Home to over 17,000 islands spanning from Oceania to Southeast Asia, you’ll have plenty of incredible places to discover on your holiday to Indonesia. While many tourists would fly straight to the ever-popular Bali Island, you’ll also find the remote island of Raja Ampat a joy to explore. Head to Yogyakarta to discover its majestic temples or venture into the bustling metropolis of Jakarta for its numerous shopping options.
This in-depth luxury guide to traveling in Indonesia will help you plan an incredible getaway to this amazing country.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Indonesia is between May and September when the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for exploring the outdoors and enjoying activities like snorkeling and island hopping.
Indonesia boasts warm weather all year round. Even during the wet season, its temperature remains high. The wet season is from November to March, when the country receives plenty of rain, especially in the south.
But if you happen to be in the country in the rainy season, you can find plenty of indoor attractions to explore, such as temples and museums. The best thing about visiting in the wet season is the country is quiet, with almost no tourists, and accommodations tend to be cheaper.
Top Attractions
Home to over 18,000 islands, Indonesia offers numerous attractions to explore, and it can be hard to see them all in one trip. If you only have time to see a few places, focus on exploring the country’s highlights.
The Borobudur temple is one of those sites in Indonesia you should not miss. It’s one of the world’s most famous Buddhist temples, built around the 8th and 9th centuries. It lies in the city of Yogyakarta on the island of Java and is one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist attractions.
Lake Toba is a vast volcanic lake on the island of Sumatra, formed due to a volcanic eruption 70,000 years ago. It’s a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing while enjoying the views.
Located in Ubud on the island of Bali, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a nature reserve and a Hindu temple complex, home to hundreds of cheeky monkeys. It’s an ideal place to experience Bali’s natural beauty while interacting with monkeys.
The Komodo National Park is home to the Komodo Dragons, the largest living reptile in the world. The park, consisting of three islands, Komodo, Padar and Rincah, is where you can come face to face with these formidable predators, and a must-visit for those fascinated with wildlife.
If you’re island hopping in Indonesia, visit the Gili Islands, an archipelago of three small islands, Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. Home to beautiful beaches, they exude a very relaxed and laid back vibe and are the best places to swim and snorkel.
Getting Around
Indonesia consists of thousands of islands. Thus, the best way to get around the country is on a boat. Because of this, most tourists book cruises in Indonesia, as it’s a great way to see more places in one trip. The most common cruises to book in Indonesia will take you to Komodo National Park, starting on the famous tourist island of Bali. These cruises include activities like snorkeling and hiking through lush jungles.
Taking a plane is a faster and more efficient way of getting around Indonesia’s many islands. Several local airlines can take you to the major cities around the country at very reasonable prices. For instance, if you arrive in Jakarta on an international flight, you can take a plane ride to Bali and other cities.
What to Pack
Whether you plan on relaxing at the beach or taking up adventures, don’t forget to pack all essential items to make the most of your trip to Indonesia. Here are some suggestions on what to pack:
- Proper clothing – Indonesia is a conservative country, so avoid wearing revealing clothes, especially if you plan to visit temples. Long pants or skirts for the girls with a loose cotton shirt with sleeves would be perfect and keep you protected from the sun. Of course, if you plan to swim, don’t forget your swimwear.
- Scarf – a scarf can keep you warm when going out at night when the weather can get cold. It can also be used as a cover-up when entering temples.
- Comfortable shoes and flip-flops – bring lightweight and comfortable shoes ideal for walking. You also need to pack a pair of flip-flops, especially if you plan on going to the beach.
- Universal Adapter – a universal adapter is one of the most important items to pack when travelling overseas, so be sure you have this.
Best Things to Do
There are countless activities to enjoy around Indonesia, whether you love nature, culture, or history. Here are some of the best things to do in the country.
- See the Orangutans of Kalimantan – those who love wildlife should visit Kalimantan, the Indonesian area of Borneo, which is home to incredible animal species, with the orangutans being the most popular.
- Climb Mount Bromo – Indonesia is a popular destination for mountain climbing since it’s home to many volcanoes. One of the most popular of these volcanoes is Mount Bromo on the island of Java, where you will have a chance to walk up to the edge of a crater during your climb.
- Dive in Raja Ampat – if you want to dive in Indonesia, head to Raja Ampat. It’s a remote island with pristine reefs and breathtaking underwater scenery.
- Go Island Hopping – home to thousands of different islands, hopping is one of the best things to do in Indonesia. Some of the most popular islands to visit on an island-hopping trip are Bali, Komodo, and Lombok.
- Hike through Rice Terraces – Indonesia has some of the world’s most beautiful rice-terraced fields. They offer the perfect backdrop for hiking and admiring the country’s scenic landscapes. While Bali is the most popular place for rice terraces, you’ll also find them in central Java.
