Popular
Best in Apr
Indonesia
Bali
Tropical
From $51 /day
Indonesia
Indonesia is a sprawling archipelago of over 17,000 islands, stretching across the equator with an unparalleled diversity of cultures and landscapes. From the emerald rice terraces of Bali to the futuristic rising capital of Nusantara, you will discover a land where ancient traditions meet modern ambition. It is a place where you can trek through dense jungles to find orangutans in the morning and dine at world-class restaurants by sunset. Whether you seek the spiritual silence of a mountain temple or the adrenaline of world-famous surf breaks, the country offers a profound sense of wonder at every turn. Its warmth lies not just in its tropical climate, but in the legendary hospitality of its people across countless ethnic groups.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
3 cities
9 guides
$47 – $59 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Jakarta (legal capital as of 2026); Nusantara (IKN, new capital under construction)
Languages
Indonesian
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
1 $ ≈ 16,851 Rp
Plug Type
Type C/F (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Left
Dial Code
+62
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
WIB (UTC+7), WITA (UTC+8), WIT (UTC+9)
Emergency
110 (police), 112 (general emergency)
Why Visit Indonesia
Ancient Spiritual Heritage
Witness the architectural grandeur of Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, and the towering Hindu spires of Prambanan. these UNESCO sites offer a deep look into the sophisticated civilizations that ruled Java centuries ago.
Unrivaled Marine Biodiversity
Located in the Heart of the Coral Triangle, Indonesia offers some of the planet's best diving and snorkeling. Regions like Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park are home to thousands of species of fish and pristine coral reefs.
Dramatic Volcanic Landscapes
Adventure seekers can hike to the craters of active giants like Mount Bromo or Mount Ijen. Watching the sunrise over a sea of volcanic sand or seeing the blue fire of Ijen is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Unique Wildlife Encounters
Indonesia is the only place on Earth where you can see the prehistoric Komodo dragon in its natural habitat. The rainforests of Sumatra and Kalimantan also provide rare opportunities to observe orangutans in the wild.
Exceptional Value for Money
Your money goes incredibly far here, with daily budgets ranging from budget-friendly street food and hostels (~$29 / Rp496,275/day) to comfortable mid-range experiences (~$80 / Rp1,349,868/day). You can enjoy high-end boutique villas and gourmet meals for a fraction of the cost found in Europe or North America.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Indonesia
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Bali
The most famous destination in the country, Bali is a haven for surfers, yogis, and digital nomads. It offers a unique blend of vibrant Hindu culture, stunning beaches, and the lush, artistic heartland of Ubud.
Java
The most populated island houses the bustling metropolis of Jakarta and the cultural capital of Yogyakarta. Java is the best place to experience Indonesia's history, from majestic temples to the smoking craters of East Java's volcanoes.
Lombok and the Gili Islands
Often seen as a quieter alternative to Bali, Lombok features the massive Mount Rinjani and spectacular southern beaches. Nearby, the three Gili Islands are famous for their lack of motorized vehicles and crystal-clear snorkeling waters.
Sumatra
A rugged frontier for adventure seekers, Sumatra is dominated by wild jungles and the massive volcanic Lake Toba. It is the premier destination for trekking through the rainforest to spot orangutans and tigers.
Flores and Komodo
This region is the gateway to the Komodo National Park, where the famous dragons roam. The island of Flores itself offers traditional villages, the tri-colored lakes of Mount Kelimutu, and exceptional diving spots.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry season, when skies are clear and humidity is lower. Regional variations exist, particularly in Papua and Maluku, where seasons can be reversed.
Peak Season
Jul, Aug, Dec
High season coincides with the European summer holidays and end-of-year festivities. Popular areas like Bali and the Gili Islands experience heavy crowds and accommodation prices can increase by up to 50%.
Shoulder Season
May, Jun, Sep
These months offer the best balance of dry weather and manageable tourist numbers. It is an ideal time for outdoor activities like diving, hiking, and temple-hopping without the peak season rush.
Off-Peak
Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
The rainy season brings frequent tropical downpours and higher humidity. While some inter-island ferry services may be disrupted by rough seas, travelers can benefit from significant discounts on flights and luxury villas.
Getting Around
Indonesia's vast archipelago requires a combination of domestic flights for long distances and diverse local transport for shorter hops. Infrastructure is most developed on the island of Java.
Flight
The most efficient way to travel between islands. Major carriers like Garuda Indonesia and Citilink connect nearly every province, with fares for short routes typically ranging ~$47–$94 / Rp794,040–Rp1,588,080.
Train
Highly recommended for travel across Java, connecting Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. The executive class is comfortable and punctual, offering air conditioning and scenic views for ~$18–$41 / Rp297,765–Rp694,785.
Ride-Hailing
Apps like Grab and Gojek are essential for urban travel, offering transparent pricing for cars and motorbikes. They are significantly cheaper than traditional taxis and widely available in cities.
Ferry
Public Pelni ships and private fast boats connect neighboring islands. Safety standards vary widely, so it is advised to use reputable fast boat operators when traveling between Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands.
Food & Drink
Indonesian cuisine is a vibrant explosion of flavors characterized by the use of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and spicy chili pastes. Rice is the staple of almost every meal, often accompanied by meat, vegetables, and the ubiquitous crunchy krupuk crackers.
