Family Holidays in Bali

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Are you searching for the perfect destination for your next family trip? Look no further than Bali. This stunning island offers everything you need for a memorable family holiday. It’s a place where you can truly connect as a family, unwind, and create lifelong memories while immersing yourself in Bali’s rich culture and warm hospitality.

When it comes to family-friendly destinations in Bali, Ubud stands out as a popular choice. With its authentic Indonesian charm, Ubud provides endless opportunities for tailored activities that cater to every family member’s interests. Explore the cultural and creative hub of Ubud, experience the serene seaside ambiance of Sanur, and engage in exciting beach activities on Nusa Lembongan Island. Embark on a remarkable family adventure in Bali and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Explore Gili Trawangan

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Indulge in a blissful escape on a heavenly island! This vacation promises a feeling of freedom that will make you reluctant to ever leave. Experience the perfect blend of sun, beach, snorkeling, and leisurely free time, complemented by a boat tour to explore the enchanting 3 Gili islands. Prepare to fall in love with this unforgettable getaway!

Raja Ampat Experience

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Embark on a 7 Days/6 Nights tour package to experience the wonders of Raja Ampat to the fullest. This incredible journey will take you to various islands in Raja Ampat, including Piaynemo Shark Island. Dive into a full day tour of Kabui Bay and revel in the opportunity for exceptional snorkeling during your free time.

Nihi Sumba & Amandari Luxury Package

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Indulge in an authentic vacation experience at two of Indonesia’s finest hotels.

Nihi Sumba: Discover a haven where you can connect with something greater than yourself. This paradise caters to adventurers and wanderers alike. Whether you prefer practicing yoga at dawn while admiring breathtaking views, taking surf lessons at Coconut Cove guided by world-class instructors, embarking on hikes to local villages, or indulging in sunset massages overlooking the vast expanse of Nihiwatu Beach along the Indian Ocean coastline, you’ll find the perfect match for your dream getaway.

Amandari: Nestled on sacred grounds in the Ayung River gorge, with picturesque views of cascading rice paddies and Hindu Shrines. This resort is situated in Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of Bali.

Labuan Bajo Phinisi Cruise

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Step aboard Plataran Private Cruises and immerse yourself in the luxurious cabins, fully equipped kitchen facilities, and a range of services and activities. Prepare for a warm and indulgent experience as our friendly and experienced crew pampers you, creating an unforgettable sailing and “live aboard” adventure to the finest diving, snorkeling and tourism spots in Indonesia.

Plataran Phinisi Felicia stands as the largest in our fleet, offering an unparalleled sailing experience. With two master cabins and four twin cabins, Felicia provides unmatched luxury and abundant space to unwind and explore the islands and bays of our sail destinations, including the breathtaking Komodo Islands and the surrounding areas of Flores, Indonesia’s most sought-after destination. The boat is based in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, ensuring easy access to this remarkable region.

Local Experience in Toraja

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Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Toraja Discovery! Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Toraja People, renowned as one of Indonesia’s most fascinating tribes. Experience their rich culture firsthand as you stay in the heart of their village and interact with the friendly locals. This extraordinary journey offers a glimpse into everyday life, from exploring the vibrant local market to hiking through the breathtaking landscapes. Delve into the intriguing Toraja culture as you unravel the mysteries of Torajan unique funeral tombs. Prepare for an unforgettable exploration of a lifetime with Toraja Discovery!

Yogyakarta Discovery

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Yogyakarta, often referred to as “Jogja,” is a captivating city in Indonesia known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites. Among the must-visit attractions are the Kraton (Royal Palace) and the famous Borobudur and Prambanan temples.

A visit to Yogyakarta offers a unique opportunity to delve into the captivating world of Javanese culture and history. The Kraton Yogyakarta tour allows you to experience the grandeur of the royal palace and witness the timeless traditions of the Javanese court. The Borobudur-Prambanan tour takes you on a journey through ancient architecture, where you can immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Embark on these unforgettable tours and create lasting memories of Yogyakarta’s cultural treasures.

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Semeru Mountain

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Mount Semeru is the highest mountain in Java and arguably the most popular in Indonesia. But please note for those of you who are going to climb the mountain for the first time, Semeru is quite difficult to climb especially if you want to get to the top. Most hikers, especially beginners, usually stop at Ranu Kumbolo, a lake and the most famous camp site on the mountain area before continue for semeru trekking program.

Gede Mountain

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The Mount Gede’s location in West Java makes it a very popular hiking spot for mountain lovers in Jakarta and West Java. Moreover, the scenery on this mountain is very beautiful, especially in Suryakencana Square where you can see a beautiful savanna field decorated with magical edelweiss flowers. Since the terrain is quite difficult, it is highly recommended for beginners to go with friends who have climbed Mount Gede before or with an experienced companions.

Bromo Mountain

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Mount Bromo is arguably the easiest mountain to climb among the others on this list. Understandably, most of the journey can indeed be taken by jeep, and the rest is a combination of climbing on sand and stairs up to the lip of the Bromo crater. The majority of travelers visit Mount Bromo to see the sunrise and return home after hiking to the top of Mount Bromo.

Ijen Mountain

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Next best hikes spots in Indonesia is the Mount Ijen. The mountain, more famous for its unique crater, are getting popular in recent years. Thanks to its famous blue fire, the number of tourists coming and hiking to Mount Ijen has been growing rapidly. Climbing to the top of Ijen Crater is also relatively not too difficult with a distance of about 3 km and a travel time of about 2 hours. Even so, make sure you prepare physically before climbing this mountain!

Prau Mountain

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Mount Prau is famous as one of the mountains where hiking is suitable for beginner climbers. This is because Mount Prau is not too high (2,565 meters above sea level) but has a view that is no less beautiful than the mountains that are higher than it. Moreover, Mount Prau is located right near the Dieng Plateau, which is also one of the favourite of natural tourism in Central Java. Also from the top of Prau, you can have a beautiful view of Mount Sumbing and Mount Sindoro.

