20 Reasons You Should Visit Indonesia ASAP!

Indonesia is an incredible country -- Bali, specifically is an amazing place for people to visit if they are looking for a spiritual recharge or a way to disconnect from daily life for a minute and reconnect to what's truly important in life - slowing down, listening inward to what we TRULY want out of life and taking care of oneself mentally and physically. Bali is one of the places in the world (and in Indonesia) where there is a very high concentration of such wellness retreats, making it a great reason to visit.

Contributors: Nathania Stambouli from SoulPlay Yoga & Fitness Retreats

Raja Ampat has four times the diversity of the Caribbean.

At a time when coral reefs are vanishing and remote destinations are becoming increasingly accessible, Indonesia's Raja Ampat archipelago is still relatively unknown, despite boasting white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and a thriving reef system-one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the more than 1,400 islands and islets is an otherworldly tropical paradise, where an abundance of life thrives below the surface, including more than 1,300 species of fish, five species of rare and endangered sea turtles, and 75% of all known species of coral-more than 600.

Contributors: Katya d'Angelo from Boundless Journeys

I never thought I would enjoy diving until I joined my first fun dive on the Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia. This is highly recommended since you can dive with so many fishes, turtles and if you are really lucky, even sharks. One of the best diving spots in the world is Labuan Bajo, Flores. Here you can dive with Manta Rays, sharks, and more.

Contributors: Contributors: Matt Kiefer from Hostelgeeks Media

Once in Indonesia, I recommend visiting Labuan Bajo and take a cruise over to Komodo National Park. Here you visit the world famous Komodo Dragons. Scary and impressive at the same time. The journey takes you along turquoise colored waters and an unreal landscape.

Contributors: Contributors: Matt Kiefer from Hostelgeeks Media

The hottest, ultra-exclusive event of the summer is debuting September 1 in Bali, Indonesia.

The Mulia's ode-to-summer pool party, will set the world-class standard for daytime lifestyle partying. Featuring an acclaimed roster of international DJ's and top-tier entertainment (Fergie is already set to perform, with additional headlining artists to be announced in the upcoming weeks), extravagant dancers, decor, food and drink.

The Mulia's End of Summer Party  will be brimming with VIP clientele and the who's who of Hollywood. Located beachfront on the white-sand Nusa Dua beach, The Mulia is a one of the world's must luxurious properties offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, oceanfront pools and extravagant suites. To learn more about the biggest pool party of the season.

Contributors: Dorie Pagnano from J Public Relations

Couples can join in a Balinese full moon ceremony with worshippers at The Oberoi Bali's authentic Hindu temple. Dressed in Balinese sarongs, guests will receive a traditional Sanskrit blessing for health and prosperity from a Pemangku (Hindu priest), accompanied by flower offerings.

Contributors: Ilana Maurer from Lou Hammond Group

Indonesia is HUGE and as you can imagine every island is unique. Yet, they have one thing in common: The landscape is gorgeous, beautiful, breathtaking. Head over to Labuan Bajo, Komodo Island, Lombok, Bali, Borneo...whatever island you choose, you will love it!

Contributors: Contributors: Matt Kiefer from Hostelgeeks Media

In many tourist spots around Indonesia, you will find nowadays wonderful, high-end hostels. In Kuta, Bali you can stay at Bread&Jam Hostel, in Ubud you have the The Onion Collective, in Canggu there is the The Farm Hostel we love.

But not just Bali has amazing hostels. Head over to Lombok, the neighboring island of Bali. On the Gili Islands you can enjoy the resort of Captain Coconut or jump from the towers in the Pool at Gili Castle or Gili Mansion.

Last but not least, combine your adventure of Komodo National Park with a stay at the best Hostel in Flores: Dragon Dive Komodo Hostel. Here you can learn how to dive, take a dip in the pool, eat yummy pizza and enjoy a premium hostel at its best.

Contributors: Contributors: Matt Kiefer from Hostelgeeks Media

Tangkuban Perahu is a volcano on the periphery of Bandung in West Java. You can drive up it and have a breathtaking view over the giant crater. A trekking tour in a magical forest area takes you to the hot springs of Tangkuban Perahu. There the locals serve freshly laid eggs that you can cook in the (boiling) hot springs.

