Why visit Indonesia?
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of thousands of islands, where volcanic landscapes meet tropical seas and busy cities. You can move from serene temples and rice terraces to energetic streets and modern skylines in a single trip.
What to expect
Most journeys start in Jakarta or Denpasar Bali, before branching out to cities such as Surabaya or Medan and on to smaller islands. Each region has its own character, from Java's cultural centres to Bali's beach towns and Sumatra's wild interiors.
Plan your trip
You can combine city time, beach escapes, and nature in one itinerary, using major hubs as your base. Indonesia also works well as part of a wider Southeast Asia journey, with good links onwards from its key gateways.
Discover Indonesia
Discover Indonesia
Top experiences in Indonesia
Unwind on Bali's beaches
Split your time between Bali's lively southern shores and its calmer coastal villages for sunsets, surf, and relaxed evenings.
Explore Jakarta's city energy
Discover Jakarta's museums, waterfront, and modern districts, then pause at leafy cafés and rooftop viewpoints.
Walk through history in Yogyakarta
Plan a side trip from Jakarta or Surabaya to Yogyakarta for impressive historic sites, arts, and traditional architecture.
See volcano landscapes near Surabaya
Use Surabaya as a gateway to dramatic volcanic scenery, sunrise viewpoints, and highland villages on East Java.
Discover Sumatra from Medan
From Medan, travel inland to highland lakes, forested slopes, and cooler hill towns for a change of pace.
Island-hop around Indonesia
Combine larger hubs with smaller islands reached by short domestic flights or boats for snorkelling, diving, and quiet coves.
Immerse yourself in traditional arts and crafts
Look out for batik, woodcarving, textiles, and contemporary design in galleries and studios across Java and Bali.
Relax in Indonesia's spa retreats
Choose from simple village spas to refined wellness resorts, often set among rice fields or overlooking the sea.
Experience Indonesia's way of life
Getting around
For longer distances, domestic flights link Jakarta, Denpasar Bali, Surabaya, Medan, and many secondary islands efficiently. Within Java and Bali, you can combine private transfers, ride-hailing apps, and, in some areas, trains to move between cities and resort areas.
Local life & culture
Daily life shifts from Jakarta's fast-paced business districts to the more laid-back rhythm of Bali's beach towns and villages. Across the archipelago you will find strong artistic traditions, community festivals, and a mix of modern city lifestyles and long-established customs.
Where to unwind
Indonesia offers many ways to slow down, from quiet beach stays and island retreats to highland guesthouses surrounded by greenery. Coastal boardwalks, scenic viewpoints, and hotel pools in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Medan all give you space to relax between excursions.
A taste of Indonesia
National dishes & specialties
Indonesia is known for richly spiced rice and noodle dishes, grilled meats, and flavourful vegetable plates. Different islands have their own favourites, with Java, Bali, and Sumatra each offering distinctive sauces, spice blends, and ways of cooking.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Jakarta, Denpasar Bali, Surabaya, and Medan you will find everything from small local eateries to sleek contemporary cafés. It is easy to try both Indonesian flavours and international options, often in the same neighbourhood or even the same street.
Signature & scenic dining
Bali is popular for sea-view restaurants and hilltop venues overlooking rice terraces or forest. Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan offer sky-high dining rooms and riverside or waterfront settings, giving you memorable backdrops to your meal.
Retail therapy in Indonesia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar Bali, and Medan all feature large malls that combine international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining. Many stay open late, so you can comfortably shop and eat in air-conditioned surroundings after a day out.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and craft villages offer batik, textiles, art, and everyday essentials, especially around Yogyakarta, Bali, and Java's historic towns. In Bali and Java, you can also find dedicated craft centres that showcase woodwork, silverwork, and handmade homeware.
Evening retail scene
As evening falls, shopping streets and malls in major Indonesian cities become livelier and often brightly lit. In many areas, pop-up stalls and night markets add to the atmosphere, mixing late-night snacks with casual browsing.
Best time to visit Indonesia
Peak season: June to August is generally drier across much of Indonesia, with average temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F), making it popular for beach holidays and outdoor activities.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October usually bring warm conditions of about 26–29°C (79–84°F), with a mix of sunny days and occasional showers and fewer crowds in many areas.
Low season: November to March is typically wetter, especially from December to February, with temperatures around 26–29°C (79–84°F); heavier showers are common, but you can still enjoy indoor attractions and shorter coastal breaks.