Must-Do Activities in Indonesia

1. Temple Visits in Bali

For peaceful mornings and cultural connection

Temples in Bali are more than just buildings — they’re spiritual, calm, and perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting to explore local culture.

Recommended Temples:

• Tanah Lot – Built on a rock by the sea. Best visited during sunset.

• Ulun Danu Beratan – Floating temple on Lake Beratan.

• Lempuyang Temple (Heaven’s Gate) – Famous for its split gates and Mount Agung view.

• Tirta Empul – Temple known for holy spring water bathing.

What to know: Carry a sarong or rent one at the gate. Dress modestly. Entry fees range from Rp 20,000 to Rp 60,000.

2. Nusa Penida Day Trip

Nusa Penida is a small island near Bali that offers dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches, and great viewpoints. It’s ideal for couples and photo lovers.

Must-see spots:

• Kelingking Beach – Viewpoint shaped like a T-Rex.

• Broken Beach – Circular bay with a natural bridge.

• Angel’s Billabong – Natural infinity pool.

• Crystal Bay – Good for swimming and snorkeling.

Access: 45-minute speedboat from Bali. Many tours include hotel pickup and guide.

3. Beach Experiences

Indonesia has thousands of beaches. Some are for swimming, others for surfing, and many are simply for enjoying a peaceful walk.

💡 Tip: Most beaches are free to access. Bring sunblock and sandals.

4. Bali Swings & Rice Terraces

Bali swings are very popular for honeymooners. These large jungle swings let you fly over rice fields and valleys.

Where to go:

• Bali Swing (Ubud) – The original and most famous

• Uma Pakel – Swing plus Luwak coffee tasting

• Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Beautiful rice fields you can walk through

These spots often charge a photo entry fee (Rp 100,000–150,000 per person).

5. Cooking Class and Food Experiences

Trying new food is a big part of travel. In Bali, you can take a cooking class and learn to make famous dishes like:

• Nasi Goreng (fried rice)

• Satay (grilled skewers)

• Mie Goreng (fried noodles)

• Balinese curry

Classes usually start with a local market visit, followed by a cooking session and lunch.

Best areas for cooking classes: Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu.

6. Cultural Dance Performances

Evening shows full of music and meaning

If you’re interested in Balinese traditions, cultural shows are a must.

Popular Performances:

• Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple

• Legong Dance at Ubud Palace

• Barong Dance (storytelling through dance and music)

Most shows start between 6 PM and 7 PM. Entry fee is usually Rp 100,000–150,000.

7. Trekking to Volcanoes

For sunrise, challenge, and fresh air

Indonesia is home to many volcanoes — and some of them are safe and popular for hiking.

Popular volcano treks:

• Mount Batur – Easy sunrise trek in Bali. Takes 1.5–2 hours to reach the top.

• Mount Ijen – Known for blue fire and sulfur lake (East Java).

• Mount Rinjani – Tougher multi-day trek in Lombok.

Always go with a local guide and wear proper trekking shoes.

8. Island Hopping

From Bali to Gili to Komodo

If you have extra days, island hopping is a great way to see more of Indonesia.

Suggested Routes:

• Bali → Nusa Penida → Gili Islands

• Labuan Bajo → Komodo → Padar Island

• Lombok → Sumbawa → Moyo Island

Boats, ferries, and tours are available from most popular hubs.

9. Snorkeling and Diving

Underwater fun for beginners and pros

Indonesia has some of the world’s best dive sites, especially in the Coral Triangle area.

Top spots:

• Gili Trawangan – Swim with turtles

• Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida – Clear water and coral

• Komodo National Park – Manta rays and rare fish

• Raja Ampat – For advanced divers

Snorkeling trips are available even for beginners. Gear is usually included in tour prices.

10. Romantic Dinners and Floating Breakfasts

Perfect for honeymooners

Bali is famous for romantic dining experiences:

• Beachfront candlelight dinner at Jimbaran

• Clifftop sunset meals in Uluwatu

• Private in-villa dining setups

• Floating breakfasts served in your pool villa

These are perfect for couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary.

Bonus: Attend a Local Festival

If you’re lucky, your visit may match with a Balinese festival like Nyepi (Day of Silence) or Galungan. These are deeply spiritual and offer a unique cultural experience.

Summary Table – Activities by Interest

Activity Type

Best For

Locations

Temples

Culture, photos

Bali, Yogyakarta

Beaches

Relaxation, sunsets

Bali, Lombok, Gili

Adventure

Trekking, swings

Bali, Java, Lombok

Romance

Honeymooners

Bali, Nusa Dua

Culture

Dances, villages

Ubud, Uluwatu

Water Activities

Snorkeling, diving

Gili, Komodo, Raja Ampat

1. What are the top 5 must-do activities in Indonesia?

Temple visits, island hopping, snorkeling, Bali swings, and volcano trekking are among the top 5 things to do.

2. What activities are best for honeymoon couples in Indonesia?

Candlelight dinners, floating breakfasts, Bali swing photos, beach walks, and Nusa Penida trips are great for couples.

3. Is the Bali Swing safe?

Yes, Bali swings are safe and secured with harnesses. Most operators also have staff to guide you.

4. How do I get to Nusa Penida from Bali?

You can take a 30–45-minute speedboat ride from Sanur port. Boats leave daily in the morning and return by afternoon.

5. Can beginners try snorkeling in Indonesia?

Absolutely! Places like Gili Islands and Nusa Lembongan are beginner-friendly and offer guided trips.

6. Do I need special clothes for temple visits?

Yes, dress modestly. You must cover your knees and shoulders. Sarongs are usually provided at the entrance.

7. Are cooking classes available in English?

Yes, most cooking classes in Bali are conducted in English and cater to international tourists.

8. How much does a volcano trek cost?

A Mount Batur sunrise trek costs around Rp 300,000–500,000 per person, including guide and transport.

9. Is it safe to trek to Mount Batur or Mount Ijen?

Yes, these treks are popular and considered safe when done with local guides.

10. Are adventure activities like rafting and ATV rides beginner-friendly?

Yes, most adventure sports in Bali are designed for all skill levels, including beginners.

11. Can I book these activities in advance?

Yes, you can book tours online or through your travel agent before arriving in Indonesia.

12. What’s the best time to do outdoor activities in Indonesia?

April to October is the dry season and ideal for outdoor and water activities.

13. Is island hopping expensive in Indonesia?

No, local ferries and speedboats are affordable. Day tours often include meals and guide support.

14. Are romantic dinners included in honeymoon packages?

Some Bali honeymoon packages include romantic dinners. Others can be added as extras.

15. What kind of wildlife can I see in Komodo National Park?

You can see Komodo dragons, manta rays, colorful fish, and coral reefs.

16. Are there entrance fees for temples and dance shows?

Yes, entrance tickets range from Rp 20,000 to Rp 150,000 depending on the location or event.

17. Can we visit rice terraces for free?

Some rice terraces like Tegalalang charge a small entrance fee (Rp 15,000–25,000).

18. Do I need to be fit for volcano hikes?

Basic fitness is enough for Mount Batur. Longer treks like Mount Rinjani require more stamina.

19. Can children join these activities?

Yes, many activities are family-friendly, but age limits may apply for swings and trekking.

20. Will my guide speak English?

Most licensed guides in tourist areas speak good English and are used to helping international visitors.