Indonesia Travel Guide

Before you begin your journey, discover all there is to know about breathtaking Indonesia! Did you know Indonesia has over 17,000 islands spanning Southeast Asia to Oceania? This is perfect news for those wanting to travel, as you are spoilt for choice.

If you're planning to explore Indonesia and need some tips, here's what to know: the official language is Indonesian, and the currency is the Indonesian Rupiah. We hope this Indonesian travel guide can help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime!

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to travel to Indonesia is during the dry season! The days are hot and dry from May to September, and there’s no rain cloud in sight. You’ll have excellent weather for scuba diving, hiking, and lazy days at the beach.

If you are looking for lower prices and fewer crowds, consider booking your flights to Indonesia during the shoulder season. The shoulder season is between November and March. Bridging the Equator, Indonesia is hot all year round, with the only change coming between November and March when the country sees widespread rain, particularly in the south.

Hottest month: May

Coldest month: Febuary

Wettest month: January

Windiest month: January

Must Visit Destinations

If you’re visiting Indonesia anytime soon, then make sure to keep these beautiful places in Indonesia on your bucket list to ensure your trip is fulfilled.

Gili Islands, Lombok

Best place for beach parties and explorers

Gili Trawangan (also known as ‘Gili T’) is the largest and most developed of the islands, with a main drag that heaves with shops, massage parlours and cafes. Gili Meno is the smallest and most traditional island, while Gili Air offers the best of both worlds and is a lively hub for yoga tourism.

These islands are very popular with tourists and it's no surprise as there is so much to see and do. Besides adventure sports like snorkelling, surfing and diving, island hopping, and fishing, there are also lots of restaurants, cafes and beach parties. Some Suggestions that are popular on where to eat and drink while visiting are Ya Ya Warung, Kayu Cafe and Little Bali Restaurant.

The easiest way to get to the Gilis from Lombok's airport is to walk to the nearest travel agent and ask them about excursions to the Gili Islands and they will organise a boat trip for you. travellers can expect warm hospitality and a genuine sense of community, offering a slightly different vibe from nearby Bali. While crime rates are low in Lombok, small precautions go a long way.

Ubud, Bali

Best city for wellness and culture

Ubud is a great place to enjoy some time among the rice fields and rice terraces and to better appreciate Balinese culture. Nature lovers will find Ubud to offer plenty of beautiful scenery and places for walks. Ubud tends to be one of my most recommended areas to stay in Bali, due to its central location and the fact that it is home to many of the most interesting places to visit on the island. Ubud has a more spiritual and cultural atmosphere. Plus, it hosts some of the best waterfalls in Bali.

This on-trend city offers lots to see and do such as the monkey forest, local temples, markets and yoga. The closest beach destinations from Ubud are Sanur and Padangbai, with travel times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes by car or scooter. Some visitors travel to Ubud to experience being hypnotized by the beauty of courtly Legong ballets or wild Kecak fire dancing. It's well known as a place to go on a wellness retreat and connect with nature.

Ubud sits around 40km north of the airport by road. It's a good idea to plan transport from the airport to where you are staying before you get there. Safety while walking alone at night in Ubud is rated as high. However, solo female travellers, and all travellers, are advised to remain alert when walking alone at night in Ubud. Due to the island being tropical, there are active volcanos and risks of flooding so be cautious however, this is very rare.

Komodo National Park, Komodo Island

Best place for surprising wildlife encounters

I know what you are thinking, do these creatures just roam around the Island? The answer is yes and you are allowed to visit the Island. These ancient-looking creatures can grow up to 3m in length and weigh up to 70kg. Sadly, there are fewer than 1400 of these fork-tongued giants left in the wild. The Komodo National Park encompasses a total of 29 volcanic islands (including the 3 major islands Rinca, Padar and Komodo) and is home to approximately 2,500 Komodo Dragons.

This park isn't just known for being a home to the Komodo dragons, it's also a great diving spot. Komodo National Park conveniently sits in the heart of the Asia Pacific Coral Triangle and is home to one of the world’s richest marine environments. The area is famous for its fierce currents, riptides, and whirlpools which bring in rich nutrients from the depths of the Indian Ocean to create ideal conditions for thousands of species of tropical fish and corals to flourish.

When visiting, make sure you go and see Pink Beach it is one in seven in the world to have a glowing soft pink tinge! Keep in mind that the Komodo Dragons can be fairly dangerous so make sure to keep your wits about you. The easiest way to access the Komodo Islands is by flying into Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores and taking a boat tour from there.

Jakarta, Java

Best city for art and history

Jakarta, Indonesia's massive capital, sits on the northwest coast of the island of Java. Home to millions of people from around the world, the city is a mixture of languages and cultures which is great for those who are travelling. It’s also home to the nation’s finest restaurants, wildest nightclubs and best museums. For history lovers, take time to browse the collections in the Museum Nasional (for history), Galeri Nasional (for classical art) and MACAN (for modern and contemporary art).

If you are looking for busy nightlife, restaurants and bars then look no further than Jakarta! AS chaotic as this city is, it's a great experience to embrace the Indonesian lifestyle. Did you know that some of Asia's grandest shopping malls amongst local markets are located in Jakarta?

Make sure to not wear revealing clothing and to dress appropriately otherwise, is it deemed disrespectful. The streets in Jakarta are very busy, filled with people and traffic so be careful when crossing roads. With the city centre located approximately 40 kilometres from the airport, the ride can take anywhere from 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the traffic so pre-book a taxi.

