Traveling is one thing, but knowing the culture and history behind the places you visit will enhance your traveling experience even more. The same goes for Indonesia—a land with so much to explore, especially when it comes to historical landmarks. In fact, many historical places in Indonesia are the reason why the country’s norms and culture are shaped the way they do.
The many tribes of Indonesia once came together to overthrow the Dutch and Japanese colonies, serving as the foundation behind the prided ‘Unity in Diversity’ slogan.
Let’s step back into the past and learn Indonesian history, so you could enjoy a more authentic traveling experience. Here are 7 historical places in Indonesia to satisfy your inner geek.
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7 Historical Places in Indonesia You Should Never Miss
1. Maimun Palace
Location: Jl. Brigjend Katamso No.66, A U R, Kec. Medan Maimun, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20151
If you’re a historical geek who also enjoys learning about architecture, then Maimun Palace is a must-visit.
The building is what’s left of the Deli Sultanate, an Islamic Malay sultanate established in 1632. The palace itself has been well-preserved since 1887.
Maimun Palace was made by an Italian architect named Theo Van Erp who took inspiration from various architectural concepts.
The late architect applied traditional, Malay, Middle Eastern, and European styles to the magnificent building you can still visit today.
The palace is divided into three parts, namely the main building, the right wing, and the left wing.
By only paying IDR 5,000 for adults and IDR 3,000 for children, you can witness the magnificent architecture with your own eyes. There are many great details colored in luxurious golden yellow.
2. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque
Location: Jl. Moh. Jam No.1, Kp. Baru, Kec. Baiturrahman, Kota Banda Aceh, Aceh
Another Islamic historical landmark you can visit is the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque. Rumor has it that the Mosque was built during Sultan Iskandar Muda’s reign in 1612.
Under his rule, the Sultanate of Aceh reached its peak of glory and became a major influence on Islamic culture in Aceh. His influence was what got Aceh its famous nickname, the Veranda of Mecca.
Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is a symbol of revival. The Dutch once burned the Mosque, but it was later rebuilt in 1879-1881. Two domes and two minarets were added on the west side, making the mosque even more glorious than before.
It is now standing as proof that anyone can come back stronger than ever, even after being knocked down.
3. Taman Sari Water Castle
Location: Patehan, Kraton, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55133
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk through a royal palace garden? Well, you can try that for yourself here!
Taman Sari Water Castle used to be the royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. It was built in the 18th century for multiple purposes, such as a resting area, workshop, meditation, and even a hiding place.
The area is divided into four parts: a large artificial lake with islands and pavilions in the west, a bathing complex in the center, another complex of pavilions and pools in the south, and a smaller lake in the east.
However, the only part that is still well-preserved today is the bathing complex. Here, you can learn more about the history of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and why parts of the complex were destroyed.
Read Also: 5 Indonesian Cultural Activities That Make You Feel Like a Local Citizen
4. Fort Rotterdam
Location: Jl. Ujung Pandang, Bulo Gading, Kec. Ujung Pandang, Kota Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan 90171
Step back into the past at Fort Rotterdam, a Dutch fort built on top of an existing fort of the Gowa Kingdom.
The Kingdom was forced to concede the fort after losing the Makassar War. Built in the 17th century, the fort is what remains of the Dutch regional military and governmental headquarters from colonial times.
It now serves as an educational center and a venue for various events. A building within the complex has now been turned into a museum.
So, aside from learning about the history of the Gowa Kingdom’s fight against the Dutch, you can also see some authentic artifacts and manuscripts for yourself.
There are even various ceramics, statues, and traditional clothing displayed.
We suggest hiring a tour guide, so you’re guaranteed to get more fun facts. Some even love telling scary stories about the fort.
5. Lawang Sewu
Location: Jl. Pemuda No.160, Sekayu, Kec. Semarang Tengah, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50132
Considered one of the iconic buildings in Semarang, Lawang Sewu has been around for longer than the country’s independence itself. Its construction began in 1904 and has been standing since 1907.
Lawang Sewu literally means a thousand doors. It used to function as the Nederlands-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij or NIS Administrative Headquarters.
Rumor has it that apart from being an office, the basement also functioned as a prison. This is where the many scary stories come from, but you’ll have to prove it yourself by coming here.
Despite its name, Lawang Sewu only has 429 doors. Some people say that it got its name due to the many door-sized windows you can see here.
6. Prambanan Temple
Location: Jl. Raya Solo – Yogyakarta No.16, Kranggan, Bokoharjo, Kec. Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55571
Known as one of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, the Prambanan temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Indonesia.
It was built for several Hindu gods. The biggest temple is dedicated to Shiva the destroyer, while the two smaller ones are dedicated to Brahma the creator and Wisnhu the sustainer.
The temple complex covers 39.8 hectares in total, with a lush landscape and detailed architecture all for you to explore and admire.
For its grand scale and rich history, it was declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1991.
7. Borobudur Temple
Location: Jl. Badrawati, Kw. Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang, Jawa Tengah
Last but not least, and perhaps the most iconic on our historical places in Indonesia list. Considered the largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur Temple is a must-visit for any history geek.
Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty, the temple consists of nine stacked platforms—six square and three circular—topped by a central dome.
The temple is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally had 504 Buddha statues.
Visitors can climb up the stairs to admire the detailed architecture of the temple or simply walk around the temple complex to witness the massive temple from afar.
Like the Prambanan temple, Borobudur temple was also declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1991.
Read Also: 7 Amazingly Gorgeous Temples of Indonesia
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Header photo: Fuad Najib via Unsplash
