Places to Visit in Indonesia: Bandung, Bali, Padang, Medan and More

Indonesia is close, flights are often affordable, and the language is easy for Malaysians to follow. From the outlet malls of Bandung to the temples of Yogyakarta and the beaches of Lombok, each island offers something different. This guide lists places to visit in Indonesia by region, with practical tips on halal food and what food you can bring.

Places to visit in Indonesia: Java

Bandung

Bandung in West Java is known for factory outlets, cafes and cooler weather, because it sits in the highlands. North of the city, Lembang and the Tangkuban Perahu volcanic crater draw plenty of visitors. Avoid driving around on weekend afternoons, because Bandung’s roads are often jammed.

Kawah Putih, Ciwidey

Kawah Putih is a pale green volcanic crater lake south of Bandung. The view is unusual and great for photos. Go in the morning, because mist and rain are more common in the afternoon.

Yogyakarta: Malioboro and the Kraton

Yogyakarta, or Jogja, is the centre of Javanese culture, with the Kraton palace still home to the sultan. Malioboro Street is popular for batik and souvenirs. Try gudeg, a local Jogja dish that is easy to find at stalls around the city.

Borobudur and Prambanan

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and Prambanan is a grand Hindu temple complex. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and can be visited from Yogyakarta. Many visitors go to Borobudur early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.

Places to visit in Indonesia: Sumatra

Padang and Bukittinggi, West Sumatra

Padang is the gateway to West Sumatra and the home of nasi padang and rendang. Most visitors head straight up to Bukittinggi in the highlands to see the Jam Gadang clock tower and the Ngarai Sianok canyon. The drive from Padang to Bukittinggi takes a few hours, so plan at least one night there.

Medan and Lake Toba

Medan is the largest city in Sumatra, with Maimun Palace and the Al-Mashun Great Mosque as its landmarks. Many travellers use Medan as the starting point for Lake Toba, a huge volcanic lake with Samosir Island in the middle. The trip to Lake Toba is long, so staying a night by the lake is more comfortable.

Places to visit in Indonesia near Johor: Batam

Batam for a weekend break

Batam in the Riau Islands is close to Singapore and Johor and can be reached by ferry. Malaysians go there for seafood, shopping and spas at reasonable prices. It suits a two or three day break.

Places to visit in Indonesia: Bali and Lombok

Ubud, Bali

Ubud in central Bali is known for its rice terraces, art and village feel. It suits travellers who want somewhere quieter than the beach areas. Bali is mostly Hindu, so check a restaurant’s halal status before you eat.

Tanah Lot and Uluwatu

Tanah Lot is a temple on a rock by the sea, while Uluwatu sits on a high cliff above the Indian Ocean. Both look their best at sunset. Arrive early, because these areas get crowded by late afternoon.

Lombok and the Gili Islands

Lombok lies east of Bali and most of its people are Muslim, so halal food is easier to find than in Bali. The Gili Islands off Lombok are known for clear water for snorkelling, while Mount Rinjani draws hikers. Lombok suits travellers who want beaches without the Bali crowds.

Halal food in Indonesia

Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, so halal food is easy to find in Java, Sumatra, Batam and Lombok. Mosques and prayer rooms are everywhere too, including in malls and stations. Bali is the main exception because most of its people are Hindu, but Muslim restaurants and nasi padang stalls can still be found in the tourist areas.

Food to bring to Indonesia

Under Law No. 21 of 2019 on Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine (Article 33), anyone bringing animal, fish or plant products into Indonesia must carry a health certificate from the country of origin, enter through a designated entry point, and report the items to a quarantine officer. Passenger items that do not meet the requirements must be thrown into quarantine bins (Article 54).

Home-packed meat dishes have no health certificate, so they risk being confiscated. Halal food is also easy to buy in most of Indonesia anyway.

• Do not bring chicken or meat dishes, including rendang and serunding.
• You can consider retort white rice, biscuits and dry snacks, especially for long journeys or remote areas.
• Fish and prawn based products fall under the same quarantine law. Declare them at the counter if you are unsure.

Tips for the places to visit in Indonesia

1. Pick one island or region for a short trip. The islands are far apart and need domestic flights.
2. The dry season in most of Indonesia usually runs from around April to October, which is better for beaches and hiking.
3. Use a local e-hailing app for clearer fares.
4. Carry cash in rupiah for stalls and markets.
5. In Bali, save Muslim restaurants on your map before you head out.

For packing, read our travel packing tips, the travel food guide and the rules on bringing food on a plane.

FAQ about places to visit in Indonesia