Indonesia is a huge country, in both population and land area, with significant cultural and geological diversity. With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, it is the largest archipelago in the world. The population of around 240 million people is derived from 300 ethnic groups who speak over 250 different languages. While Bali is usually the destination most familiar to foreign visitors, there is a wealth of other toptourist attractions in Indonesiato discover in this vast and varied country.

10Lake Tobaflickr/Max GrabertLake Toba on the island of Sumatra is an immense volcanic lake about 100 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. Formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some 70,000 years ago, it is the largest resurgent caldera on Earth. Genetic estimates suggests that there were only a few thousand humans that survived the catastrophe. The island in the middle Pulau Samosir is the largest island within an island and contains two lakes. Besides visiting a lake on an island within a lake on an island tourist also come here to kick back and relax and swim in the volcanically warmed waters.

9Tanjung Putingflickr/HuliviliThe Tanjung Puting National Park is located on the island of Borneo in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan. The park is a popular ecotourism destination, with many local tour companies offering multi-day boat tours to view wildlife and visit the research centers. Wildlife include gibbons, macaques, clouded leopards, sun bears, pythons, crocodiles and most famously orangutans. Unfortunately the park is heavily threatened by illegal logging and forest clearing for agricultural uses.

8Baliem Valleyflickr/710928003The Baliem Valley in the highlands of Western New Guinea offers a glimpse into what was recently a stone-age world. The valley was not known to the outside world until 1938 when an aerial reconnaissance flight southwards from Hollandia (now Jayapura) discovered a large agricultural population. Wamena is the starting point for most visitors who come nowadays to marvel at the mountain views, roaring rivers, tribal villages and at the tough but sweet spirit of the warm Dani people.

7Mount Bromoflickr/ZimmelinoGunung Bromo is an active volcano and part of the Tengger massif, in East Java. At 2,329 meters (7,641 feet) it is not the highest peak of the massif, but it is the most well known. The area is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Indonesia and Java. The top of the volcano has been blown off and the crater inside constantly belches white smoke. It is surrounded by the Sea of Sand of fine volcanic sand. The overall effect is unsettlingly unearthly.

6Bunakenflickr/Tom WeilenmannLocated at the north of the island of Sulawesi, Bunaken is one of Indonesias most famous dive and snorkeling areas. The island is part of the Bunaken Marine Park where you can see more than 70% of all fish species that live in the western Pacific ocean. The best time for diving in Bunaken is between the months of April and November.

5Torajalandflickr/gromanukTorajaland (Tana Toraja) is a highland region of South Sulawesi, home of the Toraja people. Torajans are famous for their massive peaked-roof houses known as tongkonan and spectacular but gruesome funeral rites. After a persons death, the body is kept often for several years until the actual funeral ceremony which can last for several days. The deceased is then finally buried in a small cave or in a hollow tree.

4Gili Islandsflickr/yeowatzupLomboks most popular tourist destination, the Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes still playing reggae and no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace. Note that the name Gili Islands is rather redundant as gili simply means small island in Sasak and there are many other islands around the coast of Lombok with Gili in their names.

Where to Stay in Gili Islands3Komodo National Parkflickr/Jungle_BoyThe Komodo National Park is a national park located within the Lesser Sunda Islands that includes the three larger islands Komodo, Padar and Rincah, and 26 smaller ones. The park is named after the Komodo Dragon, the worlds largest living reptile that can reach 3 meters or more in length and weigh over 70kg. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carcass of dead animals, they are formidable predators and will also hunt prey including birds, and mammals. Attacks against humans are very rare.

Komodo National Park Guide2Borobudurphoto/Kenyon CollegeLocated 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Yogyakarta on Java, the Borobudur is the one of the most famous Buddhist temple in the world. The Borobudur was built over a period of some 75 years in the 8th and 9th centuries by the kingdom of Sailendra, out of an estimated 2 million blocks of stone. It was abandoned in the 14th century for reasons that still remain a mystery and for centuries lay hidden in the jungle under layers of volcanic ash. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia.

Borobudur Guide1Baliflickr/Riza NugrahaBali is one of the worlds most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards. The varied landscape, rugged coastlines, tropical beaches, lush rice terraces and volcanic hillsides all provide a picturesque backdrop to its colorful, deeply spiritual and unique Hindu culture. The combination of friendly people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality and spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali the unrivaled number one tourist attraction in Indonesia.

