Indonesia is one of the absolute best destinations in the world if you want to travel for less. The huge country has 17,000 islands that cover the same distance as from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland. It is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and has almost everything a traveler could want.
I loved my 2 visits to Bali, and all the seasoned travelers I know tell me that the other islands are even better. So I can’t wait to go back.
Indonesia is definitely among the best cheap countries to travel to. We’ll share a separate post with many examples of lodging prices for these Indonesian destinations soon.
Here are the 14 best destinations in Indonesia.
Map of the 14 best destinations in Indonesia
Indonesia is a vast country (14th-largest in the world), slightly larger than Québec and the Maritime provinces together. Its population is 282 million (4th largest in the world), approximately 7 times that of Canada.
Here’s a map to locate all the destinations in this post.
1. Bali
How can we talk about Indonesia without starting with the country’s most popular (and crowded) destination? The island of Bali is located between the islands of Java and Lombok. Despite its small size, the Island of the Gods attracts millions of travelers every year with its magnificent beaches, Hindu temples, tropical climate, and unique culture.
The coastal town of Kuta is perfect for those who like to party. Seminyak and Canggu are surfers’ paradises, while Ubud is known for its craftsmanship and Zen atmosphere. You’ve probably already seen the fabulous landscapes of Nusa Penida and the famous Balinese swings on social media.
You can read our guest blogger Emilie’s 5 favorite destinations in Bali.
2. Jakarta
The capital (until August) is another popular Indonesian destination. With its towering skyscrapers and diverse appeal, Jakarta is a vibrant metropolitan area located on the island of Java. It is the most populated city in the country and the 2nd largest in the world, with 32 million inhabitants (5 times more than Toronto).
Visitors are spoiled, with plenty of attractions! You can visit the Monas monument, the old town of Kota Tua, the National Museum of Indonesia, as well as several historic temples and mosques. There are great restaurants, street markets, and affordable shopping! Hotels are so affordable that they’re the same price as hostels!!!
3. Belitung
North of Java, east of Sumatra, and west of Borneo, you’ll find Belitung, a pretty island that sparks envy with its idyllic beaches and rather unusual rock formations. It’s a calm, serene destination ideal for nature lovers.
In Belitung, you can dive, hike, visit the Tanjung Pandan museum or the Batu Mentas cave, and relax on the beaches of Tanjung Tinggi or Tanjung Kelayang. The island is even smaller than Bali and is a quieter place, so it has no hostels.
4. Manado
Manado is the main city in the north of the island of Sulawesi, also known as Celebes. The city is characterized by its Minahasa culture, especially evident in its gastronomy, dances, and local festivities… but also by its majority Christian population in a predominantly Muslim nation (or Hindu in Bali).
Manado is world-renowned for its breathtaking diving sites, notably the Bunaken Marine Park. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can discover the superb Tangkoko National Park or stroll through the traditional village of Woloan to see the Toraja houses with their huge, curved roofs. The only hostels aren’t well-rated, but I’ve included one anyway.
5. Yogyakarta
Located in the center of the island of Java, this city ruled by a sultan is the heart of classical Javanese art and traditions, including wayang kulit shadow theater, batik cloth, theater, poetry, and music. If you enjoy creativity and are inspired by it all, this is the destination for you!
In Yogyakarta, you can visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and Prambanan Temple, an impressive complex of Hindu temples.
6. Bandung
Bandung, Indonesia’s 3rd most populous city, is also located on the island of Java. It’s known for its Dutch buildings, tea plantations, volcanoes, and its slightly milder climate, thanks to the altitude.
The city has a lot to offer! Must-sees include Braga Street, Asia Afrika Square, Tangkuban Perahu volcano, Kawah Putih sulfur lake, Lembang floating market, and the Ciwidey area.
7. Lombok
Lombok is a volcanic island located between Bali and Sumbawa. An immense active volcano dominates the landscape: Mount Rinjani is the 2nd highest peak in Indonesia (after Mount Kerinci on the island of Sumatra).
If you want a quiet destination where you can relax, explore nature without too many crowds, and really immerse yourself in Balinese culture, then consider Lombok in addition to Bali. Many travelers are now choosing this alternative due to overtourism on the Island of the Gods.
8. Surabaya
Located on the island of Java, Surabaya is Indonesia’s 2nd largest city, with a population of 10 million. It plays an essential role in the national economy, and its port is the main one in Indonesia. It’s also the city closest to the famous Mount Bromo.
There’s plenty to see in Surabaya, including the Tugu Pahlawan monument to national heroes, the great Suramadu Bridge, several ancient temples, and the Tunjungan district. You can also spend hours exploring or feasting on the local cuisine.
9. Bandar Lampung
Bandar Lampung is a smaller town in the south of the island of Sumatra. The region is home to 2 splendid, well-known national parks: Way Kambas, home to wild elephants, and Bukit Barisan Selatan, where you can see Sumatran rhinos and tigers.
On top of that, Lampung also attracts visitors with its unique culture, including the famous tiger dance (Tari Pendet Harimau), fantastic beaches like Kalianda and Pesisir Barat, and delicious Lampung cuisine. It really is a destination not to be missed, but it has no hostel since it’s a smaller city.
10. Flores Island
This breathtakingly beautiful island is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, to the east of Sumbawa and Komodo. There’s plenty to see on this less-touristy island, including the colorful lakes of Kelimutu, and the authentic villages of Bena and Wae Rebo.
The island is best known as the gateway to the famous Komodo National Park, where you can see the world’s largest lizards, the Komodo dragons. Not far away, you’ll also find 2 unique pink-sand beaches: Pink Beach and Red Beach. On the west coast of Flores, the town of Labuan Bajo is very close to Komodo.
11. Tanjung Puting National Park
This is one of Indonesia’s most iconic national parks, located on the island of Borneo. It is essential as it is home to one of the last refuges for an endangered animal species: the Bornean orangutan.
Travelers can visit rehabilitation centers for these very rare monkeys in the park, take a scenic cruise on the Sekonyer River, see swamp forests, and fully immerse themselves in verdant nature. Like many more remote destinations, there is no hostel.
12. Medan and Toba
If you want to go all the way to North Sumatra, there are 2 must-visit destinations. Medan is Indonesia’s 5th largest metropolitan area, with attractions like the Great Mosque and Maimum Palace for those who like cities that are less touristy.
It’s also the gateway to Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake! Samosir Island, in the middle of this immense lake, is the world’s largest island within an island.
13. Makassar
The capital of the province of South Sulawesi, Makassar is the largest city on the island and the 6th largest in the country. It’s also the largest city not on Java or Sumatra. It can be interesting for those who like less touristy cities or are on their way to Tana Toraja.
If you’re in the area, you can discover the Rotterdam Fortress, a former 17th-century Dutch fort that is now a maritime museum, as well as the Paotere harbor. Don’t miss the small nearby islands: Samalona and Kodingareng Keke. The Trans Studio theme park is also very popular. There is no hostel, but once again the hotels are so cheap that it doesn’t really matter (budget-wise at least).
14. Batam
In the Riau Islands, Batam is a rather industrial town, especially interesting because it’s so close to Singapore (there’s a ferry). It can be a quick daytrip if you want to set foot in Indonesia from there, to spend a few days somewhere that is not one of the most expensive places in all of Asia, for example. But it’s less of a destination otherwise.
You can play golf, go to the beach and relax at the spa. You can also visit the traditional village of Kampung Vietnam, the Tua Pek Kong temple, or take a cruise to see the neighboring islands. As a smaller town, there are no hostels though.
