Indonesia Travel Guide

Complete Guide to Indonesia: The Ultimate Travel Resource

Overview

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, spans over 17,000 islands and boasts 120+ active volcanoes, 700+ languages, and a population of approximately 275 million. From world-class surfing to ancient temples, pristine beaches to vibrant cities, Indonesia offers an unparalleled diversity of experiences.

Essential Travel Information

Entry Requirements

Passport & Visa

  • Passport must have minimum 6 months validity from arrival date

  • E-Visa available through http://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/

  • Visa on Arrival (VOA) available for select countries ($35 USD/500,000 IDR)

  • Processing time: 3-5 working days

Bali Cultural Tax (From February 14, 2024)

  • 150,000 IDR ($10 USD) per foreign visitor

  • One-time payment during visit

  • Supports cultural preservation and waste management

  • Payable online or at arrival counters

When to Visit

Indonesia experiences two distinct seasons:

  • Dry Season (May-September)

    • Ideal for most activities

    • Temperatures: 26-29°C (78-84°F)

    • Best for diving, cultural sites, volcano climbing

  • Wet Season (October-April)

    • Peak rainfall: December-March

    • Brief but intense tropical downpours

    • Some regions less accessible

    • Eastern regions more affected than western

Transportation

International Airports

  1. Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) - Jakarta

  2. Ngurah Rai (DPS) - Bali

  3. Yogyakarta International (YIA)

  4. Juanda (SUB) - Surabaya

  5. Zainuddin Abdul Madjid (LOP) - Lombok

Getting Around

  • Air Travel: Most efficient for inter-island travel

    • Major carriers: Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia, Lion Air, Batik Air

  • Trains (Java)

    • Classes: Executive (AC), Business, Economy

    • Popular routes: Jakarta-Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta-Surabaya

  • Ferries

    • Regular services between neighboring islands

    • Popular route: Java-Bali (30-minute crossing)

  • Private Transport

    • Car with driver recommended

    • Offers flexibility and local knowledge

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)

  • 700+ local languages spoken

  • English widely used in tourist areas

Currency

  • Indonesian Rupiah (IDR/Rp)

  • Notes: 1,000-100,000 Rp denominations

  • ATMs common in cities/tourist areas

  • Credit cards accepted in larger establishments

Time Zones

Indonesia spans three time zones:

  • WIB (UTC+7): Western Indonesia

  • WITA (UTC+8): Central Indonesia

  • WIT (UTC+9): Eastern Indonesia

Must-Visit Destinations

Bali

  • Known as "Island of the Gods"

  • Famous for beaches, temples, rice terraces

  • Popular areas: Ubud, Uluwatu, Seminyak

  • Ideal for yoga, surfing, cultural experiences

Java

  • Indonesia's economic and cultural heart

  • Key attractions:

    • Borobudur Temple (world's largest Buddhist temple)

    • Prambanan Temple

    • Mount Bromo

    • Yogyakarta cultural sites

Flores & Komodo

  • Home to Komodo dragons

  • World-class diving

  • Traditional villages

  • Multi-colored crater lakes at Kelimutu

Lombok

  • Gili Islands

  • Mount Rinjani

  • Pristine beaches

  • Traditional villages

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

  • Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo)

  • Sumba Island

  • Sulawesi

  • Western New Guinea

Activities & Experiences

Adventure

  • Scuba diving in the Coral Triangle

  • Surfing world-class waves

  • Volcano hiking

  • Jungle trekking

Cultural

  • Temple visits

  • Traditional ceremonies

  • Art workshops

  • Local market tours

Travel Tips

Safety

  • Generally safe for tourists

  • Exercise normal precautions

  • Be aware of natural disaster risks

  • Keep valuables secure

Health

  • No mandatory vaccinations (unless arriving from Yellow Fever areas)

  • Recommended: Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis

  • Consult healthcare provider before travel

Tipping Guide

For groups of 1-5 persons:

  • Guide: $5-6 USD/day

  • Driver: $3-4 USD/day

  • Service staff: $1-2 USD/day

Packing Essentials

  • Passport and visa documentation

  • Light, breathable clothing

  • Rain gear

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Adaptor

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sun protection

Money-Saving Tips

  • Learn basic Indonesian phrases

  • Travel during shoulder season

  • Use local transport where safe

  • Eat at local establishments

  • Register phone IMEI upon arrival for local SIM use

Sample Two-Week Itinerary

Java & Bali Highlights

  1. Days 1-4: Yogyakarta (Borobudur & Prambanan)

  2. Day 5: Mount Bromo area

  3. Days 6-7: Mount Ijen

  4. Days 7-10: Ubud, Bali

  5. Days 11-15: Uluwatu, Bali

For detailed itineraries and hotel recommendations, visit: B2K Epic Adventures