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Indonesia Travel Bucket List
Indonesia Travel Bucket List
We’ve put together an Indonesia Travel Bucket List that’s a must-have for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
This guide contains some of the most extraordinary places to visit, each offering a unique glimpse into the beauty and heritage of this incredible archipelago.
Read more: 15 Best Activities in Ubud
#1 - Destination
Bali’s tropical vibe is captivating pristine beaches, mountains, sacred holy temples, lively nightclubs, and many other hidden gems await on the island with unlimited excitement to be explored.
1. Watch the Sunrise at Mount Batur
If you’re into adventure, Mount Batur’s sunrise trek is a rite of passage. After a challenging but rewarding hike, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of Bali’s mist-covered mountains and the shimmering Lake Batur below. It’s a moment of serenity and awe that’s worth every step.
2. Visit Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, is home to the iconic Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and culture, but be mindful of the playful monkeys—they’re known to be friendly, but they may also steal anything you’re not keeping a close eye on!
Check Out: Ubud Past to Present Walking Tour!
3. Relax on Seminyak Beach
For high-end resorts and some of the island’s best dining — head over to Seminyak. Spend the day sun-bathing and catch one of the world’s best sunsets. You can also browse art galleries for some shopping afterward.
4. Explore the Rice Terraces of Tegalalang, Ubud
Tegalalang’s rice fields are one of the island’s best offerings. Take a stroll through its paddies, stop for a coffee at a cafe overlooking its view, and enjoy the quiet beauty of rural Bali.
City #2 - Raja Ampat
In the remote corners of Indonesia’s West Papua province, Raja Ampat contains some of the world’s most pristine landscapes and vibrant ecosystems.
1. Experience the World’s Richest Marine Biodiversity
With its unparalleled marine biodiversity, Raja Ampat is dubbed the “Galapagos of the East”. For divers, this is the ultimate experience. Don’t forget Cape Kri, it holds the world record for the most fish species spotted in a single dive.
2. Explore the Wayag Islands
Wayag has one of the most breathtaking views in all of Southeast Asia. Take a boat to the islands, then hike to the top of a viewpoint for a panoramic view that will make your jaw drop.
3. Trek to the Top of Piaynemo
A short but rewarding hike up to a viewpoint here offers a surreal landscape of emerald lagoons, limestone islets, and turquoise waters. It’s relatively easy to access so it’s a must-do for any visitor.
4. Snorkel the Coral Reefs of Manta Sandy
Raja Ampat is famous for its coral reefs. If you’re keen to get up close to them without diving, then you must go snorkeling at Manta Sandy. Located near the island of Kri, Manta Sandy is a cleaning station for manta rays. It’s a magical and unmissable experience.
City #3 - Jakarta
Jakarta is perhaps Indonesia’s most diverse city, where over 10 million people of different ethnic groups live in harmony. Roam around the streets to enjoy the metropolis’s landscape.
Shop and find good deals in luxurious malls. Immerse yourself in the small streets, you’ll find many culinary hidden gems on street hawkers.
1. Visit the National Monument (Monas)
Standing tall in the city’s heart, Monas symbolizes Indonesia’s independence. It holds panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Take a ride up to the top and marvel at Jakarta’s sprawling skyline.
2. Explore the Old Town (Kota Tua)
Step back in time and explore Kota Tua, Jakarta’s historic Old Town. This area is rich in Dutch colonial history, with beautiful old buildings and charming cobblestone streets. Don’t forget to take a picture by the iconic Taman Fatahillah Fountain and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the area, which feels like a glimpse into Jakarta’s past.
3. Indulge in Street Food at Jalan Sabang
Jalan Saban is one of the best places to sample the city’s incredible street food. This bustling street comes alive at night with food stalls offering everything from nasi goreng (fried rice) to satay (grilled skewers).
4. Immerse Yourself in Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral
For a deeper understanding of Jakarta’s diverse culture, visit Istiqlal Mosque —the largest mosque in Southeast Asia — and the nearby Jakarta Cathedral. The contrast between these two architectural marvels—one Islamic, the other Catholic—reflects the harmony between different religions in Indonesia.
City #4 - Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is Indonesia’s cultural gem. It offers a deeper conection to Indonesia’s rich heritage. Yogyakarta is the place to go if you’re keen on exploring ancient architecture and learning about Indonesian heritage.
1. Marvel at the Majestic Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive Buddhist temple, built in the 9th century, is a stunning blend of art, history, and spirituality.
2. Explore the Ancient Prambanan Temples
The Prambanan Temple Complex has towering Hindu temples dating back to the 9th century. The temples here are dedicated to the Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and their intricate stone carvings tell stories from the Hindu epics.
3. Visit the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton)
Yogyakarta has long been a center of Javanese culture, and at the heart of this cultural hub is the Kraton (Sultan’s Palace). You can explore the palace’s beautiful courtyards, traditional Javanese architecture, and a fascinating museum that houses royal artifacts.
4. Cave Exploration at Goa Jomblang
If you’re into more unusual adventures, Goa Jomblang is a must-visit. This unique cave is famous for its “heavenly light” phenomenon. The cave is a natural wonder, with its lush greenery, rock formations, and otherworldly ambiance. Although, this expedition requires a guide and appropriate gear for a safe yet exciting adventure.
Follow Ubud Story Walks!
Batu Paras is a symbol of Bali’s rich history and cultural heritage.
From ancient temples to modern resorts, this versatile stone has been an integral part of Bali’s architectural landscape.
Interested in learning more about Bali’s cultural history and traditions? Follow Ubud Story Walks on Instagram!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The local currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It’s advisable to carry cash, especially when traveling to rural areas or smaller islands, as not all places accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist destinations.
Indonesia offers various transportation options, depending on the region:
Domestic flights
Buses and trains
Private cars or taxis.
Tipping is not mandatory in Indonesia, but it’s appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill, but if it’s not, a small tip is a nice gesture. Tipping hotel staff, drivers, and tour guides is also common, though not expected at high-end resorts.
Indonesia’s tropical climate means you’ll need lightweight clothing, but don’t forget to pack a few essentials:
Comfortable shoes for walking or hiking.
Swimwear for the many beaches and pools.
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sun protection.
A light rain jacket for unexpected showers (especially in the wet season).
Mosquito repellent, especially for rural or coastal areas.
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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...
Ubud Story Walks is something different. It’s a fun, entertaining and refreshing way to delve into Ubud’s past. The knowledgeable guides place as much emphasis on how they tell a story as they do on what they’re sharing, which means all sorts of magical and mystifying details are revealed. I believe the best way to get to know a place is to walk its streets, which makes Ubud Story Walks one of the best ways to get to know Ubud.
Julia Winterflood
We had a fantastic time walking around the historical centre of Ubud! Even though we've been based in Bali for a few years, we'd never had an actual tour of some of Bali's most iconic landmarks and learning about the history was fascinating. Our guide was hilarious and full of information and it was a lovely and relaxing way to learn so much. The tour was early in the morning which was perfect timing as the temperature was still cool and we were able to witness the morning bustle of Ubud's famous markets. 10/10 would recommend!
Rahima Saikal
Vicky Ilankovan2024-12-13A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim2024-12-10Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica Hübner2024-12-05Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar2024-12-03I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami2024-12-01I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap2024-11-26It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields2024-11-26Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins2024-11-25We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter2024-11-22Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend 👍.
Shafiga Elshan2024-11-15It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!