Good Places to Travel in Indonesia – Decision Guide

Indonesia is not just a country; it is a universe of 17,000 islands, each offering a distinct reality. From the smoking craters of East Java to the silent, crystal-clear bays of Raja Ampat, this archipelago defies simple categorization. For travelers, the sheer scale of Indonesia is both a blessing and a curse. The blessing? There are so many Good Places to Travel in Indonesia. You can find exactly what you are looking for. The curse? You have to know where to look.

Most travel guides will toss you a list of “Top 10 Spots” and leave you to figure out the logistics. This guide is different. It is built on the philosophy that the “best” place depends entirely on your travel style, your tolerance for discomfort, and what you want to feel when you wake up in the morning.

We are going to break down the best destinations in Indonesia by experience, effort level, and intent. Whether you are a first-timer needing a gentle introduction or a hardened adventurer looking for the ends of the earth, this guide has you covered.

If you are looking forward to travel other parts of Asia, Learn more about it here: Good Places to Travel in Asia

Planning to travel in March? This is for you: Good Places To Travel in March

How to Choose Good Places to Travel in Indonesia

Before you book a flight to Bali and stay there for two weeks (which is fine, but you’d be missing out), ask yourself these five critical questions:

1. Is this your first time in Indonesia? (If yes, stick to Java, Bali, or Lombok).

2. Do you prefer nature, culture, wildlife, or relaxation?

3. How much time do you have? (Moving between islands eats up days, not hours).

4. How comfortable are you with remote travel? (Do you need AC and hot showers, or is a bucket bath okay?)

5. Do you want popular highlights or quieter places?

Interested to travel in North America? You might love:

Best places to travel in April USA

Quick Decision Guide

Part 1: Best Places for First-Time Travelers

These destinations offer world-class experiences but still have enough infrastructure (hotels, transport, English speakers) to make the logistics manageable.

1. Lombok

Why go: It is the “Bali of 20 years ago”—stunning beaches, waterfalls, and the mighty Mount Rinjani, but with 30% of the crowds.
Time needed: 5–7 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Lombok is often marketed as the “Unspoiled Bali,” but it has its own distinct character. The north is dominated by the looming shadow of Mount Rinjani, while the south (Kuta Lombok) features rugged coastlines and world-class surf breaks. It is Muslim-majority, so the vibe is different from Hindu Bali—you will wake up to the call to prayer rather than incense offerings.

Highlights:

• Mount Rinjani: A challenging multi-day trek to an active volcano crater lake.

• Kuta Lombok: Not to be confused with Kuta Bali; this is a chill surf town with great cafes.

• Tiu Kelep Waterfall: A majestic waterfall in the jungle that feels prehistoric.

• The Secret Gilis: Skip Trawangan and head to Gili Nanggu or Gili Asahan for total silence.

My Experience:

I remember renting a scooter in Kuta Lombok and just driving east. In Bali, a random drive usually means getting stuck in traffic behind a tour bus. In Lombok, I drove for 45 minutes on a smooth, paved coastal road and didn’t see a single other tourist.

I pulled over at a random beach called Tanjung Aan. The sand looked like peppercorns—tiny, round white spheres. I bought a fresh coconut from a local warung owner who didn’t speak a word of English, but we laughed for ten minutes trying to communicate using hand signals. The isolation was blissful. Unlike the frenetic energy of Canggu, Lombok felt like it was taking a deep breath.

Logistics:

• Getting There: Fast boat from Bali (Padang Bai) or a short flight to Lombok International Airport (LOP).

• Best For: Couples, hikers, and surfers who find Bali too busy.

2. Yogyakarta (Java)

Why go: The cultural soul of Indonesia. It is the best place to understand the history, art, and traditions of the archipelago.
Time needed: 3–4 days
Difficulty: Easy

Yogyakarta (often called “Jogja”) is a city of students, artists, and sultans. It is the gateway to two of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia: Borobudur (Buddhist) and Prambanan (Hindu). The city itself is walkable in areas and famous for its street food, particularly Gudeg (young jackfruit stew).

Highlights:

• Borobudur at Sunrise: Watching the sun crest over the volcanoes from the world’s largest Buddhist temple.

• Prambanan Temple: A towering Hindu complex that looks like jagged stone reaching for the sky.

• Jalan Malioboro: The chaotic, vibrant main street perfect for buying Batik and street food.

• Tamansari Water Castle: The ruins of the Sultan’s royal pleasure gardens.

My Experience:

Everyone tells you to do the Borobudur sunrise, and usually, popular advice is overrated. This isn’t. I woke up at 3:30 AM to get there. It was pitch black and cool. As I climbed the stone steps, the only sound was the shuffling of feet. When we reached the top tier with the perforated stupas, the sky began to turn a deep violet. Then, the mist in the valley below started to glow.

