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This stunning country and archipelago has more than 10,000 islands and only one problem for visitors: deciding which islands to visit. You can't fail to be fascinated by its exuberant nature and volcanic terrain.

The country of 10,000 islands

Admire the largest volcanic lake in the world on the island of Sumatra. See how orangutans live in total freedom in the wild in Borneo. Do some yoga and surf on the cosmopolitan island of Bali. Eat amongst the huge rice paddies on Lombok. See the surprising funeral rites in Sulawesi. Discover complex Hindu mythology at Prambanan, home to 249 temples on the island of Java. See the Komodo dragons. Enjoy ancestral rites in Flores... every island has so much to do and Indonesia brings together more than 10,000 islands. Can you imagine?

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Home » Southeast Asia » Indonesia » 21 MUST-SEE Beautiful Places in Indonesia (2024 • Insider Guide)

21 MUST-SEE Beautiful Places in Indonesia (2024 • Insider Guide)

With more than seventeen thousand volcanic islands spread across seven seas (literally), Indonesia is a land blessed with long sandy beaches, rain forests, waterfalls, and untouched coral reefs. It’s also home to a multicultural population, from the world-famous Hindu island of Bali to the Buddhist temples of Java.

With all that beauty considered, Indonesia is a massive country with an endless array of islands and archipelagos worth exploring. How on earth does one choose just a few places to visit when presented with tens of thousands of options?

The answer isn’t simple, but this article sure can make it easier to choose where to visit in this expansive archipelago.

With this list of twenty-two of the most beautiful places in Indonesia , you can curate your own bucket list shortlist and plan the PERFECT Indonesian itinerary. You’re welcome!

1. Besakih Temple, Bali

2. ubud, bali, 3. wae rebo village, flores, 4. mentawai islands regency, 5. kelimutu lakes, nusa tenggara timur, 6. the gili islands, lombok, 7. raja ampat islands, west papua, 8. bangka belitung islands, sumatra, 9. komodo national park, nuse tenggara timur, 10. tana toraja, south sulawesi, 11. tanjung puting national park, kalimantan, borneo, 12. borobudur temple, java, 13. mount bromo, east java, 14. derawan islands, east kalimantan, 15. maluk beach, sumbawa, 16. lake toba, north sumatra, 17. baluran national park, east java, 18. saraswati temple, bali, 19. uluwatu, bali, 20. yogyakarta, java, 21. alas purwo national park, east java, how to see beautiful places in indonesia, final thoughts on beautiful places in indonesia.

One of the oldest (and largest) Hindu temples in Indonesia, the history of the Besakih Temple dates back to megalithic times, when the original structure was built around a central holy rock. It’s not known as The Mother Temple of Bali for no reason.

Like many temples, this one is shrouded in history and mystical legend. I won’t even try to begin to explain its origins and evolution – you’ll simply have to visit to learn more. But what I can tell you is that this temple is one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia.

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As you walk towards the steep stairs of the temple, you’ll be overwhelmed by the scent of tropical greenery and the sounds of buzzing bugs and birds. It’s located on the side of Mount Agung, the iconic volcano that towers over the island. With its fertile volcanic soil, the temple is naturally surrounded by never-ending jungles of lush plants and grasses.

Whatever your faith (or lack thereof), visiting this temple is a spiritual experience for all who visit. I’m telling you, there is something otherworldly about this location. No wonder it’s still an important place of worship for the Balinese Hindu community.

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If you’re backpacking in Bali , hitting up Ubud is a must, it’s like an unwritten law, I guess! Located in the center of Bali, this place really captures the heart and soul of this peaceful island.

The small yet busy town is surrounded by tropical jungles and terraced rice fields. You could spend weeks exploring the stunning rice terraces (the Tegalalang Rice Terrace is no doubt the most famous), swinging over the valleys on some of the famous Ubud swings, and visiting iconic temples in the area.

Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali, overflowing with art galleries, small boutiques, and traditional marketplaces. Other than culture and history, this is also where you will find some of the most impressive waterfalls on the island . Sure, they might be more crowded here than up north, but this doesn’t make them any less spectacular.

Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest for a really unusual experience. This small forest park is teeming with cheeky monkeys. Just make sure to hold onto your hats and phones, as these monkeys are known to have a thing for stealing!

For a change of pace, join a yoga class or wellness retreat in Ubud. Take it from me: you’ll leave with a new understanding of the word “zen.”

Nestled in the misty mountains of the Island of Flores, Wae Rebo is a traditional village that has earned itself a spot on the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage list . This destination is exceptionally secluded, adding an adventurous touch to your Indonesian backpacking journey .

Home to the Manggarai tribe, this tiny village is surrounded by a dense tropical Todo forest packed with orchids, plant life, singing birds, and other endemic animals.

The most defining characteristic of the village is the unique houses, called Mbaru Niang, which are covered in thatch from the roof to the ground. Every house has five levels, each for a separate purpose – cooking, socializing, sacred gatherings, and sleeping. Today, it’s the only village in the country that maintains these traditional Manggarai houses .

Mbaru Niang in a large valley surrounded by mountains in Wae Rebo Village, Flores

A single ancestor named Empu Maro founded the village over 100 years ago, with some of the current residents being 18th-generation descendants. Basically, this means the Manggarai tribe have kids super early. Do the math!

love to feel like I’m visiting an island where people actually live, stay with locals , and actually immerse myself in their culture.

One of my favorite things, and in my opinion, what makes this one of the most unique places to visit in Indonesia, is the lack of phone reception and limited electricity (only available between 6 pm and 10 pm). This gives you a real opportunity to switch off and reconnect with yourself and the surrounding nature.

The Mentawai Islands are bestknown to surfers around the world. Isolated and off the beaten track doesn’t even begin to describe this string of islands.

It can be a hack to get here, which makes it super uncrowded and all the more beautiful in return. First, you’ll have to fly to Padang on the island of Sumatra (likely via Jakarta) and then get a ferry into the islands. You might even need to catch a small local long boat to get to certain islands in this beautiful place in Indonesia. It’s all part of the journey.

Famous with surfers across the world, the islands are suitable for anyone on the hunt for crystal clear water, soft white sand, a slow pace of life, and all-around good vibes. First order of business: Secure the perfect surfboard , then ride the waves.

The Mentawai Islands aren’t the best spot for solo travelers , though, since there isn’t much socializing to be done around the islands. However, if you’re traveling in a group or with family, add the Ments – as we call them – to your list.

Surfing isn’t the only activity on the islands. You can also trek through the inner island jungles, snorkel, dive, and learn about the local island culture. The underwater scenery certainly offers the most in these parts, with some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world.

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Kelimutu Lakes might just be some of the most dramatic-looking volcanic lakes in the world. They are also some of the most visited lakes in the country , and rightfully so.

What you might not know is that Kelimutu Lakes are actually a collective name given to three different crater lakes created by the same volcano. Each of the three lakes is a different color – blue, white, and red.

The most spectacular (and, of course, most photographed) is the blue lake, which shimmers an incredible turquoise that is hard to put into words.

Skyline views of Kelimutu Lakes in Nusa Tenggara Timur

The best way to experience this place in all its natural beauty is to hike or trek to the summit . Sunsets and sunrises here are unreal, and I really advise you to try to plan your trip to avoid the midday heat. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the toxic sulphuric water (not to mention the steep cliffs). Otherwise, a cool-off dip would have been ideal.

The lakes’ colors and intensity change by the minute, so manage your expectations. That said, when it comes to beautiful places in Indonesia, the lakes really are in a league of their own.

If you’re mapping out your Lombok itinerary , you’ve got to know about the Gili Islands. A string of islands located just off the west coast of Lombok and just a short ferry ride from Bali, the three main islands are called Gili Trawangan (Gili T, for short), Gili Meno, and Gili Air.

Gili T is the largest island, although calling it large would be an overstatement. All three islands are small enough to walk around on foot and have no car traffic, meaning the best way to get around is by walking or cycling. And oh boy, do we love an island with no traffic!

Sky view of Gili Islands with boats lining on the coastline and lush trees

The islands are known for three main things: snorkeling and diving, the beaches, and the nightlife. The nightlife is best in Gili T, where just about every street corner is buzzing with activity.

Learning to dive or snorkel over the reefs are the two most common activities. Take that snorkeling boat trip , and you’ll see just why Gili Island’s underwater world is just incredible!

If you’re up for even more water-related adventures , there are plenty of places where you can rent a SUP, go on kayaking day trip tours, kite surf, or wakeboard. Basically, you’re going to want to bring as little clothing and as many bathing suits as possible on this trip…

A quick Google search of these islands will have you gawking at your screen. Seriously, it’s impossible to put this incredible tropical island into words. That said, I’ll give it the best I can…

Set in a secluded part of the archipelago, Raja Ampat is one of Indonesia’s premier diving destinations in the Coral Triangle . The triangle stretches from the Phillippines to Malaysia and Indo, but there are few places within it that can compete with the beauty of Raja Ampat.

Rock formations in Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua

It’s true that the islands are the best for diving and snorkeling. But the thing is, these islands are just as beautiful above the surface as the coral reefs beneath them.

The island of Kri is the most popular for tourists, with plenty of accommodation and dive center options. However, if you have the cash to spare, do yourself a favor and book a boat charter for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A dream come true for island-hoppers, bird watchers, and general fans of exquisite views and vistas, Raja Ampat is as remote as it is beautiful – and let’s be honest, the two are directly related.

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While you might have heard of the island chains mentioned above, chances are the Bangka Belitung Islands are new to you. This province of islands located off the coast of southeastern Sumatra includes two main islands, surrounded by smaller ones.

They fall slightly off the beaten track and, thankfully, off the radar of many tourists, purely because of their remoteness and distance to get there. Admin aside, the islands are considered one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia for their unique granite boulders and palm tree-lined beaches. Sign us up!

Bangka Belitung Islands' coastline with boats lining at the shore

Tanjung Tinggi Beach offers the perfect combination of white sand, smooth boulders, and crystal-clear water. For a slice of history, make sure to visit the Museum Kata Andrea Hirata , a colorful museum that represents the journey of literature and learning in the region.

On the island of Belitung, the Danau Kaolin Belitung Lake was formed by mining activity in the area. Today, water from the bright blue, turquoise lake is used to produce paper, cosmetics, and even food.

It’s an interesting place to learn about the local industries, and it doesn’t hurt that it doubles as one of the most uniquely beautiful places in the country.

Likely already high on your list of places to visit in Indonesia, Komodo National Park is truly deserving of a place on this list. Comprised of a string of three exotic islands, each island is preserved and protected for these magnificent dragons to thrive.

In an otherworldly landscape of dry bushes, rugged cliffs, and barren rocks, roam the mighty Komodo Dragons. Where else in the world can you see totally wild prehistoric creatures that have their own entire region to roam free?

A hilltop view from Komodo National Park, Nuse Tenggara Timur

And let me tell you, these massive lizards aren’t the only interesting thing about the islands. The three islands, named Komodo, Padar, and Rinca, each have beautiful views, beaches, lush coastal hills, and, of course, are ringed by a thriving and colorful coral reef system.

Once you’ve had your taste of Jurassic Park, head to the famous Pink Sand Beach on Komodo Island to experience an entirely different side of the islands. The pink hue of the sand comes from microscopic red organisms that live in the coral reefs.

After they die, they get washed up on the beach and turn the sand pink. Neat, right?! While it isn’t the only pink beach in the country, these beaches are typically super rare.

Taking a step away from the tropical beaches and islands, Tana Toraja is one of the most unique places to visit in Indonesia for a few reasons.

First of all, the region set in the highlands of South Sulawesi offers a majestic mountain backdrop surrounded by lush jungles and picture-perfect local villages.

Famous for its incredible hiking trails , Tana Toraja is as popular with nature enthusiasts as it is with activity devotees. Begin your day by watching the sun rise over the misty hills as you explore the villages and mountainside. What a dream!

People standing in a traditional building made of rocks in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

Second, the area is also known for its mystical tribal funeral customs . In an uncommon practice, the dead are not considered truly dead (in modern medical terms). Here, the departed are considered to be sick, or makula, as they say.

The makula – sick (or dead, as a doctor would say), are placed in a sealed coffin inside the family home until the family has saved up enough money for a decent funeral procession. Funerals depend on the social status of a family, with the most wealthy funerals including hundreds of animal sacrifices.

You can visit the Londa Burial Caves for an eerily beautiful and educational experience. Suitable for fans of anthropology and beautiful places. Not suitable for the easily creeped out…

A boat floating down a river in Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan, Borneo

Ever wanted to see an orangutan in the wild? Tanjung Puting National Park contains the largest population of wild orangutans in the world.

Naturally, the park is spread across a dense jungle and swamps on the island of Borneo. Among the orangutans, there are endless other fauna and floral species thriving in the jungle.

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Welcome to the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Sitting among the likes of Angkor Wat and Bagan in Myanmar, this exceptional temple is considered one of the most ancient archeological sites in Indonesia.

Sitting on a majestic hill overlooking the island below, no wonder this is one of the top ten places to visit in Indonesia.

One of the best volcanoes in Indonesia , Mount Bromo is an active somma volcano that forms part of the Tengger Mountains (a series of other volcanoes).

It’s one of the most famous volcanoes in the world because of its otherworldly landscape. And by this, I mean some of the most quintessential volcanic imagery you could dream up. Watching the sunrise from the top of Mount Bromo is not to be missed when visiting East Java. Sign up for the tour below and live the ultimate experience.

A group of boats floating on the blue water next to the shore with palm trees in Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan

The Derawan Islands comprise 31 islands surrounded by coral reefs and islets that form part of the Coral Triangle . They are famous for their biodiversity of coral, invertebrates, and protected marine species, including the giant clam, coconut crab, and sea turtles.

Maluk Beach is as beautiful as beaches get. Picture yourself sinking into the soft white sand, strolling along a palm tree-lined beach, and taking dips in the pale blue water. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches for snorkeling, relaxing, and even surfing (when Neptune allows).

Lake Toba surrounded by green mountains in North Sumatra

Once the site of the largest volcanic eruption on the planet, some 74 thousand years back, Lake Toba is now a beautiful lake that could give Lake Como a run for its money.

Surrounded by panoramic views, beaches, waterfalls, and hot springs, there are plenty of places to explore and adventure around this peaceful Sumatran lake.

2 people under a tree in a wide dry field in National Park, East Java

If you squint your eyes, you might think the Baluran National Park was a game reserve in the African Sahara. The area has a dry climate that consists mostly of savanna.

Add to that white sand beaches, a coral reef of dreams, and more animals than you can imagine, and we have ourselves one of the most unique places to visit in Indonesia.

Dedicated to honoring the Hindu Goddess of learning, literature, and art, Saraswati Temple is a beautiful place to visit in the sacred village of Ubud.

The beautiful temple is surrounded by a water garden of ponds dotted with blossoming water lilies. Decorated with fine carvings and etchings, it only makes sense that the temple is dedicated to art.

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Uluwatu is a small village set on the cliffside of the Bukit Peninsula in Bali. At the far south of the island, the area is known for its world-class surfing waves, warungs hanging on the edge of the cliffs, and incredible beaches and coves. Not to mention the sunsets and nightlife!

Culture fans, this one is for you. Yogyakarta is the only Indonesian city still ruled by a monarchy. The royal city is known as the center for Javanese fine arts and culture, including things like poetry, music, literature, and fine art.

A pathway through a lush forest in Alas Purwo National Park, East Java

A national park made up of savanna, mangrove swamps, caves, monsoon jungles, and coral-fringed beaches, Alas Purwo National Park is just what we signed up for. Not to mention, it’s also home to a famous surf break.

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As you can imagine, Indonesia’s transport options consist of lots and lots of boats. Ferries, local transport boats, and speed boats – there are endless ways to travel across the seas from island to island. A ferry from Lombok to Gili Trawangan takes around half an hour and costs between $10 and $20 in each direction.

When it comes to traveling long distances from region to region, flying is usually the best option. It’s much quicker and often inexpensive when traveling on budget airlines like Lion Air, Citilink, and Garuda Indonesia . A flight from Bali to Jakarta would cost you around $30 – $35 in one direction and take under two hours. Easy-peasy.

When on a local island like Bali or Lombok, the best way to get around is to rent a scooter (although controversially not the safest). That said, it’s super cheap (less than $5 per day to rent), and people do drive super slowly. Renting a car is another great option if you’re traveling in a group.

Beautiful travels stay that way insured

The first thing that most locals say is “hello;” the last thing that they say is usually “be careful.” Indonesia is a safe destination , but accidents do happen all the time, especially in Bali. Whether it’s a scooter accident, complications from diving, or a case of Bali belly, there are lots of ways that your trip can be derailed.

Traveling without insurance would be risky, so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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And that brings us to the end of our list of beautiful places in Indonesia. Truthfully, I could have continued writing about this country for pages, but hopefully you’ve got your eyes set on a few of these exquisite places for your next trip.

From moss-clad temples to gushing waterfalls to some of the trippiest coral reefs on the planet, there really is an incredible amount of places to visit and things to do in Indonesia. Cutting this list down would be an impossible task; however, if I had to recommend you visit only one of these places, it would be the Raja Ampat Islands.

Less popular than the Gili’s, this tropical paradise is a haven for wildlife – both on land and underwater, and is easily one of the most striking places I’ve had the honor of visiting.

Check out the best hostels in Kuta to kickstart your adventure.
Know where to stay in Ubud BEFORE you get there… trust me.
Find out how to stay safe in Indonesia using our Indonesia safety guide .
Use our packing list for Indonesia to make sure you bring all the right stuff with ya.
Explore some of the best beaches in Bali to experience something a lil’ more chill.
Let’s get you ready for your next adventure with our backpacking Australia guide .

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Ultimate Indonesia 10 Days Travel Itinerary – best places to visit in Indonesia with chill and adventure (on 3 islands!)

Explore the best places to visit in Indonesia and make the most of your stay with this Indonesia 10-day travel itinerary covering the adventurous activities in Java, the lush greenery of Bali, and relaxing beaches in Gili islands.

Indonesia is a diverse country. It has exciting activities for adventure lovers, stunning temples for every architecture fan, and everyone looking for a relaxing time will find it by the sea. If you want to combine the colorful marine life, lush jungles, rich culture of Bali, and pristine beaches of Gili Islands, together with climbing an active volcano and discovering the hardest job in the world – this Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary is just for you. If you are wondering where to stay in Bali , I have you covered.

The map with the exact locations of the places at the bottom of the post.

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Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary – best places to visit in indonesia.

There are a lot of places to visit in Indonesia in 10 days, and below I cover the best ones.

Day 1 – arriving in Bali

I recommend starting or ending in Bali – even with many tourists, the island is always worth visiting. To get the most out of the short time in Bali, I recommend taking some 2 or 3-day tours, that would take care of all the transport and logistics, such as this one “Three Day Island Tour “, covering the main attractions.

If you have a bit more time and energy to organize things on your own, I share my tips below.

Depending on where in the world you come from, the flight to Bali might be a long and exhausting one. Spend the first day relaxing and getting your energy back. A good option is to visit the white sand beaches of Jimbaran and try the best seafood. The place gets very busy in the evening and the top tables with a romantic view can get booked very quickly.

Tip: If you come around lunchtime, you will have the whole beach for yourself and plenty of restaurants to choose from.

This day tour covers the main points on the south coast of Bali, including a seafood dinner in Jimbaran. See the island’s most iconic temple, Tanah Lot, admire Suluban Beach’s picturesque caves, and enjoy an optional Kecak show – check the tour here .

You can find nice accommodation in the area or, like us, move closer to Ubud, where you can enjoy the freshness of the jungle. Deciding on where to stay in Ubud might be a bit challenging, because of different areas and your interests, but here are a few suggestions.

Where to stay in Ubud:

Luxury: Alila Ubud – a beautiful hotel located in the middle of the jungle with a wonderful infinity pool. We stayed there for my birthday in a traditional bungalow and loved it! Check availability and the best prices here.
Mid-range: Villa D’Bisma – hotel with outdoor pool, overlooking the rice terraces, located close to the Ubud Monkey Forest. We even had a visit from monkeys there.
Budget: – bungalows with terraces as a budget option in Ubud Sila Urip Guest House (dormitory beds) – lush garden and relaxing terrace, great to mingle with other travelers Bali Backpackers Hostel (dormitory beds) – the best value for money, comfy beds, and friendly staff

Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary - Jimbaran beach Bali

Day 3 – time for Gili islands

Spend your morning walking around Ubud market and some beautiful temples. Have breakfast by Pura Taman Saraswati, a temple overlooking the pond with lilies, before the bus departure to the Gili islands. The van will take you to Padang Bai, where the speedboats to Gili Islands leave from. You will arrive at Gili Island in the afternoon. We chose to stay on the peaceful Gili Air, but the boat goes to all three of the islands, so you can choose a different one. In the evening, have a leisurely dinner by the beach and watch a stunning sunset.

Where to stay in Gili Air:

Luxury: PinkCoco Gili Air – exceptional resort located just by the beach. The view of the sea from the rooms and pink accents in the stylish interior. Check the best prices here.
Midrange: Nanas Homestay – beautiful cottages with your own terrace, hammock, and yummy Indonesian breakfast. Check availability.
Budget: Beranda Ecolodge – a beautiful hostel with a traditional Indonesian setting, outdoor swimming pools, and a garden. Bunk beds in shared rooms and all the rooms have a balcony or terrace. Check availability here.

