Located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Indonesia is an archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands. It includes parts of New Guinea, Sulawesi, and Borneo, as well as Java and Sumatra.
Banyak Islands
Located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sumatra, the Banyak Islands are a group of 99 islands. The flora and fauna are incredible, and the underwater life is awe-inspiring. It's no wonder that the area is so popular with surfers.
There are a number of surf spots to choose from. The most popular wave is the Treasure Island. It's also a good spot for kayaking and snorkeling.
The best way to get to the islands is by charter boat. There are several boats that depart from Sibolga. The price is about $3 per person, and the trip takes around three hours. If you're looking for a faster option, you can take a speedboat. They can take you there for around 1.5 hours, and cost around 1.5 million Rupiah.
The islands are mostly uninhabited, making them ideal for nature lovers. There are many coral reefs in the area, which are home to green turtles. The coral reefs are also a good habitat for various types of marine life.
There are three charter boats that are based in the area full-time. You can also rent a private boat. You can arrange a trip with advance notice.
Banda Islands
Located in eastern Indonesia, Banda Islands are one of the best travel destinations in the country. These tiny volcanic islands lie in the Banda Sea, surrounded by pristine coral reefs. They offer incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities, as well as breathtaking scenery.
The region was once known as the Spice Islands, as much of the world's mace was produced on Banda Beser. Today, though, Banda is no longer the only source of nutmeg, and many other countries produce their own.
The islands' cultural landscape includes the ongoing production of mace, and features of a comprehensive plantation system. In addition, remnants of bygone architecture and colonial ports can be found.
The islands are home to a variety of colorful fish, turtles, and coral. They also provide sanctuary for endangered oceanic cetaceans. Banda Islands are considered some of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the world.
Most visitors to the area stay in small hotels or guesthouses, which are priced fairly. However, there are a number of larger hotels located on white sandy beaches. The main town, Bandaneira, is also a good base for exploring the Bandas.
Dieng Plateau
Known as the 'Abode of the Gods', Dieng Plateau is a beautiful, misty and volcanic place in Central Java. The name of Dieng Plateau comes from ancient Sanskrit words meaning 'the place of the gods'.
Located on the eastern edge of Dieng Plateau is Sikunir Hill. This hill is a short hike of about 30 minutes to reach the peak. The hill is surrounded by a small population of people who enjoy the sunrise from the top.
A small temple, Arjuna Temple complex, is located nearby. This temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Central Java. It is in the best condition. The temple was built around the year 750.
Dieng Plateau has many sights to see. The main sights include the Kawah Sikidang geothermal area, sulphur springs, volcanoes, and rice terraces. There are also several ancient temples and stupas.
The best time to visit Dieng is in the dry season (June, July, and August). During the wet season, it can be a bit flooded.
Dieng Plateau has a variety of homestays and hotels to choose from. These range from cheap to mid-range. They offer lodging and car rental.
Bukittinggi
Located in the highlands near Padang, Bukittinggi is a beautiful city with a cool climate. Almost at the equator, the city is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes: Mount Singgalang, Mount Marapi, and Mount Sembalun.
The city has a number of natural attractions including the beautiful Harau Valley. Harau is a beautiful gorge with waterfalls and rice fields. It is also a great place for rock climbing.
There are also numerous craft villages in the area. The best ones are located within an hour's drive from Bukittinggi.
Another famous lake in the area is Maninjau Lake, a caldera located on the shore of the island of Sumatra. There are many waterfalls in the area and the cliffs are perfect for rock climbing.
The area is also home to many butterflies and monkeys. The Rimba Panti Nature Reserve is located nearby. The park is home to many species of monkey and honey bear.
If you're looking for a place to stay, Bukittinggi has several hotels to choose from. Lima's Hotel, one of the best hotels in the city, is a locally-rated superior hotel. The hotel is located on Sukarno Hatta Street.
