Why visit Indonesia?
Indonesia offers thousands of islands, vibrant cities, and a mix of modern life and deep-rooted tradition. From lush volcanoes and beaches to dynamic urban centres, you find a different side of the country in every region.
What to expect
You can divide most trips between city time and island escapes. Jakarta buzzes with energy, Surabaya mixes heritage and port life, Medan opens the gateway to Sumatra, while Bali is all about beaches, temples, and wellness retreats.
Plan your trip
You can combine several regions in one journey using well-connected domestic flights and ferries. Indonesia also works well as part of a wider Southeast Asia trip, with Singapore and other regional hubs linking you onwards.
Discover Indonesia
Discover Indonesia
Top experiences in Indonesia
Unwind on Bali's beaches
Relax on the sands around Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua, where you can enjoy sunsets, surfing, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Explore vibrant Jakarta
Stroll through Kota Tua's historic streets, visit modern art spaces, and experience the capital's lively neighbourhoods and skyline views.
Discover Surabaya's heritage
Walk past colonial-era buildings, riverfront promenades, and local neighbourhoods that showcase the city's maritime history and culture.
Visit Lake Toba from Medan
Travel into the highlands from Medan to see the vast volcanic Lake Toba and traditional Batak villages on Samosir Island.
Chase waterfalls and rice terraces in Bali
Head inland towards Ubud to find emerald rice fields, forest valleys, and hidden waterfalls perfect for gentle hikes.
Climb volcano viewpoints in Java
Join early-morning excursions from Surabaya to viewpoints around Mount Bromo for dramatic landscapes and sunrise scenes.
Experience urban nightlife in Jakarta
Spend an evening in districts like SCBD or Kemang, where rooftop venues and live music create a lively city atmosphere.
Explore Medan's city streets
Walk through Medan's central districts, where historic buildings stand alongside busy shopping streets and local coffee houses.
Experience Indonesia's way of life
Getting around
Between major cities, domestic flights are usually the fastest way to travel, with frequent services linking Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Medan. In cities you can make use of ride-hailing apps, metered taxis, and in some places commuter rail or bus rapid transit.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Indonesia often centres around neighbourhood communities, with gatherings at local cafes, seaside promenades, and public squares. You will notice different traditions and languages from island to island, yet hospitality and a relaxed, unhurried rhythm are common everywhere.
Where to unwind
You can retreat to beach resorts in Bali and island getaways near Jakarta or Medan for quiet stays by the water. Highland areas and national parks across Java and Sumatra offer cool air, scenic viewpoints, and walking trails ideal for slow-paced exploration.
A taste of Indonesia
National dishes & specialties
Many visitors seek out specialities like fragrant rice dishes, grilled seafood, and richly spiced stews, each region putting its own twist on familiar flavours. Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Medan all have local favourites that reflect their history and coastal or highland setting.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Indonesia's cities you find casual eateries, contemporary cafes, and relaxed bistros serving both local and international options. Neighbourhood food streets, mall food courts, and coastal dining strips make it easy to try different flavours in one evening.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose clifftop venues in Bali, high-rise restaurants in Jakarta, or heritage-style spaces in Surabaya and Medan. Many places pair Indonesian menus with skyline, riverside, or ocean views for an atmospheric dining experience.
Retail therapy in Indonesia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Bali host large malls where you can find international labels, local designers, and lifestyle stores under one roof. These centres often combine shopping with cinemas, family attractions, and extensive dining choices.
Markets & local crafts
For something more local, explore markets and craft centres in Bali, Jakarta, and Medan, where you can browse textiles, carvings, and decorative pieces. Smaller towns across Java and Sumatra also have traditional markets stocked with regional specialties.
Evening retail scene
After dark, popular shopping districts stay lively, especially around Jakarta and Bali's resort areas. Night-time brings cooler temperatures, illuminated storefronts, and late-opening markets that turn a simple stroll into part of the experience.
Best time to visit Indonesia
Dry season (peak season)
From June to September, much of Indonesia experiences a drier period with warm days around 27–31°C (81–88°F). This is the peak season, especially for coastal and island destinations, with clearer skies and calmer seas.
Shoulder months (shoulder season)
April to May and October to early November often bring a mix of sunshine and brief showers, with temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F). This shoulder season can offer more space at popular spots while still being suitable for outdoor activities.
Rainy season (low season)
From mid-November to March, showers become more frequent, usually as short, heavy bursts, and temperatures sit around 26–29°C (79–84°F). It is considered low season in many areas, but you can still enjoy city sights and indoor attractions between downpours.