Indonesia Travel Guide

Travel to Indonesia

Get information, tips, itineraries and inspiration for visiting Indonesia.

• Capital: Jakarta (population 10,000,000 approx)
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Population: 246,000,000 (approx)
• Language: Indonesian + local languages. We highly recommend learning some basic words or buying a guide / phrase book, not many people speak English in Indonesia and know a few sentences will really help you on your travels
• International Dailing Code +62
• Area: 1,900,000 km2
• Cuisine: Indonesia has a diverse range of food available, this is a lot cheaper than buying Western food too. Be open to trying something new, most dishes include rice, vegtables and meat. Some local treats include masakan padang (a type of rice stick), crab bread and vegetables with a peanut sauce
• Visa: You will be granted a 60 day tourist visa on arrival into Indonesia, all you need is a valid passport. 

Bali is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia, this is one of world's most popular destinations and has won many travel awards. Bali is a dream destination offering beaches, temples, night-life and Balinese culture includes the famous Balinese Dance. You will not regret visiting this destination, just take a look at the picture above if that doesn't make you want to visit we don't know what will! 

On our directory you can get inspiration for the best things to do if you would like to book a holiday, travel or go backpacking in Indonesia. Most of the best activities are in Bali, Ubud and Klungkung, some experiences are in really spectacular locations where you will live close to one of the beautiful beaches Indonesia is blessed with. The islands are very laid back and you will soon adapt to the local culture. 

How to Get to Indonesia

Several international airlines offer flights to Indonesia, flight times from London are around 16 hours to Jakarta with a stop off. To Bali it is around 20 hours again with a stop. From other destinations in Asia several low cost airlines offer flights to all the main destinations in Indonesia. Book in advance to get the best deals and search flights on a comparison website.

Accommodation

If you are looking for a budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation in Indonesia, you will be sure to find something to match your interests in this vast country. There are budget backpackers hostels, affordable guest houses and also high end hotels and resorts. You can find some of the most amazing boutique hotels with infinity pools on islands like Bali - perfect for Instagram pictures to make your friends and family jealous.

Health & Safety

Best Places To Visit in Indonesia

These are some of the essential destinations you should add to your Indonesia itinerary...

Java
Java is often overlooked by volunteers who head straight for the tropical beaches and Hindu temples of its smaller neighbor Bali, but for culture fiends, Java provides an insight into both historical and modern Indonesian life. How could it not, as the most populous island in the world? Starting with Jakarta, which is a lively if not sometimes overwhelming capital city, it’s the essential introduction to real modern city life in Indonesia. Colonial architecture still exists in the Old Town, as well as towering skyscrapers in the central business district. Even though a lot of flights to Indonesia arrive into Jakarta, people usually only stay there for a night or fly straight out. Its a very busy city, bustling with traffic and people but if you enjoy shopping there is a lot of choice. 

Bali and Lombok
The mystical and picturesque island of Bali has it all - sandy beaches, lush rice terraces, tropical forest, hills and mountains, amazing temples and a rich local culture making it a perfect location for a dream experience in paradise. Popular locations include Kuta which is surfer central and the centre of party culture on Bali and offers shopping and night life. Further up the coast is the more laid back Seminyak where up scale beach side resorts and villas can be found along with fashionable up scale restaurants, trendy designer boutiques and dance clubs. 

Inland Ubud is renowned as a cultural hub and is a centre of Balinese arts and crafts. Home to ancient temples, museums and art galleries Ubud is a great place for visitors to buys handicrafts and souvenirs. You can also find budget and luxury resorts set on fabulous white sands and offer a laid-back, tropical ambiance or stay on a homestay. You could hire a moped or bicycle and explore some of the villages around Ubud, stop to visit the monkey template and enjoy landscapes dotted with beautifully carved temples set in traditional rice paddies. You can see why Bali is most peoples first choice.

Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is a wonderful city to settle down for a while and there are lots of things to see and do in your spare time, also enough bars and restaurants to hang out. Free wifi is widely available, so you can easily stay in touch with your friends and family back home. If you go here you will be astonished, it is not like the touristic Bali where you will be hassled all day by the many touts. Yogyakarta (and Java) is more relaxed.