Top 10 Destinations in Indonesia

Where to Go in Indonesia?
It is a common knowledge that each Asian country possesses unique characteristics and heritage which appeals even to Asians themselves. That is why many find cheap tickets to travel to different nations, and one of the most popular destinations is Indonesia.

As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia is home to so many attractions in which travelers can experience what good life is. Here are the top 10:

1. Lombok Island

Photo Credit: Marie-Ange Ostré (source: Discover Lombok)

Travelers who are into the beach will surely find solace in Lombok Island. Tagged as one of the many paradises in Indonesia, it is a good venue not just for swimming but also for diving. The marine ecology composed mainly of colorful coral reefs and schools of unique fishes are spectacular to see.


2. Komodo Island

Image Source: Phoebettmh Travel

With its magnificent environment and marine ecology, it is hard to let pass an opportunity to visit the Komodo Island. But it doesn’t end there; because this Indonesian isle has more than just unspoiled nature:  the Komodo Dragon, an endemic creature in Indonesia which is believed to be the closest specie to actual dragons.


3. Jakarta

Photo Credit: Indonesia Tourism Website

What trip to Indonesia will be complete without stopping by the capital city of Jakarta? As the political, financial and commercial center of the country, it plays hosts to so many modern buildings and attractions which will thrill everyone. Shopping malls, entertainment hubs, amusement parks, and many other establishments can be found there.


4. Borobodur

Photo Credit: Indonesia Tourism Website

Exuding the loveliest charm from thousands of years ago is the Mahayana Buddhist temple of Borobudur in Magelang, Central Java. It is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world, and constantly draws tourists for its intricate design which features more than 2000 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


5. Mt. Kelimutu

 

 Photo Credit: All Indonesia Travel

To those intending to take things into extremes, a trek to the craters of Mt. Kelimutu is recommended. It is a volcano which has three unique craters – unique because of its varying colors. Originally, the craters are said to be blue green, fiery green and red. But then it changed to different shades. Today, the craters are dark brown, red-brown, and turquoise.


6. Bangka Belitung Island

Photo Credit: Indonesia Tourism Website

Off the coast of Sumatra, it is a great alternative for people who wish to escape the crowd in Bali. It is a beach island, renowned for its white shore. Furthermore, it has a spectacular nature, making island hopping, diving and snorkeling great activities to do. As it is a commercialized island already, accommodation, dining and shopping facilities are available.


7. Yogyakarta

Indonesia has a very interesting culture; and for those who wish to explore it more, a visit to Yogyakarta is necessary. As one of the oldest cities in the country, it is home to cultural attractions detailing how unique Indonesian heritage is. Start the tour with a visit to Taman Sari, the renowned water castle.


8. Bunaken Marine Park

Photo Credit: The Travel Word

Marine ecology in Indonesia is definitely fantastic! It is proven true by the Bunaken Marine Park in Sulawesi Island. It is home to almost 400 species of unique coral reefs, as well as different schools of marine creatures. It is a national park, and is highly regarded among nature lovers.


9. Raja Ampat, Papua

Photo Credit: Indonesia'd

Proving further that the marine ecology of Indonesia is one of a kind is the Raja Ampat in Papua. Marine biodiversity is truly superb with its colorful and unspoiled reefs. With its name taken from a local mythology story, the place sure feels like created, designed and maintained with magic.


10. Bali

When we talk about Indonesia, Bali often comes to mind first. Why not? It is the most popular beach island in Indonesia, and is a favorite destination for many tourists. It is densely commercialized yet preservation of its nature and heritage are evident. Aside from the beaches, cultural and historical places may be found here.


Indonesia is one exciting country which will surely satiate travelers’ needs for good experience. It is the perfect getaway as it is easily accessed from most parts of Asia. Thus, people need not to hesitate in coming there. It is a nice place, a paradise even.


Related story:
Top Hotels in Indonesia

Top 10 Destinations for Budget Shoppers in Bandung

Shopping has always been a nice activity to do when in Bandung. A tourist would even avail a Singapore to Bandung promo just to experience the hype of buying reasonably priced and interesting fashion items in this Indonesian city. This is not exactly a surprise as Bandung has always been known for its factory outlets and shopping streets.

Here are the top 10 shopping spots to visit:

1. Chihampelas Street

Source: panoramio.com

Also known as the Jeans Street, no trip to Bandung will ever be complete without visiting this area. As its moniker suggests, it features stalls selling cheap and quality jeans for everyone; but that’s not the main attraction there. What invites many to Chihampelas are the different life-sized statues of superheroes & other famous characters like Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Dragonball Z’s Sun Gokou, Rambo, and more placed in front of the stores.


