Islands. More than 18 000 of them. Like a string of pearls hanging on the equator in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is a spectacular country of immense natural and cultural beauty. This necklace spans more than 5,000 km from west to east, making Indonesia like a tropical continent in itself, with incredibly diverse landscapes, people, cultures, food, and beautiful places to see and experience. Here are 30 of the most beautiful places and Indonesian landmarks you should visit on your Indonesia trip.
From Sumatra in the west to Papua in the east, Indonesia awaits with jungles, palm-fringed beaches with gin-clear water, epic waves, steaming volcanoes, mountains, lakes, vibrant cities, villages, incredible temples, wildlife, diving, snorkelling, colonial-era architecture and so much more!
Beautiful places and tourist attractions aside, a highlight of visiting Indonesia for us is its people. Indonesians might just be the friendliest on earth.
The world’s fourth-largest population comes in many different tongues, shades, traditions and religions, but one constant is their conviviality and love for having a good time- and sharing it with their guests.
Indonesia is such a rewarding country to visit. There truly is something for everyone, and one trip is seldom enough – we’ve been on seven trips to Indonesia and still want to see more. The combination of incredible natural and cultural wonders, amazing people and low prices are reasons why we are self-proclaimed Indo-junkies.
Whether looking for wild and exotic adventures, beautiful sights, or iconic landmarks, Indonesia has everything – and more!
To help plan your trip, we’ve narrowed down the most beautiful places and Indonesian landmarks to visit. And we’re not talking about telling you to see city X or town Z. We’ll show you specific spots (that we have been to ourselves) that we deem the prettiest places in Indonesia.
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Indonesia Off the Beaten Path
One of the rewards when travelling in Indonesia is how easy it is to get off the beaten path. Once you leave Bali, pretty much everywhere is a hidden gem. (I really dislike that word – so let’s go with unsung hero.) The unsung heroes of Indonesian landmarks are our favourite places to seek out.
For most people, Bali is Indonesia. Some have yet to learn that Bali is in Indonesia and not a country on its own. Though not nearly as popular as Bali, other hot spots for bule (foreigners) are Lombok, Komodo, Yogyakarta and Bromo.
Venture past these places in Indonesia, and you’ll be well off the beaten path. You’ll see more tourists in one day in Bali than in Sumatra or Sulawesi in an entire month.
By all means, go to Bali. Pamper yourself in the world’s best day spas, reach nirvana in your private pool villa, party at the iconic beach clubs and enjoy the touristic heart of Indonesia – but also consider seeking out Indonesia’s unsung heroes beyond paradise.
Famous Landmarks in Java
Indonesia’s main and most populous island is home to an array of attractions. You’ll find some of the most famous natural, cultural and historical Indonesian landmarks in Java.
Don’t dismiss Jakarta. Few visitors spend any time in the nation’s capital, but it does have its charm. Nicknamed the Big Durian, it might look spiky from the outside, but it’s sweet (but often smelly) inside. Inside the Big Durian, you’ll find a few significant landmarks from Indonesia’s colonial period, and meet a few very friendly locals.
Sunda Kelapa – Jakarta
Sunda Kelapa is Jakarta’s historic port dating back to the 13th century when it was established as a trading hub for the Sundanese kingdom. It has since played a significant role in the economic development of Jakarta and Indonesia as a whole.
The port was an important trade centre for spices, textiles, and other goods transported from various parts of the Indonesian archipelago. During the colonial era, boats would start or end their long voyages between Amsterdam and Batavia via Cape Town at Sunda Kelapa.
The port was once home to many wealthy merchants who built impressive warehouses to store their goods. Many of these warehouses still exist and have either been renovated into cafes or are crumbling away beautifully.
Sunda Kelapa still operates as a commercial port, with traditional wooden ships called phinisi docking at the port to load and unload cargo. It is still an essential part of Indonesia’s maritime heritage.
The best way to see Jakarta’s old harbour is by getting someone to row you around in a small boat. Your guide will point out vessels from Kalimantan, Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra and further afield.
Cafe Batavia- Jakarta
Cafe Batavia is a beautiful, historic cafe in the Kota Tua district. The cafe is housed in a beautifully restored colonial building that dates back to the 19th century. It has become an iconic destination in Jakarta for those wishing to dine or have a drink in the faded opulence of old Jakarta.
