Things to do in Indonesia: 15 must-see attractions in 2026

As the cultural center of Indonesia, Ubud is famous for its gorgeous terraced rice paddies, temples, and craft traditions, sitting right in the center of the Hindu island of Bali. Set where two rivers meet, this artistic hub lets you catch traditional legong and gamelan music and dance performances, plus browse dozens of art galleries. Nature lovers will find plenty to love here too, starting with the surprising depth of the local rainforest. The name Ubud literally translates to medicine, reflecting its deep historical roots in herbal healing. That tradition carries on today through the town's massive selection of hiking trails, yoga studios, and spas. You can also book a four-hand Balinese massage and sample refined local dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), bebek betutu (slow-cooked spiced duck), and babi guling (Balinese-style roast pork).

The climate is tropical and equatorial, featuring a dry season from April to October and a wet season from November to February. Heavy rain is mostly limited to January and February.

A Jungle in the Middle of Town, Balancing Nature and Macaques

Start your trip at the Monkey Forest Sacred Sanctuary, set inside a wooded area that houses the temple of death and evil spirits, which locals avoid entering due to local superstition. You will appreciate the intricate Hindu stone carvings and the lively atmosphere. Keep a close eye on the thousand or so resident monkeys, as they love anything shiny or edible. If you want to feed them, do it only with the help of the reserve's staff of monkey experts.

Next up is the Purilukisan Museum, a fine arts museum where you can explore the kamasan painting style along with works by Nyoman Lempad and Arie Smit. When evening hits, head over to Puri Saren Ubud, the Royal Palace right in the middle of town, which hosts fantastic evening performances.

A short walk away, Lempad’s House is worth checking out. This was the home of Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a legendary local artist who lived to be 116 years old. Another notable historic residence is the Walter Spies House, named after the Moscow-born artist who hosted famous guests like Charlie Chaplin here. Today, anyone can book a room at the property, which operates as the Campuhan hotel.

Art Around Every Corner

The Neka Art Museum is a private institution tracing the history of Balinese painting and how Western influences shaped local artists. The museum stands out for its clear explanations, chronological layout, and strong international collection.

Art fans should also visit the museum dedicated to Antonio Blanco, often called the Bali Dali. The setting is a meticulously maintained estate, and while local censorship famously burned many of his erotic works, the remaining collection is fascinating. Afterward, grab a cold drink on the terrace of the Bridge Café for relaxing views of the river and gardens.

Just down the hill, do not miss the Pura Gunung Lebah temple, surrounded by lush greenery that makes for a peaceful stop.

Getting There

There is no nonstop route from North America: carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Korean Air and EVA Air fly from the West Coast to Denpasar with layovers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Doha, and Bangkok.

Getting Around

Book a ride with the country's main taxi company, Blue Bird, right at the airport for a flat rate of around 300,000 Rp. Expect the drive to take 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes depending on your arrival time. Traffic in Bali is heavy, and cars rarely exceed 30 km/h.

Compact and walkable, Ubud is easy to explore on foot. To reach the outlying rice fields, rent a bicycle or a scooter for about 30,000 to 50,000 Rp per day.

Alongside Gili Meno and Gili Air, Gili Trawangan makes up the small Gili Islands archipelago sitting northwest of Lombok. In Sasak, the local language spoken in this part of Indonesia, Gili translates to small island. Gili Trawangan is indeed the largest of the three, spanning a mere 3.4 km²! Motorized vehicles are banned across these islands, meaning you will get around strictly on foot, by bicycle, or via horse-drawn carriage. In 2018, the area was struck by a magnitude 7 earthquake that caused widespread damage.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Gili Trawangan

The primary draw on Gili Trawangan is unquestionably diving and snorkeling. Grab a boat tour out to Nest, located just offshore from Gili Meno. This underwater art installation features human figures sculpted by Jason deCaires Taylor, consisting of 48 statues arranged in a circle on the seabed to form a giant nest. The project was designed to help regenerate the coral reef in this corner of the Indian Ocean. Another underwater highlight is the local population of sea turtles, which you might encounter while swimming.

