Top Things to Do in Indonesia: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Indonesia is quickly becoming a popular travel destination for British travellers, with more and more flocking to its archipelagic islands for a mix of beaches, culture and nature. This wallet-friendly country offers major bang for your buck, with budget-friendly accommodation, activities and food all on the menu.

If Indonesia is high up on your travel bucket list but you're not sure where to start when planning a trip, we're here to help. Here at Trip.com, we've combed through holiday listings to give you the ultimate guide to visiting Indonesia. Find our recommendations on cities to visit, landmarks to explore, and of course, which beaches to prioritise. Let's get started!

Popular Activities in Indonesia at the Best Prices 🎫

• 🏰 Ubud Palace ⭐ From £4.09 - A historic palace and beautiful example of traditional architecture
• 🏊 Waterbom Bali ⭐ From £26.67 - Splash, slide, jump and swim in this popular waterpark
• 🌊 Nusa Lembongan ⭐From £4.66 - Your peaceful, island escape for the day
• 🏝️ Komodo Island ⭐ From £50.80 - Home of its namesake dragon, ready to be explored

💡 Did you know? Indonesia is home to more volcanoes than any other country on Earth! There are an estimated 127 to 130 active volcanoes across the country's 17,000+ islands. Why so many volcanoes? Indonesia sits on the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire', where several tectonic plates meet. There are entire stretches of islands that are covered in volcanoes! And because there are so many volcanoes, the land here is super fertile, resulting in beautiful, lush plantlife and rainforests.

What to Do in Indonesia Based on Your Stay

Indonesia is a whole lot bigger than many travellers first think, although the majority of its 17,000+ islands aren't permanently inhabited. So with so much to explore, from remote islands to busy cities, where do you even start?

To help you out, we've put together some guideline itineraries depending on how long you're visiting for, and your travel party size. Whether your stay is brief or you'll be in the country for a while, you can still get a great feel for Indonesia and its highlights.

Must-Visit Cities in Indonesia

Exploring Indonesia's cities and islands is not only a great way to get familiar with the country, but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in its culture, history and nature. So if you want the excitement of Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta, the chilled-out vibes of the popular island of Bali, or a mixture of it all, here are our recommendations on where to hit up on your Indonesia trip.

Bali: Sun, sand, and lush, tropical forests

When many folks think of Indonesia, they think of the island paradise of Bali. Located in the south, Bali has become synonymous with perfect beaches, lush rainforests, and traditional temples.

So, if you're heading to Bali, what is there to do? Well, you're spoiled for choice. From sunbathing on Seminyak Beach, catching waves on Kuta Beach, taking a stroll around Tegallalang rice terraces, and hiking up Mount Batur to catch the sunrise, there's a whole lot to fill up your holiday itinerary.

📌 The Trip.com tip: Major sights and activities are spread across Bali, so we recommend exploring the whole island to get a true feel for it. You can split up your stay across different areas and accommodations, or even hire a car to get around.

Jakarta: Modern megacity meets history and culture

Dial things up and explore modern Indonesia by visiting Jakarta. Pretty much the opposite of Bali, Indonesia's capital city is bursting with energy and atmosphere. From incredible skyscrapers to shopping malls, historic streets to mosques and cathedrals, exploring this city is a feast for all the senses.

Speaking of which, we highly recommend making a beeline to the city's street food stalls across Jalan Sabang and Pecenongan Street. A foodie heaven, enjoy a wide variety of local Betawi and Chinese-inspired dishes. Grab a bowl of Nasi Goreng or a freshly-grilled satay skewer. Scrumptious!

Ubud: Culture and serenity surrounded by nature

After the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, calm things down a bit with a visit to Ubud. Often considered Indonesia's spiritual and cultural heart, this inland town on Bali is much quieter and perfect for travellers wanting to take time out and truly relax.

Ubud is probably best known for its wellness retreats, river valleys and ancient temples. Make time for wildlife by visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Tirta Empul Temple, or one of the local markets for a unique handmade souvenir.

Lombok: Quiet beaches and volcano hikes

Super laid-back and chill, the island of Lombok lies just east of Bali and is a perfect destination for travellers looking for a quintessential Indonesian island experience. If you're looking to soak up the sun on a quiet beach, this is the island for you. 