Tana Toraja
Located in South Sulawesi, Tana Toraja is a beautiful regency that has become a favorite tourist destination in Indonesia. The area has many attractions, including the famous Toraja Highlands, waterfalls, and quaint rural villages.
The area's unique culture is what makes it such a popular destination for tourists. The Toraja people are known for their traditional way of life and are friendly. The area adheres to their traditions, beliefs, and rituals.
The Toraja Highlands are known for their beautiful scenery, waterfalls, terraced rice fields, and the Toraja traditional houses. The houses are built on stilts with an elegantly bowed bamboo roof. They are also decorated with elaborate design.
There are many places in Tana Toraja to see traditional houses, such as Palawa, Kande Api, and Sillanan. Palawa is the main weaving center of the region. Kande Api has a granary.
The village of Kete Kesu is another great place to see Toraja traditional houses. The village holds a beautiful history. You can also see a cliff face burial site.
The town of Rantepao is the most popular tourist destination in Tana Toraja. It is a small town with a wide variety of accommodation options, restaurants, and tour agents.
Derawan Islands
Located off the coast of East Kalimantan in Borneo, Derawan Islands are a tropical paradise. They are home to eight hundred species of fish, eighty-six species of coral, and giant manta rays. The islands are a popular destination for diving and island hopping. They are also home to Indonesia's largest nesting site of green turtles.
The archipelago is made up of thirty-one islands. The islands are surrounded by sea grass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. The waters are clear and the marine life is abundant. The island also offers a variety of diving spots and caves.
The islands are home to Indonesia's largest nesting site for giant green turtles. You can watch turtles laying eggs and see baby turtles being released into the sea. The islands are also home to tiny pygmy seahorses. Among the many things to do, diving is the most popular activity. There are many dive resorts in the area. The best time to dive in Derawan is during the dry season from March to October.
The islands are located close to the straits of Makassar. If you are planning to visit the islands, you can fly to Berau Airport, which is the island's closest airport. The trip takes about two hours.
Palembang
Located in the heart of South Sumatra, Palembang is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. It is a city with a history that goes back to the 7th century. The city has been influenced by many civilizations, including those of Javanese, Chinese, Arabs, and Dutch.
Palembang is the second largest city on the Sumatra Island. It is located on the Musi River, which is the longest river in Sumatra. The city is divided into two sections: the north and the south. The south part is called Palembang, while the north part is called Seberang Ilir.
The main attractions in Palembang include the Ampera Bridge, Kemaro Island, Monpera Monument, Pasar 16 Ilir, and the Great Mosque of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II. The city also has museums that explore the local history. There are also many luxury hotels in Palembang. These hotels range from three to five stars and offer indoor swimming pools, Wi-Fi, and other recreational facilities.
The city is also home to the Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat, or the People's Struggle Monument. This monument was built in 1988 to commemorate Indonesia's Independence Day. It has an area of 25-30 metres above sea level. During nighttime, the monument is illuminated with beautiful lights. The monument is also a great place to view the Musi River.
Bandung
Located in West Java, Bandung is the third largest city in Indonesia. It is also known as the "Paris of Java." This city is known for its colonial architecture, art deco buildings, and the famous Bandung Conference. Besides its historical value, Bandung is also a great place for shopping and entertainment.
One of the most famous buildings in Bandung is Gedung Merdeka. This was the venue for the famous Bandung Conference in 1955. The building was designed by Wolff Schoemaker in Neo-gothic style. You can learn more about the building and its historical significance at the Museum of The Asian-African Conference.
Bandung has several museums, which display historical artifacts. The Geological Museum has fossils and crystals, while the Barli Museum is home to traditional Sundanese crafts.
Bandung is home to several natural attractions, such as the crater lake, or Kawah Putih. This is a crater lake on the Patuha volcano. Kawah Putih is also a theme park. It has a giant theater, a variety of restaurants, and heart-stopping rides.
One of the most interesting places to visit in Bandung is the Upside Down World. It turns the world upside down so that you can take some incredible pictures.
