Indonesia travel guide
Indonesia travel guide: Bali, the islands, and the wider archipelago
Indonesia is the world's largest island nation - 17,000 islands across three time zones. We cover Bali in depth; the rest of the archipelago (Java, Sumatra, Komodo, Flores, Sulawesi) deserves your second trip.
Destinations we cover in Indonesia
Country overview
Indonesia is tropical-monsoon. Bali's dry season May-October is the sweet spot. Visa on arrival (~$35) or 60-day pre-arranged visa. New tourist tax (150,000 IDR / $10) on Bali arrival.
- Language
- Bahasa Indonesia + 700+ local languages. English common in Bali tourist areas; less elsewhere.
- Currency
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs widely available; small denominations useful.
- Best time to visit
- May-October for Bali dry season. April and November are sweet shoulder months. Wet season (Nov-March) has lower prices and afternoon-only rain.
- Trip highlights
- Bali's Ubud rice terraces + Uluwatu cliffs + Canggu surf + traditional Hindu culture + tropical island week-long stay.
Indonesia beyond Bali: regions, routes & costs
Indonesia is vast — 17,000 islands — and Bali is just the start. The highlights for most trips:
- Bali & the Gilis: beaches, culture, the easy on-ramp.
- Java: the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, Yogyakarta, and volcano hikes (Bromo, Ijen).
- Lombok: quieter beaches and Mount Rinjani.
- Komodo: dragons, pink beaches and world-class diving from Labuan Bajo.
- Sumatra: jungle and orangutans (Bukit Lawang), off the beaten path.
When & costs
Dry season is April-October. Indonesia is budget-friendly — $25-50/day backpacker, more in Bali's resort areas. Domestic flights link the islands cheaply.
Most travelers get a 30-day Visa on Arrival. See Bali guide and the cost index.
Indonesia Travel Guide FAQ
Is Indonesia just Bali?
Far from it — Java's temples, Komodo's dragons and Sumatra's jungles are all highlights.
How much does Indonesia cost?
Budget-friendly — roughly $25-50/day, higher in Bali's resort zones.
Indonesia travel guide
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of 17,000 islands — far more than just Bali. The highlights:
- Bali — temples, rice terraces, beaches and villas; the easy first trip.
- Java — the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, cultural Yogyakarta, and dramatic volcanoes (Bromo, Ijen).
- Lombok & the Gilis — quieter beaches and the Rinjani trek.
- Komodo — the famous dragons and world-class diving.
When to go & budget
The dry season (April-October) is best. Indonesia is very affordable, and most visitors get a visa on arrival. Allow extra time — inter-island flights and boats eat into a short trip.
Indonesia Travel Guide FAQ
What are the must-visit places in Indonesia?
Bali, Java (Borobudur and volcanoes), Lombok and the Gilis, and Komodo for dragons and diving.
When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
The dry season, April to October, for the best weather across most islands.