Pura Taman Saraswati - best places to visit in Indonesia - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Day 4 – explore the underwater paradise

I recommend you wake up early enough to catch the best sunrise, that you can possibly imagine. The views over to Lombok’s highest volcano – Mt. Rinjani, mist rising from the valleys, and pink fluffy clouds covering the sky, will take your breath away.

After sunrise, you can get a typical Indonesian breakfast in one of the cafes or if you’re staying in the Airbnb/hostel, it would normally be included in the price.

A great way to spend the rest of the morning is to go on a snorkeling trip – swimming with turtles and admiring the colorful fish and coral. The boats usually depart by 10:00 am and are back by 14:30 pm. They will take you to all three Gili islands and the best snorkeling spots, including Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno, where you can have lunch by the sea. The price for the trip (not including lunch) is around 100k IDR per person.

There are also private tours that you can take from Bali, that include private snorkeling tour from the boat, such as this one “Private 3-Day Gili Islands Tour with Snorkeling”.

After returning, you can catch a yoga session or chill by the beach. The island is tiny, so it’s great just to walk around it, trying to find all the famous (and highly Instagrammable) swings. If you are lucky you can even spot the huge lizards, that belong to the same family as famous Komodo dragons.

Don’t miss the interior of the island, as this is where the local people live. Try some local street food called “Bakso” – meatballs with spicy sauce. In the evening treat yourself to a cocktail by the beach under the stars.

Turtle swimming, Gili Islands, Indonesia - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary-best places to visit in Indonesia

Day 5 – back to Bali

You can spend your last morning in Gili Air snorkeling by the shore or enjoying the beautiful views from the beach before jumping on a speedboat, that will take you back to Bali. If you have more time, you can spend it around Padang Bai and go to the Blue Lagoon.

From there you can head north-east towards Amed and finish the Bali loop by going to Pemuteran on the north (our days 6 & 7), or head back to Ubud and take your way from there. You can also try some other interesting experiences in Bali.

Initially, we had plans to go to Amed, but because of the high risk of the volcano eruption the whole area was closed off, so we needed to change our plans.

If you decide to go back to Ubud, the driver might drop you off close to the Monkey forest , so you can visit it on the way. With a bit more time, it’s a good idea to include a Campuhan Ridge Walk, which boasts gorgeous hillside views. This walking tour includes the Ubud Monkey Forest, a Campuhan Ridge Walk, the water temple of Saraswati, and Ubud Palace.

In the evening, organize your next-day trip to Munduk with a trip through some must-see places in Bali. The driver with a drop-off in Munduk cost us 650k IDR per car for 2 people, which seemed like a reasonable price. Make sure you agree on the exact stops before.

Two monkeys in the Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Where to stay in Bali, Munduk:

Luxury: Nadira Bali Resort & Villa – an outdoor pool and beautiful villas with an amazing views. Check availability.
Midrange: Lesong Hotel and Restaurant – this hotel has an incredible location, in the middle of the rice fields. You will feel a real Bali spirit while staying there. Check availability.
Budget: Made Oka Homestay and Warung – amazing view of the valley and the hills around. Great breakfast (included). Check availability here.

Rice terraces, Bali - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Day 7 – Munduk waterfalls

In the morning visit the stunning Munduk waterfalls. The hike should take you around 2-3 hours and you can visit a few nice places. Leave early to have them all to yourself. Entry to waterfalls is 10k IDR.

Arrange the car to go to Pemuteran with a few stops on the way. The price for the car is set by the local tourist agency and is 350k IDR (for the end of 2017).

On the way we visited:

Banjar hot springs – Holy hot springs, Entrance 20k IDR
Brahmavihara-Arama – the only Buddhist temple in Bali, Free entrance

Arrive at Pemuteran, and go afternoon snorkeling just off the beach. Visit Turtle Hatchery in Pemuteran with cute baby turtles.

In the evening take a walk or a ride (we hitch-hiked) to the nearby Pura Pabean temple for the sunset with monkeys and wonderful views of Java.

Where to stay in Pemuteran:

Suka Sari cottages – an outdoor bathroom, private terrace, and swimming pool. Close to the beach. Check availability here.

Munduk view to the hills around, Bali - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Day 9 – Ijen, the blue flames, and the most dangerous job in the world

Wake up in the middle of the night to get to the Ijen volcano around 1-2 a.m. The earlier the better, but you might have a hard time convincing the drivers to depart early, especially with other passengers.

Climb the Ijen volcano (75 minutes one way), and go down the crater (30 minutes ) to watch the famous blue flames. Watch the sunrise and talk to the miners who work in the active sulfur mine carrying 90 kg up the crater and down the mountain, sometimes only in flip-flops! This place is a real eye-opener and it’s very worth seeing. More details, together with the full guide to the Ijen hike here .

After the climb, we went to visit the nearby waterfall and coffee plantations as a part of the tour. After that, go back to town, catch a few hours of sleep, and get an afternoon train to Probolinggo (I recommend booking in advance).

Ijen Blue flames - Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Day 10 – climbing the active volcano

Wake up early and find a bus going from Probolinggo to Cemoro Lawang, which is the base of Mount Bromo – an active volcano. The journey takes a couple of hours and the bemos only leave when they are full (or if you pay for the empty seats).

After arriving in Cemoro Lawang, you can go and explore the area. We climbed the Bromo crater in the afternoon with no crowds and no need to pay for it. For more details about the Mount Bromo hike click here .

Go to sleep early as you need to wake up at night in time for another sunrise.

Are you looking to do this trip but from Bali? This Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater’s Blue Fire 3-Day Tour covers both volcanoes and then brings you back to Bali.

Bromo volcano, East Java - best places to visit in Indonesia

Read more: How to travel more with a full-time job

*Day 11 – Sunrise above Bromo and departure

Wake up around 1 a.m. and walk to one of the viewing points. That’s a way of watching Mount Bromo sunrise for free, instead of the organized tour – and I highly recommend this way. The number of cars that were going to one spot chosen by the tour companies was INSANE. There are several viewing spots and they get crowded, so try to arrive there early. You can read more about Mount Bromo hike with no crowds here.

After the sunrise, go back to the hotel and catch a bus back to Probolinggo. From there get a train to Surabaya.

In Surabaya make your way to the airport where you can fly to Jakarta and catch the flight back home (or to the next destination).

*The 11th day can be skipped and the sunrise can be done on the previous day if you catch the morning train from Banyuwangi (Ijen base) to Probolinggo instead of the afternoon one. It requires less sleeping time, but it’s doable.

Sunrise Bromo - best places to visit in Indonesia

What to pack for the Indonesia trip

Suncream – I use this suncream as it has great protection, good skincare, and is perfect for kids and adults on the face and body. It is also reef-safe!
Sunglasses – The sun in Indonesia is strong and you need to protect your eyes. Check UV sunglasses at a good price here.
Hat or a scarf for sun protection – you don’t want to get headaches from too much sun. Check prices and models here.
Hiking shoes for volcanoes– Merrell has good hiking shoes. Check the price and models here.
Reusable water bottle or Filter bottle– save plastic and fill in the small reusable bottle from bigger water bottles. I often use insulated bottles like this one to keep the drink hot or cold for a long time. If you don’t have access to refilling water, then you can use a water bottle with a filter like LifeStraw to have clean water on the go. Check the price here .
Small day backpack
Camera with landscape lens – I use Fuji X-E1 and Samyang 12mm , which I used to capture photos in this post.
Waterproof action camera – I don’t have GoPro, but a cheaper version of it, and it does a good job – AKASO EK7000 . Great for underwater shots and anything adventure-related – Check price.
Light jacket/jumper

Map for the Indonesia 10 days travel itinerary

Posted: 2018, Updated: 2023

What do you think about our Indonesia 10-day itinerary? What else would you add to it? Would you take something out? Let me know in the comments!

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Ultimate 10 days (or more) Indonesia travel itinerary, find the beautiful places to visit in Indonesia, Indonesia travel itinerary, Indonesia Bucket list, Bali, Java, Gili islands #indonesia #bali #giliislands #giliair #java #ijen #bromo

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40 thoughts on “ Ultimate Indonesia 10 Days Travel Itinerary – best places to visit in Indonesia with chill and adventure (on 3 islands!) ”

Thanks for a very detailed guide! 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to have the opportunity to travel to different countries more! So far I have only been to 3! I guess that’s more than most 🙂 Indonesia looks beautiful! I will refer to this post when I visit!

3 is definitely a good start, and the numbers don’t matter anyway, you can travel in your own country and be happy about it and this is what matters the most 🙂 Indonesia is worth a visit though, so maybe you can do it yours 4th 😉

This is so informative & would be so helpful for those traveling around Indonesia! Great post!

Thanks, Dani!

Bali has been number one on my bucket list for so long – I have finally arrived in Australia so I am so so close to Bali hopefully I can tick it off by the end of the year!! So many beautiful images, The Ijen volcano looks incredible, Indonesia looks like an amazing adventure!!

Bali is great, but I highly recommend going a bit beyond it too and explore other islands in Indonesia, they all have so much to offer! I hope you’ll be able to visit it 🙂

So useful! I’m going to Indonesia in 3 weeks and have a few unscheduled days! The Ijen volcano trip looks so interesting… I need to figure out if that’s feasible for me!

Have fun! I’m sure you’re gonna love it 🙂

Fantastic guide! Definitely pinning it for later when I actually find time to go there.

Thank you! I hope you will find time soon – it’s worth it!

Such beautiful photos! I went to Indonesia and really hated Denpasar but I LOVED Ubud and would go back there in a heartbeat. I should add a few more of these places for the next time I go back!

I avoided Denpasar and Kuta, because of those reasons, and I had really good time in Bali 🙂

Great itinerary and such gorgeous photos! Would love to explore more of Indonesia, so far we’ve only made it to Bali. Pinning for a future trip!

Thank you! Those are places that can be visited on short trips from Bali too, so worth giving them a go 🙂

I am a first time Indonesian traveler. I love this itinerary but I had questions about traveling around the country. How did you get around bali? Also, is it affordable to take taxis from place to place or would you recommend another method to get around that’s affordable?

Also, I was looking into a day trip to Komodo Island do you know if it is possible to add a day to this itinerary for an 11 day trip? Or do you have any recommendations to make a day trip to komodo island possible?

I love your blog! Thanks so much for your help.

Hi Scarlett, thanks for coming by! To go around Bali, there are several options, with the most popular being motorbikes (only if you know how to drive) and taxis or even cheaper Uber/Grab (an Asian Uber). We decided to get a car with a driver, as in our itinerary we were not coming back to the same location, but going north and then to East Java instead. It worked out the best for us. So it depends on your plans, you can try motorbike or Uber/Grab as those are the cheapest. The public transport exists but it’s not very reliable and to cover bigger distances you’d need to change several times. We used it to go from Pemuteran to the ferry for example – it’s written in the post.

We were thinking about Komodo island too, but in my opinion, 1 day is not enough, as there is so much to see in the area. You’d need to fly out in the evening to be ready for the boat for the next morning and then schedule your return after you come back from the trip. It is doable but rushed and expensive. You could skip Gili islands/East Java and do it instead, but it’s up to you (and cheap flight tickets ;)). We also saw massive lizards from Komodo family on Gili Air 🙂

Good luck and enjoy!

Thank you so much for responding! And for being so informative. One last question, I was considering a private driver too where did you go to hire one? Or are there any websites you would recommend for a driver? Thanks so much again.

We found one in Ubud, we were just going around and asking in the tourist offices and taxi drivers. They have different prices and you often need to negotiate 😉 But I’m sure you will find someone even last minute. I had some contacts to another driver from my friend but it was hard to reach him, so we decided to go with someone we found on the street – it’s also good to meet the driver before the trip, so you can see how well his English is and agree on the details 🙂 Good luck!

A really informative post! Just curious as to why you decided to skip Lombok?

Thanks, we didn’t have time for Lombok unfortunately and we decided it was not worth it going there just for 1 or 2 days, as there is so much to see. I’d love to climb the volcano there though 🙂

It’s such a bummer you missed out on Amed. I live in Bali and my partner is from Amed. I was in Amed at th time when people were evacuated from the volcano TO Amed. The roads were never closed to Amed and we found out that the drivers in Ubud and other areas were telling people the roads were closed even though they weren’t (we presumed to keep them spending in their areas/ or possibly misinformation).

Oh no, that’s a shame. Hopefully, I’ll make it there next time!

As I read the itinerary I was wondering if there any day trips/ tours available from gili air to different sites in lombok?

I think there is a boat from Gili Air to Lombok and I am sure that there are some excursions organized too. But I don’t know more details, as we didn’t have time for it, so we didn’t look 🙂

You just Amazing. Thank’s for write this. i hope you can be my travelmates one day here in Indonesia.

Glad you like it! 😉

Look like you spend a lot of time bringing this guide up. Indonesia is one in travel list. Great story.

We just came back from Bali 🙂 For our next trip we want to visit the Volcano like you did!

Thanks for this post!

I can highly recommend it 🙂

Do you have an idea of the daily expenses on a low budget profile? And was there any cool beach good for surfing along the way on your itinerary? Thanks

Hi, If you use public transport (tricky in Bali though), eat street food and stay in hostels, then you can travel on very low budget. Street food costs from $0.5-$3 and it’s very filling. You can find local hostels from as low as $2 – you can find a lot of them on booking, just sort by price: https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?region=835&aid=1293006&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 I don’t surf, so I am not sure about the exact spots, but I know that south of Bali is popular for surfing and the waves in Jimbaran beach were very strong, when I was there.

Wow! This looks like an amazing Intenerary and perfect for a solo traveler.

Thanks, Marie!

Your literary is so informative, do u think you can mail it to me plz. Amazing photos, i wonder who took your pics!!! ?

Thank you! You can get itinerary in pdf when you sign up on the newsletter – sign up is in the post 🙂

I am trying to plan a trip to Indonesia and was wondering how much your trip cost for the 10 days doing all the activities, food, stay, travel, etc. cost!

Hi Sarah, It’s hard to estimate the general cost as everyone has a different travelling style – you can do it on the cheap staying in the hostels, eating local food in small street food stands and not taking any organized tours, or you can spend a lot of money staying in the resorts, eating in the restaurants with the best view and traveling in a private car. So it really depends 🙂 Good luck!

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2024 backpacking indonesia itinerary: a ridiculously in-depth guide.

Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in the world, and of my favourite spots in all of Asia.

It’s full of thousands of islands, probably too many to explore in one lifetime, but that means you’ll never get bored.

We’ve spent a total of 10 weeks in beautiful Indonesia and there is so much to see and do.

If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, then keep reading our backpacking Indonesia travel guide for absolutely everything you need to know about visiting this awesome country.

Quick Things To Learn About Indonesia...

Safety - Generally Indonesia is quite safe. There have been terrorist attacks over the years, but you need to follow normal precautions. Try not to gather in large public gatherings, don’t flash the cash, don’t get drunk alone, don’t walk at night on your own, etc. We have never experienced any sort of safety issues when we have visited Indonesia. People are generally very welcoming and friendly.
Travel vaccines - Before backpacking Indonesia, it’s important to ensure your vaccines are up to date. Recommended injections include: Typhoid, Hep A & B, Tetanus, and Rabies. For up to date information, check with your nation's health bureau.
Sim Cards - There are a few sim card companies in Indonesia. We used XL Axiata which worked well. But you can typically order a sim card online now for convenience with Klook.
ATMs - Access to ATMs all across Indonesia is quite widespread. You shouldn’t have issues. If you are going somewhere remote, stock up on cash at the nearest town beforehand. As of 2020, there are no bank fees when using Monzo, Starling or Revolut.
Tipping - It’s always nice to tip! Tipping of 10% is the norm in Indonesia, but if you feel the service has been great then feel free to do more
Currency - In Indonesia they use Indonesian Rupee (IDR). You can get it before you visit or when you land from the ATM.
Partying - Indonesia as a whole is a muslim country, so drinking isn’t an integrated part of the culture. However touristy areas do drink, especially on the islands of Bali, Gili islands and parts of Lombok. The main party hub is Bali, but alcohol is heavily taxed, so not as cheap as other Asian countries.
Malaria Risk - The risk of Malaria in Indonesia depends on where you are visiting. So in Bali, the risk is quite low. However, all rural areas in Nusa Tenggara Barat, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Eastern Indonesia, and parts of Java, all have a risk. You should take anti-malarials if you’re travelling outside of Bali, and use mosquito sprays to prevent getting bitten.
Religion - The main religion of Indonesia is Muslim. However the island of Bali is an exception as it’s main religion is Hinduism. As a predominately Muslim country, respect Ramadan, times of pray and other cultural days.
Language - The official language in Indonesia is Indonesian, but in more touristy places such as Bali, or the Gili islands, you’ll often find people speak English.
Power Sockets - There are 2 main varieties: type C and type F. Standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You can pick up a universal travel adapter for convenience.

Before traveling anywhere, make sure you have your travel insurance in place. We recommend SafetyWing. ‍

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They Cover for Covid-19
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For more info, check out my in-depth SafetyWing review .

Best places to visit in Indonesia

If you’re planning on organizing a vacation to Indonesia, you’ve probably realized there is A LOT of islands to visit and discover. Unfortunately you can’t simply do them all in one go. So below I take you through all the best places to visit in Indonesia that Brad and I have visited, and I’ll mention one or two that were on our list, but we had to cut short due to an accident.

All in all, Indonesia is one of the best backpacking destinations in the world , so get ready to be inspired!

Let’s start with the most obvious one. Bali is a great island and it’s very unique in comparison to the rest of Indonesia. Bali is very very westernized, which means for me, it’s not “true” Indonesia. But the island has a lot to offer. Amazing surf, beautiful views, volcanoes to climb, waterfalls to discover and cheap food and accommodation. It’s no wonder backpackers love to visit Bali.

But what I would like to stress in this backpacking Indonesia guide, is that there is so much more to Indonesia than just Bali. So if you’ve visited Bali before, try a different location and you’ll see just how diverse Indonesia is!

Nusa Penida

So, Nusa Penida actually “belongs' ' to Bali, but it’s nowhere near as westernized which means it has a lot of charm. Penida is stunning and offers beautiful blue waters, gorgeous beaches, the chances to swim with manta rays, stunning waterfalls and unique treehouses to sleep in all over the island. Without doubt, one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.

Bandung is located in west Java and it’s one of my favourite places in Indonesia because it’s so undiscovered. It’s a popular spot among Indonesians, but not for the western traveler. That’s why you should visit! Bandung is home to one of the most accessible volcanoes (you can drive right up), amazing tea fields, (that reminded me of Sri Lanka) and the coolest floating market (better than the ones in Bangkok, in my humble opinion).

Read : Top Things To Do In Bandung, Indonesia

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and it’s typically used as a base to fly in and out off. But Jakarta is buzzing with culture, and honestly, it’s a shoppers dream. It’s got some amazing shopping malls and if you want to splash the cash, this is the place to do it. Typically I’m not a fan of Asian capital cities, they tend to be overcrowded and the air pollution is always high, but I liked Jakarta.

Malang is another awesome place to go when backpacking Indonesia. It’s most famous for “Rainbow village” which is truly awesome. But venture outside on a moped and you’ll come across the most amazing waterfalls. Oh, it’s also the perfect spot to start your Mount Bromo tour which is the best volcano sunrise I’ve ever done.

Read : Top Things to do in Malang, Indonesia

Yogyakarta is located in East Java and it’s probably the most “backpacker” place in Java. It’s brimming with beautiful sights to discover including two iconic temples, Pranamanan temple and Borobudur temple.

Read : Top things to do in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Gili islands

The Gili islands are located just off of the island of Lombok. There are 3 main “popular” Gili islands which are Gili Trawagan (the biggest), Gili Air (the smallest) and Gili Memo. These islands are small little paradises with beautiful blue waters and amazing snorkelling opportunities. If you want a mini beach holiday where you can relax, and spend lots of time in the water, then a trip to the Gili islands should be on your Indonesian travel itinerary.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is located just off Bali and it’s easily accessible via boat. Again it’s an up and coming island and it’s got amazing snorkeling. Bali island itself doesn’t have the best snorkel, but head of to Lembongan and you’ll be greeted with lots of fishing and beautiful blue, clear waters.

I just want to mention a few places we had our own list but had to cancel due to the fact we had a moped accident when in Nusa Penida. These include:

Lombok: it’s famous for its volcanoes, and many many amazing waterfalls dotted all over the island. It’s also great for diving and surfing.
Komodo islands: Famous for the Komodo dragon, really wished we had made it, but it will definitely be on my list to visit when I return to backpack Indonesia once more!
Raja Ampat: a divers dream, absolute dream
Flores island: this was on our list too, it looks beyond beautiful and still very undiscovered.
Padar island: part of the Komodo islands, but famous for its stunning beaches and iconic landscapes. Famous for those pink beaches too!

Our 18 favourite things to do in Indonesia

There are hundreds of amazing things to do in Indonesia, too many for me to possibly list in one lifetime. So, I’m going to round it off to 18 awesome things you can place on your Indonesia itinerary.

