Indonesia Travel Guide

This comprehensive Indonesia travel guide covers top tourist attractions, best time to visit, where to stay, food, local culture, dos and don'ts, and health and safety tips.


Introduction to Indonesia

Indonesia is a beautiful archipelago country located in Southeast Asia. It comprises of more than 17,000 islands and is a well-known tourist destination for its diverse culture, natural beauty, and vibrant history.

Indonesia is home to numerous world-famous attractions, including some of the most breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and magical diving spots. The country is also rich in history and culture, with many museums and historical sites to visit.

In this travel guide to Indonesia, we will cover everything you need to know to plan your trip, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, safety and health tips, and cultural dos and don’ts.

List of Places to Visit in Indonesia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Indonesia has a rich cultural heritage that is apparent in its museums and historical places. These attractions are a must-visit for tourists:

  • National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta
  • Bali Museum in Denpasar
  • Wayang Museum in Jakarta
  • Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta
  • Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta
  • Komodo National Park
  • Raja Ampat in Papua

Natural Attractions of Indonesia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Indonesia’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring, and there is something for everyone, from hiking in the mountains to diving in the sea. Some of its best natural attractions include:

  • Mount Bromo in East Java
  • Mount Rinjani in Lombok
  • Lake Toba in Sumatra
  • Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali
  • Tanah Lot in Bali
  • Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Bali
  • Gili Islands in Lombok
  • Menjangan Island in Bali

Hiking/Biking Routes of Indonesia

Indonesia boasts excellent hiking and biking trails that provide a unique way to experience its natural wonders. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Bali Mountain Bike Adventure
  • Rinjani Trekking in Lombok
  • Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park Trekking Tour
  • Prau Mountain in Central Java
  • Mount Batur Sunrise Trek in Bali

Best Things to Do in Indonesia: Activities and Tours

Indonesia has something for everyone, and here are some of the top things to do in the country:

  • White-Water Rafting in Bali, Java, and Sumatra
  • Scuba Diving in Bali and Raja Ampat
  • Surfing in Bali and Lombok
  • Island Hopping in Bali and Gili Islands
  • Jungle Trekking in Sumatra
  • Yoga Retreats in Bali
  • Cooking Classes in Bali
  • Visit traditional markets and handicraft villages in Bali and Yogyakarta

Week-Long Itinerary for Indonesia

For those with limited time, a week-long itinerary can cover the top attractions of Indonesia:

  • Day 1-2 in Bali: Visit Ubud, Monkey Forest, Tanah Lot, and rice terraces.
  • Day 3-4 in Lombok or Gili Islands: Hiking, beach, and water sports.
  • Day 5-6 in Yogyakarta: Borobudur, Prambanan, and explore the city.
  • Day 7 in Jakarta: National Museum, Monas, and shopping.

Food and Drink Scene of Indonesia

Indonesia has a rich culinary culture, and trying the local cuisine is one way to understand Indonesian culture. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nasi Goreng: Indonesian Fried Rice
  • Gado-Gado: A vegetable salad with peanut sauce.
  • Mie Goreng: Indonesian Fried Noodles
  • Rendang: Spicy Beef Curry
  • Satay: Grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce
  • Soto Ayam: Chicken Soup with Spices
  • Nasi Padang: Minangkabau Spicy Rice Dish

Local Beverages

  • Kopi Luwak: Civet Cat Coffee
  • Bintang Beer: Local Beer
  • Teh Tarik: Milk Tea

Where to Stay in Indonesia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Indonesia has a wide range of accommodations, from budget to luxury:

  • Budget: Hostels, homestays, and guesthouses are available for as low as $7 per night.
  • Mid-range: Hotels and resorts can range from $30 to $100 per night.
  • Luxury: High-end hotels and villas can cost upwards of $300 per night.

What to Buy in Indonesia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs to bring back from Indonesia:

  • Batik: Traditional Indonesian fabric
  • Handicrafts: Carvings, jewelry, and pottery
  • Coffee and Tea: Try the local Kopi Luwak or Ceylon tea.
  • Spices: Nutmeg and other rare spices are unique to Indonesia.

Local Culture and Customs of Indonesia

Indonesia is a country with a diverse cultural heritage, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Here are some tips:

  • Dress modestly in public places, especially when visiting temples or religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes before entering homes, temples, or mosques.
  • Use your right hand for eating and greeting people.
  • Smile and be polite, as Indonesians are generally friendly.

Best Time to Visit Indonesia

The best time to visit Indonesia is between May and September, during the dry season when it is pleasant for outdoor activities. The high season is from July to August, when most Indonesians take their annual leave. It is best to avoid the rainy season from October to March.

Do’s and Don’ts of Indonesia

Here are some cultural do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Indonesia:

Do:

  • Learn a few phrases in Indonesian
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Bargain at markets and street vendors

Don’t:

  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
  • Don’t drink tap water without boiling or filtering.
  • Don’t touch someone’s head, as it is considered rude.

Safety and Health

Safety in Indonesia

Indonesia is considered a safe country, but like any other tourist destination, it is important to be cautious and take necessary precautions, such as:

  • Keep valuables and travel documents in a safe place.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid deserted areas at night.

Health in Indonesia

It is recommended to get vaccinated before traveling to Indonesia. Here are some common health hazards:

  • Dengue Fever: Mosquito-borne virus
  • Malaria: A serious mosquito-borne disease
  • Bali Belly: A stomach ailment from consuming contaminated food or water

Getting to Indonesia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Indonesia

Indonesia has several international airports, including:

  • Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
  • Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali
  • Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO) in Bandung

Bus Stations Near Indonesia

Bus travel is affordable and accessible in Indonesia. Some of the popular bus routes are:

  • Jakarta to Bandung
  • Yogyakarta to Bali
  • Bali to Lombok

Other Options

Other options include taking the train or hiring a private driver. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Go-Jek are also available in Indonesia.

