4 most beautiful churches in Jakarta, Indonesia

Charming colonial buildings, tradition-influenced design and even charming fusions make these churches more than just a place to attend masses. These beautiful churches in Jakarta are also historical landmarks, a cultural heritage, and are architectural feats.

Stella Maris Catholic Church

This church’s sophisticated wooden interior creates a solemn and relaxing ambiance for those who come to worship. A soft earthy palette is also reflected by the stone floor and exterior, together creating a local and natural feel. The façade takes the form of three concentric ovals adorned by long windows and framed by greeneries. Thoughtful and aesthetic design granted Stella Maris a number of architectural awards, including the honour of getting International Architecture Commendation from The Australian Institute of Architect for its graceful interior.

GPIB Pniel

Like many colonial heritage structures in Indonesia, this church manifests a certain classy and nostalgic feel in its architecture. Started off as a small chapel in 1856, the church building has since undergone a number of rebuilding and revitalisations. Now, the whitewashed building has two main towers, with a rose window and other design elements typical of old European churches. Many of its interior components are remnants of history, including an 1855 bible in Dutch.

Jakarta Cathedral

Built with the Neo-Gothic style typical of the time of construction in 1901, this cathedral looks more like the ones you’ll encounter in Europe than at the heart of the world’s largest Muslim nation. The façade mimics natural stone construction with towering spires and interiors adorned with statues and symbolic objects. This church also serves as a heritage site and destination with one of its three main spires housing a museum showcasing relics of Catholic rituals.

GPIB Immanuel Jakarta

In addition to being a prominent place of worship, this church at the heart of Jakarta is also a historical landmark, having been built during the colonial era in 1834. Moreover, this Protestant church is an architectural feat with monumental pillars and exquisite Corinth-style carvings, a stunning circular layout covered with marble tiles. Inside the effortlessly elegant interior sits an antique pipe organ from 1843 that continues to be used for church services to this day.

See more: Top amusement and theme parks to visit in Jakarta, Indonesia

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A short trip to Batam, Indonesia

Batam has been famous for short escapades from neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. This island is one of the busiest ports in Indonesia as the entrance gate of tourism in Indonesia.

Batam has been popular for many things like shopping centers, spa, and massages. Aside from the urban entertainment. Below are the best things to do in Batam especially for you!

Visit Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple

This temple is one of the more serene ways to enjoy Batam and is the place to come if you want to find some inner peace. Devotees here usually burn incense for good luck and you can enjoy the colorful and elegant Buddha statues here as well as the carvings of twelve zodiac signs which lie opposite the temple.

One of the best things about the temple is that there is also a cafe here and you buy a range of delicious vegetarian food including buns and snacks in the shape of cute animals.

Play at Sea Forest Adventure

Sea Forest Adventure is a unique theme park. Here you can play all kinds of floats and water slides. You will have a chance to experience nature, survival science and adventure with four main sections for you to discover.

You can bounce, slide, climb and roam around the available playground, for kids and adults alike. Life vests will be provided by the sea forest adventure throughout your stay there.

Try Watersports

Watersports are one of the obvious highlights of Batam. One of the places to visit in Batam for water sports is the Cabana Club. The park offers canoeing, jet skiing and snorkelling. Name it and they probably have it! Another recommended places to visit are Batam Wake Park and Waterpark Ocarina.

Shop at Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall

Enjoy your day by shopping in the largest mall in Batam, Nagoya Hill. This vast area of shopping has complete retail goods, and importantly their price is reasonable. The name itself is taken after the region in Batam, Nagoya (which is also known as Lubuk Baja) and its location in hilly areas.

Watch Beautiful Sunset at Barelang Bridge

Although not comparable to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Barelang Bridge is Batam’s very own iconic pride. It has a unique architectural design that makes it an ideal spot for some artistic landscape photos and selfies. The spectacular scenery from and around the bridge alone is worth the trip here.

Visiting this bridge has always been and will continue to be one of the top things to do in Batam. Within two hours’ drive from here, you can visit old Vietnamese refugee camps.

Visit the Stilt Houses of Batam

In old Batam many of the houses were built above water on stilts. You can still find some of these stilt houses in the older parts of the city and the villages that surround it. One of the most well-known villages for this type of architecture is the fishing village called Tanjung Uma.

