Best Things To Do In Bali – Indonesia

Explore the unique and colorful culture of the world’s biggest archipelago with these top ten things to do in Indonesia. From stunning beaches to ancient temples and wild jungles. Indonesia, a large archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, is an outstanding tourist destination. From breathtaking beaches to spectacular volcanoes, Indonesia has something for everyone.

Indonesia has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the beach, go on an adventure-filled trekking trip, or explore the local culture.

In this post, we will look at the greatest things to do in Indonesia, from relaxing on its lovely beaches to discovering the lively culture of its cities. So, prepare to visit this magnificent country and uncover the best experiences it has to offer.

Where is Indonesia?

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian Indian-Pacific nation. It is the world’s largest archipelago and 15th largest country with about 17,000 islands.

Java, Indonesia’s most populous island, is home to Jakarta, the capital. Most foreign flights to Indonesia arrive in Jakarta, however there are direct flights to other famous tourist sites, like Bali, which accounts for most Indonesian tourism. Air Asia connects Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam to several Indonesian cities, making it a good alternative for Southeast Asian travelers.

Most tourists choose local aircraft, such as Garuda, Lion Air, and Air Asia Indonesia, because boats within islands are slow.

Best time to visit Indonesia

Indonesia is a wonderful country with many attractions. There are different seasons of the year to travel depending on the experience you want and where in the country you want to go.

Indonesia is best visited in the dry season, May–September. Warm, sunny weather and beautiful surroundings make this an excellent time to visit Indonesia. Indonesia’s beautiful fauna is also best seen now. Indonesia’s beautiful beaches, water sports, and cultural attractions are best visited in the dry season.

Though unpleasant, the wet season (October–April) is manageable. When the rains come, the landscape renews and the temperatures are milder, making it ideal for visiting national parks. Wet season is a good time to visit religious festivals and other cultural events.

Top 10 things to do in Indonesia

Explore the volcanoes, rice terraces, temples and beaches of Bali. Bali is Indonesia’s top destination for travelers, surfers, honeymooners, retirees, and expats. There are enough factors to make it a top tourist destination. Bali is a volcanic island with various mountains to climb and enjoy stunning views. The north island volcano Mount Batur is the most notable. The highest volcano in Bali, Gunung Agung, is also a holy destination for Balinese.

Bali has many beautiful beaches, from hidden coves to busy tourist destinations. Uluwatu, Legian, and Padang Padang beaches are popular, but locals and foreigners can recommend hundreds of hidden beaches. Bali is known for its spirituality. Visitors can learn about local religion in ancient temples. The clifftop Uluwatu temple overlooking the Indian Ocean is a renowned attraction. Also worth seeing are Tanah Lot, Tirta Empul, and Besakih.

Finally, Bali’s rice terraces are famous. These terraces cut into hillsides are stunning. After the Eat, Pray, Love book and movie, Ubud became the most popular spot to visit these terraces. Rental motorbikes are cheap and easy to get in Bali, however driving may be tougher than in your native country.

1. Beach time in Gili islands

Bali has beautiful beaches, but the Gili islands are picture-perfect. Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air are three tiny islands off Lombok Island. These islands have beautiful beaches, pristine waters, and a laid-back vibe. The best part is that no automobiles or motorcycles disturb the peace.

Once a backpackers-only spot, it now attracts a broad mix with everything from affordable huts to luxury resorts, especially in Gili Trawangan.

As the “beach party,” Gili Trawangan is the largest and most visited of the three. For a calm escape, this may not be the greatest choice. Gili Air is nearest to Lombok and has the most natives. Gili Meno is the smallest, quietest, and least touristy.

2. Visit Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world

This 9th-century Central Java complex houses the world’s largest Buddhist temple and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The three most important Southeast Asian religious sites are Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, and.

Borobudur has three main levels with several tiny stupas with Buddha images in diverse stances. The entire edifice is covered in Buddhist mythology reliefs and carvings.

Visiting the complex at sunrise is mystical and offers a unique look at Java’s history and culture. Borobodur is 40 km northwest of Yogyakarta.

