10 Most Visited Religious Tourism in Indonesia

Review by : Yuli SE., MM

The diversity of tourist destinations in Indonesia is not just natural beauty, cultural diversity, history, or culinary. There are religious tourisms that are also interested for the travelers from all over the world. It is not something rare that a place of worship became a tourist destination in Indonesia. In these places, you can feel the religious atmosphere, see the worshipers, and attend religious festivals. Besides, you could also feel the harmonious religion in Indonesia. Here are the most visited religious tourism in Indonesia.

1. Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta

Who does not know the Istiqlal Mosque? The mosque is located in Central Jakarta, is the largest in Southeast Asia. Its splendor attracts tourists from all over the world. Not only beautiful, this mosque is also historic. Istiqlal was initiated by then President, Ir Soekarno. Its construction began in 1951 and was completed in 1978. The architect is Frederich Silaban, a Christian that born in North Sumatra.

In this mosque, tourists can admire the splendor of modern architecture with geometric ornaments. The dominant steel structure gives a firm and grandiose impression. In it, the tourists can feel the atmosphere of Islam through activities of worship. During the month of Ramadan, Istiqlal Mosque must be visited at dawn or break the fast!

2. Pura Tanah Lot, Bali

Pura Tanah Lot is one of the most famous destinations in Bali. It is a place of worship for Hindus. Pura Tanah Lot located in Tabanan regency, Bali, not only nuanced religion but also has a super beautiful panorama. There are two temples perched on a boulder, a place of worship for the gods of the sea keepers.

On a normal day, Tanah Lot Temple is always flooded with tourists. If you want to see the rituals of Hindu worship, come during the feast of Galungan and Kuningan. In addition to the scenery of the crowds with a beautiful sea background, you can also learn the culture of Hindu religion.

3. Muhammad Ceng Ho Mosque

From its name, we can surmise that this architecture may resemble the architecture of Chinese buildings in general. The allegations are true. Building a large mosque located in the city of Surabaya is indeed has a similar architecture like pagoda, worship house of Confucians. Although similar to Chinese style buildings, this mosque still does not ignore Middle Eastern style architecture as the basic architecture of a mosque, and Javanese architecture as the area where the mosque stands.

Without disrupting its function as a holy place of worship, Masjid Muhammad Cheng Ho in Surabaya is also one of the religious tourism destinations in Indonesia, especially for people who live in Surabaya and surrounding areas. However, Muhammad Cheng Ho Mosque is actually not only in Surabaya, but also in other areas such as Palembang, Jember, and so on.

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4. Maha Vihara Maitreya, Medan

Many travelers stated that this monastery is the largest in Indonesia. Maha Vihara Maitreya located in residential complex Cemara Asri, Medan City, it takes 10 years of manufacture from beginning to end. However, the length of the development was fruitful. Maha Vihara Maitreya has a very beautiful architecture, but still simple and roomy.

This vihara monastery (which means a large monastery) has an area of about 11 thousand m2. Khusyu atmosphere is felt here. Although the city of Medan tends to be hot, tourists will feel cool when entering the monastery. Every now and then, the monks are milling about and worshiping in silence. In the front of the monastery, there are dragon statues facing the clearing. On the left side there is a pond containing large koi fish. Tourists always visited this monastery during the feast of Buddhists, namely Waisyak.

5. Dung Dewa Siantan Vihara

Located in Tarempat, Anambas Islands, Dung Dewa Siantan Temple is the most recommended destination for religious tourism. This temple was built on a rocky cliff and green mountains as a fence. Until now, the temple of Mount Dewa Siantan has been used as an active place for Buddhist worship, a place for religious study for Buddhists, and other centers related to Buddhism.

For those who want to travel religious and want to get the photos, this vihara is the right destination choice. You can take pictures on the pillars of monasteries built with various shapes, ranging from poles wrapped by golden dragon yellow serpent, until the pillars are decorated with statues of the gods.

6. Baiturrahman Mosque

This mosque is a mosque of Sultanate of Aceh built by Sultan Iskandar Muda in 1022 H / 1612 M. This mosque includes a magnificent and beautiful building similar to the Taj Mahal in India located in the heart of Banda Aceh and became the center of all activities in Aceh Darussalam.

As a historic place and has a high artistic value, Baiturrahman Great Mosque became a religious tourism object that is able to make every tourist who comes chuckle awe at the history and also the beauty of the architecture. Baiturrahman Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Indonesia that has a stunning architecture, interesting carvings, a spacious yard with a Turkish-Ottoman Ottoman Turkish bath pool.

7. Klenteng Kwan Sing Bio, Tuban

The Indonesian Pagoda that located at Jl RE Martadinata, Tuban regency, it is never empty of visitors. Imagine, the temple is a place of worship of the people of Kong Hu Cu is the largest in Indonesia. Even touted as the largest in Southeast Asia, with an area of about 3 hectares!

Built in 1928, Klenteng Kwan Sing Bio is located right on the Pantura Line, just near the beach. This pagoda has some uniqueness. There is the symbol of a crab at the entrance Pagoda while usually the pagoda uses a dragon statue as an ornament at the entrance.

Ethnic Chinese who visited this pagoda are not only from Indonesia, but also countries in Southeast Asia such as Singapore. They came to pray and enjoy the pagoda. This place is also a favorite of tourists, even for those who want to spend the night. Yes, this temple provides a free nightstand that can accommodate thousands of visitors.