Though it is a country of rich traditions, Indonesia is also modern. Across the archipelago, travelers can find a wide variety of urban attractions. From the energetic pursuits of backpackers to the refined pleasures of retirees, activities to match all tastes await in urban Indonesia.

Perhaps the first taste visitors enjoy is quite literal—the food! Indonesian cuisine is famous for its many flavors, ranging from sweet fresh coconut to fiery curries. After all, the country was once known as the Spice Islands. And because food is so deeply ingrained in the culture, just eating can be an educational experience.

Second to eating is shopping. In Jakarta especially, the variety is tremendous. Visitors can walk their way through a crowded street market in the morning and browse modern fashions in designer boutiques in the afternoon. Particularly popular with travelers is Indonesian batik—an art of uniquely dyed cloth that dates back hundreds of years.

Amid the jolt and rush of the city, there is also relaxation. Over the past decade, Indonesia’s spa industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Today, it is one of the most luxurious in Asia. After long flights and exhausting shopping trips, guests often retire to the hotel spa to be pampered and rejuvenated.

If you prefer to relax on the green, Indonesia’s many top-flight golf courses can accommodate you. Some courses are particularly memorable. The Klub Golf Rimba Irian, for example, is carved into a beautiful rainforest. Against the majestic arching trees, the green gains a special significance.

For more information about Indonesia’s many urban attractions, please visit the Ministry of Tourism’s website, “My Indonesia".