Sumbing Mountain

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For you to know, Prau is the third highest mountain in Java Island. Mount Sumbing is an option for mountain lovers in Central Java who want more challenging track than the Mount Prau. The travel time to the summit is quite long, around 8-9 hours. Even so, the natural beauty that is displayed at the top will pay for your fatigue after hours of climbing.

Papandayan Mountain

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Similar to Mount Prau, Mount Papandayan is also a mountain known as a hiking spot for beginner climbers. With an altitude not much different from Prau, the hiking trails in Papandayan are arguably easier and less strenuous than the other mountains on this list. Even so, don’t underestimate the charm of the scenery that Papandayan offers, especially its iconic Dead Forest. Guaranteed to make novice climbers addicted to hiking up the mountain again.

Rinjani Mountain

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Off the island of Java, Mount Rinjani is located on the island of Lombok, and it is the second highest volcano in Indonesia. The most famous part of Rinjani is of course the view of the beautiful Segara Anak area, which provides a unique sensation compared to views on other mountains. Along with Mount Batur, Mount Sewu and Ciletuh-Palabuhanratu Earth Park, Rinjani is on the UNESCO Global Geoparks list, as an exceptional geological site that is very important to protect.

Batur Mountain

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Mount Batur is an active volcano on Bali Island, and it is one of the tourist’s favorite natural attractions in Bali as well. The mountain is an ideal hiking spot for tourists who want to see the natural beauty of Bali besides its beaches. The mountain is also quite friendly for beginners, as the hiking time to get to the top is only about 2 hours. Hence, many tourists visit this place during their vacation.

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Indonesia tourist visa requirements for Danish citizens

To apply for an Indonesia tourist visa from Denmark, you will need to gather the following documents:

1. Passport: Your original passport or travel document from your country, which should have a validity of at least 6 months from the date of travel. It should also have at least 2 visa pages that are clear of any markings.
2. Travel Proof: You must provide round-trip flight reservations for your destination. An onward ticket, which is a flight reservation made by a legitimate travel agency, can be beneficial for visa applications or if you plan to enter a country without purchasing a return flight. You can obtain verifiable one-way, round trip, and multi-city flight bookings specifically for visa purposes.

Applying for Indonesia Tourist Visa on Arrival from Denmark

The process of obtaining an Indonesia tourist visa on arrival for Danish citizens is straightforward and uncomplicated. By following these six steps and ensuring you have the necessary documents, Danish travelers can expect a smooth entry into Indonesia. It’s important to note that immigration authorities may request additional documentation or information as deemed necessary. Therefore, it is advised to have all the required documents and information readily available for presentation to the immigration officers upon arrival in Indonesia.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents needed for an Indonesia tourist visa, including your passport and any other supporting documents required by Indonesian authorities. If your documents are in a language other than English, they will need to be translated.

Step 2: Verify Valid Passport

Check that your Danish passport has a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay in Indonesia. If it does not meet this requirement, apply for a new Danish passport. Additionally, ensure that your passport has at least one blank page for visa stamps.

Step 3: Arrival

Upon arrival in Indonesia, proceed to the immigration counter to initiate the immigration clearance process. Make sure you have all the required documents readily accessible.

Step 4: Document Submission

Submit your passport to the immigration officer at the designated counter. You may be asked to provide proof of return or onward travel, as well as evidence of sufficient financial means to support your stay in Indonesia.

Step 5: Payment of Visa Fees

After submitting your application, you will be required to pay the visa application fee. The visa fee can be paid online using a credit card or debit card. Please note that the visa application fee is non-refundable, so carefully review your application and supporting documents before submitting them.

Step 6: Visa Approval

The processing time for the visa application is typically a few hours unless there is a long queue. During this time, your passport will be reviewed by an immigration officer. If your application is approved, you will receive your visa.

Important: It is always recommended to double-check the official Embassy of Denmark in Indonesia or consulate websites for the most up-to-date and accurate visa information before making any travel arrangements to Indonesia.

Visa Fee and Duration

Danish travelers will need to pay a visa fee upon arrival. The fee may vary, but it is typically USD 35 for a 30-day visa. The visa can be extended for an additional 30 days by visiting the local immigration office in Indonesia.

Tips for Applying for An Indonesia Tourist Visa

Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when applying for an Indonesia tourist visa:

1. Passport Validity: Ensure that your Denmark passport has at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry to Indonesia.
2. Carry Essential Documents: Always carry your Denmark passport, visa, and other important travel documents with you while in Indonesia.
3. Check Entry Requirements: Check the entry and exit requirements for Indonesia, including any COVID-19 restrictions or quarantine requirements.
4. Sufficient Funds: Make sure you have enough funds to support your trip in Indonesia and be prepared to show proof of financial capability if requested.
5. Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses, accidents, and trip cancellation or interruption while in Indonesia.
6. Accommodation Booking: Book accommodations in advance to avoid the hassle of finding a place to stay upon arrival in Indonesia.
7. Weather Considerations: Research the weather conditions in Indonesia and pack appropriate clothing and gear for your trip.
8. Beware of Scams: Be aware of scams and tourist traps, especially when dealing with street vendors or taxi drivers in Indonesia.
9. Stay Connected: Consider using a prepaid SIM card or eSIM to stay connected during your trip in Indonesia.
10. Respect Local Culture: Respect the local culture and traditions, and dress appropriately when visiting temples or religious sites in Indonesia.
11. Health and Hygiene: Be mindful of your health and hygiene, especially when trying street food or visiting crowded areas in Indonesia.

Disclaimer

The information about Indonesia tourist visa on arrival for Danish citizens is a general guidance only. Authentic-Indonesia cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information presented on this website or any linked websites. Rules and regulations are subject to frequent changes, and even official websites may contain outdated information.