2. For Men Factory Outlet

Source:  toothpickandsandal.blogspot.sg

If you are a man and shopping with the mother/sister/girlfriend/wife gets a little stuffy and boring for you, direct yourself to the For Men Factory Outlet. It is a shopping destination in Bandung dedicated solely for men. A nice selection of apparels is sold here, as well as shoes, accessories, and whatnots.


3. Rumah Mode Factory Outlet

Pronounced as /ruma mo-day/, this factory outlet is another must-visit in Bandung. It is like the mother of all factory outlets there, and is basically a famous destination among locals and foreigners alike. During weekends and holidays, it can be totally busy so tourists are advised to go there on weekdays if possible.


4. Natural Factory Outlet

Source: bandung-indonesia.com

Before heading off to the Rumah Mode Factory Outlet though, you may want to stop by the Natural Factory Outlet which is just outside the first one. There’s a good range of items there, and are reasonably cheap.


5. Grande Fashion Gallery

When you’re around the Dago Shopping District, there is no way you’re going to miss the Grande Fashion Gallery. It is like the first and last stop for many people there. XL-XXXL jeans are also sold there but use ‘jumbo’ to refer to these sizes. Otherwise, salesladies may just look at you uncomfortably.


6. Heritage Factory Outlet

It’s just like any other factory outlets in Bandung; but what sets this apart is the building in which it is located. The Heritage Factory Outlet is set within a white Greek-inspired building, which basically emphasizes the idea of ‘heritage’. There’s a café/restaurant inside so people can grab a bite or a drink after some rigorous shopping spree.


7. Summit Boutique Factory Outlet

This factory outlet is located just on the sides of Heritage and people come here for the bargains. It’s a nice place in the Jalan Riau area so you might want to check it out.


8. The Secret Factory Outlet

What is amazing with The Secret Factory Outlet is that it doesn’t seem like the products sold there are cheap. It features a calming minimalist-inspired façade, which is attractive when the lit at night. It has free Wi-Fi and a courtyard where shoppers can relax.


9. Victoria Outlet

From the outside, it does look like it’s just a small place but it actually stretches far in the inside. It sells great fashion items, including kids’ apparels and stuffs. It is located in the Dago District.


10. House of Donatello

Unique and interesting, the House of Donatello is a factory outlet in the Chihampelas Area which sells local leather goods. People can buy nice leather shoes, bags, purses, handbags, etc. from there for reasonable prices.


Bandung shopping is definitely exciting so people are invited to visit this Indonesian city for the experience. Tours to Bandung usually bring people to these places, so getting one is definitely advisable.

10 Best Diving Sites in Bali, Indonesia

Most of the travelers who avail flight deals are scuba divers looking for the perfect venue for their hobbies. They tend to look for cheaper transportation costs because scuba diving could be a little expensive. There are a lot of preferences when it comes to destinations; but definitely, Bali is one of the most famous choices.

As Bali is hailed as a paradise in Indonesia, it is home to a marvelous underwater ecology which scuba divers definitely love. For first timers, here are some of the best diving sites in the island:


1) USAT Liberty

USAT Liberty  - Photo by Matthew Oldfield (Photoshelter)

USAT Liberty was actually a steamship that sank after getting torpedoed by the Japanese troops in 1942. After a few decades, it has become an artificial reef where many underwater attractions have flourished. Known as the Liberty Shipwreck, it is now hailed as Bali’s most popular diving site. Aside from the corals and sponges, the area is also home to schools of big-eyed jacks, emperors, batfish, and parrotfish.


2) Tulamben drop-off

Tulamben Coral Garden - Photo by Lia Barrett (TauchTerminal)

Located close to the shipwreck, the Tulamben drop-off is a typical diving site for many professional scuba divers. It is quite deep but the underwater scenery in the area is truly breathtaking. Whale sharks and sunfishes are usually spotted here. Tulamben is located in the northeast coast of Bali.


3) Amed

Japanese Ship Wreck at Amed - Photo by Amed-Tulamben-Diving

Amed View - Photo by OurMadWorld

At the southeastern part of Bali lies Amed. It has beautifully retained the relaxed ambience of the salt-panning and fishing village that it used to be – which greatly contributes to the relaxing appeal of the place. Scuba divers would definitely love the drift dive at Gili Selang which is the easternmost point of the island.


4) Lipah Shipwreck

 Scuba Diving in Lipah Bay - Photo by Andrew Stewart (DiveSiteDirectory)

A part of Amed, the Lipah Shipwreck is another exciting artificial reef in Bali, Indonesia. The wreck is located in the north end of Lipah Bay and may be reached easily by divers. The area is considered home to copper sweepers, school of batfish, hard corals and other marine species. This is preferred by many professionals as the current can be a little strong in the area.


