Indonesia
Indonesia is more than 17,000 islands strung along the equator: Bali's temples and rice terraces, Java's volcanoes and the Buddhist monument of Borobudur, Komodo's dragons, and coral reefs in Raja Ampat richer than almost anywhere on Earth. Distances are vast, so most trips pick one or two regions rather than attempting it all.
Overview
Indonesia stretches more than 5,000 km from Sumatra to Papua, and the sensible approach is to choose a corridor. The classic first trip links Java and Bali: Yogyakarta for Borobudur and Prambanan, sunrise over the Tengger caldera around Mount Bromo, then Bali's temples, rice terraces and beaches, perhaps extending east to Lombok, the Gili Islands or a boat trip through Komodo National Park from Labuan Bajo. Second visits head further out — orangutans in Sumatra or Borneo, Toraja culture in Sulawesi, or diving in Raja Ampat and the Banda Islands.
Away from Bali's busiest resorts, Indonesia is good value: simple guesthouses, local warungs and ferries cost little, though domestic flights, dive trips and liveaboards push budgets up. Travel can be slow — ferries run late, volcano sunrise trips start at 3am — so build in slack. Visitors are struck by the warmth of everyday encounters, by how devout the largely Muslim country is compared with Hindu Bali, and by how different each island feels. It suits surfers, divers and temple-hoppers alike, provided you don't try to rush.
Map of Indonesia
Top 5 highlights
- 1Sacred site
Borobudur
The world's largest Buddhist monument, a ninth-century stepped pyramid of carved relief panels and 72 latticed stupas rising above the Kedu Plain near Yogyakarta. Access to the upper terraces is limited to guided, pre-booked slots.
- 2Wildlife
Komodo National Park
Boat trips from Labuan Bajo visit Komodo and Rinca islands to see Komodo dragons with rangers, then snorkel with manta rays and climb Padar Island for its famous three-bay viewpoint.
- 3Culture
Ubud and Bali's rice terraces
Bali's cultural heart, surrounded by emerald subak-irrigated rice terraces such as Tegallalang. Watch a Legong or Kecak dance, visit the Monkey Forest and temples, and walk the Campuhan Ridge early before the heat and crowds.
- 4Nature
Mount Bromo
An active volcano smoking inside the vast Tengger caldera and its 'sea of sand'. Watch sunrise from the Penanjakan viewpoint, then cross the sand and climb the steps to the crater rim.
- 5Nature
Raja Ampat
Some 1,500 jungle-capped islands off the western tip of New Guinea, with around three-quarters of the world's known coral species, manta rays and teeming reefs. Fly to Sorong, then ferry to Waisai; stay in homestays or on a liveaboard.
Biggest cities
Jakarta
The sprawling capital is a transit point for most visitors, but the Dutch-era Kota Tua quarter, the National Monument and an excellent food and nightlife scene reward a day or two.
Surabaya
East Java's port city, with colonial architecture, the House of Sampoerna museum and an Arab Quarter; most visitors pass through en route to Mount Bromo and the Ijen crater.
Bandung
A cool highland city linked to Jakarta by the Whoosh high-speed train, known for Art Deco buildings, factory outlets and students; day trips reach the Tangkuban Perahu crater and tea plantations.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
Holiday regions in Indonesia
These areas have their own season and weather — see their guides for sea temperatures, resorts and flights.
When to go to Indonesia
Best time: May–Sep.
Average climate in Denpasar (Bali)
Festivals & events
- MarNyepi
Bali's Day of Silence, the Hindu new year: after a night of parades with giant ogoh-ogoh effigies, the whole island shuts down for 24 hours — including the airport.
- May–JunWaisak at Borobudur
Buddhist monks process from Mendut temple to Borobudur to mark the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, with chanting and, in some years, lantern releases after dark.
- OctUbud Writers & Readers Festival
Southeast Asia's best-known literary festival brings authors, talks, food events and performances to venues around Ubud, usually in October.
How much does Indonesia cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Rendang
Beef slow-cooked for hours in coconut milk with lemongrass, galangal and chilli until dark and nearly dry — a Minangkabau dish from West Sumatra, found nationwide in Padang restaurants.
Nasi goreng
Fried rice with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), shallots and chilli, topped with a fried egg and krupuk crackers; eaten at any hour.
Sate
Skewers of chicken, goat or beef grilled over charcoal and served with peanut sauce; in Bali, try sate lilit, minced fish or pork wrapped around lemongrass.
Getting around
Domestic flights on Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air and Batik Air link the main islands cheaply. On Java, KAI trains are comfortable and punctual, and the Whoosh high-speed line runs from Jakarta to Bandung. Car ferries cross from Java to Bali and Lombok, fast boats serve the Gilis, and Grab and Gojek handle cars and motorbike taxis in most towns. Many visitors hire a car with driver by the day.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CF230V — bring a UK-to-C/F adapter
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +62
- Time zones
- UTC+7, UTC+8, UTC+9 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the left
- Tipping
- Not obligatory; many mid-range restaurants add tax and a service charge. Round up for drivers and tip guides and spa staff.
- Etiquette
- Use your right hand to give and receive, never touch someone's head, and dress modestly away from beaches. A sarong and sash are required at Balinese temples, often lent at the entrance.
- Main airports
- Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK), Jakarta; I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Denpasar (Bali); Juanda International Airport (SUB), Surabaya
Visas & entry for Indonesia
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to visit Indonesia.
You can get a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA) for:
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BJapanese encephalitisMeaslesRabiesTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in Irian Jaya (Papua): antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Indonesia
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Tue 5 Jan 2027 | Isra' and Mi'raj |
| Sat 6 Feb 2027 | Lunar New Year |
| Mon 8 Mar 2027 | Day of Silence |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Thu 11 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr Second Day (date may shift) |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | International Labour Day |
| Thu 6 May 2027 | Ascension Day |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Thu 20 May 2027 | Vesak Day |
| Tue 1 Jun 2027 | Pancasila Day |
| Sun 6 Jun 2027 | Islamic New Year |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Prophet's Birthday |
| Tue 17 Aug 2027 | Independence Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Indonesian
| English | Indonesian | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Halo | HAH-loh |
| Thank you | Terima kasih | tuh-REE-mah KAH-see |
| Please | Tolong | TOH-long |
| Excuse me | Permisi | per-MEE-see |
| How much is this? | Berapa harganya? | buh-RAH-pah har-GAH-nyah |
Know before you go
- To ride a scooter legally you need a motorbike licence and an International Driving Permit; police checks in Bali are common and insurers may refuse claims without them.
- Avoid travelling during the Idul Fitri (Lebaran) holiday at the end of Ramadan, when millions head home and flights, trains and ferries sell out for days either side.
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls and change money only at licensed money-changers; Bali's street booths advertising unusually good rates are a well-known short-changing trick.
Indonesia travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
The best time to visit Indonesia is generally May–Sep. Peak months are May, June, July, August and September. Average highs in Denpasar (Bali) range from 29°C to 32°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Indonesia cost per day?
Roughly £30 a day on a tight budget, £70 mid-range and £160+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Indonesia?
Indonesian rupiah (IDR).
What plug type does Indonesia use?
Type C and F sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Indonesia?
Traffic drives on the left in Indonesia — the same as in the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Indonesia?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to visit Indonesia. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Indonesia before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/indonesia/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Indonesia?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, Measles and Rabies sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