See more: Beautiful places in Indonesia you should not miss

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Experience great nightlife in Bali, Indonesia

Bali is pretty popular for Bali nightlife and several experiences at night. Other than partying your heart out, you can also spend a night with nocturnal animals at the night safari, or have exotic sunset dinners at posh hotels, or maybe explore the Sanur night market.

So, if you are all in for some Balinese glitz and glamour, and wish to let your hair down like the locals so, this little guide is for you. Scroll through and know what nightlife in Bali has in store for you!

Spend time with animals at night

This is one of the most exceptional things to do in Bali at night. The Bali Safari Park offers the exciting Night Safari in which you can meet and feed the nocturnal animals up close like the majestic tigers, mighty lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes and more.

You will be kept in a caged tram and the animals would roam and hunt around freely. You also have access to the aquarium. To end the night on a special note, there is a barbeque dinner provided at Nkuchiro Restaurant and a fire show for you to enjoy.

Book an evening cruise

There is no better way to experience a romantic nightlife at Bali than on Sunset Dinner Cruise, around Benoa Harbour. Live musical entertainers, delicious international buffet and a live cabaret show accompany you all along and make for a perfect getaway. This is surely the best experience of nightlife in Bali for couples.

Visit the Dream Museum Zone

An evening of fun is easy at the Dream Museum Zone. This 3D trick art museum, located in Legian, features 120 life-sized murals, hand-painted by extraordinary, world famous illusion artists from Korea. The wall paintings create the perfect settings to take amazing photos. Kids will love it too!

Listen to live music at Bali Beach Shack

Located on the main strip of Jalan Legian Bali Beach Shack is one of the best music venues in Kuta and features a semi-open air environment which some soft sofas and a stage playing live music.

Different bands play in rotation but you can expect them to play all the classic such as famous pop and rock songs, or they also take requests. There is a dance floor here in front of the stage and the bar is opened until early morning.

Enjoy a Devdan show

This one-of-a-kind show at Bali Nusa Dua theatre will surely take your breath away. It highlights the story of two kids who discover a treasure chest and narrate the discovery of each item from that chest.

The narration has all the acrobats and dancers suspended from the ceiling along with state-of-the-art light and sound systems which creates a phenomenal spectacle for the viewers.

Watch a movie at the beach

Sitting under the stars and watching a movie right at the beach with your loved one is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Bali at night. There are several venues that offer movie night events at the beach.

Karma Kandara Resort offers a quaint set up for the movie buffs on the shore with snacks like flavoured popcorns, sushis, milkshakes, sliders and more. There are two different shows, one for kids in the evening and one for adults at night. Another place called Alternate beach club has Monday Movie nights offering free screenings, comfortable bean bags, and popcorn.

See more: Ideal places to go camping in Bali, Indonesia

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7 diving spots for adventure lovers in Indonesia

Diving is almost a must-try activity for every traveller when visiting Indonesia. This archipelago country surely does not lack islands for a diving experience, and these are the best ones to check out.

Raja Ampat

Synonymous with the diving scene in Indonesia, Raja Ampat is an archipelago of 1,500 small islands and it boasts about 1200 fish species. Raja Ampat is found within The Coral Triangle – the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity – which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and East Timor. It is also probably the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be diving in Raja Ampat during the right season, you might even spot some whale sharks.

Togian Island

Located North of Sulawesi, Togian Island is a group of islands that is mostly untouched. You must make it point to dive at the apparently best dive site in the area, B24 Bomber Wreck, located 16 kilometres northeast of Kaidiriri Island. With the high visibility underwater, it’ll be a breeze for you to take in the beautifully coloured coral reefs and black-tail barracudas! Also, check out Una Una, which is a volcanic island that has lava ash sand.

Bali Island

Diving in Bali is something that should be on all of our bucket lists, especially since it is one of the most accessible destinations in Indonesia. Because of the very light or total lack of currents, beginner divers can go to Amed, Padang Bay, and Pulau Menjangan.

