Points of interest Indonesia: Tourism & Monuments

Practical information : Sightseeing Indonesia

Timetable

Tourist attractions, whether beaches, temples or natural sites, can have varying opening hours. Most are open every day, but their hours can change according to the season and weather conditions. Museums in Indonesia are generally open from 9am to 5pm or 8am to 4pm. Most are open every day of the week, except on certain national holidays. In the case of national parks, opening hours are often specific, generally from 7am to 6pm.

Public and religious holidays are calculated according to the different religious calendars (Muslim, Chinese, Hindu, Gregorian). The dates are therefore not fixed from one year to the next.

january 1st. New Year's Day.

january 29, 2025, February 17, 2026. Chinese New Year (Imlek).

february 18. Isra and Mi'raj, commemoration of a night journey by the Prophet Muhammad.

march 29, 2025, March 19, 2026. Hindu Day of Silence (Nyepi). In Bali, on the day of "Nyepi" ("to be alone"), everything is closed. It's a Hindu holiday (New Year) when no one works. There's no electricity and you can't leave your house. It's a day of prayer. The Indonesian word for New Year is "Tahun Baru".

april 7th. Good Friday.

march 30, 2025, March 19, 2026. Eid al-Fitr, fast-breaking holiday celebrated by Muslims.

may 1st. Labor Day.

may 29, 2025, May 14, 2026. Ascension Day.

june 1st. Anniversary of the proclamation of the Pancasila. Official events, ceremonies, speeches and community activities are organized.

may 12, 2025, May 1, 2026. Buddha Awakening Day (Waisak).

For Ramadan, dates are flexible. Lebaran or Idul Fitri is celebrated at the end of Ramadan for two days. These are days of great transhumance, so take care on the roads. Idul Adha commemorates the day when Abraham sacrificed a goat rather than his son Isaac. On this day, you'll see goats frolicking around many of the archipelago's towns.

june 6, 2025, May 26, 2026. Eid al-Adha, one of the main Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world, commemorating the sacrifice of Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) according to Islamic tradition.

july 19. Islamic New Year.

august 17. Independence Day (Hari Merdeka).

september 28. Prophet Mohammed's birthday.

december 25. Christmas Day.

Cultural and artistic events are countless and often magnificent. For the exact dates of local events, get hold of the Calendar of Events, available from all tourist offices and the Indonesian Embassy in Paris, or consult the Jakarta Post, Jakarta Kini or Hello Bali. The Ramadan period is a little trickier for tourists on the islands of Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Many restaurants are closed during the day and fully booked in the evening. Public transport is even more crowded at dusk, and some government offices are slow... The further east you go in the archipelago, the less this will be the case. Make your own arrangements, but don't let this discourage you in the least. Ramadan is also a time for sharing, and you may be lucky enough to be invited to break your fast and enjoy the kindness of Indonesian families.

To be booked

In Indonesia, advance booking is highly recommended, if not necessary, for certain popular tourist destinations. Among these, the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in Java attract large numbers of visitors, justifying advance booking, especially during peak tourist season and festivals. The Gili Islands also require advance booking for accommodation, boat trips and activities. Similarly, the island of Komodo requires reservations for guided boat tours. Diving enthusiasts should also plan ahead to explore Raja Ampat's seabed due to high demand. In addition, traditional Kecak dance performances in Uluwatu and sunrises on Mount Bromo in Java are popular experiences, which should be booked in advance.

We strongly recommend booking ferry tickets two to three weeks in advance. This is crucial to guarantee a place on board, especially if the intention is to explore the surrounding islands. For train tickets, it's best to book at least a week in advance (ideally two weeks in high season).

Budget & Tips

Various tourist sites and museums offer discounts for students, senior citizens and children. National parks such as Komodo and Bunaken have entrance fees, plus additional costs for activities such as diving. Boat trips to the Gili Islands, Komodo and other destinations vary in price, depending on the type of boat, meals included and length of stay. As for cultural visits, temples are modestly priced at around Rp 20,000. Museums, meanwhile, charge around Rp10,000 for entry, but beware, tickets for major tourist sites like Borobudur and Prambanan can quickly put a dent in your budget (Rp652,500 for the two temples combined).

Mountain hikes generally cost 1,000,000 Rp per person. For extended multi-night trips, rates start from Rp 2,000,000 per person. Take, for example, a 4-day, 3-night, all-inclusive trip to Mount Ijen and Bromo, which fetches Rp 4 million for two people. A definite investment, but one that offers breathtaking views to boot.

Finally, surfing lessons are usually priced at Rp 500,000 for half a day, including board hire, instruction, transport and snacks.

Main events

Indonesia celebrates its cultural and spiritual richness with a wide range of events throughout the year. Here are just a few of the notable events and periods:

Nyepi (Day of Silence): Every year, the island of Bali celebrates Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, with an entire day dedicated to silence, meditation and reflection. During this period, public activities, including travel and flights, are restricted to allow locals to devote themselves to spiritual practices. The precise date of Nyepi depends on the Hindu calendar, offering visitors a unique and profound experience at the heart of Balinese culture.

Bali Arts Festival : From June to July, Bali comes alive with the Arts Festival, showcasing the island's rich culture. Dance performances, music and exhibitions of traditional crafts captivate visitors. With events taking place all over the island, the festival offers a total immersion in Balinese art and creativity, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world.

