Indonesia Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

As the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is a sprawling, culturally-diverse city that is always humming and buzzing with activity. Whether you’re looking for a bit of luxury or want to learn some history, there are so many things to do in Jakarta — from shopping and nightlife to Buddhist temples and museums. If you’re not sure what to do in Jakarta during your visit to the busy city, we’ve put together this list of 12 awesome things to do to get you started, in no particular order. 

Having gained fame as a setting for the film Eat, Pray, Love; Ubud is recognized by many as Bali’s cultural heart. A flourishing crafts center boasting hundreds of shops and studios selling everything from antique wood carvings to locally-made jewelry, it sits in the cool mountains just an hour north of the island’s airport. Also home to spectacular landscapes and fascinating historic and cultural sights, you’ll find a huge number of things to do in Ubud. The 13 on our list are open daily.

The coastal temple Pura Tanah Lot is located in the southern part of Bali, North West of popular southern destinations like Kuta and Seminyak. It is vastly known as a destination for epic photography. This cultural icon is among the seven sea temples located in the coast of Bali and has been contained in Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple continues to stand strong today, although it has had its fair share of aging, as back in the 80's the temple started to crumble and about one third of the rocks at the base of the temple had to be replaced with artificial rocks.For those who aren't aware of it's cultural representation, Pura Tanah Lot might just be another ancient ruin to mindlessly gaze at, but Tanah Lot is a place to be held in high esteem and regards, as the temple serves as an important temple dedicated to the sea god as well as a great place to witness Bali’s famous sunsets.

Lembongan Island is a small, lush strip of land set off Bali’s southeast coast. It is one of a trio of islands made up of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and compact Nusa Ceningan. The Badung Strait separates the three islands from Bali. On Lembongan Bali, you’ll discover languid white sandy beaches, fabulous snorkeling and diving amidst a myriad of sea life and flourishing coral reefs and serious surfing, all set in a chilled island-type vibe. If you and your family are in search of a more sedate and unhurried pace of life for your vacation, or you are looking for an intimate location for a honeymoon; Lembongan will welcome you with open arms.

Scuba diving in Indonesia is incredibly special. With one of the most extensive coastlines in the world, stretching from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Indian Ocean in the east, there are so many options when it comes to scuba diving in this Southeast Asian jewel. You’ll find our top 15 dive sites below.

With its over 13,000 islands, a trip to Indonesia offers an endless array of exciting experiences for travelers. Whether you're exploring Bali’s rich culture, relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Gili Islands, or meeting the famous Komodo dragons at Komodo National Park, there’s always something new to discover. From natural wonders to vibrant city life, here are some of the best things to do in Indonesia that you won’t want to miss.

With an almost entirely tropical climate, the best time to visit Indonesia is during its dry season, from April to October, when the temperatures are warm and the rainfall is minimal. The volcanoes, beaches, jungles, cultural treasures and a reputation for friendly hospitality make Indonesia one of the most popular places for tourists to visit in Asia, but make sure you go at the right time! With clear skies and low humidity, the dry season bathes the nation in sunshine, making it ideal for beachgoers, island hoppers and water sports enthusiasts. There are upsides to the wet season too though, so read on to find out!For a detailed guide on the ideal time to tour Indonesia, keep reading!

When considering a trip to Indonesia in January it’s best to look to the east of the archipelago. Hundreds of kilometers from the rains affecting Jakarta, January is a great time to explore the unique landscapes and cultures of the Moluccas, Raja Ampat, and even West Papua. Here you can expect good diving visibility and mainly warm, sunny days.

Indonesia is the largest island country stretching over 5,000 kilometers, with some fantastic destinations to visit. Even though it is the monsoon season, on a trip to Indonesia in February travelers can still find many places with clement weather conditions to enjoy their holiday. For instance, the eastern islands of the Moluccas, West Papua, and Raja Ampat possess fine weather to go snorkeling in warm clear waters, soak up the sun on the beaches, or learn more about the country’s intriguing history and culture. The island of Sumatra is also just escaping its rainy period during this time, making an orangutan-spotting trek another option to include in your itinerary.