Lombok Island

Lombok Island, neighbour to Bali Island, has somehow managed to keep its spectacular dive sites that feature untouched coral reefs and pinnacles very low key. The Gili Islands, located northwest of Lombok, is one of the most popular diving site nearby. While diving around Lombok, keep your eyes out for those hammerhead sharks amongst other spectacular marine life species.

Weh Island

The best time to go diving at Weh Island is during the country’s dry season, from April to November. The Indonesian government has made efforts to preserve a part of this island and its wildlife by declaring two areas as marine parks. Beginners can look to dive at sites like Limbo Gapang, Batee Meuroron, Lhong Angen and Pantee Gua!

See more: Top amusement and theme parks to visit in Jakarta, Indonesia

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The best cultural experiences in Indonesia

A trip to the Island of the Gods, or Bali as it is more commonly known, is not complete without experiencing its spiritual and cultural attractions. While loud and lairy backpackers are best sticking to Kuta, there are plenty of historical UNESCO sites in other parts of this Indonesian archipelago that lure travellers looking for a more authentic Balinese experience.

Visit the art galleries

Jakarta’s diversity extends well to the bustling art scene. Different inspirations and stories are depicted through various artworks, media, and style. From classic to contemporary, public museums to private galleries, the best artworks in Jakarta serve as blueprints of the nation’s culture and history. If you are interested in Indonesia’s history of art, visit the National Gallery and be awed by 1,700 impressive artworks from different eras. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (MACAN) is the newest and popular addition to the scene, showcasing contemporary arts from Indonesia and around the world.

Explore the Trimurti at Prambanan Temple

Built in the 9th Century, Prambanan is a series of temple shrines dedicated to the expression of God as the creator, sustainer and destroyer. A staggering 47 meters high, this unique Indonesian temple was once covered by the jungle and lost to ruin until an adventurous Dutchman re-discovered the temple in 1733.

Visit Prambanan for a crash course in Indonesia’s grand and complex architectural wonders! Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, Prambanan Temple is a historical site frequently compared to Angkor Wat.

Explore the Jakarta Old Town

Once one of the most prominent neighbourhoods during colonial era, Jakarta’s Kota Tua (Old Town) is a slice of history in the bustling metropolitan. The area is packed with old government buildings and trade centers kept alive as museums and heritage sites. From riding a colourful bicycle through Fatahillah Square to taking pictures inside the quirky Rumah Akar, you can conveniently explore the Old Town’s highlights just by strolling around the area.

Discover the Cannibalistic Past of Indonesia’s Batak Tribe in Lake Toba

The Batak people are another of Indonesia’s many tribes, concentrated around Lake Toba in Sumatra. Lake Toba was the site of the earth’s last super-volcanic eruption and makes for a fascinating visit. Throughout Indonesian history, the Batak people were among the fiercest warriors. Today, they continue to practice a patriarchal clan culture emphasizing lineage and marriage. Visit Samosir village to discover their unique homes, which are shaped like boats and decorated with fertility symbols.

You will also learn about their past, during which some tribes would eat the flesh of their enemies to ingest their soul and increase their own strength in the process. Make sure to sit in the stone chairs of the tribal council and experience the unique culture of Sumatra for yourself.

Visit Ubud

Ubud is without a doubt the main cultural hub of Bali. The list of historical and cultural attractions here is endless, ranging from the Sacred Monkey Wild life sanctuary to the stunning Botanical Gardens. There is also the plethora of museums, restaurants and markets displaying traditional arts and crafts for travellers to take in. And of course, Ubud Palace.

See more: Must-visit attractions in Ubud, Bali

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Taste the best street food in Bali

Bali is an adventurous foodie’s paradise. With vibrant dishes which have no parallels in the cuisine of any other country, the street food in Bali is a major tourist magnet. Street food in Bali and its markets are known for not only their scrumptious food but for the theatrical cooking styles which provide a feast for the eyes.

Pisang Rai

Being an equatorial paradise, tropical fruits like coconut and banana are abundant in Bali. And when you combine the two, you get pisang rai. This Balinese snack is made from boiled banana wrapped with rice flour, then rolled in grated coconut. Its soft texture is almost in contrast with the tempting sweet and savory taste from the mix. Many street food vendors will offer an additional sauce made from brown sugar and pineapple pieces, making the tropical feels even stronger.

