learn a bit more about Don Blanco’s life as you walk the halls of his personal studio-cum-museum.

Blanco Renaissance Museum, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

8. Bogor Botanical Gardens

Featuring 87 sprawling hectares of marvelous greenery, the Bogor Botanical Gardens is the first garden of its kind in Indonesia and is known around the globe for its research and conservation efforts.

The garden is home to hundreds of magnificently kept trees, lovely plant flowers, calm and sere ponds, as well as wonderfully manicured lawns. If you’re eager to get a breath of fresh air in Indonesia, the Bogor Botanical Gardens would definitely be the place to get it as its 12,300 plant specimens, which represent 3,170 species, keeps the air clean and fresh. Explore the many facets of the Bogor Botanic Gardens and learn as much as you possibly can as well about Indonesia’s native greenery.

Bogor Botanical Gardens, Center for Plant Conservation, Jalan Ir. H. Juanda, No. 13, Bogor, West Java 16003, Indonesia, Phone: +62-251

9. Borobudur

Arguably the largest Buddhist monument in the entire world, Borobudur was built sometime between 780AD and 840 AD by the powerful Sailendra dynasty. Since it was finished, Borobudur instantly became a pilgrimage spot that was visited by faithful Buddhists eager to release worldly desires and transition into a state of enlightenment. The full area of Borobudur resembles a Mandala and features 3 different zones: Kamadhatu, the phenomenal world, Rapudhatu, the transitional sphere, and Arupadhatu, the highest sphere. Visitors to this religious site can explore every level of the monument while also discovering the 504 reliefs on the site and the temple corridors.

Borobudur, Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Magelang 56553, Indonesia

10. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Bask in the all of Indonesia’s natural beauty and glory with a visit to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The park is also noteworthy for being the only conservation area in Indonesia with a sand sea – the Tengger Sand Sea. Additionally, the national park is also home to four majestic volcanic cones, granting visitors with the unique and awe-inspiring view of plumes of smoke rising from Mt. Semeru, one of the park’s active volcanos. Hike the trails around the volcanos or explore the upland plateau in the park that is dissected by valleys and adorned with several small but absolutely beautiful lakes.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java, Indonesia