Top 5 cities to Visit in Indonesia (Travel Guide 2025)
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the largest island and largest archipelago in the world, a nd it is also one of the most culturally rich countries. Indonesia is home to some of the most diverse travel experiences in Southeast Asia, including the skyscrapers of Jakarta, the temples of Yogyakarta, the beaches of Bali, and much more.
In this guide, you will find the top 5 must-see cities in Indonesia, along with the answers to frequently asked questions such as the most beautiful, largest, and most visited cities in the country.
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Which Are the 5 Most Popular Tourist Cities in Indonesia?
With countless captivating destinations, Indonesia presents the following top 5 Cities and Regions that best showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and tourism potential.
Jakarta – The Biggest City in Indonesia
What’s the reason for the visit? Jakarta is the largest city in Indonesia and the center of the country’s economy and culture. Tourists can visit the National Monuments (Monas), the one and only Kota Tua (Old Town Jakarta), a modern, fresh, open-air (Indonesian) food street, and enjoy wonderful shopping in developed malls.
- Travel Tip: As a starting point for many international visitors, Jakarta serves as a gateway to the rest of Indonesia.
Bali – The Most Visited City in Indonesia.
Why visit? The Island of the Gods remains the most visited part of the country. Most visitors head to Kuta Beach, the rice terraces of Ubud, and the Tanah Lot and Uluwatu temples.
- Cultural Note: Bali is modern and tourist-friendly, but different from the rest of Indonesia, it still preserves its Hindu culture.
Yogyakarta – The Cultural Capital
Why Visit? Also called Jogja, Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur and Prambanan temples, which are both UNESCO heritage sites. The region is also known for batik, wayang, and gamelan.
- Local Insight: Yogyakarta is the soul of Java, not only for its traditional culture, but also for its connection to the sultanate.
Bandung – The Paris of Java
Why visit? Surrounded by mountains, this city is a beautiful mix of high fashion, hot springs, and the great outdoors. The cool weather, Euro-style streets, and proximity to Kawah Putih (White Crater) are also great features of the city.
- Traveler’s Tip: Bandung is a well-known weekend getaway since it’s only a short drive from Jakarta.
Komodo Island – Home of the Dragons
Why visit? This is the only place on earth where you can see the Komodo Dragon in the wild. The other islands have world-class diving, pink sand beaches, and stunning scenery.
- Travel FAQ: How far is Komodo Island from Bali?
Komodo Island is approximately 400km (250mi) east of Bali, which is typically traversed in a 1-hour flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo and then a boat transfer.
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Which City is the Most Beautiful in Indonesia?
Beauty is subjective; however, many travelers say that Ubud (Bali) and Raja Ampat (West Papua) are at the top of the list:
- Ubud: Famous for its rice terraces, yoga retreats, and spiritual ambiance.
- Raja Ampat: This area is known for its coral reefs and is the most beautiful diving spot in Indonesia with crystal-clear waters.
What is the Most Visited Place in Indonesia?
Bali is the most visited place in Indonesia, with millions of international tourists every year. Its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks create a global hotspot.
What are the 5 Big Cities in Indonesia?
Indonesia’s largest and most developed cities, in order of population, are:
Jakarta – The largest city in Indonesia and the capital. Financial hub of the country.
Surabaya – The second-largest city. Known as the City of Heroes.
Bandung – The educational and cultural capital of the region.
Medan – The gateway to the world’s largest volcanic lake, Lake Toba.
Makassar – A port city that links the eastern and the western parts of the country.
Which Part of Indonesia is Most Beautiful?
Regarded as the most beautiful part for natural beauty, Eastern Indonesia (Raja Ampat, Lombok, Gili Islands, and Flores) features beautiful, unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, and volcanic hills.
For cultural beauty, it is hard to overlook Central Java and Yogyakarta with their temples, palaces, and traditional arts.
It’s beautiful here too, and these cities are worth visiting:
- Ubud – Known for yoga and wellness retreats, it is the cultural center of Bali.
- Gili Islands – The calm, car-free islands of Lombok.
- Lombok – The less crowded alternative to Bali.
- Raja Ampat – A diver’s and photographer’s paradise.
- Batam – A popular stop for visitors from Singapore.
- Lake Toba (Medan) – Stunning volcanic lake with Batak culture.
- Tana Toraja – Known for unique funeral traditions.