INDONESIA

Explore Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of over 17,000 islands straddling the equator, a land forged by volcanic activity and rich in diverse cultures. From ancient kingdoms to colonial influences, its history is as vibrant as its landscapes. Get ready for stunning beaches, lush jungles, and unique wildlife!

Region: Southeast Asia and Oceania

Capital: Jakarta

Official Language: Bahasa Indonesia

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise a high degree of caution due to risks of terrorism and natural disasters. While generally safe for tourists, petty crime is common, and some areas like Central Papua and Highland Papua have increased risks due to civil unrest.

A map of Southeast Asia with Indonesia highlighted in green.

Why Visit Indonesia?

Island Diversity: From iconic Bali to untouched Raja Ampat, explore over 17,000 islands with unique cultures and landscapes.

Natural Wonders: Volcanoes like Mount Bromo, waterfalls in Lombok, and stunning lakes like Toba will leave you in awe.

Underwater Paradise: World-class diving/snorkeling in Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Bunaken—with rich coral reefs and manta rays.

Lush green terraced fields and rolling hills under a soft, misty light.

Cultural Richness: Witness ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, and discover living traditions in Ubud and Toraja.

Affordable Luxury: Enjoy high-end villas, spa retreats, and beach clubs for a fraction of Western prices.

Tropical Climate: Warm year-round, with temperatures ranging 77–90°F (25–32°C)—perfect for sun seekers.

The ancient Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, with its towering, intricately carved structures under a blue sky.

Essential Trip Information

Indonesia offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many nationalities, but rules vary by country.

Check current visa eligibility and requirements at the official immigration site: https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/

Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

You may be asked to show proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, and accommodation bookings.

Visa on Arrival (VoA) is available for around US$35 at major airports and seaports; valid for 30 days, extendable once.

  • Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Approximate rate: US$1 = 15,500 IDR.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount to cover initial expenses.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at banks like Mandiri, BNI, or BCA. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in urban areas.

  • Carry small cash for markets, local eateries, and transport in rural regions.

  • Avoid: Airport exchange counters (high fees) and choosing to be charged in USD at card terminals (always opt for local currency).

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language.

English is spoken in tourist areas but basic phrases help:

  • “Terima kasih” (Thank you)
  • “Permisi” (Excuse me)
  • “Di mana…?” (Where is…?)

Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded markets or buses.

Beware of petty theft, especially in Bali and Jakarta.

Respect local customs, especially in conservative regions.

Emergency number: 112 (general), 119 (ambulance)

Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Malaria risk in rural areas—consult a travel doctor.

Travel insurance is highly recommended.

Tap water is not safe to drink—opt for bottled or filtered water.

Pharmacies are common in cities; look for Kimia Farma or Guardian.

Flights: Indonesia is an archipelago—air travel is often essential. Carriers like Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air operate frequently.

Ferries: Regular services between islands, but check safety records.

Ride-sharing: Grab and Gojek are widely used and inexpensive.

Trains: Operate mainly in Java (e.g., Jakarta to Yogyakarta).

Scooters: Popular in Bali/Lombok—rent only if experienced.

Traffic can be intense in big cities; allow extra time for transfers.

Indonesia is generally very affordable, though some areas like Bali or Jakarta can be more upscale.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Guesthouses/hostels: US$10–30/night

  • Mid-range: Boutique hotels/villas: US$40–100/night

  • Luxury: High-end resorts: US$150+/night

Food

  • Street food/Warung: US$1–5

  • Casual dining: US$8–20/person

  • Upscale restaurants: US$30+/person

Drinks

  • Local beer (Bintang): US$2–3

  • Imported cocktails: US$8–15

  • Coffee (Kopi): US$1–3

Transportation

  • Ride apps (Gojek/Grab): US$1–5 for most trips

  • Local buses/angkot: US$0.30–1

  • Scooter rentals: US$5–10/day

  • Domestic flights (for islands): US$30–150+

Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat at warungs (local family-owned eateries).

  • Use Gojek/Grab for cheap, efficient transport.

  • Travel during shoulder seasons (May–June, Sept–Oct) for lower prices.

  • Book accommodation in less touristy regions like Yogyakarta or Lombok.

Explore Indonesia

Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali is a spiritual and cultural hub with lush rice paddies, volcanic mountains, vibrant arts scenes, and stunning beaches. It is located in the westernmost part of the Lesser Sunda Islands.