The information provided on this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. Users of Authentic-Indonesia acknowledge and agree to use the information at their own risk, understanding that they are solely responsible for any decisions made based on the provided information. Authentic-Indonesia reserves the right to modify, update, or remove any information on the website at any time without prior notice.

Additional Information

Check out also the momondo’s Denpasar Guide for more travel inspiration.

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Indonesia itself has 54 national parks spreaded from Sumatra to Papua. Six of those 54 national parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, nine national parks are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Moreover, five national parks are wetlands that are internationally protected by the Ramsar Convention. Also, as many as nine national parks are dominated by water. Here are 10 best Indonesia National Park that you can visit for various purposes such as research, education or tourist destination.

1. Lorentz National Park in Papua

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Lorentz National Park is the main tourist attraction in Papua besides Raja Ampat. Lorentz National Park has a total area of 25,050 square km. It is stretched from the top of Jayawijaya Mountain (famous with its eternal snow) to the Arafura sea waters.

In Lorentz National Park, there are many types of vegetation and animals found nowhere else. In fact, Lorentz National Park is dubbed as the most complete national park in the Asia Pacific.

2. Kerinci Seblat National Park in Sumatra

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Kerinci Seblat National Park is the largest national park in Sumatra. It consists of the Bukit Barisan Mountains which has the highest plateau region in Sumatra. This national park also has hot springs, rivers, caves, caldera lake and waterfall which is the highest in Southeast Asia. This national park is a legacy of tropical rain forests in Sumatra. The diversity of flora and fauna inhabiting the park makes the Kerinci Seblat National Park designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The species found in this national park are very diverse, including the presence of Schneider Pitta, Salvadore and Sumatran Cochoa, which were thought to be extinct during the 20th century. More than 375 bird species have been recorded live here. This is also the most important location in Sumatra for the wild Sumatran Tiger. Other fauna include elephants, leopards, tapirs, sun bears and there are seven primate species.

3. Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan

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Tanjung Puting National Park is located on the peninsula of Central Kalimantan. This park has the largest orangutan conservation in the world with an estimated population of 30,000 to 40,000 orangutans scattered inside and outside of this national park. Moreover, the Tanjung Puting National Park is also a biosphere reserve with an area of 415.040 ha.

Holding the national park and the biosphere reserve status, the preservation of Tanjung Puting is highly maintained and one of the best tourist attractions in Indonesia. In Tanjung Puting National Park, the guest can see directly the orangutan’s natural habitat in the wild.

4. Way Kambas National Park in Lampung

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Indonesia is indeed rich in animal and biological diversity, so it is not surprising that in Indonesia there are many National Parks that have the main function to maintain the presence of animals and plants and to make sure they remain sustainable in their original habitat. One of them is the Way Kambas National Park in East Lampung Regency, Lampung Province, which is designated as the ASEAN Heritage Park.

Way Kambas National Park which was established in 1985, is the first elephant school in Indonesia. With the initial name of Elephant Training Center (PLG), but since the last few years the name has changed to the Elephant Conservation Center (PKG) which is expected to be an elephant conservation center for domestication, training, breeding and conservation. Until now the PKG has trained around 300 elephants that have been distributed throughout the country.

5. Wasur National Park in Papua

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Wasur National Park is part of the largest wetlands in Papua and the atmosphere there is very natural. The wetlands in this national park are the most productive ecosystems in providing food and protection for the lives of various types of fish, shrimp and crabs that have high economic value.

According to Agency Researchers from the World Natural Reserve (WWF), they found around 390 species of birds in the Wasur National Park, Merauke Regency, Papua. In the national park, there are also about 80 species of mammals, 20 of them which are endemic.

6. Wakatobi National Park in Southeast Sulawesi

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Wakatobi National Park is one of the biggest national parks in Indonesia, recognized worldwide and has a fascinating underwater paradise. It is located in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. The area is around 1,390,000 hectares and has marine biodiversity which occupy the highest priority position of marine conservation in Indonesia. At this time, Wakatobi National Park is the world’s underwater research center.

The distinctive feature of Wakatobi National Park is a group of coral reefs that can be found along hundreds of kilometres of the coastline, where there are also underwater caves in several places along the reef. Moreover, Wakatobi National Park is also famous for the diversity of beautiful and charming marine life.

7. Cendrawasih Bay National Park in Papua

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Another beautiful Indonesia national park is located in Papua Island called the Cendrawasih Bay National Park. The area of this national park reaches 14,535 square kilometers, with 90 percent of its territory dominated by water.

Cendrawasih Bay National Park is in West Papua Province and covers several islands which are Mioswaar, Nusrowi, Roon, Rumberpon and Yoon. There are more than 500 types of coral and 950 species of reef fishes live there. In Cendrawasih Bay National Park, tourists can also do diving to meet the whale sharks.

8. Sebangau National Park in Central Kalimantan

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Sebangau National Park is a nature conservation area owned by Central Kalimantan Province government. The park is flanked by several rivers and some of them are Sebangau River and Katingan Rivers. Another one is the Koran River which has black water. This color is not a result of waste, but from the tannins in peat swamps.

Sebangau National Park is a peat forest land which covers three regions in Central Kalimantan which are the Palangkaraya City, Katingan Regency and Pulang Pisau Regency.

9. Baluran National Park in East Java

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Want to have vacation in vast savanna with views of animals that roam in the wild? Then visit Baluran National Park in Banyuwangi District, East Java. It has vast savanna view called Savana Bengkol and often referred to as Little Affrica in Java.

Baluran National Park has an area of 25,000 ha and for Savana Bekol itself has an area of approximately 300 ha with views of Mount Baluran behind it.

