Why visit Indonesia?
Indonesia offers a tapestry of islands, volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches, where modern cities sit beside traditional villages. You can move from high-energy urban life to serene coastal sunsets in a single trip.
What to expect
Explore the capital Jakarta, cultural heartlands like Yogyakarta, and resort hubs such as Bali. Beyond these, places like Surabaya and Medan open doors to dramatic volcanoes, highland lakes, and lesser-known islands.
Plan your trip
Indonesia works well for both short escapes and longer multi-stop journeys. With strong air links across the archipelago, it also serves as a natural gateway to wider South-east Asia and the Pacific.
Discover Indonesia
Discover Indonesia
Top experiences in Indonesia
Unwind on Bali's beaches
Split your time between Bali's golden south-coast beaches and its cooler inland hills and rice terraces.
Explore dynamic Jakarta
Discover Jakarta's modern skyline, historic old town, and vibrant arts and nightlife districts in one energetic city.
Visit ancient temples in Java
Take day trips from central Java cities to explore centuries-old temples set among volcanoes and rice fields.
Discover East Java's volcano landscapes
Use Surabaya as your base for early-morning journeys to mist-filled craters and dramatic volcanic viewpoints.
Cruise Lake Toba near Medan
Travel from Medan to Lake Toba to enjoy cool air, island villages, and calm waters inside a vast caldera.
Snorkel and dive in clear waters
Join boat trips from Indonesian island hubs to reefs alive with colourful coral and tropical fish.
Sample Indonesian coffee culture
Sit in local cafes to taste single-origin coffees from Sumatra, Java, and beyond, often roasted on-site.
Shop for batik and handicrafts
Browse boutiques and markets for batik textiles, wood carvings, and silverwork to bring home.
Experience Indonesia's way of life
Getting around
Indonesia's main cities and islands are linked by an extensive domestic flight network, ideal for covering long distances quickly. Within cities, you can use ride-hailing apps, taxis, and modern commuter rail lines where available.
Local life & culture
City life in Indonesia moves between sleek malls, lively neighbourhood streets, and traditional markets. Across the islands, you will notice distinct local customs, arts, and architecture that give each region its own character.
Where to unwind
You can escape to beaches, rice terraces, and forested hills when you need a slower pace. Many destinations offer coastal promenades, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints for simple outdoor walks and fresh air.
A taste of Indonesia
National dishes & specialties
Indonesia is known for flavourful rice and noodle dishes, grilled meats, and aromatic spice pastes. Regions such as Java, Bali, and Sumatra each have their own celebrated specialities and signature sauces.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In major cities, you can eat at humble street stalls, food courts, and contemporary cafes on the same day. Coastal areas and islands bring abundant seafood, while inland towns offer hearty, home-style regional cooking.
Signature & scenic dining
Many resorts and city hotels feature refined takes on local cuisine, often with skyline or ocean views. In popular destinations, you can also find cliffside restaurants, rooftop terraces, and riverside venues for memorable evenings.
Retail therapy in Indonesia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Jakarta and Surabaya feature large malls that combine international labels with local designers and lifestyle concepts. In Bali and Medan, compact lifestyle centres mix boutiques, dining, and entertainment under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets in cities like Jakarta, Denpasar, and Medan are ideal for textiles, spices, and everyday items. In craft villages and smaller towns, you can find handmade batik, carvings, and woven goods directly from artisans.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and mall districts in larger cities stay lively with lights, music, and food spots. In resort areas, boutique-lined lanes invite relaxed browsing after dinner.
Best time to visit Indonesia
Dry season (peak season): From June to September, many parts of Indonesia are warm and relatively dry, with average temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F). This is popular for beach stays and outdoor sightseeing.
Shoulder months (shoulder season): April to May and October often bring a mix of sunshine and passing showers, with temperatures near 27–29°C (81–84°F). These months can feel less crowded while still offering good conditions.
Rainy season (low season): From November to March, heavier showers and thunderstorms are more frequent, especially in the afternoons, with temperatures around 26–28°C (79–82°F). Travel is still possible, but some outdoor activities may be affected.