Must Try
Nasi Goreng
The quintessential Indonesian fried rice, seasoned with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), garlic, and tamarind, usually served with a fried egg and pickles.
Rendang
A slow-cooked beef curry from West Sumatra that is reduced until the sauce coats the meat, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavor-packed dish.
Sate Ayam
Succulent chicken skewers grilled over hot coals and served with a thick, savory peanut sauce and lontong, which are compressed rice cakes.
Gado-Gado
A refreshing vegetable salad featuring blanched greens, boiled potatoes, fried tofu, and tempeh, all drizzled with a rich peanut dressing.
Babi Guling
A celebrated Balinese dish consisting of a whole suckling pig stuffed with a spice paste of turmeric, coriander, and lemongrass, then roasted until the skin is perfectly crisp.
Martabak Manis
A thick, fluffy Indonesian pancake filled with indulgent ingredients like chocolate, cheese, peanuts, and condensed milk.
Es Campur
A colorful shaved ice dessert mixed with coconut, grass jelly, fermented cassava, and various fruits, perfect for the tropical heat.
Money & Costs
Indonesia offers exceptional value across all travel styles. Recent traveler data shows roughly ~$29 / Rp496,275/day for budget travel, ~$80 / Rp1,349,868/day for mid-range experiences, and ~$246 / Rp4,148,859/day for luxury stays. Street food and local transport remain highly affordable.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but widely appreciated; rounding up the fare for drivers or leaving ~$1.18–$2.36 / Rp19,851–Rp39,702 for hotel staff is standard practice.
Cards
Major credit cards are accepted in malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants in tourist hubs. Small vendors, markets, and remote islands remain almost entirely cash-based.
ATMs
ATMs are ubiquitous in cities and typically accept international Visa and Mastercard. Travelers should beware of skimming devices and use machines located inside secure bank branches.
Culture & Etiquette
Indonesia is a deeply traditional and religious society where politeness and social harmony are highly valued. While locals are very forgiving of tourists, showing respect for their customs and beliefs will significantly enhance your travel experience.
✓
Dress modestly when visiting temples or rural areas by covering your shoulders and knees; a sarong is often required for entry.
✓
Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, or handing over money, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
✓
Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a place of worship like a mosque or a temple.
✕
Touch someone on the head, as it is considered the most sacred part of the body and touching it is seen as disrespectful.
✕
Display excessive public affection, as it is generally frowned upon and can make locals feel uncomfortable in this conservative society.
✕
Point your feet at people or sacred objects, and avoid stepping over someone sitting on the floor, as feet are considered the lowest part of the body.
✓
Greet people with a gentle smile and a slight nod; a soft handshake is common, but wait for a woman to initiate the gesture first.
✓
Accept food or drink when offered by a host, even if you only take a small sip or bite, as refusing can be seen as impolite.
Safety & Health
Travelers should exercise a high degree of caution due to security risks and volcanic activity. Specific provinces in Highland Papua and Central Papua should be avoided entirely.
Tap Water
Not safe to drink
Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. CDC notes adults who completed polio vaccination as children may receive a single lifetime polio booster dose; un/under-vaccinated travelers should complete a polio series.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Non-metered taxi drivers quoting inflated flat rates at airports or clubs.
- ⚠ Sleight-of-hand tricks by unauthorized money changers to short-change customers.
- ⚠ Scooter rental shops claiming 'new' damage upon return to extract high repair fees.
- ⚠ Fake tour guides at major temples like Besakih demanding 'mandatory' donations or guide fees.
- ⚠ Methanol poisoning from tainted local spirits like arak in Bali and Lombok.
Dengue fever is a year-round risk; travelers should use repellent frequently. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential as private clinics often require proof of payment before treatment.
Language
Indonesian is the lingua franca across the archipelago. English is widely spoken in Bali and Jakarta's hospitality sectors, but proficiency drops significantly in rural areas and remote islands.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Halo | HAH-loh |
| Thank you | Terima Kasih | Tuh-REE-mah KAH-see |
| You're welcome | Sama-sama | SAH-mah SAH-mah |
| Please (requesting help) | Tolong | TOH-long |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Maaf | MAH-ahf |
| How much? | Berapa harganya? | Be-RAH-pah HAR-gah-nyah |
| Where is the toilet? | WC ada di mana? | WAY-SAY AH-dah DEE MAH-nah |
| I don't understand | Saya tidak mengerti | SAH-yah TEE-dahk muh-NGER-tee |
Visa & Entry
Most tourists enter via the Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) system, which streamlines the arrival process. All travelers must submit an electronic arrival card within 3 days before entry.
Max Stay
30 days (VoA/e-VoA), extendable once for an additional 30 days
Passport Validity
Passport valid at least 6 months from arrival; onward/return ticket required
Visa-free for
ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) + Timor-Leste
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indonesia safe for travelers?
How expensive is a trip to Indonesia?
When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Is English widely spoken in Indonesia?
What should I eat in Indonesia?
How do I get around Indonesia?
Can I drink the tap water in Indonesia?
What is the alcohol situation in Indonesia?
What are the common health risks for tourists?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Ready to explore Indonesia?
Browse our 3 city guides with budget tips, itineraries, and seasonal recommendations.