1. Relax in Bali



Bali is probably the most famous of Indonesia’s islands. Although often crowded with travelers, there is no escaping the fact that this place is beautiful. Try some surfing at Bingin Beach or visit the Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple, which is a truly stunning building. Make sure you see some traditional Balinese dancing in Ubud.

2. Dive in Gili Islands



For a true sense of an island paradise, head to the Gili Islands. You’ll find excellent scuba and snorkel facilities as well as great nightlife on Gili Trawangan. These islands are super popular with backpackers.

3. Amaze Yourself in Borobudur




Borobudur is a huge Buddhist temple complex dating from the 9th century. As you walk up to the top, you can see reliefs meant to highlight Buddhist teachings. It is said you can’t move on to the top until you discovered the meaning of each relief.

4. See Komodo Dragons



The subject of more nature documentaries than any other lizard, the Komodo dragon is a force to be reckoned with. Komodo National Park, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is the only place to see the world’s largest lizard in the wild.

5. Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park



Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park covers a total of 800 square kilometers at the center of East Java. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life. The easiest way to get here is from Probolinggo, through the village of Ngadisari. A number of tour operators also run guided trips through the park.