Indonesia Travel Guide

Continent: Asia
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Indonesia Travel Essentials

Ideal Duration:
10-14 days for exploring Bali, Yogyakarta, and Lombok; longer for an extensive exploration including Sumatra and Komodo Island

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Best Time: May to September (Dry season for most regions) Read More

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD):
Dorm bed: $5-15
Budget: $20-40
Mid-range: $50-80
Luxury: $100 and above

Visa Policy for Indians:
Visa required for most visits

Visa Policy for Other Nationals:
Visa on Arrival or Visa exemption for many countries

Getting In Indonesia:
Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali
Read More

Getting Around Indonesia: Scooters, taxis, ferries, domestic flights Read More

"Where Culture Meets Nature"

Indonesia Tourism

Indonesia is a kaleidoscope of taste, sight, sound, and smells bottled up in the world's largest archipelago. Spread out over a mind-boggling 17,000 islands, the country offers a vast melange of experiences begging to be sampled by visitors from across the world. Ranging from the smouldering volcanoes of central Java to the verdant expanses of Bali's rice terraces, from Jakarta's sprawling luxury malls to the untouched marine biosphere of Rajah Ampat and the lush rainforests of Borneo, Indonesia is ripe for adventure for the eager tourist. Coupled with the exceedingly friendly local population, Indonesia is quickly becoming one of the world's favourite tourist destinations.

Best time to visit Indonesia

The best time to visit Indonesia is during its dry season from mid-April to September. The weather in this tropical country can be split into two seasons - dry and wet. Indonesia experiences its (Read More) wet season in the remaining months from October to mid-April. The dry season has warm, sunny and dry days that offer the perfect conditions for trekking, sightseeing or other water-related activities. May, June and September are the ideal months to visit Indonesia if you wish to combine the excellent weather of the dry season with the lack of tourist crowds.

In regions like Kalimantan and Bali, the difference between the dry and wet season is not as extreme. The central Molucca islands experience contrastingly different weather conditions and make for a suitable destination if planning a trip in January. Temperatures throughout Indonesia are relatively consistent and hover around 28 degrees Celsius, irrespective of the time of the year. A surge in tourists is witnessed from mid-June to mid-September, whereas the wet season sees a drastic drop in tourist activity.

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Indonesia

What's Great about Travelling to Indonesia?

Diverse Experiences, Affordable, Beautiful Beaches, Friendly Locals, Great Food

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Indonesia?

Jakarta's crowds and traffic, Difficult to get to the more inaccessible regions of the country

Who should Travel to Indonesia?

Adventure enthusiasts, Culture buffs, backpackers, budget-travellers, beach bunnies

Read More on Indonesia Travel

Food of Indonesia

Indonesian cuisine often demonstrates complex flavour,acquired from certain ingredients and bumbu spices mixture. Indonesian dishes have rich flavours; most often described as savoury, hot and spicy, and also combination of basic tastes such as sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Some of the most famous Indonesian dishes which you must try are: Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Soto Betawi (beef soup with cow milk), Rendang (dry curry), Satay (skewered and grilled chicken with peanut sauce), Gudeg (jack fruit with palm sugar, coconut milk, meat, garlic, and lots of spices).

Indian Restaurants in Indonesia

Indonesian cuisine caters to both vegetarian and non vegetarian food equally. There is a lot of stir-fried, stewed, curried vegetables available and complimentary to rice. As far as Indian restaurants are concerned, there are quite a few in Jakarta and Bali. Some of which are: (Jakarta) Satoo, Queen's Tandoor, Ganesha ek Sanskriti, Eastern Promise. (Bali): Malaika Secret Moksha, Atithi Indian Contemporary Restro and Bar, NU Delhi, Spice Mantra. However, if you are Jain then you might find it very difficult to find food with the needed restrictions, however there is a restaurant in Kuta which is known for it's Jain food, it's called Queen's of India.

Language of Indonesia

Bahasa Indonesian. Some important phrases are: Berapa harganya? = what does it cost/how much is it? Jam berapa? = what time is it? Di mana? = where? How to get there? = Bagaimana caranya kesana? What is it? = Apa ini? Is there money changer around here? = Di mana tempat penukaran uang di sekitar sini? Good morning (until 11am) - Selamat pagi [se-lah-mutt par-ghee] Good afternoon (until 3pm) - Selamat siang [se-la-mutt see-ahng] Good evening (until 6pm) - Selamat sore [se-la-mutt sore-ray]"

Nightlife of Indonesia

As far as nightlife is concerned, Bali and Jakarta are the best options. Typical hours start after sunset. Kuta, Seminyak and Legian feature life after dark at its most liveliest. Standalone entertainment venues such as District Bali and the Hard Rock Cafe in Kuta feature occasional gigs from international bands. Bali’s fine collection of beach clubs, such as Ku De Ta, Potato Head, Mozaic and Cocoon spice up the splendid sunny coastlines. While those looking for an alternative way to spend their nights may opt for quieter Nusa Dua, Sanur or Ubud. In Jakarta, Jenja, Immigrant, Dragonfly, Empirica are some of the most famous nightclubs. Read more about Nightlife in Jakarta.

Shopping in Indonesia

Indonesia's shopping scene is legendary and if you are a first time visitor, you're never going to forget this experience. From sorting through hand-painted batiks to picking and choosing home décor and furnitures, Indonesia has everything to offer. If you are in the mood for splurging, then head down to south Bali to purge yourself. If you're looking to spend on home decor then head to Saya Gallery or Kharisma Antiques in Bali. Take a day trip to Ubud’s Teba Sari plantation to buy coffee beans, aromatherapy products and local herbs and spices. In Jakarta, a small shop located at expat area, Kemang, sells Asian art and decorations. It’s a great place to go shopping for home decorations. Read more about Shopping in Bali and Shopping in Jakarta

Health & Hygiene in indonesia

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Some of the vaccines that you may require are: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Rabies, Yellow Fever.

Customs of Indonesia

Never use your left hand for anything. Don't touch anyone with it, don't eat with it, don't pick things up with it. Remember to remove your shoes or sandals at the door to a house, and don't show the soles of your feet to anyone. Use your right thumb to point at things - pointing with the index finger is considered rude. Always bend slightly when meeting or greeting an Indonesian older than you or in a position of authority.

Tips for Visiting Indonesia

Besides your clothes, make sure you carry a bug spray, suncreen and some aloe vera gel for some after sun soothing. Also, make sure that you carry a universal charger. Remember to be sensitive towards the people's religious sentiments. When visiting Bali, remember to dress properly when visiting temples, cover your feet and shoulders.

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