In this article you will read about the best cities to visit in Indonesia.
Indonesia is a hub of places which are full of life, colour, and delightful cuisine. The cities in Indonesia hold the beautiful sight of ancient temples, and mosques along with skyscrapers, fast-food joints, and flicker shopping malls. With nearly 13,500 islands, this country of gods provides best adventurous activities for everyone, from hiking active volcanoes to diving in largely untouched waters.
With a rich cultural heritage and remarkable historical attractions on offer, visiting Indonesia will be an unforgettable experience for you. Spend some time in the hustle-bustle of the busy streets of Jakarta, or take a step back in time and visit the remote villages of Tana Toraja. Not to forget the beautiful beaches of Bali and volcanic attraction at Anak Krakatau.
Tourist attractions at most visited cities in Indonesia
| S.No. | Cities | Tourist Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bali | Pura Tanah Lot, Mount Batur, Uluwatu Temple, Seminyak Shopping, The Nusa Islands, Sekumpul Waterfall |
| 2 | Jakarta | The National Monument, Istiqlal Mosque, Merdeka Square, Thousand Islands, Jakarta Cathedral, Jakarta Chinatown, Ancol Beach City, Merdeka Palace |
| 3 | Bandung | Lembang, Teabing Keraton, Situ Patenggang, St. Peters Cathedral, Keraton Cliff, Kawah Putih, Bandung Zoo, Museum Geologi |
| 4 | Yogyakarta | Borobudur Temple, Prambanan, Batik, Rice Planting, Jomblang Cave, Taman Sari, Kraton Palace, Kalibiru National Park, Volcanic Mount Merapi, Wayang Theater |
| 5 | Ubud | Tirta Empul Temple, Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegenungan Waterfall, Tanah Lot Temple, Ubud Celuk Village, Pura Puseh, Amed Beach, Tegallalang Rice Terraces |
| 6 | Surabaya | Suramadu Bridge, House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, Ampel Mosque, Submarine Monument, Ria Kenjeran Beach, Atom Market |
| 7 | Kuta | Uluwatu Temple, Bush Telegraph Pub, Beachwalk Shopping Center, Kuta Beach, Vihara Dharmayana Kuta, Kuta Theatre |
| 8 | Medan | Lake Toba, Tjong A Fie Mansion, Mesjid Raya Mosque, Annai Vellangkanni, Maimoon Palace, Medan Mall, Pandang Island |
| 9 | Banjarmasin | Lok Baintan Floating Market, Wasaka Museum, Sasirangan Village, PKK Banjar Bungas Agro Tourism Park |
| 10 | Lombok | Mount Rinjani Trek, Gili islands, Pura Lingsar Temple, Pura Meru Temple |
| 11 | Semarang | The Blenduk Church, The historical Lawang Sewu, Gedong Batu, Sam Poo Kong Temple Complex |
Here’s a list of some of the most visited cities in Indonesia:
1. Bali
If you want to visit mountains and green areas with large forests, plan your trip to Bali. Rich in culture, this Indonesian island is blessed with beautiful landscapes and an exciting lifestyle. There are a lot of attractions that are offered at Bali, like stunning beaches, the fantastic party life, leisure activities, amazing marine life and much more. Moreover, it is the most famous religious site in Indonesia. One of its famous temples, Uluwatu Temple, is situated at the Cliffside.
2. Jakarta
Capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is the most populated city in the country. Being the administrative city of the country, this place is constantly changing with the development of high-rise towers and buildings. You can find a large number of fantastic restaurants, cafes, bars and modern shopping malls in Jakarta. You can see the cultural diversity in their cuisine, customs and products. Apart from this, Jakarta consists of the largest mosques of the world – Istiqlal Mosque, which is a true depiction of modern architectures.
3. Bandung
Bandung is famously known as the Paris of Java, Indonesia. The city offers a unique experience of urban life and is surrounded by a stunning mountainous landscape. Being the third-largest city in the country, the traffic in this Bandung is always massive but, this doesn’t stop tourist to visit this beautiful city. You can find some great markets, shopping centres, and budget-friendly restaurants in Bandung. Nearby attractions include volcanic peaks, relaxing hot springs, and tea plantation fields
4. Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is the best place in Indonesia to experience its royal life. This city is known for its rich culture and delicious traditional Javanese food that offers a soulful experience. It is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, which comprise lots of historical temples and places to visit. You can also enjoy its delightful street art, fantastic art galleries, museums, and remarkable restaurants. You can plan your visit to the sultan’s palace, majestic temples, and other historical sites ay Yogyakarta.
5. Ubud
Ubud is a hub of Indonesia’s fine culture and historical attractions. From spectacular temples to delightful caves with stone carving, and historical museums, the city is quite popular amongst tourists in Indonesia. You can even visit the local shops, restaurants, and bars, or witness the 65 art performances which are out every week.
6. Surabaya
Being the second-largest city in Indonesia, Surabaya is always chaotic, traffic-filled and polluted. It is the transport hub for a lot of tourists. Although there is not much to see at Surabaya, the old Arab quarter with tiny streets is still mesmerizing to wander around. You can find delightful old colonial buildings scattered around the city, along with its huge and lively Chinatown, great restaurants, bars and nightlife.
7. Kuta
Kuta was once a small, secluded fishing village in Indonesia. But now, this city has become one of the most loved places in Indonesia by tourists because of its amazing fast-food joints, cheap bars and nightclubs. Not to forget the dazzling white beach of Kuta – one of the best beaches in Bali. You can even take part in fun activities like scuba diving and surfing. Nearby attractions include Legian and Seminyak, and stunning beaches of Gili Islands.
8. Medan
Medan lies near the northeast coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The diverse population of Medan gives out a hint to tourist about the multitude of delicious dishes to try from a vast array of food stalls and restaurants. The city consists of lovely colonial architecture, fine museums, and lots of shopping malls. Nearby sites include Crater Lake at Lake Toba and the delights of Berastagi.
9. Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin is located in South Kalimantan and is home to beautiful shopping malls, crowded business areas and the delightful waterways. The floating markets of Banjarmasin are fun to explore, and there are numerous rivers and canals for you to sit back at and enjoy. The city is a hub of nice architecture and fantastic cuisine.
10. Lombok
Lombok is one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia. Its natural beauty and natural waterfalls make this island a popular tourist place amongst foreigners. The island is covered with forests and beautiful suburbs. Sasak is the famous village of this Island in the country. Don’t forget to visit this village during your visit to Lombok. You can take help from the local guides, or you can even go there on your own.
11. Semarang
Semarang is a historical city of Indonesia, consisting of lots of museums, historical buildings, and monuments. The city consists of temples that were built in the eighteenth century. Besides, the city also has lots of modern buildings, and the influence of technological advancement is clearly evident in this city.
Summing Up
Other than the ten cities mentioned above, there are a few other beautiful cities in Indonesia, who are quite popular among tourists. This includes cities like Makassar, Depok, Manado, Komodo and much more. The best thing about Indonesia is its people, who are very friendly and hospitable. They will make you feel at home in their country. Being a responsible tourist, you should always respect their culture, values and norms. It is beneficial to do research about Indonesian culture before travelling to this beautiful country.
Are you looking to travel across Indonesia between islands? Find more information here:
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