Indonesia’s Seven Regions

There is no end to the exploration, excitement, and relaxation that can be had in this archipelago thanks to its varied landscapes and cultures.

Allow yourself several weeks or months to travel around Indonesia’s seven regions to get a true feel for the country’s size and diversity. Think world-class surfing, diving, or volcano trekking—or maybe all of them.

Java

Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, S.R. Yogyakarta, East Java

There are eight World Heritage Sites in Indonesia. Four of them are on the island of Java. There are four provinces under the control of the central government and two special regions in Java: Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, S.R. Yogyakarta, and East Java.

To put it simply, it’s the most modern island in Indonesia. Visit Yogyakarta to learn about the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. Visit the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta to see the Indonesian national soccer team play, or travel the 645 kilometers to Bawean Island in East Java to watch a bull fight.

Kalimantan

West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan

Rainforests and orangutans have made the Indonesian portion of Borneo, Kalimantan, famous with cities on the water, floating villages, and breathtaking wilderness areas. Banjarmasin, the island’s former capital in the south, is a great place to experience urban culture on land and sea at its floating markets and other attractions.

Maluku Islands

North Maluku, Province of Maluku

The Maluku Islands, off the coast of Papua, are home to the world-famous Raja Ampat and marine-life and clear water. Maluka and the nearby islands have a lot to offer travelers, from world-class diving to lush forests to miles of sandy beaches.

Lesser Sunda Islands

Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara

Lesser Sunda Islands dominates Indonesia’s travel market, with  Bali, and Lombok, separated by deep oceanic trenches that have encouraged the evolution of endemic species independently. Follow the water from Nusa Dua’s Waterblow to  the mighty Tukad Cepung Waterfall and the monkeys from Ubud’s Monkey Forest to Kintamani’s lookout.

Western New Guinea

West Papua, Province of Papua

As you travel west, New Guinea will provide a wonderful case of culture shock with its more than 600 islands and terrain that is geographically isolated by volcanoes and mountains.

Sulawesi

North Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi

Numerous endangered species call Sulawesi home, including the tiny primates known as tarsiers, the Sulawesi hornbill, the Maleo, and the Celebes Macaque. Stop by the floating homes of the Bajau people, also known as sea gypsies. Bunaken and Lembeh are two of the best reef diving spots in the world. Visit Kalimantan to see sun bears and orangutans, and watch traditional Phinisi boats being built on the beach at Tana Beru.

The biggest crater lake in the world, the Batak and Minangkabau tribes, the coffee-plantaions of the north Sumatran Mandailing people, and jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang, all contribute to Sumatra’s unique blend of cultural offerings.

Sumatra

Keep traveling to the regions of Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, Riau Islands, Jambi, Bengkulu, South Sumatra, Bangka Belitung Islands, and Lampung, each of which has its own unique culture and atmosphere.

Beyond the Footprints

Enjoy the 7,000 uninhabited islands outside of Indonesia’s more-known archipelago if you have the time. You have easy access to all that Indonesia has to offer.

The Seven Regions Of Indonesia