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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Indonesia

66 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Indonesia

Updated January 24, 2023

Cities

Unusual Attractions in Indonesia

Kediri, Indonesia

Tanah Lot

Isolated atop this Balinese sea crag is a lovely Hindu temple that is said to be guarded by sea snakes.

Baturiti, Indonesia

Ghost Palace Hotel

An abandoned hotel in the highlands of Bali is shrouded in stories of ghosts, curses, and corruption.

Ubud, Indonesia

Sacred Monkey Forest (Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana)

Hindu temple of the dead home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques.

Abang, Indonesia

Pura Lempuyang Luhur

Bali's remote "gateway to heaven" is one of the most sacred places on the island.

Magelang, Indonesia

Gereja Ayam

This massive chapel in the middle of the Indonesian forest is both haunting and fowl.

Denpasar Timur, Indonesia

Taman Festival

A haunting theme park is slowly being swallowed by the jungle.

East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Komodo National Park

A sprawling nature preserve harbors the world's only living dragons.

Sukawati, Indonesia

Goa Gajah

The name of this ancient Indonesian temple translates as "Elephant Cave" but it could be more accurately called "The Hellmouth."

See All 66 Things To Do in Indonesia

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Indonesia

Srandakan, Indonesia

Mie Lethek Garuda

In this rare traditional factory, three generations of know-how, several strong cows, and a one-ton mortar come together to make Yogyakarta's famous "ugly noodles."

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Stories About Indonesia

5 Colorful Stories About the Pageantry of the Lunar New Year

Go behind the scenes of celebration, from molten metal to sticky cakes.

January 24, 2023

What Caused This Massive Mud Volcano Eruption in Indonesia?

For more than a decade, hot mud has oozed across thousands of acres, displacing entire villages.

by Michael Hudec

January 23, 2023

These Toilet-Shaped Carnivorous Plants Thrive By Eating Poop

Some of Borneo's pitcher plants took insects off the menu in favor of mammal droppings. It's an evolutionary triumph.

by Gemma Tarlach

January 20, 2023

How Homes in Bali Are Designed for Harmony—and to Keep Demons at Bay

All the subtle ways traditional dwellings offer spiritual security.

by Ronan O'Connell

October 6, 2022

The World's Largest Bee and the Cautionary Tale of Its Rediscovery

Scientists were thrilled to find the Wallace's giant bee, missing for four decades. Things did not go as they'd hoped.

by Oliver Milman

How Orangutans Changed Their Behavior After Devastating Fires

Primatologists found the disaster's effects lingered years after the smoke cleared from Borneo's forests.

by Bridget Alex

The Anthropologist Who Has Spent 50 Years Protecting—and Learning From—Orangutans

Biruté Mary Galdikas has quietly fought on the frontlines of some of conservation’s biggest battles.

by Gemma Tarlach

The Magic Behind the Lunar New Year Is Lots of Hard Work

Colorful scenes from behind-the-scenes.

January 28, 2022

Lists Featuring Indonesia

Red Seabeach

Padar Island and its crystal-clear turquoise water.

Black Sand Beach

10 Unique Beaches From Around the World

From bright red grass to stranded shipwrecks, these beaches are anything but ordinary.

Including Driftwood Beach, Red Beach , and Padar Island

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