Take your pick from the white sand and turquoise waters of Tanjung Aan, the waves at Selong Belanak, the peaceful setting of Mawun Beach, and the unique, pink-tinged sand at Tangsi Beach. If you're feeling a little adventurous, take on a multi-day trek to Mount Rinjani.

Nusa Penida: Dramatic cliffs and awe-inspiring landscapes

Immerse yourself in Indonesia's wild side with a visit to Nusa Penida. This island makes for a fantastic day trip from Bali and is easily accessible by speedboat. This is the place to go for those looking to explore dramatic landscapes, from rugged limestone cliffs and hidden coves to crystal-clear waters and remote beaches.

After landing on the island, you might choose to discover Kelingking Beach and take on its steep descent, take in the natural archway at Broken Beach, or go snorkelling at Diamond Beach. Be mindful when getting into the sea; the waters here can be far rougher with stronger currents than on other Indonesian islands.

Surabaya: City energy on the edge of the islands

Found on the island of Java, Surabaya is Indonesia's second biggest city. It attracts fewer UK visitors than Jakarta, making it a little less tourist-focused, though it's still well worth a visit.

This major port city is a great stop on the way to the country's eastern islands, especially Mount Bromo and the Ijen Crater. But what is there to do in the city itself? Be sure to come with an appetite, as food is a big focus here. Indulge in Rawon or delicious Lontong Balap. Culture-wise, check out House of Sampoerna for an introduction to the city's history and culture, and take in the Suramadu Bridge spectacularly lit up at night.

Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Indonesia

After getting familiar with Indonesia's cities and islands, now is the time to start thinking about your itinerary! With a wide array of top attractions to enjoy, from thrilling waterparks to sunrise volcano hikes, here are our top five recommendations of what to add to your holiday to-do list.

Waterbom Bali: Poolside fun for everyone

Just a stone's throw from Kuta Beach, Waterbom Bali is the place to go for thrills, spills and water-based fun! Ideal for families, especially those who love an adrenaline rush, this huge waterpark has everything you need for a fun day out.

Want to really get your heart rate going? Take on the near-vertical drop slides. Looking for something a little more relaxed? Drift gently on the park's lazy river. With designated children's areas, onsite restaurants, locker and towel rentals, you've got a whole day sorted that'll keep everyone happy.

📌 Trip.com tip: Waterbom Bali is a lot quieter in the morning, which means shorter waits for the big slides and a better chance of grabbing sunbeds in the shade! We recommend doing these first thing, and then spending the rest of your day relaxing by the pools.

Mount Bromo: Remarkable landscapes straight out of a sci-fi movie

A real sight to behold, Mount Bromo isn't just one single volcano; it's a whole volcanic ‘desert' found in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. This is unlike anything else you might associate with Indonesia. Gone are the lush rainforests, and in comes a dramatic landscape that's almost like the moon. You can fully understand where the crater gets the name ‘Sea of Sand' from.

What makes Mount Bromo so popular is that it's not a huge physical challenge to explore it. In fact, there's no major climbing involved. Although you'll definitely need to bring comfortable shoes, this experience is much more accessible than at other volcanoes found around the world.

📌 Trip.com tip: To fully experience Mount Bromo, we highly recommend visiting at sunrise. The views are just out-of-this-world. This means a really early start (sorry!), so if you find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, booking onto a sunrise tour might help give you the impetus you need!

Bali Bird Park: Get up close to tropical, free-flying birds

Add a little wildlife to your Bali holiday with a visit to Bali Bird Park. See over 250 species of native, endangered and colourful birds fly freely above you. More park than zoo, relax in a lush, tropical setting as you see birds spread their wings and do what they do best.

There are plenty of bird demonstrations, feedings and other educational activities scheduled throughout the day, where you can learn more about the birds found here, as well as conservation efforts.

📌 Trip.com tip: You only need a couple of hours to fully explore Bali Bird Park, so these can easily be tacked on to a day's activities. We suggest going in the morning when it's a little quieter, not only to beat the crowds but also to enjoy cooler temperatures.

Nusa Lembongan: An Indonesian island escape

If you want to explore one of Indonesia's many islands, but are struggling to decide on which one, consider Nusa Lembongan. Far quieter than Bali, but not so remote that it feels impenetrable, you can easily explore this island in a day. Easily walkable, you can also opt to travel by scooter if you want to take the weight off your legs.

Spend your time relaxing and swimming on one of the island's picturesque beaches, take in dramatic views at Devil's Tear, or go snorkelling and glimpse local sea turtles.

