Choose from 113 Fun Things to Do in Indonesia
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Pasar Badung
Pasar Badung (Badung Market) is Bali’s oldest and largest market, at the heart of the island’s capital, Denpasar. The 4-story structure burned down in 2016, and while a replacement is underway, most stallholders are housed in and around a converted supermarket. Besides being Bali’s number-one fruit and vegetable market, it’s great for street food.
The Basics
There is no charge to visit Pasar Badung, and, as fruit and vegetable prices are checked daily by the government, haggling is not required. It’s fascinating and rewarding to stroll through the different sections, which sell everything from flowers and live animals to traditional herbal medicines.
Many visitors choose to visit Pasar Badung as part of a Bali food tour or street-food tour. Pasar Badung is an essential stop on Denpasar city tours and Denpasar shopping excursions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Authentic and non-touristy, Pasar Badung is a must for foodies and anyone who wants to immerse in local culture.
- If you’re planning on shopping, bring plenty of small notes: Don’t expect stallholders to have change for 100,000 IDR.
- Very few stallholders here speak English.
- The aisles between the stalls at Badung Market are cramped and narrow and can be slippery. The market also includes steps.
How to Get There
Currently, the new Pasar Badung (Pasar Badung Baru) is on Jalan Cokroaminoto, in a converted Tiara supermarket. Denpasar traffic is even more challenging than the rest of Bali’s traffic, and collisions are a real possibility. Unless you’re a veteran of Southeast Asian roads, joining a tour or booking a private driver are firmly recommended. A purpose-built replacement market has been under construction since 2017.
When to Get There
Pasar Badung operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round, with the exception of Nyepi (Balinese New Year). The best produce is available very early in the morning—before dawn—and in general the market is at its liveliest in the morning. There is also a vibrant street-food scene here throughout the day and into the night.
The Heart of the Island
The overwhelming majority of visitors to Bali come and go without so much as setting foot in Denpasar, a vibrant, grimy, thoroughly Indonesian city that’s far from the tropical beaches seen on postcards. To get a taste of Denpasar life, and indeed life across the Indonesian archipelago, Pasar Badung is a great place to start.
Address: Denpasar, Indonesia
From $ 44
Kehen Temple (Pura Kehen)
Partially shaded by the dripping trunks of an old banyan tree, Kehen Temple, also known as Pura Kehen, is a many-tiered stone homage to the Hindu pantheon. Bearing stelae inscribed in Sanskrit, Balinese and Javanese that seem to indicate an 11th century founding, this is the state temple of the Bangli kingdom and considered one of the region’s finest. It is said to be a miniature version of Bali’s most significant temple, Pura Besakih, just 13 miles (21 km) away. The complex is comprised of a sloping terraced entryway, the main temple with three interior courtyards and a series of smaller meru shrines and altars.
The main temple is accessed by a series of 38 stone steps, passing eight well-manicured terraced gardens. Its elaborate carvings and tall, slender doors give way to three courtyards, the second bears inlaid Chinese porcelain and the innermost courtyard features an 11-tiered meru roof. Along the base of the buildings’ exteriors, it’s possible to see stylized carvings of snakes and turtles, representing the underworld. Within the central courtyard is an impressive moss-blanketed stone lotus throne. During the many annual religious ceremonies, like Pangerwesi when locals visit temples to guard against evil, it’s possible to see colorful dances on the temple grounds and baskets of fruit laid in tribute.
Practical Info
Kehen Temple in the southern portion of the Bangli region, is just over a mile north of the town of Bangli. It’s 26 km (16 miles) northeast from Ubud (about an hour’s drive in normal traffic) and 43 km (27 miles) north of Denpasar. Adult admission is around 15,000 IDR ($1.15) and children are free. Hours are approximately 9am- 5pm; many visit as part of an organized tour of Bali.
