Indonesia is a country that feels more like a continent. With over 17,000 islands stretched across the equator, it has beaches, volcanoes, jungles, ancient temples, and some of the friendliest people you will meet on the road. Travelers come for Bali, but often stay longer after realizing that Bali is just one piece of a much bigger picture. From diving in Komodo to hiking in Sumatra, every island has its own pace and character.
This is not the kind of country you can rush through in a week. Distances are long, infrastructure is patchy, and the best experiences often require patience. But that is also what makes travel here so rewarding. In this guide, you will find what to expect, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Indonesia.
Why Visit Indonesia
Indonesia is full of contrasts. One day you are standing in front of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and the next you are snorkeling with manta rays off Nusa Penida. There are crowded markets in Jakarta and remote fishing villages where the sound of roosters wakes you up at sunrise.
The main draw is the variety. Beaches, volcano treks, cultural festivals, food that changes from island to island, and wildlife you cannot see anywhere else. Orangutans live in the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo. Komodo dragons roam the islands of Komodo National Park. If you are into diving, Raja Ampat is considered one of the best spots in the world.
Best Time to Visit Indonesia
Because Indonesia stretches so far, the climate varies. Still, the general rule is:
- Dry season: May to September, with sunny skies and lower humidity
- Wet season: October to April, with heavy rains and high humidity
The dry season is the most popular for tourists, especially July and August. If you want fewer crowds, try visiting in May, June, or September when the weather is still good but prices are a little lower. The wet season does not mean constant rain, but it can disrupt travel, especially flights and boats between islands.
Top Places to Visit in Indonesia
Bali
Bali is where most travelers start, and for good reason. It has beaches, surf towns, rice terraces, temples, and nightlife. Ubud is known for yoga retreats and cultural performances. Canggu attracts digital nomads with its cafés and coworking spaces. If you want something quieter, head to the north or east of the island where tourism is less intense.
Java
Java is the most populated island and the political and cultural heart of Indonesia. Jakarta is chaotic but full of energy. Yogyakarta is the place to base yourself for Borobudur and Prambanan temples. East Java is home to Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater, both popular hikes with otherworldly landscapes.
Sumatra
Sumatra is rugged and less visited. It is famous for orangutan trekking in Bukit Lawang and volcanoes like Mount Sinabung. Lake Toba, a huge crater lake with an island in the middle, is one of the highlights. Getting around takes time, but the rewards are big if you like adventure.
Kalimantan (Borneo)
The Indonesian part of Borneo is less developed than Malaysia’s side, but it is where you can take boat trips through the jungle to see orangutans in the wild. Tanjung Puting National Park is a top choice, with multi-day river cruises that feel like stepping back in time.
Sulawesi
Sulawesi is shaped like a giant starfish and has some of the most interesting culture in the country. The Toraja highlands are known for unique funeral ceremonies and cliffside burial sites. Off the coast, Bunaken and the Togian Islands are top diving and snorkeling spots.
Lombok and the Gili Islands
Lombok is quieter than Bali but has equally beautiful beaches and hiking opportunities. Mount Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia, is a tough but rewarding trek. Just off Lombok are the three Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan for parties, Gili Air for a mix of social and quiet, and Gili Meno if you want a romantic escape.
Komodo National Park
This park is famous for the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. Tours usually combine dragon spotting with snorkeling or diving. Pink Beach, with its unique colored sand, is a highlight. The main gateway is Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, which has grown into a busy hub for travelers.
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, off West Papua, is remote and not cheap to reach, but it is one of the most stunning marine environments anywhere. Divers come here for the coral reefs, manta rays, and colorful fish. Even if you do not dive, the scenery of karst islands and turquoise water is unforgettable.
Getting Around Indonesia
Traveling in Indonesia takes planning.
- Flights: With so many islands, domestic flights are common. Airlines like Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batik Air connect most major destinations.
- Ferries: Public ferries link islands, but schedules are irregular and delays are normal. For shorter routes, fast boats are available but can be rough in bad weather.
- Trains: Java has a decent rail network between cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya.
- Buses and minibuses: Cheap but slow, often stopping frequently to pick up passengers.
- Private drivers: Hiring a driver for a day is affordable in places like Bali and Lombok.
Patience is key. Journeys often take longer than expected, and delays are part of the experience.
Food in Indonesia
Indonesian food is varied and flavorful, with lots of rice, noodles, and spices. Some dishes you should try:
- Nasi goreng: Fried rice with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat
- Mie goreng: Fried noodles, often served with chili and lime
- Rendang: A slow-cooked beef dish from Sumatra with coconut and spices
- Satay: Skewered meat with peanut sauce
- Gado-gado: A salad with vegetables, tofu, and peanut sauce
Food is affordable, especially if you eat at small local stalls known as warungs. Western food is available in tourist areas, but the best meals are often the simplest local ones.
Costs and Budget
Indonesia can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it.
- Budget travelers can get by on $25 to $35 a day, staying in hostels and eating at warungs.
- Mid-range travelers usually spend $50 to $100 a day, staying in guesthouses or boutique hotels and mixing local and Western food.
- High-end resorts, especially in Bali or Raja Ampat, can cost hundreds per night.
Transportation is where costs add up, since moving between islands often requires flights or boat trips.
Safety Tips
Indonesia is generally safe for travelers, but keep these points in mind:
- Traffic can be chaotic, so be careful if renting a motorbike.
- Natural hazards are real. Volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis happen.
- Petty theft is possible in crowded areas, so keep your belongings secure.
- In conservative regions, dress modestly, especially outside tourist zones.
Most visits are trouble free, and the locals are welcoming and helpful.
Cultural Etiquette
A few things go a long way:
- Always take off your shoes before entering a home or temple.
- Use your right hand for eating or handing things to people.
- Learn a few phrases in Bahasa Indonesia, like “terima kasih” (thank you).
- Respect religious practices. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, but Bali and other areas may be Hindu, Christian, or Buddhist.
Tips for First-Time Travelers
- Do not try to see everything in one trip. Pick two or three islands and focus on those.
- Pack light clothing for the heat, but also a rain jacket for sudden downpours.
- Buy a local SIM card for cheap data and easier communication.
- Book domestic flights in advance during high season, as they sell out quickly.
- Be flexible. Delays, cancellations, and changes of plan are part of the experience here.
Final Thoughts
Traveling in Indonesia is both challenging and deeply rewarding. The sheer size of the country means you will not see it all in one trip, but even a short journey can feel like you have visited several different countries. One week in Bali might be enough for some, but for others it becomes the starting point for exploring more remote islands, learning about diverse cultures, and connecting with people whose lives are very different from your own.
If you are willing to slow down and embrace the unpredictability, Indonesia will give you experiences that stick with you long after you leave.