10 Most Famous Place In Indonesia

Good Afternoon, Indonesians, and all of the foreigners! It's almost holiday and now it's a nice time for us to think where should us spend our holiday. For the Indonesians (that want to spend your holiday in our native land), don't worry. We are living in a pretty land. For you the foreigners, ah! Maybe you want to travel Europe, enjoy Eastern Asia, visit Australia, or somewhere others. But, remember. Here, just in Indonesia, our beloved country, always there are fantastic life. From the natural to the artificial. Come here, and get fun! First, before travel this country, you should know more about us. Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia. Consists of more than 18,000 islands, Indonesia provides you beautiful views, cultures, and tourist resort. The capital of Indonesia and the largest city is Jakarta, located in Java Island. Our currency is rupiah, one of the strongest currency in Asia. It's a republic, and we've democracy in our country. Absolutely, Indonesia also have a lot of tribes with different languages and religion. But it's not problem for us to unite. Indonesia got the freedom from the Netherlands in 1942, and Japan in 1945. If I should tell you all of the histories from A to Z, it'll be so long. The borders of Indonesia is Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and South China Sea in north, Papua New Guinea in east, and Indian Ocean in west and south. Timor Leste is also the border of Indonesia in southeast since 1999. As an active, strong, independent, and great country, Indonesia also the member of some international organizations like UNO, ASEAN, APEC, etc. Indonesia is the leader of ASEAN in 2010. God bless our land with invincible unite, natural resources, wealth, and faithful young generations. Although the leader (old generations) of Indonesia is bad, corrupt, stodgy, and hypocritical, but we, as the new generations, swear to God that we'll change this nation into the better day. Okay, I think that's enough for the introduction. As a great country, we have a lot of tourist resort that you can visit here. I'm sure, its really WONDERFUL! Better than the others! Here the 10 most famous tourist resort in Indonesia!1. Bali Island, Bali

Welcome to Denpasar

Just geekies who don't know about this one. Bali Island is a beautiful island in east Java Island, in the Province of Bali. With Denpasar as the capital of the province, Bali provides beautiful views of beach, cultures, and unique handicrafts. The majority religion of Bali is Hindu. The tourists here enjoy traditional dance of Bali, especially Kecak and Pendet. It's the most famous religious dances in the world. Bedugul is a mountain lake resort area which situated near Lake Bratan, on the read between Singaraja and Denpasar. It's about 48 kilometres north of the city of Denpasar. Bedugul is an enjoyable place that must be visited in your life.

Bedugul Temple, Bali

Bored? Impossible. Bali is full of tourist resorts and makes you fun everytime there. You can visit Kuta Beach, the most famous beach there. Kuta Beach is suitable for surfing, diving, swimming, or sunbathing. If it's too crowded, you can move to Nusa Dua Beach or Sanur Beach. It's really amazing! Uncountable tourists visit Bali every year. Most of them come from Southeast Asia, Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Eastern Asia, India, Turkey, and Europe. Still remember the movie titled 'Eat, Pray, Love' which starring Julia Roberts? They were filming here! Don't miss it, Guys!

Kuta Beach

Pendet, traditional dance of Bali

Surfing in Sanur Beach

'Eat, Pray, Love' took film in Bali

2. Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Jakarta is the central government and the largest city of Indonesia. It's located in west Java Island, in the north of the Province of West Java, or mainly in the Province of Jakarta Special Administration Region. Jakarta is a metropolitan city and the capital of ASEAN. Not only that, it's also the largest city in Southeast Asia together with Bangkok and Singapore. It's the heart of commerce, investation, and one of the most populous city in the world. In international views, Jakarta is the gold of Asia. Although some people live under poverty line, the citizens of Jakarta have high purchase power parity. Most residents of Jakarta have purchasing power three times more than Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Indonesians are including to consumptive people, that's why a lot investors compete to plant their modals in this city.

Jakarta skylines

Jakarta is often flooded and stalled. But, it's not a problem to enjoy this capital. Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy World) is the modern playground in Indonesia. There also national museum that called Museum Gadjah. If you want to know how was the condition of Indonesia (especially Jakarta) in the colonial era, you should visit Fatahillah Museum. It's really horrible, when the Netherlanders captured our nation and ruled it as long as 350 years. You can also see the miniature and complete cultures of Indonesia in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. Jakarta also known as 'the heaven for the shoppers'. Do you know? Jakarta is the city with the largest mall in the world. If Luxembourg have more than 40 Banks, we've more than 80 malls in Jakarta! It's just in Jakarta! Not around Indonesia! Indonesia have more than a thousand malls from Sabang (Aceh) to Merauke (West Papua). So great!

