Exploring Indonesia: Temples, volcanoes, islands and tradition

COUNTRY EXPERT

Defi Nofitra

Head of B2B sales
Spread across more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in the world. From ancient temple complexes and active volcanoes to vibrant cities and remote tropical islands, every region feels different. Whether you're exploring Java’s cultural heartland, diving in crystal-clear waters, or enjoying local hospitality, Indonesia offers experiences that stay with you.

What to see

Borobudur Temple, Central Java

Borobudur is Indonesia’s most iconic cultural landmark and one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in the world. The 9th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of nine stacked platforms crowned by a central dome.

Walking through the temple reveals hundreds of Buddha statues and intricate stone carvings that tell stories from Buddhist teachings. Reaching the upper terraces and looking across the surrounding landscape is an unforgettable experience.

Local tip:

Borobudur Temple

Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat.

Komodo National Park and Mount Bromo

Indonesia’s natural beauty is extraordinary – and two destinations stand out.
Komodo National Park offers some of the country’s most spectacular wildlife and marine experiences. Visitors can see the famous Komodo dragons, snorkel among coral reefs and encounter turtles, reef sharks and tropical fish.
Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia’s most famous volcanoes, rewards early risers with a breathtaking sunrise over a dramatic volcanic landscape.

Local tip:

Komodo National Park

Book tours with reputable operators and bring layers for early morning volcano excursions, as temperatures can be surprisingly cool.

Yogyakarta

Of all the places in Indonesia, Yogyakarta leaves the strongest impression on many visitors. Known for its art, traditions, batik craftsmanship and welcoming atmosphere, it combines ancient culture with modern city life.

The locals are incredibly friendly and eager to share stories or pose for photographs. The city also serves as the perfect base for visiting the Borobudur and Prambanan temples.

Local tip:

Yogyakarta

Escape the city heat with a visit to nearby Kaliurang, a cooler mountain town at the foot of Mount Merapi.

Hidden gem: Bandung

Bandung offers a different side of Indonesia. Surrounded by mountains, it has a relaxed atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the moment.

It is less about rushing between attractions and more about enjoying the atmosphere, local cafés, and quiet moments.

Local tip:

Bandung

Explore Braga Street in the evening when the city feels at its most relaxed and charming.

A defining local experience: Stay in a traditional Indonesian hotel

One of the best ways to experience Indonesia is by spending a night in a traditional-style hotel or guesthouse. These properties often feature local architecture, cultural decorations and hospitality rooted in regional traditions.

What to eat and drink

Indonesia's cuisine varies dramatically between islands and regions, making food one of the highlights of any trip. Some essentials to try include:

Nasi Goreng
Indonesia’s famous fried rice dish.
Satay
grilled skewers served with rich peanut sauce.
Rendang
slow-cooked beef in aromatic spices and coconut milk.
Gado-Gado
vegetables served with peanut dressing.
Bandrek
a traditional hot drink from West Java made with ginger, palm sugar and spices.

Local tip:

In Jakarta, my favourite place is Seribu Rasa.

In my opinion, the restaurant offers a wide range of traditional dishes and local beverages in a comfortable setting.

THREAT EXPERT

Noushin Shabab

Indonesia is generally welcoming and easy to travel through, but visitors should remain alert to a few common cyber and financial scams. Noushin Shabab, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) shares insight into some of the most pressing threats travelers should be aware of in the region so you can explore the country with peace of mind.

Staying safe during your travels in Indonesia

How to stay safe

Enable strong screen locks and biometric authentication
Activate device tracking and remote wipe features
Avoid leaving devices unattended
Change important passwords immediately if a device is stolen

Storing your passwords and important travel information in Kaspersky Password Manager can help you securely regain access to your accounts and essential documents if your device is lost or stolen.

How to stay safe

Avoid accessing banking or payment services on public Wi-Fi
Use mobile data or a trusted VPN whenever possible
Verify network names with staff before connecting
Enable multi-factor authentication on important accounts

If you need to connect through public Wi-Fi, the VPN included with Kaspersky Premium helps encrypt your internet connection, providing additional protection while accessing travel services, email or online accounts.

How to stay safe

Verify merchant details before confirming payments
Avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources
Check that codes have not been altered or covered
Keep payment records and transaction notifications enabled

Before entering payment details, always check that you've been redirected to the correct website. Kaspersky Premium can help detect phishing pages and malicious links before you share sensitive financial information..