Address: Bangli, Indonesia
Hours: Hours are approximately 9am-5pm
Admission: Adult admission is 15,000 IDR ($1.15), children are free
From $ 60
Jimbaran Fish Market
Widely known as Jimbaran Fish Market, the market that locals call Pasar Ikan Tradisional Kedonganan (Kedonganan Traditional Fish Market), is an essential Balinese experience. Every morning, brightly colored traditional fishing boats—and larger commercial vessels—unload an impressive catch. Locals will grill your purchases for a small fee.
The Basics
Jimbaran Fish Market is easy enough to visit independently, though you’ll likely get more out of it with a good guide who can explain the types of fish and the tricks of the vendors’ trade, and direct you to quality product. Kedonganan is a popular stop on Bali food tours, while a few island tours that feature sunset fish dinners on Jimbaran Beach take you to the market first. (In general, due to heavy traffic, winding roads, and language barriers, booking a private guide or joining an organized tour can help you get the most out of your entire Bali trip.)
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jimbaran Fish Market is a must-do for foodies and market fans.
- As you’d expect of a fish market in the developing world, Kedonganan is a smelly place—exercise caution if you’re sensitive to smell or bringing small children.
- Especially late in the day, catch on display can be far from fresh. Purchase fish with bright eyes, shiny skin, firm flesh, and red gills. Or opt for squid or (farmed) shrimp, which are generally safe bets.
How to Get There
Kedonganan is a pleasant, if lengthy, stroll north along the beach from the Jimbaran beach resorts. Your best bet for public transportation from elsewhere—unless you have the Indonesian language skills and patience to navigate the bemo minibus system—is the Kura Kura tourist bus, which departs from the DFS mall in Kuta and stops near the market.
When to Get There
For the best and most authentic experience, visit Jimbaran Fish Market around dawn on a working day. You will see locals unloading their catch, have a chance at the best fish, and might even be able to buy a tasty grouper, red snapper, or parrotfish fresh from the boat. If you’re visiting later in the day, shrimp and squid may be a better choice than not-so-fresh fish. Generally, your chances of clear weather for a fish feast are highest during the dry season, roughly May to October.
Ikan Bakar: Indonesian Grilled Fish
An archipelago nation of approximately 18,000 islands, Indonesia thrives on fish. One of the few elements that unites its disparate population is a passion for grilled fish (ikan bakar), barbecued to perfection over slowly smoldering coconut husks. Accompanied with a selection of sambals—the chile condiment that’s a staple of the nation—and fluffy white rice, it’s both core sustenance and pure deliciousness.
Address: Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia, Indonesia
From $ 65
Penida Island (Nusa Penida)
Considered to be the Bali that time forgot for its unspoiled landscape, Penida Island (Nusa Penida) sits about 10 miles (15 kilometers) off the Bali coast, alongside the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Besides snorkeling and diving—the island is known for mantas and mola-molas (the world’s largest bony fish)—Penida offers unspoilt villages, rugged landscapes, and sacred temples.
The Basics
Both slow boats and fast boats run from Bali to Penida Island. Some travelers opt to visit independently, rent motorbikes or hire a driver, and spend a few days touring. A guided tour allows for a more seamless experience, especially for those looking to spend just one day on Penida Island.
Many Penida Island tours focus on the island’s underwater attractions: snorkeling or diving with giant manta rays at Manta Point or Manta Bay, diving in search of the mola-mola (ocean sunfish) at Crystal Bay, and admiring the coral and marine life at a wealth of sites. Watersports are also an option, and a handful of tours highlight Penida’s serene charm, visiting its natural wonders, traditional villages, and temples.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-do for lovers of the underwater world, Penida Island boasts some of the best diving and snorkeling on Bali.
- The traffic on Penida is light in comparison to mainland Bali, but some of the roads are close to disintegration. This is no place to learn to ride a motorbike.
- Some dive sites around Penida and Lembongan islands are advanced, with intense currents. Exercise caution, particularly around the full and new moon, when tides are stronger.
- Nusa Penida is a traditional island. When visiting temples, cover shoulders and wear a sarong. Some temples insist that women cover arms to the wrist.
