1. Explore the Coral Triangle

Hit the bull’s-eye of the world’s marine biodiversity by heading to the heart of the Coral Triangle. Raja Ampat in West Papua—a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 1,500 islands—is home to 1,300-plus species of reef fish and pristine pastures of healthy coral.

2. Marvel at Macro

Muck diving for macro wonders is a highlight of any dive trip to Indonesia, and there are plenty of dives on which to aim small. Search for the incredible mimic octopus in Lembeh Strait off North Sulawesi, for example, or hunt for Rhinopias in Ambon.

3. Holy Mola!

Bali and its surrounding areas are a hotspot to see mola mola, aka ocean sunfish, which can weigh over 2,000 pounds. Look for them particularly in July and August, in the waters off Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Padangbai.

4. Cuisine with a Kick

Fans of spicy food should seek out Padang cuisine. Originating in West Sumatra but found throughout the archipelago, it’s known for specialties like beef rendang and sambal dishes with serious kick.

5. Get Some Wave Action

Indonesia is as epic for wave riding as it is for scuba diving. There’s nothing like watching the sunset from the cliffs at Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula while the surf set shreds Bali’s iconic reef breaks below.