Things to Do in Indonesia

Padangbai is a picturesque town that serves as a port for the ferry connecting Bali with Lombok. While many simply pass through on their way to Lombok, many more stop in Padangbai long enough to appreciate just how much this small beach town has to offer in its own right.

Padangbai is situated within a small bay in eastern Bali and features a pretty strip of sand lapped by turquoise waters. Due to it becoming more popular with passing travelers, basic yet comfortable accommodation and friendly local cafes are the name of the game here, and the town has a definite beachy backpacker’s vibe to it.

There are some fantastic diving and snorkeling opportunities to be had in the waters around the bay, with a number of operators set up to cater for this demand. Other than that, the pace of life is slow, with most visitors opting for a simple life of soaking up the sun, enjoying the beach, and feasting on delicious fresh seafood.

One evening in 1965, thousands of herons and egrets descended upon the village of Petulu outside of Ubud for no apparent reason, and they’ve been coming back to roost each day ever since. Tens of thousands of these birds, mostly cattle egrets and Javan pond herons, participate in the nightly spectacle, and while that’s enough for most visitors, locals believe the white birds bring good luck with them too.

The show typically begins around 6 p.m., though you can head over early to grab a seat at one of the warung (cafes) in the area for a cold drink while you wait. Some of the birds show up early and begin roosting, so it’s a good idea to avoid standing beneath the trees. It's a pleasant bike ride from Ubud to Petulu, but if you plan to stay and see the birds, you’ll have to ride back in the dark.

Around two hours’ drive from Yogyakarta, Sadranan Beach is one of the stars of Gunung Kidul’s coastline. Here you can swim, catch some rays, canoe, snorkel, or enjoy a stand-up paddleboarding session amid golden sands, clear waters, simple restaurants, and some of the best coral in this part of Java. You can also camp overnight.

There’s a nominal fee to enter Sadranan Beach, with other small charges for parking and camping. The “warung” eateries on the beach peddle water and simple meals—noodles, rice, and fresh fish—and you can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear by the hour. If you want to spend the night, you’ll need to bring your own camping accoutrements. 

Relatively few tours visit Sadranan Beach, and those that do treat it as a fun break on an adventure tour from Yogyakarta.

Sadranan Beach is located 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Yogyakarta, and the drive takes about two hours. Be aware that traffic is even more gridlocked on weekends, and the driving in Indonesia is not for the faint-hearted. However, public transport isn’t really an option unless you speak Indonesian and are planning to camp overnight.

Sadranan Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations for the bustling university city of Yogyakarta. On weekends and Indonesian public holidays, the beach can get unpleasantly crowded, with traffic even slower than normal. As with many Indonesian beaches, garbage in the water can be an issue during wet season; for the most pristine experience, visit between July and September.

While not known for its beaches, Java can deliver. G-Land, on Grajagan Bay, east Java, is a world-class surf break with golden sands to match; the Karimunjawa Archipelago, off the north coast, offers a welter of white-sand islands ripe for exploring. In addition to Sadranan, other beaches near Yogyakarta include Kukup, Parangtritis, and Pok Tunggal.

Though not quite as large as nearby Borobudur, the ancient Hindu temples that make up the impressive Prambanan are spectacular in their own right. Built by the Mataram Kingdom in Central Java around 860 CE, the first temples here were meant to honor Lord Shiva. While many of the later temples erected on this site fell to ruins in an earthquake curing the 16th century, Prambanan still attracts visitors from across the globe seeking to experience walking through one of the Hindu religion’s most prized sites. 

Prambanan is divided into three main zones, which include an outer open space, a middle zone housing rows of 224 identical shrines, and an inner zone where eight temples and small shrines dedicated to gods are located. 

Set on the shores of Lake Bratan (Danau Bratan), close to the town of Bedugul, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is one of Bali’s most photographed temples. Built, like Taman Ayun Temple, by the king of Mengwi, the combination of multi-roofed shrines with mountains and reflecting lake is incredibly photogenic—one reason it’s so popular with tourists.

