Temple in Indonesia with a stunning background

Indonesia

Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Indonesia

Indonesia, an archipelago of stunning diversity, captivates with its vibrant cultures, breath-taking landscapes, and rich traditions. From the bustling streets of Jakarta to the serene beaches of Bali, Indonesia offers a mix of adventure and tranquillity. Explore ancient temples, savour delicious cuisine, and experience the warmth of Indonesian hospitality. The country’s lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, and vibrant coral reefs make it a top destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Indonesia’s unique charm ensures an unforgettable travel experience.

When to visit

Temp Range

Currency

Min Budget

May – Sep

25 – 32°C
77 – 90°F

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

$20-40/day

  1. Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Indonesia
    1. Top Attractions
    2. Map
    3. Transport
    4. Budget
    5. Seasonality and Weather
    6. Must Try Dishes
    7. Language
    8. Indonesia’s Top Cities
    9. Nearby Destinations
    10. Useful Pages

Top Attractions

See below for a selection of the top attractions in Indonesia, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.

Bali

Bali, known as the “Island of the Gods,” is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, enjoy surfing in Kuta, and experience the serene rice terraces in Ubud. Bali offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making it a top travel destination.

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple, located in Central Java, is the world’s largest Buddhist monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 9th century, this majestic structure features intricate stone carvings and a series of terraces leading to a central dome. Visitors can marvel at its architectural beauty, enjoy sunrise views, and learn about its historical and spiritual significance.

Access from – Yogyakarta

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its unique biodiversity, including the iconic Komodo dragons. Situated in the Lesser Sunda Islands, the park offers opportunities for diving, snorkelling, and exploring pristine beaches. Visitors can hike through rugged landscapes, observe the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, and enjoy the vibrant marine life.

Access from – Labuan Bajo

Jakarta

Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia, is a vibrant metropolis blending modernity and tradition. Visitors can explore historical sites like the National Monument and Kota Tua, enjoy shopping and dining in upscale malls, and experience the lively nightlife. Jakarta offers a dynamic urban experience with its diverse cultures, culinary delights, and rich history.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, often called “Jogja,” is a cultural hub in Central Java known for its traditional arts, heritage sites, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton), visit the ancient Prambanan Temple, and stroll through Malioboro Street. Yogyakarta is also a gateway to Borobudur Temple and offers rich cultural experiences, including batik workshops and traditional performances.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo, located in East Java, is an active volcano known for its otherworldly landscapes and breath-taking sunrises. Visitors can hike or take a jeep tour to the crater’s edge, experiencing the rugged beauty of the surrounding Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The area is also home to the Tenggerese people and their unique cultural traditions.

Access from – Probolinggo

Gili Islands

The Gili Islands, a trio of small islands off the coast of Lombok, are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving, and beach relaxation on Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. With no motorized vehicles, the islands offer a serene escape and stunning natural beauty.

Access from – Lombok/Sanur in Bali

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat, located in West Papua, is an archipelago famed for its incredible marine biodiversity and pristine waters. Divers and snorkelers can explore some of the world’s richest coral reefs and encounter diverse marine life. The area also offers stunning landscapes, including karst islands, lush forests, and traditional Papuan villages, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Access from – Sorong

Ubud

Ubud, situated in the heart of Bali, is a cultural and artistic hub surrounded by lush rice terraces and tropical forests. Visitors can explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, visit traditional art markets, and enjoy performances of Balinese dance. Ubud is also known for its wellness retreats, offering yoga, meditation, and holistic therapies in a tranquil setting.

Access from – Bali

Lake Toba

Lake Toba, in North Sumatra, is the largest volcanic lake in the world, created by a super volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Visitors can explore Samosir Island, located in the lake’s centre, and experience the unique culture of the Batak people. The area offers scenic landscapes, hot springs, and opportunities for hiking and boating, making it a serene and picturesque destination.

Access from – Medan

Bunaken Marine Park

Bunaken Marine Park, located off the coast of North Sulawesi, is a premier diving destination renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can explore stunning underwater landscapes, including steep walls and diverse marine life, such as turtles, reef sharks, and colourful fish. The park is a haven for snorkelers and divers seeking pristine underwater environments.

Access from – Manado

Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja, situated in South Sulawesi, is famous for its unique cultural heritage and elaborate funeral rituals. Visitors can explore traditional villages with distinctive Tongkonan houses, witness intricate wood carvings, and participate in or observe ceremonial events. The region’s lush highlands offer breath-taking scenery and opportunities for trekking through rice terraces and coffee plantations.

Access from – Makassar

Lombok

Lombok, an island east of Bali, offers stunning beaches, surf spots, and the majestic Mount Rinjani, an active volcano with a challenging trek and a picturesque crater lake. Visitors can relax on pristine beaches in the south, such as Kuta and Tanjung Aan, explore traditional Sasak villages, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Gili Islands, located off Lombok’s northwest coast.

Access from – Bali

Wakatobi National Park

Wakatobi National Park, in Southeast Sulawesi, is a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve known for its exceptional coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Visitors can dive and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, encountering vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine species. The park also offers opportunities to explore traditional Bajo villages and enjoy the natural beauty of remote, unspoiled islands.

Access from – Wangi-Wangi

Map

See map of Indonesia to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:

Transport

In Indonesia, key transport routes include affordable domestic flights connecting major islands like Java, Bali, Sumatra, and Lombok. Ferries and fast boats link popular destinations such as Bali to the Gili Islands and Lombok. Buses and trains are budget-friendly options for exploring Java, with routes like Jakarta to Yogyakarta. In cities, taxis are common. Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are widely used, offering convenient and affordable rides as well as food delivery and other services, making travel within cities easy and accessible.

Budget

Traveling in Indonesia varies; budget travellers spend $20-$40 per day on hostels and street food; mid-range travellers budget $50-$100 for hotels and dining out; luxury travellers may spend $150+ daily on upscale accommodations, fine dining, and private tours. Costs are generally lower than in many Western countries.

Seasonality and Weather

Indonesia has a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25-30°C, 77-86°F. The country experiences two main seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the wet season (November to March). Rainfall varies significantly; some areas, like Bali and Java, have pronounced wet and dry seasons, while others, like Sumatra and Kalimantan, experience rainfall year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, especially from May to September, when the weather is ideal for beach activities, exploring temples, and outdoor adventures. This period also coincides with numerous cultural festivals and events across the country.

Must Try Dishes

Nasi Goreng
Satay
Soto

Language

The main language spoken is Indonesian. Below are some key phrases (phonetic translation) to get you started. A big smile and a few words can get you a long way!

Indonesia’s Top Cities

Nearby Destinations

Useful Pages

Image Attributions
ImageAuthor, Licence
Wakatobi National Parkq phiaCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Thank you to the authors for allowing their works to be used
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