When you think of Indonesia, the first thing that comes to mind is probably its amazing diversity. The country is home to over 17,000 islands, and each one is packed with its own unique culture and attractions. From ancient temples and towering mountains to pristine beaches and lush rainforests, there are many famous landmarks in Indonesia.
If you’re looking to explore the best of the country, the following are some prominent sites and destinations that Indonesia is famous for.
Most Famous Landmark In Indonesia
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is the most famous Buddhist temple in Indonesia and the world’s largest Buddhist temple. The temple was built in the 9th century, and it is known for its striking carvings and ornate stupas. Borobudur is in Magelang, Central Java, near Yogyakarta.
orobudur Templefeatures a unique design, with three tiers of square terraces and a circular top tier. The temple is decorated with more than 500 Buddha statues. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important religious landmarks in Indonesia.
It was built between the eighth and ninth centuries AD, and is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Brobudur Temple houses more than 500 Buddha statues.
This ancient Buddhist temple is one of the most well-preserved in the world, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Jakarta, Indonesia Landmarks
Istana Negara
Istana Negara, also known as the State Palace, is the official residence of the president of Indonesia. Unsurprising, it is in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. The building is next to the Merdeka Palace.
Istana Negara was first constructed in 1796 by Jacob Andries van Braam as his own residence. Today, it also hosts official events and banquets, apart from being a residence.
Merdeka Square
Merdeka Square is a large public square in the center of Jakarta. It is often used for political rallies and demonstrations.
The name Merdeka Square means “Independence Square” in English, and it commemorates the proclamation of Indonesian independence on August 17th, 1945.
The square is also home to the National Monument, which pays tribute to the Indonesian national heroes who fought for independence.
Istiqlal Mosque
The Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Indonesia and the third-largest in the world. It was completed in 1978 and can accommodate up to 200,000 worshippers. The mosque features a large central dome, as well as four minarets. The name Istiqlal Mosque means “Independence Mosque” in English.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia Landmarks
Tugu Pahlawan, Heroes Monument
Tugu Pahlawan, or Heroes Monument, is a monument located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The monument was built in memory of the Indonesian national heroes who fought for independence. It is located in a park near the city center and is a popular tourist attraction.
The monument is made of bronze and features a statue of a man holding a rifle. The monument is surrounded by a pool of water and is lit up at night. The park also features a museum about the Indonesian struggle for independence.
Kraton
Kraton is the royal palace of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. The palace was first built in 1755 and has been rebuilt and renovated many times.
The current structure was completed in 1994 and is made of stone and marble. The palace features a large courtyard, as well as several palaces and pavilions. The palace is used as the residence of the Sultan of Yogyakarta and is open to the public.
Prambanan Temple
Prambanan temple is a Hindu temple in Yogyakarta. The temple dates back to the 9th century and is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia.
The beautiful template is one of the most significant sites in the whole Prambanan compound. The compound houses about 240 temple structures that are all historical and majestic to look at.
Prambanan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular Indonesian landmark.
Bali, Indonesia Landmarks
Tanah Lot Temple, Bali
Tanah Lot Temple is a Hindu temple on the coast of Bali, Indonesia. The temple dates back to the 16th century and is one of the 7 sea templates along the coast of Bali.
Tanah Lot Temple is on a small island/rock offshore and is accessible by foot only at low tide. The temple is famous for its stunning surrounding and its strategic location to catch the sun set.
Tanah Lot Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali welcoming hordes of visitors every year.
Monkey Forest Temple, Ubud
The Monkey Forest Temple, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is a temple complex in the town of Ubud, Bali. The temple is home to a large population of long-tailed Macaques, and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Monkey Forest Temple dates back to the 14th century. The area is a spiritual and conservation center for the locals. It also functions as a place of meditation and prayer. The Sacred Monkey Forest houses 3 Hindu temples in total.
Gunung Kawi, Tampaksiring
Gunung Kawi is an ancient temple in the Tampaksiring district of Bali. The temple was built in the 11th century and is one of the oldest temples in Bali.
The temple is carved into the side of a cliff, and consists of ten small temples. The water temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is an impressive landmark of Indonesia to visit.
Ulun Danu Temple, Lake Beratan
Ulun Danu Temple is a Hindu temple on the shore of Lake Beratan in the town of Bedugul, Bali. The temple was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu.
