Known For : Tanah Lot Uluwatu Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Indonesia’s most famous island, Bali is the best place for any tourist who needs a week of absolute relaxation, fragrant cuisine, scenic beauty and a galore of culture and tradition. With its elaborate temples, endless coastline, scenic coral reefs, waterfalls and retreats, Bali is indeed, a place of leisure and idyll, and simultaneously, a place for the adventurous and the explorers.
Best Time: April, May, June and September
Known For : Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Merdeka Square Thousand Islands
The capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta is its cultural, economic and political centre. Established in the 14th century, it has a rich, varied history, and is a city of exciting metamorphosis- with its bustling traffic, its strong affiliations to its own historical roots, and a hub of development in Indonesia.
Best Time: July to October
Known For : House of Sampoerna Suroboyo Carnival Park Monumen Kapal Selam
Known fondly as 'The City of Heroes' for the pivotal role that the city played in the Indonesian freedom struggle, Surabaya is one of Indonesia's most enigmatic cities. The country's second-largest urban settlement, Surabaya today reflects the influences of its many occupants. Arab Quarter, with its mazy grids of lanes, one of Indonesia's largest Chinatowns, and the remaining vestiges of classically beautiful Dutch colonial-era buildings all make up Surabaya's heritage.
Best Time: May to September.
Known For : Lake Toba Tjong A Fie Mansion Mesjid Raya Mosque
The fourth largest city in Indonesia, Medan is one of the most diverse areas in the country, with people from almost all kinds of Asian ethnicities, including Chinese, Javanese, different Indonesian tribes, Southern Indians, and Northern Indians. This diversity has led to a vibrant culture, making Medan a must-visit for any tourist wishing to explore Indonesia.
Best Time: May to September
Known For : Fort Rotterdam Losari Beach Malino
A bustling port, Makassar is the largest city in East Indonesia. Its cosmopolitan nature and urban attractions make it a must-visit city in Indonesia. It is relatively more modern, as a city, but also has traces of Dutch architecture in a few places, with Fort Rotterdam standing as one of the remaining bastions of colonial architecture. The walkway along Losari Beach is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Makassar is also known for its great diving and snorkelling opportunities off the reef of Samalona Island.
Best Time: June to September
Known For : Kawah Putih Tangkuban Perahu Situ Patenggang Lake
A city of contrasts, Bandung is one of Indonesia's most significant and most rapidly developing cities. located at a distance of 150 kms from Jakarta. Characterized by rippling rice fields, volcanic mountains, and a distinctly European feel, Bandung was dubbed the "Paris of Java" by the Dutch colonialists. Due to Bandung's volcanic geographic features that made it easy to defend from attacks, the Dutch East India Company had plans to relocate the country's capital from the erstwhile called Batavia (Jakarta), but those plans fell through because of the Second World War. It has since blossomed into the preferred weekend getaway destination of many Jakartans.
Best Time: June to September
Known For : Barelang Bridge Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall Water Sports in Batam
Located just off the eastern coast of Sumatra, nuzzled up against the Singaporean coast, Batam is one of the most picturesque islands in the Riau Archipelago, and also one of the most modernised areas in Indonesia. Its proximity to Singapore also makes it one of the most visited weekend getaway destinations for residents from the island nation that are looking for a retreat, and some fresh ocean air. Batam consists of three principal islands, Batam, Rempang, Galang, and a smattering of other smaller islands.
Best Time: May to September.
With the above options in mind, pack, hike, explore and do not forget to share your valuable experiences in the comments below!