How to Get There
Penida Island sits in the Lombok Strait, about 10 miles (15 kilometers) off the southeastern coast of Bali. Ferries and speed boats leave daily from Padang Bai, following a changing schedule, while speed boats run from Sanur Beach and Lembongan Island. Snorkeling and diving tours typically depart from Sanur, but often offer the convenience of transport direct from your door.
When to Get There
Scuba divers in search of the elusive mola mola (ocean sunfish) should visit between late June and October; mantas can be seen year-round. High waves are not uncommon in late July and August, which can island access difficult and snorkeling a challenge. Penida is drier than mainland Bali, so it’s a good choice for the rainy season (October to March), although in the rainy season, the ocean floods with plastic trash.
Giants of the Deep
Also known as the oceanic sunfish, ocean sunfish, or giant sunfish, the mola mola is one of the largest known bony fish in the world: Adults can weigh a whopping 2,205 pounds (1,000 kilograms). Between late June and October, mola mola are often seen off Penida, particularly around Crystal Bay, as cold water upwells from the depths where these giants spend their time.
Address: Bali, Indonesia
From $ 49
Penglipuran
Nestled at 700 meters above sea level between bamboo forests and coffee plantations, travelers can find one of Bali’s most traditional villages. Penglipuran is a Bali Aga town, whose inhabitants, contrary to the majority of the Balinese, aren’t Hindu but, instead, still practice their animistic faith. Accordingly, time has almost stood still in Penglipuran and even the village name itself roughly translates to “remembering ancestral lands.” In an attempt to conserve the village in its original state, Penglipuran has undergone a restoration program, the results of which are pristine streets and polished looking houses. It might look a bit too clean to be real, but the calm atmosphere and the long houses with their bamboo roofs are unique and the village manages to give a good insight into traditional Balinese life.
Along the central avenue Bale Agung, the village meeting house and the main temple form the most important buildings. While the smaller family temples are oriented towards Mount Agung to please the powerful god, the village in its entirety faces directly north towards Mount Batur, to not offend this holy mountain either and pay respect to both deities. Beyond the village lies the main source of income for the villagers: a 75-hectare bamboo forest. Each family gets to use exactly one hectare of woodland to make the delicate woven offering baskets – a trade for which Penglipuran is famous for across the country. Travelers can get a peek into these family businesses and homes and of course, purchase baskets as well.
Practical Info
Penglipuran can be found about 45 kilometers north of the capital Denpasar in the Bangli District. It’s easy to get there, as the village lies just off the main road between Kintamani and Bangli, so either take a taxi, jump into a bus headed to Bangli or join on with a tour.
Address: Penglipuran, Indonesia
From $ 16
Plaosan Temple
Plaosan Temple (also referred to as Plaosan Complex) is a Buddhist temple site situated around a kilometer from the revered Hindu temple, Prambanan, and around 20 kilometers from Yogyakarta city center.
Plaosan Temple was built in the 9th century. The site spans some 2000 square meters and, rather uniquely, features two main temple structures – the North Plaosan Temple and the South Plaosan Temple, both of which have a number of buildings, stupas, and shrines surrounding them. Each temple shares common features, including a gate, a middle courtyard surrounded by a wall, and a guardian statue known as Dwarapala. The outer walls of the temples are adorned with carvings of divinities and other figures, including that of a Khmer prince, identified by his crown.
Practical Info
Plaosan Temple is located in Bugisan village. Most people visit Plaosan alongside a visit to the Prambanan Temple nearby.
Address: Jl. Candi Plaosan, Kec. Prambanan, Klaten, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia 57454, Indonesia
From $ 94
Klungkung (Semarapura)
Klungkung is a small Balinese town of great historical, cultural, and artistic importance. It was the seat of rule for Bali's most powerful dynasty of rajas, Dewa Agung. During this time, the island experienced an illustrious period of rich cultural and artistic significance, and Klungkung was at the center of it all.
