Welcome to Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago where the spirit of adventure comes to life. Delve into vibrant cultures, delectable cuisine and breathtaking landscapes with this Indonesia travel guide.
With over 17,000 islands, I’m not overstating the matter when I say that Indonesia is a country of contrasts – one where ancient temples stand alongside bustling cities and untouched jungles spill onto pristine beaches.
This vast country offers a near-endless choice of experiences, from the spiritual calm of Bali to the wild terrain of Sumatra. Come along with me as we explore this amazing archipelago.
It’s best to visit Indonesia during its dry season (April to October) when it’s cool and inviting. By contrast, the monsoon season sees much wetter and stormier days.
Indonesia is a famous beach, island-hopping, snorkelling, and honeymoon destination — all ideal activities for the dry season.
Bali is a no-brainer destination for your Indonesian vacation. This dreamy island boasts some of the most renowned attractions in the entire country, including the Sacred Monkey Forest, Uluwatu Temple, and Ceking Rice Terrace. Stay at The Slow Canggu.
Jakarta is Indonesia’s huge capital, with a whopping 11 million citizens. If you’re after culture, architecture, and cuisine, stay here for your vacation to Indonesia. Expect epic shopping sprees, dee-licious Indonesian coffee, and groovy hangout spots. Stay at The Orient.
Craving a beachfront escape? You may want to consider Lombok—a fabulous Indonesian island with no shortage of sun and surf. Experience a tranquil oasis filled with palm-fringed beaches, vibrant reefs, and cute turtles. Stay at Amber Resort.
Yogyakarta (or Jogja) is a one-of-a-kind island destination of Java, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional arts. Witness classic open-air Javanese dance shows, discover gamelan music, and admire ornate 18th-century structures. Stay at Harper Malioboro.
Packing for your Indonesia trip? Don’t forget…
Although travel insurance is not required to visit Indonesia, I still recommend insuring yourself in case of theft, accidents, or medical emergencies. Travel delays, interruptions, and damaged baggage are common anywhere you travel.
I use AXA Travel Insurance.
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Bali has over 20,000 temples, so you have no excuse not to visit at least a handful.
These holy structures are called pura in Balinese; for example, Pura Tanah Lot translates to Tanah Lot temple (one of the best). Other renowned temples include Besakih, Uluwatu, and Ulun Danu Beratan.
Catching the sunrise at Borobudur offers the most breathtaking scenery in Java, Indonesia. The gorgeous hues of orange and yellow light up the sky as you’re in the midst of the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Ensure you arrive before six am to see the sunrise.
The Gili Islands or Gili Island triplets are a slice of paradise, away from civilization, that you won’t regret visiting.
Imagine gorgeous white sands peppered with palm trees and kissed by aquamarine waters – now, envisage yourself sunbathing, snorkelling, or swimming there—pure bliss.
Why not visit an island inhabited by Komodo dragons? If your zoologist senses tingle, you’ll love exploring this stunning island. Home to Pink Beach, 4,000 dragons, and famous coral reefs – you’ll have the time of your life.
Another archipelago worth visiting is Raja Ampat encompassing hundreds of jungle-covered islands.
This otherworldly site features 500 coral species and the world’s most biodiverse marine life. Kri is the most famous island, with exceptional diving, balmy beaches, and plentiful accommodation options.
Ignore the Instagram hype around the Lempuyang Temple or “gates of heaven” — influencers go there for the wrong reasons. If you value history and spiritualism, you’ll likely know this is the oldest Balinese temple and one of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, or the “six sanctuaries of the world”.
Indonesia is one of the rainiest places on earth, so the prevalence of gushing waterfalls amongst its many rainforests is no surprise. If you love hiking and a refreshing dose of waterfall mist, you don’t want to miss Tibumana, Tukad Cepung, and Tegenungan Falls.
Indonesia’s stunning rice terraces are a big hit among tourists. The landscapes are surreal, and the cultural heritage intrigues you – it’s a rural and authentic experience like no other. Don’t just take my word for it; see it yourself by visiting Jatiluwih, Tegallalang, and Pererenan rice fields.
Lombok is like Bali before the crowds. My advice? Get there quick before they do. With all the charm of its sister island, but a fraction of the visitors, it’s becoming one of Indonesia’s go-to destinations.
What’s so special? Lombok’s famed for its spectacular black sand beaches (there’s even a pink sand beach too if you know where to look).
Ready to take on Indonesia with both hands? I’ve devised four fun-tastic itineraries to help you unearth the best way to travel in Indonesia (thank me later). Feel free to add or remove destinations based on your time and preferences.
One Week
Blue Point Beach – Kuta Beach – Seminyak Beach – Pemuteran – Diamond Beach – Canggu Beach – Lovina Beach
Go beach hopping on some of Bali’s most gorgeous beaches.
Ten Days
Borobudur Temple – Sewu Temple – Plaosan Temple – Lempuyang Temple – Pura Tanah Lot – Besakih Temple – Uluwatu Temple
Visit all the must-see temples of Indonesia in one go.
One Week
Tegalalang Rice Terrace – Tegenungan Waterfall – Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – Ubud Art Market – Puri Saren Palace – Tirta Empul Temple
See the best of Ubud by visiting its standout attractions.
Three Weeks
Lombok – Komodo – Java – Flores – Sumatra – Belitung – Sulawesi
Venture beyond Bali by exploring some of the best Indonesian islands.
This temple is the perfect alternative to the touristy Tirta Empul. Here, you’ll run into locals who bathe in the holy spring waters. Ensure to stop by the gorgeous Koi pond with intricate stone carvings, typical of a water temple, just without the crowds.
One of Jakarta’s best-kept secrets is also likely the most mystical place that offers an otherworldly backdrop for your travel snaps.
Located in Pinangsia, West Jakarta City, this mysterious museum, also called ‘roots house,’ looks like a scene from Jumanji, or abandoned jungle city.
The roots creeping up the cracked walls create a sense of eeriness, promising a unique photo session to those who find it.
Sembalun, East Lombok, is home to one of the most awe-inspiring natural sites: the majestic Mangku Sakti Waterfall.
This gushing fall plunges a 1.5-meter into a deep pool, hidden within granite stones. The gorgeous crevices of the canyon’s dark grey interior, juxtaposed with baby-blue waters, result in a surreal sight artists can only dream of.
Escape the crowds by visiting one of Java’s hidden wonders: Cirebon. You’ll find this hush-hush coastal city in northern West Java, where a blend of culture, history, and culinary delights hits you hard.
Explore two historic palaces, the 16th-century Keraton Kasepuhan and the 17th-century Keraton Kanoman, then visit Sunyaragi Cave, an 18th-century water palace in the shape of a labyrinthine.
This wouldn’t be the best travel guide to Indonesia without free activities/attractions for budget travellers. Start by visiting traditional villages for a medley of arts, crafts, dance, and music. Don’t miss Ubud, Trunyan Village, Tenganan and Penglipuran Village.
Next, consider free tours of iconic landmarks such as the National Monument, Istiqlal Mosque, and Tugu Proklamasi in Jakarta.
Finally, discovering the best beaches of Bali might be the most rewarding free thing to do in Indonesia.
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