INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Everything you need to know before travelling to Indonesia.
Make the most of your trip to Indonesia with expert tips, ideas and recommendations
Indonesia Travel Guide
How to plan your trip to Indonesia in 2021
With 17,000 Indonesian islands scattered between the Asian mainland and Australia, the archipelago has all you need for a stunning vacation of exploration. With natural wonders, curious wildlife, and more, traveling Indonesia should definitely be on your bucket list!
The inexpensive local food and reasonably-priced accommodation means it’s easy to plan a trip to Indonesia on a budget, too.
Our Indonesia travel guide is packed with tips to help you plan your Indonesia trip – so what are you waiting for?
- Where is Indonesia?
Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and Oceania, the country is between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest island country in the world with over 17,000 islands. - What is the size of Indonesia?
Indonesia is 1,904,569 km2 (or 735,358 sq mi), in terms of land area, that makes it the world’s 14th largest country. - How many people live in Indonesia?
A 2018 population estimation puts the population of Indonesia at around 268 million people, it ranks 4th in the world for its population. - What is the capital of Indonesia?
The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta, it is located on the Northwest coast of the island of Java. Jakarta is the centre of culture, economy and politics with a population of almost 11 million. - What language is spoken in Indonesia?
The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian, a standardized version of Malay. Although there are also more than 700 regional languages in this huge country. - What is the main religion in Indonesia?
Indonesia is the the biggest Muslim-majority country in the world, with more than 85% of its population following Islam. The second biggest religion is Christianity with almost 11% of the population. - What is the currency of Indonesia?
The currency used in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). - What plugs are used in Indonesia?
The types of plugs commonly used in Indonesia are type C and type F. Indonesia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. - What is the country code of Indonesia?
The country code for calling Indonesia is the prefix +62, website domains from Indonesia usually end with .co.id.
Where to go on your trip to Indonesia
With so many islands to explore, the first step in planning a trip to Indonesia is deciding where you want to go! Here are our top picks:
Bali
Beautiful beaches are lined with accommodation, shops and bars. Head to the Bukit peninsula for surfing, or the tranquil island of Nusa Lembongan and beach resorts of Amed and Padangbai for snorkelling and diving. For culture, traditional dance, music, yoga, and art, visit Ubud.
Lombok
With more unspoilt beaches than Bali, Lombok is a good pick if you’re seeking less traffic and pollution on your Indonesia trip. The views will take your breath away, with the great bulk of Gunung Rinjani emerging above turquoise crater lakes.
Java
Volcanoes run through the centre of Java. For traditional arts, culture and language, head to the south to find the homeland of the ethnic Javanese and see the royal courts of Yogyakarta and Solo. If you’re into hiking, head to the east, where you can explore the volcanic massif of Gunung Bromo, especially wonderful at sunrise.
Komodo
Visit Komodo National Park, a group of islands where you can spot the Komodo dragon.
Sulawesi
This island is shaped like the letter ‘K’, and you’ll never find yourself much more than 100km from the sea. The mountainous Tanah Toraja is the island’s top attraction, as it boasts beautiful scenery, interesting architecture, and vibrant festivals.
Jakarta
For the busy city experience, visit Jakarta. With historical quarters, interesting museums, huge shopping malls and exciting nightlife, you’ll be glad you stopped here during your trip to Indonesia.
Make sure you know when is the best time to visit Indonesia based on where you want to go before planning your trip to Indonesia
Top attractions on your Indonesia trip
Ubud, Bali
Full of vegan cafés, yoga retreats, and lush green rice paddies, Ubud is a cultural hub you should visit. Experience traditional dance, explore the famous Monkey forest and enjoy the gorgeous green landscape.
Mount Bromo, Java
This is one of the most popular volcanoes to visit in Indonesia, and an incredible spot in Java to catch the sunrise!
Scuba diving in Batu Batong
Labuan Bajo is a dreamy place to scuba dive or snorkel. Witness manta rays and dolphins in this incredible underwater world. The HMS Victory wreck in Bali is another popular dive site.
The Gili Islands, Lombok
A short boat ride away from Bali, the Gili Islands are well worth a visit. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, these islands are the place for you if you need a relaxing beach escape.
If you love beaches, make sure you read our article where we list the best beaches in Indonesia.
A cheap transport option in Indonesia is the bus, and there are also tourist shuttle buses for longer distances. Alternatively, most people get around by becak – a three-wheeled pedal or motor-powered cart. You should negotiate your fare before you get in, but 5,000 IDR ($0.36 USD) per kilometer is a reasonable rate to ask for.
Taxis are also affordable, and they’re metered in major cities. In Java, there are trains which are likely to be more comfortable and reliable than buses.
Ferry routes can help you get to neighbouring islands with both short and long distance route options. Check up-to-date route information and buy tickets in advance at the local Pelni office.
Domestic flights can be a quicker and cheaper way to travel between the Indonesian islands. State-operated Garuda and AirAsia are the most reputable airlines, offering a range of international and domestic flights. This isn’t the cheapest way to travel, so I’d only recommend if you have limited time.
Trip to Indonesia – Money
The Indonesian currency is the rupiah (Rp). You may struggle to exchange your money outside of Indonesia as few banks carry this currency, but in provincial capitals and bigger cities throughout Indonesia, you’ll find banks capable of handling the foreign exchange. Most towns have at least one or two ATMs, which are also found within most Indomaret and Alfamart convenience stores. These generally accept at least one from Visa, MasterCard or Cirrus-Maestro.
You’ll find a delicious mix of influences in Indonesian cuisine, ranging from Chinese, Middle Eastern, Malay, Indian and Polynesian flavours. Rice is the favoured staple, though noodles are also very popular. Chicken, goat and beef are the main meats in this predominantly Muslim country, but you’ll find plenty of pork options in Christian areas and lots of seafood on coastal menus.
Local food is extremely cheap, and I would encourage you to eat out whenever you can as this affordable cuisine is a great part of traveling Indonesia!