10. Bukit Tigapuluh National Park in Riau

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Bukit Tigapuluh National Park holds valuable extraordinary flora and fauna. Inside the park, there are about 660 species of plants, 246 of which are medicinal plants which are often used by local residents. A total of 550 species are endangered species that have been recorded, collected and maintained. The rare species include the rimau fungus (rafflessia hasselti), jernang (daemonorops draco), pulai (alstonia scholaris), red gum (palaguyum sopi), jelutung (dyeracosculata) and many more.

In addition, in this national park area there are also nibung trees (oncosperm tigilarium), a type of wild palm, like areca trees, which are specifically classified as the palmae tribe. For the people of Riau, the Nibung tree has its own meaning, which is a symbol of the spirit of unity and brotherhood of the Riau people.

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Almost every city in Indonesia has its own museum. In fact, some of the museums are successfully chosen as the most favorite museum according to TripAdvisor choice. Here are 10 best Indonesia museums to visit.

1. National Museum

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The National Museum or the Elephant Museum is one of the best museums in Indonesia, located on Jalan Merdeka Barat, Jakarta. This museum is the first museum in Indonesia and also the Largest Museum in Southeast Asia.

The museum which was founded in 1778 keeps many ancient objects from all over Indonesia such as ancient statues, inscriptions, ancient objects, handicraft items which categorized into ethnography, bronze, ceramics, textiles, numismatics, historical relics and other valuable objects.

Usually every weekend from morning to afternoon there are always activities in this museum such as learning traditional dance, batik or fairy tale performances in collaboration with the famous Teater Koma (Koma Theater).

2. Danar Hadi Batik Museum

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The Danar Hadi Batik Museum which is also called the House of Danar Hadi is a batik-themed heritage tourism complex located in Solo, Central Java Province. The museum was founded by a batik company from Solo, PT. Batik Danar Hadi in 2008 specializing in batik and its cultural aspects as its main tourist attraction.

Other than Danar Hadi Batik Museum, there is also the Danar Hadi Ancient Batik Museum in the complex area. The museum keeps at least 10,000 pieces of batik clothes and is recognized by MURI (Indonesian Record Museum) as the museum with the largest collection of batik in Indonesia.

3. Indonesian Museum Bank Indonesia

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The Indonesian Museum Bank Indonesia is also one of the best museums in Indonesia that you must visit. It is located in West Jakarta and part of cultural heritage legacy from De Javasche with neo-classical genre.

In this museum, you can get to know information about the role of Bank Indonesia in the history of the nation that began before the arrival of the western nation in Indonesia until the formation of Bank Indonesia in 1953.

4. House of Sampoerna Museum

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House of Sampoerna Museum is one of popular museums in Indonesia that stands elegantly in the city of Surabaya. Located in Taman Sampoerna 6, Surabaya City, East Java Province, the museum was founded by the Liem Seeng Tee family, the founder of H.M Sampoerna Company. This museum is one of the best museums in Indonesia for tourists. As the name suggests, the House of Sampoerna Museum presents a variety of information as well as the history of the clove cigarette branded H.M Sampoerna and the owner family tree.

5. Neka Art Museum

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The Neka Art Museum is also one of Indonesia best museum, located in Ubud, Bali. The museum which was founded in 1982 has Balinese architecture with international museum standards. Other than having artistic building shape, the way of displaying the painting inside the museum is well organized so it is very easy for visitors to understand and enjoy painting art. At Neka Art Museum there are at least 300 paintings are displayed by Indonesian and foreign painters.

6. Ullen Sentalu Museum

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Ullen Sentalu Museum is located in the Pakem area, Kaliurang, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Province. The museum displays a lot of art and culture stuff and life of the Mataram Dynasty nobles as well as a collection of various types of Indonesia batik.

In this museum you can find out how the Javanese ancestors made batik which has certain meaning in each style. In addition, the state of the museum which was built so well based on Javanese architecture style will make you feel like you are absorbed into the amazing ancient Javanese era.

7. Agung Rai Art Museum

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Agung Rai Museum is one of the fine arts museums in Bali that you should visit while on holiday in Bali. This place holds a large collection of paintings from well-known locals and foreigners painters.

Apart from being a museum, Agung Rai Museum of Art is also a center for visualization and performing arts and gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy permanent and temporary exhibitions by various artists, theater shows, dances, music, painting classes, bookstores, libraries, cultural workshops, seminar and training programs as well.

8. Pasifika Museum

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Pasifika Museum is an Art Museum located in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia. In this museum you can enjoy the Asian and Pacific cultures as well as various cultural artifacts. The museum which was founded in 2006 by Moetaryanto P and Philippe Augier offers many artistic items in which there are more than 600 arts masterpiece from more than 200 artists from around 25 countries.

9. Geologi Museum

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The Geology Museum which was founded on May 16, 1928 is also one of Indonesia best museum that you must visit while on vacation in the city of Bandung, West Java. In this Geology Museum, many fossils, rocks and minerals have been collected since 1850.

As a historical museum, the Geological Museum is under the protection of the government and is a historical heritage that is worth your visit.

10. Tsunami Aceh Museum

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The Aceh Tsunami Museum is another best Indonesia museum which was designed as a symbolic monument to the 2014 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami disaster as well as an education center and emergency shelter if a tsunami occurs again in the city of Aceh.

This museum was designed by an architect from Bandung. This museum is a four-story structure with an area of 2,500 square meters which the curved walls are covered with geometric reliefs. The walls of the museum are also decorated with pictures of people dancing Saman, a symbolic meaning to the strength, discipline and religious belief of the Acehnese people.

In this museum you can watch exhibitions including the electronic simulations of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and photographs of victims and stories told by survivors.

11. Angkut Museum

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Angkut Museum is one of modern tourist attractions in Malang with an area of approximately 3.8 hectares on the slopes of Mount Panderman, Batu District, Malang, Central Java. This museum is very unique because it has a complete collection of transportation facilities from all around the world.

