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Tourists who come to Indonesia often head straight to Bali for the beaches, but there are plenty of other things to do in Indonesia apart from beach hopping. This remarkable country is a contradiction of sorts in every possible way. From natural wonders to manmade delights, there’s something for everyone here. Jakarta’s high rises are juxtaposed against the unspoilt beauty of Lombok and Bintan and yet, both are equally attractive. Here’s a list of some of the must do things in Indonesia.
There are many things to do in Indonesia. Most of them involve the beaches or visits to temples and museums. Water parks, shopping malls and a lively nightlife make Indonesia an excellent tourist spot. Do check the SOTC website for some great offers and Indonesia tour packages.
One of the top things to do in Indonesia would be to visit Borobodur, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Yogyakarta. It is the largest Buddhist monument in the world and was built in the 8th and 9th centuries using thousands of blocks of large stones.
The unspoilt beaches of Gili Islands are a great draw for tourists who are tired of crowds and want to enjoy the quiet splendour of the sandy beaches. These are a group of three small islands and are very popular as dive spots or just for a beachside holiday that is relatively quiet and restful. At the same time, there are beach bars add to the fun. Surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving are some of the activities you can enjoy here.
Ubud is just an hour’s drive from the airport but it is definitely one of the things to do in Indonesia and a trip well worth taking. Ubud is a traditional town and is known to be the home of the Balinese Royal Family. There are excellent crafts to be bought here from the villages like Camphuan and Penestanan but what one shouldn’t miss when in Ubud are the glorious green rice terraces.
A trip to Komodo Island can be quite the eyeopener although certainly not one of the fun things to do in Indonesia. Nevertheless, you will be fascinated by the large prehistoric looking reptiles and their habitat. It’s recommended to go with a guide who can fend away the carnivorous Komodo dragon if they get too close. The park is also a renowned diving spot where coral reefs and colourful tropical fish abound in the waters.
While many people are busy with the beaches, others feel that one of the things to do in Indonesia would be to visit some of their beautiful temples. This 1000 year old temple is located on the top of Mount Agung and is considered to be the most holy of all Balinese temples. Views from here are majestic and there’s a mystical air about this holy site.