Contributors: Melanie Marten from The Coup

Catching a Balinese dance show was top of my list of things not to miss in Ubud. Balinese dance comes in many different styles and the one I was most interested in was Legong. Legong is performed solely by young women who study for years to perfect the astounding technique. Every eye movement and finger twitch is particular to that exact moment in the dance. Which is incredible to think about because the dancers are in constant movement from beginning to end. It was a performance unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Contributors: Amanda Johnson from Kid on the Road

Our Homestay host, Wira of Ary House, is a master painter in the traditional Balinese style. His paintings are detailed and depict scenes from everyday life and characters in Hindu legends. Wira offers lessons to his guests for a small fee and my husband was eager to learn from him. In turn, my husband taught Wira how to use Instagram to gain more of a following for his art in social media. If you have the chance, stay with locals to get a richly layered travel experience.

Contributors: Amanda Johnson from Kid on the Road

Many people are looking for white beaches during their travels, and Indonesia has pink beaches! It has even more than one known pink beach. Even though they are not easy to reach, it is totally worth it to see the pink sand in person.

Contributors: Anna from La Travelista

Just 25 minutes outside of Ubud, Bali, the Tegallalang Rice Terrace are lush, tiered fields nestled into the hills of a tropical forest. From the road all you can see are palm trees, but once you approach the edge, this agricultural cradle opens up. With multiple paths through the fields, visitors can walk through the terraces, meet local farmers and inspect the intricate art and science of how rice is grown in Indonesia.

Contributors: Vita Zakhu from My Walk in the World

The colors of the fishes and corals on Flores Island are amazing and really unique. Thousand of colors and species will blow your mind. It is home to Manta rays, turtles, colorful fishes. The underwater is still well preserved, as tourism is still new on the Island.

If you plan to dive, please bear in mind that the currents can be strong and very changeable. It is a spot that is recommended for experienced divers.

Contributors: Anna from La Travelista

The people of Ubud are amongst the friendliest I've met in all my travels! It's also the place I've felt safest as a solo female traveler. The primary religion in the area is Balinese Hinduism, and the area is very culturally rich; you'll spot religious ceremonies and temples throughout Ubud. You can also meet with and watch local artisans as they work (the bone carvers are fascinating). The Ubud monkey forest is a unique spot for photo opps and is something every adventurous traveler should experience at least once! The jungles of Ubud are also not to be missed!

Contributors: Erin Clarkson from SandSunAndMessyBuns

I've been through Sumatra and Java and there are so many great things to experience on those two islands, and they show the incredible diversity that Indonesia offers in terms of food, culture and natural environment. Plus there are thousands more worth exploring.

• Java offers Yogyakarta with the great Prambanan and Borobudur temples nearby, plus it's a great cultural centre.
• There's also Bromo Volcano which is worth a visit.
• Semarang in Java is worth a look too.
• Palembang in Sumatra is called 'Little Bangkok' and is a great city to try some spicy Sumatran cuisine.
• In Sumatra, there are remains of the Sriwijaya empire everywhere worth visiting.

I've also found Indonesian people very friendly and welcoming and I've lost count how many times I've been stopped in the street because a local wanted to have a photo taken with me! I've also been invited to an Indonesian wedding as a guest!

Contributors: Anthony From The Travel Tart

Borobudur dates back to the 9th century and is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Borobudur has more than 2000 relief panels and over 500 Buddhist statues. While it’s often crowded you can treat yourself to an amazing sunrise from the top of the temple in the morning before it gets busy.

Contributors: Caleb Backe from Maple Holistics

To observe water turtles laying their eggs during full moon on the Gili Islands, Lombok.

Contributors: Melanie Marten from The Coup

There are literally thousands of islands! If you ever wanted to drop off the grid? How long? It doesn’t matter because you can spend the rest of your life in these Islands. From the countless beaches to the beautiful terrain you really are in danger of getting lost forever.

Contributors: Caleb Backe from Maple Holistics

To visit the Pyramids of Chi, a healing centre for sound healing sessions in Ubud, Bali.

Contributors: Melanie Marten from The Coup