The cafe’s interior is decorated with antique furniture, vintage photographs, and memorabilia from the 1930s -1950s, capturing the essence of colonial-era Indonesia. Soft jazz, dim lighting and a killer menu complete the scene.
Cafe Batavia is known for its creative twists on Indonesian food. Try the decadent nasi goreng with sambal, clams, shrimps, seaweed, salmon roe and pickles or soto betawi (famous Jakarta -style beef short ribs with coconut milk).
Upstairs you’ll find the Cafe Batavia bar, serving a wide range of cocktails and other beverages. It’s a great spot to have a tipple while looking over Fatahilla Square and its colonial buildings.
Fatahilla Square -Jakarta
Fatahillah Square, also known as Jakarta Old Town or Kota Tua, is a historic area in the heart of Jakarta. The square was built in the early 18th century during the Dutch colonial era and was initially called Stadhuisplein, or City Hall Square.
Today, the square is a popular tourist destination and an Indonesian landmark in Jakarta. You’ll probably be a major attraction yourself – on my previous visits, several excited middle schoolers came to say hello and asked to take a selfie together.
Fatahillah Square is home to several historic landmarks, such as the Jakarta History Museum, Wayang Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics. The square also has a vibrant street food scene, with vendors selling traditional Indonesian snacks and drinks.
Look out for vendors cooking Kerak Telor, a traditional Jakarta snack made from rice cooked with eggs, shredded coconut, and a mixture of spices, including shallots, garlic, turmeric, and salt. The mixture is then grilled over a charcoal fire and served on a small plate or banana leaf with crispy fried shallots. Believe me – it’s fantastic!
Sunrise from Penanjakan, Mount Bromo – East Java
People, remember to keep your mouths from hanging open when seeing Mount Bromo for the first time. It’s an incredible sight to behold.
What you’ll see in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (named after three of the main volcanoes in the area: Mount Bromo, Mount Tengger, and Mount Semeru) looks like it belongs on another planet. I think it’s the most beautiful natural landmark in Indonesia by a long shot.
Visitors base themselves in the hamlet of Cemoro Lawang, sitting on the caldera’s edge. Then, before the crack of dawn, they head up nearby Penanjakan hill to see the most awe-inspiring landmark in Indonesia.
Penanjakan viewpoint is accessible by a 45-minute jeep ride from the village of Cemoro Lawang. Visitors usually leave Cemoro Lawang early in the morning, around 3 a.m., to arrive at the viewpoint before sunrise.
Penanjakan offers a panoramic view of the surrounding volcanic landscape and is ideal for capturing stunning photographs over Mount Bromo. From here, you’ll see that Bromo is basically a volcano inside a volcano, which is inside an even bigger crater.
After sunrise, jeeps go down the hill, cross the Sea of Sand and then reach the base of Mount Bromo. Wooden stairs lead up to the volcano’s rim, or you can rent a horse from one of the Tengger people to take you up. On top you can hike along the crater rim and look down into the belly of the beast.
Borobudur Temple – Central Java
The world’s largest Buddhist temple is actually more of a manmade mountain. Sitting beautifully between central Java’s volcanoes, jungles and rice paddies, Borobudur is a beautiful testament to the glory of the Javanese Kingdom. This is Indonesia’s most important cultural landmark, and it is spectacular!
Borobudur temple was built in the 8th and 9th centuries during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty and is considered one of the most impressive examples of Buddhist architecture in the world.
One of the most impressive aspects of Borobudur is the sheer scale of the temple. The entire structure covers an area of approximately 2.5 hectares and took over 75 years to built.
The temple has nine stacked platforms, with the bottom six square and the top three circular. Over 2,600 relief panels, each depicting scenes from Buddhist scripture and teachings, and over 500 Buddha statues decorate the platforms.
The temple’s top tier is adorned with 72 bell-shaped stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The temple is built in a symmetrical layout, with four main staircases leading to the top platform.
Visitors can climb the stairs and explore the temple’s many levels, taking in the intricate carvings and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Sunrise at Borobudur is pure magic and the best time to visit. Watching the surrounding landscape of jungles, volcanoes, and fields wake up from the world’s largest Buddhist structure will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Yogyakarta’s Underground Mosque
Only some of the Indonesian landmarks are easy to spot. Take the Underground Mosque, or Sumur Gumuling, in Yogyakarta as an example.