Seeing Mount Merapi smoking in the distance while surrounded by hundreds of Buddha statues was spiritual, even with the other tourists there. Pro tip: Don’t leave immediately after the sun rises. Walk around the lower levels; they are almost empty because everyone stays at the top.

Logistics:

• Getting There: Direct trains from Jakarta (scenic route!) or flights to YIA airport.

• Best For: History buffs, culture vultures, and budget travelers.

3. Flores

Why go: It is arguably the most well-rounded island in Indonesia, offering tribal culture, volcanoes, and dragons.
Time needed: 7–10 days
Difficulty: Moderate

Flores is a long, snake-like island that rewards the overland traveler. While most people fly into Labuan Bajo for Komodo and leave, the real magic happens when you hire a driver and cross the island from west to east. You will pass through spider-web rice fields, traditional Ngada villages, and the tri-colored lakes of Kelimutu.

Highlights:

• Kelimutu Lakes: Three crater lakes that change color periodically (blue, red, green, black) due to mineral shifts.

• Wae Rebo: A remote village in the clouds accessible only by a 3-hour hike.

• Bena Village: An ancestral megalithic village near Bajawa.

• Labuan Bajo: The launching point for Komodo National Park.

My Experience:

The road across Flores is not for the carsick. It’s famously called the “Trans-Flores Highway,” but it’s really a never-ending series of hairpin turns. I hired a local driver named Pius for the 4-day journey from Maumere to Labuan Bajo. In Bajawa, we stopped at a hot spring where a freezing cold river mixes with boiling volcanic water.

I sat there with local families who were boiling eggs in the hot spots while their kids played in the warm pools. It felt like a community gathering spot, not a tourist attraction. Later, seeing the sunrise over Kelimutu was surreal—the water looked like thick paint.

Logistics:

• Getting There: Fly into Maumere or Ende and fly out of Labuan Bajo (or vice versa).

• Best For: Adventure travelers who like road trips and changing landscapes.

Checkout this post about Adventure Traveling and How to Plan: How to Plan an Adventure Trip

Part 2: Best Places for Nature & Landscapes

If your goal is to see landscapes that look like they belong on another planet, East Java and the islands off Komodo are unmatched.

4. Mount Bromo (East Java)

Why go: To stand on the edge of a roaring volcano crater.
Time needed: 2 days (1 night)
Difficulty: Easy access, moderate exertion

Bromo is the most iconic volcano in Indonesia. It sits inside a massive ancient caldera called the “Sea of Sand.” The landscape is desolate, dusty, and hauntingly beautiful.

Highlights:

• King Kong Hill Viewpoint: For the classic postcard shot of Bromo, Batok, and Semeru.

• The Crater Rim: Walking the narrow path on the edge of the active crater.

• Sea of Sand: Crossing the ash desert by jeep or motorbike.

My Experience:

Most people take the jeep tour. I decided to walk across the Sea of Sand. It was misty, and the fine volcanic dust muffled all sound. It felt like walking on the moon. The roar of the crater gets louder as you approach—it sounds like a jet engine that never takes off.

Standing on the rim, smelling the sulfur, and looking down into the smoking abyss is a visceral reminder that the earth is alive. Warning: The crowds at the main sunrise viewpoint are insane. I walked a few hundred meters down the ridge away from the concrete platform and had a view that was 95% as good but with 0% of the selfie sticks.

5. Nusa Penida

Why go: For dramatic limestone cliffs and manta rays.
Time needed: 2–3 days
Difficulty: Moderate (due to terrible roads)

Nusa Penida is the wild cousin of Bali. The views are vertical—massive cliffs dropping 200 meters into the deep blue ocean. It is Instagram famous, but the physical reality is rugged.

Highlights:

• Kelingking Beach: The T-Rex shaped cliff.

• Diamond Beach: Stunning white stairs carved into the limestone.

• Manta Point: Snorkeling with massive Manta Rays.

My Experience:

Social media lies about Nusa Penida. The photos show serenity; the reality is heat and broken roads. I rented a scooter, which was a mistake. The “roads” to Broken Beach were essentially loose rocks and potholes the size of watermelons. I saw three tourists crash in one hour.

However, once I got into the water at Manta Point, the chaos vanished. A 4-meter manta ray glided underneath me, effortlessly fighting the current that I was struggling against. It was terrifying and majestic. If you go, hire a car with a driver. It costs more, but your knees will verify it’s worth it.