Home to the prehistoric Komodo Dragon, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers dramatic landscapes of savanna, white and pink sand beaches, and incredibly rich marine life for diving and snorkeling. It is situated in the Lesser Sunda Islands, between Sumbawa and Flores.

The most populous island, Java is a cultural heartland with majestic ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, active volcanoes like Mount Bromo, and bustling cities like Jakarta and Yogyakarta. It is centrally located within the Indonesian archipelago.

A trio of idyllic islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) off the coast of Lombok, offering car-free tranquility, pristine white-sand beaches, and excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. They are located just northwest of Lombok.

A magnificent 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple, adorned with thousands of relief panels and hundreds of Buddha statues, offering a profound spiritual experience and stunning sunrise views. It is located in Central Java, near Yogyakarta.

An iconic active volcano in East Java, part of the Tengger massif, famous for its otherworldly volcanic landscape and spectacular sunrise views over its steaming crater. It is situated in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java.

The cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is renowned for its traditional crafts and dances, tranquil rice terraces, ancient temples, and vibrant arts scene, offering a serene escape amidst lush greenery. It is nestled in the central uplands of Bali.

A remote and pristine archipelago in West Papua, considered the global epicenter of marine biodiversity, offering unparalleled diving and snorkeling opportunities amidst vibrant coral reefs and untouched islands. It is located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua.

The largest volcanic lake in the world, featuring Samosir Island at its center, offering stunning natural beauty, rich Batak culture, and a serene environment perfect for relaxation and exploring traditional villages. It is located in North Sumatra.

A region in South Sulawesi known for its unique and intricate funeral ceremonies, traditional tongkonan houses with boat-shaped roofs, and ancient burial sites carved into rocky cliffs. It is located in the highlands of South Sulawesi.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Lush, Green Landscapes
  • Unique Cultural Experiences

Main Drawbacks:

  • Higher Rainfall and Humidity
  • Potential for Flooding/Disrupted Travel
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (e.g., trekking)
  • Some closures (e.g., smaller island resorts)

Key Regions:

  • Raja Ampat (West Papua): Generally drier and calmer seas, excellent for diving.
  • Moluccas (Maluku Islands): Central islands offer sunshine and good visibility for diving.
  • North Sumatra (Lake Toba): Still receives rain, but the lushness is captivating.
  • East Java (Bromo, Ijen): Treks can be muddy and slippery, but unique views possible.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (less rain, more sunshine)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events
  • Blooming Landscapes (post-rainy season)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (can still have showers)
  • Increasing Prices (approaching peak season)
  • Some areas might still be recovering from heavy rains

Key Regions:

  • Bali: Pleasant weather before the peak tourist influx, great for beaches and culture.
  • Java: Excellent for exploring temples and volcanoes with comfortable temperatures.
  • Nusa Tenggara (Lombok, Flores): Good for island hopping and diving, as seas calm down.
  • Sumatra: Optimal for wildlife spotting and exploring national parks as paths dry.
  • Kalimantan (Borneo): Improving weather for river cruises and orangutan encounters.
  • Dry Season (June – September)
  • Major Holidays (e.g., Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, New Year)
  • School Holidays (July – August)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: A smile and a nod go far; shake hands gently if offered.

Shoes off: Remove footwear when entering homes or certain shops.

Dress modestly: Especially in temples and rural areas—cover shoulders and knees.

Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up or leaving small tips (US$1–2) is appreciated.

Left hand taboo: Avoid giving/receiving items or eating with your left hand.

Religion: Indonesia is mostly Muslim, with pockets of Hinduism (Bali) and Christianity. Respect local religious practices, especially during Ramadan.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: US$10–25
  • Mid-range: US$40–90
  • Luxury: US$150+

Food:

  • Street food: US$1–3 (try nasi goreng, satay)
  • Casual restaurants: US$5–10
  • Upscale dining: US$30+

Transport:

  • Scooters: US$5–10/day
  • Domestic flights: US$30–100
  • Ride-hailing apps: Short rides ~US$1–3

Activities:

  • Temple entrance fees: US$1–5
  • Diving/snorkeling: US$25–60
  • Tours (e.g., Mount Bromo, Komodo): US$50–100

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$40–60 (hostels, street food, scooter rental)

  • Mid-range: US$90–150 (hotels, guided tours, domestic flight)

  • Luxury: US$250+ (resorts, private driver, upscale meals)

Free Wi-Fi: Common in cafes, hotels, airports.