Located in the Kraton, adjacent to the Tamansari (Water Palace), the Underground Mosque is among the most popular landmarks to visit in Yogyakarta (Jogja).
The underground structure has a circular shape and feels almost like a well. Visitors enter the mosque through a small entrance that leads to a spiral of tunnels and subterranean passages. These passages meet at a central point with a circular opening in the roof.
The dark tunnels are cool and dark, with incredible acoustics.
It is a must-visit attraction on any Jogja itinerary, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Java.
Beautiful Places & Landmarks in Bali
Beautiful Bali needs no introduction. The Island of the Gods, as it is often referred to, has some of the most famous and beautiful landmarks to visit in Indonesia.
Being a Hindu island, it offers unique cultural landmarks not seen elsewhere in Muslim Indonesia.
Sacred Monkey Forest
We always go to the Monkey Forest when we’re in Ubud. It’s such a magical place filled with towering trees, temples and, of course, monkeys.
The Monkey Forest is a natural habitat for hundreds of long-tailed macaques and a spiritual and cultural hub for the locals.
With the Monkey Forest and cultural landmarks, great food scene, heavenly spas and lush surroundings, it’s easy to see why Ubud is one of Bali’s best places to stay.
The Monkey Forest has three temples, each with unique architecture and significance in Balinese Hinduism. The temples and statues throughout the sanctuary are intricately carved and overgrown with moss and vines, adding to the mystical and ancient feel of the forest.
Enjoy a stroll surrounded by incredible nature while observing temples and the monkey business. However, visitors should be cautious with their belongings as the monkeys are opportunistic and may snatch food or personal items.
Tegalelang Rice Terraces & Bali Swing
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of Bali’s most iconic and picturesque natural landmarks, located in the village of Tegalalang, about 10 km north of Ubud. The rice terraces cover an area of several square kilometres. They testify to the Balinese’s ingenuity and resourcefulness, as they have cultivated rice in this area for centuries.
The terraces are carved into the hillsides and divided into different levels, separated by narrow ridges that allow water to flow from one terrace to another. The terraces are irrigated by a complex system of canals carefully maintained by the local farmers.
Visitors to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces can explore the area on foot, hiking along narrow paths that wind through the fields and offer stunning views of the verdant landscapes.
Another must-do at the rice terraces is to swing over the beautiful landscapes at one of the famous Bali Swings.
The terraces are magnificent during the wet season when water fills the paddies and reflects the sky and surrounding palm trees.
Tirta Empul Water Temple
Tirta Empul is a water temple in the village of Tampaksiring in central Bali, not far from Ubud. The temple is famous for its holy spring water, which is believed to have healing powers and is used for purification rituals by the Balinese Hindus.
The temple complex comprises several courtyards and shrines, surrounded by lush greenery and rice paddies. Visitors to the temple can explore the grounds and witness the purification ceremonies, which involve bathing in the holy spring water and praying at the shrines.
The temple’s central courtyard is home to a large rectangular pool filled with crystal-clear water, which flows continuously from a sacred spring located in the nearby hills. The pool is divided into two sections, one for men and one for women, and visitors must wear a sarong and sash before entering the water.
Aside from the purification rituals, visitors to Tirta Empul can also admire the intricate architecture of the temple buildings, which date back to the 10th century. Tirta Empul is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bali and is one of the island’s most important spiritual sites.
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is a famous landmark in southern Bali. It is a Hindu temple sitting on the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. The temple is one of the six key temples believed to be Bali’s spiritual pillars.
Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple itself, but the views from the cliffside are terrific.
Visitors flock to the temple for its stunning sunset views and traditional Kecak dance performances on the temple grounds.
The temple is also home to a large population of monkeys, believed to guard the temple against evil spirits. Be careful when taking photos of the monkeys – we saw a monkey snatch one unlucky guy’s iPhone, who then had to convince the monkey to give it back in exchange for a banana!
Uluwatu and its temple are situated on the Bukit Peninsula, known for its beautiful beaches and world-class surf spots. With laid-back beach vibes, a monkey-filled temple and waves for days, it’s one of our favourite spots in Bali.
