Indonesia travel guide

Getting there

The main international gateways are Jakarta's Soekarno–Hatta and Bali's Ngurah Rai airports, with others in Medan, Surabaya and Lombok. Ferries link Singapore with nearby islands like Batam and Bintan, and land borders exist with Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.

Best time to visit: Apr–Oct – dry season in most of the country.

Tougher months: December–February in Bali, Java and Nusa Tenggara, when heavy monsoon rains can disrupt boats and treks – though some regions, like Raja Ampat and Maluku, follow different patterns.

Weather by month in Denpasar (Bali)

• 31°J●●●
• 31°F●●●
• 31°M●●
• 32°A●
• 31°M●
• 30°J
• 29°J
• 30°A
• 30°S
• 31°O●
• 32°N●●
• 31°D●●●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Jakarta, Asia/Jayapura, Asia/Makassar, Asia/Pontianak. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 98 of 198 other passports can enter Indonesia without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 100 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 0 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Indonesia (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-07-07). Read the advisory.

Source and more: Indonesia travel facts on RoamSun

Stay

Our area-by-area hotel guide: where to stay in Bali. It compares neighbourhoods so you pick the right base.

Most trips to Indonesia are based around Bali, Yogyakarta or Komodo National Park. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$25–40 for a backpacker and US$70–140 mid-range, per person.

Source: Global Hotel Discount stay guide

Connect

Plug types: C, F. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +62.

Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.

Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun

Do

• Bali (Lesser Sunda · island culture): Temples, rice terraces, surf beaches and a rich Hindu culture make Bali Indonesia's most-loved island.
• Yogyakarta (Central Java · culture): Java's cultural capital and the gateway to Borobudur and Prambanan.
• Komodo National Park (East Nusa Tenggara · wildlife): Rugged islands with Komodo dragons, pink beaches and superb diving, reached from Labuan Bajo.
• Raja Ampat (West Papua · marine): A remote archipelago of jungle-topped islands with world-class coral reefs.
• Lombok & Gili Islands (Nusa Tenggara · beaches): Quieter beaches, Mount Rinjani treks and laid-back car-free islands.
• Mount Bromo (East Java · volcano): One of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes in Southeast Asia.
• Tana Toraja (South Sulawesi · highlands): Mountain villages with boat-shaped houses, cliff graves and unique funeral traditions.
• Lake Toba (North Sumatra · lake): A huge crater lake with relaxed island villages and Batak heritage.

Things to do

• Watch sunrise at Borobudur. See mist lift from the jungle and volcanoes around the world's largest Buddhist temple.
• Meet Komodo dragons. Walk with a ranger on Komodo or Rinca to see the world's largest lizards in the wild.
• Wander Ubud's rice terraces. Stroll through emerald terraces, temples and craft villages in Bali's cultural heart.
• Dive Raja Ampat. Explore some of the most biodiverse coral reefs on the planet in remote West Papua.
• Hike Mount Bromo at dawn. Watch the sun rise over a smoking volcanic crater rising from a vast sea of sand in East Java.
• Island-hop the Gilis. Swim with sea turtles and cycle car-free islands off the coast of Lombok.
• See a Balinese temple ceremony. Witness processions of offerings, gamelan music and dance at one of Bali's countless temples.
• Explore Yogyakarta's culture. Visit the Sultan's palace, learn batik and watch a wayang shadow-puppet performance.

Source: full Indonesia guide on RoamSun

Eat and drink

• Nasi goreng – spicy fried rice, often with an egg on top
• Rendang – slow-cooked beef in coconut and spices
• Satay – grilled skewers with peanut sauce
• Gado-gado – vegetables with peanut sauce

Source: RoamSun Indonesia guide

Talk

Twenty basic Indonesian phrases with a simple sound guide. Say them slowly; a smile does the rest.

Basic phrases: pronunciation is approximate and the list has not yet been reviewed by a native speaker. Capital letters mark the stressed syllable where that applies. Spot a mistake? Tell us.

Money and safety

Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Not required; rounding up or 5–10% is appreciated.

Emergency numbers: 112 general · 110 police · 113 fire · 118 ambulance.

• The rupiah is the currency; prices include many zeros, so double-check notes when paying.
• Use ATMs attached to banks to reduce skimming risks, and exchange money only at authorised money changers.
• Traffic is the biggest risk – only ride a scooter if experienced, licensed and insured, and always wear a helmet.
• Avoid drinks of unknown origin, especially locally made spirits, as methanol poisoning has occurred.

Source: RoamSun Indonesia facts