📌 Trip.com tip: You can only reach Nusa Lembongan by boat, so we recommend booking in advance to secure passage. The waters around here can get a bit choppy, so if you're prone to seasickness, you might want to check out the weather forecast before you get on a boat. And be sure to bring your seabands!

Prambanan Temple: Delve into Indonesia's ancient history

Immerse yourself in Indonesia's spiritual heritage with a trip to the 9th-century Hindu Temple Complex of Prambanan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a real sight to behold, located on the island of Java.

You'll discover intricate stone carvings and 47-metre-high (154 ft) temples that'll take your breath away. This is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia, so you don't want to rush a visit here. Set a gentle pace and take it all in.

📌 Trip.com tip: Prambanan Temple truly comes alive at sunrise and sunset. Not only does the golden light make it look even more beautiful, but the temperatures are a lot more comfortable, too.

Best Time to Visit Indonesia

Indonesia welcomes visitors year-round, but depending on what sort of experience you're after, you might want to plan your trip around the wet and dry seasons. Although the monsoon season gets pretty soggy, you don't have to worry about it raining all day long. Think short bursts of heavy downpour that clear up pretty quickly. To help you decide when would work best for you, here's what to expect each season when visiting Indonesia.

💡 The Trip.com recommendation: There's no real ‘cool' season in Indonesia, just increasing degrees of wetness and humidity! The best time to go to avoid most of the rain without temperatures reaching their absolute peak is September. You'll catch the tail end of the dry season without the blistering temperatures that often accompany it, making it a great time to get out and explore.

Day Trips from Indonesia

Indonesia is bursting with activities and places to visit, making it a perfect destination for day trips. Whether you're in the mood for something relaxing or energising, there is plenty to explore just an island away. Here are three day-trip ideas that might fit the bill!

Ubud: An escape into nature (from Bali)

Go inland and slow things down with a day trip to Ubud, located on the island of Bali. Swap white sands for rice terraces, beach clubs for ancient temples, and party boat trips for impressive waterfalls as you take time away from the busier parts of the island.

Essential information:

• Average travel time: 1-2.5 hours, depending on where in Bali you start!
• Transport: Private driver, rideshare, or scooter
• Must-sees: Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple, and the Tegenungan Waterfall

Mount Bromo: A sunrise expedition to the crater's edge (from Java)

Take in the majesty of nature and get up close to the edge of an active volcano on a sunrise 4x4 jeep tour to Mount Bromo, easily accessible from Java. This means setting your alarm clock early, but it's more than worth it as you get unreal, otherworldly views of the Bromo Tengger Semeru volcanic range that you won't want to miss.

Essential information:

• Average travel time: 2.5-10 hours, depending on where in Java you start
• Transport: Combinations of private transfer, plane, car, and/or train
• Must-sees: Penanjakan viewpoint, Bromo crater, and Laut Pasir

Island hopping: Snorkelling and relaxation at sea (from Komodo)

Take relaxation to a whole new level with an island-hopping tour in the Komodo region. Let your captain handle the day, as you chill out on board, taking in waterside views as you sail. Enjoy snorkelling stops, dip your feet in crystal-clear water, and see marine life in its native habitat.

Essential information:

• Average travel time: 15 minutes to 2.5 hours to get to different islands, starting in Labuan Bajo
• Transport: Boat (and only boat!)
• Must-sees: Padar Island, Komodo Island, and Manta Point

Indonesia: A tropical paradise scattered across a thousand islands

It's hard to sum up Indonesia and its archipelago of islands. From futuristic cities to ancient traditions, lush rainforests and dreamy beaches, there's so much here to explore. With over 1,000 islands, it's impossible to see and do it all in one trip!

Must-do local experiences for your trip:

Seeing the different local sides of Indonesia, as well as its most popular attractions, will give you a well-rounded, authentic take on the country that you won't want to miss.

• Watch a Balinese temple ceremony to understand Hinduism's ongoing legacy and spiritual significance in everyday life.
• Walk through the rice terraces before the daily crowds descend, and spend time connecting and relaxing in nature.
• Watch a shadow-puppetry show in Yogyakarta and learn all about Hindu epic stories through this traditional theatrical form.
• Try out the local food wherever you go. Indonesian food culture draws on many traditions, with regional and local delicacies found across different islands. Sample a handful of dishes to see what's your favourite!

Explore Indonesia & beyond 🧩