 

Made up of five separate shrines, including one that’s actually in the lake and accessible by canoe, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan dates back to the 17th century. Around 4,065 feet (1,239 meters) above sea level, it’s a highlight of the misty Bedugul Highlands on the road to north Bali. Tours typically combine Pura Ulun Danu Bratan with other Balinese water temples, such as Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun, or with north Bali attractions, such as waterfalls and dolphins.

 

 

Ulun Danu Bratan temple is in Bedugul on the main road north to Singaraja. The most convenient way for non-Indonesians to reach Bedugul independently is via the Perama shuttle bus from Kuta, Ubud, Sanur, Lovina, Padang Bai, or Candidasa. Some opt to self-drive, but the winding road can be tiring for a day trip, so many prefer a driver or an organized Bali tour.

 

Bedugul’s highland climate can turn surprisingly cold, particularly during the rainy season (roughly October through March). (Bedugul is cool and damp enough for strawberries to grow.) Arrive early in the morning to beat the worst of the crowds and have the best chance at a rain-free visit to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.

 

Around 1,000 years old, Bali’s “subak” system of cooperative rice cultivation has been recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status. Water temples, such as Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, and the lake goddess Dewi Danu, play a major part in keeping the rice terraces growing—one reason you’ll see so many pilgrims here.

A Balinese Hindu site, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is populated by some 700 long-tailed Balinese macaques that live in and around the forest. The monkeys are believed to protect the area and the three Hindu temples within—Pura Dalem Agung, Pura Beji, and Pura Prajapati—from evil spirits. 

The sanctuary’s primate residents are its most popular attraction, along with ancient temples, dense forest, and over 186 tree species. Stroll through the sacred site to observe the monkeys in action and snap photos with them from a safe distance, then explore the ancient 14th-century temples, which are used as places of worship for the Hindu community. Most Ubud sightseeing tours include a stop at the forest sanctuary, along with other popular attractions such as the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Goa Gajah Temple, and Ubud Palace. For a personalized experience, opt for a private tour. 

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is located within walking distance of downtown Ubud, roughly one mile (1.6 kilometers) away. To get there from Raya Ubud, the town’s main street, turn south onto Monkey Forest Road and continue downhill to the sanctuary. 

The best time to visit Ubud’s monkey forest is during the dry, warm months of June, July, and August. The forest makes a pleasant escape from the afternoon heat, but expect crowds during this time of year. 

As you approach the forest, some Balinese vendors try to sell travelers bananas to feed to the monkeys. However, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to observe and photograph the animals without resorting to luring them with food, which can be dangerous.

Jakarta’s old port, Sunda Kelapa is a popular stop on any tour of historic Jakarta (or Batavia, as it once was). Wooden 2-masted pinisi sailing ships still moor here, while porters move goods to and fro as they have since the 13th century. Converted warehouses hold the Maritime Museum, and a watchtower and lighthouses stand guard over the bustling harbor.

It’s easy enough to wander around Sunda Kelapa, and the harbor is an essential stop on any guided or self-guided tour of Old Batavia (Kota Tua) or Jakarta Old Town. Arrange for a private guide to learn more about the role the vanished town of Sunda Kelapa played in Jakarta’s—and Indonesia’s—history. Guides can help negotiate a boat ride around the harbor. Organized walking tours make navigating both old port and old town a breeze.

About half a mile (1 kilometer) north of Fatahillah Square, the heart of Jakarta Old Town, Sunda Kelapa port is easy to reach on foot from Old Town or the Kota Tua bus station. While the subway system remains uncompleted, many visitors prefer to explore Jakarta either with a private driver or on an organized tour.

While the bustling fish market that used to bring the harbor to life burned down some years ago, early morning is still a great time to visit Sunda Kelapa port. The sailors sleep on their boats and get up around dawn, when the light is right for photography. During the middle of the day, it can be extremely hot. 

