Indonesia, with more than 17,000 islands in its archipelago, is indeed famous for its beautiful beaches and modern cities but is equally known for its really varied and often dramatic road trips. Be it a sea-skimming drive or a ride through mountainous landscapes; the country boasts a number of routes to fit all kinds of travelers’ tastes. Whether it is to explore lush green valleys, volcanic landscapes, or cultural heritage sites, these road trips guarantee an unparalleled way of relishing Indonesia’s various beauties. Let’s take a glimpse at the 10 best road trips you can do by car in Indonesia.
Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason.
Jerry Seinfeld
1. Labuan Bajo to Maumere, Flores Island
Flores Island is a natural wonderland, and one of the best ways to experience its wilderness is on a road drive from Labuan Bajo to Maumere. The 600-kilometer-long journey passes by sights like savannas and rainforests. One can easily take in the stunning views of the Kelimutu tri-coloured lakes, visit traditional villages along the way, and stop by the famous Komodo National Park. The roads are in pretty good condition but expect some steep ascents and sharp curves.
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2. Toraja, South Sulawesi
The fifth road trip would bring you to the heart of Sulawesi and open up almost a peculiar glimpse into the culture of the Torajas. It would take about 8 to 9 hours from Makassar by car, at about 300 kilometers to reach Tana Toraja. Sceneries of mountain peaks, rice fields, and typical houses of Tongkonan fill the way. The highlight of this tour is viewing the strange Torajan rites of funerals and cliff burial sites-finder nowhere else in the world.
3. Seaside Drive on Ambon Island
Ambon is considered the city of music, and one can enjoy serene-as well as a picturesque drive along its coastline. This island is small and can be easily covered in two days. The drive will take you through some of the most beautiful beaches which include Natsepa Beach, Pintu Kota, and many more; meanwhile, the historical sites include Fort of Amsterdam. It is not just the views that make this trip good, but also the peaceful ambience prevailing on this island, making it a perfect escape.
4. Kuta to Mount Agung, Bali
Besides the beaches and nightclubs, Bali is pretty great for road trips, too. From Kuta to Mount Agung, this drive will take you past beautiful, lush green rice terraces, quaint little villages, and sacred temples. While this may be about 100 kilometers, it is best enjoyed at a very slow pace with several stops on the way. Highlights include the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, the art markets at Ubud, and the iconic Besakih Temple, located at the foot of Mount Agung.
5. Yogyakarta to Dieng Plateau, Central Java
This is, in fact, the ideal road trip for lovers of nature and Javanese culture. From the cultural town of Yogyakarta, driving to the Dieng Plateau takes approximately 5 hours, with a distance of about 200 km. Being breezy in climate, the plateau has old temples and a colored lake called Telaga Warna. En route to this place, stop by the famous Borobudur Temple and behold the breathtaking landscape of Mount Merapi.
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6. Bandar Lampung to Sabang, Sumatra
This is one of the longest in Indonesia, which might take one from the southernmost tip of Sumatra to the northernmost point in Sabang with an approximate 2,700 kilometers. The time required to cover the area will be about 10-12 days, best suited for very experienced drivers. This leads the route through the mountain range of Bukit Barisan into the beautiful beaches of Aceh and on to the island of Weh in Sabang. It is a journey showing the variety of Sumatra’s natural beauty.
7. Jakarta to Cirebon
Probably the most interesting and exciting trip that can be done within a short period of time would be the Jakarta to Cirebon trip. It will take about 3-4 hours depending on how long one decides to stop on the way say, the distance is roughly 220 km. Cirebon boasts a rich history and cultural heritage with the Keraton among other things and peculiar batik patterns. The driving route covers mostly highways, so it is easy and convenient to reach. Do not forget to try the local food: Nasi Jamblang and Empal Gentong.
8. Semarang, Central Java
Semarang is one of those hidden gems for road trips. The city in itself is a beautiful juxtaposition of old colonial architecture and the newest developments. A road trip around Semarang will take one to historical sites like Lawang Sewu, the Sam Poo Kong Temple, and Kampung Pelangi with its rows of colorful houses. The journey can be extended to nearby attractions such as the Ambarawa Railway Museum or the beautiful Karimunjawa Islands.
9. Sukabumi, West Java
Sukabumi is a cooler getaway from the frenzy of Jakarta, located about 120 kilometers and taking approximately 3 to 4 hours. Some of the natural attractions here are the Ciletuh Geopark, which forms part of UNESCO Global Geopark Network. The roads circling and climbing uphill make for a really interesting drive, while the views of waterfalls, beaches, and rice fields alone make the ride worth one’s time.
10. Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara
If one is avid about going on road trips to places that are unknown to many tourists, Sumba Island is the haven for them. The island has good roads, making it quite easy to drive around its beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and rolling hills. From West Sumba to East Sumba, there are approximately 300 kilometers of drive that can be covered in about 5-6 days if you wish to see everything at your own pace. Do not miss the spectacular sunset at Nihiwatu Beach and the traditional houses uniquely built in the village of Ratenggaro.
10 Best Cars For Road Tips in Indonesia |
|
Premium Cars |
Family Cars |
|---|---|
| Land Rover Defender – IDR 2.1 Billion | Toyota Avanza – IDR 239.7 – 276.7 million |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – IDR 1.7 Billion | Toyota Rush – IDR 284.4 – 310.45 million |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC – IDR 1.3 Billion | Daihatsu Terios – IDR 241.55 – 307.75 Million |
| Mitsubishi Pajero – IDR 600 Million | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – IDR 567.1 – 764.2 Million |
| Toyota Fortuner – IDR 550 Million | Toyota Fortuner – IDR 573.7 – 761.7 Million |
| Kia Telluride – IDR 800 Million | Renault KWID – IDR 161 Million |
| Kia Carnival – IDR 700 Million | Wuling Binguo EV – IDR 348 – 408 million |
| Subaru BRZ – IDR 850 Million | Toyota Kijang Innova – IDR 384.1 – 431.9 million |
| Jeep Wrangler 4xe – IDR 1.2 Billion | Daihatsu Ayla – IDR 148.9 – 174.8 Million |
| Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro – IDR 1.5 Billion | MG 4 EV- IDR 395 Million |
Also read: Do You Love Night Drives?
Conclusion
From cultural explorers to thrill-seekers, Indonesia provides road trips for every kind of traveler. Every route has a uniqueness which allows visitors to explore more about the beautiful nature, culture and friendly people of the country. Whether you are driving through the volcanic areas of Java or enjoying sun and sand in Bali these holidays are full of beautiful sights that would make the journey all the more special. So finally get ready with your luggage, fill up your fuel tank and start off to enjoy some of the best road trips in Indonesia.