Indonesia 💖

1. Gili Islands, Lombok

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Overwater villas are so romantic, that there is no way to forget them while making a list of most beautiful places in Indonesia. Fringed by white sand beaches and blue water, the complex of three small and isolated islands namely Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air bears unique scenic appeal.

Things to do: Besides adventure sports like snorkeling, surfing and diving, go island hopping, fishing and touring in glass-bottom boats. Else, just chill out in a beachside cafe or shack.
Best places to stay: Les Villas, Oceano Jambuluwuk and Ombak Sunset.

2. Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua

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Raja Ampat, meaning Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising islands Waigeo, Misool, Salawati, and Batanta, besides 1500 minor ones. The awe-inspiring backdrop of steep, forested islands, sizzling beaches, and marshy lagoons, small atolls looking like mushrooms and shining turquoise water makes the place a perfect delight for travelers. The area is rich in marine flora and fauna diversity including rare species of corals.

Things to do: Snorkelling, underwater diving, kayaking and relishing nature.
Best places to stay: Swiss Belhotel, Marina Mamberamo and Belagri Hotel.

3. Maluk Beach, Sumbawa Island

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This is one of the stunning beaches of Indonesia located along the western coast of south Sumbawa Island. With changing colors of sun rays, the waves also look vibrant and magical.

Things to do: Sunbathing and wave surfing are common activities here. One can also visit the Malu Turtle Conservation Center located nearby.
Best places to stay: Rantung Beach Hotel, Nomad Tropical Beach Resort and Ring Sameton Inn. There are numerous home stay options available around Maluk beach.

4. Kelimutu Lake, Nusa Tenggara Timur

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Kelimutu Lake is a league apart, and certainly one of the most visited of beautiful places in Indonesia. Kelimutu is a collective term given to three crater lakes formed by the volcano of the same name. Though situated on the same volcanic peak, three lakes display three different colours – red, blue and white.

Things to do: Go for trekking and exploring the beautiful landscapes and lake wonders. Sunsets and sunrises in Kelimutu are surreal.
Best places to stay: Kelimutu Crater Lake Eco Lodge

5. Lake Toba, North Sumatra

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Lake Toba, situated on Earth’s largest caldera, has a volcanic origin and was formed approximately 70,000 years ago. It may sound like a riddle but Lake Toba is situated in an island, which again is in a lake! If you didn’t get it, read again.

Things to do: Swim in the volcanically warmed water. Besides, it is perfect to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings of this beautiful place in Indonesia.
Best places to stay: Hotel Carolina, Toledo Inn and Hotel Tiara Bunga.

6. Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi

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The picture clearly says that next in our list is among the most beautiful places in Indonesia. Bunaken Sea Park located in the northern stretch of Sulawesi is rich in marine flora and fauna. The sight of numerous exotic and endangered fish species present in the crystal clear water have increased the tourist density of the area.

Things to do: Snorkeling and diving – stick to them. They are the best ways to discover the glamorous and unusual aquatic life of the Bunaken Sea Park.
Best places to stay: Siladen Resort, Living Colours Dive Resort and The Village Bunaken. Besides, there are plenty of homestay options for backpackers.

7. Komodo National Park, Nusa Tenggara Timur

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The island located between Sumbawa and Flores, along western Nusa Tenggara Timur, is popular for presence of giant Monitor Lizards known as Komodo Dragons. The island is arid, rugged and barren and forms a part of Komodo National Park and Marine Reserve. Aerial views prove that it is inarguably, among the most beautiful places in Indonesia.

Things to do: Besides spotting endangered Komodo dragons, a range of activities can be enjoyed Komodo National Park. Go for kayaking, diving, trekking or the guided island tours.
Best places to stay: Waecicu Eden Beach Hotel, Komodo Resort, and Golo Hilltop.

8. Mount Bromo, East Java

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Mount Bromo or better known as Gunung Bromo is a volcano in active state. The top of the Bromo forms a crater which emits white smoke at regular intervals. A part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, this volcano is fringed by sea of volcanic sand.

Things to do: Hiking and trekking
Best places to stay: Java Banano Bromo

9. Mount Rinjani, Nusa Tenggara Barat

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Locally known as Gunung Rinjani, this is an active volcano on Mount Lombok. It is the second highest volcano of Indonesia after Mount Kerinci in Sumatra. The hilly landscape is dominated by the Crater Lake called Segara Anak, which has a natural hot spring in it.

Things to do: Besides enjoying the serene yet daring beauty of a volcano, Mount Rinjani is a good place to go hiking. Climbing alone is not advisable, so prefer going in a group.
Best places to stay: Hakiki Inn, Green Orry Inn, and Dewi Tunjung Biru along with plenty of decent homestay options.

10. Ijen, East Java

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Ijen is one of the group of volcanoes within a huge acidic blue-water crater. Ijen is located in eastern Java, lying west of Gunung Merapi. It is the tallest volcano of the cluster and dangerously beautiful place in Indonesia. The area is rich in sulphur and famous for mining activities.

Things to do: Trek up to the crater or in the foothills, the beauty of the place is enthralling. Also, the local villages are worth a small exploration trip.
Best places to stay: Berlian Abadi, Manyar Garden Hotels and Ijen Resorts and Villas.

11. Dieng Plateau, Central Java

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Tectonically formed after an eruption, this plateau is a caldera situated almost 2000 metres above sea level. This marshy plateau is known as Dieng which means abode of God.

Things to do: Trek to the multi-coloured Telaga Warna lake and explore the Arjuna temple.
Best places to stay: Kresna Gallery Hotel, Arjuna Hotel and Surya Asia Hotel. There are numerous homestay options available for backpackers.

12. Torajaland, South Sulawesi

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The highland region known as Torajaland, located at southern Sulawesi is the home of Toraja tribe. Torajan people are well-known for their culture, tradition, rituals and high peaked-roof houses called Tongkonan. Their unique pattern makes it a distinct and beautiful place in Indonesia.

Things to do: Hiking is the best, and the only thing to do here. It will be fun to explore the model Toraja settlement at Kete Kesu.
Best places to stay: Luta Resort, Riana Guest House and Hotel Indra.
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