Sunda Kelapa was the original settlement on which Jakarta is based. After Prince Fatahillah destroyed the original port in 1527, he rebuilt it and called it Jayakarta, meaning “Victorious City.” Almost a century later, Dutch colonial forces destroyed Jayakarta and built a canal city, which they called Batavia, in its place. When Indonesia achieved independence after World War II, the city took the name Djakarta (Jakarta).

Plaosan Temple (also referred to as Plaosan Complex) is a Buddhist temple site situated around a kilometer from the revered Hindu temple, Prambanan, and around 20 kilometers from Yogyakarta city center. 

Plaosan Temple was built in the 9th century. The site spans some 2000 square meters and, rather uniquely, features two main temple structures – the North Plaosan Temple and the South Plaosan Temple, both of which have a number of buildings, stupas, and shrines surrounding them. Each temple shares common features, including a gate, a middle courtyard surrounded by a wall, and a guardian statue known as Dwarapala. The outer walls of the temples are adorned with carvings of divinities and other figures, including that of a Khmer prince, identified by his crown.

Serene, spiritual, and off the beaten path, Pura Luhur Batukaru was the state temple for the kings of Tabanan. Batukaru Temple nestles high above sea level in the jungled foothills of west Bali. A series of tiered shrines, including a striking 7-roofed shrine, help create a mystic air, as does the general absence of tourists.

 

As the setting of Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple is reasonably remote, many visitors prefer the convenience of a tour or a private driver over self-drive. Many Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple tours include a trip to the Jatiluwih rice terrace, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Tanah Lot, the sea temple sacred to the Indonesians, not far from Tabanan.

 

Entrance tickets are affordable and include the rental of a sarong so that men and women can meet temple standards of decency.

 

 

There is no public transport to Pura Luhur Batukaru, so your options are self-drive to Penebel, a private driver, or an organized Bali tour. With patchy signposting and unreliable traffic signals adding to Bali’s roadway hassles, many will prefer to leave the driving to the professionals and opt for a Tabanan day tour with round-trip transport, which might also visit Tanah Lot and Jatiluwih.

 

Open year-round, Pura Luhur Batukaru, like other temples, is particularly appealing during the key Balinese festivals, when worshippers come to bring offerings and the grounds are alive with colored cloth and bamboo decorations. When visiting during the rainy season, weather is generally more clement in the mornings.

 

It’s important to show respect at Balinese Hindu temples, such as Pura Luhur Batukaru: Both men and women should wear sarongs. The Balinese welcome visitors to the main sections of their temples, but areas they consider most sacred are typically reserved for worshippers.

Besides the giant lizards who give the park its name, Komodo National Park is also well known for its beautiful and undeveloped beaches. One of the most unique is Pink Beach (Pantai Merah), named for the rosy sand that gets its color from eroded bits of red coral from the nearby reef. 

Clear, calm waters make the beach an excellent site for snorkeling, especially since the coral reefs just beneath the surface are home to hundreds of species of marine plants and animals. Located about 15 minutes by boat from the Loh Liang boat jetty, Pink Beach makes for a convenient place to relax in the sun or cool off in the water after a day of trekking in the national park.

Dedicated to the Hindu goddess of learning, wisdom, music, and art, Ubud’s Saraswati Temple is a beautiful spot for worshippers and visitors alike. Water gardens and lotus ponds flow up to the elegant structure, which is enriched with ornate carvings. The temple makes an atmospheric setting for Balinese dance performances.

Set bang in the heart of Ubud, Saraswati Temple is easy enough to visit independently. It’s also one of the most magical venues at which to watch Balinese dance. Kecak dance-drama performances are held every Tuesday and Thursday evening, and the plastic chairs don’t detract from the majesty of the setting. Most visitors arrive independently, but some Ubud tours stop here for brief photo ops, and private guides with a focus on history and culture can explain the meanings of the elaborate temple carvings.

