Best Tourist Destinations in Indonesia

Best Tourist Destinations in Indonesia

Tourism is an important component of every country's economy. Indonesia is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asian region. In 2009, Indonesia received 6,452,259 international visitors with a daily average of 7.69.

The 10 most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia are both natural and cultural.

1.) Borobudur

 Borobudur is a uniquely-designed 9th century Buddhist shrine located in Central Java. This monumental piece of architecture that comprises 6 square platforms topped by 3 circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues is the most visited attraction of Indonesia. It is also known as Barabudur.

2.) Bali

Bali, located between Java and Lombok, is the most visited island in Indonesia. The main tourist attractions in the area the towns of Kuta, which is famous for its beautiful beaches; Sanur, which is located in the center of the island, and many others.

The rock formation with a temple on the above photo is called Tanah Lot. It is just one of the many attractions of Bali Island.

3.) Bunaken National Park

Do you want to explore the underwater world? Then visit the beautiful Bunaken National Park in Sulawesi Island. This marine park is home to 390 species of coral, fish, mollusk, reptile and marine mammal species. The park is said to have more genera of coral than Hawaii and contains 70%+ of all known species of fish of the Indo-Western Pacific region.

4.) Prambanan

Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautiful and unique 9th century Hindu temple compound in. the temple, which was dedicated to Trimurti, is located in Central Java. The temple, which is characterized by pointed and tall architecture, is amongst the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia and is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia. Prambanan's central building is 47 meters high.

5.) Mount Rinjani

Volcanoes are amongst the most visited attractions anywhere else in the world due to their exceptional beauty and mystic. Mount Rinjani, an active volcano, is one of the most visited volcano min Indonesia. This 3,726 m tall volcano, which is the 2nd highest volcano in the country, is located in the island of Lombok. Mount Rinjani's caldera contains hot springs. It is also known as Gunung Rinjani.

6.) Mount Bromo

Another beautiful and frequently visited attraction of Indonesia is Mount Bromo. This active volcano with a height of 2,329 m is located in East Java. It is part of the Tengger massif and is not its highest peak but is the most well known. The massif area is one of the most visited tourist attractions in East Java. It is locally known as Gunung Bromo.

7.) Puncak Jaya

For nature lover and adventure, Puncak Jaya is the best destination for you. This mountain in the Sudirman Range is located in Papua province. With a towering height of 4,884 meters, Puncak Jaya holds the ff records: highest mountain in Indonesia, the highest on the island of New Guinea, the highest of Oceania and the 5th highest mountain in Southeast Asia. In addition, Puncak Jaya the highest point between the Andes and the Himalayas. It is also considered the world's highest island peak. It is also called Mount Carstensz or the Carstensz Pyramid.

8.) Kerinci Seblat National Park

Another natural tourist destination is Indonesia is Kerinci Seblat National Park, the country's largest national park located in Sumatra. The park has a total area of 13,791 km2 and is home to 370 species of bird and unique animals such as Sumatran Tigers, Rhinoceros, Malayan Tapir and many others. Peculiar plants can also be found within the park like Rafflesia – the world's largest flower, the Titan Arum – plant with the largest unbranched inflorescence.

In addition, caves, hot springs, beautiful waterfalls and lakes like Gunung Tujuh – the highest caldera lake in Southeast Asia can be found in the park.

9.) Komodo National Park

Another unique national park and a popular tourist destination in Indonesia is the Komodo National Park. This park is located within Lesser Sunda Islands. The park was established in 1980 to protect the largest lizard in the world – the Komodo Dragon. The park is also protecting numerous other species. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site

10.) Gili Islands

Indonesia, having one of the longest shoreline in the world, is popular for its attractive and beautiful beaches. A small archipelago consisting of 3 small islands known as the Gili Islands and located in Lombok are the most famous destination for tourists from the West.

The islands are known as Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. The archipelago is famous for its beautiful and clean beaches and due to abundance of fish life and attractive coral formations. The beach on the above photo is part of Gili Meno.