Klungkung Palace was built in the early 18th century, but largely destroyed by the Dutch at the beginning of the 20th century. The most fascinating remains of the palace include the Bale Kambang, also known as the Floating Pavilion, and the famous Kertha Gosa, or Hall of Justice. The latter was used as a court for the Klungkung kingdom, where disputes and cases were raised and settled. This open-sided pavilion is a superb example of traditional Klungkung architecture, and has a ceiling completely covered with intricate murals.
Elsewhere in Klungkung, there are a number of markets and shops to amble around, along with several museums and galleries, with a particular focus on the traditional Indonesian wayang artform.
Practical Info
Klungkung is situated around 25 kilometers from Ubud on the main route towards the eastern towns of Padang Bai, Candidasa, and beyond.
Address: Klungkung, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 39
Jomblang Cave
This unique cave was caused by a geological shift that created a massive sinkhole that stretches some 300 vertical feet below the surface. Travelers who wish to explore the rocky crags and impressive natural light shows this destination is famous for must navigate a well-worn path using a single rope line, which may prove challenging for some. Not for the faint of heart, visitors must wear coveralls, boots, a helmet and headlamp on their journey into Jomblang.
While vegetation above ground is mostly barren and dotted with hardwood trees, adventurers will find lush green landscapes and fertile fields visible from one of the cave’s most popular vantage points, which makes this trip a truly memorable experience. Those in the know recommend hiring an expert guide since the descent can be rather technical, and local operators will also be able to point out rock, crystal and fauna to interested travelers.
Practical Info
Jomblang Cave is located in Gunungkidul in the Karst Hills. Visitors can access Luweng Grubug via an easy to navigate 300-meter alley that connects the two. Travelers will find the best time to visit the caves is between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., when the sun lights paths from above.
Address: Indonesia
From $ 15
Pejaten Village
Formerly known as the Pejaten Mall, Pejaten Village is a shopping and entertainment center located in South Jakarta. While not the largest shopping mall by Southeast Asian standards, Pejaten Village nonetheless features a wide range of leisure, retail, and eating options. It’s also a pleasant, often uncrowded, place to visit.
Pejaten Village offers al fresco dining, a children's playground, a fitness center, and a cinema, along with a wide range of restaurants, department stores and smaller retail outlets. The large Hypermarket here is popular for grocery shopping among locals, with plenty of fresh vegetables, meats, and fish sold at reasonable prices.
Practical Info
Pejaten Village is located at Jalan Pejaten Raya in South Jakarta. The nearest train station is Stasiun Pasar Minggu.
Address: Jalan Pejaten Raya, Jakarta 12510, Indonesia
Hours: 10am - 10pm
From $ 63
Jimbaran Bay
A strip of golden sand with calm, gentle waters perfect for families—and stand-up paddleboarding—Jimbaran Bay is a popular beach renowned for its beauty. Besides the charms of the ocean, Jimbaran offers stunning Balinese sunsets and a wealth of restaurants serving Indonesia’s signature dish: grilled fish (ikan bakar).
The Basics
Jimbaran Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, so it’s no surprise most activities here revolve around the water. On the beach, sun loungers and water-sports equipment are available to rent, and most vendors—including those at seafront restaurants and the fish market—speak English. Many tours visit Jimbaran Bay as one stop on a broader Bali itinerary, typically swinging by for sunset followed by a fresh-fish dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jimbaran Bay is a must for beach lovers and photographers.
- Be sure to establish prices for the specific fish you are eating in Jimbaran fish restaurants before you dine.
- A good fish restaurant will encourage you to inspect the fish and pick the one you want. Look for bright eyes, red gills, and shiny, firm skin.
- Accompany your fish with sambal, Indonesia’s national chili condiment.
How to Get There
Jimbaran Bay is 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) south of Kuta and Ngurah Rai International Airport and is reasonably well signposted from elsewhere in south Bali. From Kuta, the public shuttle bus Kura-Kura services Jimbaran Bay. If you’re braving Bali’s traffic and left-side driving, parking is ample and inexpensive.
