Heritage Sites
Many of the world's most ancient wonders can be found in Indonesia. From sacred temples to palace ruins, from prehistoric remains to living traditions, visitors from around the world come to Indonesia, attracted by its unique and diverse cultures and vibrant heritage.
Whether you take the opportunity to see traditional batik cloths being made, experience centuries old customs and festivities with a visit to a traditional village, or soak up some history in one of Indonesia's many museums – the list of heritage attractions appears endless.
LARANTUKA of ‘Semana Santa’ fame
The town of Larantuka, capital of the District of East Flores, lies on the very eastern edge of this long island of Flores in the East Nusatenggara province. Although now quite a sleepy town, in its heydays Larantuka was a hive of activities when in the 16th century, Portuguese traders came here to load their vessels with precious sandalwood. Not much is left today of this lucrative aromatic wood except for one or two trees still found in...
Location: The Nusa Tenggara Islands » East Nusa Tenggara » Kab. Flores Timur
Mendut Temple : Spiritual Portal to the imposing Borobudur temple
The small Buddhist Mendut Temple in Central Java forms an inseparable part of a pilgrim’s progress to the mighty Borobudur temple. Serving as an introductory portal before ascending the Borobudur temple, Mendut has an array of narrative reliefs and most important Buddha statues that spiritually prepare pious pilgrims and the general visitors for their journey to the top of Buddhism’s cosmic mountain at Borobudur. The temple...
Location: Java » Central Java » Kota Magelang, Kab. Magelang
Pawon Temple: The Temple of the Flaming Thunderbolt
As part of the sacred ritual ceremony of Vesak, Buddhist pilgrims making a journey on foot from Mendut Temple to the colossal Borobudur Temple will pass a small yet gallant temple: the Temple of Pawon. While in Javanese Pawon translates as “kitchen”, it is also believed that the name is derived from the word “Per-Awu-an” or a place that contains dust. Dutch archaeologist JG de Casparis claims that the temple is a shrine...
Location: Java » Central Java » Kota Magelang, Kab. Magelang
The Island of Morotai: General Douglas MacArthur’s Air and Naval Base during World War II
Locals who still remember World War II would tell visitors that back in 1944-145 Morotai was a hive of military activities with tens of sorties roaring daily from aircrafts taking off and landing at airstrips along Daruba Bay,endless stamping of thousands of military boots marching across the island, and navy ships anchoring daily carrying supplies and reinforcement. For Morotai back then, was the strategic base of the Allied Forces from...
Location: Maluku » North Maluku
Singkawang, City of a Thousand Chinese Temples
Located 145 km north of Pontianak , capital of West Kalimantan, Singkawang is the second largest city in the province, bordering the State of Sarawak, Malaysia. Unlike other towns in Indonesia, Singkawang has a distinct oriental atmosphere with hundreds of Chinese temples found around almost every corner of town. This is because over 70% of Singkawang’s population is of Chinese descent, predominantly of the Hakka tribe...
Location: Kalimantan » West Kalimantan » Kota Pontianak
Banda Neira: Spice Island Heritage and Colorful Sea Gardens
Banda Neira or Banda Naira is one of ten volcanic islands in the Banda Archipelago in the Maluku province, in eastern Indonesia. The Banda Islands, probably better known as the fabled Spice Islands of ancient times, are covered with towering, aromatic, tropical-evergreens.The Myristica Trees, indigenous to the Banda Islands, are the source of two rare and lucrative spices: nutmeg and mace – once found exclusively on the Banda Islands. A...
Location: Maluku » Maluku
Betung Kerihun National Park in the Heart of Borneo
Betung Kerihun National Park is a Wildlife Sanctuary cetrally located on the island of Kalimantan, and is the largest conservation area in the West Kalimantan province in the Heart of Borneo. Its hilly topography spans an area of 8,000 square kilometers and encompasses 8 types of forest eco-systems, including lowland forest, old secondary forest, dipterocarpus, sub-montane and montane forest. A high level of plant diversity of over 1,200 species...
Location: Kalimantan » West Kalimantan » Kota Pontianak
Pura Agung Pulaki and the enchanting temples of North Bali’s Pemuteran Coast
Aside from the spectacular underwater splendors off its coastline and around the nearby Menjangan Island, the serene little village of Pemuteran is also surrounded by Balinese distinct cultural charm which radiates from the beautiful temples that lie in some of the most dramatic natural settings. Among the most notable are the Pura Agung Pulaki, Pura Pabean, and Pura Melanting. Centered on Pulaki Bay just to the east of Pemuteran Village, the...
Location: Bali » Bali, Kab. Buleleng