Saraswati Temple is centrally located within Ubud, right by the Ubud Palace, so it’s an easy walk from many downtown accommodations. If you’re coming from outside Ubud, Perama runs tourist shuttles from the airport, Kuta, Amed, Padang Bai, Sanur, and beyond, while the Kura Kura tourist bus has connections via Kuta from across south Bali.

Ubud is at its most appealing early in the morning before the big buses hit town—and that’s also a great time to soak up the lotus views at the Saraswati Temple. But Saraswati is the goddess of dance, so also make time to catch a dance performance one Tuesday or Thursday evening.

It was Ubud’s royal family who made Ubud the arts and cultural hub of Bali that it is today. As patrons, they spared no expense in honoring the goddess of the arts, Saraswati. The temple you see today was built by I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, famed for his ink drawings and paintings but also a court architect. Some believe he made it all the way to 115 years old before dying in 1978.

Pawon Temple is a Buddhist temple situated at the midway point between the Borobudur and Mendut temples, approximately 40 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta. It features a square-shaped, tiered roof adorned with small stupas and ratnas, which is hidden among the houses that surround it.

This slender temple structure sits on a rectangular platform and features a chamber inside with vents. Architecturally, Pawon Temple is similar to the temples Borobudur and Mendut, with its mix of classic Javanese Hindu and Indian art symbols. Notably, there are reliefs of the Kalpataru tree (the tree of life), as well as of mythical birds and human figures, on the temple’s outer walls.

Formerly known as the Pejaten Mall, Pejaten Village is a shopping and entertainment center located in South Jakarta. While not the largest shopping mall by Southeast Asian standards, Pejaten Village nonetheless features a wide range of leisure, retail, and eating options. It’s also a pleasant, often uncrowded, place to visit.

Pejaten Village offers al fresco dining, a children's playground, a fitness center, and a cinema, along with a wide range of restaurants, department stores and smaller retail outlets. The large Hypermarket here is popular for grocery shopping among locals, with plenty of fresh vegetables, meats, and fish sold at reasonable prices.

Considered to be the Bali that time forgot for its unspoiled landscape, Penida Island (Nusa Penida) sits about 10 miles (15 kilometers) off the Bali coast, alongside the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Besides snorkeling and diving—the island is known for mantas and mola-molas (the world’s largest bony fish)—Penida offers unspoilt villages, rugged landscapes, and sacred temples.

Both slow boats and fast boats run from Bali to Penida Island. Some travelers opt to visit independently, rent motorbikes or hire a driver, and spend a few days touring. A guided tour allows for a more seamless experience, especially for those looking to spend just one day on Penida Island.

Many Penida Island tours focus on the island’s underwater attractions: snorkeling or diving with giant manta rays at Manta Point or Manta Bay, diving in search of the mola-mola (ocean sunfish) at Crystal Bay, and admiring the coral and marine life at a wealth of sites. Watersports are also an option, and a handful of tours highlight Penida’s serene charm, visiting its natural wonders, traditional villages, and temples.

Penida Island sits in the Lombok Strait, about 10 miles (15 kilometers) off the southeastern coast of Bali. Ferries and speed boats leave daily from Padang Bai, following a changing schedule, while speed boats run from Sanur Beach and Lembongan Island. Snorkeling and diving tours typically depart from Sanur, but often offer the convenience of transport direct from your door.

Scuba divers in search of the elusive mola mola (ocean sunfish) should visit between late June and October; mantas can be seen year-round. High waves are not uncommon in late July and August, which can island access difficult and snorkeling a challenge. Penida is drier than mainland Bali, so it’s a good choice for the rainy season (October to March), although in the rainy season, the ocean floods with plastic trash.

Also known as the oceanic sunfish, ocean sunfish, or giant sunfish, the mola mola is one of the largest known bony fish in the world: Adults can weigh a whopping 2,205 pounds (1,000 kilograms). Between late June and October, mola mola are often seen off Penida, particularly around Crystal Bay, as cold water upwells from the depths where these giants spend their time.

Located just off the western tip of Flores in Indonesia, Rinca Island offers some of the best and most unique wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. It’s one of the few spots on Earth where you can see Komodo dragons in the wild (and it’s often overlooked in lieu of neighboring Komodo Island), and the convergence of nutrient-rich currents in the waters just off the coast create conditions for some of the best diving in the world.

The Komodo dragon, the island’s most popular resident, can weigh in at over 300 pounds (136 kilograms), and they’re easier to spot in the wild on Rinca, as tourism has had less of an impact than on Komodo Island.

The 76-square-mile (198-square-kilometer) island sits within Komodo National Park, and as such, visitors to the island must be accompanied by a guide, as the large lizards can be dangerous—and even deadly—when they (rarely) attack.

Pasar Badung (Badung Market) is Bali’s oldest and largest market, at the heart of the island’s capital, Denpasar. The 4-story structure burned down in 2016, and while a replacement is underway, most stallholders are housed in and around a converted supermarket. Besides being Bali’s number-one fruit and vegetable market, it’s great for street food.

There is no charge to visit Pasar Badung, and, as fruit and vegetable prices are checked daily by the government, haggling is not required. It’s fascinating and rewarding to stroll through the different sections, which sell everything from flowers and live animals to traditional herbal medicines.

Many visitors choose to visit Pasar Badung as part of a Bali food tour or street-food tour. Pasar Badung is an essential stop on Denpasar city tours and Denpasar shopping excursions.

Currently, the new Pasar Badung (Pasar Badung Baru) is on Jalan Cokroaminoto, in a converted Tiara supermarket. Denpasar traffic is even more challenging than the rest of Bali’s traffic, and collisions are a real possibility. Unless you’re a veteran of Southeast Asian roads, joining a tour or booking a private driver are firmly recommended. A purpose-built replacement market has been under construction since 2017.

Pasar Badung operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round, with the exception of Nyepi (Balinese New Year). The best produce is available very early in the morning—before dawn—and in general the market is at its liveliest in the morning. There is also a vibrant street-food scene here throughout the day and into the night.

The overwhelming majority of visitors to Bali come and go without so much as setting foot in Denpasar, a vibrant, grimy, thoroughly Indonesian city that’s far from the tropical beaches seen on postcards. To get a taste of Denpasar life, and indeed life across the Indonesian archipelago, Pasar Badung is a great place to start.

Sanur Beach offers travelers the chance to step back in time. Sure, this famed destination may not lead visitors into ancient history like nearby temples and archeological ruins, but these sandy shores still offer up a bit of old school flavor. That’s because Sanur Beach is one of Bali’s first beach resorts, and while some things have changed, its original laid-back vibe and surf-ready waves remain constant.

Middle-age travelers and the family set find this to be one of Bali’s best beaches, thanks to a slightly more-mature energy that’s perfect for relaxing. It avoids the wild shot-slinging feel of some of Bali’s other more party-hearty beaches and offers up the perfect setting for soaking up sun and absorbing local traditions. Cultural activities like the International Kite Festival and the Le Mayeur Museum, as well as historical sites like the Pura Blanjong temple mean there’s plenty for visitors to do away from the sand, too.

Like the better-known—and busier—Tirta Gangga Water Palace, this east Bali palace is an atmospheric reminder of the power the kings of Karangasem once held when they ruled much of Lombok. Highlights of Puri Agung Karangasem include the tiered entry gate, vintage photos, and tranquil fish ponds. Descendants of the last raja still use the space.

Once you’ve made it to the sleepy town of Amlapura, Puri Agung Karangasem is easy to explore independently. There’s a small ticket charge, and staff provide English-language information sheets. If you’re very lucky, a member of the royal family may be available to assist. That said, you’ll likely get more out of the experience if you travel with a guide who can provide transportation, cultural context, and historical details. (In general, due to heavy traffic, winding roads, and language barriers, booking a private guide or joining an organized tour can help you get the most out of your entire Bali trip.) Some east Bali tours bundle Puri Agung Karangasem with other Karangasem regal highlights, particularly Tirta Gangga Water Palace.

