Why visit Indonesia?
Indonesia offers volcanic landscapes, tropical islands, and lively cities spread across a vast archipelago. You experience a blend of heritage, nature, and modern life, from temple complexes to surf beaches and rainforest highlands.
What to expect
You can wander through Jakarta's urban energy, explore the cultural heart of Yogyakarta, or unwind in Bali's beach towns and rice terraces. Offshore islands like Lombok and the Gili Islands add quieter escapes and marine adventures.
Plan your trip
Many travellers combine a city stay with time by the sea, flying between hubs such as Jakarta, Denpasar, Surabaya, and Medan. Indonesia also acts as a springboard to wider Southeast Asia, with good connections to neighbouring countries.
Discover Indonesia
Discover Indonesia
Top experiences in Indonesia
Unwind on Bali's beaches
Split your time between the sands of Seminyak or Jimbaran and the serene hills and rice terraces around Ubud.
Explore Jakarta's city life
Discover Jakarta's museums, heritage districts, and modern skyline, then relax in rooftop venues above the busy streets.
Visit ancient temples in Central Java
Take a side trip from major cities to see impressive temple complexes and sunrise views over volcanic landscapes.
Hike volcanic landscapes
Join guided trips from Surabaya and other gateways to see dramatic craters, smoking peaks, and sunrise viewpoints.
Discover North Sumatra from Medan
Use Medan as your base to reach highland lakes, tea plantations, and cooler mountain retreats.
Dive and snorkel vibrant reefs
Head from Bali and nearby islands to clear waters, coral gardens, and calm bays ideal for marine adventures.
Experience Indonesia's arts and crafts
Browse ateliers and studios for batik, wood carving, and silverwork, especially in cultural towns across Java and Bali.
Cruise between islands
Join short boat trips or longer liveaboards to reach quieter shores, bays, and national parks across the archipelago.
Experience Indonesia's way of life
Getting around
Indonesia's key cities, including Jakarta, Denpasar, Surabaya, and Medan, are well linked by domestic flights, making it easy to cover large distances. Within cities, you can use ride-hailing apps, taxis, and local transport, while intercity travel may involve trains, buses, or ferries.
Local life & culture
Daily life moves at a different rhythm in each region, from Jakarta's tower-lined avenues to Bali's villages and Java's historic towns. You encounter a strong emphasis on community, with frequent cultural performances, handicraft traditions, and regional festivals adding colour to city streets and rural squares.
Where to unwind
You can relax on palm-fringed beaches, in hillside retreats among rice terraces, or beside mountain lakes and cool highlands. Many resorts and boutique stays focus on wellness, offering spas, yoga spaces, and quiet gardens, while national parks and rural trails invite gentle walks in nature.
A taste of Indonesia
National dishes & specialties
Across Indonesia, you find fragrant rice dishes, skewers from street grills, and richly spiced curries that vary by island. Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Bali each showcase their own favourites, often served with sambal and fresh vegetables on the side.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You can eat well in simple warungs, food halls, and contemporary cafés scattered through major cities and resort areas. Menus reflect both local recipes and international flavours, with plenty of options if you prefer lighter bites or familiar comfort food.
Signature & scenic dining
In Jakarta and Surabaya, high-rise restaurants offer skyline views, while in Bali you can dine overlooking rice fields, cliffs, or the ocean. Beachfront venues, riverside terraces, and courtyard restaurants turn mealtimes into relaxed, lingering experiences.
Retail therapy in Indonesia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Jakarta's large malls and lifestyle centres bring together international brands, cinemas, and dining in one cool, air-conditioned space. Denpasar and Surabaya also offer modern complexes where you can combine shopping with cafés and family activities.
Markets & local crafts
For handmade pieces, you can explore markets and craft villages in Bali, Java, and around Medan. These are good places to find textiles, carvings, and small souvenirs, while bargaining is often part of the experience in traditional market settings.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and night markets in cities such as Jakarta and Denpasar come alive with food stalls, small shops, and live music. Resorts and beachfront areas often host evening bazaars, where you can browse relaxed stalls in the cooler night air.
Best time to visit Indonesia
Dry season (peak season): From June to September, many regions experience lower rainfall, with typical temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F). This is popular for beach holidays and outdoor activities.
Shoulder season (shoulder season): April to May and October to early November bring warm weather around 27–31°C (81–88°F), with occasional showers. Conditions are generally good, and many areas feel a little quieter.
Rainy season (low season): From late November to March, heavier showers and humid conditions are common, with temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F). Downpours are often brief, and many destinations remain very visitable.