SIM Cards:

  • Telkomsel and XL Axiata are top providers.
  • Prepaid SIMs available at airports or convenience stores (~US$5–10 for 10GB).

eSIMs: Supported by providers like Airalo and Holafly for hassle-free setup.

Highly recommended, especially for health coverage and adventure activities (like volcano hikes or diving).

Medical care in Bali and Jakarta is good, but rural areas may lack facilities.

Ensure coverage for motorcycle rentals, which are common but riskier.

Weather-related delays are possible in rainy season—trip delay insurance is helpful.

Indonesia offers everything from beachfront luxury to rustic eco-lodges.

Hotels:

  • Luxury: Four Seasons Bali, Mandapa Ritz-Carlton (Ubud)
  • Mid-range: Grandmas Plus Hotel, Artotel (Yogyakarta or Jakarta)
  • Budget: Favehotel, Amaris Hotels (urban centers)

Guesthouses & Homestays:

  • Widely available in rural areas and beach towns—great way to connect with locals.
  • Prices from US$15/night.

Hostels:

  • Common in Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta—many offer co-working and events.
  • Prices range US$8–20/night.

Villas & Airbnb:

  • Ideal for groups or long stays.
    Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud have plentiful options.

Tip: Book accommodations near key transport hubs or attractions for convenience and time-saving.

Indonesia is an archipelago with over 17,000 islands—so transportation often involves a mix of land, sea, and air.

Flights:

  • For longer routes (e.g., Jakarta to Bali), domestic flights are cheap and efficient.
  • Carriers include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and AirAsia.

Trains (Java only):

  • Scenic and affordable.
  • Recommended: Jakarta–Yogyakarta route. Book via Kereta Api Indonesia.

Buses & Minibuses (Angkot):

  • Widely available but can be confusing for foreigners.
  • Good for short distances on a budget.

Scooters:

  • Most popular way to explore islands like Bali and Lombok.
  • Rentals cost US$5–10/day. Helmet and international license recommended.

Taxis/Rideshares:

  • Blue Bird Taxis are trusted (metered).
  • Grab and Gojek (apps) are widely used in major cities.

Boats & Ferries:

  • Inter-island ferries (slow but scenic). Fast boats between Bali, Gili Islands, Lombok (~US$25–35 one-way).
  • Only use reputable companies for safety.

Walking:

  • Walkable in smaller towns and tourist hubs like Ubud or Gili Trawangan.

Handy Tips

Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Bills come in 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000; 50,000; and 100,000 IDR denominations. Coins are less common but include 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 IDR.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport kiosks (poor rates). Use ATMs (BNI, Mandiri, or CIMB) or reputable exchange offices (Kantor Tukar).

  • Using Cards: Cards (Visa/Mastercard) work in cities, but cash is king in rural areas. Carry small bills for warungs (street food) and markets.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Tipping isn’t expected but appreciated:

    • Restaurants: Round up or leave 5–10% for exceptional service.

    • Taxis: Round up (e.g., 50,000 IDR fare → pay 55,000 IDR).

    • Tour Guides: US$5–10/day for private guides.

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas. Helpful phrases:

  • “Berapa harganya?” (How much is this?)

  • “Di mana toilet?” (Where’s the toilet?)

  • “Tidak pedas, ya” (Not spicy, please) – crucial for food!

  • Pro Tip: Smile and say “Terima kasih” (Thank you)—Indonesians value politeness.

Emergency Contacts:

  • 112: General emergency (police, ambulance).
  • 110: Police.
  • 118/119: Ambulance.
  • Your embassy (e.g., U.S. Embassy Jakarta: +62 21 5083-1000).

Safety Tips:

  • Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas (Kuta Beach, Tanah Abang Market).
  • Avoid drinking tap water (stick to bottled).
  • Traffic is chaotic—use Gojek/Grab (ride-hailing apps) for safer transport.

Indonesia uses 220V/50Hz with Type C/F plugs (two round pins). Bring an adapter; converters are rarely needed for phones/laptops.

Tap water is unsafe to drink. Buy sealed bottled water (e.g., Aqua) or use filtered water in hotels. Ice in restaurants is usually safe (look for cylindrical holes).

Major holidays (government offices/attractions may close):

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • Late Jan–Feb: Chinese New Year (varies)

  • Mar–Apr: Nyepi (Balinese “Day of Silence”—no flights/street activity!)

  • May: Ascension of Jesus (Christian communities)

  • May–Jun: Eid al-Fitr (avoid travel—transport packed!)

