Ten Must-Visit Natural Destinations

With dozens of thousands of island within its archipelago, Indonesia has so many natural riches in the forms of mountains and marine life – both are similarly exciting to explore as each has its own wonderful characters to lure visitors all year long. Here are our picks for ten must-visit natural destinations for you : 

1. Raja Ampat and Cendrawasih Bay, Papua
  

                    Raja Ampat Bay                                                         Cendrawasih Bay              

Although both places boast breathtakingly beautiful underwater paradise, each has its own unique characteristics - Raja Ampat has diverse coral reefs with bursts of colorful fish, while Cendrawasih Bay keeps flocks of friendly whale sharks that will swim around fearlessly near you!

2. Tanjung Puting, Central Kalimantan

        Tanjung Puting
A sanctuary for the gentle intelligent orangutans, this national park is situated in the heart of the world’s tropical rainforest, where breaths of adventure are as dense as the gigantic trees. Plunge into Kalimantan’s deepest jungles with the abundance of mystery.

3. Krakatau, Lampung

  

                        Krakatau
Krakatau eruptions in the 6th and 19th century are marked in world history. The disasters inspired artist Edvard Munch to paint “The Scream”- in 2012 dubbed as world’s most expensive painting. This active volcano looming over Sunda Strait is one of Indonesia’s most infamous natural phenomena.

4. Ujung Kulon, Banten

 

                               Ujung Kulon
If Javanese Rhinos are not interesting enough to you because of their reserved nature, there are hundreds other endemic animals, lush tropical rainforests, and lined-up beaches along Indian Ocean waiting to be explored.

5. Anambas, Kepulauan Riau

                     Anambas

Dubbed by CNN as the best tropical island spot on 2012, this secluded string of islets is considerably difficult to reach- which is part of the charm. But once you get here, expect idyllic islands with pristine beaches to greatly amaze you.

6. Pulau Komodo, Nusa Tenggara Timur

                   Komodo Island 

The Komodo dragons are not the only main attraction of this island as there are various beaches around with enchanting underwater ecosystem. Enjoy the beauty of this island on a liveaboard as you once in a while stop to harbor at one of the wondrous little bays.

7. Danau Toba, Sumatera Utara

                      Danau Toba

One of world’s biggest lakes with compact natural scenery, discover the Sipiso-piso waterfall, Samosir Island, and peaceful farming villages around Berastagi – everything take part in adding to Lake Toba’s appealing beauty.

8. Kepulauan Kei, Maluku

 

                 Kepulauan Kei

As far as the eyes can see are sprawls of turquoise seas rimmed with soft-sanded beaches where grown waving palm trees– a sight that is out of this world. Kei is a new destination that has been getting a lot of attentions lately.

9. Derawan & Maratua, Kalimantan Timur

     
                       Derawan                                                               Maratua

The startlingly beautiful underwater wonders here have attracted world-class figures such as Prince William of England to come visit. The most sought-after local ‘residents’ are the green turtles that rampantly breed here.

10. Bromo, Semeru, Ijen, Jawa Timur

                        Bromo
 These three mountains are adjacent to one another, each offers different sensations. Bromo has its steppe and ancient culture, Semeru charms you with its peak - the highest in Java, while at Ijen you can explore the region’s one and only Arabica coffee plantation.

If you excited, you can come to Indonesia, and that is the best spot. :D