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
Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) - Jakarta
Ngurah Rai (DPS) - Bali
Yogyakarta International (YIA)
Juanda (SUB) - Surabaya
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
Days 1-4: Yogyakarta (Borobudur & Prambanan)
Day 5: Mount Bromo area
Days 6-7: Mount Ijen
Days 7-10: Ubud, Bali
Days 11-15: Uluwatu, Bali