The collections of this museum are some rare cars and motorcycles as well as many decades-old vehicles. This museum become one of the first museum attractions in Indonesia and even in Asia which has a collection of more than 300 units of antique, ancient and modern cars, both those with machines and without.

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For those of you who like to travel for the nature will definitely love the view of rice fields with terracing design. Luckily, Indonesia has rows of beautiful rice fields that are very interesting to visit. Here are some best Indonesia Rice Terraces for your reference.

1. Pergasingan Hill in Lombok

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Other than exotic beaches and the famous Gili Islands, Lombok has other destinations that are not less attractive for tourists. You can find the beautiful rice fields at the foot of Pergasingan Hill.

Located in Sembalun Village, Pergasingan Hill itself is a hill that arise around Mount Rinjani. Located 1,670 meters above sea level, Pergasingan offers a panoramic view of nature.

Even from the top of the hill, you can see the square shaped rice fields of Sembalun Village which are look colorful. This is due to farmers who grow a variety of crops there. Enjoying the beautiful rice fields scenery accompanied by a sunrise on the Peak of Pergasingan Hill, would certainly be an unforgettable experience.

2. Panyaweuyan Terraces in Majalengka

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The next beautiful rice terrace in Indonesia is the Panyaweuyan Terraces in Majalengka, West Java. Its panoramic view is also amazing. Panyaweuyan rice field which is located at the foot of Mount Ciremai has a variety of land heights, ranging from 400 meters to 2,000 meters above the sea level, with an angle of up to 25 to 40 degrees.

The contours of the terraced land make farmers in the surrounding areas use it for agriculture and plantations. Starting from planting sweet potatoes, onions, garlic and rice. The farmers deliberately shaped the rice field to avoid erosion.

3. Lodok Spider Web Ricefields in Flores

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Another unique rice fields you can find is in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) called the Londok rice fields. It resembles a spider’s web or often called Lodok by local residents. If you are curious for the scenery, you can come directly to Cancar Village, Ruteng District, Manggarai Regency, Flores, where this rice field is located.

Besides being unique, here you will also be spoiled with views of green hills, accompanied by cool atmosphere, suitable for those who want a moment of relaxation from dense activity. To see the beautiful scenery of spider-web rice terrace, you have to climb to the hill in Meler Village.

This rice field is deliberately formed as a unique spider web because it is associated with customary land management (Lingko). Lingko, as the system of land division, is a customary land that is owned communally to meet the common needs of indigenous peoples and the land distribution is carried out by the customary leader or Tu’a Teno.

4. Tegallalang Rice Terrace in Bali

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Tegallalang adds the collection of beautiful Indonesia rice terrace. Located in Ubud, Bali, you will be greeted by a stretch of green rice fields surrounded by towering coconut trees. Beautiful scenery, plus the cool atmosphere around will certainly provide a new memorable experience.

Because of its beauty, Sawah Tegalalang always crowded with local and foreigners tourists. For those who want to visit Tegallalang Rice Field, it takes around two hours drive from Denpasar.

5. Pariangan Rice Terrace in West Sumatra

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Pariangan Village in West Sumatra also has beautiful rice fields. The view offered in this place feels like heaven. Rice fields which are arranged beautifully and neatly as well as the green hills make this place so amazing. Located at an altitude of 500 to 700 meters above the sea level makes the air in Pariangan Village so cool.

6. Jatiluwih Rice Terrace in Bali

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Other than Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Bali also has other rice field that is no less beautiful located in Jatiluwih. Jatiluwih is a village that has a vast expanse of rice fields with a panoramic view of beautiful terraced rice fields located in the Penebel District, Tabanan Regency, Bali.

This village is famous as a tourist spot with the beauty of terraced rice fields using the traditional Balinese irrigation system. The beauty of the rice field has been recognized as one of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

7. Maninjau Lake Rice Terrace in West Sumatra

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Lake Maninjau is a volcanic lake at an altitude of 461.50 meters above the sea level. The area of the lake is about 99.5 km² and has a maximum depth of 495 meters. The basin was formed due to a mountain eruption called Sitinjau (according to local legend).

To reach the Lake Maninjau you will go through thrilling roads with many sharp turns. Along the way you will see beautiful view of terraced rice fields, green rows of Bukit Barisan and hordes of wild apes.

Arriving at Lake Maninjau you will be greeted by a soothing blue lake. The atmosphere around Maninjau Lake is still natural with verdant terraced rice paddy fields.

8. Tana Toraja Rice Terrace in South Sulawesi

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Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi is not only known for its collection of pre-historic tourist attractions. Here, you can also enjoy the impressive rice field terrace scenery. Located on the slopes of the mountains, the contours of the Tana Toraja Rice Terrace will offer visitors an amazing scenery. The appearance of Mount Sesean in the back adding the magnificent impression of Tana Toraja Rice Terrace.

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Indonesia is one of the countries known for their artistic and cultural wisdom. Indonesian art itself has many kinds, one of them is the Indonesian traditional music. Indonesia has a variety of traditional musical instruments from Sabang (western point of Indonesia) to Merauke (eastern point of Indonesia).

Indeed, some of those traditional musical instruments has been known worldwide. Here are 5 popular musical instruments of Indonesia.

1. Angklung

Credit: NegerikuIndonesia

Angklung is a traditional musical instrument originated from West Java. It is made of bamboo slats arranged accordingly, so that when vibrated or shaken it produces a sound that is so melodious and distinctive. Angklung must be played by many people to be able to produce a beautiful tone, because one angklung represents one musical scale.

Not only appreciated by Indonesian citizens, angklung has made many foreign tourists fall in love because of the uniqueness and the beauty of its voice. Many of them come to Indonesia and tried to learn traditional angklung instrument. No wonder that UNESCO then recognizes angklung as a World Cultural Heritage in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In 2011, angklung musical instrument once again scored an international achievement. The Guinness Book of World Records has set a world record for the harmony of angklung instruments. This achievement involved approximately five thousand participants from various nations in the world who played angklung together in Washington, United States. At that time they performed the song “We Are The World” by Michael Jackson.

