Indonesia offers a rich mix of tropical islands, volcanic landscapes, and lively cities, where ancient traditions sit alongside modern urban life.
Discover Indonesia
Discover Indonesia
Why visit Indonesia?
What to expect
From the temples and beaches of Bali to Jakarta's bustling energy, Surabaya's harbour heritage, and Medan's gateway to Lake Toba, each region reveals a different side of the archipelago.
Plan your trip
Indonesia works well for both short island escapes and longer multi-city journeys, and its major hubs are ideal gateways to explore the wider Southeast Asian region.
Top experiences in Indonesia
Unwind on Bali's beaches
Relax on the sands of Nusa Dua, Seminyak, or Jimbaran, where gentle surf, sunsets, and a laid-back atmosphere define island time.
Explore Jakarta's historic quarters
Stroll through Kota Tua's old town, museums, and colonial buildings before discovering the capital's vibrant arts and entertainment districts.
Discover Surabaya and Mount Bromo
Use Surabaya as a base to experience East Java's city bustle, then head inland for sunrise views over the dramatic Mount Bromo landscape.
Visit Lake Toba from Medan
Travel from Medan into the highlands to see Lake Toba's vast volcanic lake, traditional Batak villages, and cooler mountain air.
Dive and snorkel Indonesia's reefs
Join day trips from Bali or other coastal hubs to swim above coral gardens, colourful fish, and, in season, larger pelagic marine life.
Temple hopping and cultural sites
Discover serene temples and cultural landmarks across Bali and Java, often framed by rice terraces, forests, and mountain backdrops.
Shop and café-hop in urban centres
Spend an afternoon in Jakarta, Surabaya, or Medan exploring malls, local boutiques, and modern cafés that showcase Indonesia's urban lifestyle.
Experience Indonesia's way of life
Getting around
To cover longer distances between islands, domestic flights are usually the fastest option, while within major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, and Medan you can rely on taxis, ride-hailing services, and in some cases commuter trains or buses.
Local life & culture
Daily life blends traditional customs with a contemporary urban rhythm, from small neighbourhood gatherings to cultural performances, arts, and festivals that vary across Java, Bali, Sumatra, and beyond.
Where to unwind
Across Indonesia you can slow down on quiet beaches, find spa retreats in Bali and Java's highlands, or escape to cool lakeside and mountain areas outside cities for fresh air and scenic walks.
A taste of Indonesia
National dishes & specialties
You can try favourites such as nasi goreng, satay, and rich spice-laden stews, with each region, from Bali to Java and Sumatra, offering its own distinctive flavours and cooking styles.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, and Medan are filled with casual eateries, contemporary bistros, and food courts where you can sample Indonesian staples alongside international dishes in one convenient stop.
Signature & scenic dining
In Bali you can dine by the ocean or overlooking rice terraces, while in Jakarta and other major cities rooftop restaurants and stylish lounges pair skyline views with refined Indonesian and global menus.
Retail therapy in Indonesia
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, and Medan are home to large shopping centres that bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining under one roof for a full-day outing.
Markets & local crafts
Look for textiles, wood carvings, and handcrafted souvenirs at markets and small boutiques in Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta, where artisans highlight regional skills and materials.
Evening retail scene
After dark, malls in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Denpasar stay lively with late openings, illuminated storefronts, and nearby streets that mix shopping with cafés and entertainment.
Best time to visit Indonesia
Indonesia has a mainly tropical climate with variations between islands. The dry season, typically from May to September, is often considered peak season, with warm temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F) and generally sunnier days, ideal for beach and outdoor activities. The shoulder season falls around April and October, when conditions remain warm at about 26–31°C (79–88°F), with a mix of sunshine and occasional showers, and slightly fewer crowds in some areas. The rainy or monsoon months, usually from November to March, are often treated as low season, bringing higher humidity and frequent showers while temperatures stay near 25–30°C (77–86°F), though many cities and cultural attractions remain easy to explore.