Are you craving fancy jaw-dropping places in Indonesia? The whole world might already know the well-known places in this country with thousands of islands. However, there are some mind-blowing places that even some locals are unaware of. Here are the unique places in Indonesia that are highly recommended!

Unique Places in Indonesia

Bali and Jakarta: each holds their beauties. Locals and tourists always aim to visit them during the holiday season. Yet, Indonesia is vast and has other hidden gems waiting to be found. Below are the places that will render you speechless and offer you a true experience of Indonesia.

1. Pink Beach on Komodo Island

The pink beach might sound so artificial, but the charm does exist on Komodo Island. Located on the East side of Indonesia, Nusa Tenggara Timur, the sand on the beach changes color into pink because of a specific species of algae and succeeds to create such an alluring and unique view, especially for photography.

In addition, the beach is near Komodo National Park where Komodo, the ancient living reptile bestowed as one of the wondrous world heritages, live.

If you are too exhausted to dive for marine life exploration, the land attractions are comparable. You can go hiking or just experience the local communities in this one of the unique places in Indonesia.

Curious about why the sand is pink? We have explained it in our article about Pink Beach on Komodo Island.

Read more How to Trip from Bali to Komodo Island

2. Tana Toraja

One of the most unique places in Indonesia might be Tana Toraja. It exudes a deep-rooted tradition of death; the biggest funeral ceremonies will astonish you, especially if you are an enthusiast of culture and history. In addition, this land of death is located in the mountain area. You will most likely be pampered by the scenery with vast terraces of rice.

However, must you take note that this famous land is tropical and has different temperatures in each part of it? Generally, it will be around 30°C to 32°C. Thus, brace yourself for the humidity.

Make sure as well to wear the proper clothes and prepare sunscreen if you must.

3. Raja Ampat

The archipelago, located in the East of Indonesia, is well-known to divers. Its clear turquoise-blue water is eye-catching, especially its marine life: such as sharks, manta rays, and smaller sea creatures like seahorses. If you prefer on land, the white-sand beaches can be the spot to enjoy the sea breeze or the scenery.

Additionally, there is an opportunity to explore the land as well. Its attractions are as interesting as the water ones. You can meet with the locals and have heartful conversations, or see exotic birds that only exist in the part of Indonesia’s island. Moreover, there are hiking tracks and waterfalls! A truly integrated tourist destination!

Read More How to Trip from Bali to Raja Ampat

4. Lake Toba

Lake Toba is the largest lake shaped due to a historical volcanic eruption approximately 74.000 years ago, and therefore, the natural view is going to impress you endlessly. Other than the scenery, you can cross the lake to visit Samosir Island located in the middle of the water.

The island is one of the most unique places in Indonesia which owned a similar size to Singapore and has drawn locals and international visitors because of many aspects. For example, the Batak communities, architecture, culture, and landscape.

You do not even have to worry much about the temperature because it is cooler. Furthermore, this place’s gastronomy is worth experiencing.

5. Bunaken Island

 

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Imagine being pampered by calming breeze with a breathtaking view of clear blue water. What a paradise you can feel, is it not? The Bunaken National Marine Park offers a fascinating underwater experience.

Unlike other places, you can explore it by snorkeling or diving. In addition, there are numerous fishes and coral reefs worth planting in your memory. Other than the sea, the island, and its neighborhood are simply stunning: such as Manado Tua, Nain, Nain Kecil, Siladen, and Mantehage.

There are various tourist sites in them that you do not want to miss. You can even have the opportunity to witness the way of living of sea turtles, dugongs, and saltwater crocodiles.

6. Lorentz National Park

 

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Have you ever heard of a greater mountain than Mount Everest? Puncak Jaya, located inside Lorentz National Park, is the tallest mountain that attracts many hiking enthusiasts to reach its peak.

Other than its beautiful rainforest and stunning landscape, the mountain is covered by snow: a very rare sight for a mountain in a tropical country, is it not?

