Why visit Indonesia?
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of thousands of islands, from volcanic Java and vibrant Bali to the wild rainforests of Sumatra. You find a blend of coastal escapes, heritage cities, and lush highlands, all shaped by centuries of maritime trade.
What to expect
You can balance time between Jakarta’s dynamic capital energy, the beaches and temples of Bali, and historic port cities like Surabaya or Medan’s gateway to Lake Toba. Each island has its own pace, scenery, and traditions, so no two stops on your journey feel the same.
Plan your trip
You can use major hubs such as Jakarta, Denpasar, Surabaya, and Medan as bases for exploring wider regions by air, road, and sea. Indonesia also sits at the heart of Southeast Asia, making it an easy springboard to neighbouring countries on a longer regional journey.
Discover Indonesia
Discover Indonesia
Top experiences in Indonesia
Unwind on Bali’s beaches
Relax on Bali’s sands from lively Kuta and Seminyak to calmer Sanur and Nusa Dua, with easy access to cafés, surf spots, and sunset viewpoints.
Explore Jakarta’s old town
Stroll Jakarta’s Kota Tua district to see colonial-era buildings, museums, and busy squares that tell the story of the city’s trading past.
Visit Borobudur and Prambanan from Java
Plan a side trip from central Java to see Borobudur and Prambanan, two monumental temple complexes surrounded by rice fields and volcanoes.
Discover Lake Toba from Medan
Travel from Medan into the highlands to Lake Toba, where cooler air, forested slopes, and lakeside villages create a peaceful retreat.
Walk the streets of Surabaya
Explore Surabaya’s riverside, historic quarters, and modern waterfront malls that reveal its role as one of Indonesia’s main port cities.
Dive and snorkel Indonesia’s reefs
Join diving or snorkelling trips from Bali and other islands to encounter coral gardens, colourful fish, and clear warm waters.
Experience Bali’s upland villages
Head inland to areas around Ubud, where rice terraces, art studios, and forested valleys offer a different side to the island.
Taste Indonesian coffee at the source
Visit coffee-growing areas on Java, Sumatra, or Bali to sample local beans, learn about production, and enjoy cooler plantation scenery.
Experience Indonesia’s way of life
Getting around
You can connect Indonesia’s major cities by domestic flights, with Jakarta, Denpasar, Surabaya, and Medan acting as key hubs. Within islands, intercity buses, trains on Java, ride-hailing apps, and private drivers make it simple to move between towns and resorts.
Local life & culture
Daily life moves between modern city skylines and traditional village rhythms, often centred around neighbourhood gatherings, community halls, and festivals. You notice strong regional identities, from Sumatra’s highland communities to Bali’s creative arts scene and Java’s long heritage of crafts and performance.
Where to unwind
Across Indonesia, you find calm in coastal resorts, hillside retreats, and quiet islands just a short boat ride from busy ports. Many travellers choose spa hotels, yoga spaces, or simple beach stays, where you can watch sunsets, walk through rice fields, or sit beside rivers and lakes.
A taste of Indonesia
National dishes & specialties
Indonesia’s cuisine is known for fragrant rice dishes, spiced meats, and hearty stews, with each island offering its own favourites. You can try dishes from Java, Sumatra, and Bali, where local sauces, herbs, and cooking styles shape distinct regional flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Denpasar, you find casual eateries, contemporary cafés, and family-run spots side by side. Food courts and neighbourhood streets offer everything from quick, comforting meals to creative modern plates, making it easy to eat well at any time of day.
Signature & scenic dining
You can dine with views of city skylines, beach sunsets, or hillside rice terraces, depending on where you stay. Rooftop venues, clifftop restaurants, and intimate garden settings all add atmosphere, turning a simple meal into a memorable part of your trip.
Retail therapy in Indonesia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Jakarta, Surabaya, and Denpasar offer large malls that blend international labels with local designers, cinemas, and dining. These lifestyle hubs are ideal for cooling off, picking up essentials, and enjoying entertainment in one stop.
Markets & local crafts
Across Bali, Java, and Sumatra, markets showcase textiles, carvings, and handmade souvenirs that reflect local styles. Cities such as Jakarta, Denpasar, and Medan are good bases for browsing traditional crafts alongside contemporary Indonesian brands.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and select markets stay busy, especially in Jakarta and Bali’s resort areas. You can combine a relaxed evening walk with browsing boutiques, sampling street snacks nearby, and people-watching in lively districts.
Best time to visit Indonesia
Dry season (peak season): From June to September, much of Indonesia experiences its driest weather, with average temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F). This period is popular for beach holidays, outdoor sightseeing, and island-hopping.
Shoulder months (shoulder season): April to May and October to early November bring warm conditions of about 27–30°C (81–86°F), with a mix of sunshine and occasional showers. These months often feel a little quieter while still offering good conditions for travel.
Rainy season (low season): From November to March, heavier rain showers and higher humidity are common, with temperatures around 26–29°C (79–84°F). Downpours are often brief but intense, and some outdoor activities or remote journeys may be affected.