1. Sunrise at Mount Bromo

This is one of my fondest memories of visiting Indonesia. I’ve done quite a few sunrise adventures over the years, but the sunrise at Mount Bromo surpassed all my expectations and the beauty that unfolded in front of my eyes was unbelievable. Was also cool that you could fly a drone!

I’ve done a whole guide on doing a Mount Bromo tour that you can check out here , but this should be number one on any Indonesia bucket list.

2. Dance around the tea fields of Bandung

If you haven’t been to Sri Lanka and visited the amazing tea fields there, then you’re going to love Bandung. As it sits a little “higher” the climate is a little cooler which means it’s perfect for growing tea plants. Tea fields are super pretty and they're a great place to visit. You can fly your drone , have a picnic, or just simply enjoy the views.

3. Drive up to the active volcano of Tangkuban Perahu

If you’ve always wanted to visit an active volcano, without the effort of actually climbing the volcano, then I’ve found you the perfect option. You can literally drive all the way up to Tangkuban Perahu volcano. Actually when Brad and I drove the whole way up there, it was not possible for visitors to reach the top, as it had just erupted like 3 days before...whoops, should have checked the news. But we did get to visit the control room and look at the volcanic activity and how they track it etc.

4. Visit the rainbow village of Jodipan

Ah, this is definitely one of the best things to do when backpacking Indonesia. The colourful rainbow village of Jodipan was created as a way to bring tourism to an underdeveloped area of Malang. It was an idea by the university students and it’s really cool! Right beside there is a blue village which looks like the one from Morocco, but the two side by side, make for an amazing drone shot...as you can see!

5. Explore the most beautiful waterfall in Indonesia: Tumpak Sewu

East Java is home to many incredible waterfalls , but perhaps the most famous and inspiring is Tumpak Sewu. It's located around an hours moped drive outside of Malang and it’s without doubt the best waterfall I have seen in all of Indonesia (so far).

Not only is it powerful, you can hike down underneath it to feel the power, you can also fly a drone and get some amazing pics. At certain times of the day, when it’s not cloudy you can see an awesome volcano as the backdrop of a waterfall which makes for an amazing shot!

Plus the drive out here is nice, you go through some local villages.

6. Catch sunrise at the stunning Borobudur temple

This is one of the most unique temples I’ve come across. After you’ve backpacked a lot of Asia, temples begin to look similar, but not this one. It’s unique, beautiful and it makes for an awesome sunrise (if you can wake up...cough).

7. Visit the most beautiful temple in Indonesia: Prambanan Temple

This is my favorite temple in all of Indonesia. The texture, shape, sheer size and beauty all leads to such a cool temple. It’s actually quite a big complex and you can view 3 sets of temples within, and you can get to them all via segway, which is fun! This is such a beautiful spot to visit when backpacking Indonesia.

8. Visit the beautiful Becci Peak

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Yogyakarta city centre, then rent a moped and head to the hills, literally. The forest areas are filled with amazing lookout spots, picture spots, zip lines and more. Becci Peak is one of those and it offers amazing views! You can do zip line here for $1, or eat a local lunch.

9. Visit the love heart of Yogyakarta

I actually found this place on Instagram before we visited Indonesia, and I thought, I want to find that! Well, if you head to the coast of Yogyakarta, then you can. If you go in the dry season, as we did, the the flowers are a little worn out as it’s located on a sand dune (that you can sand board or rent a jeep at too!), but in the summer the colours are in full swing!

10. Go waterfall chasing in beautiful Bali

Bali is literally bursting with amazing waterfalls, and all my favourites are located in the north. They’re less discovered, more beautiful and even more fun. Aling Aling, I’m talking about you and your natural slides and epic jumps. Sekumpul and Git Git are two other great waterfalls in north Bali.

READ : 7 Best Waterfalls To Visit In Bali

11. Visit the iconic Diamond beach and T-rex beach on Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is filled with awesome spots to visit, but actually some of my favourites are the diamond beach and t-rex beach. The latter I almost made it too but had a moped accident on the way, so ended up at a hospital instead, but you’ll recognize the beach. It’s probably the most photographed spot on Nusa Penida.

TOUR : This Nusa Pendia Instagram Tour is a great way to see all the best sights on Pendia in one day.

12. Snorkel with the fishes on Nusa Lembongan

Snorkelling in Nusa Lembongan was a lot of fun. We didn’t do a lot of snorkelling anywhere else in Indonesia (other than the Gili islands), but Nusa Lembongan was filled with lots of cool fishes. Not as good as the Philippines, but if it’s your first time snorkelling then you’ll absolutely love it.

TOUR : This Nusa Lembongan Tour will take you to ALL The best spots on the island.

13. Walk among the beautiful rice terraces of Sidemen

When visiting rice terraces in Bali, everyone flocks to Ubud, but honestly I think the ones in Sidemen are much more beautiful. Perhaps because they’re not overtaken by tourists (yet :P)

14. View the most epic sunsets at Uluwatu Temple

To this day, Uluwatu is still one of my favourite sunset spots in the world. The temple there is awesome and you should visit it just before sunset. Pick up a couple of bintangs, find yourself a seat by the water (on a wall probably) and enjoy the view.

15. Visit the iconic Bali Gates of Heaven

When I first visited Indonesia, this wasn’t really a popular tourist attraction, but fast forward a couple of years and it’s too popular. But I think it makes for a really cool picture!

READ : My Ultimate Guide On Visiting The Bali Gates Of Heaven

16. Visit the beautiful Batu Flower Garden and discover hidden waterfalls

The Batu flower garden in Malang was really cool, not only very well maintained, but there was a hidden waterfall. It was a bit of a trek to get to, but no one else was there and it was pretty beautiful. I love discovering hidden gems and places no one is at.

17. Experience a sunrise hike at Mount Batur

Mount Batur is one of the active volcanoes in Bali and it makes for an epic sunrise. The most popular activity here to do a sunrise hike, which is medium difficulty I’d say, then when you reach the top, you’ll experience an epic sunrise, followed by a breakfast of typically bread and banana! This was one of my favourite things to do in Bali. This is probably one of the most famous places to visit in Indonesia.

18. Shop at the many many markets

Ubud is a great spot to pick up gifts for friends and family and presents for yourself. The Ubud markets have something for everyone and lots of local produce and crafts too. It's a really cool place to visit, but make sure you're ready to haggle!

TOUR : This best of Ubud tour will take you to all the best spots in the area.

Choosing your Indonesia Itinerary

Regardless of how long you have to spend in Indonesia, you can create an itinerary that will showcase some of the best spots in Indonesia. I warn you, it'll be busy! Check out our variety of Indonesia itineraries below for some inspiration...

1 WEEK ITINERARY
2 WEEK ITINERARY
3 WEEK ITINERARY
4 WEEK ITINERARY

1 Week Indonesia Itinerary Ideas

So, you’ve got one week in Indonesia, well you’re simply going to have to return! :P But no, one week will limit you to what you can do, so I would suggest sticking to one island. If you’ve never been to Indonesia before, you can head to Bali and explore that island, and squeeze in a day trip to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembogan.

I’ve actually got a 7 day Bali Itinerary which you might find quite useful in this case.

2 Week Indonesia Itinerary Ideas

2 weeks in Indonesia is more viable to work with. I would suggest something along the lines of this.

Bandung> Yogyakarta> Malang> Bali> Nusa Lembongan> Nusa Penida

Bandung: 2 nights ‍
Yogyakarta: 3 nights ‍
Malang: 3 nights ‍
Bali: 4 nights ‍
Nusa Lembongan: 1 night ‍
Nusa Penida: 1 night

Total: 14 nights in Indonesia. ‍

This 2 week route will allow you to see the beauty of Java islands with it’s awesome waterfalls, beautiful temples, and importantly, Mount Bromo! It’ll also give you a chance to sample the delights in Bali, but I suggest you focus on one area to make your time worth it, such as the north or south. It will also allow you to visit the nearby Nusa islands, which you could spend a night on each and get all the highlights done in a day!

This itinerary is perfect for a 2 week Indonesia backpacking trip!

3 Week Indonesia Itinerary Ideas

3 weeks in Indonesia will allow you to really delve into a couple of islands and experience truly everything on offer.

Bandung> Yogyakarta> Malang> Bali> Nusa Lembongan> Nusa Penida>Gili islands

Malang : 3 nights ‍
Bali: 6 nights ‍
Nusa Lembogan: 1 night ‍
Nusa Penida: 2 nights
Gili islands: 4 nights

This 3 week Indonesia itinerary will give you lots of time to explore Java, a lot of Bali, the Nusa islands, and the Gili islands. 4 nights on the Gili islands will give you a chance to explore all 3 Gili islands.

4 Week Indonesia Itinerary Ideas

1 month in Indonesia will give you a chance to explore lots and lots, more than Brad and I even did. Here is my perfect Indonesia itinerary for 4 weeks.

Jakarta: 1 night ‍
Bandung: 2 nights ‍
Yogyakarta: 3 nights` ‍
Malang: 3 nights ‍
Bali: 6 nights ‍
Nusa Penida: 2 nights ‍
Gili Islands: 4 nights ‍
Lombok: 3 nights ‍
Komodo islands: 4 nights

This 4 week backpacking Indonesia itinerary will give you the full experience. The last trip for the Komodo islands is 4 nights because you can easily get 3 night, 4 day trips to the Komodo islands, so it should work out perfectly in your Indonesia travel itinerary.

Regardless of which Indonesia itinerary you opt for, you’ll have an amazing time discovering this amazing country filled with beauty, diversity and awesome food and people!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Indonesia?

If you’re wondering when to go to Indonesia, it’s got a lot to do with the certain months of the year that aren’t monsoon season. That being said, a lot of people do still travel during monsoon season, but you just have to be prepared.

I think the best month to travel to Indonesia is during June, it’s not “peak” season but the weather is great. The peak months are July, August, and nowadays, September. There’s no cheaper time to visit, because honestly Indonesia is one of the cheapest places to visit in all of Asia.

Shoulder seasons are a great time to visit because you can usually get flights cheaper to and from the country, especially if you’re travelling from the UK. Check Skyscanner for the best deal in flights.

Backpacking Indonesia: Sorting Your Indonesia Visa

When it comes to your Indonesia visa, you’ll be happy to hear it’s quite simple if you don’t plan on staying more than 30 days. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival which lasts for 30 days. No fuss!

But, if you want to stay a month longer, then it’s a different process. You’ll need to buy a visa on arrival for “--”, then about a week before it expires, head to an immigration office near where you are staying in Indonesia, and pay to get it extended. You CANNOT extend a “visa on arrival”.

Now, the immigration officers in Jakarta tried to scam Brad and I. Basically he said we could buy 2 months right there and then, no need to extend. I gave him the money, but before we got stamped in, I just didn’t feel confident (as I had read differently online), so I asked another immigration official, and he said nope, you’ll need to get it extended and pay the fee. I explained that someone just took our money for the second month...he asked me to point him out, I did and the officer in question walked up to me, shook my hand, apologized, and oh, the money I had given him was in the hand…..cheeeeeky!

Can’t trust anyone :P

If you want to stay longer in Indonesia on a “visa on arrival”, you’ll have to leave the country and re-enter. Lots of people do a “visa run” to Kuala Lumpur in Singapore. There is currently no limit on how many times you can enter and exit Bali in one year…

Just remember to check your appropriate government website for all the specific information you need for your entrance to Indonesia.

How Do You Get To Indonesia?

You fly! The easiest way to get to Indonesia to fly. You can fly from all across the world and there are lots of airports all across the different islands. Popular spots to fly into include, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok and Bali. It’s easy to fly into one of these, then fly out of the other, no need to “round-trip”.

If you’re wondering how long it takes to get to Indonesia, then it really depends on what part of Indonesia you’re visiting and where you are coming from. From the UK, with stopovers, it typically takes 13-15 hours. If coming from other areas of Asia, it can take as little as 2 hours, to 4-5 hours.

Again, check Skyscanner for the best flights around the world.

Getting Around Indonesia

You’ll be pleased to hear that getting around Indonesia is fairly simple. I’ve actually done a whole post on it which you can check out here, but I’ll summarize here too.

When it comes to getting around Indonesia, you’ve got a few options.

‍ Fly : Especially on the island of Java, where there is an airport at almost every popular town or city, you can fly internally on the island for quite a cheap price. Of course this won’t be great on your carbon footprint, but who am I to judge. It is an option if you’re limited on time. ‍
Train : On the island of Java the train network is excellent and you can get across the whole country via comfortable and cheap train travel. It’s how we travelled all through Java and the train views are awesome. ‍
Bus: There are bus routes in Indonesia, but actually I’ve never travelled on a bus in Indonesia, so I can’t comment. I imagine they’re cheap, but a lot slower than trains! ‍
Moped: Renting a moped is the best way to get around cities or even smaller islands like Bali, or Nusa Penida. We actually wanted to rent a moped to drive all across Java for 10 days, but it turns out there are laws in place actually making that pretty difficult, so we couldn’t do it. But in general moped rental in Indonesia is very cheap at around $4 a day. Just remember to always wear a helmet!

Finding The Best Accommodation In Indonesia

Thankfully when it comes to deciding where to stay in Indonesia you’ve got lots of options. Bali is the place that has all the choices in the world, however other islands have just as many choices.

Our favourite website to book accommodation in Indonesia is booking.com. We used it all the time and found it to be the cheapest option. If you are staying on an island, like Bali, then airbnb is a good shout for longer term stays.

If you’ve never used Airbnb before, then you can use our sign up code to get some money off your first booking.

Indonesia Travel Guide: How To Dress

When it comes to wondering what to wear in Indonesia you’ll be happy to hear it’s not very complicated.

Yes, Indonesia is a highly Muslim country, which typically requires modest dress with shoulders and knees covered, but with tourists they’re quite relaxed.

I always suggest dressing modestly as a sign of respect, but you won’t be criticized for having your shoulders out. This is mainly for women anyway.

For women I suggest long skirts, comfortable light dresses, and cotton trousers for the day time, then by the beach, swimsuits, bikinis, shorts etc.

Carry a sarong with you and you can use this to cover yourself when walking in public places etc. They’re super cheap and light so won’t take up any room in your backpack. Also, they’re nice if there is a chilly breeze by the sea.

For men, I suggest shorts, three quarter length trousers, (cotton is more breathable), t-shirts, vest tops, and by the beach, normal swimming gear! Don’t walk down the streets with no top on, out of respect more than anything else.

If you want the PERFECT travel pants for your trip to Bali, then check out Buddha Pants for awesome, comfortable, versatile pants that are easy to pack away, and available in a wide range of styles.

What To Pack For Indonesia

When it comes to deciding what to take to Indonesia, you need to be practical and consider your space. I’ve produced a small Indonesia packing list which will cover the bare essentials and the core products you should take with you when backpacking Indonesia.

For a better idea of what to take, check out our Bali packing list ; which covers everything you need for basically every island in Indonesia.

Do not skimp on high quality shoes when travelling. You’re going to be walking a lot. Personally I wear Skechers go walk and I’ve been using them for 3 years that they are perfect!

If you plan on doing a lot of hiking and adventurous activities, invest in a pair of good quality hiking shoes. You can hang them onto your rucksack.

Brad LOVES these flip flops and I have to say they’re the best pair he has ever bought. They are high quality, comfortable and you can open beer bottles with them (oh yeah!). He uses them for the beach, walking up mountains, long walks, everything and they last long!

As said before, it’s a good idea to have a light jacket for your evenings. Some places it can get a little chilly so this will make you more comfortable.

If you want to stay cool, then wear cool long trousers, these are good in the evening to help cover your legs from bug bites.

Keep your head protected from the intense sunshine!

Super lightweight and breathable means these are perfect for backpacking Mexico.

Certain areas of Mexico are prone to mosquitoes, so use deet to keep them at bay. I recommend at least 50% deet.

Protect your skin. You still tan with sunscreen on! Get a high factor and note that it will be more expensive when you arrive to purchase, so it’s best to bring before you go backpacking Mexico.

You’re going to want to document your travels and if you want a camera that takes high quality pictures and super high quality videos, then I suggest the Canon G7x Mark II. It’s what we use for 80% of our pics and videos. Get a Go Pro for cool underwater pics.

It’s good to invest in a decent one which will work for a variety of different countries in the world.

Rather than carrying around actual books, a Kindle is a far more practical item to have with you, and you can download as many books as you want for just a few dollars each. The Kindle Fire also lets you browse the internet, so saves you taking a tablet with you as well, if you're that way inclined.

If you're keen to learn more about the history of Sri Lanka, then this is a great book. It covers everything through from ethnical origins of Sri Lanka's population, all the way up to modern day tourism.

Lonely Planet have long been the go-to provider of travel guide books for all countries around the world. Personally, we have never paid for one, but instead look out for them in hostels and hotels! But they certainly are in-depth, so long as you get the latest edition. Which is crucial for Sri Lanka. We read a Lonely Planet Guide book for Sri Lanka that was dated 2004 and which described how hostile and dangerous the country is! Which, I suppose, it was at the time. What with the civil war and all ...

Personally, we always opt for Rough Guides as opposed to Lonely Planet. They do some great itinerary and off-the-beaten-track suggestions. So, if you’re looking for more travel inspiration, then go for Rough Guides.

This Divided Island is an incredibly popular book that has been nominated for, and win, some very highly praised awards. It offers deep insight into what life was like during the recent Sri Lankan civil war.

island of a thousand mirrors when backpacking sri lanka

Island Of A Thousand Mirrors looks at the deep rooted conflict that exists between the Tamil and Sinhalese peoples of Sri Lanka. It does so through the eyes of two young girls, each of whom who come from a different cultural upbringing but still wish to remain friends despite their differences.

Finally, here are two books, completely unrelated to Sri Lanka, but which Cazzy enjoyed during her time here. Cecelia Ahern is her favourite author and Marble Collector and Flawed proved to be yet another two great novels by the world-renowned author.

Eating and Drinking in Indonesia

Food and drink in Indonesia is awesome! There is something to really suit everyone. Popular dishes include Nasi and Mei Goreg. Nasi means rice, and Mei is noodles. You can get a variety of forms of these dishes, but they’re all super super cheap (less than $1 on some occasions).

If you’re a vegetarian, you can get veggie versions of those dishes too. Chicken satay is also a great dish that’s very cheap and local. But if you’re craving some western style food, then you’ll find that super cheap all over the country.

One of our favourite foodie destinations was Yogkarata, high standard food for a cheap price. Also, Bali is an excellent place for vegans and vegetarians, they even have a totally vegan fast food restaurant. Check out this awesome guide for some amazing recommendations!

Since Indonesia is a mulsim country, there isn’t a lot in terms of alcohol. Locals tend to drink local beer however and the most famous brand is “bintang”, these are fairly cheap and not bad to drink! Great on a hot day by the beach.

If you don’t like the taste of beer, like me, then try a Bingtang Raddler which comes in a lemon and orange flavour, they’re really nice!

The more toursity islands such as Bali, and the Gili islands serve all sorts of alcohol, but don’t expect prices to be as cheap as other Asian countries. Due to an alcohol tax, alcohol can be pricey, but you can get some brilliant two for one deals on cocktails.

Remember you can bring 1 litre of spirits into Indonesia, so if you want to save on pricey alcohol in the country, then just bring your own with you.

Useful Online Tools For Your Indonesia Trip

Thanks to the world of digital, there are a wide ranges of apps and online tools that can help make backpacking Indonesia super easy:

Grab : The Grab app is available pretty much all over Indonesia and it’s brilliant for getting cheap lifts from A to B. We used it all the time. You can order food too which is great if you’re feeling lazy, or you’re sick.

Go-Jek: Go-Jek is basically another version of Grab, but available and popular in Bali itself. It’s great to have choice, and you can use the “go-life” app to order massages, cleaners, repair people, all sorts!

Tiket : This is a great app to buy train tickets across the island of Java. We used it for all our trips, and you can save up points and get money off your next ride.

12Go Asia: Brilliant website/app that allows you to book your train/bus/boat and shuttle travel around Indonesia. It compares a range of supplies and gives you the best deal. We found this excellent for boat transfers around Bali, the Gili islands and Lombok.

Klook: I’ve mentioned some tours via klook across this post, but they are the cheapest provider of tours in Indonesia and it’s a super easy way to book.

Airbnb : Airbnb is a great website for longer-term stays, and unique accommodation in places like Bali. It’s famous for its fabulous villa and treehouse offerings among rice terraces.

Indonesia Budget: The Cost Of Backpacking Indonesia

You’ll be pleased to hear that when it comes to setting an Indonesia backpacking budget, it won’t need to be high! The cost if Backpacking Indonesia is quite low, so if you’re on a strict budget then it’s a great place to visit.

What’s also great is that it’s the type of country that will suit all budgets, so if you did want to splash the cash, you certainly can, but you’ll get so much more for your money than in the likes of Europe.

You could easily get by on a budget of around $35-40 per day.

Budget for food

Food is super cheap all across Indonesia, regardless of what island you find yourself on. If you eat local (and since the local food is so good, you’ll want to!) then you’ll probably only spend around $2-4 per meal, and that’s including a drink!

I remember we went to quite an “up-market” restaurant called Roaster and Bear in Yogyakarta and got a start, main and dessert for £6-8….it was seriously amazing food too!