5) Gili Tepekong

 Gili Tepekong Diving - Photo by DivingBali.cz

The interesting thing about Gili Tepekong is that it’s a place where divers can feel like they are seeing a lot of Medusa heads underwater. These are actually sea fans, tunicates and sponges resting on a huge volcanic hump. The environment deep there is incredible, especially when the schools of jacks, tuna, sharks, and mola mola are there.


6) Blue Lagoon
 

Blue Lagoon - Photo by IndoPacific Images

For amateurs, the Blue Lagoon near Padang Bai is the perfect diving spot. As the coral reefs can already be seen after a 3-meter dive, it is a good introduction to many. There are a lot of leather corals and anemones to be seen there. Underwater photographers would surely love it here.


7) Napoleon Reef

Pemuteran Diving - Photo by Kokak Dive Center

Near Pamuteran is the Napoleon Reef. It was called that way after a large Napoleon wrasse was seen here. Professional and amateur divers will surely enjoy it here because it boasts of beautiful deep and shallow areas. The cotton-candy corals are a sight to see!


8) Menjangan Island

 

Menjangan - Photo by Richard Rigby (SeaRovers)

The drop-off is definitely an exciting place. Divers will be greeted by schools of batfish and colorful coral reefs. Small underwater caves are also possible to be explored.


9) Crystal Bay

Nusa Penida - Photo by Friends of National Parks Foundation

One of the safest places to dive for many professionals and amateurs is the Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida. However, the current can be very strong so divers are still advised to take and observe necessary precautions.


10) Manta Point

Manta Rays - Photo by Greg Lecoeur (Atlantis Bali Diving)

As how the name suggests, this area is a hub for many manta rays, including a purely white one that seems like a heavenly creature. Coming to Manta Point is not exactly easy; but it’s surely worth it.


Whether just learning how to dive or looking for a real thrill, people should visit Bali for these spots. As said, the underwater ecology in the island is definitely spectacular. There should be no room for hesitations.




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• Bali Tour Packages

Top 10 Places to See in Bali

Bali equates paradise. Known as the Islands of the Gods, Bali is surely a magnificent destination to fascinate oneself with the beauty of nature.

Here are the top 10 places which make paying air fares to Bali definitely worth it:


1. Mount Agung

A holy site in Bali, Mount Agung is a typical destination for many pilgrims. However, it is also famous among trekkers as standing on its peak will make one feel as if he’s standing on the clouds. The view from up there is certainly breathtaking.

2. Kuta

Home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is a favorite spot by many divers. Its waves range from calm to challenging, catering to both amateurs and professionals. It is commercialized so finding establishments is definitely not difficult.

3. Ubud

Long gone was the reputation of Ubud as part of the red light district. Right now, it is known as a cultural capital which features beautiful temples, traditional villages and natural attractions. Situated in the north of Denpasar, it is a must-visit place.

4. Denpasar

Probably the most commercialized area in Bali, Denpasar is a definite tourist attraction for all the commercial establishments it gives home to. Shopping malls and Bali hotels are abundant in the area.

5. Nusa Dua

Luxury is highlighted in Nusa Dua as it is the place where high-end accommodations are found. Furthermore, it is graced by the presence of long stretches of beaches which are primarily famous for its bed of golden sand.

6. Bukit Peninsula

As the southernmost tip of Bali, it is to be expected that its wave are higher and stronger, just as how professional surfers would love it to be. This area is home to great beaches as well as the fascinating Uluwatu Temple.

7. Seminyak

For a quieter beach experience, Seminyak is often the destination. Located just north of Legian, this area flaunts typical high-end resorts and commercial establishments. Restaurants and souvenir stalls are definitely abundant, catering to the shopping and dining needs of the tourists.

8. Bedugul

Tourists who wish to get away from the typical beach-focused reputation of Bali should visit Bedugul. It is a peaceful area which features mountains and placid lakes. The experience in this area is more of trekking and hiking, but is surely worth it.

9. Amlapura

Lay eyes on the magnificent result of the fusion of past and present in Amlapura. It is a cultural center and is indeed famed for its Water Palace, Hindu images, and well-manicured and –preserved gardens.

10. West Bali National Park

While it is true that most parts of Bali are densely commercialized already, the island has kept West Bali National Park pristinely protected. Tourists will surely enjoy bird-watching, trekking, or just convening with Mother Nature while walking around the beautiful place.


Traveling to Bali is an easy feat. Cheap tickets to fly are everywhere. So let there be no stopping. Explore this wonderful Indonesian island and enjoy the fun of travelling and discovering.

Related Reads:
* What You Need to Know about Bali
* Where to Go in Bali?
* When is the Best Time to Visit Bali, Indonesia?