Mount Agung View from Sunset Point – Amed
Amed on Bali’s east coast is our favourite spot in Bali – every Bali trip for us must have some Amed time. Amed doesn’t only have excellent snorkelling right off the beach, but once you pop your head up from underwater, you’ll get breathtaking views of the majestic Mount Agung.
The towering volcano last erupted in 2017 and is the highest point in Bali, at an impressive 3,031 meters.
The best spot to witness the stunning sight of Mount Agung is at Sunset Point, the highest point in Amed. Come here before sunset, order something cold and fizzy and watch the beautiful last sunshine kiss Bali’s famous volcano.
The view overlooking the beach on Jemeluk Bay with its traditional jukung fishing boats and majestic Gunung Agung behind it as the sky catches fire is pure magic.
Japanese Shipwreck – Amed
Another landmark of Indonesia hidden out of sight is the Japanese shipwreck near Amed. While shipwrecks are usually the sole domain of divers and Jacques Cousteaus, the Japanese shipwreck lies just meters from the beach and is my favourite snorkelling spot in Amed.
The shipwreck is a World War II Japanese cargo vessel that was sunk by Allied forces in 1942. Today, the wreck lies in shallow water (2 to 15 meters deep) and is a snorkelling and diving spot.
I’ve seen a huge variety of fish here, including moray eels and pipe fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a turtle. Snorkellers should take advantage of this rare opportunity to snorkel a historic shipwreck right off the beach without joining a tour.
For history buffs, the shipwreck is also a reminder of Bali’s involvement in World War II and the strategic importance of the Indonesian archipelago.
Padang Padang Beach
Famous even before Julia Roberts came here in Eat Pray Love, Padang Padang Beach has always been a favourite beach spot in Bali.
High cliffs and lush vegetation enclose the small yet stunning beach, creating a secluded and intimate atmosphere. Visitors must walk down a set of stairs and through a narrow crack between the cliffs that leads to the soft white sand and clear waters to reach the beach.
Once you reach the beach a lovely stretch of sand, calm, clear water and pumping surf further back await. It’s the perfect beach for surfing, swimming, or just relaxing.
In addition to its natural beauty, Padang Padang Beach hosts the annual Rip Curl Cup in July and August, which attracts surfers from all over the world.
Beautiful Indonesian Landmarks East of Bali
Leaving Bali and heading east, you’ll leave the crowds behind and see the landscapes getting more rugged and the water more glass-like. This is where you’ll find many beautiful places and some of the best natural landmarks in Indonesia.
Gili Islands – Lombok
The Gili Islands, consisting of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, are a group of picturesque islands located off the northwest coast of Lombok. These islands are a famous landmark of Indonesia, drawing tourists from around the world with their turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and laid-back island vibe.
We spent a luxurious second honeymoon in Lombok (because we like to invest in ourselves, lol), split between Sengiggii on the mainland and Gili Trawangan.
During our time on Gili T, we enjoyed the easygoing beach bars, restaurants, and nightlife the island is famous for. The beaches and beach bars on the eastern side of the island facing Bali (called Sunset Side for obvious reasons) are gorgeous all day long.
Swimming with turtles was the highlight of our time on Gili T. We stopped counting how many turtles we swam with – it was a fantastic day of island hopping between the 3 Gili islands. Besides turtles, you’ll see healthy coral reefs and visit a few stunning beaches.
Padar Island – Komodo
Padar Island is a small, uninhabited island in the Komodo National Park and a famous landmark in Indonesia. The ruggedly beautiful island is known for its otherworldly landscape, which could be the set of a Jurassic Park movie.
The island is a must-visit on any Komodo boat trip, and a hike to the summit of the island rewards you with one of the most epic views in the entire country.
The hike to the top of the island takes around 30 minutes. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the surrounding seascape, including the famous three-coloured beaches of Komodo.
From the summit of Padar Island, you’ll see Komodo’s famous pink sand beach, a grey and white sand beach almost touching but separated by a rugged piece of land.
Taka Makassar – Komodo
Taka Makassar, or Karang Makassar in Bahasa Indonesia, is a beautiful sandbar in the heart of Komodo National Park.
The small sandbar shaped like a crescent moon is smaller than a football pitch, and is known for its crystal clear turquoise waters lapping on white sand, barely sticking out above the water.
Idyllic as it is (some even call it the Maldives of Indonesia), it gets even better once you put your head underwater.
