Indonesia is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. With its diverse landscapes, tropical jungles, and unique wildlife, it’s no wonder that this archipelago is a top choice for those seeking unforgettable adventures and stunning photography opportunities.
From the endangered orangutans of Borneo to the vibrant marine life of Raja Ampat, Indonesia offers an incredible array of natural beauty.
Whether you’re capturing the majestic Komodo dragons or immersing yourself in dense rainforests, there’s no shortage of breathtaking wildlife and photography spots in Indonesia. Here are 15 best spots you shouldn’t miss:
Raja Ampat, Papua
Address: West Papua, Indonesia
| Type | Underwater Photography |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 days |
Raja Ampat is a diver’s and underwater photographer’s dream. Located in Papua, it’s one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments, home to over 1,500 species of fish and 600 species of coral.
The crystal-clear waters offer unparalleled visibility, ideal for capturing vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and the beautiful underwater ecosystem. Spending 3-4 days here will give you enough time to explore multiple dive sites and capture this underwater paradise.
Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara
Address: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 days |
Home to the famous Komodo dragons, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fantastic combination of wildlife and landscape photography opportunities.
The park consists of Komodo Island, Rinca Island, and Padar Island, where you can capture dramatic volcanic landscapes and the unique Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. A 2-3 day visit is ideal to explore the islands, take a boat tour, and photograph these magnificent creatures in their wild environment.
Borneo’s Tanjung Puting National Park
Address: Teluk Pulai, Kumai, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan 74181, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 3 days |
Known for its endangered orangutans, Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the best places to photograph these incredible primates. Visitors can travel by boat along the river to witness orangutans in the wild and explore the park’s dense rainforest.
There’s also a variety of other wildlife to capture, like proboscis monkeys and crocodiles. A 3-day trip will give you ample time for a memorable wildlife photography experience in this unique Bornean sanctuary.
Bali Barat National Park
Address: VFCG+X44, Sumber Klampok, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
| Type | Birdwatching & Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 days |
Bali Barat National Park offers a fantastic opportunity to photograph Bali’s endemic species, including the endangered Bali starling. The park is home to a wide range of birds and wildlife, including deer, monkeys, and various reptiles.
Its diverse habitats, from mangroves to coral reefs, also make it a great place for landscape and macro photography. Spending 2 days in this lush park will allow you to explore its natural beauty and capture some rare species in their natural environment.
Ujung Kulon National Park, Java
Address: 698G+42H, Ujungjaya, Banten, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 days |
Ujung Kulon National Park is famous for its population of Javan rhinos, one of the most endangered species in the world. The park offers a perfect blend of wildlife and landscape photography with its coastal areas, dense jungles, and impressive views of volcanic landscapes.
The rhinos, along with various other animals, make this park an ideal location for capturing rare wildlife in their pristine environment. A 2-3 day visit will give you time to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park
Address: Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 days |
Gunung Leuser is one of the last remaining rainforests in Sumatra and offers a prime spot for wildlife photographers looking to capture Sumatran tigers, orangutans, and rhinoceros. The dense jungle trails can be challenging, but the rewards are extraordinary.
With its rich biodiversity, you’ll also have opportunities to photograph rare birds, plants, and insects. A 3-4 day stay will allow you to trek through the rainforest and have ample time for wildlife photography.
Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, Java
Address: XXH2+7X4, Ranupani, East Java, Indonesia
| Type | Landscape & Nature Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 days |
Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park is home to the iconic Mount Bromo and other volcanoes, offering some of the most stunning sunrise and landscape photography opportunities in Indonesia.
The park is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the Tengger caldera and the vast Sea of Sand. A 1-2 day visit will give you the chance to shoot breathtaking shots of the volcanoes, dramatic landscapes, and sunrise moments that create a truly surreal atmosphere.
Way Kambas National Park, Lampung
Address: Hutan, East Lampung Regency, Lampung, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 days |
Way Kambas National Park in Lampung is one of the oldest conservation areas in Indonesia, home to a large population of elephants, tigers, and rhinos. It’s a great place for wildlife photographers who want to capture Sumatran elephants in their natural habitat.
You can also photograph other wildlife, such as monkeys and birds. Spending 2-3 days here will give you enough time to explore the park’s lush forests and wetlands while documenting these beautiful creatures.
Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo)
Address: Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Nature Photography |
| Time to Spend | 4 to 5 days |
Kalimantan, part of Indonesian Borneo, is a wild paradise where you can capture rare wildlife such as pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and orangutans. The remote rainforests, rivers, and wetlands offer incredible opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.
Spending 4-5 days here allows you to immerse yourself in the wilderness and capture the diversity of Borneo’s flora and fauna. A boat trip through the rivers provides a unique way to photograph these rare animals in their natural habitat.
Toraja, Sulawesi
Address: South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| Type | Cultural & Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 days |
Toraja, located in Sulawesi, is famous for its dramatic landscapes and unique cultural traditions, especially its elaborate funeral ceremonies. The region offers stunning views of lush rice terraces, highland mountains, and picturesque villages.
The local traditions, with their distinctive architecture and rituals, provide an intriguing subject for cultural photography. You can spend 2 days here to capture the beauty of the land and the unique practices of the Toraja people.
Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra
Address: West Sumatra, Indonesia
| Type | Nature & Cultural Photography |
| Time to Spend | 3 days |
The Mentawai Islands, off the coast of West Sumatra, are known for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and indigenous culture. The islands are a photographer’s paradise, offering opportunities to capture both stunning nature and traditional rituals.
Surfing is a popular activity here, and you can also photograph local tribes in their traditional attire. A 3-day trip gives you enough time to explore the island’s natural beauty and document the lives of the indigenous Mentawai people.
Wakatobi National Park, Southeast Sulawesi
Address: CWPJ+J57, Lentea, South East Sulawesi, Indonesia
| Type | Underwater & Marine Photography |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 days |
Wakatobi National Park is an incredible marine destination known for its coral reefs and underwater biodiversity. It’s one of the best places in Indonesia to photograph vibrant fish, corals, and marine life in crystal-clear waters.
Divers and snorkelers flock here to explore the world beneath the surface. Spending 3-4 days here will give you plenty of time to dive, photograph the diverse marine ecosystems, and capture the natural beauty of one of the world’s richest coral reefs.
Bali’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Located in Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a haven for photographers interested in capturing the playful long-tailed macaques.
The lush jungle setting, ancient temple ruins, and vibrant flora provide a beautiful backdrop for wildlife photography. A quick 1-2 hour visit will give you plenty of opportunities to photograph the monkeys and the serene, atmospheric forest that surrounds them.
Papua’s Lorentz National Park
Address: 9XCF+33V, Yakapis, Papua, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 4 to 5 days |
Lorentz National Park in Papua is one of the most biodiverse areas in Indonesia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to exotic species like tree kangaroos and birds of paradise, as well as stunning landscapes ranging from glaciers to tropical rainforests.
A 4-5 day stay gives you time to explore the park’s vast wilderness and photograph both its rare wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Kelimutu National Park, Flores
Address: 7Q5V+9CQ, West Detusoko, Detusoko, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
| Type | Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 days |
Kelimutu National Park, located on the island of Flores, is famous for its three multi-colored lakes. The striking color variations, which change depending on the time of day, provide unique landscape photography opportunities.
The surreal beauty of the lakes, combined with the surrounding forest and mountains, makes this a must-visit for landscape photographers. A 1-2 day visit allows you to capture the stunning sunrise and the mesmerizing views of the colored lakes.