When to Get There
For the Bali sunset connoisseur, Jimbaran Bay is a must, with the sun sinking gently into the ocean between 6 and 7 all year round. While you can eat lunch at the seafood restaurants, dinner is more popular. Seafood is least likely to be fresh on Sunday, when many boats stay in.
Jimbaran Fish Market
Test your haggling skills at Kedonganan fish market (Pasar Ikan Tradisional Kedonganan) in Jimbaran. After you choose your fish, local vendors will cook it up with rice, sambal, and an Asian green known as water spinach (kangkung) for a delicious plastic-chair feast. Pick carefully: Some of the swimmers here are showing their age.
Address: Bali, Indonesia
From $ 15
Pawon Temple
Pawon Temple is a Buddhist temple situated at the midway point between the Borobudur and Mendut temples, approximately 40 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta. It features a square-shaped, tiered roof adorned with small stupas and ratnas, which is hidden among the houses that surround it.
This slender temple structure sits on a rectangular platform and features a chamber inside with vents. Architecturally, Pawon Temple is similar to the temples Borobudur and Mendut, with its mix of classic Javanese Hindu and Indian art symbols. Notably, there are reliefs of the Kalpataru tree (the tree of life), as well as of mythical birds and human figures, on the temple’s outer walls.
Practical Info
Pawon Temple, along with the Borobudur and Mendut temples, can be reached in approximately one hour from Yogyakarta city center. If not hiring a car or traveling as part of an organized tour, you can use the Trans-Jogya bus service, which runs from central Yogyakarta to Jombor bus terminal. From here you can catch another bus to Pawon Temple. Visitors are able to hire a horse and cart to travel between the three temples.
Address: Desa Borobudur, Kecamatan Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia, Indonesia
From $ 23
Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa
Jakarta’s old port, Sunda Kelapa is a popular stop on any tour of historic Jakarta (or Batavia, as it once was). Wooden 2-masted pinisi sailing ships still moor here, while porters move goods to and fro as they have since the 13th century. Converted warehouses hold the Maritime Museum, and a watchtower and lighthouses stand guard over the bustling harbor.
The Basics
It’s easy enough to wander around Sunda Kelapa, and the harbor is an essential stop on any guided or self-guided tour of Old Batavia (Kota Tua) or Jakarta Old Town. Arrange for a private guide to learn more about the role the vanished town of Sunda Kelapa played in Jakarta’s—and Indonesia’s—history. Guides can help negotiate a boat ride around the harbor. Organized walking tours make navigating both old port and old town a breeze.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-do for history buffs, Sunda Kelapa is one of Jakarta’s most authentic attractions—smells and all.
- You might see Sunda Kelapa signposted as “Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa”: the word “pelabuhan” simply means port, or harbor, in Indonesian.
- Wear comfortable shoes to visit Old Batavia. The cobblestones can be hard on the feet.
- The 2-masted pinisi sailing ships are a traditional Indonesian craft. Generally made on the island of Sulawesi, they are still very much working vessels.
How to Get There
About half a mile (1 kilometer) north of Fatahillah Square, the heart of Jakarta Old Town, Sunda Kelapa port is easy to reach on foot from Old Town or the Kota Tua bus station. While the subway system remains uncompleted, many visitors prefer to explore Jakarta either with a private driver or on an organized tour.
When to Get There
While the bustling fish market that used to bring the harbor to life burned down some years ago, early morning is still a great time to visit Sunda Kelapa port. The sailors sleep on their boats and get up around dawn, when the light is right for photography. During the middle of the day, it can be extremely hot.
From Sunda Kelapa to Jakarta
Sunda Kelapa was the original settlement on which Jakarta is based. After Prince Fatahillah destroyed the original port in 1527, he rebuilt it and called it Jayakarta, meaning “Victorious City.” Almost a century later, Dutch colonial forces destroyed Jayakarta and built a canal city, which they called Batavia, in its place. When Indonesia achieved independence after World War II, the city took the name Djakarta (Jakarta).