However, you must earn permission from the government to hike because the topography is quite extreme. If you are a daring person and always seek challenges, this is the destination you need.

In addition, you can also see various vegetation and fauna where their habitats are well-preserved and protected by laws.

7. Bukit Lawang

 

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Have you ever seen orangutans in real life? Visiting Bukit Lawang can be your best opportunity to see the species’ natural habitat. The endangered animal’s rehabilitation is inside the green hillside, which offers you a chance to experience the wildlife by night camping in a jungle trek in these unique places in Indonesia.

Despite its breathtaking view and landscape, mind that you will explore the woods. Hence why, you ought to prepare extra clothes and shoes, as you will pass through some rivers. Furthermore, it is recommended to cover your skin as possible to prevent mosquito bites. Other than that, all should be an interesting and unique experience!

8. Borobudur Temple

Adding cultural and historical experience to your itinerary? Consisting of nearly 2000 stoner reliefs, the divine and hand-carved architecture stands tall, exuding an exotic and spiritual vibe. You may climb up staircases on different levels to achieve the perfect angle to view the wondrous landscape to the horizon.

The monument is also embellished by almost 504 Buddha statues and around 72 stupas on the terraces. So, other than gazing out the scenery, you may also immortalize your moments in photographs with those carvings as the background.

If you are exhausted after exploration, there are local eateries you can visit surrounding the temple afterward. So, when will you visit this unique place?

9. Bintan Island

Just outside Singapore’s coast of the southern part, a hidden gem of an island offers its remote and awe-striking view, added by turquoise sea water which is very clear to the point you can see the sea floor. The tropical island is also home to plenty of marine life, such as manta rays, turtles, and even dolphins!

There are also land activities. For example, you can go hiking at Bukit Puncak or visit the mangrove forests near the villages. In addition, there are some local markets and nightlife events that you can visit. Surely, they have good selections of seafood that you will only find in these unique places in Indonesia.

10. Yogyakarta

A thick culture runs through the veins of Yogyakarta. Every corner of the large city you find will represent the dedication to persevering in a traditional culture, from the buildings to the cuisines. A lot of people will sacrifice their time just to experience the authenticity of the city, and they have never been disappointed after their visit.

There are some recommended destinations here: such as Kerator Kasepuhan, Malioboro, Manahaan Street, and even Mangkunegaraan Palace. You can visit Borobudur Temple in the city.

Moreover, the cuisine here is irreplaceable, and the most important thing is everything is insanely affordable!

11. Tangkoko National Park

Another wildlife destination worth visiting is Tangkoko National Park, which is very much unknown to the public. Located in the north of Sulawesi, the underrated park shelters of numerous flora and fauna, including Macaca Nigra—the rare species of monkey. Numerous bird species will impress you through your trekking exploration.

Do not worry! You will be guided throughout your journey if you do not want to get lost in one of these unique places in Indonesia. However, mind that the ticket entrance to the park is going to increase during the weekends. So, it is better to avoid crowds by visiting during weekdays.

12. Lombok

Bali is famous, but have you ever imagined a more tranquil version of the island? Lombok, located on the east side of Bali, offers premium sightings of beaches, forests, and volcanoes at the same time. If you have never visited the please, I highly recommend a beach called Selong Belanak.

The beach is quiet and peaceful. You can lie down on the white sand by the shore, or playing with the water, or dive to see the beauty beneath. Additionally, you can see how the local communities live their daily life, or go hiking up Mount Rinjani, which is one of the largest active volcanoes.

Which Place Would You Visit First?

Indonesia is vast; the country owns numerous islands that represent natural beauty, from the sea to the land. You do not need to visit all of the unique places in Indonesia at once. Choose the place according to your preferences first! If you prefer to snorkel or dive, perhaps destinations like Bunaken or Raja Ampat may be more suitable for you.

Read more 24 Famous Natural Landmarks in Indonesia (Lakes, Mounts, Forests, Sea, and more!)