Extensive hard and soft coral gardens surround Taka Makassar, and the shallow water gently slopes down to the drop-off.
It is my favourite spot for snorkelling in Komodo, thanks to abundant marine life and a gentle current for drift snorkelling. I saw a huge variety of fish, including schooling and a few black-tip reef sharks while snorkelling at Taka Makassar.
Rinca Island – Komodo
Rinca Island is one of the three largest islands in Komodo National Park and a famous landmark in Indonesia.
Of course, the reason for coming here is to see the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, in the wild. Rinca Island is the best place to see the dragons, as it’s smaller than Komodo island and has a higher population of dragons.
A short hike accompanied by a park ranger takes you up close to the dragons while spotting other wildlife, such as deer, monkeys and buffalo.
Rinca’s landscape is dramatic and rugged – one wouldn’t expect anything less for the world’s most badass lizard- characterized by rolling savannah hills, deep valleys, and tall lontar palm trees.
The landscape of Rinca Island is a stunning example of the natural beauty of the Indonesian archipelago, and it is easy to see why it’s such an iconic destination in Indonesia.
La Cecile in Labuan Bajo – Flores
Ask any local where to watch the best sunset in Labuan Bajo, and they will likely point you toward La Cecile.
La Cecile is a beautiful hotel sitting at the highest point in Labuan Bajo. We spent two lovely nights here and loved every moment of it. Comfy, boutique-style accommodation, great food and friendly service aside, La Cecile’s rooftop bar and restaurant are THE PLACE for sundowner drinks.
The view of the boats in the harbour and the islands in Komodo National Park is sublime in the golden hour. Even more so when nurturing something cold and enjoying the live music.
Kelimutu – Flores
Yes, Indonesia has its fair share of incredible volcanoes- more than 150 active volcanoes, which is the largest number of any country in the world. This is because Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region of high volcanic and seismic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates.
One of Indonesia’s most striking volcanic landmarks is Kelimutu, a volcano on the island of Flores.
What makes Kelimutu unique is the three crater lakes that sit atop the volcano, each with a different colour. The lakes are known to change colours frequently, adding to the mystique of the volcano. The colours of the lakes range from turquoise, green, red-brown, and even black.
The colours change due to the varying levels of minerals and gases in the water. The volcano is considered sacred by the local people, and many myths and legends surround it.
Kepa Island – Alor
Offbeat doesn’t get much better than La P’tite Kepa in Alor.
Kepa Island is a tiny island in the Alor Archipelago in East Nusa Tenggara province. It is a remote and secluded island surrounded by some of Indonesia’s best coral reefs for diving and snorkelling.
You can spot some famous landmarks of the Pantar strait from Kepa island, too. Mount Sirung, an active complex volcano on neighbouring Pantar Island and Pura volcano on Ternate island, are the most prominent.
Jolly good.
But that’s just a part of Kepa’s magic. The island is also home to our favourite eco-friendly stay in Southeast Asia.
Owned by a French family, La P’tite Kepa has a prime location on a semi-deserted island between all that incredible nature. It has a few comfortable traditional huts, yummy food and a fantastic house reef. Experienced divers will love this place and never want to leave. Even if you’re not diving (like us), you’ll love this incredibly special place.
Best of all, there is only solar, meals are enjoyed family style, and it directly involves and benefits the local communities surrounding Kepa island.
Learn more about La P’tite Kepa directly on their website. Responses to messages might take a few days since the internet can be unreliable in this part of the world – another reason why we love it so much.
Kalabahi Market – Alor
Tiny Kalabahi might not look like much, but it is the only town on Alor island and the regional capital. While it lacks any sort of landmarks worth visiting, I found the Kalabahi market (pasar) a wonderful place to explore.
Pasar Lama Kalabahi is an open-air street market with vendors selling their products on the sidewalk, but don’t expect souvenirs (besides ikat) or touristy trinkets.
The market is a colourful experience with people from the surrounding villages selling fish, fruit, tobacco, coffee, fruit and veg, and ikat.
Betel nut, mustard leaves and powdered lime are very popular. Indonesians chew a combination of these, which gives them a little rush as it is a stimulant drug.
The friendly folk at the market have teeth and gums stained red from indulging in betelnut.
