Why visit Indonesia?
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of thousands of islands, where volcanic landscapes, tropical beaches, and layered history come together. You can move from buzzing megacities to quiet coastal towns and traditional villages within a single trip.
What to expect
Most journeys begin in Jakarta, Denpasar Bali, Surabaya, or Medan, each offering a different window into Indonesian life. From the temples and beaches of Bali to the port heritage of Surabaya and the Sumatran character of Medan, every region has its own pace and personality.
Plan your trip
Indonesia works well as both a single-island escape and a multi-stop adventure across several regions. With strong air links through Singapore, it is also a natural gateway if you want to combine your Indonesian holiday with wider exploration in South-east Asia.
Discover Indonesia
Discover Indonesia
Top experiences in Indonesia
Unwind on Bali's beaches
Base yourself in Denpasar Bali to reach long sandy beaches, surf towns, and sunset-facing coasts ideal for relaxed days by the sea.
Explore Jakarta's dynamic neighbourhoods
Discover Jakarta's contrast of modern towers, historic harbour districts, and artsy enclaves, with plenty of museums and cultural venues.
Discover Surabaya's heritage streets
Walk Surabaya's old quarters and riverside districts to see colonial-era buildings, local markets, and portside life up close.
Venture from Medan to northern Sumatra
Use Medan as a springboard to cool highlands, volcanic landscapes, and lakeside scenery in northern Sumatra.
Chase sunrise over volcanic landscapes
Join guided trips from Surabaya or other gateways to see dramatic volcanic scenery at dawn, with sweeping views over craters and ridges.
Experience Indonesia's performing arts
Attend traditional dance and music performances in Bali, Jakarta, and other cities to see centuries-old stories brought to life on stage.
Sail to nearby islands
From Bali and other coastal hubs, take day cruises or short island-hopping trips to snorkel, relax, and see quieter shores.
Experience Indonesia's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link major Indonesian cities, making it easier to cover long distances between islands. Within cities such as Jakarta, Denpasar Bali, Surabaya, and Medan, you can mix taxis, app-based rides, and local transport to reach neighbourhoods and nearby attractions.
Local life & culture
Indonesian daily life moves to different rhythms across the archipelago, from Jakarta's fast-paced business districts to Bali's arts-focused communities and Sumatra's more laid-back cities. You will notice strong local identities, with their own languages, arts, and customs shaping festivals, performances, and community gatherings.
Where to unwind
You can slow down on coastal promenades, landscaped parks, and hill retreats outside the main cities. Many travellers choose beach areas around Bali, mountain resorts near Java's highlands, or lakeside spots in Sumatra for cooler air, green views, and quieter evenings.
A taste of Indonesia
National dishes & specialties
Across Indonesia, you will find fragrant rice dishes, grilled meats, and richly spiced vegetable sides, with each island adding its own touch. Java, Bali, and Sumatra have their own signature flavours, from coconut-rich gravies to charcoal-grilled specialities.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Jakarta, Denpasar Bali, Surabaya, and Medan, eating out is part of everyday life, from simple eateries to stylish cafés and contemporary restaurants. You can move between local dishes and international favourites with ease, often in the same street or shopping complex.
Signature & scenic dining
Many Indonesian cities offer rooftop venues, beachside spots, and garden restaurants where the setting matters as much as the menu. On Bali in particular, you can dine with ocean views, rice-field backdrops, or clifftop panoramas for a memorable evening.
Retail therapy in Indonesia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Jakarta, Denpasar Bali, Surabaya, and Medan all feature large malls that blend shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can browse international fashion labels, local designers, electronics, and homeware in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and craft centres are good places to look for textiles, wood carvings, and handmade souvenirs. Regions around Bali, Java, and Sumatra each highlight distinctive patterns and materials, often produced by small family workshops.
Evening retail scene
In major cities, shopping districts remain busy into the evening, with lit-up façades and late-opening stores. Tourist areas in Bali and popular streets in Jakarta and Surabaya often combine night-time shopping with live music, relaxed bars, and casual dining.
Best time to visit Indonesia
Peak season: June to August, when many parts of Indonesia are in the drier months, with average temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F). Conditions are generally sunny, especially in coastal and island destinations.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, offering warm weather with a mix of sunshine and short showers, typically around 26–29°C (79–84°F). These months can feel a little quieter in popular areas.
Low season: November to March, when many regions experience their wetter period, with more frequent rain and humidity, and temperatures of about 26–29°C (79–84°F). This can be a calmer time to visit if you do not mind occasional downpours.