How to Get Around in Indonesia

Transportation options within Indonesia include:

  • Taxi (Metered or chartered)
  • Motorbike
  • Ojek (Motorcycle taxi)
  • Buses and minibusses
  • Car rental

Where to Go Next from Indonesia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations that are worth visiting:

  • Singapore: A modern city-state with a vibrant food and nightlife scene.
  • Malaysia: An Islamic country known for its food and beaches.
  • Thailand: A tourist-friendly country with stunning attractions and temples.
  • Australia: The land down under, with its rugged wilderness, famous beaches, and diverse wildlife.

Conclusion

Indonesia is an amazing country to visit, with its diverse culture, natural beauty, and history. From hiking and biking to scuba diving and surfing, there is something for everyone. With a little preparation, you can ensure a memorable and safe trip.

...''there be dragons'' ...''there be dragons'' Java Man, National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta Java Man, National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta The temples of Prambanan (c. 10th century) The temples of Prambanan (c. 10th century) Fort Tolukko, a colonial fortification built on the clove island of Ternate by the Spanish in 1611, later occupied by the Dutch and used as a royal residence by Ternate's Sultan Fort Tolukko, a colonial fortification built on the clove island of Ternate by the Spanish in 1611, later occupied by the Dutch and used as a royal residence by Ternate's Sultan Pulau Run, one of the Banda Islands and now a sleepy place, remote from the mainstream of worldwide commerce, was once traded by Britain to the Dutch in exchange for another small island, off the coast of America: Manhattan! Pulau Run, one of the Banda Islands and now a sleepy place, remote from the mainstream of worldwide commerce, was once traded by Britain to the Dutch in exchange for another small island, off the coast of America: Manhattan! Sukarno's tribute to independence and unity — National Monument, Central Jakarta Sukarno's tribute to independence and unity — National Monument, Central Jakarta ''Wayang kulit'' shadow puppetry, Solo ''Wayang kulit'' shadow puppetry, Solo Sundanese traditional singing performance Sundanese traditional singing performance Time in Indonesia. WIB=yellow, WITA=light green, WIT=turquoise Time in Indonesia. WIB=yellow, WITA=light green, WIT=turquoise Ferry terminal in Batam Ferry terminal in Batam PELNI route map PELNI route map Inside an executive train car Inside an executive train car Depok bus station with angkots queuing to get out Depok bus station with angkots queuing to get out Road in Bali Road in Bali More abundant taxis, 5 Express taxis (white) and 6 BlueBird taxis (blue) waiting for order More abundant taxis, 5 Express taxis (white) and 6 BlueBird taxis (blue) waiting for order ''Becak'' in Bandung ''Becak'' in Bandung The Tengger Massif consists of Mount Bromo on the left, and Mount Semeru at the far centre spewing smoke. The Tengger Massif consists of Mount Bromo on the left, and Mount Semeru at the far centre spewing smoke. An endemic Sumatran orangutan in the Gunung Leuser National Park An endemic Sumatran orangutan in the Gunung Leuser National Park A Buddha statue at the Borobudur temple with the hand position of dharmachakra mudra A Buddha statue at the Borobudur temple with the hand position of dharmachakra mudra Part of Pura Ulun Danau Bratan temple complex in Bali Part of Pura Ulun Danau Bratan temple complex in Bali The Sundanese Wayang Golek is noticeably different than the Javanese shadow puppets. The Sundanese Wayang Golek is noticeably different than the Javanese shadow puppets. Bunaken National Marine Park, Manado Bunaken National Marine Park, Manado Indonesian rupiah (IDR) banknotes Indonesian rupiah (IDR) banknotes A row of shops in Purwokerto A row of shops in Purwokerto Smoked milkfish, the oleh-oleh of choice from Semarang Smoked milkfish, the oleh-oleh of choice from Semarang Spiced ''nasi kuning'' (rice coloured yellow with turmeric) shaped into the ceremonial ''tumpeng'' (cone) and topped with dried beef ''abon'' Spiced ''nasi kuning'' (rice coloured yellow with turmeric) shaped into the ceremonial ''tumpeng'' (cone) and topped with dried beef ''abon'' A ''kaki lima'' serving up ''bakso'' meatball soup in Kuta, Bali A ''kaki lima'' serving up ''bakso'' meatball soup in Kuta, Bali Avocado juice (''jus alpukat'') with a squirt of chocolate syrup or condensed chocolate milk Avocado juice (''jus alpukat'') with a squirt of chocolate syrup or condensed chocolate milk Tehbotol Sosro, Indonesia's answer to Coca-Cola Tehbotol Sosro, Indonesia's answer to Coca-Cola Bintang Beer is Indonesia's most famous beer brand. Bintang Beer is Indonesia's most famous beer brand. A guesthouse in South Sulawesi A guesthouse in South Sulawesi Skyscrapers in Jakarta Skyscrapers in Jakarta Mount Semeru, a popular tourist attraction in East Java, erupting in 2004 Mount Semeru, a popular tourist attraction in East Java, erupting in 2004 Tsunami memorial in Aceh Tsunami memorial in Aceh Pharmacy in Ubud Pharmacy in Ubud Cell phone mast in Java Cell phone mast in Java Postal office in Yogyakarta Postal office in Yogyakarta


    Bali
    Java
    Kalimantan
    Maluku
    Nusa Tenggara
    Papua
    Sulawesi
    Sumatra