2. Gamelan

Credit: Goblokku

Gamelan is a combination of musical instruments that features the xylophone, metallophones, drums and gongs. The musical rhythm of the gamelan is soft and distinctive. Similar to angklung instrument, gamelan must also be played together in a musical composition. Togetherness in playing the gamelan reflects harmony and collaboration.

Remarkably, several countries in the world insert Indonesian gamelan in their educational curriculum. The world’s top universities even make the gamelan as subject that students must comply. For example UCLA, the University of Minesota and the University of Michigan in the United States. Then in England, there are Cambridge University and the University of Manchester. Meanwhile in Singapore, gamelan is applied as a subject in elementary school, junior high school and senior high school level.

3. Sasando

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Sasando is a stringed instrument that is played by finger picking, produces beautiful and romantic musical melody. Sasando is from Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara. Sasando has a fairly unique shape resembling a shell with bamboo in the middle. Sasando produce a sound similar to a guitar, violin, harp, and other stringed musical instruments.

Sasando musical instrument was performed by Djitron Koriyon Pah from Indonesia during the Asia’s Got Talent event in 2015, until finally his performance lead Djitron and his family go around the world. Djitron has explored three continents while slowly introducing Indonesia traditional musical instruments on the world stage. Djitron has brought his Sasando to the United States, Russia, Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Finland, Germany and Taiwan.

4. Tifa

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Tifa is originated from eastern part of Indonesia (Papua and Maluku). Tifa is made of wood, shaped like a tube, and is played by hitting on the surface. This musical instrument is usually played during traditional ceremonies and musical performances, as well as traditional dances. Tifa is a type of musical instrument with only one sound, so Tifa can be the main sound and can be rhythm regulator when played with other musical instruments.

Tifa musical instruments in Papua and Maluku have different forms. In Papua, the middle part of the tifa is more curved and has a handle on the middle part. Tifa in Maluku is tubular and has no handles. Tifa divided into several types, which are Jekir, Potong, Dasar and Bass. The division of those types is distinguished from the color of the sound, so that when played together, they must be adjusted to the sound color and the function of each.

5. Kolintang

Credit: GpsWisataIndonesia

Kolintang or Kulintang is a musical instrument originating from North Sulawesi. Kolintang is made of wood which is arranged and played by hitting the wood surface. It has existed since ancient times used by the community to accompany traditional rituals associated with the ancestor spirits. Kolintang is widely known in the Minahasa community and often played on traditional dances and music event.

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In Indonesia, there are more than 300 types of traditional dances. Among them, we have summarized 10 popular Indonesia traditional dances and here they are:

1. Reog Ponorogo

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Reog is one of the cultural arts that originated from East Java and Ponorogo is considered as the real city where Reog come from. The city gate of Ponorogo is decorated by “warok” and “gemblak”, two figures who were present when the Reog dance performed. Reog Dance is one of the regional cultures in Indonesia that is still very thick with mystical things. Reog is also very entertaining for tourists who come to Indonesia and it has become one of the most popular Indonesian dances.

2. Kecak

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Kecak or Ketjak or Ketjack is a typical Balinese art performance that was created in the 1930s and is performed mainly by men. This dance is performed by many (dozens or more) male dancers who sit in a circle and in a certain rhythm shout “cak” while raising both of their arms. This act illustrate the Ramayana story when a group of Apes assist Rama against Rahwana.

The male dancers who sit up in a circle wearing checkered cloth like a chessboard wrapped around their waists. Beside them, there are also other dancers who play as Ramayana figures such as Rama, Shinta, Rahwana, Hanoman and Sugriwa.

However, Kecak is thought originally come from Sanghyang ritual. The ritual is part of dance tradition where the dancer will be in an unconscious condition when communicating with God or the spirits of the ancestors and then conveying their hopes to the public.

3. Jaipong

Credit: EsacPotpal

Jaipong dance or often referred to as “Jaipongan” is a traditional dance displaying a type of dance and music that refers to the richness of Indonesia art, especially the West Java Province. Jaipong dance was discovered by Gugum Gumbira, an artist from Bandung, around the 1960s.

Jaipongan is a dance used by the community to mingle, therefore this dance is also called the Sundanese Society dance. This dance is growing and developing until finally it can be accepted by the public and popular in the eyes of the public since the 1970s.

The distinctive features of Jaipong are simple and natural dances, performed spontaneously, and this dance shows cheerfulness, erotic, humorous and of course full of spirit. These can be seen directly from the show. Although this dance is categorized as “new”, this dance has become an official dance from West Java that has been frequently performed when welcoming guests from foreign countries.

4. Serimpi

Credit: Youtube

Serimpi Dance is a classical dance of Yogyakarta Palace which is performed by several elegant female dancers. Slow and gentle movements indicate the courtesy and gentleness of the palace culture.

Serimpi has existed since the heyday of the Mataram Kingdom during the reign of Sultan Agung. Initially this dance is categorized mystical and only performed at the Yogyakarta Palace for state events and the commemoration of the Sultan’s throne.

Serimpi dancers were chosen by the Royal family. After the kingdom of Mataram splitted into two, which were the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, the dance began to experience changes in terms of movements. But the meaning of this dance is the same, to display politeness and gentleness. At the moment, this dance is performed to welcome guests and cultural events.

5. Barong

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Barong Dance is a Balinese dance originating from pre-Hindu cultural treasures. This dance illustrates the struggle between virtue (dharma) and sleaze (adharma). The virtue entity is performed by Barong, a dancer in a four-legged animal costume, while the sleaze entity is played by Rangda, a creepy figure with two pointed fangs in his mouth.

There are several types of Barong dance commonly displayed on the island of Bali, which are, the Barong Ket, Barong Bangkal (pig), Barong Macan and Barong Landung. However, among them only the Barong Ket or Barong Keket is more preferred as tourist attraction because of the complete costumes and dances.