The Miniature of Indonesia in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

More info, Jakarta is the central fashion of Asia. People around the world buy our beautiful and cool fashion in Tanah Abang, the greatest wholesale fashion in Asia. Batik is the traditional fashion of Indonesia. I'm sure, you'll love it! It's really unique! Different with others, but COOL!

Fatahillah Museum, the museum of Jakarta

Dunia Fantasi, Jakarta

3. Comodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara Comodo Island located in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia's territory near Timor Leste. Comodo Island is the best place to be visited. Comodo Dragon is the animal that natives to Indonesia. It's the largest lizard and the last dinosaur which still alive in the world. Comodo have grey hard-scaly skin, poisonous saliva, and sharp claws. It can growth untilmaximum of length 3metres (9.8ft) in rare cases and weighing up to around 70kilograms (150lb).They live in tropical forest in Nusa Tenggara Timur in groups. Comodo is a carnivore and sometimes can be a cannibal if there's no food. Comodo just live in Indonesia, no others. It's really big and calm, but suddenly can be a horrible creature. They bite the preys first and let them alive for short times. They'll die cause of the poison from the saliva.

Comodo Dragon, native fauna of Indonesia

Comodo Island is one of the world heritages and protected site in Indonesia. The government of Indonesia protects them form the hunters (hunters = shit humans). You can visit this island with some confirmations to the local government. Domestic tourists come here every year like waves. Not only domestic. All around the world, especially from Eastern Asia, Australia, NZ, Northern America, and Europe.

Comodos can swim to the other islands in East Nusa Tenggara

It's truly wiild, truly adventures!

Comodo

Comodo Island, start your adventure here!

4. Bandung, West Java Bandung is a cool city located in West Java, also the capital of it. It's really a nice place to be visited. For the scenery lovers, you can enjoy this city with smiling. The green city provides you amazing views to be seen or taken by camera. The Netherlanders love this city very much. When they still ruled the Netherlands Indies, a lot of them lived here, not in Batavia (now Jakarta). For you the culinary connoisseurs, it's really like a heaven! Every kind of foods can be found here, start from warm to cool. Sop buah (Fruit Soup), karedok, siomay, batagor, and fried oncom are delicious foods here. Not only that, they're just some of them. Visit here, and you'll know all. When you taste it, you'll say 'Wowh! It's better than the other foods I've eaten!"

Siomay, truly Sundanese food

Pamper your tongue with this fresh fruit soup

Bandung, like Jakarta, is a commercial city of Indonesia. The real fashion can be found here, and beautiful women of course. The traditional music of Sunda often be played here. Angklung is the traditional music instrument of Sunda. The voice is so calm and make your mind fresh. You know? The Dutch said Bandung is 'Paris van Java', or the Paris of Java.

Angklung, traditional music instrument of West Java made from bamboo

One of the shopping area in Bandung, the city of Paris van Java

5. Raja Ampat, Papua Located off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, in Indonesia's West Papua Province, Raja Ampat,or theFour Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo, also the smaller one is Kofiau. Raja Ampat new regency which separated from Sorong regency at 2004.It encompasses more than 40,000 km of land and sea, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park of Indonesia. It's the part of the newly named West Papua Province of Indonesia which was formerly Irian Jaya.The islands are the most northern pieces of land in the Australian continent.

Visit Raja Ampat

Enjoy yourself here, we're waiting for you...

According to Conservation International,marine surveys suggest that the marine life diversity in the Raja Ampat area is the highest recorded on Earth.Diversity is considerably greater than any other area sampled in the Coral Triangle composed of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.The Coral Triangle is the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity, making Raja Ampat quite possibly the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world.The area's massive coral colonies along with relatively high sea surface temperatures, also suggest that its reefs may be relatively resistant to threats like coral bleaching and coral disease, which now jeopardize the survival of other coral ecosystems around the world. The Raja Ampat islands are remote and relatively undisturbed by humans.

So quiet here, it's like heaven on the earth

1,309 fish species, 537 coral species (a remarkable 96% of all scleractiniarecorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands), and 699 mollusk species, the variety of marine life is staggering.Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs. Raja Ampat is the heaven for the divers in Papua. Although the price is high enough to visit this resort, it'll be so challanging and fun. Just prepare your diving equipment and you'll get the greatest adventure ever!

Raja Ampat, Papua

The Biodiversity of Raja Ampat

Let's go here, guys!

6. Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara Lombok is an island in West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, with Mataram as the capital and the largest city of the province.It is somewhat similar in size and density with neighboring Baliand shares some cultural heritage, but is administratively part of NTB along with sparsely populated Sumbawa.It is surrounded by a number of smaller islands locally calledGili.

Sunset in Gili

Sunset in Gili, Lombok

Lombok's most important industry is tourism. The most developed of tourism area in Lombok is on the west coast of the island and centered about the township of Senggigi.Senggigi and it's immediate surrounds contain the most developed tourism facilities in the coastal tourism strip that is spread along a 30-kilometer strip of the coastal road north from Mataram.and the nearby current airport at Ampenan.A large number of hotels and resorts offer accommodations ranging from budget to luxurious. Approximately 15 kilometers offshore from the mainland lie the three highly popular Gili Islands.These are most commonly accessed by boat from Bangsal near Pemenang, or from Senggigi. Recently direct fast boat services have been running from Bali making a direct connection to the Gili Islands. Although rapidly changing in character, the Gili's still provide both a lay-back backpacker's retreat and a high class resort destination.

Truly Indonesia

Lombok resort provides a lot of enjoyable hotels

Other tourist destinations include Mount Rinjani and Kuta Beach (different with Kuta Beach in Bali)in south Lombok where surfing is considered some of the best in the world by leading surfing magazines. The Kuta area is also famous for its beautiful, largely deserted, white sand beaches. Sekotong, in southwest Lombok, is popular for its numerous and diverse scuba diving locations. The northern west coast near Tanjunghas many new upmarket hotel and villa developments centered about the Sire and Medana peninsular nearby to the Gili Islands and a new boating marina at Medana Bay.These new developments complement the already existing 5 star resorts and a large golf course already established there.

The Magic Land of Lombok

Beautiful Beach

7. Bunaken Beach, North Sulawesi Bunaken Beach is one of the best diving place in Indonesia and also the world. It's really amazing. When you open your eyes underwater, you'll see the most beautiful views there. The water is so clear and fresh, with flora and fauna inside. You'll find yourself in a fairy tale! So far from the skycrapers, populous city, and a noisy street. You'll forget to the time and enyoy your trip very well.

Paradise of the Divers

Natural scenery in Sulawesi, North Sulawesi

A very rich coral systemcovers most of Bunaken National Park, dominated by fringing reef and barrier reef corals.There are about 390 species of coral recorded in the waters of the Park.A distinct feature is a 25-50 metre vertical coral wall which is inhabited by 13 coral genus. The seaweeds that can be found here include caulerpa, halimeda, and padina species, while the dominant seagrasses, in particular in the island of Montehage and Nain, areThalassia hemprichii,Enhallus acoroides,andThalassodendron ciliatum.The park is also abundant in different species of fish, marine mammals and reptiles, birds, molluscs and mangrove species.

Start your new life!

You can enjoy this, just in Indonesia!

About 90 species of fish live in the waters of the park, among them being the Emperor Angelfish, Almaco Jack, Spotted Seahorse. Bluestripe Snapper, Pinkish Basslet, and Two-lined monocle bream.The species of mollusc include the Giant Clam, Horned Helmet Shell, Chambered Nautilus, and ascidians.It is claimed that this park has seven times more genera of coral than Hawaii,and more than 70% of all the known fish species of the Indo - Western Pacific.On land, the islands are rich in species of palm, sago, woka, silar, and coconut.Among the animal species that live on the land and the beaches are Celebes Crested Macaque, Timor Deer, and Sulawesi Bear Cuscus. The mangrove forestof the Park contains, among others Rhizopora and Sonneratiaspecies.This forest is also rich in species of crab, lobster, mollusc, and sea birds such as gulls, herons, sea doves, and storks.

8. Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi Tana Toraja is the name of a regency in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Toraja is the name of ethnic group in Sulawesi, while 'tana' is the local language for 'land'. The majority of Toraja are Christians. The villages in Tana Toraja have special form. It's so sharp in both of the sides, like the traditional house of West Sumatera. Toraja have unique tradition in funeral. When someone passed away, they local magician will control his/her dead body. The dead body will walk his/herself to a stone mountain. When the dead body is walking, we must not call his/her name. If we do it, the magic power will lose and the dead body will return into an ordinary corpse that lie the ground and can't walk. This is the magic tradition of Toraja, the greatest tourist resort in Sulawesi after Bunaken.

