Must-see attractions in Indonesia
Ubud
The home and namesake museum of Antonio Blanco (1912–99) captures this artist’s theatrical spirit. Sometimes called the 'Dali of Bali', Blanco came to…
East Bali
Situated about 4km south of central Klungkung, on the way to the coast, Gelgel was once the seat of Bali's most powerful dynasty. The town's decline…
Pulau Bintan
This small Chinese temple down by the docks can actually be seen from the water as you leave on boats to Senggarang. There's a small open-air stage in…
Makassar
A seemingly forgotten and rather dilapidated collection of local artefacts is housed in an impressive example of traditional Sulawesi architecture: the…
Central Sulawesi
Get away from it all at this pleasant and peaceful mountain lake on the edge of Lore Lindu National Park – at least until it's mobbed on the weekend. It's…
Ubud
Who can resist a sight called Crazy Buffalo Temple? Although not an imposing structure, it's famous for its much-weathered 3m-high statue, known as the…
East Java
At the Museum Sukarno, located in the house where ex-President Sukarno lived as a boy, you will see his life recreated through photos, revolutionary…
Tana Toraja
A thriving traditional village bursting with tongkonan (many new) just 5km northeast of Rantepao makes for a fine, relatively flat, excursion from town…
Makassar
This tiny island, a 10-minute ride (return 40,000Rp) from Makassar harbourfront, was getting a much-needed facelift when we last visited. It's rammed with…
Kalimantan
Built in 1881 to tame a neighbourhood notorious for gambling and drinking, the mosque's four main pillars were reportedly set by a mysterious elderly…
Sulawesi
Some 500m beyond the citadel’s south gate is a cultural centre and museum in a restored old mansion-palace. On display are items from the court and lots…
Pulau Bintan
Sungai Ulur (called Snake River for its winding path) swims through mangrove forests to Sungai Ular Buddhist Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in the Riau…
Central Java
This lonely, shabby old compound has some exhibits on the history of kretek (clove cigarette) production, including some old photographs and machinery…
Makassar
Rising above the sea on concrete pillars, this small but stylish twin-domed 'floating mosque' enjoyed better sunset views (and cleaner waters) before…
Kalimantan
This 215-year-old keraton (royal palace) was built after descendants of brothers from other mothers (same father: the 9th sultan) got tired of alternating…
East Bali
Home to members of the extended Karangasem royal family, this compound opposite Puri Agung Karangasem is surrounded by long walls; within them there are…
East Bali
Pantai Lepang's carbon-coloured sand and small dunes were enough to encourage a multinational company to construct a massive resort here, which has in…
Merdeka Square & Central Jakarta
Next door to the 1848 columned old Supreme Court is the Ministry of Finance Building, formerly the Witte Huis (White House). This grand complex was built…
Pontianak
This redeveloped section of riverfront between the Sungai Kapuas and Sungai Ladak is a good place to explore 'old Pontianak', with colourful village…
Central Sulawesi
Around 20km southwest of Tentena, this golden beach by the lake has great swimming with a water temperature of around 26°C year-round. There's a…
Kuta & Legian
Across the street from the Bali Memorial Wall is where the Sari Club stood before it was destroyed in the 2002 bombings. It's now a car park; plans to…
Merdeka Square & Central Jakarta
Part of the Ministry of Finance complex, this grand columned edifice with a deep portico was the colonial-era palace of the Dutch governor-general Hermann…
North Sulawesi
On the northwestern outskirts of Gorontalo, this ruined Portuguese fort is on a hill overlooking Danau Limboto. The ruined remains include three simple…
Kalimantan
There are 57 species of orchids in this isolated preserve about 16km southwest of Melak, though most flower in December and January. The final few…
Kalimantan
Lots of shops polish diamonds, but this is regarded as the official place for tourists to watch and to see how diamond purity is tested. It's 700m north…
South Sulawesi
A 1km hike ascends 80m up a service road to Telkomsel towers and sweeping vistas of the cape. Look for the sign for Pua Janggo off the main road 500m…
Ubud
The home of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, caged birds and all, is open to the public but it's mainly used as a gallery for a group of artists that includes…
Aceh
This pretty cove is set up for families, with activities including swimming, snorkelling and a flying fox. The best views are from above, where there's a…
North Sumatra
Berastagi’s most prominent landmark is this homage to the humble cabbage, erected in 1972 as a 'thank you' for the riches it brought to the local economy.
Yogyakarta
The seat of power in the Yogya region, this imposing modern-classical complex is closed to the public but makes a good landmark on Jl A Yani.
South Sulawesi
This small but lively market is held in the village every two days, attracting locals and their wares from surrounding islands.
Kalimantan
The food stalls around Jl Halmahera and Jl Jawa run all day, but the maze of shops here comes alive at night.
Kalimantan
This small museum dedicated to Dayak culture is 17km west of Melak harbour on the road to Eheng longhouse.
Pulau Ambon
This central landmark next to Pattimura Park was unveiled in 2009 and bears the flags of all nations.
Pontianak
Speedboats to Sukadana leave from behind this landmark giant tin shed containing a chaotic market.