Barong Dance narrate the battle between Barong and Rangda which is complemented by other supporting figures such as Monkey (Barong’s best friend), Dewi Kunti, Sadewa (Dewi Kunti’s child) and the Rangda’s followers.

6. Piring

Credit: Twitter

This dance is called Piring (Plate) Dance because the use of plates in the dance movements. Initially, the Piring Dance which is originated from Minangkabau, West Sumatra, was performed by men and women to bring offerings to the God as an expression of gratitude for the abundant harvest.

The uniqueness of this dance lies in the fast movements of the dancers with plates in their hands that don’t fall, no matter how difficult the dance movements are. The dancers start moving when the talempong and saloang instruments are sounded.

7. Saman

Credit: MakalahIrfan

Saman dance is already well known in the world. The UNESCO has designated this Aceh’s regional dance as the ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ in 2011. The Saman Dance originates from the Gayo Tribe. This dance is to commemorate the important days of traditional Acehnese people or to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

Reputedly, the Saman Dance was developed by Syekh Saman, a cleric from Gayo in Southeast Aceh. The Saman dance is performed by a group of dancers of an odd number. The uniqueness of this dance lies in the sound that comes from the movements of the dancers’ hands.

8. Pendet

Credit: Wikipedia

The Pendet was originally a worship dance performed mostly at the Temple, a place of worship for Hindus in Bali. This dance symbolizes the welcoming of God descendants to the natural world. This dance was created by I Wayan Rindi. He is a dance maestro known widely as a composer of sacred Pendet dances performed in temples at every religious ceremony. Now, the Pendet Dance can also performed as welcoming dance.

Gradually, over the times, Balinese artists changed Pendet into a “welcome dance”, although it still have some sacred-religious elements. This Balinese traditional dance until now has become a mandatory spectacle for tourists visiting the island.

9. Leleng

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Originally from East Kalimantan, Leleng Dance tells about a girl who was forcibly married by her parents. Then the girl chose to run away from home and escaped into the forest. The hallmark of this traditional dance is the colorful costumes and feather accessories on the hands.

10. Gambyong

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Gambyong dance which is originally from Central Java displays graceful and beautiful movements. The circular movements, back and forth, moving the head, and playing the shawl, philosophically illustrate the beauty and tenderness of Javanese women. Gambyong dance can be performed for the needs of welcoming honored guests.

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Here are some of unique experiences in Indonesia that you can encounter while having holidays in this beautiful country.

1. Meet the Komodo Dragon

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Komodo is an ancient species that is only found on five islands in Indonesia. Four of them are part of the Komodo National Park area which are the Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Gili Bontang and Gili Dasami. While the fifth island is Flores.

The Komodos live and roam freely in their natural habitat. On those island, tourists will encounter an unforgettable wildlife experience where they come face to face with the largest lizard in the world. Not only the Komodo, visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery, natural forests, hills as well as expansive coastlines in Komodo National Park.

2. Swim in A Lake Full of Jellyfish

Credit: Genpi

Kakaban Lake is located in East Kalimantan Province. Here, tourists can swim with millions of jellyfish from at least four different species. Don’t be afraid to swim with the jellyfish as they don’t sting.

This lake is formed in an unusual way, where the salt water is trapped in the lake. this typical living conditions have caused species to evolve in a certain way, so that all the jellyfish is stingless, some swim upside down and also some don’t have tentacles. Another unique thing is that the island is also covered by dense mangrove forest with colorful sponges developing under the roots.

3. Volcano Safari

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Indonesia is located in the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, one of the most active volcanoes location on the planet. In terms of quantity, Indonesia alone has around 13% of the world’s volcanoes.

For adventurous nature lovers, this means plenty of opportunities to do Indonesia volcano safari throughout the archipelago. Some of the most popular ones among the climbers are Mount Rinjani in Lombok, Mount Ijen in East Java, Mount Batur in Bali and Mount Bromo in East Java.

Moreover, active volcanoes have their own appeal among climbers because of the amazing crater views such as those on Mount Ijen, where blue fire phenomenon can be observed at night.

4. Dive in A Coral Triangle

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Eastern part of Indonesia is known as the center of the Coral Triangle, one of the largest marine biodiversity centers on the planet. Dubbed as the “Amazon of the seas”, this vast area holds more than 75 percent of the world’s coral species, as well as more than 2,000 species of fish.

For sea adventurers, this place is an amazing spot to enjoy a diverse marine ecosystem. There are many ways to enjoy the marine life from diving, snorkeling, swimming or relaxing at the beach resorts. Raja Ampat in Papua, in particular is one of the ‘richest’ places in the Coral Triangle Area.

5. Join Traditional Workshop

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Indonesians are eager to share their skills and knowledge with tourists. In many cities, tourists can find a place to learn Indonesia’s traditional products, such as batik, silver jewelry, traditional food, ceramics and many other.

For example Ubud Village in Bali, is a popular place to learn traditional art. Plaza Ngasem in Jogja is also a great place to learn making batik, paint on t-shirts and make face silhouettes. A one-day class is a great way for tourists to try various activities and encounter possible unique experiences in Indonesia that they never been have before.

6. Find The Biggest Flower in The World

Credit: WorldOfFloweringPlants

Indonesia is home to several rare and beautiful species, including the Rafflesia Arnoldii. This largest flower in the world can only be found in two habitats, which are the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.

Although it has the ability to grow more than 10 kilograms, Rafflesia Arnoldii is a parasitic plant that gets nutrients from its host plant. When Rafflesia Arnoldii in blooms, it emits a strong odor of rotten flesh to attract pollinating insects. That is why this flower gets the nickname of ‘corpse flower’. Even so, explorers, scientists and even tourists have traveled through the Indonesian rainforest to find this species in bloom.