Even if you want “western” food, you’ll find it relatively cheap too, especially in the form of fast food restaurants like Mcdolands, KFC and Pizza Hut.

Budget for drink

As I mentioned before, since Indonesia is a majority Muslim country, there isn’t a lot in the way of drinks and when it is available it’s highly taxed. I would say the exception to this is the local beer, Bingtang, which is reasonably priced.

Don’t expect prices as cheap as other Asian nations but you can get cheap cocktails on islands like Bali and the Gili Islands. Just make sure you’re drinking proper spirits and not some homemade concoction that could kill you.

Budget for travel

Getting around Indonesia is very cheap. Whether you use apps like Grab, or the train networks, or even fly, everything is cheap to use. You’ll get shuttles to and from various places within an island for a cheap price too. You should never pay over the top for travel in Indonesia, if you are, you’re getting ripped off!

Drone Laws In Indonesia

Drone lovers rejoice, you’ll be happy to hear that the drone laws in Indonesia are quite relaxed. As long as you follow the proper precautions, all the usual, label your drone, only fly to a maximum and minimum height, and don’t fly over religious areas, then you’re good.

There will be signs allocated when you are not allowed to drone, so respect these. But droning in Indonesia is fantastic. You can drone active volcanoes, amazing rice paddies, stunning beaches and much more.

Some of my favourite drone locations in Indonesia include:

Mount Bromo on Java island: an unbelievable drone spot, get spots of the sunrise and of yourself walking on the edge of an active volcano.
Rice terraces in Bali: Stunning and endless rice terraces make for epic drone shots
Tea fields in Bandung: Endless tea fields also make for amazing shots
Nusa Penida : This island in general is a drone lovers dream, stunning beaches, water and cliffs make for amazing content.

We use a Mavic Pro, who has been named Baby Mavic. He was worth every penny we spent for the high quality content he produces!

You might also like: Best Travel Drones Guide

Final Thoughts And Advice From Our Indonesia Itinerary

When backpacking Indonesia, you’re going to have a lot of fun. Brad and I travel as a couple , but I think Indonesia would be quite safe for solo travellers too. We never ran into any issues in all our time there and people were super welcoming, super helpful and happy to see us, which is always nice.

Just don’t forget to obtain comprehensive travel insurance for your trip. If you're a type 1 diabetic, like me then you can check out my guide on finding good value diabetic travel insurance, or if you’re a regular human from the UK, try Compare the Market, or a regular human from elsewhere (Americans, this one is good for you), then try World Nomads.

I hope you’ve found this Indonesia travel guide useful and hopefully you feel confident and ready to take a trip to Indonesia. Any questions, then feel free to drop a comment below.

Also be sure to check out:

Our 90 Best Travel Tips: Save Time, Money & Stress!

Let us know what you think.

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A Mind Blowing 17 Day Adventure In Indonesia With Teens (2024)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole

Whenever people hear “Indonesia”, they immediately think of “Bali”. However, that is only one of approximately 15,000 islands that make up Indonesia. Indonesia is packed with culture, natural and authentic wild animal encounters, history, spectacular natural beauty, adventure, unbelievable snorkeling and of course, lots and lots of unbelievable beaches. My family spent 17 days exploring as much of Indonesia as we could and spent countless days thinking to myself – “I can’t believe I’m seeing this”! Here is our itinerary so you can create your own magical experience.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy something through my site. This helps me run my website and produce the articles that I hope you find helpful.

At A Glance

I know you are busy. If you only have a couple minutes to spare, here are the key takeaways from this article.

Bali is central hub for most domestic flights in Indonesia. Most likely, your international flight will take you to Bali. From there, you can choose any of the destinations described below for your own vacation.
You only need 17 days if you wish to replicate our whole holiday in Indonesia. If you have less time, then you can pick and choose the various destinations and the activities that we did to fit your schedule.
It is up to you whether you want natural wildlife encounters, beaches and water activities, outdoor nature pursuits, or cultural interactions. All are available in Indonesia.

If you can find more time, try to read my full article. It explains my suggestions, gives you examples of experiences that you will have, and provides travel tips.

Indonesia is made up of approximately 15,000 islands. Pretty much every single island has their own gorgeous beaches and incredible nature.

Most of these islands have their own cultures, traditions and languages as well because they developed separate from each other. The ocean, dense jungle and hundreds of volcanoes ensured that travel between islands, and even within islands, was very difficult. Accordingly, your experiences on one island will likely be completely different from your experiences on another

For us, that is exactly what happened on our Indonesian adventure. Over 17 days, my husband and four kids (13, 14, 16, and 20 years old) spent a few days on each of the islands of Bali, Flores, Borneo and Java. We also explored many other smaller islands on day trips. Every day was unique and filled with sights that often left us speechless.

Background To Our Indonesian Adventure Itinerary

When I created our Indonesian itinerary, I wanted to get a taste of everything that Indonesia had to offer. Of course, that is almost impossible to do in 17 days. But boy, did I try!

I wanted to find gorgeous beaches and thankfully, those were everywhere! We spent time on beaches in Bali and Komodo National Park off of the island of Flores.

I love wildlife and we had UNBELIEVABLE authentic animal viewing and interaction in Komodo National Park where we hiked with Komodo dragons, watched flying foxes at sunset, and swam with turtles and ginormous manta rays. Also, in Borneo, we trekked for orangutans in the jungle.

I hoped to hike up a volcano and watch the sunrise. We did that on Kelimutu on Flores Island.

Finally, I wanted to explore Indonesian’s culture and history. So, we visited small remote villages on Flores and learned about their life. In Yogyakarta, we visited stunning Buddhist and Hindu temples and learned about their history. In Yogyakarta, we also spent time trying different Indonesian foods and treats.

Padar Island in Komodo National Park, Indonesian Adventure

Best Indonesia Itinerary With Teens

In the following article, I set out our 17 day Indonesia itinerary. I break it down into the different destinations that we visited, the number of days spent there, and the activities that we did.

In most cases, I have also written in depth about our experiences in those distinct locations in a separate article and those are supplied as well.

To assist with planning, I describe our flight routes and provide travel tips. In addition, I highlight our accommodation to help you figure out what might work for you or your family.

Bali – 3 Nights/2 Days

We flew from Vancouver, British Columbia to Bali. This was a 22 hour travel day with a 14 hour time change.

Our goals in Bali were very simple – recover from our flight and become acclimatized to the time change. We stayed at the Westin Resort in Nusa Dua and enjoyed the beautiful resort.

The rooms were large and beautiful. The pool was huge and gorgeous, and the beach only steps away. Food, cocktails, and service were excellent. It was the perfect place to catch up on our sleep and get ready for our vacation in Indonesia.

Komodo National Park On Flores Island- 3 Nights/3 Days

This was the first of many unbelievable experiences that we had on our holiday in Indonesia.

We flew direct from Bali to Flores. Our hotel collected us from the airport and then, transported us by private boat to Komodo Resort on the deserted island of Sebayur.

Over three days, we explored Komodo National Park , a World Unesco Site, on our own private boat. We hiked with Komodo dragons, swam with turtles and giant manta rays, swam at and lounged on deserted pink beaches, and witnessed thousands of flying foxes (the largest bats in the world) migrate mere feet over our head while watching the sunset. It was three days of absolute jaw dropping moments.

For more information about our time in Komodo National Park, please see Best 3 Day Adventure In Komodo National Park With Teens .

Kelimutu Volcano On Flores Island – 2 Nights/3 Days

Two of my wishes on our getaway to Indonesia were to spend some time visiting remote villages and learning about Indonesian culture and tradition. In addition, I wanted to explore one of the hundreds of volcanos found in Indonesia. With our 3 day stay near Kelimutu volcano on Flores, I was able to accomplish all of this and more.

We flew direct from one side of Flores Island to the other. Then, we drove over two hours into the mountains and countryside to Moni, a village close to Kelimutu Volcano .

We stayed at Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge , which offered comfortable western accommodation in this very remote part of Indonesia.

We had a fascinating stay. With our own guide and driver, we visited three small villages and learned about their way of life and traditions. We were even invited by Chiefs into important ceremonial buildings to understand more about their customs.

In another village, we watched the local women weave using traditional techniques passed on for hundreds of years.

Kelimutu, Indonesia, Indonesian Adventure

A highlight was hiking up to the top of Kelimutu Volcano to watch the sunrise. On top, we saw three different coloured lakes that sat in massive craters.

I loved watching the sunrise and seeing each lake slowly unveil itself as the sun rose higher.

For more information about our time in and around Kelimutu Volcano, please see Best 3 Day Itinerary Exploring Kelimutu And Its Villages With Teens .

Download my personally crafted 17 day Indonesia travel guide with my hotel and restaurant recommendations, tours and activities that I enjoyed.

Back To Bali For One Night On Our Indonesian Vacation

Our next destination was Borneo to trek for orangutans in the wild.

Unfortunately, we could not fly direct from Kelimutu Volcano on Flores to Pangkalan Bun on Borneo. Instead, we had to break up our flights and spend a night back at the Westin Resort in Nusa Dua on Bali.

Bali is a major hub in Indonesia and you often end up flying back to Bali in order to fly to another island in Indonesia.

The next morning, we left and flew to Borneo.

Borneo For Trekking Orangutans For 3 Nights/3 Days

One of our most extraordinary experiences on our Indonesian holiday was spending time in Borneo trekking for orangutans in Tanjung Puting National Park .

We stayed at Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge. During the day, we explored the rivers of the National Park and spotted all kinds of incredible wildlife, like Probiscus monkeys and crocodiles, with our own private boat and crew.

We hiked daily into the jungle and watched orangutans feed and interact with each other. Remarkably, we ended up mere steps from an alpha male (he crept up silently behind us) who at 250 pounds of pure muscle was an incredible sight to behold.

We planted trees in an area devastated by fire, learned about the plants and trees in the rainforest that have important ingredients for western medicine, and visited locals in a village along the river. A highlight was a dinner on the boat completely in the dark surrounded by lightning bugs. It was magical.

For more information about our time in Borneo, please see 4 Day Adventure Trekking For Orangutans In Borneo With Teens .

Yogyakarta For Borobudur And Other Cultural Sites – 4 Nights/4 Days

Our final four days on our Indonesian adventure were spent exploring the city of Yogyakarta on the Island of Java and the cultural wonders that surround it.

I loved Yogyakarta. It is a young and vibrant university city with an exciting art scene.

We took an amazing food tour that enabled us to try different foods and see interesting parts of the city that we wouldn’t have normally seen.

One day, we explored Borobudur, the oldest Buddhist Temple in the world, and Prambanan, the oldest Hindu temple in Indonesia. They were both extraordinary places.

We also did a jeep tour of Mount Merapi, the most active volcano in Indonesia. This tour was fun in that we were traveling over crazy terrain in a jeep seeing spectacular natural beauty, including the volcano. However, it also included more serious sites. We visited a museum filled with remnants from a village destroyed in the 2010 eruption.

For the rest of our time, we shopped and explored Yogyakarta on our own. It was a wonderful way to finish our Indonesian adventure.

For more information about our time in Yogyakarta, please see my article 5 Day Itinerary Of Yogyakarta With Teens (+Planning Guide) .

Indonesia has it all. Beautiful beaches, breathtaking nature and authentic wildlife encounters, and culture. Even better is that so much of Indonesia feels undiscovered. There aren’t too many places left in this world where you, as a visitor, feel like you are one of the first people to see or experience something unique and remarkable.

Our itinerary in Indonesia was absolutely extraordinary. If you craze an amazing holiday where everyday is filled with wonder and adventure, then Indonesia would be an extraordinary choice.

If you would like to save this article, please click on the “Save” button on the photo below. Please feel free to share this article on your social media channels! Thanks!

We took our three teenagers on an incredible 17 day adventure in Indonesia. We hiked with Komodo dragons, swam with giant manta rays, watched the sunrise on top of a volcano, trekked for orangutans, hung out at pink beaches, and explored ancient temples. What are you going to do first? #travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #travelwithteens #Indonesia #Bali #Asia |Borneo, Borobudur, Flores, Java, Kelimutu, Komodo National Park, Mount Merapi, Padar, Prambanan, Unesco, Yogyakarta

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37 Comments

Thanks! This really inspires me to take my family to Bali. The links to the hotels and other travels are a nice touch!

Your welcome! I hope you also have time to explore other parts of Indonesia as well.

Curios how you picked the Westin over other hotels once you landed in Bali?

I picked the area Nusa Dua because I wanted a hotel relatively close to the airport. We would be arriving very late at night and on two occasions, we had very early morning flights. Then, I researched the hotels in the area to find the best one for our needs for the best price. So, large rooms, large pool, right on the beach, restaurants near by not only inside the hotel, good reviews on TripAdvisor and Trivago. The Westin fit. Normally, I stay away from big international hotels in favour of local boutique type of hotels. But, I also knew that the rest of the places we would be staying at would be local, small, in some cases very simple, relatively unknown, and I wanted to make sure the first one, and the one in the middle of our trip, were going to give us a very comfortable stay with guaranteed standards.

I hate to admit how geographically illiterate I was but I didn’t know much about Indonesia or where it was for a long time. It looks like a beautiful tropical nation. What a fantastic itinerary. #weekendwanderlust

Don’t worry. I felt a little the same when I first started hearing about Indonesia. Once I started to research it, I couldn’t believe what it offered. But, this is one of the best things about travel, right? Research and then discovering all that the world has to offer! I hope I can find a few more countries like this!

Now this is an awesome bucket list adventure! I could cross off several things off my list by exploring Indonesia. I love your 17 day intinerary but I think I would love the Komodo National Park off of Flores the most! You had me at Komodo dragons, swimming with turtles and giant manta rays, watching the Bats, & PINK BEACHES!! How cool is all of that! I do think that seeing the temples in Yogyakarta would be really amazing too!

Thanks Eric. You are right. It is a country that can fill so many life long dreams of seeing and doing. And to think – there are still another 14,950 islands that we still didn’t explore!

What an amazing trip this was! I have never looked closely into Indonesia, but I can now see that it has a ton to offer travelers. The pink beach and the orangutan trekking must have been so incredible! I’d also love to see a volcano as well. So glad you and your family got to share in this memorable experience.

Thanks Kristie. Indonesia is filled with so many interesting things to see and do, much of which is still authentic because lots of tourists haven’t discovered it. I don’t know how long it will last, but hopefully, it will retain this amazing feeling of adventure and wonder while the locals benefit from the dollars that tourism brings.

Your photos are really amazing. We are thinking to plan our trip to South East Asia, and your post gives us just a bit more motivation about. Have a look about our last post. http://italiantripabroad.it/Blog/best-beaches-in-malaga-tour-andalusia/

Good luck on your trip to South East Asia. It should be amazing!

It’s very nice that you took teens with you. Many now are just stuck with their noses on their phones, tablets, and computers. Letting them join a trip gives them a great insight into the world. They learn and appreciate a lot of things that are NOT in their gadgets.

You are right. Picking destinations that don’t have wifi and are filled with adventure are the best ways to get your teens full engaged with the world. I love travelling with my children precisely for this reason.

This is the type of trip I would love to go on! Have visited Bali and the Gilis but would love to explore more of Indonesia. Flores and Komodo are high on my list. I heard that the lakes actually change colour over time -is this true? Beautiful sunsets, spotting orangutans, komodo dragons and culture – take me there now! And the pink beach is stunning! An unforgettable adventure!

Yes, you are correct. The lakes change colour depending on water fall and the changing minerals in the volcanic crater in which the water sits. It sounds like you already know how beautiful Indonesia is from your time in Bali and Gilis, so time to book your next trip!

I truly enjoyed reading your post and discovering more locations besides Bali. Do you think would be safe travel there with small kids? Is there an area that you would suggest?

I saw little children everywhere we went. However, I wouldn’t take little ones to hike with the Komodo dragons or to trek for the orangutans. The komodo dragons are very dangerous. I was scared walking around even with my teenagers. The orangutans are also wild animals and who knows what they might do. Beyond that, you need to be very quiet which is often difficult for little ones. I think everything else we did would be safe for little kids. Komodo National Park, other than the komodo dragons, would be amazing for little kids.

17 days, that’s long! I wonder what I would do if I had that much time free in Indonesia! I love the ancient ruins and nature… but I think I would be party party party.

This is spectacular! I would love to take my 19-year old on an adventure like this. I especially love the pink beach and the orangutan Ecolodge.

Thanks Priya. If she is anything like my daughter, she would love it!

That’s an amazing trip! Hiking with the Komodo dragons must be a fantastic experience! And that pink beach looks stunning.

Thank you! It was an amazing trip.

THANK you, I was looking for some itineraries from UK for me and a 16 year old.

You are welcome! I hope you have a wonderful time. I am happy to answer any questions if you have any.

I am very curious about the food you ate in the different places. Did you write about that? Thank you!

Hi there, I didn’t separately write about our food. Unfortunately, we did not find it very remarkable. It was plentiful and healthy, but overall, it didn’t have a lot of flavour or flair. If you have any specific questions about certain places we stayed at and the food they offered, I’d be happy to answer them. We did do a really amazing food tour in Yogyakarta. I did write about that in this blog – https://gofargrowclose.com/phoenix-hotel-yogyakarta-indonesia/ – but not sure if that is what you are looking for.

I am wondering what the local fare in Kelimutu Crater Lakes Ecolodge was. You said it was healthy but not very good. Because it appears so remote, but lush, I am interested in what it was that they served you. Thanks so much!

Hi Karen, I will need to ask my family the dishes they remember because I can only remember general impressions at this point in time. Could I email you after? Or do you want to email me at [email protected] ? I can then answer your questions faster and more directly with you.

Sorry for the delay. I have asked everyone in my family about our food at Kelimutu and no one really remembers much about the food. But, here is what we do remember.The main protein was fish. When we had chicken, there was very little. I think chicken is a treat there. We had chow mein and sticky rice and that was good. As for vegetables, notwithstanding the ground is so fertile because of the volcano, they don’t grow a lot of different kinds of vegetables. I can’t remember what we had but I do remember that the same vegetables were offered at every meal. If you are interested in staying there and want more information about their meals, you could email them for a copy of their menu. People not staying at the hotel did come to the restaurant for lunch or dinner so they did have a menu.

Hii thanks for sharing nice post. your post is helpful for me. cheap thailand holiday package

You are welcome.

Thank you so much for this post. I have been looking for itineraries that included as much wildlife as possible, and this fits the bill. I am a solo traveler, however. Do you think I would have any restrictions following this itinerary? Thanks!

Hi Jennifer, I found Indonesia to be safe and the people to be kind and easy going. Even though it is considered a conservative Muslim country, I didn’t feel like I was being judged for wearing shorts or anything like that. I was also travelling with my 20 year old and 13 year old daughters who also didn’t feel overwhelmed by unwanted male attention (unlike our experience in India). I would say that in Bali and Komodo National Park, they expect bathing suits and female travellers. In Kelimutu, it is more secluded but we also met very welcoming people. We did go to small villages where females are not allowed to go into certain huts, but again, I felt respected and our guides explained everything very well. The only exception was Borneo when we arrived at the airport. This is a tiny airport not used to lots of tourists. They stared a lot. My daughters wore shorts (it wasn’t a problem anywhere else). However, we were picked up by the staff at the Ecolodge and taken to our own boat. After that, everything felt normal again. Yogyakarta felt very urban and modern. However, most women are covered up. Not with a burka or anything but in jeans and with a head covering. This is a student town so again I felt it was pretty good spot for our girls. I hope this helps. I am happy to answer more questions.

WOW, your piece is thrilling! Never been to Indonesia, but after reading this, it’s definitely going on my bucket list of travel destinations. There’s so much to see, it can be overwhelming, I imagine, but I mean, who wouldn’t want to go there! 🙂

I love your enthusiasm. I had no idea how much Indonesia had to offer until I started to research and then, I was so excited. Definitely one of the best trips that I have ever taken!

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Indonesia itinerary | Highlights and hidden gems in a natural paradise

Wide smiles. Hospitable eyes. The Indonesians welcome you with so much joy and curiosity once you hit the road on your Indonesia itinerary. The country awaits you with delicious food, tropical climate and breathtaking nature. Be prepared for volcanoes with turquoise crater lakes, huge waterfalls, lush rice fields and ancient rain forests.