Food and Drinks

If you are visiting Indonesia, make sure you don't miss a chance to taste these delicious cuisines! Sate is popular in Indonesia and it's slices of marinated meat grilled in bamboo skewers on a charcoal open fire. You can find sate made of various kinds of meats, such as chicken, beef, lamb, scallops, and fish. Mie Ayam is another traditional dish, known as Chicken Noodle. It is one of the popular dishes that you can easily find at the street stalls everywhere, usually, it also comes with Bakso.

Not only delicious special food, Indonesia also has a variety of refreshing special drinks to taste. Even some of these special drinks have benefits for your body’s health. This is because typical Indonesian drinks are formulated from natural ingredients, such as spices. Make sure to try Wedang Uwuh when visiting as it's a drink containing leaves and spices with high levels of antioxidants. A few other popular drinks include Kawa Daun, Teh Talua and Brem Bali

Tips for Travellers

Before you set off on your journey to Indonesia here are a few traveller tips that will give you the knowledge you need to navigate the country with confidence:

• Make sure to stay updated on vaccinations and health advisories.
• Drink bottled water and be cautious about street food as you don't want to get ill.
• A COVID-19 vaccination certificate is no longer necessary but all travellers entering Indonesia must complete a SatuSehat Health Pass.
• Indonesia experiences thousands of earthquakes each year and has 129 active volcanoes so be careful when exploring.
• Buy a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport so that you have to call credit and internet data wherever you go.

Cultural Insights

Visiting this country is a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you mesmerized and excited to return. While here, you’ll encounter friendly locals, delicious food, and a rich history that dates back centuries. Indonesia is home to over 700 languages and countless cultures, making it one of the most diverse countries in the world.

Family is central to Indonesian culture however, there is a sort of hierarchy regarding age. Elders are considered to have the most wisdom and are therefore the most deserving of authority. Did you know that eating with your hands is very common in Indonesia? The right hand is used for eating, while the left hand is reserved for personal hygiene.

Indonesia has many different dances, including the Paraga, Cakalele, Gala, Sajojo, and War Dance. The graceful movements of Balinese dancers and the rhythmic beats of the gendang drum are common at ceremonies. The most popular arts can differ slightly depending on the island or region of Indonesia you visit. Some popular art forms include specific forms of visual art, such as painting and carving, which are highly regarded in Indonesia.

Practical Information

There are a few things you need to know before visiting Indonesia such as visa and passport information and how to stay safe.

If you are planning on visiting Indonesia then you might be thinking, Do I need a visa? The answer is yes, currently citizens of the UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and almost all other nationalities require a visa to visit Indonesia. At this time, there is a visa-on-arrival service available. The cost is approximately $40 per person which is payable in cash $, £ and Euro also on card.

It's important to know the maximum period of stay for an e-visa is 30 days which can be extended for a further 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months on the day of exit and should contain at least one empty page on the day of arrival.

Travellers to Indonesia should check official sources such as their embassy or consulate for what vaccinations are required for your visit at least eight weeks before travel. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended. Typhoid vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are also recommended for some areas.

Due to the huge population, avoid travelling during peak times, especially around busier spots such as Denpasar and Kuta. Traffic can be horrendous and journey time estimates on apps like Google Maps or Grab are unreliable. When travelling around Indonesia it might be nice to learn a few phrases as English is spoken only in tourist areas.

Popular Activities and Attractions

Historical sites

If you want to learn about some Indonesian history then visit what is believed to be the biggest (and certainly the most mysterious) Buddhist temple ruin that dates back over 1200 years. You can always check out the cultural wonders like Old Town Batavia, National Museum, and National Monument and learn the history of this city that once was a legendary harbour town where traders from Dutch and England made their visits.

Outdoor activities

You might have Indonesia on your bucket list for its gorgeous beaches or delicious food, however, we think the best part is the activities and attractions. Activities that are popular with tourists include surfing, snorkelling, cave exploring, monkey watching, island hopping, horseback riding, volcano hiking and diving. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Indonesia promises unforgettable experiences.

Excursions in Indonesia are usually safe if you take some precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, following local advice, and being aware of potential risks. One of the pros to visiting Indonesia is that everything is very cheap, such as food, alcohol, accommodation, transport and excursions. Therefore, it's one of the best places to try new experiences.

Beach clubs

If you have never been to Indonesia before, visiting a beach club is a must. Every one of them is different with its unique vibe. From sunsets to jungle views and infinity pools overlooking the ocean, you will not regret hitting at least one beach club for a day (or evening). One of the most popular beach clubs in Indonesia is FINNS Beach Club in Canguu. It's the perfect place for amazing cocktails, all-you-can-eat food and a chance to sunbathe whilst listening to music.

A relatively new addition to the beach club scene in Bali it is very conveniently located 100m from Old Mans in Batu Bolong. Sitting on the foreshore of the hip Canggu beach, The Lawn has quickly become a favourite haunt for locals, expats and visitors alike. Soak up the midday sun, lounge by the pool, and enjoy a cocktail or the sensational tunes from visiting DJs after dark.

Most beach clubs in Indonesia have an amazing view of the ocean and come with direct access to the beach, but not all spots are suitable for swimming in the ocean for different reasons. It's highly recommended you do — a little bit of planning will help make your day a fantastic experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your day:

• Purchase your tickets beforehand to save money
• You will likely be asked by security to leave any food and drinks before entering, including bottled water.
• You will likely be subjected to a security search before entering, including backpacks, shopping and handbags.