The beaches on Gili Trawangan are exceptionally scenic, offering front-row seats to sunsets on the western side of the island, particularly around the famous overwater swing at the Ombak Sunset hotel.

Things to Do on Gili Trawangan

The island invites exploration, whether you are riding a horse along the shoreline or hiking inland to the summit of the 73-meter hill for panoramic views sweeping across the Gili Islands, Lombok, and Mount Rinjani. For downtime, you can alternate between yoga sessions, lounging on the sand, and traditional Indonesian massages.

Gili Trawangan is equally famous for its nightlife, where parties run until dawn on the beach or even aboard floating boat parties.

Down by the port, a nightly street food market pops up where you can sample regional specialties like Nasi Goreng, a plate of spiced, stir-fried rice with vegetables, or Satays, which are small grilled skewers of meat or fish. Near the market, you might stumble upon a traditional stick-fighting martial arts tournament.

When to go

The optimal window for visiting Gili Trawangan in Indonesia falls during the dry season between May and September. July and August form the peak season for heading to the Gili Islands as a way to trade the heavy crowds found on Bali during those months for a more relaxed island atmosphere.

How to get there

You can reach Gili Trawangan by boat from Bali, departing from the ports of Amed, Sanur, and Padangbai via regular ferry or speed boat. From Lombok, departures leave out of the port of Bangsal. You can also hop between the neighboring islands of Gili Meno and Gili Air by booking crossings locally through island agencies.

Borobudur is a town located on the island of Java in Indonesia. Positioned in the Kedu plain, it faces the Menoreh mountain range and the Merapi volcano, which long inspired Buddhist monks who considered these mountains a sacred refuge. This resulted in a high concentration of temples in the region, including the largest Buddhist monument in the world, the Borobudur temple, built in the 9th century under the Sailendra dynasty. Abandoned around 1100 and long covered in ash and vegetation, the temple was rediscovered in the early 19th century by the governor of Java, Thomas Stamford Raffles.

The largest Buddhist temple in the world

Starting in the 1970s, the Indonesian government and Unesco joined forces to launch a temple restoration plan that saved the building from ruin. It was subsequently designated as a World Heritage Site in 1991. The temple represents a gigantic bell-shaped stupa, a Buddhist symbol measuring 123 metres long and 43 metres high. Viewed from the sky, a mandala is also visible, evoking Buddhist cosmology. Its construction required moving nearly 1,600,000 blocks of volcanic stone.

The temple consists of nine platforms, including six square ones and three circular ones at the summit. The top platform features a large stupa, itself surrounded by 72 other smaller stupas. The temple is covered with frescoes that tell the story of Buddha. A total of 2,670 relief figures are recorded. Of these, 1,460 are narrative, recounting the transformation of Prince Siddharta into Buddha as well as the pilgrim Sudhana's ascent to ultimate truth. The Borobudur temple originally possessed 504 Buddha statues, 43 of which have disappeared and at least 300 of which are damaged.

The sacred valley of Borobudur

Beyond the Borobudur temple, the entire Kedu plain has been the subject of religious rites and beliefs. Indeed, the valley is particularly fertile and lush, full of rice paddies and palm trees, and the living mountains surrounding it have long been a source of fascination. Near the Borobudur temple, two other interesting temples stand nearby: the Mendut temple and the Pawon temple. The Mendut temple preserves three large, well-preserved Buddha statues, serving as a symbol of learning Buddhist precepts. Meanwhile, the Pawon temple commemorates the moment when Prince Siddharta attained supreme wisdom.

Each year between May and June, during the full moon, processions are organized to celebrate Vesak, the sacred day commemorating the birth, Enlightenment, and death of the Buddha, which is a public holiday in Indonesia. Devotees begin their pilgrimage at the Mendut Temple before passing through Pawon and ultimately finishing at the Borobudur temple.

When to go

The best time to visit Borobudur is the dry season, which runs between May/June and October.

How to get there

From the Yogyakarta bus station, take a bus or a taxi to Borobudur. You can also get there as part of a private excursion organized by an agency.