Indonesian Landmarks in Maluku
Watery Maluku province, home to the famed Spice Islands, has impressive colonial landmarks of Indonesia. Other than crumbling forts and mansions from the VOC period, you’ll also find the country’s best beaches and snorkelling in this hidden corner of the country.
Colonial Architecture of Bandaneira
Bandaneira is a historic town and the main town in the fabled Spice Islands. Today, the Banda Islands are a snorkeler’s wet dream, arguably with the best snorkelling on earth.
The islands still grow their famous nutmeg and other spice and are home to Indonesia’s best colonial landmarks. The Bandas have a rich colonial history, and visitors can see various examples of Dutch colonial architecture in Bandaneira and the surrounding islands.
The most prominent colonial architecture in Bandaneira is Fort Belgica, built by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the 17th century to protect the spice trade in the Banda Islands. The fort is a must-see attraction in the Bandas and an important landmark of Indonesia’s colonial heritage.
Other examples of colonial architecture in Bandaneira include the old Dutch church, which was built in 1607 and is one of the oldest surviving churches in Indonesia, and the former Dutch governor’s residence, which is now a museum showcasing the history of the Banda Islands.
Walking around the town’s car-free streets, you’ll see various traditional wooden houses influenced by Dutch architecture. The combination of colonial and traditional architecture gives Bandaneira a unique charm and makes it a popular destination for history and architecture lovers.
Gunung Api – Seen from Lointhor
Gunung Api, or Fire Mountain, sits right at the centre of the Banda archipelago. The still-active volcano dominates the landscape of the Banda Islands rising to a height of over 650 meters.
Gunung Api is covered in lush green vegetation of forest, bamboo and ferns on the lower slopes that gives way to the bare summit with its hot, rocky surface. If you want to get a bird’s eye view of the historical island group, you’ll love the moderate hike to the summit of the volcano and enjoy the incredible view.
Or head to Lointhor to get a view of the entire volcano and surrounded by the Banda sea. Best way to reach Lonthoit is to get a boat from Bandaneira to Banda Besar, and then get someone to take you up to Lointhor’s viewpoint with his scooter.
Lonthoir is a small village located on the highest point on the island of Banda Besar. From Lonthoir, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the volcano of Gunung Api surrounded by the waters of the Banda Sea.
The spot where the recent lava flow enters the sea is also the best snorkelling spot in Bandaneira.
Giant Kenari Trees on Palau Ai
On Pulau Ai in the Banda island group, you’ll find more colonial-era forts, unbelievable coral gardens and world-class snorkelling spots. Like elsewhere in the Bandas, Pulau Ai grows nutmeg – a lot of it.
Nutmeg thrives in the shade, so when the United East Indian Company (VOC) arrived here in the early 1600s, the Dutch plantation owners planted almond (kenari) trees to provide shade. The kenari trees not only provide shade but also yield a good harvest of nuts.
Over the next few hundred years, these almond groves grew into giants with enormous roots at their bases. You’ll feel quite small while walking among the giant kenari groves in the centre of Pulau Ai.
Pasir Panjang Beach – Kei Islands
The Kei islands, tucked away in southeastern Maluku province, are where you’ll find the country’s best beach. I know that is a bold statement for an archipelago nation, but believe me, beaches don’t get prettier than in the Kei islands.
The two main islands of the Kei group are Kei Besar and Kei Kecil, both of which are blissfully undiscovered and well off the beaten tourist path.
On Kei Kecil, the dazzling (and deserted) Pasir Panjang Beach near Ohoililir village gets our vote for the most beautiful beach in Indonesia, or even one of the most beautiful in the world.
The floury white sand, lukewarm water without a ripple, and swaying palms are straight out of a photoshopped brochure. But it’s real, and, best of all, you might have it all to yourself.
Landmarks in Sumatra
Land of jungles, orangutans, smouldering volcanoes, crater lakes and wave-bashed islands, the world’s fifth-largest island is home to epic adventures and incredible sights. Landmarks in Sumatra are mostly the watery, waiting-to-erupt, jungle-y, well-off-the-beaten path kind.
You’ll find some of the most beautiful spots in Indonesia in Sumatra and probably have it all to yourself. If you’re looking for hidden gems, Samatra won’t disappoint.