Green Scenery in Tana Toraja

Traditional Houses in Tana Toraja

Come back to nature

Not only the funeral, the place for the corpses is unbelievable too. It's a stone cave, with nothing grave there. It's just an ordinary stone cave, but special! After the dead body arrive to this place, they will look for their own place. Later, when they've found it, the magic will lose and they will return to an ordinary corpses. Although they aren't buried, their body won't issue a foul odor. It's a secret, but the local people believe that there's a mysterious tree inside that can eliminate the stench of the dead bodies. It's according to the myth, but no one can explain it in science. Not only that, Tana Toraja provides you a lot of traditional dances and cultural life. It'll be so interesting. Don't forget to visit the stone mountain which full of skulls and bodies which have become bones. And I tell you, remember, when you out from the stone cave, don't look back. The people said so, and as a layman, please don't break it...

The Grave Cave

Horror Cave in South Sulawesi

Local Funeral

Cave of Clothing Statues in Tana Toraja

9. Borobudur Temple and Yogyakarta, Central Java and Special Administration of Yogyakarta Borobudur Temple located in Central Java Province, Indonesia. It's near Magelang, the nearby largest city. Borobudur Temple is one of the seven world wonders. It's so great, and one of the largest Buddhist Temple in the world. Although Angkor Wat in Cambodia is larger, but Borobudur still better. It proved as Borobudur is ne of the seven world wonders while Angkor Wat not. Borobudur Temple was built in Syailendra Dynasty, one of the famous Buddhist Dynasty in Nusantara.The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statue.A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles., then the British ruler of Java, who was advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO., following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesakat the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction. Asecret,ifyoutouch thebuddha's handinthe stupa,thepetitionswill be granted.

Top of the Borobudur Temple

The Great Temple

The Temple from above

One of the reliefs in Borobudur

Buddha

After Borobudur Temple, continue your trip to Yogyakarta, one of the most famous tourist resort in Indonesia. Yogyakarta is the last region in Indonesia which still formed a Sultanate. The Sultan of Yogyakarta now is Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X. It's really unique because there's a kingdom in a republic. Now, the monarch of Yogyakarta still discussed in parliament. It'll be continued, or end after Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X abdicate. Yogyakarta is famous with the transportation like becak and andhong, traditional transportation that still used horse as the energy. Malioboro also the heaven of shoppers, with a lot of fashion like batik and another Indonesian tarditional foods and handicrafts. The favourite food of Yogyakarta is gudeg. Taste it, really good! And after that, don't forget to visit Keraton Yogya. It's the name of monarch palace of Yogyakarta. Inside, there are a lot of historical collections like weapons, handicrafts, pictures, wall carving, and so on. Enjoy it, guys!

Gudeg, typical food of Yogyakarta

Royal Palace, Yogyakarta

History of Yogyakarta

Yogya Kembali Monument

Becak, typical transportation of Yogya

Prambanan Temple, one of the greatest Hindu Temple in the world

10. Surabaya, East Java

Welcome To Surabaya

Surabaya is the largest city and the capital of East Java Province. Surabaya also including to the most important commercial city of Indonesia. Surabaya is the second largest city in our country, after Jakarta. The third largest is located in North Sumatera, Medan. Surabaya is a modern city that looser than Jakarta. The city is crowded, but not as crowded as Jakarta. The weather is very hot because the city is situated in the shore. For the investors, Surabaya is a right choice. It's full of shopping area and everything you find can be found here. For the foreigners, don't forget to bring your summer clothes if you want to visit this city.

Mall in Surabaya

Surabaya at night

Surabaya, not only large, but also full of history. Name 'Surabaya' comes from the name of two animals. Sura (a kind of shark) and crocodile (the Indonesian of crocodile is 'buaya'). They killed each other to capture this territory. Until now, this story is very famous to the children of Indonesia. In colonial era, Surabaya was the place where Bung Tomo, the hero of Indonesia, burnt the spirit of the Indonesians to fight the Dutch and the British. It's the greatest history of our country. Now, Surabaya is the central of the Indonesian Marines. Once again, if Malaysia have the highest building in ASEAN, we've the longest bridge in ASEAN. The name is Suramadu Bridge, connecting Surabaya with Madura Island. The cable-stayed portion has three spans with lengths 192 m, 434 m and 192 m.

Enjoy Surabaya

Suramadu Bridge, the longest bridge in ASEAN

That's all, guys. But remember, Indonesia is a very large country. We always have everything that can make you fun and surprise. With our culture and wealth, the tourist resorts in Indonesia are one of the most famous resorts in the world. People from everywhere visit to our country every year. So, what are you waiting for? Let's pack your holiday things, buy a ticket, and we're waiting for you here.

Welcome To Indonesia !!!