Tegallalang is a town in the Gianyar province on the island of Bali in Indonesia. It is known for its terraced rice paddies, a traditional farming setup carved into the hillsides at 600 metres of elevation. Ideally positioned between the town of Ubud and the sacred lake of Batur, it is a key stop on any trip to Bali.

Magnificent rice fields in Indonesia

The Tegallalang rice paddies rank among the most visited spots on the island of Bali. They operate using the Subak system, an agricultural management method invented in the 9th century by the holy figure Rsi Markandeya that is typical of Indonesia. In this complex water distribution network, priests oversee irrigation and crop management. With a small admission fee required at times, visitors can take scenic walks through the Tegallalang paddies. In recent years, swings and a zip line have been added to accommodate the region's growing tourism.

To unwind after exploring the paddies, head to the sacred springs of Tirta Empul, founded in 962 in the Tegallalang area. The presidential palace overlooking the springs was built in 1957 for Indonesia's first president, Soekarno. While the pool water is rather cool, it is said to purify anyone who bathes in it, as the temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water. Make sure to tie your sarong properly before touring the grounds.

Bali's craft capital

Alongside the neighboring village of Pakudui, Tegallalang is celebrated for its rich artisan scene centered around woodcarving techniques. This local craft is passed down through generations among residents, and their creations, ranging from bowls and tableware to small decorative items, sell worldwide. You are sure to find something you like at the town market.

On the spiritual side, the surrounding area of Tegallalang was long home to a powerful Brahmin caste. In Manuaba, a small village located a few kilometers from Tegallalang, you will find the Pura Griya Sakti temple, built in the 17th century. Among the temples to see in this part of the island, do not miss the Lake Batur temple, perched in the middle of the caldera at 1000 metres of elevation. The Gunung Kawi temple in Tampaksiring is another essential stop. Built in the 10th century, it features about ten mausoleums carved directly into the rock face within cavities nearly seven metres high. The tombs hold members of the royal family from that era. To reach Gunung Kawi, you need to be prepared to climb 230 cobblestone steps that wind through lush rice paddy landscapes.

When to go

The best season to see the Tegallalang rice fields is just before the harvest, specifically in May and June or between September and November.

How to get there

To get to Tegallalang, the best way to travel is by motorized vehicle, either a car or a scooter. Additionally, many agencies organize their own shuttle tours to the Tegallalang rice fields.

Karangasem is a regency located on the eastern side of the island of Bali in Indonesia. It serves as the capital of a formerly powerful Balinese kingdom whose rulers were called Anak Agung, taking their name from Mount Agung. Standing at 3142 meters, this active volcano on Bali was considered by the royals to be the center of the world. During the 19th century, the nine kingdoms of Bali gradually fell under Dutch colonial administration. The Besakih Temple, the island's most important sanctuary, and the Semarapura ruins both stand as testaments to the grand history of Karangasem's rulers.

Around Karangasem: Remnants of a Kingdom

On the road toward Karangasem, stop at the historic site of Klungkung, also known as Semarapura, which holds the remains of the former royal capital. The courthouse, built in 1710, is packed with traditional Balinese frescoes, carvings, and paintings. The site also preserves a rich religious and sacrificial heritage tied to the Dewa Agung dynasty. Closer to Karangasem, a visit to Tirtagangga is essential. This water palace was founded in 1946 by the last rajah of Karangasem. Ravaged by the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung, the pools and gardens were subsequently restored and opened to the public. Nearby, the Soekasada Ujung water palace is well worth a detour. Built right on the coast, it originally allowed rulers to monitor maritime traffic arriving from the neighboring island of Lombok.

The Karangasem region is also home to numerous temples. The closest is Lempuyang Luhur, a complex dedicated to Shiva featuring seven distinct sanctuaries. Be prepared for 1700 steps to reach the top. Not far away, on the slopes of Mount Agung, sits Bali's most sacred sanctuary: the Besakih complex. It encompasses nearly 80 separate shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, spread across a vast mountain slope.

East Bali: Rice Terraces and Coastlines

Take in the local landscapes of Karangasem with a hike through Sidemen, a lush valley carved into terraced rice paddies. For more seasoned hikers, tackling the summit trek up Mount Agung is a prime option.