Address: Jalan Maritim Raya, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
From $ 38
Mendut Temple
A couple of miles (3.5 kilometers) from the UNESCO World Heritage–listed temple of Borobudur, the charming Mendut Temple (Candi Mendut) features an attached working Buddhist monastery. Built in the early 9th century, the temple and the village that houses it are the starting point for the annual Waisak (Buddha day) celebrations.
The Basics
There is a tiny admission charge to Mendut Temple (Candi Mendut), which also covers admission to Pawon Temple (Candi Pawon), another small temple related to majestic Borobudur. It’s perfectly possible to visit all three temples independently, but many prefer the seamless transportation of a tour or private driver, perhaps with the historic insights of a private guide.
Most Mendut tours bundle this temple with others in the Yogyakarta area: particularly Borobudur and Pawon. Some combine Borobudur, Mendut, and Pawon with the Prambanan complex, which is a lot to take in over a single day. Mendut is also a popular stop on multi-day tours of Yogyakarta and its environs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mendut Temple is a must for serious history buffs.
- Candi Mendut is a small and simple temple, around 85 feet (26 meters) in height, but the stone carvings within its inner sanctum are dazzling.
- As with any religious site in South East Asia, it’s worth dressing appropriately—try to cover your shoulders and kneeds.
How to Get There
The best way to reach Mendut Temple independently is by traveling from Yogyakarta to Borobudur then walking or taking a taxi. The 25-mile (40-kilometer) journey from Yogyakarta to Borobudur takes around two hours by bus from the Jombor or Giwangan terminals. Many prefer the ease of an organized tour that starts and finishes at their door and covers off temples such as Pawon and Borobudur, or the comfort of a private driver.
When to Get There
Candi Mendut comes into its own on Waisak (Buddha’s birthday), which falls around May each year on a date set by the lunar calendar—that’s also when the temple is very busy. Assuming you’re combining Mendut with Borobudur, try to avoid weekends and Indonesian public holidays, which is when the Borobudur crowds are at their most hectic.
Waisak at Borobudur and Mendut
Although the Buddhist Sailendra dynasty that built Borobudur and Mendut is long gone, Indonesia boasts a diverse selection of Buddhist traditions. Waisak, a holiday that celebrates Buddha’s birthday, is an official holiday for all of Indonesia. Prayers and processions start from Candi Mendut and progress to Borobudur, and both the temple and the monastery come alive in spectacular fashion.
Address: Jl. Mayor Kusen, Mungkid, Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia 56512, Indonesia
From $ 64
Kintamani Volcano
Two hours by road from Denpasar in Bali’s northeastern highlands lies the region known simply as Kintamani Volcano. The Indonesian island’s only district without a shoreline, it’s famous instead for its volcanoes. On the rim of the Batur caldera, 4,921 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level, several villages (Penelokan, Batur, and Kintamani) afford impressive views of Mt. Baturn, an active, sacred volcano.
The Basics
Visitors come to Kintamani Volcano not for its beaches (there are none) but for its stunning active volcano, outdoor adventures, and cultural appeal. One of the most popular activities in the region is a sunrise trek to the top of sacred Mt. Batur—an active volcano—though it’s also possible to cycle downhill through UNESCO-listed rice terraces, soak in the hot springs on the shores of Lake Batur, tour a coffee plantation, watch a traditional Barong dance performance, or visit one of the island’s most important directional temples, Pura Ulun Danu Batur.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kintamani Volcano is a must-see for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Bring a warm layer of clothing; the temperatures here are significantly cooler than the towns of Bali’s coast.
- Experience the region by volcano trekking, downhill cycling, or Balinese cultural sightseeing.
How to Get There
Situated about two hours from the beaches of South Bali, many travelers visit Kintamani on a day trip from Ubud. Daily buses run between Ubud and the villages of the area, but the most convenient way to get there is a guided full-day tour.
When to Get There
It is best to arrive at Kintamani early, as cloud cover and fog often set in by late afternoon, disrupting the views.