3. Base yourself at Yogyakarta

“Yogya” is the great base to visit Prambanan and Borobudur while enjoying the city’s attractions about 15 and 40 kilometers away, respectively.

You can keep busy in Yogyakarta, known for its traditional arts, culture, and food. Among Indonesia’s oldest towns, the Sultan’s Palace Complex (Kraton) is a must-see for tourists. The city and surrounding area have many Dutch-era buildings and ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples (candi’s, pronounced chandee) from the 7th-9th century.

Locals love nighttime street food, so sample the city’s specialties like gudeg, a jackfruit, chicken, and egg curry.

4. Climb the active Mount Bromo

Active volcano Mount Bromo in East Java is popular with national tourists, so avoid the holidays as it can be crowded. The mountain belongs to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

May to October are the best months to climb it because to moderate weather and clear skies. The Probolinggo-Ngadisari Route is the most popular of three Bromo climbs. Probolinggo is the closest larger town to the park to start this journey, which climbs to Cemoro Lawang.

The top vista is breathtaking and the trek takes roughly 2.5 hours. The climb is worth it to see the clouds, other volcanoes, and “sea of sand” below.

5. Dive into the underwater world of Bunaken

Bunaken National Marine Park, off Sulawesi’s northern point, is one of the world’s top 10 diving locations. The park is known for its pure water, beautiful coral reefs, and diverse marine life.

Some of the world’s best wall dives are here, with drop-offs from 20 to 1,000 meters. Divers of all abilities can see numerous colorful fish, eels, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales.

Bunaken’s underwater walls, cliffs, and arches create a stunning environment. Excellent visibility of 20–30 meters makes it wonderful. From Manado, take a boat to Bunaken island, where there are many hotels and diving companies.

6. Culture and nature in the largest volcanic lake in the world

Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Indonesia’s largest island, is a great place to unwind in nature. There are several villages and settlements along the lake’s shore, but Samosir island, a big island with amazing views and various activities, is the ideal spot to stay. Tuktuk is the tourist hub, but outlying settlements provide accommodations.

The Batak culture has resided around Lake Toba for generations. Bataks have their own language and religion. Visit local communities to learn about the culture and traditions. Break the ice with the Batak greeting “horas”. In terms of area, Lake Toba is larger than Singapore.

7. Trek in the Sumatran jungle

Let’s visit Sumatra’s lush rainforest of Kerinci Seblat National Park, a world-class tiger reserve. Threatened animal species live in the park. These include Sumatran tigers, rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, leopards, clouded leopards, tapirs, sun bears, wild boars, macaques, and many bird species, but don’t expect to see the larger beasts.

One of the greatest sites to see the huge, carnivorous Rafflesia blossom in its natural habitat is Kerinci Seblat. Some of the world’s largest flowers can grow to one meter in diameter and are only found in Southeast Asia. Peak bloom season is June–August, when Rafflesias are most visible.

8. Dragons do exist

Within the Komodo National Park in Indonesia, they reside on the small islands of Komodo and Rinca. The area’s marine biodiversity and vast populations of Komodo dragons, a monitor lizard that may reach to 3 meters, make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park is easily accessible from Labuan Bajo, Flores island, with regular flights from Indonesia’s major cities. Once there, there are many trips that take you to see the dragons and snorkel with manta rays, sea turtles, and other species. Watching the sunset from the boat is a highlight, so I recommend a 2-day/1-night excursion.

10. Volunteering in Indonesia

Volunteering is one of the best ways to visit Indonesia and experience its culture. Worldpackers lists volunteer possibilities. Subscribe and contact the hosts of your desired positions there. Your host will organize a set number of hours each week for your volunteer work. They’ll provide you a place to stay and food in retaliation.

You may save money, learn new skills, meet people, and make a difference while traveling.

These are just some examples of volunteering opportunities in Indonesia:

• Teach English and experience the local life in Java.
• If you are a yoga instructor and would like to live in a hostel in Gili Air, this position is for you!
• Help this NGO focused on community based education located near Surabaya, Java.