Sunlit green rice fields with scattered trees and a mountainous backdrop, likely in a tropical region.

INDONESIA

  • With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is vast, varied, and impossible to see all in one trip — which just means there’s always more to come back for.

    Most travelers start in Bali, drawn to its beaches, surf breaks, yoga retreats, and the digital nomad scene. From there, you can head to the Gili Islands for snorkeling and sunset parties, or to Lombok for volcano hikes and a quieter atmosphere.

    Java has ancient temples like Borobudur, buzzing cities such as Yogyakarta, and the dramatic landscapes of active volcanoes. Further afield, Sumatra and Flores are known for wildlife, rugged beauty, and a slower, more solitary kind of travel. And then there’s Komodo National Park — home to the famous dragons and some of the best diving in the region.

    Getting around usually involves a mix of budget flights, ferries and motorbikes. The food is fiery, the culture deeply spiritual, and the pace whatever you make of it.

    With waterfalls, waves, rice terraces and reefs, Indonesia has it all!

  • Indonesia, an archipelago spanning the equator, experiences a predominantly tropical climate with consistent warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. However, weather patterns vary significantly across its thousands of islands, primarily divided into distinct wet and dry seasons.

    General Overview:

    Most of Indonesia experiences two main seasons: the dry season from May to September, and the rainy season from October to April. Temperatures typically range from 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F) along the coast, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations. The sea remains warm year-round, ideal for water activities.

    Regional Breakdown:

    Bali, Java & Nusa Tenggara (Lombok, Gili Islands, Flores, Komodo):

    • Dry Season (April - October):This is the most popular and best time to visit. You can expect plenty of sunshine, blue skies, and ideal conditions for beaches, hiking and exploring. May, June, and September often offer excellent weather with fewer crowds than peak months like July and August.

    • Rainy Season (November - March): While temperatures remain warm, expect heavier rainfall, especially from December to February. January is typically Bali's wettest month. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but there are often periods of clear skies. Some outdoor activities like volcano trekking may be more challenging due to slippery trails.

    Sumatra:

    • Sumatra's climate differs as the equator cuts through the island:

      • North Sumatra (e.g., Medan, Bukit Lawang): Tends to be more tropical with rainfall year-round, though October to January generally see the heaviest rain.

      • South Sumatra (e.g., Palembang): Experiences a more distinct dry season from April to October and a wet season from November to March.

    • Best Time to Visit: Generally, the dry season from May to September is preferable, though be prepared for occasional short, heavy showers. Travel can be more difficult during the wet season due to potential flooding.

      Important Tip:

      While the dry season is generally recommended for most of Indonesia, even during the rainy season you can often find periods of sunshine. If you're looking for fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, traveling during the shoulder months, or even the early part of the rainy season, can be a good option, provided you're flexible with your plans and prepared for rain.

  • Indonesia:

    UK, EU & US passport holders:

    • Eligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA) — 30 days.

    • Cost: Around 500,000 IDR (approximately $35 USD), payable at the airport or online in advance.

    • Online Application (Highly Recommended): Apply for your e-VOA online at https://molina.imigrasi.go.id before arrival. While not strictly mandatory to apply 48 hours in advance, completing it beforehand significantly streamlines your entry process.

    Extendable:

    • Your VoA can be extended once for 30 more days, allowing a total stay of 60 days. You must visit a local immigration office to apply for the extension, ideally within 7-10 days of your arrival to allow for processing time.

    Longer Stay?

    • If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, apply for a 60-day Tourist Visa (B211A Visa) from an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate before entering Indonesia. This visa is typically extendable up to twice, allowing a total stay of 180 days.

    Requirements:

    • Passport Validity: Passport valid for 6+ months from your arrival date.

    • Onward Ticket: Proof of onward travel (e.g., a return or exit ticket) is sometimes requested upon entry.

    • Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD): All passengers must complete an Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD) online at https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/ before arrival. It can be filled out up to 2 days (72 hours) before your flight.

    • Bali Tourism Levy (for Bali arrivals only): A mandatory tourism levy of 150,000 IDR (approx. $10 USD) applies to international tourists entering Bali. This can be paid online in advance at https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ or at payment counters upon arrival at Bali's airport/seaports.

  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)


    Cash is widely used, though you can often pay by card in Bali, Jakarta, or big chains.

    ATMs & cards:

    • Use BNI, BCA, or Mandiri ATMs – they accept foreign cards and have decent fees.

    • Avoid Euronet ATMs (high fees and bad exchange rates).

    • Withdraw larger amounts (some ATMs allow up to 2.5 million IDR).

    Changing money:

    • Skip airport exchanges. Use authorized money changers with “no commission” signs.

    • Count your money in front of them to avoid scams.

    Typical daily backpacker budget:
    150,000–400,000 IDR/day ($10–$25 USD) – this should cover hostels, local food, ferry or scooter and basic activities.