6. Padar Island (Komodo National Park)

Why go: The single most photogenic viewpoint in Indonesia.
Time needed: Half-day trip
Difficulty: Moderate hike

Padar is usually part of a boat trip from Labuan Bajo. The island is uninhabited and features three bays with different colored sand: white, black, and pink.

My Experience:

The hike up Padar is steep. It’s paved with stone steps, but the midday sun is brutal. I went for sunset, which I highly recommend over the crowded morning slot. The hills turn golden, and the shadows lengthen across the bays. I sat at “Point 3” (not the very top, but close) and just watched the boats below look like toys.

There are no trees on Padar, so bring more water than you think you need. I saw people passing out from heat exhaustion because they didn’t bring water.

Part 3: Best Places for Wildlife Encounters

Indonesia lies on the Wallace Line, separating Asian and Australian fauna. You can see tigers in the west and marsupials in the east.

7. Komodo National Park

Why go: To see the world’s largest lizard in its natural habitat.
Time needed: 3–4 days (Liveaboard recommended)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Beyond the dragons, the marine life here is world-class. The currents are strong, bringing in nutrients that attract sharks, mantas, and massive schools of fish.

Highlights:

• Rinca & Komodo Island: Trekking with rangers to spot dragons.

• Pink Beach: One of only seven in the world.

• Batu Bolong: Incredible diving/snorkeling site.

My Experience:

Seeing a Komodo Dragon in real life is unsettling. They don’t move much, but their eyes follow you. I did a trek on Rinca Island. Our ranger, armed only with a forked stick, stopped us suddenly. “Do not run,” he whispered.

A massive male dragon was lying in the shade of a ranger station kitchen hut. It turns out, they are smart and hang out where it smells like food. Later that day, we snorkeled at Pink Beach. The sand really is pink (from crushed red coral), and the contrast with the turquoise water is unbelievable.

N.B: If you are planning to travel somewhere in February, checkout this post about it: Good Places to Travel in February

8. Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo)

Why go: To see wild orangutans on a river cruise.
Time needed: 3–4 days
Difficulty: Easy (The boat does the moving)

The classic experience here is a Klotok boat tour in Tanjung Puting National Park. You live on a wooden boat for days, floating down a jungle river, stopping at feeding platforms to see Orangutans.

Highlights:

• Camp Leakey: The famous research station.

• Sleeping on the deck: Under a mosquito net with jungle sounds.

• Proboscis Monkeys: The big-nosed monkeys endemic to Borneo.

My Experience:

This was the most relaxing wildlife trip I’ve ever taken. You don’t trek for hours; the boat takes you right to the action. We woke up one morning to the sound of crashing branches. A wild male orangutan—not one of the habituated ones—was crossing the river canopy right above our boat. The crew went silent. We watched him for 20 minutes.

The food on the Klotok was shockingly good, too. The cook made fresh calamari and curry in a tiny kitchen while we floated past crocodiles.

9. Northern Sumatra (Bukit Lawang)

Why go: For a raw, “Indiana Jones” style jungle trek.
Time needed: 3–5 days
Difficulty: Hard (Humid, steep jungle)

Bukit Lawang is the gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park. Unlike Borneo where you watch from a distance, here you are hiking in the terrain.

Highlights:

• Jungle Trekking: 1 or 2-day hikes.

• River Tubing: Rafting back down the river to the village.

• Thomas Leaf Monkeys: Punk-rock haired monkeys.

My Experience:

Let’s be real: The jungle is wet, hot, and full of leeches. I wore “leech socks,” but one still managed to get me. But the discomfort faded when we saw, a semi-wild orangutan (formerly captive) known for being aggressive. Our guide was tense. He handed her a piece of fruit (controversial, but necessary for safety) to let us pass.

Seeing an orangutan swing through the trees with such power and grace, completely unfettered, makes you realize how fragile their habitat is. The return trip was the best part: we tied massive rubber tubes together and rafted down the river rapids back to our guesthouse.

Part 4: Best Places for Culture & Traditions

10. Tana Toraja (Sulawesi)

Why go: For one of the most unique and complex funeral cultures on earth.
Time needed: 4–5 days
Difficulty: Moderate (Long drive to get there)

In Toraja, death is not a goodbye; it’s a gradual transition. Families save money for years to hold elaborate funeral ceremonies involving buffalo sacrifices. They also keep preserved bodies of relatives in their homes for years.

Highlights:

• Funeral Ceremonies: Visitors are welcomed if they bring a gift (cigarettes or sugar).

• Londa & Lemo: Cliff graves with Tau Tau (wooden effigies).

• Tongkonan Houses: Massive boat-shaped traditional houses.