  • 17 Aug: Independence Day (parades/festivals)

  • Dec 25: Christmas

Malls: 10:00–22:00 (Jakarta/Bali).

Markets: Open early (6:00–14:00) for fresh produce.

Warungs: Often 24/7 in tourist areas.

Nasi Goreng: Indonesia’s beloved fried rice, often served with a fried egg on top.

Rendang: Spicy beef slow-cooked in coconut milk and spices—originating from West Sumatra.

Sate Ayam: Skewered chicken grilled over charcoal and served with peanut sauce.

Gado-Gado: Warm vegetable salad with tofu, boiled eggs, and a rich peanut dressing.

Bakso: Bouncy meatball soup, often sold from street carts with noodles and sambal.

Soto Betawi: Creamy Jakarta-style beef soup with coconut milk and aromatic spices.

Pempek: Fish cakes from Palembang, served with sweet and sour vinegar sauce.

Ikan Bakar: Grilled fish marinated in spices, often served beachside.

Klepon: Sticky rice balls filled with palm sugar and coated in coconut flakes.

Es Cendol: Chilled dessert drink with green jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.

Pisang Goreng: Deep-fried bananas, sometimes topped with grated cheese or condensed milk.

Alcoholic:

  • Brem Bali: Traditional Balinese rice wine—sweet and mildly alcoholic.

  • Arak Bali: A powerful distilled spirit made from fermented rice or palm sap.

  • Bintang Beer: Indonesia’s iconic light lager—perfect on a beach day.

  • Stark Beer: Craft beer brewed in Bali—try their wheat or mango ale.

  • Tuak: A natural palm wine traditionally served during ceremonies.

  • Hatten Wines: Bali’s local vineyard producing rosé and white wines—surprisingly crisp.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Kopi Tubruk: Strong, sweetened Javanese-style coffee made by boiling ground beans directly in water.

  • Teh Botol: Sweetened jasmine tea sold in iconic glass bottles—ubiquitous in local cafés.

  • Es Kelapa Muda: Chilled young coconut water with lime or syrup—refreshing and hydrating.

  • Bandrek: Spiced ginger tea from West Java, often mixed with palm sugar and cloves.

  • Jamu: Traditional herbal tonic, often turmeric-based—touted for its health benefits.

Batik: UNESCO-listed fabric art (take a workshop in Yogyakarta).

Wayang Kulit: Javanese shadow puppetry.

Toraja Funeral Rites: Elaborate Sulawesi burial ceremonies.

Borobudur: World’s largest Buddhist temple.

Prambanan: Stunning Hindu temple complex.

Balinese Offerings: Daily canang sari (flower baskets) rituals.

Jakarta History Museum: Dutch colonial relics.

Tana Toraja: Ancestral houses and cliff graves.

Sasak Villages: Traditional Lombok culture.

Subak System: Bali’s UNESCO-listed rice terraces (e.g., Tegalalang).

Beach Clubs: Potato Head (Bali) for sunset cocktails.

Temples: Borobudur (sunrise tour) or Uluwatu (Kecak fire dance).

Diving: Raja Ampat or Gili Islands for world-class reefs.

Hiking: Mount Bromo (Java) or Rinjani (Lombok).

Ubud Monkey Forest: Feed (but don’t provoke!) macaques.

Jazz Cafés: Jazz Spot (Jakarta) or Laughing Buddha (Bali).

Waterfalls: Tumpak Sewu (East Java) or Sekumpul (Bali).

Silk Markets: Pasar Baru (Jakarta) for batik.

Kecak Dance: Balinese fire-and-chant performance.

Island Hopping: Komodo National Park for dragons/pink beaches.

Potato Head Beach Club (Bali): Iconic beachfront venue with DJs and craft cocktails.

La Favela (Seminyak): Jungle-themed décor, lively bar scene, eclectic music.

Sky Garden (Kuta): Multi-level party venue with themed nights and rooftop vibes.

Mirror Lounge (Seminyak): Gothic-style interior and high-energy EDM sets.

Siddharta Lounge (Jakarta): Stylish rooftop views over the capital’s skyline.

Jenja Club (Bali): Upscale nightclub with international DJs and luxe ambiance.

Beer Garden SCBD (Jakarta): Open-air beer garden perfect for after-work drinks.

Old Man’s (Canggu): Surf shack turned beach bar—laidback, fun, and always packed.

The Shady Pig (Seminyak): Hidden speakeasy with inventive cocktails and a noir vibe.

Red Ruby (Bali): Late-night underground techno and deep house haven.