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1. Lombok
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As one of the famed beach destinations in Indonesia, what you won't expect about Lombok is the natural wonders of Mount Rinjani. While volcanoes are dangerous, you can't get over the stunning colours of the milky way.
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2. Padar Island
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This island is quite a trek, but it's totally worth the four hour ride from Labuan Bajo in Flores. Before you go anywhere, you have to try a hiking trail. Post-hike, you can roll around in the pink sand beach, eat freshly cooked fish, snorkel and sip fresh coconut water.
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3. Raja Ampat
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As one of the prime diving spots, you can see all the wonderful wildlife underwater. If you're too scared to dive, you can try snorkeling, sunbathing or search for seashells.
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4. Borobudur
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As one of the most historic sites in Java, Borobudur reigns supreme as one of the best-kept Buddhist temples in history. Last summer, Barack Obama and his daughter, Malia, stopped by to see the wonders of this monument. Even "Pretty Woman" actor Richard Gere visited seven years ago. Before you stop by there, you should eat your breakfast or grab some lunch at Yogyakarta (a.k.a. "Jogja", which is an hour away.
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5. Mount Bromo
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Skip the gym and burn the calories at Mt. Bromo. Just bring some extra clothes after the hike .
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6. Banyuwangi
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Close in distance to Bali, this East Java hotspot has an active volcanic crater that spits out blue fire. (No really, it's not 100 percent real!) You can see it in action on a fun trek, but don't get too close! TIP: Bring a medical mask as the gas reeks of sulfur.
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8. Pulau Samosir
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Located in North Sumatra, this scenic island has picturesque views and glistening blue waters. Surrounded by Lake Toba, you really want to stare at the water all day. Created from volanic craters, this lake holds the record as the deepest in the world. You can read a book and laze around all day in a hammock. Isn't it wonderful to wake up to this view everyday?
Also, you can take a trip to Huta Siallagan, where you can experience a whole new culture with the indigenous Batak people.
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9. Dieng Plateau
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Situated in Central Java, this plateau is better known for its lovely landscape of the rice paddies. Apart from indulging your next bowl of rice (from the paddies, of course), you can nosh on freshly grown potatoes and bakso. Bask in the wonders of Mother Nature by taking a look at the multi-coloured lake, a rarity you'll never find at home.
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10. Komodo National Park
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Fresh off your hiking and snorkeling trip at nearby Padar Island, you should visit Komodo National Park. As your non-traditional zoo, you'll see komodo dragons roam around in the wild.
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11. Bukittinggi
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Experience a bit of colonial Indonesia in Western Sumatra. You can visit Fort de Kock, a Dutch hilltop fortress, or shop at the Pasar Atas Traditional Market. You can also marvel at the Jam Gadang tower. Shall you be on the lookout for some thrills, try a daring trip to the Japanese underground caves, which were constructed during the WWII.
Photo: Instagram
12. Tamansari Castle
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As one of the historical landmarks in Yogyakarta, this water castle was formerly occupied by a sultan. In desperate need to find a wife, he would go to the pool, where princesses gathered to bathe. Take many pictures and get lost inside this thirst trap paradise.
Photo: Instagram
13. Kota Tua
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Jakarta literally doesn't have much to see; however, you can step back inside the DeLorean to see Kota Tua. As a remnant of the colonial days, you can 'gram your #ootd against the old Dutch buildings.
Photo: Instagram
14. Sampoerna House
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Formerly a tobacco factory in Surabaya, the Sampoerna House is now a museum. Filled to the brim about the rich history of the Indonesian tobacco dynasty, you can take a look inside the old days of the factory. Although we don't support smoking, you can take a look at the history of Sampoerna. Open until 10 pm, you can chit chat with your friends at the cafe and go on a the Surabaya Heritage Tour to visit other landmarks. Fun fact: Separate from the factory, a Dutch-style building was an orphanage turned theatre. Charlie Chaplin was one of the visitors back in the day.
Photo: Instagram
15. Padang
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As one of the old Dutch harbour towns, Padang has a lot to offer. You can go to the Adityawarman Museum to learn more about the city's indigenous Minang culture or go to the Air Manis Beach to admire some rock sculptures.
Photo: Instagram
16. Gunung Leuser National Park
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gunung leuser national park
As Indonesia's answer to the Kruger National Park, this Sumatran wildlife haven is paradise for anyone who wants to experience a rainforest safari. You can see orangutans move out and about.
Photo: Getty
17. Gili Island
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Cancel your ticket to Bali because you want to go gila (translation: crazy) for this hotly underrated destination. Like Bali, you can surf, party unitl the sunrise and swim with turtles. Tell all your friends to book their next trip there.
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18. Baliem Valley
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Far flung from the rest of the archipelago, this valley is located in Irian Jaya in West Papua. Hike through the villages, where you will be treated to the Dani lifestyle. Indigenous to the island, this remote tribe has a unique lifestyle that will leave you with the most colourful experience of your life. Unfortunately, you won't be able to stay in five star hotels as you will have to end up sleeping on a grassy floor like a Dani tribeswoman.
Photo: Getty
19. Tana Toraja
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Compared to the happy-go-lucky spirit of the Balinese , the natives of Tana Toraja celebrate death. Death ceremonies are a big part of their culture. If participating in a funeral ceremony is not your thing, you can go coffee tasting and visit the famous Ke'te Kesu' village, where its architecture will blow your mind.
Photo: Getty
20. Candi Sewu
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Push your aspiration of eat, pray, love to the next level by visiting this Buddhist temple. With beautiful views of the sunset, you can admire the history, architecture and beauty of this monument. If you're looking to create some content for your wedding video, get your S.O. to bring his camera because both of you won't stop once you start posing.
Photo: Instagram
7. Surakarta (Solo)
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This wondrous city is well-known for its rich history. Treat yourself to a royal fantasy by visiting the majestic Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace. After your visit, you should stop by the Klewer Market to stock up on Indonesian textiles. If you love batik, you should head over to the House of Danar Hadi, a museum that also sells vintage batik and a live-action demonstration.
Photo: Instagram