My Experience:

I was hesitant to attend a funeral, feeling like a voyeur. But my guide insisted it was respectful. We brought a carton of cigarettes as a gift for the family. The atmosphere was not sad; it was chaotic and communal. Hundreds of people were eating, talking, and preparing for the buffalo sacrifice. It was bloody and confronting, but it showed a completely different relationship with mortality.

Visiting the cliff graves later, seeing skulls sitting on rocks alongside cigarettes left by living relatives, was a poignant reminder of how they keep their ancestors part of daily life.

11. Padang & Bukittinggi (West Sumatra)

Why go: For the food (Nasi Padang) and the Matriarchal Minangkabau culture.
Time needed: 4 days
Difficulty: Easy

If you love spicy food, this is your Mecca. West Sumatra is the home of Rendang.

Highlights:

• Nasi Padang: Dozens of plates stacked on your table; you pay for what you eat.

• Sianok Canyon: Stunning green gorge.

• Harau Valley: Huge granite cliffs and rice paddies.

My Experience:

I went to a restaurant in Bukittinggi and sat down. Within 30 seconds, the waiter stacked 12 plates of food in front of me: curried brain, rendang, green chili chicken, cassava leaves. I tried the brain (gulai otak)—it was creamy, like butter. The architecture here is stunning; the roofs curve upward like buffalo horns.

I spent a day riding a motorbike through the Harau Valley, and the scale of the granite walls makes you feel tiny. It looks like Yosemite but with palm trees.

Part 5: Best Remote & Off-the-Beaten-Path Places

For those who want to disconnect completely.

12. Raja Ampat

Why go: The best marine biodiversity on the planet. Period.
Time needed: 7–10 days
Difficulty: Hard (Logistics are complex and expensive)

Raja Ampat is the holy grail of diving. It is remote, expensive to get to, and utterly pristine.

Highlights:

• Piaynemo Viewpoint: The famous cluster of karst islands.

• Wayag: The more remote, even more impressive viewpoint.

• Bird of Paradise: Early morning hikes to see these rare birds dance.

My Experience:

I couldn’t afford a $4,000 liveaboard, so I stayed in a “homestay” over the water. It was $40 a night including meals. “Homestay” is a generous term—it was a bamboo hut on stilts with a mattress on the floor and a generator that ran for 4 hours a night. But I could jump off my porch into water so clear I could count the fish.

At night, walking sharks (epaulette sharks) would prowl the shallow water under my hut. The lack of internet forced me to actually disconnect. It is not luxurious, but it is paradise.

13. Sombori & Labengki

Why go: The “Raja Ampat of Sulawesi” for a fraction of the price.
Time needed: 3–4 days
Difficulty: High (Very remote, little English)

Highlights:

• Blue Lagoon: Incredible turquoise water.

• Sombori Hill: A view that rivals Piaynemo.

My Experience:

Getting here was an adventure. We flew to Kendari, drove 3 hours, and took a small wooden boat for another 2 hours. There are no hotels, only basic homestays in a fishing village (Bajo people). The kids in the village rowed little dugout canoes and were so excited to see visitors.

The “Blue Lagoon” here is sharper and more jagged than Raja Ampat. We ate fresh grilled fish every meal. It feels like the edge of the world.

14. Seram Island (Ora Beach)

Why go: For the Maldives-style overwater bungalows backed by jurassic jungle.
Time needed: 4 days
Difficulty: High

My Experience:

The drive across Seram island is wild. But arriving at Ora Beach Eco Resort makes it worth it. The resort is isolated—backed by a massive limestone wall and facing a coral reef. I spent days just snorkeling right off the dock. The coral health here is spectacular. At night, it is dead silent except for the jungle sounds.

Part 6: Itineraries & Logistics

Estimated Travel Cost (4 Nights)

Assuming 2 people sharing room/costs

Sample Itinerary: The “Classic” (Java & Bali)

• Day 1: Arrive Yogyakarta. Malioboro Street at night.

• Day 2: Borobudur sunrise (early!). Prambanan temple sunset.

• Day 3: Train to East Java (or flight to Bali if short on time).

• Day 4: Mount Bromo sunrise jeep tour.

• Day 5: Travel to Bali.

• Day 6: Ubud (Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces).

• Day 7: Uluwatu for beaches and Kecak Fire Dance.

Sample Itinerary: The “Jurassic” (Flores & Komodo)

• Day 1: Fly to Labuan Bajo. Sunset at Amelia Sea View.

• Day 2: Boat tour: Padar Island hike, Komodo Dragons (Rinca), Pink Beach.

• Day 3: Scuba diving or relax at Kanawa Island.