Bali Aga Culture in Kintamani
The indigenous Balinese of the highlands, often called the Bali Aga or “mountain Balinese,” have their own distinct traditional culture, often well-preserved due to their isolation in the island’s interior. To experience this ancient culture in Kintamani, pay a visit to the village of Trunyan, known for its excellent views of Mt. Batur and its unusual cemetery, where the deceased are laid to rest out in the open at the foot of a holy tree, simply covered with cloth beneath canopies of bamboo.
Address: Kintamani, Indonesia
From $ 29
Magelang
Located in Central Java about 29 miles (47 km) north of Yogyakarta, the town of Magelang is the closest major town to the UNESCO-listed ancient Buddhist temples of Borobudur. Due to its proximity to the temple, many visitors stop for a night or two in the town to catch the sunrise at Borobudur 7 miles (12 km) away.
Apart from the famous temple, Magelang also serves as a convenient base for explorations of Mount Merapi National Park, home of one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes as well as the beautiful Kedung Kayang Waterfall, and Ketep Pass, where travelers find spectacular views of both Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu.
Back in town, Magelang is most famous for getuk, a sweet local specialty made with cassava, sugar and grated coconut.
Practical Info
Visitors can reach Mageland by either bus or taxi from Yogyakarta.
Address: Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia
From $ 294
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah)
Besides the giant lizards who give the park its name, Komodo National Park is also well known for its beautiful and undeveloped beaches. One of the most unique is Pink Beach (Pantai Merah), named for the rosy sand that gets its color from eroded bits of red coral from the nearby reef.
Clear, calm waters make the beach an excellent site for snorkeling, especially since the coral reefs just beneath the surface are home to hundreds of species of marine plants and animals. Located about 15 minutes by boat from the Loh Liang boat jetty, Pink Beach makes for a convenient place to relax in the sun or cool off in the water after a day of trekking in the national park.
Practical Info
Pink Beach offers very little shade, so be sure to bring along a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
Address: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
From $ 808
Kota Gede
Kota Gede is a historic suburb within the city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It was once the capital of Mataram and is home to an ancient mosque that holds the remains of the first sultan, Panembahan Senopati. Senopati’s graveyard can be found in the grounds of the mosque, which is located to the south of the neighborhood’s central market.
Kota Gede is made up of a labyrinth of narrow streets, lined with mosaic-tiled houses that were once home to the upper-class. The neighborhood is also known for being the main hub for the city’s silver industry; Jalan Kemasan is the main street leading into town and this is lined with silver shops, where everything from handmade bowls to modern jewelry are made, bought, and sold.
Practical Info
To reach Kota Gede from the city center, take a 3A or 3B bus. It’s only around five kilometers away, so hiring a bike and cycling is also a good option. If visiting the Panembahan Senopati’s tomb, be sure to dress conservatively.
Address: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
From $ 28
Komodo National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo National Park covers 669 square miles (1,733 square kilometers) of islands and pristine ocean. Its attractions are twofold: Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizard, and lush reefs. Besides the dragons, wildlife includes boar, bats, deer, wild horses, and monkeys.
The Basics
Komodo tours typically focus on either the dragons or the diving, and generally start from the town of Labuan Bajo on Flores island. The dragons, which can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long, live almost exclusively within Komodo National Park, and tours typically focus on Rinca island, Padar island, or Komodo island. Expect to enjoy a couple of hours’ trekking with a guide, with sightings pretty much guaranteed. Most boat trips will include stops for snorkeling and on photogenic beaches, such as Pink Beach.
Komodo dive tours are typically on liveaboard boats, usually based out of Labuan Bajo. The diving in Komodo, generally considered some of Indonesia’s best, focuses on high-current sites and, typically, larger sea creatures. Signature sites include Batu Bolong and Cannibal Rock.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Komodo dive sites can be challenging: Bank a few dives before booking that liveaboard.
- While Komodo dragons have poisonous saliva, Indonesian guides can typically control them with a forked stick.