Highlights on your Indonesia itinerary

Todo in lombok’s south:.

ninē-ninē – not only a shop where local Sasak women sew beautiful products (headbands, bags & much more), but also a place where you can do cultural workshops during which you cook local dishes and learn about Lombok’s traditions. We had such a fun and interesting afternoon there.
Sade Village – A Sasak village (locals of Lombok) built of traditional bamboo houses. You will be welcomed by a local at the village entrance and they only ask for a donation of which you can freely choose the amount at the end. Lovely to learn more about Lombok’s traditions!
Bukit Merese – A beautiful sunset spot on the cliffs, but when you get there walk up the hills to the left, as the right side gets crowded and there were several locals with falcons and owls on short leashes. I guess they want you to pay for them to let them fly, like playing with a kite. Please don’t support any animal-harming activities like that.
Tanjung Aan – One of the most popular beaches for swimming & for surfing. It’s large, so it doesn’t get crowded but when we were there it was super dirty (full of plastic bags) unfortunately.
Selong Belanak – A piece of paradise also often enjoyed by local buffalos who like to hang around the beach
Making Beach – Another paradisiacal beach close to Selong Belanak
Pink Beach – It’s not really pink, but beautiful all the same
Orong Bukal – A lesser-known viewpoint across the cliffs which we got recommended by a local

Visit the beaches in Lombok on your Indonesia itinerary

Impressions of Lombok’s south: Beach | nine nine workshop | Yoga at Mana Eco Retreat

ToDo in Lombok’s central & northern area:

Tetebatu rice terraces – One of the most magical places in Lombok in my opinion. They’re all family-owned, so you need to stay in one of the homestays in order to visit the rice terraces.
Bukit Selong viewpoint – Here you have an amazing view across seemingly endless vegetable fields (for an even nicer view, hike up to Pergasingan hill, but that’s around 1h hiking)
Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfall – We visited those two which were breathtaking and you can take a shower underneath. Make sure to park at Gate 1 , because I read a lot about people trying to scam you at Gate 2 by saying you have to go with a guide. The entrance fee is only 20K and you really don’t need a guide, unless you don’t feel comfortable walking through rivers or you’re traveling with small kids.
Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu Waterfall – Two amazing waterfalls just south of the volcano. It’s 70K to visit both waterfalls together (including parking). Be aware that here yourenot allowed to swim with a bikini, but they will give you a sarong.
Hike up Mount Rinjani – The impressive volcano in the middle of the island that has a huge crater lake. But the hike takes at least 2 days (with one night). I didn’t manage to do it during the rainy season, but I heard a lot of people raving about this epic hike. So if you’ve got the chance to do it – do it!

Rice fields in Lombok on our Indonesia itinerary

Impressions of Lombok’s north | Tetebatu ricefields & Sendang Gile Waterfall

Eat in Lombok (Kuta):

Warung BUDE – A local restaurant serving many delicious dishes such as Gado Gado, Nasi Goreng & Vegetable Curry.
Warung Flora ‐ A recommendation by locals and it was delicious and cheap.
Mana Eco Retreat – Their restaurant is as amazing as their facilities. You should try the vegan Laksa or the Nori Bowl. And the breakfast menu (smoothie bowl or porridge) is also delicious.
Oolaa Bar & Restaurant – A super nice place. Try the Mandalika Curry.
Kenza – Also one of the more high-class restaurants that are nice for brunch or dinner.

Stay in Lombok:

In the south: Mana Eco Retreat – What a gorgeous oasis in Kuta, where you can do yoga retreats, refresh in their beautiful pool, and enjoy amazing vegan food.
In the central area: Tetebatu terrace homestay – A simple homestay but with a lovely view across the family’s rice terraces which you can also visit.
In the north: Rinjani Lighthouse – A wonderful surprise and our lifesaver when we were at Sendang Gile Waterfalls and a thunderstorm came. Even more beautiful than it looks in the pictures.

Hotel recommendation for Lombok: Mana Eco Retreat

How to get to Lombok?

The gili islands.

Beach in Gili Air, backpacking Indonesia

Impressions of Gili Air

ToDo on the Gili Islands:

Enjoy the beaches – Grab a book, head to one of the white beaches, enjoy the calm water and relax.
Walk around the island – It will only take you around half an hour.
Go snorkeling – Even from the beaches, you can see amazing fish, corals and even turtles if you’re lucky.
Go diving – During one dive, I saw at least six sea turtles, all of them at least over a meter big. One was eating some seaweed, another one was sleeping, and one swam up to the surface in order to gasp for air – it was amazing. The visibility was awesome too – the water was so clear that I could see the shining colors of hundreds of fish and corals from far away.

Stay on Gili Air:

H2O Yoga – A lovely yoga hostel just a few minutes walk away from the beach.

Hotel recommendation for Gili Air: H2O Yoga

How to get to the Gili Islands?

More about reducing waste during your trip, todo in bali.

Uluwatu – An impressive temple built on the cliffs on the south coast.
Ubud – The charm of Ubud resides in its beautiful mixture of rice terraces, ancient temples that are hidden somewhere all over the place, the smell of incense sticks in the alleyways, the many yoga centers, and the healthy & spiritual people lingering there, the cozy small cafés and restaurants, and of course the delicious Indonesian food.
Climb Mount Batur for sunrise – It may sound crazy to get up at 1:30 am to climb Bali’s highest mountain. But it’s so worth it! I have to admit that the climb up to the top of Mount Batur was pretty exhausting, especially considering the small amount of sleep. As we made our way up, we could already see the sky slowly coloring in beautiful shades of orange and yellow, and we finally reached the top of the volcano shortly before sunrise – a mind-blowing view that quickly lets you forget all the exhaustion.
Ubud Water Palace – A gorgeous temple in Ubud. You can either eat on the terrace of the restaurant next to it for a beautiful view of the temple, or enter for 70K. You get a Sarong at the entrance.
Pura Beji Dalem Sapat (Purification & Water Temple) – A wonderful piece of Balinese culture just outside Ubud. Here you can do a water blessing, but please respect the Balinese traditions when you enter and wear a Sarong. I’d say it’s best to enter with a guide who can explain to you the Balinese cleansing tradition and knows the different fountains’ meanings (e.g. some are only used for funerals – so don’t make the mistake and use those).
Join some yoga classes in Ubud – E.g. at the Yoga Barn. There is always a special vibe when many people who share the spirit of yoga come together. It feels like a community – the yogis there not only join all different kinds of yoga and meditation classes but also hang out together in their café in between or after classes and enjoy their delicious healthy food. Here, I had some of the most inspiring conversations of my whole trip.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan – A stunning temple on Lake Bratan in northern Bali.
Waterfalls – The area of Tabanan has some incredible waterfalls: Sing Sing Angin, Blahmantung, Pengempu, and Leke Leke

Impressions of Bali: Ubud rice fields | Uluwatu Temple | Sunrise on Mount Batur

Stay in Ubud

Imagine Bali – A wonderful small hotel in a traditional Balinese house with a tropical garden and lovely outdoor bathrooms for unbelievably affordable prices
Aryas Villas Ubud – Wooden villas located among rice fields just outside Ubud, some of them even have a ricefield view
Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel – A lovely boutique hostel in the heart of Ubud with free yoga classes, free massages, family dinners and even puppies
In Da Lodge – Among the fancy hostels that are getting more and more expensive, this is a super nice but affordable hostel with a pool right next to some rice fields

Hotel recommendation for Bali: Imagine Bali

You won’t believe what a beautiful accommodation you will get here for around 25$ per night/person. The lovely tropical garden is for sure the highlight of Imagine Bali. A true little oasis hidden in a side alley in Ubud. And their Indonesian breakfast is amazing!

How to get to Bali?

Impressions of Ubud, Bali

ToDo in Jakarta:

National Monument – It’s set in the middle of a large park that you can enter for free, just if you want to enter the monument itself with the museum inside.
Istiqlal Mosque – The largest mosque in the country, as a tourist you can enter after 10 a.m. and get a free tour. Right opposite it, the largest church in Indonesia & they share the same court – a symbol of harmony.
Old Batavia – The old part of the city (which is unfortunately quite run down)
Free Walking tour – Get to know Jakarta’s main attractions in a fun and interesting free walking tour with Kenya – an Indonesian globetrotter who will make you fall in love with the capital
Street Food Tour – Head on a street food feast on Jakarta’s pasar malam (night market) and get to know Indonesia’s best local foods

Lunch break in Jakarta, Indonesia itinerary | Indonesien Reiseroute

Impressions of Jakarta

Eat in Jakarta:

Burgreens – For vegan versions of Indonesian classics such as Soto Ayam or Satay.
Loving Hut – An authentic, simple but delicious vegetarian restaurant serving local food.

Stay in Jakarta:

Loewys Home – A wonderful little hotel with a rooftop pool in western Jakarta
Double Tree – For a high class stay in a quite central location
Capsule Hostel Old Batavia – A great hostel in perfect location to meet other travelers but to also have some private space in your little capsule

Hotel recommendation for Jakarta: Loewys Home

Located in a really nice house just west of central Jakarta, Loewys home offers big, modern rooms and a nice, small rooftop pool where you can cool down from the heat. There’s also a lovely café attached.

ToDo around Bandung:

Kawah Putih (“White Crater”) – The volcanic crater is the main highlight in this area with a turquoise acid crater lake that puffs out sulfur gases. Park here & the entrance incl. a shuttle bus up to the crater is 110K ($7) per person.
Rengganis Suspension Bridge – With 370 meters it’s the longest suspension bridge in Southeast Asia and you can look over the jungle & the hot springs.
Hot Springs (Cibuni Rengganis Crater) – The volcanic activities create natural hot springs that are included in the ticket of the suspension bridge (100K for the whole area). However, I perceived them as quite dirty and didn’t feel like entering the water.
Tea plantations (Perkebunan Teh Rancabali) – Not as spectacular as the tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia , but nice to drive through.

White Crater Bandung, when backpacking in Java

Around Bandung

Eat in Bandung:

Kehidupan Tidak Pernah Berakhir – a simple, local vegan foodcourt where you can get super cheap, delicious food.
Hejo Eatery Eyckman – Vegan & Plant-based Comfort Food – The name says it all. It’s a bit fancier but worth a try. Try the Rendang, “Chicken” Katsu or the Udon noodles. We loved it all!

Stay in Bandung:

Villa Bima Syandana – Stay in a lovely tree-house villa outside of Bandung close to all major sights
The Attic – A cool hostel with a nice dorm room (with pods), located in a great area in Bandung with lots of restaurants close by (I’d only recommend if you want to stay in dorm beds because the private rooms are not that nice)

Hotel recommendation around Bandung: Villa Bima Syandana

Surrounded by beautiful nature, here you can escape busy Bandung and enjoy the lush, fresh area around Ciwidey. The view from the rooms is spectacular. And its location is perfect, as you’re quite close to the White Crater, the tea fields, and the suspension bridge.

ToDo in Yogyakarta

Borobudur Temple – The largest Buddhist monument in the world. Make sure to buy the “structure” ticket, otherwise you’re only allowed to walk around the monument. But the true beauty is at the temple’s top (you can get up to the 9th level). Be aware that there are no more sunrise tickets, although they used to be popular. The scooter ride to get there is also super nice.
Prambanan Temple – A beautiful, large complex of Hindu Temples (the largest in Indonesia). Sadly, many pagodas were destroyed during an earthquake, and they’re still in the process of restoring it. Nevertheless, it’s very impressive. Before sunset is a great time to visit but make sure to be there at 4:30 p.m. to still walk around a while before sunset.
Bandung Pedut – My favorite hidden gem close to Yogyakarta. After a beautiful scooter ride through rice paddies & jungle roads, you reach these waterfalls and their turquoise natural pools where you can swim & cool down from the heat. You can perfectly combine it with your visit to Borobudur Temple. It’s not well-known (yet) & with us there were only a handful of locals around.
Taman Sari – The water palace, a wonderful example of Javanese architecture in the heart of Yogyakarta.
Kotagede – An old neighborhood of Yogya with traditional wooden “joglo” houses.
Jomblang Cave – A cave with a hole where you have to rappel down & get a unique view, especially when the sun is high up. But it’s a 1.5-hour scooter ride from Yogya.
Siung Beach – A beautiful beach surrounded by cliffs around 2 hours drive from Yogya

Prambanan & Borobudur Temple close to Yogyakarta

Eat in Yogyakarta

Veganissimo – It may sound fancy, yet it’s a very simple, but delicious local vegan restaurant (no English menu, so you may need to use Google Translate). The Saté was so yummy!
Loving Hut – Yummy local (all vegan) food. Also over here, we fell for the Nut Satay. It probably became our favorite when backpacking in Java.

Stay in Yogyakarta

Hotels/Guesthouses

Bedhot Homestay – What an amazing homestay in a traditional building. Enjoy sitting on the veranda in the mornings and make yourself at home.
Siji Gempol Vacation Home – The perfect home away from home in a calm area but still close to the center.
Wonderloft Hostel Jogja – A hostel with a cool tub to cool down from the heat? How cool is that! Plus, it’s a really beautiful, stylish hostel in the perfect location.

Hotel recommendation in Yogyakarta: Bedhot Homestay

Set in a traditional wooden Javanese House, with a large comfy terrace, this is the perfect place to relax and recharge. An absolutely beautiful place in a local neighborhood. The staff is probably the loveliest you will encounter in all Yogyga.

Waterfalls around Yogyakarta | Water Palace

Karimunjawa

Todo in karimunjawa:.

Relax by the beach – Grab a book, find the shade of a palm tree, and lie down. That’s how you can fill your days in Karimunjawa. The most beautiful beach was Pantai Alano. Worth paying the 5K because they really do their best to keep the beach clean.
Watch the sunset – Our favorite spot to do so was Laendra Sunset Beach in the north of the island. Almost no people here (in comparison to the sunset beach in the south of the island got quite crowded with local tourists).
Go snorkeling – The water is so nice and clear that you can even spot a lot of colorful fish just by swimming around the beaches with rented snorkeling gear (or you can do a snorkeling trip where you also visit other islands). And I’ve never seen a place where so many corals grow so close to the beach! The underwater world is spectacular here.
Go diving – If you want to explore the Indonesian sea life deeper, this is the perfect place to do so. Diving is cheap and you can see so many fish and corals, if you’re lucky even dolphins and turtles down there.
Mangrove forest – There’s a small Mangrove forest in Karimunjawa (which is by far not as spectacular as other mangrove forests I’ve seen e.g. in Malaysia or Guatemala , but a nice stop on your scooter trip).

Karimunjawa, a hidden gem when backpacking in Java

Impressions of Karimunjawa

Eat in Karimunjawa

Vegan green traditional stall – Among all the street food stalls gathering around the football field in Karimun village, there’s one veggie food stall.
Saung Odang – One of the few places where you have a good choice of vegetarian dishes. The Cap Cay and the Gado Gado at this simple, local Warung were really good.

Where to stay in Karimunjawa?

Eco Casa Resort – Located right by the beach, this little, family-run resort is a wonderful place to recharge.

Hotel recommendation in Karimunjawa: Eco Casa Resort

How to get to Karimunjawa?

Malang/surabaya, todo around the area of malang.

Mount Bromo Volcano – There are several options to visit Mt Bromo: private tour, shared tour, or organize it by yourself. We did a private tour, as we were 4 and it was around the same price as a group tour. We were picked up from Surabaya at 11:30 p.m. and after 2 hours by car & 1 hour by Jeep arrived at the starting point of the mini hike. Yep, it’s a mini hike – you only have to walk up a little bit, as you can drive up quite far. It’s freezing up there! I put down any offers to rent a jacket, but I really regretted it. So I’d recommend you do so (it’s only 10-30K, depending on your haggling skills). Unfortunately, it was quite cloudy, so we didn’t get the best sunrise. That happens a lot when you’re backpacking in Java during the rainy season. The dry season brings a clearer view. After that, you get breakfast, drive closer to the crater and walk up 30 minutes to the crater rim. Standing on the edge of a volcano crater is quite impressive, but it’s becoming more and more touristy, so don’t expect to be the only one up there. You can drive all the way to the starting point by scooter yourself, but I heard that you have to pay almost as much for parking, entrance fees etc that a tour is much more convenient.
Mount Ijen Volcano – As this volcano is further east and involves a longer hike, it’s usually a 2-day/1-night trip. We didn’t have the time to do this in the end of our Java itinerary, but I heard from many other travelers that the view of the blue crater lake & the “blue fires” is really unique. You even have to wear a mask because of the gases. On the other hand, it’s even more touristy than the Bromo hike, so it gets quite crowded, especially during the high season.
Madakaripura Waterfall – Close to Bromo, this gorgeous waterfall can easily be combined with the trip to Bromo. Many travel agents offer a Bromo + Madakaripura combined tour. From the parking, you need to take an ojek (scooter taxi) to the entrance & walk for around 30 minutes. Bring some slippers or shoes that can get wet, as you cross the river on the way and walk underneath several waterfalls. While many visitors wanted to wear raincoats, we enjoyed the cool shower and preferred to actually feel the power of nature. As it was raining the day before, the water wasn’t as blue as it usually is, but the 200 m waterfall was still impressive.
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall – Many say, this is one of the most impressive waterfalls they’ve ever seen. The huge Waterfall forms a huge half-circle and on a clear day, you get a breathtaking view of the volcano in the background. If you can manage to squeeze it into your Java itinerary, I really recommend doing so.

Mount Bromo & Madakaripura Waterfall close to Malang

Indonesia itineraries

How to get to indonesia, how to get around indonesia.

Around Java by train

Around Java by train & scooter

How many weeks do you need for your Indonesia itinerary?

More on slow travel, 6 weeks indonesia itinerary.

Jakarta 2 days → train to Bandung (2h, 150K in 3rd class)
Bandung 2 days → train to Yogyakarta (8h, 260K in 3rd class)
Yogyakarta 3-4 days → bus & ferry to Karimunjawa (bus: 6h, 150K + ferry 5h, 105K)
Karimunjawa 3-4 days → ferry & bus to Malang/Surabaya (we shared a private transfer for 550K which ended up being as cheap as the buses & trains from Jepara → Semarang → Surabaya)
Malang 2-3 days
→ bus & boat to Bali (from Ketapang in Java to Gilimanuk in Bali) Note: If you’re planning to do only Bromo & not to head on by boat to Bali, then I’d recommend skipping Malang/Surabaya and doing the Bromo trip from Yogyakarta. There’s really not much else to see in Malang/Surabaya apart from being the better starting point for the volcanoes & waterfalls.
Bali’s east & north 3-4 days
Uluwatu 2-3 days
Ubud 3-4 days
→ boat to Gili Air
3-4 days on Gili Air
→ boat to Lombok (either to Padang Bai or to Senggigi)
Kuta 3-4 days → rent a scooter to Tetebatu (2h)
Tetebatu 2-3 days → ride by scooter to Sendang Gile
Rinjani/Sendang Gile 1 day → ride back to Kuta or add volcano hike (2 days)

3 weeks Indonesia Itinerary

Good to know for your Indonesia itinerary

What’s the best time to visit indonesia.

Street parade on Pagerwesi in Bali

How expensive is Indonesia?

Nasi Campur (Rice with tempeh & veggies) for less than 2 US$

How to travel more sustainably in Indonesia?

So the protection of these rainforests is of utmost importance. The Indonesian government and numerous organizations and nature conservation associations are working hard to conserve this precious nature . Sumatra’s national parks which are home to some of the last wild orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and a huge biodiversity are already UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also, Borneo is one of the five areas with the greatest biodiversity in the world .

Let’s protect this stunning nature

What can we do as travelers?

Avoid any plastic packaging (say no to any plastic bags, especially on markets & street food stalls, and bring your own tote bag instead)
Buy fresh fruit or freshly prepared snacks instead of packed snacks like chips or cookies
Bring your own cosmetics instead of using the shampoo samples in any accommodation
Say no to plastic straws, plastic cups, chop sticks etc. but bring your own to enjoy the coconuts and fresh fruit juices
Bring a water filter bottle , so you don’t have to buy any plastic bottles

Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid waste, so

Pick accommodation that separates trash and operates as sustainable as possible – because sadly public trash bins will never end up in any recycling circle in Indonesia
Join a beach clean-up or pick up trash yourself when you see some plastic bottles or other trash on the beach

Interested in getting a water bottle with a filter?

Cutlery helps traveling more sustainably

Bringing your own straw, cutlery & filter bottle can help reduce waste

Besides, with the following recommendations you can also make a difference so your destination won’t suffer as much from tourism:

Avoid domestic flights – rather take the trains, buses and ferries which take you comfortably from one island to the next in Indonesia
Book local guides on your Indonesia itinerary
Select eco-tour operators who operate with respect for the environment
Support the national parks and rehabilitation centers with a donation, so Indonesia’s threatened species can be protected. My favorite is BOS – they do an amazing job in rescuing orphaned or injured orangutans (and make sure there’s as little contact with humans as necessary so they can be released back into the wild once they’re strong enough)
Support locals (eat in local restaurants, buy in local shops, stay with locals), so your money goes to the locals instead of international companies
Interact with locals to learn about their cultures
Volunteer to support local environmental organizations
Travel in the low season (that’s usually the rainy season in Indonesia)
Save water & energy in your accommodation
Respect local traditions, especially when visiting religious sites

Please don’t support any activities that harm animals , such as so-called “elephant sanctuaries” where visitors can still bath and touch the animals (would you want to be constantly touched by strangers and “bathed” with sponges even though your instincts make sure you take care of your body care in your way?)

And give some love to stray animals ! Many dogs and cats yearn for some cuddles more than for food. If you give them some water or a bit of food, you can make them even happier. In case you see an injured animal, bring it to the closest vet or animal organisation.

Let’s keep the beaches clean by reducing waste and be nice to stay animals

Let’s protect this stunning nature, be nice to animals & respect traditions

What’s Indonesian food like?