Lake Toba – North Sumatra
Lake Toba is an immense natural wonder and a well-known landmark of Indonesia. It is the world’s largest volcanic lake, covering over 1,000 km2 and measuring roughly 100 km long and 30km wide.
The lake was formed from a massive supervolcano eruption over 70,000 years ago, resulting in a gigantic caldera that eventually filled with water.
Today, the supervolcano is dormant and resting, leaving Lake Toba to be its calm and beautiful self. Steep green mountains surround the placid water of the lake, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
The best place to experience the beautiful charm of Lake Toba is Samosir Island, which sits at its centre. Samosir is a popular destination for visitors to relax by the lake, explore the local Batak culture and enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, and hiking.
The natural beauty and fun-loving Batak people of Lake Toba make it a top destination for a relaxing holiday in Southeast Asia.
The King’s Stone Chair in Ambarita Village – North Sumatra
I loved exploring Samosir island by scooter, hopping between traditional Batak villages, finding hidden waterfalls and meeting friendly farmers and the water buffaloes. Ambarita village was my favourite, with beautiful traditional Batak architecture.
In Ambarita, the King’s Stone Chair is a unique and fascinating cultural landmark of Lake Toba.
Batak people settled disputes and handed out punishments for hundreds of years before the arrival of the Dutch colonisers at this very site. And the sentences were pretty brutal – decapitation with a dash of cannibalism!
According to legend, the chair was once used by the tribal king to pass judgment on his subjects. The accused would sit in the chair and plead their case, and the king would decide based on their testimony.
If found guilty and the crime was deemed severe enough, the perpetrator was beheaded right there and then, and his corpse was cut up and divided between villagers for a village feast
Gunung Leusser National Park – North Sumatra
Gunung Leuser National Park is one of Sumatra’s most significant natural landmarks and a must-see destination for anyone interested in experiencing the wild side of Indonesia.
The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including some of the world’s most endangered species, including orangutans, Sumatran tigers, rhinos, elephants, and many bird species.
You can forget about seeing tigers, rhinos or elephants, but if you have a big ape fetish, this part of the world is just the place for you.
Stay in the jungle town of Bukit Lawang, situated on the bank of the Bohorok River, and arrange with a guide to take you on an orangutan trek into Gunung Leuser National Park. Visitors are almost guaranteed to spot semi-wild orangutans on this great adventure into the jungle.
Besides hairy orange apes, you’ll experience the jungle and its critters up close while getting to know about life in the jungle from your guide. Your jungle trek is usually followed by an exciting tube raft on the Bohorok river back to town.
Asu Island – North Sumatra
Tiny Asu Island off Sumatra’s west coast needs no introduction to surfers. They know that the island is home to powerful and consistent waves, attracting surfers from around the world.
Asu wave is a right-hander known for its length, with rides of up to 300 meters possible on a good day. The wave also has a steep face and a powerful barrel, making it a challenging spot for experienced surfers.
Trailing spouses, girlfriends, whimps and normal people like me and you will fall hard for Asu too. You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy this remote island. It has an idyllic white sand beach, great snorkelling and coconut trees galore, making it a true Robinson Crusoe island.
Asu is good year-round, although the best time to visit is between March and October when the swell is most consistent.
Other Beautiful Indonesian Landmarks
With more than 18 000 islands and a distance from east to west wider than the continental USA, it will take at least one lifetime to experience all of Indonesia. We will sure as hell try to see some of them in this life.
We are already planning our next Indo-trip (Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Bali) for later this year, and will update this post with more of the beautiful places and incredible Indonesian landmarks we have found there.
Londa – Tana Toraja (Sulawesi)
Londa is a remarkable cultural landmark in the Tana Toraja region of South Sulawesi. Known for its grim (yet elaborate) funeral ceremonies, Tana Toraja is something you haven’t seen before.
Londa is one of many burial sites in Tana Toraja and is believed to be over 700 years old. The burial site is recognised by its sheer limestone cliff with a balcony carved into it containing ghastly realistic and life-sized tau tau effigies. These effigies are representations of the people buried inside the cave.
After admiring the eerie tau tau, you can enter the burial cave, where you’ll see a grim collection of coffins stacked and strewn around the interior. Some coffins have decayed over time, leaving their contents of skulls and bones in open view.
I told you our list of Indonesian landmarks was a beast!
But congrats, you’ve made it to the end.
Now go and see them for yourself.
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