Karangasem's coastline is equally striking. The small village of Amed, known for its black volcanic sand beaches, offers an authentic atmosphere. Beyond beachcombing, diving enthusiasts will want to head straight to Tulamben for its exceptional marine life. Resting just off the shore is the wreck of the USAT Liberty, an American cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 during World War II. It initially beached on the shore at Tulamben before sliding into the depths during the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung.

When to Go

Plan your trip during the dry season between April and September for the best weather on Bali.

How to Get There

From Denpasar, home to the international airport, take a taxi or a shuttle service out to Karangasem. You can also rent a private car, which gives you the flexibility to tour the entire island at your own pace.

Tabanan is the capital of the district of the same name, a major rice-farming region on the island of Bali nestled between the Batukaru mountains to the north and the western coast of Bali. During the colonial era, Tabanan was recognized as one of the eight official Balinese kingdoms by the Dutch administration. The town itself holds limited tourist appeal, but the surrounding countryside is packed with sights, from the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Jatiluwih to the wave-lashed sea temple of Tanah Lot.

The Tabanan Rice Region

The town of Tabanan is surrounded by lush green landscapes filled with rice paddies and traditional terraced farming. Before or after touring the Jatiluwih terraces, stop by the Mandala Mathika Subak Museum in Tabanan, which showcases the mechanics of the subak system invented in the 9th century in Indonesia. Paddies belonging to the same subak share a single canal branch, allowing farmers to coordinate water usage collectively. At the center of each subak stands a water temple, reflecting a deep integration of nature, culture, and spirituality. Rice is viewed as a divine offering, so every stage of planting and harvesting is accompanied by sacred rituals. This philosophy is known as Tri Hita Karana, a core Balinese concept governing the relationship between humanity, nature, and the divine.

Right in Tabanan, check out the local market or grab lunch at one of the many warungs, small, family-run roadside eateries serving rice dishes. Another worthwhile stop in Tabanan is the Bali Butterfly Park, a nearly 3,500 m² sanctuary housing hundreds of butterfly species, including several threatened varieties.

The Temples of the Tabanan Region

Just a few miles from Tabanan along the coast sits the famous Tanah Lot temple, also known as the Sea Temple, perched on an isolated rock formation amid the surf. It is said to be the creation of Nirartha, a 16th-century Hindu priest. The Taman Ayun temple, built in 1634, lies in the neighboring town of Mengwi. This expansive temple complex originally belonged to a powerful local ruling family and features surrounding gardens alongside merus, multi-tiered thatched roof shrines representing sacred Hindu mountains.

If you have time to venture further inland, head toward Lake Bratan, a stunning high-altitude crater lake home to the Ulun Danu temple. Built in 1663 right at the water's edge, it honors Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers. The final major temple in the Tabanan area is Pura Luhur Batukaru, built on the jungled slopes of the mountains in the 11th century by the holy man Mpu Kuturan.

When to Go

The best time to explore the Tabanan regency is during the dry season between May and October.

Getting There

Bali's main airport is located in the neighboring city of Denpasar, from where you can take a taxi or a bus to Tabanan. Many hotels also offer private airport shuttle services.

As the capital of Bali, Denpasar is a frequent landing point on this Indonesian island. While it skips the coastal charm you might picture, the city easily warrants a day or two of your itinerary.

History, Art, and Religion

Denpasar serves as Bali's administrative and economic hub, yet it maintains a distinct provincial atmosphere despite its capital status. The modern architecture is largely uninspired and traffic can be chaotic, which explains why many travelers blow right past it on their way to the beach. Even so, the city holds genuine appeal for anyone interested in history, art, and local traditions. The Bali Museum (Museum Negeri Provinsi) is essential for its deep collections covering various Balinese eras and regions. Traditional costumes, weapons, precious jewelry, everyday artifacts, masks, and textiles fill the galleries, offering a solid window into the past of Denpasar and its surroundings. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Badung and later colonized by the Dutch in the early twentieth century, the city packs a serious historical punch. Like the rest of the island, it is dotted with temples such as Pura Maospahit and Pura Agung Jagatnatha, along with royal palaces like Puri Pemecutan.