7. Learn About Tana Toraja Burial Ritual

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The death ritual of Tana Toraja community is truly fascinating. Every funeral procession, a warm party is held, with at least eight buffaloes and 50 pigs slaughtered. The animal is made offerings before the body is taken to a towering cave to be stored.

Once a year, the family will bring the bodies of their loved ones to home, bathed and dressed, then carry them around the city as if they were still alive. Some lucky tourists have even witnessed a corpse walking on its own. It’s an impressive sight, especially with the background of the towering burial place and the mountain views.

8. Meet the Orangutan

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Other unique experiences in Indonesia you can explore is to visit the orangutan. Human-like primates can only be found in the rain forests of Borneo and Sumatra. Tourists can learn and meet face-to-face with adorable orangutans, but are currently endangered, in Tanjung Puting National Park. There, they are protected in their natural environment. The park also has many other primate species, which cannot be seen anywhere else.

The Tanjung Puting National Park is the world’s largest wildlife sanctuary for orangutans with an estimated population of 30,000 to 40,000 orangutans. The designation of this area as a wildlife reserve is to protect the habitat of endangered orangutans. The biggest threats that can damage the ecosystem and habitat of these rare primates include large-scale deforestation and illegal forest exploitation.

9. Visit The Biggest Buddhist Temple in the World

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The Borobudur in Central Java become the largest Buddhist Temple in the world and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. The Borobudur Temple is also part of the seven wonders of the world.

This large 8th century temple complex is a blend of religion, culture and historical beauty. Borobudur is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world and has thousands of statues depicting the life story of the Buddha. The monument is located in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java, at the center of the island of Java.

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One of the beauty and uniqueness of Indonesia when compared to other countries is that Indonesia has some unique villages that are very thick in culture and very tempting to visit. Some of them are the Wae Rebo Village in Flores and the Baduy Village in Banten.

Those villages are two of the many unique villages in Indonesia. Most unique villages in Indonesia still retain cultural values and some still even reject the technology that has changed everything now. Most of Indonesia unique villages still maintain their traditional style. Therefore, these villages then become tourist attractions for locals and even foreigners.

To satisfy your curiosity of any unique villages in Indonesia, we have summarized 5 Indonesia unique villages that exist in some parts of the country.

1. Wae Rebo Village

Credit: Inclovermag

The first unique village to exist in Indonesia and popular worldwide is the Wae Rebo Village located in Satarmase sub-district, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. In this village there are at least seven conical main houses with the same height and diameter. Each house can be inhabited by 6 to 8 families.

The scenery of the environment around the village is stunning. The expanse of mountains and the green nature are nice things you can enjoy everyday. The location and existence of this circular cone house make Wae Rebo a perfect traditional village.

2. Penglipuran Village

Credit: RentalMobilBali

Bali is indeed a very famous island and many tourists around the world recognize its beauty. Well, other than the beautiful beaches, it turns out that Bali also has a unique village called Penglipuran Village, located in Bangli Regency. Moreover, this village is touted as the cleanest village on this island of the Gods.

This tourist village is indeed not so big. The area of this village is only 112 hectares with 9 hectares of it being used for settlement. The air and the situation of this village are still natural and thick with Balinese culture. Balinese architecture houses lined on the left and right of the road. Trees, grasses and colorful flowers also seemed to flourish. As far as the eye can see, there is only beauty. In fact, this village is free of motorized vehicles.

3. Baduy Village

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Turning a little to Java Island precisely in Banten Province, there is a unique village that is very thick in traditional culture. It is called the Baduy Village. This village is inhabited by the Baduy Tribe. Moreover, the Baduy Village is divided into two which are the Badui Luar (Outer Baduy) and the Badui Dalam (Inner Baduy). For those of you who want to come to this village can directly go to Ciboleger Village which is the entrance to the Baduy Tribe settlement.

For those of you who like photography and are eager to take pictures from Baduy Village, you should prepare your stamina. It is because from the Ciboleger Village you have to trekking to the Outer Baduy and Inner Baduy settlements for about five hours. The journey is indeed tiring, but along the way you can enjoy the cool air and the enchanting hills.

Arriving in the Baduy settlement, you can see their houses made of bamboo and neatly arranged. The river that flows in this settlement is also very clear, because the Baduy people really appreciate nature. Of the several river spots, they use only one for daily life.

Meanwhile another river can be enjoyed by the surrounding community and tourists who come. The forest is also well preserved because the Baduy people always maintain cleanliness and don’t do activities that can ruin the forest.

4. Trunyan Village

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Trunyan is a very unique village located in Bangli Regency, Bali. If other villages have a beauty value, then Trunyam village is actually the opposite. This village is said to be a unique village because of the unusual culture and customs that are still well maintained in this village.

The green scenery in this village is complemented by the abundance of human skulls scattered everywhere. Scary certainly, but this is what makes Trunyan unique. This village has a grave on the east side of Lake Batur. Here, the body is not buried. The corpse is laid on the ground until it start to rot. This tradition is different from the majority of other Balinese who do the Ngaben ceremony when someone dies.

5. Kete Kesu Village

Credit: DenmasDeni

Other Indonesia unique village is the Kete Kesu Villagers. Almost same as Trunyan Village in Bali, Kete Kesu Village which is located in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, has also an unusual tradition to treat corpses. People in this tourist village have a belief that burying human remains on a rock cliff is a good thing. So don’t be surprised if you see skulls strewn on various sides of cliffs in Kete Kesu area. The unique culture and traditions of Tana Toraja attracts many tourists from all parts of the world.

Kete Kesu Villagers have two methods of burial. First, the bodies can be placed in rock mountains and natural caves and the second, the bodies are placed in house grave or in Toraja language is called “patane”. While on vacation to this village, you can see the Toraja coffin called “erong”. The shape is symbolized by the genitals or the head of animals. Most of these erong have reached 500 years old.

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