Set in Amlapura, just off Bali’s main east coast road, Puri Agung Karangasem is reasonably quick to reach with a private car and driver. Local buses operate from Batubulan, north of Denpasar, and Singaraja. Perama runs shuttle buses from popular tourist destinations including Amed, Ubud, and south Bali to Tirta Gangga, approximately 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) north of Puri Agung Karangasem.

Puri Agung Karangasem is open from morning until late afternoon daily and is blissfully uncrowded throughout the year, so there isn’t a bad time to visit. If visiting during Bali’s wet season (roughly October until March), consider coming in the morning for a slightly better chance of beating the rain.

The last raja (king) of Karangasem, Gusti Bagus Djelantik (Jelantik) ruled under the title Anak Agung Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem until 1966. Besides having a dozen wives, he was a master builder, expressing abstract meditations in architectural form. He built three water palaces: the Tirta Gangga Water Gardens, the Ujung Water Gardens (destroyed in a volcanic eruption), and the Puri Agung Karangasem.

Nestled at 700 meters above sea level between bamboo forests and coffee plantations, travelers can find one of Bali’s most traditional villages. Penglipuran is a Bali Aga town, whose inhabitants, contrary to the majority of the Balinese, aren’t Hindu but, instead, still practice their animistic faith. Accordingly, time has almost stood still in Penglipuran and even the village name itself roughly translates to “remembering ancestral lands.” In an attempt to conserve the village in its original state, Penglipuran has undergone a restoration program, the results of which are pristine streets and polished looking houses. It might look a bit too clean to be real, but the calm atmosphere and the long houses with their bamboo roofs are unique and the village manages to give a good insight into traditional Balinese life.

Along the central avenue Bale Agung, the village meeting house and the main temple form the most important buildings. While the smaller family temples are oriented towards Mount Agung to please the powerful god, the village in its entirety faces directly north towards Mount Batur, to not offend this holy mountain either and pay respect to both deities. Beyond the village lies the main source of income for the villagers: a 75-hectare bamboo forest. Each family gets to use exactly one hectare of woodland to make the delicate woven offering baskets – a trade for which Penglipuran is famous for across the country. Travelers can get a peek into these family businesses and homes and of course, purchase baskets as well. 

A rare patch of quiet in Bali’s busy capital, Denpasar, Puputan Square commemorates the site of a mass suicide that occurred in 1906. The king of Badung, facing overwhelming opposition from Dutch colonial forces, led his court in committing suicide by keris dagger. A statue of a Balinese family stands in honor of the lives lost.

There is no charge to visit Puputan Square, which is a popular destination for local workers on their lunch breaks and for families during evenings and weekends. Most people visit on a Denpasar city tour, with either a private driver or an organized group. The Puputan mass suicide is an important event in the history of both Denpasar and Bali as a whole, so history completists will not want to miss the square.

 

Puputan Square (Lapangan Puputan Badung) sits in the heart of Denpasar, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northeast of the airport. Choked roads, dangerous traffic, and confusing one-way systems make Denpasar a risky choice for self-driving. Unless your Indonesian is good enough to piece together bemo minibuses, hiring a private driver or joining a tour is a must to get around Denpasar.

 

The square is most lively during weekends, when it becomes a gathering place for Denpasar locals, who feast on satay and other street snacks from the stalls. Children often meet here to fly traditional kites. You can visit pretty much any time during the day on Saturday or Sunday, but sunset is particularly popular.

 

First published in 1937, Vicki Baum’s classic novel Love and Death in Bali tells the story of a simple man who survives the Puputan mass suicide. The book also  depicts life in Bali before the Dutch arrived. Baum visited Bali in 1935 and stayed in Ubud with the painter Walter Spies, who also figures in the book in thin disguise.