Nasi goreng – fried rice
Mie goreng – fried noodles
Nasi Campur – a mixed dish with rice, tempeh, vegetables, and typically chicken, but sometimes you can find it without meat or can ask to leave the chicken out
Gado Gado – a dish popular in Bali & Lombok with vegetables, tempeh and a thick peanut sauce
Curry – in many places you can find a vegetable curry
Urap Urap / Urap sayur – mixed vegetables with grated coconut
Olah Olah – vegetables with coconut milk
Soto – Indonesian noodle soup, originally with chicken (“Soto Ayam”), but sometimes you find it with vegetables
Tempeh – In many Indonesian dishes you will find tempeh, which (like tofu) is made from fermented soybeans, but as opposed to tofu, they’re still whole in tempeh
Gudeg – A specialty from Yogyakarta with jack fruit (but don’t choose the package which usually comes with meat, so only take the Gudeg)
Jamu – traditional herbal juice, e.g. the one from Lombok is made with tumeric, ginger, lemon, cinnamon & cloves

Indonesian food (all vegan variations of traditional dishes)

What language do they speak in Indonesia?

“Welcome” – Selamat datang
“Good morning” – Selamat pagi
“Good afternoon/evening” – Selamat petang
“Hello” – Helo
in Lombok dialect: “tampir asih”
in Javanese: “matur nuwun”
“You’re welcome” – Sama sama
“I want …” (e.g. fried rice) – “Saya nak…” (e.g. nasi goreng)
“Without meat/chicken/fish” – Tak mau daging/ayam/ikan
“Not spicy” – Jangan pedas
“A little bit spicy” – Sedikit pedas
“How much is it?” – Berapa harga nya?

Which is the best sim card in Indonesia?

Indonesia itinerary – a wrap-up.

Indonesia in three words: adzan (mosque prayers) | batik | nasi goreng

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Backpacking Indonesia Travel Guide

Indonesia is a land of contrasts. With such unique cultures and landscapes, each island has its own history and traditions. Honestly, with so much to do and see in Indonesia, it’s difficult to narrow down an itinerary for backpacking Indonesia, which is why I’m here to help! This backpacking Indonesia travel guide is for frugal travelers who want to get the most out of their trip.

With over 17,000 islands to choose from, Indonesia is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Located in Southeast Asia on both sides of the equator, there’s no way to cram all of Indonesia’s best into one trip. Hence, if you’re planning on going backpacking in Indonesia it’s best to choose a couple of regions and explore them thoroughly. The country is home to more than a hundred of ethnic groups, while some islands still have their nature as it was a millennium ago.

In this epic guide you will find the cost of travel in Indonesia, backpacking Indonesia routes, and general travel tips for this budget-friendly country so you can get around in Indonesia like a pro.

I bet you’re going to need it – the country is vast! And I mean it!

But no matter what you want to do, whether it’s getting involved in the cultural activities in Bandung, exploring Yogyakarta, visiting the archeological sites of Kraton Ratu Boko and Prambanan – this guide is built for you.

Let’s dive right in!

Where to Go Backpacking in Indonesia

I think you’ll agree with me when I say, Bali has been country’s main tourist magnet for decades. However, there’s so much more to Indonesia than this one most famous island. Bali is rightfully famous for captivating cultural scene, every kind of natural beauty, artistic vibe and incredible accommodation options. Everyone should visit Bali at least one, but backpacking Indonesia is all about getting out there and exploring the other islands.

As I said, Indonesia is vast, so there’s no shortage of things to do in Indonesia. From exploring Jakarta’s eclectic neighborhood to walking through tropical rainforests to catching a glimpse of the Komodo dragons, Indonesia has a lot to offer.

It’s nearly impossible see it all in one trip. So it’s best to view your first trip to Indonesia as exactly that. Trust me, you’ll be planning your next one before it’s even over. With thousands of islands to choose from, you can spend your lifetime in Indonesia and never see it all. With only two weeks to spare you can see a good cross-section of Indonesia. However, seeing the best of the countryside will require some careful planning and might prove to be quite intensive.

Below you’ll find some of Indonesia’s best places to visit if you only have one month (or less).

1 Month Backpacking Indonesia Itinerary

Here’s how to spend one month in Indonesia . This well-researched backpacking itinerary will take you through stunning natural beauty of Sumatra, stunning rice terraces and temples in Bali, and pedestrian-friendly Gili Islands. If you have less than 1 month for backpacking Indonesia, the itinerary below can also serve you well, pick and choose your favorite areas. Although, that may be easier said than done!

Backpacking Sumatra (5 Days)

Sumatra is the big island that is nowhere near as crowded as Bali. The island is filled with primal rainforests, epic waterfalls, volcanic peaks, and giant lakes. If you’re coming from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur , it takes about an hour and a half to get to the city of Medan . This means that even though Sumatra is a bit off the beaten path, it’s still easily accessible.

The adventurous Sumatra itineraries usually include the tiny village of Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra. This is an ecotourism hub where jungle treks give you a chance to catch a glimpse of the forest’s famous residents, the semi-wild orangutans. Then, you may want to take an optional side-trip to the island called Pulau Weh , then go to Lake Toba , the world’s largest volcanic caldera lake. You can plan to stick around for a while in the middle of it on the Samosir island . Bukittinggi , Padang , Mt. Kerinci , Harau Valley and the Mentawai Islands are other places that are worth your attention.

Backpacking Java (5 Days)

With over 140 million residents, Java is Indonesia’s main island and home of its capital city, Jakarta . Some backpackers craft an alternative itinerary and start in Jakarta because Indonesia’s bustling capital deserves a couple of days solely to feel the city vibe.

Arguably the most popular trip on Java is hiking Mount Bromo , and Kawah Ijen . There are plenty of tour guides and travel agents that offer tour packages to Mt. Bromo, it’s much more fun and rewarding to do on your own. Experiencing Mount Bromo without a tour is definitely a highlight of any backpacking Indonesia trip.

The next hike you can take on your way to the east of Java is Kawah Ijen. This one brings you down into the crater at Kawah Ijen to witness the magical blue flames and the impressive sulfur miners hard at work. The toxic blue-green lake It truly is a challenging hike.

While traveling across Java, don’t miss out on spending a few days in Yogyakarta . This is the cultural and artistic heart of the country and is a fascinating place to visit. Here you can visit Kraton Palace and Taman Sari water castle, enjoy the nightly performance at the Ramayana Ballet , and shop for some fly batik shirts.

Within just an hour outside of town, you can visit the breathtaking temple complexes of Borobudur and Prambanan . Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and great spots to catch a picturesque sunrise.

Backpacking Bali (5 Days)

If you’re seeking spiritual growth, there may be no better place on earth to find it than in this island paradise sprinkled with art and yoga retreats throughout the valleys, and one of the biggest hippie vibes in Indonesia. Bali has been drawing in tourists by the thousands for decades now, who flock here for culture, cuisine, art, and nature. This makes for an interesting mix of surfers, foodies, gap year travelers, digital nomads, honeymooners, and party-goers.

Although Bali is much smaller than its western counterparts, the island has many different environments. Here you’ll find world-famous beaches, beautiful rice paddies, several lakes, and a couple of active volcanoes.

Some choose to bounce around and stay in a few places, while others prefer to base in one town and take day trips from there. Ubud and Canggu are the most popular towns that so many folks from around the world call home.

Canggu is actually of the best places to base yourself in Bali. This relaxing beach town just north of Seminyak has been gaining in popularity in recent years, especially amongst digital nomad community. Canggu still attracts smaller crowds, while accommodation, yoga, dining options are pretty much endless.

To get a good feel of Bali and the best parts of what it has to offer, make sure you get out of that beach lounger. There are, in fact, many options for backpackers one can easily spend one month travelling through some of the most beautiful parts of Bali.

Need some ideas? Go surfing down in Uluwatu, Bingin, Impossibles, and Padang Padang, align your chakras in Ubud, dive in Amed, party in Seminyak, or simply practice yoga.

Backpacking Lombok (6 Days)

While you really can’t miss Bali on your backpacking trip around Indonesia, exploring some of Bali’s neighbors is well worth the effort. Lombok is only a 2,5-hour boat ride away from Bali. This incredible island is a popular choice mostly to Gili Islands , a group of three islands that have long been a backpacker favorite. The enchanting string of three tiny islands off the coast of Lombok is completely free of motorized vehicles and home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in Southeast Asia.

The biggest island, Gili Trawangan , is known as the party island. It sees an interesting mix of visitors, ranging from backpackers to couples on holiday, to luxury tourists. Gili Trawangan is known as the party island, Gili Meno is the least developed, and Gili Air is a nice mixture of the two because it has more life than Meno but not as much a Trawangan. To get between the islands there is a fleet of boats, so you visit all three in just a few days and see for yourself which one you like the best.

Lombok boasts the second highest volcano in Indonesia which you can climb. A volcano that you can hike up to as part of many multi-day trekking tours should be high on your list when backpacking Indonesia. It usually takes from 2 to 5 days to complete the trek depending on whether or not you want to get to the summit and how quickly you want to move.

Backpacking Flores (5 Days)

The name of this island originates from Portuguese and means “Flowers”. The island of Flores is the only place in the region where a majority of the people are Catholic, meaning you’ll see a church in most villages rather than temples or mosques. A comparatively small number of tourists make it further east than Bali or Lombok, so the East Nusa Tenggara (Flores) stayed relatively untouched. The island, however, gets increasingly better known for its up to three-meter long poisonous lizards. But it has so much more to offer than just the Komodo Dragons.

The town of Labuan Bajo is situated in the most western point of the island Flores and builds the gate to Komodo National Park . Due to that, Labuan Bajo is most frequently the launching point of the Flores trip.

If you’re looking for some day trips from Labuan Bajo (Komodo NP, for instance), you can book one from tour operators near the Flores boat pier. While this trip can be a bit pricey, it’s one worth splurging on. The Komodo National Park consists of the islands Rinca, Komodo and Padar.

Boats depart from Labuan Bajo’s harbor multiple times per day and options usually range from one-day trips to longer excursions with two or three nights on the boat. Most boats will get you Komodo NP with snorkeling at Manta Point as well as Pink Beach , Rinca island and Palau Padar. It’s not necessary to book a trip in advance. Just pop into a few agencies on your way to the harbor to compare prices and quality.

Backpacking Sulawesi (4 Days)

Sulawesi is the fourth largest Indonesian island, which is usually referred to as the tropical heart of global biodiversity. The flora and fauna of Sulawesi make this lesser-known destination an incredible place to visit. If you’re adventurous enough to go off the beaten path then Sulawesi is worth a closer look.

The calm waters surrounding Sulawesi attract scuba diving enthusiasts from around the world. Like Raja Ampat Islands, Sulawesi has one of the most beautiful coral environments in the world. Bunaken Island in the bay of Manado in northern Sulawesi boasts an incredible marine life. To reach the island you can hop on a ferry from the Harbour Marina port and take a 40-minute boat ride. The translucent waters of the Bunaken National Park provide wonderful snorkeling opportunities too.

Obviously, the island sees fewer crowds (if any) than Java and Sumatra, however, there are a lot of things to do in Sulawesi. You would need a few months to truly explore the island. The highlight of any trip to Sulawesi is the elaborate funeral rituals and burial grounds of the Toraja .

It’s a bit creepy seeing dead embalmed in living trees and mummified dead bodies in everyday houses. Definitely not for the faint-hearted. The rituals are carried out in June, July, and August. The Tongkonan houses and the delicious highland coffee are the two other reasons to visit Sulawesi at least once!

Indonesia Entry Requirements for Backpackers

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival, and have at least two blank pages for entry into Indonesia. This is a mandatory requirement, and border agents may deny entry to travelers for failure to comply with this rule.

If you are visiting Indonesia as a tourist and staying for 30 days or less, you do not need a visa. Visa-free travel is available to citizens of 169 countries, including the United States and the UK – here’s a complete list .

If you’d like to spend more than one month backpacking Indonesia, you ask for a visa-on-arrival rather than the visa-free entry. This type of visa can be extended for another 30 days for a fee of $35 and doing so may require a few trips to an immigration office.

How to Travel in Indonesia

If you’re planning on traveling by boat and air between the Indonesian islands, it makes sense to set aside a portion of the budget for transportation costs. Domestic flights are actually quite cheap and offer good value for money for traveling long distances.

In tourist hotspots, you should have no problem finding local boat services and long-distance bus services. If you’re planning on popping over to a nearby island, your cheapest bet is to take a public ferry, since speedboats are inexpensive and run frequently between adjacent islands. It takes about 2 hours to travel by speedboat from Bali to Lombok, while you should expect to spend 4 hours when traveling on a local ferry and 30 minutes when flying. Ferry ride would obviously be the cheapest option.

Keep in mind, some voyages could take much longer because of adverse weather conditions or delays.

You’ll find that public transportation in Indonesia is much cheaper than hailing a cab. While transportation systems depend on the particular island, tourist-friendly cities like Jakarta offer a variety of transportation options.

Indonesia Travel Guide to Getting Around

Because of the fact that Indonesia consists of many islands, the easiest way to get from region to region is via plane. This usually involves flying on a propeller plane since traveling by boats, buses, and Bemos may take a very long time. Getting around Indonesian islands can be quite complicated and getting anywhere quick takes a lot of effort.

On most islands, buses, boats, and rickshaws are the way to get around, unless you know how to ride a motorbike. If you do know, a good recommendation is to rent your own scooter for a day and drive around to all the attractions in the area. For short distances, you can also hire an ojek (ride-sharing motorcycle taxi) for a day and they will drive you around. For traveling within big cities in Java, and on Bali and Lombok you can use Grab.

When travelling long distances, your options will depend on which region you are in as they vary from island to island. There are trains, buses, bemos (small little-converted buses) and ferries.

Train travel in Java is a reliable, fast, comfortable and affordable way to get from A to B. If you follow this one month backpacking Indonesia itinerary, you can take the train from Jakarta and make your way down to Yogyakarta or Surabaya so no need to rough it out on buses. Ticket are available online making it one of the best ways to travel around Java.

Best Time of Year to Backpack Indonesia

Generally speaking, the best time to backpack Indonesia is from May to September which is during the dry season. Expect the weather to be more predictable and you are likely to experience clear blue skies making it perfect weather for trekking and scuba diving.

But don’t limit yourself to these months. Think about it, the rainy season just bear witness to some quick downpours that get everything wet for a few hours and then welcome the sun back in quite often.

It’s entirely up to you, but as someone who loves getting off the beaten track, traveling during the shoulder season (between April and June and September and October) would be a good time to visit as well.

Backpacker Accommodation in Indonesia

Accommodation, in general, is quite affordable, so you can find decent options on pretty much any island or in big city in Indonesia for less than $10. That said, accommodation really depends on the region. You’re obviously going to have far more choices on Bali than you will on Sulawesi, for example. On Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, and Flores, you have plenty of choices for guesthouses and hostels.

I found that double rooms are usually better than the dorms. Some double rooms come en-suite, while others have shared bathroom facilities. Guesthouses in tourist hotspots, like Jakarta or Bali, and the popular tourist-oriented islands, have inflated room prices but prices are still affordable. For example, hostels can range from anything between $4 and $15 per night for a dorm bed.

Be sure to check whether the hostel you are staying in offers breakfast lunch included at that rate. If you want to make your trip a little bit more special, go for a slightly higher cost. Keep in mind, some hostels next to the beach will have daily shuttles to the city if they are far away.

Don’t forget to make that inquiry before making a reservation! However, the only time when you actually need reservation is when you’re visiting Bali over Christmas and New Year’s, as this is an incredibly busy time. For the most part, find accommodation on arrival.

Where to Stay in Indonesia

Below are a few of my favorite hostels and budget accommodation options when backpacking Indonesia:

Bali Bobo Hostel, Bali In Da Lodge, Bali Six Degrees, Jakarta Gili Klapa Hostel, Lombok Ndalem Mantrigawen, Yogyakarta POP! Hotel Denpasar, Bali Dragon Dive Komodo Hostel, Labuan Bajo

Tips to Save Money on Your Trip to Indonesia

To make your trip last longer and save money while backpacking Indonesia I recommend sticking to this simple and easy guide to budget and adventure travel:

Compare Prices

Indonesia can be incredibly affordable but you have to know where to look. In popular tourist destinations like Kuta in Bali, you will find restaurants charging upwards of $7 for a dish and $4,30 for a large Bintang beer. However, if you walk around for a while and explore some less crowded side streets you will discover more budget-friendly options for $1,4 for a meal and $2 for a large Bintang.

The point is, you shouldn’t settle for the first thing that comes your way. Prices vary around the country so it usually takes some time to get a feel for what is acceptable and what is overpriced.

Unfortunately, average prices are very dependant on the region. Less popular cities such as Surabaya are cheaper while small islands tend to be more expensive.

Comparing prices is also important for services such as renting scooter, snorkelling equipment and surfboard rentals as well as taking random taxis.

Keep in mind, if a seller refuses to negotiate their prices, the next might give you the same scuba diving set for half the price. The differences are extreme.

Eat Local Food

In busy tourist areas, there are plenty of restaurants offering mediocre versions of Western food. But I don’t think that is what you’re after when backpacking Indonesia. You don’t want to waste a bunch of money on tasteless hamburger because there are Warungs.

Warungs tend to be the family-run, smaller eateries that offer good value and a relaxed vibe. They offer affordable local food with limited seating. You’ll be able to find Warungs all across Indonesia and they can be your best bet for finding cheap food.

Depending on where in Indonesia you are you should be able to find a meal for $0,80 – $1,85. If you’re backpacking through Indonesia on a shoestring budget your best friends will always be Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Mie Goreng (fried noodles). You’ll find them pretty much everywhere. As well as street food stalls offering food locals (choose only those serving locals because they are generally the safest option).

Bargain, Haggle and Negotiate

In Indonesia, prices are rarely fixed. Outside of official stores haggling is normal and expected. In fact, haggling is like a game, but it can also be an art. The seller throws out a price, which is usually too high. You should expect this because they assume you will suggest a significantly lower price, a price you more than willing to pay.

The seller then throws out another price that is much higher than the one you suggested but lower than their initial offering. You then take that price to try to lower it again. And this goes on-and-on until the both of you meet a mutual agreement.

Pro Tip: Set a price in your mind before you start. Never start the bargaining process without a set price in your mind. That said, you’ll get a much better deal when you buy multiple items or rent something for a longer time. For example, if you’re buying souvenirs, renting a scooter for a week or booking multiple tours you can get a much better price. Research on this subject before hitting the market or ask other travelers to find out what they are paying.

Foods to Try on Your Backpacking Trip to Indonesia

The streets of Indonesian cities are filled with a a delectable array of cuisines to try. However, only local cuisine tells stories about the country’s customs and history. There’s no shortage of great local eateries, the captivating aromas from the street hawker stalls are like a magnet for all the foodies out there. From the famed Indonesian fried rice to different soups, here’s a breakdown of a few must-try dishes in Indonesia:

Nasi Goreng

Arguably the most ubiquitous dish in Indonesia made with sweet soy sauce topped with an egg, some crispy fish crackers, and a small side salad. Some places serve this with a few skewers of chicken satay or fried chicken.

Stir-fried noodles come with veggies and chicken usually. But can also have pork or tofu-it’s really up to you.

A salad made up of eggs, stir-fried vegetables, fried tofu or tempeh coated with a thick peanut sauce for protein. It is typically eaten with some krupuk shrimp crackers. A great choice for vegetarians.

Beef Rendang

This type of cooking is made from a mixture of coconut milk cooked in with lots of spices, giving it that rich and spicy flavor. It is often made with tender beef but you can also find other ingredients such as chicken, mutton, or goat.

Sate (Indonesian satay)

These little meat skewers widely available at street food stalls. They usually come in two varieties – chicken and goat. Juicy meat on sticks, dripping with mouthwatering peanut sauce and sambal chili sauce.

Looking for travel advice and tips for your next adventure in Southeast Asia? Check out my Southeast Asia Travel Guide .

Tips for Backpacking Indonesia

Bring a reusable water bottle.

Staying hydrated is very important in Indonesia. Because you’re going to spend a lot of time outside in the heat, you’ll need to bring a reusable bottle. Tap water in Indonesia is not suitable for drinking. Using a reusable bottle can help cut down on plastic use. Many cafes and restaurants, especially in popular tourist areas, have filtered water that you can use to refill your bottles, either for free or for a very small fee.

Carry Small Cash

Besides the convenience, you get when carrying small cash, it also makes sense to hide the big bills and only keep smaller banknotes in your pocket. Why? Imagine you get stopped by a policeman on your rented motorcycle and he asks you for every possible document that doesn’t even exist. Pretend that it is the only money you have and they will let you go. Also, be especially aware of pickpockets on buses or bemos and in busy places like Bandung and Jakarta.

Respect Local Customs and Traditions

Remember, Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country (with the exception of Bali). The general rule is not to dress skimpy and cover up as much as the locals do when you’re out and about. Always obey the local law and use your common sense. Each year, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims should eat only at night and fast for the rest of the day, among other rules. The exact date depends on the lunar calendar but is usually around May and June.

What is Your Baggage Allowance?

If you’re flying budget airlines around Indonesia, I recommend that you look into baggage limits and know exactly how much weight you are allowed for your carry-on. While budget airlines in Indonesia are notorious for tacking on hidden fees, you may want to pre-purchase more check-in baggage weight allowance than you think you need. Keep in mind, additional luggage fees tend to be much higher at the check-in counter.