- Facilities in Komodo National Park are very limited: Be sure to bring essentials, such as medication.
How to Get There
Most Komodo National Park tours start from the vibrant port town of Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores: Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo has direct connections to Bali and Jakarta. Some Komodo backpacker boat tours set out directly from Bali, but most liveaboards base themselves out of Labuan Bajo for the season.
When to Get There
Komodo island has a dry climate and can be visited year-round, although seas can be choppy in January and February. Generally speaking, diving conditions are best in the north between April and December, and in the south between October and April.
Komodo National Park Wildlife
Besides marine wonders, such as manta rays, sharks, whales, dugong, dolphin, and turtles, the desolate volcanic landscapes of Komodo, Rinca, Padar, and smaller islands are home to almost 6,000 Komodo dragons. Scientists studying evolution are fascinated by the islands, which are also home to Timor deer and wild boar.
Address: Komodo National Park, Loh Liang, East Nusa Tenggara 86554, Indonesia
From $ 235
Mas Village
Mas Village, one of the many artists villages surrounding Ubud, is the best place on the island to find high-quality Balinese woodcarvings -- considered some of the best woodcarvings in the world. Part of the village’s prestigious reputation stems from it being the birthplace of Ida Bagus Tilem, one of the island’s most celebrated artisans. His wife and son continue to operate their own well-respected gallery and workshop.
Visitors to Mas Village will find a style of woodcarving characterized by a synergy between humanism and naturalism. Balinese masks, as well as carvings inspired by Buddhist and Hindu mythologies, are among the more popular items. Even if you don’t plan to buy, it’s worth visiting Mas Village to watch the masters at work and to see some of the large and very impressive carvings.
Practical Info
As with any of the craft villages in Bali, be prepared to haggle in Mas.
Address: Mas Village, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
From $ 26
Museum Puri Lukisan
One of Ubud’s big three art galleries, Museum Puri Lukisan sits slap-bang in the heart of downtown Ubud. Collections cover not only Balinese paintings and drawings but also wood carvings and work by foreign artists. The Puri Lukisan gallery is also Ubud’s oldest art museum, founded in 1956 by a foundation established in 1936.
The Basics
Set on Ubud’s main street, Jalan Raya Ubud, Museum Puri Lukisan is easy enough to visit independently—the collection is well-labeled and easy to navigate. The east building features classical Ubud art, including 16th-century cloth paintings, ink drawings by the master I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, and art by 1930s expats star in the north building. Colorful contemporary paintings adorn the west building, including works by Dutch-born Indonesian artist Arie Smit. The south building is mainly used for exhibitions.
Museum Puri Lukisan is a popular stop on Ubud coach tours. To get the most out of the gallery, though, it’s worth choosing a dedicated art or cultural tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Art buffs will appreciate Museum Puri Lukisan’s art bookshop, one of the best on Bali.
- The gardens have rice fields and a lotus pond, while there is also a café and restaurant on-site.
- With 500 years’ worth of art, this is one of the most comprehensive collections in Bali.
How to Get There
Set in the heart of downtown Ubud, the Puri Lukisan museum is walkable from most Ubud accommodations. The Kura-Kura Bus from Sanur stops literally at the door. Rather than brave the hectic traffic and limited parking in Ubud, many travelers from Kuta and south Bali choose to join a tour or hire a private driver for the day.
When to Get There
Open year-round, with the exception of the Nyepi "Day of Silence" holiday, Puri Lukisan Museum is generally best visited in the mornings. It’s a popular afternoon stop for large coach parties. As some of the charm is in the garden, it’s best visited on a dry day, which are more frequent during Bali’s dry season (roughly March to September).
Ubud’s Biggest Art Galleries
From commercial art galleries to large-scale institutions and, of course, the traditional art market, Ubud is known as Bali’s art capital for a reason. The three Balinese art galleries that culturally minded visitors won’t want to miss are the Puri Lukisan Museum, the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), and the Neka Art Museum.
Address: Jalan Raya, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Admission: Varies
From $ 55