Performances, Markets, and Food

Head to the Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Center. It features two large open-air amphitheaters hosting nightly kecak dance performances, alongside theater pieces, concerts, and modern dance shows, with art exhibitions happening frequently. Denpasar is an active city, and its markets give you the best seat in the house for daily local life.

Pasar Badung, the largest traditional market on the island, is stacked with fruit, spices, and flowers for temple offerings, while Pasar Kumbasari just across the river is the one for textiles and woven rattan goods, making it easy to pick up locally made souvenirs. The night market draws locals looking to grab a quick meal right at the stalls. Try some mie goreng (fried noodles) or nasi goreng (fried rice), finished off with some fresh tropical fruit for dessert.

When to go

The best months to visit Denpasar are May, June, September, and October, when the weather stays manageable without the intense humidity, and crowds thin out compared to July and August. Try to skip those peak summer months if you can, since prices can jump by 50 percent. That said, if you find yourself in Denpasar in July, catch the annual kite festival.

How to get there

Flights from the US require at least one or two stops, with total travel time pushing past 17 hours depending on your departure city. Off-season airfares typically run from $560 to $670*, scaling up significantly during the summer rush and winter holidays. Ngurah Rai International Airport sits about a 30-minute drive from downtown Denpasar.

At the tip of the Bukit Peninsula, the cliff drops straight onto a reef that draws some of the world's best surfers. In the evening, a temple perched seventy meters above the waves hosts the Kecak dance at sunset. Below, coves of white sand are reached by stairways cut into the rock.

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of the island of Java. The megalopolis is home to more than 30 million people, making it the second most populous urban area in the world after Tokyo. Originally, the site was a port belonging to the Hindu kingdom of Pajajaran. It was captured in 1527 by a Muslim warrior named Fatahillah, who renamed the area Jayakarta, meaning "victorious act" in Sanskrit. In 1619, Dutch colonists landed on the island of Java and made Jakarta the capital of the Dutch East Indies, renaming the city Batavia.

Exploring Jakarta's Old Town

Kota Tua and the port of Sunda Kelapa are the main reminders of Jakarta's colonial past. Start your visit at Fatahillah Square, which is packed with cultural institutions. The Jakarta History Museum, dominating the square, is housed in a building that once served as the headquarters of the Dutch colonial government. Erected in 1710, its architecture reflects traditional Dutch style of the era. Inside, you will find numerous artifacts tracing the island's history from prehistoric times through the colonial period. If you appreciate traditional museums, do not miss the Wayang Museum, dedicated to the puppet theater tradition recognized by Unesco as intangible cultural heritage. It houses an extensive collection of traditional puppets once used in elaborate shadow play performances.

Head north toward the city's historic port, Sunda Kelapa, where a significant portion of the spice trade between the Netherlands and Indonesia once passed. You will see an intricate network of wooden beams alongside traditional wooden schooners from the colonial era. Near the historic center, make sure to explore the vibrant Chinatown of Glodok and visit its Buddhist temple, Dharma Bhakti.

An Economic Powerhouse in Southeast Asia

Today, Jakarta is a sprawling metropolis with all the drawbacks that come with it, including heavy traffic, pollution, and sharp economic disparities. Due to rising sea levels and the unregulated extraction of groundwater, the government announced plans to relocate the Indonesian capital to the neighboring island of Borneo.

As the headquarters of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Jakarta stands as a powerful and modern city. A prime symbol of this evolution is Merdeka Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. At its center stands the MONAS, a 137-meter monument commemorating the country's fight for independence that offers sweeping views of the city from the top. Here you will also find the National Museum of Indonesia, which houses roughly 115,000 art and historical objects from across Southeast Asia. Another major landmark in Jakarta is the massive Istiqlal Mosque, which can hold up to 120,000 worshippers.

When to Go

The best time to visit Jakarta is during the dry season, running from May through October.

Getting There

Jakarta is served by Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. You can reach downtown from the airport by train, bus, or motorcycle taxi. The city's rapid transit metro system continues to expand and now connects several major tourist areas.