Nasi Campur

Nasi Campur stands for mixed rice in Indonesian and true to its moniker this wildly popular street food in Bali is served as rice mixed with vegetables, meat and eggs. A staple meal of many Southeast Asian countries, Nasi Campur, is prepared differently by almost every vendor. The night market in Bali is famous for the best Nasi Campur in the city.

Sate

Sate is one of the most famous street food in Bali and in the world. Literally translating to barbequed meat on bamboo sticks, Sate can be made from chicken, pork, goat, rabbit etc. Turtle meat sate is prepared only during special ceremonies. Usually served with sweet soy sauce or peanut sauce, this dish is a perfect evening snack. Most vendors in the night markets offer a side of rice along with it.

Bakso

Bakso is an Indonesian meatball served with hot broth, often with noodles and fried dumplings. Many food street vendor sell bakso on portable carts pushed around a neighborhood or on modified motorcycles that allow the cart to be attached alongside. The warm food is not only perfect for cold days in Bali, which do not appear very often, but also makes a perfect snack between meals.

Terang Bulan

Translating to 'bright moon', Terang Bulan is a type of pancake unique to Balinese cuisine. Believed to have been invented by General Tso, a military leader of the late Qing dynasty, this delicacy has a rich past. It is made like a traditional pancake, with coconut milk and palm margarine giving it the characteristic Balinese punch. Usually sprinkled with crushed peanuts, sugar and sweetcorn kernels, this dish is as much a delight to the eyes as to the taste buds.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn makes a wonderful companion when hanging out on Bali’s stunning beaches while watching the sunset. Tourists can compensate the chilling breeze with warm, freshly-grilled whole sweet corn from vendors on many popular beaches like Kuta or Jimbaran. Before the grilling process, the sweet corns are coated with butter and other additional sauces, like chili or barbecue sauce, making them enjoyable for all.

Read more: The most sacred destinations in Bali, Indonesia

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The best hiking trails around Ubud, Indonesia

From a relaxing stroll to more adrenaline-filled treks, these walks are both close to Ubud (Indonesia), and further out of town. Check out our guide to the best walks and hikes around Ubud and put on your favorite walking shoes.

Campuhan Ridge walk

Probably the most Instagrammable walk in Ubud, the Campuhan Ridge walk is a gift for the eyes and soul. Tjampuhan – the ancient spelling of Campuhan – means “place where two rivers meet.” And it’s here that the magic happens: a mesmerizing sunrise and sunset walk, overlooking sacred river gorges and lush tropical forest. Brace yourself with patience to get the ideal photo: it might get busy during golden hour.

To get there, head to the north-west end of Jalan Ubud Raya. Reach the Warwick Ibah Hotel and park your scooter there in case. There’s a narrow downhill stone path leading to the stairs going up the ridge.

Jalan Kajeng walk

Parallel to the Sari Organik path, this walk is another little hidden gem, very close to Ubud center. Less busy than the previous routes, it’s a bit trickier to reach, but will be worth the effort. Go on, explore, stop at one of the local shops on the path and get yourself a refreshing coconut to sip while admiring the kaleidoscopic sunset sky. Jalan Kajeng is a road perpendicular to Jalan Ubud Raya, a right turn before Starbucks. Take the road and keep going until you cross a bridge where the path is narrow and steep. Keep going as while it might appear to lead nowhere, you’ll end up beautifully surprised.

Ubud rice terraces walk

Claimed as a Unesco World Heritage site, the Tegalalang rice terraces are simply dreamy and worth a visit. They are one of the main tourist attractions on the island and have a well-deserved reputation. Several tour companies organize walks around the area and you can also reach the site by yourself and choose your own path. Entrance fee is around IDR10.000.

The magnificent terraces are located 20 minutes drive from Ubud center. From Jalan Ubud Raya, head east and reach the crossroad where the Andong statue rises. Turn left into Jalan Andong and keep heading north on the same road until you arrive at the site.