How Much Does Backpacking Indonesia Cost?

Indonesia is a vast, beautiful country and hence flying can your best choice. Especially when you are going from one island to the other.

You can get a flight ticket for as low as $50 if booked 1-2 weeks in advance. On average, boat rides cost less than $5 for a 4-5 hr long transfer from Bali to Lombok. For a motorbike rental, they charge approx $6-7 per day. A tank fill up will set you back a few bucks more.

Once again, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good time in Indonesia. How much you spend depends on where you go and what your style is. If you’re planning on visiting multiple islands, your biggest expense will most definitely be transportation. All of those flights, local buses, ferries, motorbike rentals, and Grab and Uber rides eventually add up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Visiting Yangon: A 2-day Yangon Itinerary

Take my advice. Do a bit of research to figure out the average costs before planning a trip that covers several islands. You’ll definitely save a lot by spending the majority of your time on one or two islands with a rented motorbike. As I said, rent a motorbike for longer periods of time to get discounts. Expect to pay around $5 a day for a motorbike.

Basically, if you stick to one or two islands, get around by bus, stay at hostels, and eat at local warungs, you can definitely pull off backpacking Indonesia on around $25-$30 a day. Those looking to see and do a bit more, stay in nicer hotels and add some adventure activities like diving or trekking may want to budget more like $60-$75 a day.

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Indonesia Snorkeling Tours

Snorkel expeditions in the emerald of the equator.

Pristine coral gardens, active volcanoes, white-sand beaches, whale sharks, crater lakes, and even dragons! Come to the far-flung tropical islands of Indonesia to snorkel the legendary reefs of the Coral Triangle, look for the fearsome Komodo dragons, and hike to multicolored crater lakes.

All Trips to Indonesia

Small Group Adventure

Snorkeling Raja Ampat

From $6,895

Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Cenderawasih Bay

From $7,195

Snorkeling Expedition to Wakatobi

From $7,495

Cruise Collection

Bali to Komodo Expedition Cruise

Indonesia, Bali

From $8,960

Circumnavigation of Sumatra

From $16,520

Undiscovered Philippines and Indonesia

Indonesia, Australia

From $9,995

West Papua, Raja Ampat and Micronesia Cruise

Australia, Indonesia, Palau

From $14,680

Experience Indonesia

Extend Your Trip

Bali Extension

Bali, Indonesia

From $1,495

Wakatobi Resort Extension

From $2,895

Yogyakarta Extension

From $1,295

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

Thank you, Wilderness Travel, for putting together this wonderful experience. Our trip leaders made every minute count. We appreciated all the planning it took to juggle the tides, the winds, and the calendar to make sure we immersed in as many habitats as possible.

There are not enough words to describe the trip. It was just amazing and I loved every minute. Lots of laughter and fun out of the water and the snorkeling was beyond what I expected. I would love to go back.

The remoteness of the region and the colors of the sea, coral, and fish are beyond words!

Very well organized and executed by a most competent leader. I have participated in years of SCUBA live aboard and land-based trips and Din’s demeanor and personal attention beats all. Even though it was billed as a snorkeling trip you come away feeling like it was a lot more.

All WT trips are good and often great, but superlatives aren’t sufficient for this trip.

This was a mind-blowing experience for me. I’ve been a diver for many years and have never seen anything like what we saw on this trip. Other areas in the world where I have dived or snorkeled don’t even come close to Raja Ampat.

Tremendous trip. It met or exceeded all my expectations; I would recommend it very highly. Environmentally, the area visited is of worldwide significance and this value was respected throughout the trip—right down to being alert to unintended minor damage to reefs that might be caused by less skilled snorkelers.

The beauty of Raja Ampat has to be seen to be believed. It’s hard to imagine that there is a place so remote, pristine, and beautiful left on the planet.

This is the third time I’ve been to Raja Ampat/Misool with WT and I hope to go again. It’s a snorkeler’s paradise, made even better by the Trip Leader and the boat staff.

Community & Conservation

Each of our Indonesia trips donates to Bye Bye Plastic Bags, a Bali-based organization that plays a pivotal role in reducing plastic waste throughout the world. Money goes to school and community workshops, beach cleanups, and campaigns to bring awareness on how we can reduce plastic waste.

Talk to an Expert

Our Pacific Specialists know every detail about our Indonesia trips. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Models Starting at $49,902

Every family needs a getaway vehicle.

Endless adventure. .

Whether you’re leaving the world behind for the weekend or sticking around for a stay-cation, with the Imagine it’s all as easy as “tow and go.” Down to every tiny detail, the Imagine offers everything your family needs for adventure — and a good night’s sleep.

4-Seasons Protection Package
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Imagine’s design has been put to the test in extreme temperatures ranging from a frigid 15 degrees to a scorching 100 degrees. Third party extreme testing showed that the Imagine remained functional and achieved very comfortable temperatures.

MAXIMUM HEATING POWER

A high performance, high efficient furnace delivers maximum heating power throughout the entire unit., maximum function, heated and enclosed underbelly with suspended tanks, heated and enclosed dump valves, designated heat duct to subfloor, roof attic vent.

Note: Testing was performed in a temperature controlled chamber, with temperatures ranging from -6°F to +101°F, and does not account for variables such as wind, humidity, and altitude. Due to the number of potential variables, temperatures reported during testing may differ from temperatures achieved during actual use of the unit in nature.

Travel with Confidence.

Industry-first anti-lock braking system for towables..

Experience the most advanced braking system for RVs on the market today. The ABS combines all the critical components of a vehicle-based braking system, such as its sensors and actuators—adapted to operate independently within RVs—to provide the driver with added control over steering while braking in slippery conditions or on rough terrain.

MORE TIME. MORE PLACES.

SOLAR POWER NOW COMES STANDARD

Camp longer and in more places with the factory-installed 180W Roof Mounted Solar Panel, 40 AMP Charge Controller, and 12V Refrigerator standard on all Imagines. No camping spot is off-limits. Just add batteries and go. Camp where you want, when you want*.

INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD SOLAR PACKAGE FOR IMAGINE:

180W Solar Panel

40 AMP Charge Controller

12 VOLT Refrigerator

*We may have gotten a little excited, please camp safely. Follow all laws and abide by no trespassing signs, you know what we mean.

Constructed to a Superior Standard

Aluminum Framed Fully Laminated Sidewalls
Enclosed Underbelly with Double Insulated Floor
Double Insulated Full Walk-on Roof
Painted Double Insulated Front Cap

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Indonesia Tours & Holidays

Hiker staying on top of Mount Batur, Indonesia, on a clear day at the sun is setting

If you thought Indonesia was all big resorts and Bintang, it might be time to check your atlas.

Because there isn’t really just one Indonesia ... not when you’re an archipelago made up of 17,000 individual islands (only 8,000 of which have ever seen a human footprint). One minute you’re spotting orangutans in the jungles of Sumatra, the next you’re chowing down on an organic acai bowl in Ubud. You could be hiking the slopes of Mt Batur or kicking back on the sugar-white beaches of Gili Air (preferably holding a delicious tropical cocktail). Whether you’re looking for party, peace or paradise, the odds are good we’ve got an Indonesia tour that fits the bill.

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Malaysia or Indonesia? Your next Asian adventure awaits…

Indonesia at a glance

Capital city.

Jakarta (population 9.2 million)

242.9 million

(GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)

Learn more about Indonesia

Best time to visit indonesia.

Indonesia’s close proximity to the equator ensures consistently hot and humid weather in all seasons; however, its tropical climate means many areas are prone to periods of heavy rainfall. The wet season normally takes place from October to April and flooding can make the roads difficult to travel at times.

Popular holiday spots like Bali tend to receive large crowds during Christmas and school holidays but are significantly less crowded in shoulder seasons. Also worth keeping in mind are Indonesia’s various religious holidays. With a large population of practising Muslims, Ramadan results in the closure of many services, so expect a quieter experience when travelling during Ramadan.

Learn more about the best time to visit Indonesia

Geography and environment

An archipelago of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia works its way across several oceans, beginning with the island of Sumatra in the West and stretching to Irian Jaya in the East. In between, Indonesia includes a sizeable part of Borneo, as well as larger islands such as Java, Bali and Sulawesi. With such a broad selection of islands, Indonesia encompasses a variety of landscapes such as: thick tropical jungle, fertile rice fields, grasslands and volcanic mountain ranges. Indonesia’s ecosystems are full of a rich variety of flora and fauna including the very rare Sumatran tiger and elephant, the Javan rhino and the fierce Komodo Dragon. Indonesia is also famous for its incredible beaches and marine life. With thousands of kilometres of reefs, beaches, bays and lagoons, Indonesia is a diver's paradise.

Top 10 creatures of Indonesia

1. sumatran rhino.

Appearing almost prehistoric, the Sumatran rhino is smaller in both size and number than its African cousins. Covered in a reddish brown fur, the Sumatran rhino is a solitary animal, and has been quietly grazing the grasslands for thousands of years.

2. Sulawesi Giant Squirrel

Living deep within Sulawesi’s rainforest canopies, this enigmatic and shy rodent can be tough to spot, so stay quiet and alert if you want catch a glimpse of one.

3. Sun Bear

A perennial favourite, the sun bear can be found on many of Indonesia’s islands. Perhaps suffering from ‘small bear syndrome’, these fiery characters are often quite aggressive, defying their nickname as the ‘Honey Bear’.

4. Sulawesi Macaque

Native to the island of Sulawesi, these crafty primates are known for being exceptionally social creatures. With family groups usually led by dominant females, Sulawesi macaques are a prime example of 'girl power' in action.

5. Sumatran Tiger

A noble predator with an almost mythical status, the Sumatran tiger stalks its prey deep within the jungles of Sumatra. With some estimates putting their numbers at just over 300, an international effort is underway to protect this incredible animal.

6. Javan Slow Loris

Slow in name, slow in nature. Don’t be fooled though, this super-cute creature packs a deadly punch – it is the world's only poisonous primate!

7. Long-Beaked Echidna

Inhabiting the island of New Guinea, this crazy critter snuffles about the forest floor using its large snout. Don’t expect to see many of these guys though; they are classified as ‘critically endangered’.

8. Komodo Dragon

The fearsome Komodo Dragon is the world’s largest lizard, often weighing up to 70 kilograms. Described as the ‘perfect predator’, this stealthy beast makes for an exhilarating sight.

9. Moluccan Flying Snake

Scared of snakes? Now you'll have to search the ground and the air as these aerodynamic reptiles have found a novel way to move between the treetops, by becoming airborne and gliding for up to 30 metres.

10. Babirusa

What do you get when you cross a pig and a deer? The odd looking Babirusa: a short and stocky animal with large, curled horns. Native to Indonesia, populations of these bizarre beasts are sadly in decline due to poaching and habitat loss.

Food and drink

Here are some of the most popular foods and drinks you should try in Indonesia.

Satay is delicious skewered meat (often chicken), which is cooked over hot coals, covered in a spicy peanut sauce. Vegetarians can also try this sauce on rice cakes called ketupat. Satay is a great meal to eat on the run or equally good as part of a feast in a restaurant.

Beef rendang

Similar to a beef curry (although with less sauce and a richer flavour), Beef Rendang is a spicy dish that is traditionally served at special festive events like weddings. However, travellers will be able to sample this dish all over Indonesia.

Nasi Goreng

Indonesian fried rice known as Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s national dish for good reason. This famous meal is eaten all over the world in many different formats, but what makes Indonesia’s rendition particularly special is the darkness of the rice, thanks to the use of thick, sweet soy sauce known as kecap manis.

These steamed fish dumplings served in peanut sauce are Indonesia’s answer to dim sum. The cone shaped packages can be made with a variety of fish including tuna, mackerel and even prawn. They’re a popular street food and can be found at many streetside stalls and restaurants.

Nasi uduk translates to mixed rice, and is a dish of rice cooked in coconut milk mixed with various herbs and spices. It is normally served with some sort of meat dish or curry.

Tea and coffee

Tea and coffee are the most common and popular beverages in Indonesia. They are often served sweeter than you may be used to drinking at home.

For most travellers, shopping in Indonesia will be very affordable, with opportunities to purchase authentic arts and crafts, including traditional batik clothing, woodcarvings, pottery and other unusual items. On bigger islands like Bali and Java, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to shopping opportunities. Tourist centres can be worthwhile if you are looking to buy handcrafted items like puppets, leatherworks and batik. Otherwise, explore local markets for clothing, shoes, antiques and other items.

At most markets, bargaining is encouraged. If you want more information about haggling in Asia, check out this blog .

Festivals and events

There are many different religious and cultural celebrations in Indonesia, but some of the key public holidays include:

Galungan dan Kuningan

Celebrating the victory of light over darkness. Many believe their ancestors visit their relatives on earth during this time.

Kartini Day

The birthday of the national heroine, Raden Ayu Kartini, who fought for women's education rights.

National Awakening Day

Celebrates the coming together of people from the 17,000 islands of Indonesia as a national identity.

National Batik Day

Celebrates the traditional batik clothing and is commemorated in October on the day when UNESCO first acknowledged batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2009.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Lailat al Miraj
Chinese New Year
Hari Raya Nyepi
Eid al-Fitr
Ascension Day
Buddha's Birthday
Eid al-Adha
Islamic New Year
Birth of Prophet Mohammed

Please note the dates of Indonesia's public holidays may vary.

Top islands to visit in Indonesia

Bali might be known for its Instagrammable smoothies and rice paddies, but there is so much more to this island paradise than meets the eye. The mountain areas are second to none, the waterfalls are stunning and the beaches are iconic. Ubud is a yogi paradise, while a sunrise climb to Mt. Batur is perfect for hikers looking for a challenge.

Whether you're looking to hike and cycle or relax on the beach and in hot springs, we've got a Bali tour that'll tick all the boxes.

Learn about the unique Sasak culture on Lombok from the food, arts and crafts and farming. The secluded beaches are less visited than their Balinese neighbour, but no less beautiful. If your visit is over a weekend, you may also be able to witness a traditional wedding to experience the local customs, dress and feasting.

Explore both of these neighbouring islands on our 15 day Bali & Lombok Adventure.

Komodo + Flores

There is only one place on earth to see the legendary Komodo Dragons in the wild, and that is Komodo National Park. Two of the more notable islands that make up the park are Komodo and Flores, both of which are great places to catch a glimpse of these famous reptiles.

Located in the Indonesian section of Borneo, exploring the jungle is an experience you’ll never forget. Keep an eye out for orangutans, meet with friendly locals and learn about how they work to conserve the wildlife in this largely untouched slice of paradise.

Join the adventure of a (wild)lifetime on our 12 day Indonesia Expedition: Orangutans of Kalimantan.

Indonesia travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Indonesia?

Passport holders for most nationalities are permitted to enter Visa Free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes. Please check with your relevant consulate or embassy.

Entry requirements: presentation of onward or return tickets, passport which is valid for at least 6 months. Visitors on Visa-free Short Visits must enter AND exit from certain airports and seaports in Indonesia including: Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta Airport), Bali (Ngurah Rai Airport), Yogyakarta (Adisucipto Airport) and Surabaya (Juanda Airport). This currently excludes entry and exist from Lombok (Bandar Udara International Airport). Visa-free Short Visits cannot be extended and cannot be transferred to another type of visa.

Some nationalities are required to obtain a visa on arrival, or in advance. Citizens of countries who aren't on the visa on arrival or visa-free lists are required to apply for a visa overseas before travelling to Indonesia.

Nationals of all countries planning to stay for more than 30 days in Indonesia have to apply for the appropriate visa at an overseas Indonesian consulate or embassy before their departure.

Local laws require that you must always carry identification. We recommend taking a clear photocopy of your passport photo page and photo of your visa (after arriving), to carry with you.

What's the weather like in Indonesia?

Indonesia has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season and hot, humid weather throughout the year. Temperatures average 22°C to 32°C along the coast, but it's typically a bit cooler at higher elevations such as the Padang Highlands in Sumatra and Mt Bromo in Java . The sea is warm all year, with temperatures averaging a balmy 26°C to 28°C.

Is tipping customary in Indonesia?

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Indonesia, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.

What is the internet access like in Indonesia?

Internet access is widely available in tourist areas like Bali, which has many internet cafes. Internet access is less common in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Indonesia?

You'll be able to use your mobile phone in most urban areas of Indonesia, although some of the islands or more remote areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Indonesia.

What are the toilets like in Indonesia?

You'll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while in Indonesia. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to. However, western-style toilets can be found in large hotels and some tourist areas.

Can I drink the water in Indonesia?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Indonesia. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Indonesia?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Indonesia. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Indonesia.

What is ATM access like in Indonesia?

ATMs are found widely throughout Indonesia, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so be prepared for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

Is Indonesia accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible , regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Indonesia can be a difficult destination for travellers with disabilities because pavements are uneven and steps are frequent, paving is poorly maintained and footpaths are usually obstructed with parked vehicles, street stalls and debris. Accessible public toilets are rare other than in big modern shopping malls. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available only through specialist tour operators, but cars and drivers can be hired readily and are good value. Local guides are easy to find in tourist areas. Bali has a wider range of tourism services and more developed facilities, including some accessible accommodation options. Some sights such as Borobudur and Prambanan in Yogyakarta are partially wheelchair accessible. Visitors generally find that Indonesians are very welcoming and willing to help those with access needs. The Asian Para Games took place in Jakarta in 2018 and have helped raise the profile of people with disabilities in the country as well as give new direction for making facilities more accessible in the capital.

Is Indonesia safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Everyone should feel comfortable when they travel with Intrepid and we know that many of our travellers are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s important for our travellers to be aware of the local laws and customs in the destinations we visit as some countries have laws that discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people. We recommend you visit Equaldex and/or Smartraveller before you choose your trip for up-to-date advice and information about LGBTQIA+ related laws.

Homosexuality is not currently illegal in Indonesia, other than in Aceh province (which is governed by Islamic law), however the LGBTQIA+ community has routinely been targeted and harassed by police.

Revisions to Indonesia’s criminal code that would allow prison sentences of up to five years for sex between unmarried people are being considered by parliament. These changes would criminalise same-sex relationships and advocacy groups are fearing a profound setback to human rights in Indonesia as a result. A predominantly Muslim country, Islamic organisations have increasingly been pressuring the government on moral issues and in the past few years politicians and public figures have frequently been using anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric as a means to win votes.

Gay dating apps and media portraying LGBTQIA+ behaviour as “normal” have been banned. Same-sex marriage, civil partnerships, and adoption are all illegal, and the lack of anti-discrimination laws means that attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community in Indonesia regularly go unpunished.

There are few gay-friendly venues outside of Bali. Because sex in general is a taboo subject in Indonesian society, the issue of sexuality is unlikely to arise while travelling here. The majority of the country is safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers, provided you are willing to be discreet and cautious with public behaviour. Bali, with its Hindu majority, has always been more liberal, tolerant and relaxed in attitude, however public displays of affection are still not the norm for any couples anywhere in the country. Upscale hotels will likely not have any issues with same-sex travellers sharing a bed, however at budget or family-run businesses if you are allocated separate beds you might feel more comfortable not to draw attention to your relationship.

For more information on LGBTQIA+ travel in Indonesia, visit:

https://queerintheworld.com/lgbt-rights-in-indonesia/

https://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/Pages/lgbti-travellers.aspx

Does my trip to Indonesia support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Indonesia directly support our foundation partner, Coral Triangle Center Foundation.

Coral Triangle Center Foundation

The Coral Triangle Center is on a mission to restore coastal and marine ecosystems in Indonesia through training and education. Over the last several years, coral reefs along the northern coast of Nusa Penida have suffered from widespread mortality due to irresponsible marine tourism, disease, coral bleaching, tropical storms and water pollution. Donations from our trips help their coral restoration project in Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area and support their educational outreach activities for local schools in Nusa Penida.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like travelling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you’re about to embark on your first trip, travelling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organising amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), travelling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

New International Travel Regulations to Enter Indonesia as of 10 November 2022

JAKARTA, 21 December 2022 - As an immediate response to recover tourism industry and relaxing the international travel restrictions, COVID-19 Task Force issued the Circular Letter of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 25 of 2022 concerning Health Protocols for International Travels during the COVID-19 Pandemic .

Coordinator of Expert Team and Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito, stated that the adjustment to the control mechanism for international travel was urgently needed. "The COVID-19 policy must also be adaptive with the dynamics of the virus, including the dynamics of its variants that occur globally," Wiku said.