Indonesian Independence Day : On August 17, Indonesia proudly celebrates its Independence Day, commemorating the country's liberation from colonial rule. Patriotic parades, official ceremonies and a festive atmosphere spread across the country, creating a sense of national unity and attachment to Indonesia's rich history.

Galungan and Kuningan: Galungan festivities, rooted in Hindu tradition, symbolize the victory of good over evil. This celebration is followed by Kuningan, ten days later, marking the end of the festivities with offerings to the ancestors. In Bali, these unique rituals add a spiritual dimension to the visitor's cultural experience.

Tana Toraja funeral rites : The funeral rites of Tana Toraja, Sulawesi, are marked by elaborate ceremonies and traditional dances. Combining religious aspects with local customs, these rituals offer a fascinating insight into the complex relationship between life and death in this community.

Barong dance ceremony in Ubud: In Ubud, Bali, the Barong dance ceremony offers a captivating experience featuring this mythological creature, a symbol of the forces of good. Visitors can immerse themselves in Balinese art and spirituality through this artistic performance.

Komodo Dragon Festival : In March, the island of Komodo attracts wildlife enthusiasts with its Dragon Festival. Celebrating Komodo's iconic dragons, the event features special activities, exhibitions and festivities, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore this natural wonder.

Vesak Day in Yogyakarta : The Vesak Day festival at Borobudur temple, near Yogyakarta, is eagerly awaited. Buddhists honor the birth, enlightenment and death of the founder of their religion with lights, prayers and lanterns. Thousands of paper lanterns light up the sky, creating an absolutely magical spectacle.

Guided tours

If the idea of setting off on an adventure without the precious assistance of an agency appeals to you, you should know that you can always find a local guide on site. Note that these guides often speak neither French nor English. In most cultural tourist sites, private guides offer their services at the entrance, offering guided tours for a few rupees. Before committing yourself, take the time to talk briefly with them to check their level of English. Please note that city tours are not very common outside major cities such as Jakarta and Yogyakarta (Good Guide offers good itineraries). In destinations less popular with tourists, it is sometimes possible to find non-accredited local guides. These can help you explore the surrounding area, often in their own vehicles, or even by becak. A wiser alternative would be to use the services of a French agency established in Indonesia. You'll benefit from the assistance of experienced, French-speaking local guides. These travel agencies generally offer support in the event of problems during the trip, which can be particularly reassuring. These agencies know the country like the back of their hand, and will take care of all the logistical details, from booking accommodation and transport, to guided tours and even meals. So you can concentrate fully on discovering Indonesia without worrying about organization. And while many itineraries are pre-planned, some agencies also give you the chance to customize your trip to suit your own wishes and preferences. A welcome flexibility, while benefiting from their expertise and organization.

Smokers

Indonesia, which has one of the highest smoking rates in the world, with around 69 million smokers in 2021, takes the podium alongside giants such as China and India. Despite a decade of government attempts to curb this all-consuming passion, the implementation of anti-smoking policies has met with mixed success. In 2012, the government issued regulations providing for the creation of local smoke-free zones, but by 2018, only 345 of 514 districts had adopted these laws. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to people under the age of 18. Although Indonesia has issued a formal ban on smoking in public places such as tourist attractions, hospitals, temples and public transport, its enforcement seems to be largely ignored. Public transport and children's facilities are also non-smoking areas. Travelers may bring up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco, plus a reasonable amount of perfume per adult.

Tourist traps

Beware of unauthorized guides who often solicit commissions and fees for unsolicited services. These guides have a habit of leading you to places such as stores, restaurants or venues they recommend as being "more interesting" than your initial choices.

They may also pretend that certain places are closed or out of service in order to direct you to preferential alternatives in exchange for commissions. In Jakarta, beware of the fake tour guides common at the National Monument, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and Kota Tua, among others. In crowded places, especially markets(pasars), be sure to protect your handbag and valuables, as pickpocketing is commonplace.

What's very local

To visit the temples, a respectful attitude and appropriate dress, generally consisting of a sarong and belt (often available for hire or included in the ticket price), are the only requirements. Bathing suits may be tolerated on tourist beaches, but more sober attire is recommended outside these areas. Avoid clothing that is too short or revealing, and bear in mind local standards of modesty.

If you're thinking of buying a batik, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the appropriate patterns before making your purchase. Some patterns, such as the "Parang" pattern characterized by its twisted oval shape, are specifically reserved for the royal families of Yogyakarta. For example, the "Parang rusak" pattern can be worn by anyone outside the kraton (palace), but inside is reserved exclusively for the royal family. Some designs, such as the "Parang rusak barong", are intended only for the king or crown prince.

Tourist Attractions & Monuments Indonesia

Map of top points of interest Indonesia

BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

NATIONAL MUSEUM (GEDUNG GAJAH)

MOOKILAND PARK BALI

PURI SAREN AGUNG UBUD - ROYAL PALACE OF UBUD

OFFICE DE TOURISME CANDIDASA

ARMA - AGUNG RAI MUSEUM OF ART

PURA TAMAN AYUN

SACRED MONKEY FOREST

PURA TANAH LOT

WATER PALACE

PRAMBANAN TEMPLES

PURA LUHUR ULUWATU

KUTA BEACH

SALUOPA WATERFALLS

KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

MONT BATUR

PUPUAN TO BLIMBING ROAD

PASIFIKA MUSEUM

SALT FLOWER HARVEST

NICK TOURS

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