Indonesia holidays

With over 17,000 islands stretching along the equator, Indonesia offers a lifetime’s worth of adventure. Bali is by far the most visited of the bunch. But beyond its powdery sands and clifftop temples lies a world of beauty to explore. From the buzzing capital of Jakarta to the Sumatran rainforests, discover your own slice of paradise on a holiday to Indonesia.

Top destinations in Indonesia

Bali

A tropical paradise, a spiritual haven, an island of endless beauty — Bali promises an unforgettable escape and adventures to last a lifetime.

Lombok

Bali’s underrated neighbour is a paradise in its own right, with tranquil beaches, plunging waterfalls and Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. Come fall in love with Lombok.

Jakarta

Indonesia’s capital refuses to be pinned down. Explore everything from Buddhist temples and gleaming skyscrapers to rooftop bars and some of the best street food stalls in the country.

Indonesia: fast facts

Language

Indonesian

Currency

Indonesian rupiah (Rp)

Time Zone

Bali - UTC+8 (WITA)

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Indonesia holiday highlights

Bajra Sandhi Monument

Aquatic adventures

As an island nation, it’s no wonder water sports are one of the best things to do in Indonesia. Surfers flock to Bali’s Kuta Beach, divers love Komodo National Park, and the Alas River is a go-to for whitewater rafting. Travelling with your family? Bali’s Tanjung Benoa is a great place to try banana boating and flyboarding.

Sacred temples

Indonesian culture is deeply rooted in spirituality. This is reflected in the many mosques and temples scattered across the islands. Borobudur, in Central Java, is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. And Bali’s Pura Tanah Lot is famed for its sunset views. Pura Tirta Empul is another Balinese beauty with its sacred springs and ‘melukat’ purification ritual.

Volcano hikes

Home to 147 volcanoes — dozens of which are still active — Indonesia invites you to lace up your boots and embark on unforgettable treks. Central Java’s Mount Bromo is known for its striking sunsets. And Bali’s Mount Agung is said to be the home of the gods. For a real challenge, tackle Mount Kerinci, Indonesia’s highest volcano with panoramic Sumatra views.

Things to do in Indonesia

Denpasar

Top attractions

The white sands of Bali’s Seminyak Beach are one of Indonesia’s biggest draws. Komodo National Park attracts visitors from around the world for its diverse wildlife, rich marine ecosystem and scenic hiking trails. Seeking spirituality? Take a torchlit climb up the UNESCO-listed Borobudur Temple at sunrise for incredible views over the surrounding mountains and jungle.

Beaches

One of the best beaches in Indonesia for nature and culture is Bali’s Suluban Beach. It’s home to limestone grottos, hidden caves and the Uluwatu Temple. And Pantai Merah’s pink sand beach on Komodo Island is a photographer’s dream at sunset. For beach parties without Bali’s Kuta or Seminyak crowds, try the Gili Islands’ Gili Trawangan.

Nature

Indonesia has a dizzying variety of natural wonders, from jungles and volcanoes to coral reefs and alpine lakes. Sumatra’s Lake Toba is the world’s largest volcanic lake, perfect for swimming and kayaking. Hike through lush highland greenery in the area around the impressive Sipiso-piso Waterfall. If you’re planning to dive, head to Wakatobi National Park for colourful reefs and marine wildlife.

Culture and museums

The museums in Indonesia do a great job of teaching you about the local culture. Fashion geeks won’t want to miss the Danar Hadi Batik Museum in Solo, Central Java. And art lovers should make a beeline for the Neka Art Museum in Ubud, Bali. For a well-rounded tour of Indonesian history and culture, a stop at Jakarta’s National Museum of Indonesia is a must.

Cuisine

The best restaurants in Indonesia invite you on a culinary adventure, from upscale dining to street eats and traditional ‘warung’ (small cafes) dishing up comfort food. You’ll find ‘nasi goreng’ (fried rice) and ‘rendang’ (stewed meat in spiced coconut milk) on many Indonesian menus. Have a sweet tooth? Don’t miss ‘dadar gulung’ (coconut pancakes).

Family friendly

With its beaches, water sports and diverse natural scenery, Indonesia has activities to keep all ages entertained. See cheeky macaques in Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or cue excited squeals as you trek Lombok’s Mount Rinjani volcano. Need some downtime? Spend an afternoon swimming and building sandcastles on Bali’s Nusa Dua Beach.

Find the best time to visit Indonesia

Weather in Indonesia

April – October: Indonesia’s dry season is also its busiest, especially between June and August. Sunny weather, little to no rain and average temperatures between 27°C and 32°C make it a great time to visit for outdoor excursions and days full of surfing, diving and island hopping. If you’re headed to Bali, don’t miss the Bali Art Festival in June and July.

November – March: Expect heavy rain and high humidity during Indonesia’s wet season. Even with afternoon downpours, temperatures hover around 30°C. With fewer crowds, this is also the best time to visit Indonesia if you’re on a budget. But the wet weather can mean travel disruptions. It’s always a good idea to have a plan B for an itinerary packed with outdoor activities.