International Travel

Here are the new international travel regulations according to the Circular Letter of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 25 of 2022 concerning Health Protocols for International Travels during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The general requirements regarding health protocols for international travelers are as follows:
Wearing 3 ply of fabric mask or medical grade mask, covering nose, mouth, and chin at indoor settings or any crowded situations;
Replacing the mask regularly within every 4 hours, and dispose the waste in the proper place;
Washing hands regularly with water and soap or hand sanitizers;
Maintaining social distance for a minimum of 1.5 meters and avoiding crowds; and
Keeping in mind that it is advised not to have one-way or two-way communication by telephone or in person throughout the trip using public transportation modes of land, rail, sea, river, lake, ferry, and air.
All International travelers, both Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals, can enter Indonesia through the entry points assigned, which are:

a. Airports

Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Banten;
Juanda International Airport, East Java;
Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali;
Hang Nadim International Airport, Riau Islands;
Sam Ratulangi International Airport, North Sulawesi;
Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, West Nusa Tenggara;
Kualanamu International Airport, North Sumatra;
Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, South Sulawesi;
Yogyakarta International Airport, Yogyakarta;
Sultan Syarif Kasim II, Riau.
Sultan Iskandar Muda, Aceh;
Minangkabau, West Sumatra;
Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman, East Kalimantan;
Kertajati International Airport, West Java; and
Sentani International Airport, Papua

b. Seaports

All international seaports in Indonesia are now opened as entry points for international travel through the consideration of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation.

c. Cross Border State

Aruk, West Kalimantan;
Entikong, West Kalimantan;
Motaain, East Nusa Tenggara;
Nanga Badau, West Kalimantan;
Motamasin, East Nusa Tenggara;
Wini, East Nusa Tenggara;
Skouw, Papua; and
Sota, Papua.

3. International travelers can enter Indonesia through the following conditions:

Indonesian citizens are allowed to enter Indonesia by following the strict health protocol as mentioned in number 1.
Foreign nationals are allowed to enter Indonesia by fulfilling the requirements as follows:
In accordance with the provisions on immigration regulated by the ministry that administers government affairs in the fields of Law and Human Rights;
In accordance with the agreement scheme (bilateral), such as the Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA); and/or
Granted special consideration/permission in writing from the Ministry/Agency.

4. Requirements for Departure Documents for international travelers from Indonesia are as follows:

International travelers with the status of Indonesian citizens aged 18 years and above who will travel abroad from Indonesia are required to show a card/certificate (physical or digital) of receiving the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine (booster) which is shown through the PeduliLindungi app.
The provisions on the obligation to show the card/certificate as referred to in letter a are excluded for Indonesian citizens with the following provisions:
International travelers with the status of Indonesian citizens with special health conditions or comorbid diseases that cause them to not receive the vaccine are required to attach a doctor's certificate from the Government Hospital stating that the person concerned has not and/or cannot receive the Covid-19 vaccine; or
International travelers with the status of Indonesian citizens who have finished carrying out COVID-19 isolation/treatment and have been declared inactive in transmitting COVID-19 but have not been able to get the third dose of vaccination (booster) must show a doctor's certificate from the Government Hospital or Ministry of Health stating that the person concerned is no longer active. actively transmit COVID-19 or COVID-19 recovery certificate.

5. Requirements for Arrival Documents for international travelers going to Indonesia are as follows:

International travelers must download and use PeduliLindungi app before departure;
Presenting the card/certificate (physical or digital) of receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 (fourteen) days before departure written in English, other than the language of the country of origin.
The obligation to show proof (physical and digital) of COVID-19 vaccination certificates as requirements for entering Indonesia are excluded to:
Foreign nationals under 18 years old; and
International travelers with special health conditions or comorbid diseases that cause travelers cannot receive vaccines, with the requirements of presenting a doctor's certificate from the State Departure Hospital which states that the concerned person has not been and/or cannot receive COVID-19 vaccination.
International travelers who have not received a complete dose of vaccination, have finished carrying out COVID-19 isolation or treatment, and have been declared inactive in transmitting COVID-19 with the requirement that they attach a doctor's certificate from the Government Hospital of the departure country or the ministry that carries out government affairs in the health sector on the country of departure stating that the person concerned is no longer actively transmitting COVID-19 or the COVID-19 recovery certificate;
International travelers with the status of foreign nationals who are Diplomatic visa holders and work visas related to official visit/state officials at the ministerial level or above and foreign nationals who entered Indonesia with the Travel Corridor Arrangement scheme, according to the principle of reciprocity while implementing a strict health protocol; and
International travelers with the status of foreign nationals who have not received the vaccine and intend to travel domestically in order to continue their journey with international flights out of Indonesian territory, are allowed not to show their COVID-19 vaccination card/certificate as long as they do not leave the airport area during transit waiting for international flights to be followed, with requirements:
Has been permitted by the local Port Health Office to travel domestically in order to continue the journey with international flights out of the territory of Indonesia; and
Showing the schedule of flight tickets outside Indonesia for direct transit from the departure city to the international airport in the territory of Indonesia with the final destination to the destination country.

6. COVID-19 Entry Points Health Protocols are listed as follows:

International travelers must proceed through international travel arrival documents checking as being mentioned in no. 4.
Upon arrival at the entry points, international travelers must undergo a COVID-19 symptom check, including a body temperature check.
International travelers with a symptom of COVID-19 or body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius must undergo RT-PCR examination upon arrival with payment borne by the government for Indonesian citizen and by self-financing for foreign nationals
International travelers without a symptom of COVID-19 and body temperature below 37.5 degrees Celsius are not required to undergo RT-PCR examination upon arrival and can continue their travel while also conducting 14 days of self health monitoring.
International travelers conducting the RT-PCR confirmation examination as referred to in point c are allowed to continue the journey after conducting the RT-PCR confirmation examination sample and must comply with the following provisions:
Waiting for the results of the RT-PCR confirmation examination in hotel rooms, lodging rooms, or residences; and
Are not allowed to leave hotel rooms, lodging rooms, or residences and are not allowed to interact with other people before the results of the RT-PCR confirmation examination show negative results.
In the event that the RT-PCR confirmation examination as referred to in point c shows a positive result, the international traveler shall be isolated/treated in accordance with the follow-up mechanism for the positive case.
In the event that the RT-PCR confirmation examination as referred to in point c shows a negative result, the international traveler is allowed to continue the journey and it is recommended to carry out independent health monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days by implementing strict health protocols.

7. Positive Case Follow-up Mechanism and Isolation/Treatment are as follows:

International travelers with positive RT-PCR confirmation examination results without symptoms or experiencing mild symptoms are required to carry out isolation/treatment in isolation hotels or centralized isolation facilities set by the government or self-isolate in their own residences with isolation/treatment times as recommended by the Ministry of Health.
International travelers with positive RT-PCR confirmation examination results accompanied by moderate or severe symptoms and/or with uncontrolled comorbidities, will be isolated/treated at a Covid-19 referral hospital with isolation/treatment time according to recommendations from doctors and recommendations from the Ministry of Health.

8. COVID-19 Vaccination Program for International Travelers are as follows:

International travelers with the status of Indonesian citizens who have not received the COVID-19 vaccination, either the first dose, the second dose, or the third dose are required to undergo vaccination at the entry point for overseas travel after a symptom check is carried out.
International travelers with the status of foreign nationals who are already in Indonesia and will travel, both domestically and internationally, are required to undergo vaccination through a program or mutual cooperation scheme in accordance with the provisions of the legislation.

9. Financing of all the provisions mentioned above are regulated as follows:

The cost of RT-PCR confirmation examination at the entry point as referred to in number 5.c. for foreign nationals it is borne independently, while for Indonesian citizens it is borne by the government.
The cost of handling COVID-19 and medical evacuation for foreign nationals is borne independently, while for Indonesian citizens it is borne by the government.
The cost of vaccination at the entry point for international travelers with the status of Indonesian citizens as referred to in letter 7.a is borne by the government.
In the event that the international travelers with the status of foreign nationals are unable to finance the RT-PCR confirmation examination at the entry point and isolation/treatment when the results of the RT-PCR confirmation examination show positive results, as referred to in point a and b, then the Sponsor, Ministry/Institution/State-Owned Enterprises providing the consideration of the entry permit for the foreigner can be asked for the accountability in question.

10. Other provisions are as follows:

In regards to the results of the RT-PCR test at the entry point, a written comparison can be requested by filling out the form provided by the Port Health Office or the Ministry of Health at the expense of the inspection being borne by the international travelers.
The implementation of the RT-PCR comparison test as referred to in point a is carried out simultaneously by the Port Health Office in 2 (two) laboratories for the purpose of SGTF comparison examination and comparative examination of RT-PCR results, namely at: Health Research and Development Agency (Balitbangkes), Cipto Mangunkusumo Central General Hospital (RSCM), 9 Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital (RSPAD), Bhayangkara Raden Said Sukanto Hospital (Polri Hospital) or other government laboratories (Environmental Health Engineering Center, Regional Health Laboratory, or other government reference laboratories).
The Port Health Office of airports and international seaports facilitates international travelers requiring emergency medical services upon arrival in Indonesia in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations.
Every transportation mode operator at the entry point for overseas travel is required to use the PeduliLindungi app.
Ministries/institutions/regional apparatus that carry out functions related to the international travelers must follow up this Circular Letter by issuing legal instruments that are in harmony and do not conflict with the provisions of laws and regulations.
The legal instrument as referred to in point e is an inseparable part of this Circular Letter.

This regulation is effective from 1 September 2022 until a later date is determined. You can check the complete detail regarding this regulation on this link.

Visa Exemption Arrangement Facility and Visa on Arrival for Indonesia

Visa Exemption Arrangement facility and Visa on Arrival for Indonesia

Furthermore, based on the Circular Letter of the Directorate General of Immigration No. IMI-0708.GR.01.01 of 2022 concerning the Ease of Immigration to Support Sustainable Tourism during the COVID-19 Pandemic effective from 23 September 2022, the Indonesian government has decided to exercise the Visa Exemption Arrangement facility and updated the list of countries eligible for Visa On Arrival (VOA) for tourism purposes.

The list of countries and special entities for Visit Visa Exemption Arrangement facility , in alphabetical order are:

Brunei Darussalam,
Philippines,
Thailand, and

Visit Visa Exemption for Tourism Purpose are granted for foreign nationals at the Immigration Checkpoints as follows :

a. Airports:

1) Hang Nadim, Riau Islands; 2) Juanda, East Java; 3) Kertajati, West Java; 4) Kualanamu, North Sumatra; 5) Minangkabau, West Sumatra; 6) Ngurah Rai, Bali; 7) Sam Ratulangi, North Sulawesi; 8) Sentani, Jayapura; 9) Soekarno Hatta, Banten; 10) Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman, East Kalimantan; 11) Sultan Hasanuddin, South Sulawesi; 12) Sultan Iskandar Muda, Aceh; 13) Sultan Syarif Kasim II, Riau; 14) Yogyakarta, DI Yogyakarta; 15) Zainuddin Abdul Majid, West Nusa Tenggara.

b. Seaports:

1) Achmad Yani, North Maluku; 2) Amamapare, Papua; 3) Anggrek, Gorontalo; 4) Bagan Siapi-Api, Riau; 5) Bandar Bentan Telani Lagoi, Riau Islands; 6) Bandar Seri Udana Lobam, Riau Islands; 7) Bandar Sri Setia Raja, Riau; 8) Batam Centre, Riau Islands; 9) Batu Ampar, Riau Islands; 10) Belakang Padang, Riau Islands; 11) Belawan, North Sumatra; 12) Benete, West Nusa Tenggara; 13) Benoa, Bali; 14) Biak, Papua; 15) Boom Baru, South Sumatra; 16) Celukan Bawang, Bali; 17) Cirebon, West Java; 18) Citra Tri Tunas, Riau Islands; 19) Ciwandan, Banten; 20) Dumai, Riau; 21) Dwi Kora, West Kalimantan; 22) Gunung Sitoli, North Sumatera; 23) Jambi, Jambi; 24) Jayapura, Papua; 26) Kabil, Riau Islands; 27) Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi; 28) Kota Baru, South Kalimantan; 29) Kuala Enok, Riau; 30) Kuala Langsa, Aceh; 31) Kuala Tanjung, North Sumatra; 32) Kumai, Central Kalimantan; 33) Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara; 34) Lauren Say, East Nusa Tenggara; 35) Lemar, West Nusa Tenggara; 36) Lhokseumawe, Aceh; 37) Malahayati, Aceh; 38) Manado, North Sulawesi Utara; 40) Marina Ancol, DKI Jakarta; 41) Marina Teluk Senimba, Riau Islands; 42) Merauke, Papua; 43) Muara Sabak, Jambi; 44) Nongsa Terminal Bahari, Riau Islands; 45) Nusantara, North Sulawesi; 46) Nusantara Nusantara Pare Pare, South Sulawesi; 47) Padang Bai, Bali; 48) Panarukan, East Java; 49) Pangkal Balam, Bangka Belitung; 50) Panjang, Lampung; 51) Pantoloan, Central Sulawesi; 52) Pasuruan, East Java; 53) Patimban, West Java; 54) Probolinggo, East Java; 55) Pulau Baai, Bengkulu; 56) Sabang, Aceh; 57) Samarinda, East Kalimantan; 58) Sampit, Central Kalimantan; 59) Samudera, North Sulawesi; 60) Saumlaki, Maluku; 61) Sekupang, Riau Islands; 62) Selat Lampa, Riau Islands; 63) Semayang, East Kalimantan; 64) Siak Sri Indrapura, Riau; 65) Sibolga, North Sumatra; 66) Sintete, West Kalimantan; 67) Soekarno-Hatta, South Sulawesi; 68) Sorong, Papua; 69) Sri Bayintan, Riau Islands; 70) Sri Bintan Pura, Riau Islands; 71) Sunda Kelapa, DKI Jakarta; 72) Sungai Guntung, Riau; 73) Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands; 74) Tanjung Emas, Central Jawa; 75) Tanjung Gudang, Bangka Belitung; 76) Tanjung Harapan, Riau; 77) Tanjung Intan, Central Java; 78) Tanjung Kalian, Bangka Belitung; 79) Tanjung Pandan, Bangka Belitung; 80) Tanjung Perak, East Java; 81) Tanjung Priok, DKI Jakarta; 82) Tanjung Uban, Riau Islands; 83) Tanjung Wangi, East Java; 84) Tarempa, Riau Islands; 85) Teluk Bayur, West Sumatra; 86) Teluk Nibung, North Sumatra; 87) Tembilahan, Riau; 88) Tenau, East Nusa Tenggara; 89) Tri Sakti, South Kalimantan; 90) Tual, Maluku; 91) Yos Sudarso, Maluku;

c. Cross-Border Posts:

1) Aruk, West Kalimantan; 2) Entikong, West Kalimantan; 3) Marore, North Sulawesi; 4) Miangas, North Sulawesi; 5) Mota’ain, East Nusa Tenggara; 6) Motamasin, East Nusa Tenggara; 7) Nanga Badau, West Kalimantan; 8) Serasan, Riau Islands; 9) Skouw, Papua; 10) Sota, Papua; 11) Tunon Taka, North Kalimantan; 12) Wini, East Nusa Tenggara.

Effective from 23 September 2022, below are the list of countries and special entities for VOA for tourism, in alphabetical order:

Bosnia Herzegovina
Brunei Darussalam
Czech Republic
Liechtenstein
Netherlands
New Zealand
Philippines
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
South Korea
Switzerland
Timor Leste
Türkiye
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Vatican City

VOA for Tourism Purpose are granted for foreign nationals at the Immigration Checkpoints as follows

Immigration Checkpoints on Airports

Hang Nadim, Riau Islands;
Juanda, East Java;
Kualanamu, North Sumatra;
Ngurah Rai, Bali;
Raja Haji Fisabilillah, Riau Islands;
Sam Ratulangi, North Sulawesi;
Sentani, Papua
Soekarno Hatta, DKI Jakarta;
Sultan Hasanuddin, South Sulawesi;
Sultan Syarif Kasim II, Riau;
Yogyakarta in Special Region of Yogyakarta;
Zainuddin Abdul Madjid in West Nusa Tenggara.

Immigration Checkpoints on Seaports

Bandar Bentan Telani Lagoi, Riau Islands;
Bandar Seri Udana Lobam, Riau Islands;
Batam Centre, Riau Islands;
Belawan, North Sumatra;
Benoa, Bali;
Biak, Papua;
Citra Tri Tunas, Riau Islands;
Dumai in Riau;
Jayapura, Papua;
Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara;
Lembar, West Nusa Tenggara;
Marina Teluk Senimba, Riau Islands;
Malundung, North Kalimantan;
Marina Ancol, Jakarta;
Nongsa Terminal Bahari, Riau Islands;
Nusantara Pare-Pare, South Sulawesi;
Padang Bai, Bali;
Sabang, Aceh;
Samudera, North Sulawesi;
Saumlaki, Maluku;
Sekupang, Riau Islands;
Sibolga, North Sumatra;
Soekarno-Hatta, South Sulawesi;
Sorong, Papua;
Sri Bintan Pura, Riau Islands;
Sunda Kelapa, DKI Jakarta;
Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands;
Tanjung Emas, Central Java;
Tanjung Pandan, Bangka Belitung;
Tanjung Perak, East Java;
Tanjung Priok, Jakarta;
Tarempa, Riau Islands;
Teluk Bayur, North Jakarta;
Tenau, East Nusa Tenggara;
Tual, Maluku.

Immigration Checkpoints on Cross-Border Posts

Mota’ain, East Nusa Tenggara;
Sota, Papua;
Tunon Taka, North Kalimantan;
Wini, East Nusa Tenggara.

The regulations and details for Visit Visa Exemption for Tourism Purpose and Visa On Arrival for Tourism are listed as follows:

1. International travelers must present all requirements for the VOA at the immigration counter, namely:

i. Diplomatic Passport, ii. Service Passport, or iii. General Passport;

With validity period of at least 6 (six) months;

A return ticket or a connecting ticket to continue traveling to another country;
Proof of non-tax revenue payment in case of applying for a VOA for tourism purpose

2. Visa Exemption Arrangement for Tourism and VOA for tourism can be used by foreign nationals to carry out tourism activities or government duties in international activities of a state or government nature;

3. In the event that the foreign national as referred to in number 3 will carry out government duties in international activities of a state or government nature, in addition to meeting the requirements as referred to in number 2 must also attach an invitation letter to attend a conference/trial/meeting issued by the related Ministry/Agency of the Republic of Indonesia;

4. VOA for Tourism can also be granted to foreign nationals holding Diplomatic Passports or Service Passports who are not citizens of the State, Government of a Special Administrative Region of a State, and Certain Entities Subject to a VOA for Tourism in the event that there is no Representative of the Republic of Indonesia in the country/place of residence or emergency/urgent activities, by examining the following requirements:

Diplomatic Passport or Service Passport with a validity period of at least 6 (six) months,
A return ticket or a one-way ticket to continue the journey to another country;
Request letter from the Ministry/Agency/Agency of the Republic of Indonesia;
Letter of approval from the Director General of Immigration;
Proof of non-tax revenue payment for VOA for tourism; and
Invitation letter to attend conferences/trials/meetings issued by Ministries/Institutions/Agencies of the Republic of Indonesia, in terms of the intention of visiting foreigners for government duties in international activities of a state or government nature;

5. The approval letter from the Director General of Immigration as referred to in number 4 letter d is submitted by the chairs of the Ministry/Institution/Agency of the Republic of Indonesia to the Director General of Immigration u.p. Director of Immigration Traffic by attaching:

A request letter from the Ministry/Agency/Agency of the Republic of Indonesia containing data on foreign nationals and the reasons for the submission,
Diplomatic Passport or Service Passport with a validity period of at least 6 (six) months, and

6. Foreign nationals holding Visa Exemption Arrangement for Tourism and VOA for tourism cannot apply for a New Stay Permit through a Visa application;

7. Foreign nationals holding Visa Exemption Arrangement for Tourism and VOA for tourism can leave the territory of Indonesia through all Immigration Checkpoints;

8. The applicable rate for a VOA for tourism is the rate for a Visa on Arrival as referred to in the Attachment to Government Regulation Number 28 of 2019 which is IDR 500,000,-;

9. Perform data reconciliation between non-tax revenue payments, use of Visit Visa stickers on VOA for tourism with immigration crossings on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis;

Passport holders outside the above listed categories in point 2, can also enter Indonesia through entry points mentioned in point 1 by applying for e-visa prior to departure.

If you are already in Indonesia and planning to depart on a domestic trip, we suggest you find an updated regulation regarding domestic travel by clicking the link here .

Second Home Visa

Foreigners can stay for 5 (five) or 10 (ten) years and carry out various activities, such as investment and others. Foreigners can also conveniently apply for a second-home visa through a website-based application( visa-online.imigrasi.go.id ).

Check here for the required documents.

E-Visa on Arrival (E-VoA)

According to the Circular Letter of the Directorate General of Immigration No. IMI-0764.GR.01.01 of 2022 concerning the Immigration Policy regarding Electronic Visit Visa Services, Visit Visa on Arrival Services, and Free Visit Visa to Support Sustainable Tourism during the Covid-19 Pandemic, as of 10 November, 2022, E-VoA program is being applied for some international travelers in order to ease their visit to Indonesia and attract more foreign travelers to come. The E-VoA program is available at 6 airports and 11 seaports across Indonesia and currently accessible to foreign nationals from 46 countries.

You can check the details regarding the E-VoA program by clicking the link here .

It is also expected for all international travelers to practice healthy habits such as washing hands frequently, wearing a mask in public places, and implementing social distancing. Kindly note that this regulation changes dynamically in order to adapt to certain circumstances. Be sure to follow us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , TikTok and YouTube to get an immediate update on the regulations in the future.

*Disclaimer : This article was updated on 16 January 2022. Due to the dynamic nature of travel regulations, please stay updated and confirm your itinerary with your chosen travel providers.

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