Ulun Danu Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bali, famous for its scenic location. The temple is surrounded by gardens and terraces, featuring a large lotus-shaped pool. Ulun Danu Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue, Jimbaran
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue is a large statue of the Hindu god Vishnu in the Jimbaran district of Bali. The statue was completed in 2018, and is the largest Hindu statue in the world.
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue is made of bronze. It is set on a pedestal that is 46 meters high, making the total height of the statue 122 meters. The statue depicts the Hindu god Lord Vishnu on his mount, Garuda.
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue is a famous landmark in Indonesia, often appearing in photographs due to its size and location.
Other Famous Landmarks in Indonesia
Jatiluweh Rice Terrace
The Jatiluweh Rice Terrace is a terraced rice field in the district of Susukan, Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java. The rice terraces are carved into the slopes of Mount Merbabu and are said to be the most beautiful and well-preserved paddy fields in Indonesia.
The rice terraces were built in the 18th century and are still in use today. The terraces are irrigated by a system of canals and ditches that bring water from the mountains to the fields. The Jatiluweh Rice Terrace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction.
Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Aceh
The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is an eye-catching mosque in the city of Aceh. The mosque was built in the early 20th century and is the largest mosque in Aceh.
The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is a popular tourist attraction and known for its beautiful architecture. The mosque is decorated with carvings and mosaics and features a large gold dome.
The Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is an important symbol of Acehnese culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Patung Yesus Memberkati in Tana Toraja
The Patung Yesus Memberkati statue is a large statue of Jesus Christ in Tana Toraja. Perched on the top of the Buntu Burke hill, this is a highly visible landmark in the region. The statue is about 40 meters high and is the largest statue of Jesus Christ in Indonesia.
The Patung Yesus Memberkati statue is a popular tourist attraction and is the Indonesian version of the “Christ the Redeemer” statue in Brazil.
Natural Landmarks of Indonesia
Merapi Volcano
Merapi Volcano is an active stratovolcano sitting on the border of Central Java and Yogyakarta. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and has erupted more than 60 times since 1548. The most recent eruption was in 2010.
The volcano is tall and conical, with a summit elevation of 2911 meters. It is covered in snow and ice, and has a large crater at its summit. The volcano is popular with climbers, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Madakaripura Waterfall
The Madakaripura Waterfall is a beautiful natural landmark in the province of East Java. It is part of the Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and a popular destination for
The waterfall has a height of 1000 meters; it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia. The surrounding area features lush jungle and forestation for a relaxing immersion in nature.
Kelimutu Crater Lakes
The Kelimutu Crater Lakes are a set of three crater lakes in the Kelimutu National Park on the island of Flores, Indonesia. The lakes are famous for their intense and varied colors, which change constantly.
The Kelimutu lakes are Tiwu Ata Polo (Lake of the Old People), Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens), and Tiwu Ata Mbupu (Lake of the Ancestors).
The lakes sit at an elevation of 1639 meters and are famous natural landmarks in Indonesia. Rumors have it that the colors of the lakes changes with volcanic activity.
Puncak Jaya
At 4,884 meters above sea level, Puncak Jaya is the highest mountain peak in Indonesia and also Oceania. The mountain is in the province of Papua. The first successful ascent to the summit was made in 1936. The mountain is known for its many glaciers, which make it a popular destination for mountaineers.
The nearest city to Puncak Jaya is the city of Jayapura, about 100 kilometers away. The mountain can be accessed by air or road; however, the roads are often in poor condition and there are few services available in the area.
The mountain is a part of the Lorentz National Park, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is a national park in the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara, comprising 29 islands. The park is home to the Komodo dragons, the largest lizards and reptiles in the world.
The park was established in 1980 and covers an area of approx 1,800 square kilometers. In addition to the majestic Komodo dragons, Komodo National Park is home to a variety of animal species, including deers, boars, and monkeys. It is also home to a variety of plant species, and lush greenery including mangroves and tropical rainforest.
The park is a popular natural landmark of Indonesia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discovering Famous Landmarks In Indonesia
It’s no surprise that Indonesia is home to many diverse attractions, and there is much more to discover than the above Indonesian landmarks.
Whether you’re looking for a place of history, culture, or natural wonders, landmarks in Indonesia have something to offer curious visitors.
If you’re traveling through Southeast Asia soon and want to take your trip from great to amazing, Indonesia is definitely a destination to consider for its diversity and delicious Indonesian food.