    Tips:

    • Bali has better card infrastructure; other islands rely on cash.

    • Use apps such as GoJek/Grab for transport to avoid scams.

    • Carry coins/small bills for local warungs (small local shops or cafes) and street vendors.

Map of Indonesia with labels for major islands and cities, including Sumatra, Java (Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya), Bali, Lombok, Komodo, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Papua, and others.

Main Destinations

  • Cityscape with tall modern buildings, a statue of two children on a pedestal, a fountain with water jets, and a traffic-filled street in downtown Jakarta.

    Jakarta

    Sprawling and chaotic, Jakarta is Indonesia’s capital and its beating economic heart. For many it’s just a stopover, but stay a little longer and you’ll find a city full of life, contrasts, and everyday surprises.

    Wander through Dutch-era streets in Kota Tua, grab a kopi in a corner warung, and take in daily life from street stalls and mosques to shiny malls and gridlocked roads. It’s an introduction to modern Indonesia: busy, diverse, and always on the move.

  • Ancient stone temple complex with multiple tall spires under a blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by low vegetation.

    Yogyakarta

    Yogyakarta is the gateway to the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, but there’s plenty to discover in the city itself — from street art and puppet shows to lively markets and local craft studios.

    With a strong sense of Javanese identity, a thriving arts scene and a more traditional feel than Jakarta, it offers a deeper look at Indonesian culture, and makes a great base for exploring more of Java on a budget.

  • Sunrise over Mount Bromo volcano, with clouds surrounding the volcanic landscape, in East Java, Indonesia.

    Mount Bromo & Ijen

    Two of Java’s most iconic volcanoes, Bromo and Ijen, are often paired on an unforgettable journey through East Java’s highlands. Watch the sun rise over the otherworldly Bromo crater — a surreal scene of swirling mist and ash — then head to Ijen for its electric-blue flames and turquoise acid lake, reached by a steep pre-dawn hike through a sulfur mine.

    Tours usually include early starts, jeep rides and gas masks — but the effort pays off with some of the most incredible landscapes in Indonesia.

  • Traditional Balinese temple structures with multiple-tiered roofs on a lakeshore, surrounded by colorful flowers, with misty mountains and blue sky in the background and a reflection in the calm water.

    Bali

    Indonesia’s best-known island is a favourite among visitors, with its beaches, temples, surf breaks, and a blend of spirituality and nightlife. From the cafés and co-working spaces of Canggu to the rice terraces and yoga retreats of Ubud, there’s something for almost every kind of backpacker, whether you’re here to surf, hike, explore, or unwind with a coconut and a sea view.

    It can get busy in places, but lesser-known beach towns like Amed, known for its laid-back diving spots, and Lovina, famous for calm seas and dolphin tours, have a slower pace on the quieter side of the island.

  • Aerial view of a coastal area with a rocky headland, lush green vegetation, a small group of houses with pools, and a boat sailing near a blue ocean.

    Nusa Islands

    Just off the coast of Bali, the Nusa Islands, Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida, have dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and a more relaxed feel than the mainland. Here you will find stunning coastal views, snorkelling with manta rays, and winding motorbike rides to hidden beaches and viewpoints.

    It’s Bali’s wilder, more rugged side — perfect for both a short escape or a longer break from the crowds.

  • A close-up of a thatched beach umbrella made from palm leaves, with the ocean and a boat in the background.

    Lombok

    Often seen as Bali’s quieter neighbour, Lombok has its own appeal, with uncrowded beaches, winding coastal roads and a more off-the-beaten-track feel.

    It’s home to the challenging Mount Rinjani trek, one of Indonesia’s highest volcanoes, as well as laid-back surf towns like Kuta in southern Lombok.

    Less developed and more rugged, Lombok is ideal for travellers looking for nature, adventure, and a gentler pace of life.

  • Gili Islands

    Just off the coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands, Trawangan, Air, and Meno, are small, car-free retreats with white-sand beaches and clear waters, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Each island has its own pace: Gili Trawangan is the most social, Gili Meno the quietest, and Gili Air strikes a balance between the two.

    With no motorbikes, plenty of sea turtles, and sunset views over volcanoes, it’s a relaxed island escape just a short boat ride from Bali or Lombok.

  • Close-up of a Komodo dragon lying on rocky ground with green grass, showing its textured skin and sharp claws.

    Flores/Komodo

    Famous for its namesake dragons, Komodo National Park is a wild, volcanic landscape scattered across a string of rugged islands. Boat trips from Labuan Bajo take you to dramatic viewpoints, pink-sand beaches and snorkelling sites teeming with marine life, as well as opportunities to see the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

    Most travellers explore the park on multi-day boat tours, sleeping on board and island-hopping through this remote and unforgettable part of Indonesia.