7 Famous Landmarks in Indonesia
There are so many islands in Indonesia, even experts are not sure how many there are. The islands of the Republic of Indonesia stretch for 5120 kilometers from east to west. 300 ethnic groups speak more than 740 languages and dialects. Although most people only know about Bali, there are many more amazing attractions throughout the country.
The Tanah Lot Hindu temple in Bali is located on top of a cliff that has been shaped by the ocean over the centuries. This mysterious temple is one of seven sea temples on the southwest coast of Bali. At low tide, visitors can walk along the ocean floor to reach the temple. The best photos of Tanah Lot can be taken at sunset or sunrise.
Prambanan is a 9th century Hindu temple complex in Java that had 240 temples in its heyday. Work on the restoration of the temple began in the 1930s and continues to this day. The main shrine is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is surrounded by two other shrines dedicated to Brahma and Vishnu. Don't miss the beautiful reliefs of the Ramayana epic.
It is neither the highest nor the largest volcano in Indonesia. Mount Krakatoa is known for its powerful eruption in 1883. More than 36,000 people died as a result of the eruptions. More than 165 cities and villages on the island of Krakatoa were destroyed. This lasted two days and became a significant moment in history. Mount Krakatoa is a stratovolcano. It is a conical volcano with steep slopes, layers of solidified lava and volcanic ash. Krakatau Island is located in the Sunda Strait.
This rice terrace is an iconic landmark in Indonesia. Jatiluwe is a vast and beautiful expanse of terraced rice fields carved into the side of a mountain, from sea level to its summit. Rice fields are cultivated with Subak Rice Irrigation System. This is a traditional method that has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. The system was conceived by farmers and is used throughout the island.
Jakarta Cathedral
Jakarta Cathedral, built in 1810, is absurdly located across the street from the Istiklal Mosque. This is one of the attractions of Indonesia, reminiscent of the history of the Dutch East Indies. The neo-gothic Roman Catholic cathedral is called the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cathedral was built of brick, plaster and has teak beams on the roof. There are three altars and three impressive iron spiers ranging in height from 45 to 60 meters. It is a functioning cathedral in a predominantly Muslim country.
Since Indonesia is one of the 13 counties on the equator, it is only fitting that Indonesia has a landmark that marks the point that separates the northern and southern hemispheres. Pontianak is the only city in the world located on the equator.
This monument marks a site that was explored by a Dutch expedition in 1928. It is a steel ball with black columns.
This is a beautiful church of the Dutch colony, built in 1753 in the city of Semarang. The old town of Semarang was known as Oudstad and has a collection of other 18th century buildings worth visiting.
Originally built in Javanese joglo style, this historic Indonesian landmark is Java's oldest Protestant church.