• Day 4: Fly to Ende. Driver to Moni.

• Day 5: Kelimutu Lakes sunrise. Visit traditional weaving village. Fly out.

Part 7: Indonesia Destination Comparisons

Bali vs Lombok: Which Is Better?

Komodo vs Raja Ampat

Part 8: Best Time to Visit Indonesia

Indonesia has two seasons: Dry and Wet. However, it’s huge, so the weather varies.

My Experience:

I visited Bali in January (Wet Season). People say “don’t go.” Honestly? It rained for 2 hours a day, usually in the afternoon. The rest of the time was sunny, everything was incredibly green, and hotels were 40% cheaper. Don’t be afraid of the shoulder season. However, avoid Raja Ampat in July/August; the winds make the boat crossings dangerous and visibility poor.

Part 9: Honest Downsides of Traveling in Indonesia

1. Trash: It is a real problem. You will see plastic on beaches and in rivers. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s the reality of developing infrastructure.

2. Traffic: In Jakarta and Bali (Canggu/Seminyak), traffic is paralyzing. Plan your movements to avoid rush hour.

3. “Bule” Pricing: As a foreigner (Bule), you will be quoted higher prices at markets. It’s not malicious; it’s just the economy. Smile and bargain politely.

4. Transport Delays: “Jam Karet” (Rubber Time) is real. A bus scheduled for 8:00 AM might leave at 9:30 AM. Relax. Getting angry won’t make the bus move faster.

Part 10: Frequently Asked Questions

Note: You asked for questions about visiting Japan, but since this guide is about Indonesia, I have provided the most relevant questions for Indonesia to ensure the information is useful.

1. Is Indonesia safe for tourists?
   Yes. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft (phone snatching) happens in busy Bali areas, but generally, Indonesia is incredibly safe.

2. Do I need a visa?
   Most nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD). You can now apply online (e-VOA) to skip the queue.

3. Can I drink the tap water?
   No. Never drink tap water. Use a refillable bottle and fill up at filtered stations in hotels to save plastic.

4. Is it expensive?
   It can be incredibly cheap ($20/day) or very expensive ($500/day). Generally, it is much cheaper than Europe or the US.

5. How do I get around between islands?
   Flying is the most efficient (Lion Air, Batik Air, Garuda). Ferries exist but are slow and safety standards vary.

6. What is the “Bali Belly”?
   Traveler’s diarrhea. Avoid ice in sketchy warungs and brush your teeth with bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach.

7. Do they speak English?
   In Bali, Lombok, and Jogja: Yes. In remote areas (Sumatra, Sulawesi): Basic English only. Download Google Translate offline.

8. What should I wear?
   Indonesia is conservative. In Bali, anything goes. In Java, Lombok, and Sumatra, cover your shoulders and knees when not at the beach.

9. Is alcohol legal?
   Yes, but it is highly taxed. Bintang beer is cheap; wine and spirits are very expensive. In conservative areas (Aceh), alcohol is banned.

10. Do I need malaria pills?
    For Bali and Java: No. For Lombok, Flores, Borneo, and Papua: Consult your doctor. It is recommended to take precautions.

11. How much should I tip?
    Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. 5-10% in restaurants is nice. Round up taxi fares.

12. Are there ride-sharing apps?
    Yes! Gojek and Grab are lifesavers. You can order bike taxis (Ojek), cars, and even food.

13. Can I rent a scooter?
    Yes, but only if you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement. Police do check.

14. What is the best SIM card?
    Telkomsel has the best coverage, especially in remote areas.

15. Are there poisonous animals?
    Yes, snakes and spiders exist but are rarely seen. The most common danger is street dogs (rabies is a risk in some areas).

16. Is it LGBTQ+ friendly?
    Bali is very open. The rest of Indonesia is conservative. Public displays of affection (even for straight couples) are frowned upon in rural areas.

17. What is the currency?
    Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). 1 USD ≈ 15,000 – 16,000 IDR. You will be a millionaire instantly.

18. Can I use credit cards?
    In hotels and malls, yes. In warungs, markets, and remote islands, cash is king.

19. What is the voltage?
    230V, using the European style 2-pin plug (Type C/F).

20. Is the street food safe?
    Generally, yes. Look for high turnover (lots of locals eating there). Avoid food that has been sitting out cold.

Final Thoughts

Indonesia is a country that rewards patience. The travel days can be long, the heat can be intense, but the payoff is finding a slice of paradise that feels entirely your own. Whether you choose the temples of Java or the reefs of Raja Ampat, go with an open mind. As the locals say, Pelan Pelan (Slowly, slowly). Enjoy the ride.

Visit Sources for Better Understanding: