Indonesia: 5 Must-See Spots

From its bustling cities to its beautiful beaches, its awe-inspiring volcanoes to its spectacular wildlife, Indonesia is a beguiling destination just waiting to be explored. But before you go, consider travel insurance from Chubb.

Mount Bromo

Situated inside Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, beside Mount Semeru at East Java, Mount Bromo is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Desolate yet beautiful, it draws visitors from around the world to gaze in awe at this stunningly picturesque backdrop.

Culturally significant to the Tengger people, Mount Bromo is said to be the site where their brave prince sacrificed his life for his family. So, to honour this and to appease the gods, people throw food and money into the crater of the volcano once a year during the annual Kasada (or Kasodo) festival.

Komodo National Park

One of the most well-known destinations in Indonesia, Komodo National Park comprises three key islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and is located in the centre of the archipelago between Sumbawa and Flores.

The Park is home to a vibrant and unique range of animal life both on land and within its marine environment, but the most famous residents to spot while you’re there are arguably the Komodo dragons. It’s easy to understand why a glimpse of a Komodo is so spectacular, given the creature’s ancestors can be traced back over a 100 million years.

Padar Island

As the third largest land mass within Komodo National Park, Padar Island can be found between Komodo and Rinca Island. Well known for its incredible views, Padar Island is a hotspot for photographers, providing unbelievable shots over the islands at sunrise and sunset.

Sipiso-piso Waterfall

Set in the highlands of North Sumatra, Sipiso-piso Waterfall is located on the north side of Lake Toba, 24 kilometres from Kabanjahe. Long and narrow, the waterfall drops 120 metres into an impressive gorge below, filled with lush green forest.

Kalimantan

Located in Indonesian Borneo, Kalimantan is perhaps the best destination to see orang-utans in their natural habitat at the Tanjung Puting National Park. Getting to the area involves registration with the local police and you can be asked for copies of your passport and visa by the national parks office when seeking entry to the Park, due to its regulations and efforts to protect the health of its ecosystems. The Park is suitable for families however and you can expect breathtaking encounters with the majestic orang-utans, gibbons, clouded leopards and more.