A trip to Indonesia in March starts seeing a shift in its weather as the rainy season is in its last leg. This is the time when the country’s eastern islands, including the Moluccas and Raja Ampat, are joined by parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan in the west as potential holiday destinations. Together they create a list of attractions and activities ranging from diving on colorful coral reefs and visiting traditional villages to exploring deep jungle in Indonesia in the search of orangutans.

Visit Indonesia in April and you will find a perfect holiday destination largely free of crowds and rain. There is a multitude of attractions waiting to be explored and enjoyed during this time of year. Whether you visit Java in the west or Raja Ampat in the east, their magnificent beaches and jungle trails are in perfect condition. Go island hopping, take a cultural tour, hike through the countryside, or venture deep into the rainforest, Indonesia suits every traveler's need in April.

Good weather across Indonesia makes May one of the best times to visit the archipelago. And with the peak vacation period still a couple of months away, you will get to enjoy the country’s many attractions in a crowd-free environment and in your own sweet time. Learn about the fascinating island cultures; enjoy the heavenly beaches overlooking warm, inviting waters; or go on a jungle adventure to spot the elusive orangutan. Visit Indonesia and explore all there is in May.

Known as the world’s largest island country, Indonesia is a fantastic travel destination that you shouldn’t miss out on. Home to picturesque landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a novel cultural richness, consider wandering through Indonesia on your next Southeast Asian adventure. There’s no shortage of fun activities to do in Indonesia from hiking Mount Bromo, cycling through idyllic Yogyakarta, snorkeling with the manta rays in Nusa Penida, to relaxing in the famous pristine beaches of Bali. But if you are wondering how long to stay in Indonesia and need some help planning your Indonesia itinerary, keep on reading to ensure you make the most out of the "Emerald of the Equator".

Given its geographical and cultural diversity, the number of attractions that await in Indonesia can seem almost overbearing. A long weekend or just 3 days in Indonesia may not be enough to see all the stunning beaches, lofty volcanic peaks, jungles filled with exotic species or the myriad of cultures waiting to be discovered. So, if 3 days is all you have, rather than try and take in the whole country in one go, it is a much better idea to focus on one specific region. 

Stretching 5,150 kilometers (3,200 miles) across the equator and comprising thousands of islands, spending 5 days in Indonesia will spoil you for choices. You could base yourself on a single island namely Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands and spend your time sightseeing, island-hopping or relaxing on the beaches. Wildlife lovers might want to consider a short cruise of Komodo National Park, home of the legendary Komodo dragon, or a visit to Tanjung Puting National Park, famous for its orangutan population. For culture vultures, there are plenty of temples and ancient sanctuaries to dive into. Five days in Indonesia is also enough for adventure enthusiasts to squeeze in a short hike up Mount Agung, Mount Batur, or Mount Rinjani.

Four days in Indonesia may not sound like much, but if you are willing to stick to a destination or two, it can offer a treasure trove of unique experiences. From bustling cities to serene islands, a 4-day trip in Indonesia can be packed with thrilling activities like exploring pristine beaches, diving in vibrant reefs, or immersing oneself in rich cultural heritage. Whether basking in Bali's sun, delving into Jakarta's urban scene, or hopping between two destinations, the alluring charm of Indonesia awaits eager adventurers.

You could literally spend years exploring Indonesia’s islands and still be left with a biblical bucket list. But if you only have a week or 7 days, we suggest sticking to a couple of the 17,000 islands that form this beguiling Southeast Asian country. Given their size and activities on offer, Bali and Flores make for a great destinations. You can hike to the top of Mount Batur, check-off some of the much talked about temples and indulge in beach activities. Or hop to Komodo archipelago, spend time in Borneo and discover Java's volcanoes during a week-long stay. If you are looking for the perfect escapade with beach-time, hiking and culture, 7 days in Indonesia fits the bill.

With 10 days in Indonesia, you can do everything from exploring the country’s multitude of natural wonders to relaxing with a massage. Take in the rice terraces of Ubud and visit the temples that dot the island. Hike Mount Batur if you want to, or just enjoy the sights of volcanic peaks from afar. Throw in some beach time and water sports like surfing, parasailing, and snorkeling and you have nothing less than the perfect vacation.