9 Instagrammable Places to Visit in Indonesia That Aren’t in Bali

Escape the Bali crowds for these beautiful places in Indonesia instead!

Bali is a popular favourite when it comes to travelling in Indonesia, and for good reason. But if you’d like to take Instagram-worthy photos without battling the crowds, the solution is simple, explore different places!

With over 18,000 islands, gorgeous scenery in Indonesia is aplenty. From floral spots to breathtaking volcanoes, here are 9 photogenic places to check out in Indonesia.

 

1) Romantic Garden Bantul, Yogyakarta

Photo credit: @erlintopia via Instagram

 

Instead of visiting mainstream flower fields in Bali, get your fix of wanderlusty photos at Romantic Garden Bantul. Although the garden is small, it’s filled with a variety of loud and cheery flowers to brighten your Instagram feed. 

Even better, there are other sunflower gardens you can check out nearby!

Entrance fee: Rp8,000
Opening hours: 7AM – 5:30PM (Mon – Fri), 6AM – 6PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: Jl. Lintas Sel., Wonoroto, Gadingsari, Sanden, Bantul, Yogyakarta 55763, Indonesia

 

2) Borobudur Candi Temple, Yogyakarta

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

With 72 openwork stupas (bell-shaped structures), Borobudur Candi Temple is one of the top attractions in Yogyakarta. The best shots are taken at sunrise or sunset, when golden rays of light shine on the temple and its surrounding landscapes.

Crowds can come as early as 4:30AM to snag the best spots for sunrise. However, sunset views are just as spectacular — and there are lesser people!

Cost: From Rp339,500 (~US$25)
Opening hours: 6AM – 5PM
Address: Jl. Badrawati, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

 

3) Lake Toba, North Sumatra

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Imagine a stunning lake that’s twice the size of Singapore — that’s Lake Toba! It’s the largest volcanic lake in the world, created over 74,000 years ago.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Lake Toba is from Taman Simalem Resort. Thanks to its location and elevation, it’s the perfect photo spot, especially during sunrise.

 

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

You can also find other lovely attractions nearby. This includes One Tree Hill lookout (located within the resort), and Air Terjun Sipiso-piso, the tallest plunge waterfall in Indonesia.

Cost: From Rp2,000,000/night
Address: Jl. Raya Merek No.KM, RW.9, Kodon-Kodon, Merek, Kabupaten Karo, Sumatera Utara 22173, Indonesia

 

4) Padar Island

Photo credit: Richard Silver

 

This beautiful island within Komodo National Park has arguably one of the best viewpoints in Indonesia. With rugged landscapes and pristine blue waters, this island is an Instagrammer’s dream.

The best time to visit is between April and November, during the dry months. Padar Island will be covered in various shades of brown and orange.

Entrance fee: Rp. 150,000
How to get there: From Labuan Bajo, hire a private charter or sign up for a boat tour

 

5) Mount Bromo, East Java

Photo credit: @hello_nidia via Instagram

 

There are plenty of magnificent views in Indonesia, but many of them come with a short hike or trek! 

At Mount Bromo, hike to the observation deck at King Kong Hill. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the mountain. Visit at sunrise for the best shots!

Entrance fee: From Rp 350,000 for a sunrise tour of Mount Bromo
Tour timing: 12:15AM – 1PM
Pick up: At various Malang areas or hotels

 

6) Pianemo Island, Raja Ampat

Photo credit: MAIDO.id

 

Island paradise doesn’t just exist in Bali. Holding 75% of the world’s coral species, the Raja Ampat Islands is just as amazing!

One of its islands, Pianemo, is best known for rock islets standing amongst clear, turquoise waters. You’ll have to climb up to the Piaynemo Lookout to get this view, but it’s worth the effort! 

How to get there: From Sorong, take a two-hour ferry or a 15-minute connecting flight to Waisai in Raja Ampat. Then, hire a private boat driver or take a tour to Pianemo Island

 

7) Kelimutu Crater Lakes, Flores Island

Photo credit: @filippo_cesarini via Instagram

 

These lakes at the peak of Mount Kelimutu are mysterious as their colours change all the time. While they’re usually blue or green, the lakes occasionally turn reddish-brown, white, or even black. This naturally occurring phenomenon is great for photo hunters who want a shot that’s unlike any other!

How to get there: Take a flight into Maumere. From there, drive 4hrs to Moni, the closest town to the lakes. Then, hike 45mins up to the peak

*Pro-tip: Stay the night in Kelimutu Crater Lake Ecolodge, and set off early the next day to catch the sunrise at the peak!

 

8) Orchid Forest Cikole, Bandung

Photo credit: @warmanwardhani via Instagram

 

This forest looks like something out of a fantasy movie. With illuminated sky bridges and low-lying fog, it’s perfect for that mystical forest aesthetic. 

Aside from gorgeous evening shots, this attraction in Lembang Highland houses over 20,000 orchid species, as well as outdoor activities like archery and flying fox.

Entrance fee: Rp100,000
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Address: Genteng, Cikole, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40391, Indonesia

 

9) Kete Kesu, South Sulawesi

Photo credit: @uhammadd.aldiii via Instagram

 

Strike a pose in front of this traditional village in the Tana Toraja region. Aside from taking photos that look like you’re in a different world, you’ll get to learn more about a fascinating culture that’s unique to the indigenous Torajan people.

How to get there: From Makassar, take an 8hr bus ride

 

If you’re tired of the same old #BeachLife shots, it’s time to venture outside of Bali. There are tons of Instammable places to visit in Indonesia — you just need to know where to look, and go!

For UOB Indonesia Cardmembers get up to 10% cashback on all accommodation bookings with Booking.com from now till 18 April 2021. If you’re spending Rp2,000,000 or more, book with Traveloka from now till 31 August 2021 and you’ll get to enjoy a special installment plan.

If you’re wondering what to do after taking that Insta-worthy shot, check out more fun experiences on KKday around Indonesia.

*Pro-tip: UOB Cardmembers can score up to 7% off KKday activities with promo code <KKUOB7> (for new users), or <KKUOB5> (for existing users). Valid till 31 July 2021.

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