Events in Indonesia

Bau Nyale (February): Lombok honours the legend of its folkloric Princess Mandalika with this festival focused on catching ‘nyale’ (sea worms). Festivities kick off at dawn when locals gather on the beaches with their nets and buckets.

Jakarta Fair (June): The capital hosts the country’s largest annual trade fair, celebrating Indonesian culture, entertainment and commerce. Check out amusement rides, live music performances and stalls selling everything from local handicrafts to delicious street food.

Bali Art Festival (June to July): Dive deep into Balinese culture at this popular festival showcasing dance, music, handicrafts and shadow puppet performances by local and international artists. The event’s theme changes annually and many of the festivities are free.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Dress conservatively if you’re travelling outside of the main tourist resorts, especially when visiting religious sites like temples and mosques. You should also try to use your right hand to eat, shake hands and pass items (including money) to Indonesians. Locals consider the left hand unclean. Visiting someone’s home? It’s polite to remove your shoes.

Health and safety

Vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are recommended before visiting Indonesia. Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria can also be a risk, so apply plenty of insect repellent. Air pollution can also be a problem in major cities like Jakarta. During the dry season, nearby wildfires can create smoky conditions. Be sure to stick to bottled water for drinking.

LGBTQ+ travel

Indonesia is generally considered a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. You’ll find plenty of queer bars in Bali, especially around Jalan Camplung Tanduk Road in Seminyak. There’s also a small LGBTQ+ scene in Jakarta and Surabaya. But outside of the main population centres, this mostly Muslim country is socially conservative. Public displays of affection are frowned upon for all couples.

Budget

A cheap holiday in Indonesia is doable. The average short taxi ride will run you about 25,000 Indonesian rupiahs (Rp), but getting around by bus is the best way to keep costs down. Find a cheap meal for as low as Rp30,000 and a coffee or local beer for under Rp38,000.

Getting around Indonesia

Merthasari Beach Sanur

Public transportation

Buses: Indonesia’s extensive bus network connects major cities, towns and islands like Sumatra and Java. Choose between economy services and executive and luxury buses offering amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Trains: Indonesia’s main rail networks are on the island of Java, with services between Jakarta and cities like Surabaya, Bandung and Yogyakarta. Parts of Sumatra are also accessible by rail. Trains tend to be cheap, comfortable and air-conditioned. The most popular operator is PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI).

Boats: Long-distance ferry operator Pelni connects hundreds of coastal cities in Indonesia. Tickets are cheap, but the services offer few creature comforts. Island hopping? Opt for local ferry crossings between islands. A popular route is between Java, Bali, Lombok and the Komodo Islands.

Domestic flights

Flying between islands is the quickest way to explore Indonesia’s archipelago. You’ll find major airports in Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya. For domestic travel, choose from national airline Garuda Indonesia or low-cost carriers like Citilink, Lion Air and Sriwijaya Air.

Domestic flights

Driving

While driving gives you the most freedom to explore Indonesia’s remote areas, be prepared for traffic jams and uneven road conditions. If you’re visiting Bali and Lombok, consider hiring a moped. It’s a fun and easy way to get around. Don’t forget, Indonesians drive on the left.

Car hire

FAQs about Indonesia holidays

You’ll save a big chunk of money if you visit Indonesia during the rainy season and avoid tourist hotspots like Bali. To keep costs down further, eat locally, take public transport and don’t be afraid to haggle when shopping.
Holidays to Indonesia are generally safe, but it’s still wise to exercise caution. Petty crimes like pickpocketing are common in crowded tourist areas, so be sure to keep your personal belongings nearby. And to avoid taxi scams, it’s best to book your transport through an official taxi company instead of hailing one on the street.
You’ll use the Indonesian rupiah (Rp) while on your holiday. Banks and currency exchangers are located in most major cities and tourist resorts, as are ATMs. If you’re visiting more remote areas, consider exchanging your money beforehand. While not mandatory, many diners leave a 10% tip in Indonesian restaurants.
Indonesia’s islands each have their own dialects, but Bahasa Indonesia is the country’s official national language. Outside of the main tourist areas, you may struggle to find fluent English speakers. So it’s a good idea to know a few basic phrases like ‘selamat pagi’ (good morning), ‘terima kasih’ (thank you) and ‘permisi’ (excuse me).
The best time to visit Indonesia is between April and October, when it’s warm and sunny, perfect weather for beach days and water sports. November to March is Indonesia’s rainy season. Travelling on a budget? Consider the shoulder seasons of March to May and October to November. Temperatures, crowds and prices are generally lower during these months.
First time in Indonesia? It’s hard to beat Bali’s beaches, water sports and nightlife. If you prefer a more laid-back scene, try Sumatra, with its epic surf breaks, towering volcanoes and orangutan-filled jungles.