Penglipuran Village walk

For a walk back in time, head to Penglipuran Village, a traditional Balinese banjar located in the Bangli Regency, roughly a 30-minute drive from Ubud. Imagine wandering into a timeless culture, painted with the golden and vivid colors of ancient temples and the handmade offerings to the Gods. Penglipuran has been named one of the cleanest villages in the world, together with Giethoorn in the Netherlands and Mawlynnong in India. The best time for a walk in the village is during a local ceremony, for example, Galungan, when the streets are adorned with the penjor – ornamental bamboo poles designed to carry religious offerings.

Mount Batur hike

Mount Batur is one of the volcanic peaks on the island of Bali, located north of Ubud. Most of the tour companies who provide guidance to the trek, start the journey from Ubud. The volcano and its caldera, another Unesco World Heritage site on the island, is one of the most popular sunrise spotting places in Bali. Check out our complete guide to a Mount Batur trek to make the most of the volcano hike.

Mount Agung hike

With its 3,031 meters of altitude, Gunung Agung is the highest peak on the Island of Gods, and venerated as the most sacred entity. Mount Agung is a currently active volcano and in normal circumstances it can be hiked. It’s a tough one, usually lasting six hours for the journey to the summit. The view will make you feel as though you’re sitting on the roof of the world, overlooking the whole of Bali, the neighboring island of Lombok and the surrounding ocean. Make sure to research and book with an expert guide: the path is tricky, slippery and ever changing, due to rock-fall.

See more: Must-visit attractions in Ubud, Bali

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Top free things to do in Bali, Indonesia

If you are not one to believe that the best things in life are free, this list of incredible free things in Bali may surprise you. From cliff-jumping to festivals, discover the best things to do for free in Bali.

Go Camping

In an island with a landscape so beautiful, camping can offer things luxe resorts may not be able to provide. From an unparalleled view of nature to falling asleep to the sound of crickets, camping in Bali is an unmissable experience for nature-lovers. Plus, it costs much less than any other accommodation options. The tropical paradise has numerous excellent camping sites, from the highest peak of Mount Agung, the scenic Bukit Asah, to the secluded Nyang Nyang Beach.

Observe the Festivals

Indonesians joke that Balinese have more holidays than everyone else in the country. And while that is covetable, the holidays provide tourists a lot of windows to observe lively traditional festivals. Balinese dedicate a lot of days to uphold their traditions and religious celebrations during their 210-day calendar system. That amounts to numerous festivals yearly, from the walking procession during Galungan to the ogoh-ogoh festival before the day of silence (Nyepi) and many other events after. Each locality has different ways to celebrate one special occasion, so the choices are virtually endless.

Go Hike the Hills

Hiking is one fun and free way to appreciate Bali’s stunning nature. Just by utilizing your own feet, you can enjoy the lush tropical jungles, fresh breeze, warm sunshine and vibrant wildlife. Head over to Campuhan Ridge for a short walk, with a picturesque view of Ubud, or to Mount Batur for a 3-hour hike culminating in the glorious sunrise.

Watch Sunset

Bali’s sunsets are notorious for being both easy to catch and easy to miss. Simply go to the western-facing beaches like Uluwatu, Tegal Wangi, Kuta and others, sit by the sand with a beer in hand (optional) and wait for the several minutes of wonder. If you have more money to spend, you can also opt for one of Bali’s hip sunset beach bar for well below $10 around Legian and Seminyak.

Walk Through a Rice Field

You’ll be surprised at how soothing this simple activity is. The sun is warm but the air is crisp, and you’re in the middle of a vast, picturesque rice terrace. In an instance, you’ll feel like the green calming sight has washed away your weary eyes from hours of staring at the screen daily. And, yes, taking pictures is still free.

Wander the Streets of Ubud

Many adventures, sights and experiences await in the streets of Ubud, the art and culture capital of Bali. The neighborhood is alive with a quirky and artistic atmosphere reverberating in every corner; in every small craft shop, temple, café and gallery, you’ll encounter it. If, during your relaxing stroll through the area, your ear catches a sound of live music playing, follow the music, and you might find a gamelan music group rehearsing. Most of the time they don’t mind an audience as long as you keep quiet. Also, don’t miss the art market, where you can find souvenirs for any budget or just look around.

See more: Top amazing Bali resorts for a perfect getaway

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