Are you tired of the usual crowded tourist destinations and want to discover an authentic side of Indonesia?
Then get ready to dive into an off-the-beaten-path journey, discovering seven unique places that will leave you breathless.
From breathtaking waterfalls to enchanting temples, Indonesia reveals its hidden beauty. Get ready to be surprised and captivated as you explore this land of wonders.
From the most beautiful waterfalls to the most breathtaking temples... here are seven unmissable places in Indonesia
1. Bali
Bali, known as the Island of the Gods, is one of the most unmissable and paradise-like places to visit in Indonesia.
Visiting some of the more than 10,000 Buddhist temples — yes, we counted them all! — strolling through the stunning rice terraces, swimming beneath an impressive waterfall, surfing on the wild beaches of the south, trekking up Mount Batur, or enjoying a relaxing foot or back massage are just some of the best things to do in Bali.
2. Sekumpul Waterfall
Located in the village of Sekumpul in Singaraja (one of the most important regions in northern Bali), Sekumpul Waterfall is known as one of the most beautiful natural destinations in northern Bali.
Surrounded by lush green bamboo forests, this waterfall-like beauty is a sight to behold.
Actually made up of seven different waterfalls (sekumpul means group), the drop is about 80 meters high, making it the tallest waterfall in Bali, with two main streams pouring through the lush vegetation.
If you are in the mood for a bit of trekking, Sekumpul Waterfall offers challenging hikes deep into the forest and stunning views leading down to its base.
Read also: When to go to Nepal? How to choose the perfect time to visit the Himalayas
3. Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Located in eastern Bali, in the Bangli regency, Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a delight for the eyes of anyone who visits — especially if you are lucky enough to go on a sunny day, because the sunbeams filtering down to the base of the waterfall through the natural foliage above create a magical atmosphere.
Tukad Cepung is a hidden waterfall inside a narrow canyon. It is an untouched cascade framed by rocky structures and natural rock formations. Its setting resembles a sanctuary inside a cave, with the sound of water echoing all around.
The hike begins with a fifteen-minute descent along large steps without handrails. Once you reach the bottom of the steps, you enter the canyon, where the water can come up to your knees.
Once you enter the “cave” area, look up, watch the water flowing down the walls, and admire the magical rays of sunlight that manage to slip through the cave’s small openings.
4. Tanah Lot Temple
Another temple in Indonesia that you have surely seen in a photo is Tanah Lot, in Bali.
Dedicated to the Hindu deities Dewa Baruna and Bhatara Segara, it is another of the island’s great sacred temples, although in this case its origin is more recent: it is not thousands of years old, but only about four centuries old.
This temple stands out for its location on a small islet just off the coast. To reach it, you need to take a boat or wait for low tide, when you can cross the beach on foot.
The temple was on the verge of disappearing in the 1980s, as the rock had begun to crumble, but the Japanese government provided funding to restore it, so that the rock could withstand the sea’s constant pounding.
This temple is beautiful, both from inside with views of the sea and coastline, and from the nearby beach and cliffs, where it looks almost like something out of a fairy tale.
5. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Ulun Danu Bratan, located on the shores of Lake Bratan, is another beautiful temple in Bali; it is dedicated to the lake goddess Dewi Danu and is considered a World Heritage Site.
This temple is not only Hindu, but the complex includes five Hindu temples and one Buddhist stupa, which shows the importance of the site. Especially because Lake Bratan is Bali’s most important source of fresh water, and this temple was built in honor of the lake.
In addition, one of the temples is dedicated to another Hindu trinity made up of Shiva, Sada Shiva, and Parama Shiva in honor of fertility, prosperity, well-being, and sustainability.
6. Tirta Empul Temple
Known as the temple of purification, or Tirta Empul, it is another of Bali’s temples that should not be missed on any trip.
You have probably noticed that many religious buildings in Bali begin with the word Pura, which simply means temple.
Tirta Empul is located just ten kilometers from Ubud, was built in 962 AD, and is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read also: What to see in America? The most beautiful places to visit in the USA with Sto Gran Tour
7. Mount Batur
Finally, if you are an adventure lover or want to spend a day away from Bali’s crowded beaches, the active volcano Mount Batur is the best place to enjoy your morning coffee or tea!
At a height of 1,717 meters, when you reach the summit you will witness a breathtaking sunrise with majestic views of Lake Batur and Mount Agung.
Conclusions
In this article, we have seen only some of the most beautiful stops in Indonesia: but how can you see them all together in a single trip?
We have already taken care of that! Check out this itinerary and set off with us at Sto Gran Tour!
