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Main Sights in Indonesia
Main Sights in Indonesia
Indonesia is blessed with pure natural beauty and has a rich blend of eastern culture and religion. There are literally thousands of stunning paradise islands to explore in the Indonesian archipelago and hundreds of fascinating sights to explore.
Beaches in Indonesia
The pristine golden sands and clear turquoise waters of Indonesian beaches are simply amongst the best in the world. There are literally thousands of islands surrounded by stunning coastline set in idyllic surroundings of rocky cliffs and sprawling coconut trees and pine trees. Most beaches have water sport activities and scuba diving excursions. The clear waters of the Indonesian archipelago are home to all kinds of marine life and coral reefs which are accessible from the beach and great for snorkelling. The most popular beaches are on the scenic islands of Bali, Sumatra and Lombok though any beach in this glorious part of the world is a paradise and an ideal getaway.
Main sights in Java
Java is one of the most visited islands of Indonesian archipelago as it is the most developed and interesting. Java is home to Indonesia's capital, Jakarta which is most geared for tourism.
The Sunda Kelapa (Old Harbour) in Java
The working dock in Java Old Harbour comes highly recommended as it has changed little over the years and gives visitor's a remarkable insight into the livelihood of the fisherman that play a major role in Indonesia's industry. There are also traditional sailing ships delivering timber from Sumatra and Kalimanatan as well as a rowing trip around the harbour. Also in the harbour is the Maritime Museum and a market.
Jakarta History Museum
The Jakarta History Museum opened in 1974 and situated in the Kota area in the historical old town and gives a glimpse of Indonesia's colonial past. There are many Indonesian artefacts together with works of Dutch art, furniture, old maps and antiquities. One of the most popular exhibits is the dungeons which used to be used as a prison.
Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo in the South of Jakarta is one of the countries most popular tourist attractions and is considered a world-class facility designed to entertain and educate the young. The lush tropical setting is home to many indigenous animals such as the Komodo Lizard, the Java Tiger and numerous birds with brightly coloured feathers. As well as the animals there are also masses of flora and fauna to enjoy.
Taman Mini Indonesia
The Taman Mini Indonesia is a culture and recreational park for all the family. The 250 acres of land encapsulates Indonesian culture, lifestyle, architecture and clothing. Cable cars provide a stunning aerial view whilst the Museum and theatre provide an educational insight into the daily lives of Indonesians.
Yogyakarta Region
A trip to Java would not be complete without a visit to the Yogyakarta for the splendour of its Hindu temples and the wealth of classical Javanese arts such as ballet, poetry, music and puppet shows. At the heart of the quaint old city concealed behind high castellated walls is the grandiose Palace of Yogya's first wealthy family which has to be seen to be believed.
Main sights in Sumatra
Bukit Lawang
The Bukit Lawang centre in Sumatra is a famous Orang-Utan reserve to help primates adjust to the wild after being rescued from captivity or displacement. If you get there early, you will have more chance of seeing them arrive, though there are plenty of photo opportunities during the twice daily feeding sessions.
Danau Maninjau
Danau Maninjau is a blissful volcanic lake in the surround of verdant rice fields. Whilst storm clouds gather over the crater lip, enjoy a swim in the cool, calm climate. The road up the mountain path is challenging though the effort is rewarded by spectacular views.
Tropical Rainforest Heritage Centre
The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra comprises of three national parks covering an area of 2.5 million acres. The site is used for the conservation for an estimated 10,000 tropical plants, 200 mammal species and around 580 species of birds. Some of the species here are endangered whilst others can't be found anywhere else in the Archipelago.
Main Sights in Bali
Bali is known as the island of the Gods for its idyllic and dramatic landscape of volcanoes and mountains, calming lakes and exotic beaches. Other than relaxing on the shores of paradise the islands has thousands of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist temples to explore together with several art galleries and museums.
Ubud's Museum in Bali
The Ubud Museum is the centre for Balinese painting and houses a permanent collection of modern art dating from the turn of the 20th Century. The works show how western art influenced popular Balinese painters during Dutch colonialism.
Tanah Lot in Bali
Tanah Lot is one of Bali's most scared sites. The temple is a sanctuary built atop of rock and completely surrounded by the sea. Built in the 16th century, one of the rituals carried out at the temple pays homage to the sea and its guardian spirits. Poisonous sea snakes at the bottom of the rock are said to guard the temple against evil spirits and intruders.
Batubulan
The charming village of Batubulan north-east of Denpasar is easily recognised by the stone figures lined along the roadside. The divinities are specially carved for houses and temples to ward off demons and visitors can watch the artists at work.
Pura Besakih
Built on the slopes of Mount Agung, Pura Besakih is regarded as the mother of all temples and is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. It was built over a thousand years ago and has a long standing tradition amongst the Balinese that a visit to the sanctuary is a special pilgrimage. Steps that ascend through gates to the main courtyard are decorated with Trinity shrines that have colourful flowers and wrapped in cloth. The three main temples, dedicated to Hindu Gods, Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu are surrounded by 18 smaller sanctuaries belonging to different regencies. Against the backdrop of dramatic mountains the temple looks particularly impressive.
Sulawesi
The picturesque island of Sulawesi is unofficially labelled the 'Orchid Island' and is one of the most visited in the Indonesian archipelago. The island is famed for its geysers and natural hot springs and in Bantimurung in the South is a nature reserve with thousands of exotic butterflies. Sulawesi is blessed with natural beauty and a charming blend of culture and adventure. Many people visit here for a day or two to take in the stunning scenery, the exotic beaches or to go white water rafting.
Main Sights in Lombok
The pleasant island of Lombok is regarded as the new Bali without the swagger of tacky tourist souvenirs and beer and bikini combos. The beaches are less crowded than its sister island and tranquil countryside are dominated by the spectacular volcano of Mount Rinjani and is ideal for avid trekkers and keen surfers alike.
Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat Museum
If you have a spare hour or so to kill it's worth taking a look around the Negeri Nusa Museum for an insight into the geology, history and culture of Lombok. Fascinating antiques and handicrafts are available for purchase included daggers, silver or gold threaded cloth, baskets and masks.
Pura Lingsar
Built in the 18th century the Pura Lingsar temple is the holiest place in Lombok and combines the indigenous Wektu Telu religion with their Balinese neighbours Hindu. The quaint temple is noted for its small pond devoted to Lord Vishnu and filled with holy eels that can be tempted out of their hiding place with hard boiled eggs. Visitors are asked to wear a sarong whilst visiting the temple.
