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ABOUT US

Welcome traveler!

We're Andre & Lisa, adventurers and experienced budget travelers.

We have over two decades of travel experience and since 2018 have led a full-time nomadic lifestyle.

Learn more about us!

Thank you for visiting and we hope you find value in our destination pages! We thoroughly research and curate all content ourselves and everything you find on this site is put together by only the two of us.

INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Country Introduction

Indonesia lies along the equator in the area between the Indian- and Pacific Oceans north of Australia. Comprising of 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. Situated on the western rim of the Ring of Fire, Indonesia has more than 400 volcanoes, of which 130 are considered active, as well as many more undersea volcanoes.

With so many islands, each one more beautiful than the other, Indonesia is a whole lot more than just the popular island of Bali. We have only scratched the surface, but urge you to try and visit at least one other island to start to experience the diversity that Indonesia has to offer.

Our first time in Indonesia was a month spent visiting the islands of Java, Bali, Gili-Air, and Gili-T during 2016 and another month revisiting Bali, the Gili Islands, and this time Lombok during 2019 and we will definitely be back for more!

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Quick Facts

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, consisting of over 17,000 islands. It is home to the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard, which can be found on five Indonesian islands.

Three of the world's ten largest islands are part of Indonesia: Borneo, Papua/New Guinea, and Sumatra. Indonesia also sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," with over 400 active volcanoes and frequent seismic activity.

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Current conversion rate here.
Electricity: 230V AC electricity. Power outlets are both round two-prong sockets (type C and type F). Be sure to carry a universal travel adaptor so you can still use all your electronic devices. If you are from a country with 110V as a standard be aware that you will need a voltage converter.
Safety: Most parts of Indonesia are very safe to travel in. Indonesia is susceptible to many forms of natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is a common issue, especially in public crowded places like bus and train stations, so keep your belongings close. Always make use of official taxi services such as Blue Bird rather than hailing a taxi from the street as there are many tax-related scams, where taxi drivers drive off before you get a chance to take your luggage. In areas where the party scene is big, drink spiking is a common problem. Political events such as elections are often times of violent and messy demonstrations that you should avoid. We would suggest checking out World Nomads or SafetyWing, for travel insurance as they have the best coverage for active travellers.
Language: The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian, which is spoken in the vast majority of the country. With more than 700 living languages spoken across Indonesia, English is also widely spoken, particularly in the more touristy areas. Even though English is less common in some more remote areas, it’s easy enough to get by in most of Indonesia.

Public Holdays

Indonesia celebrates a variety of public holidays, reflecting its cultural diversity and religious pluralism.

Notable holidays include International Labor Day on May 1, Ascension Day of Jesus Christ on May 9, and Independence Day on August 17.

Additionally, religious holidays such as Idul Adha and Maulid Nabi Muhammad are observed, alongside Hindu festivals like Diwali. The concept of 'cuti bersama' or joint holidays is also practiced, extending certain public holidays to create long weekends, encouraging domestic tourism and family time.

Business openings and work schedules may be significantly affected by Waisak Day (Visakaha Day), Chinese New Year, and Christian and Islamic holidays and festivals.

Festivals

Being a diverse country, multicultural Indonesia celebrates a vast range of religious holidays and festivals. Many of these are however limited to small areas, for instance, the Hindu festivals of Bali.

Independence / National Day - Indonesia’s biggest national festival is celebrated on the 17th of August. Usually, there will be a grand parade in the capital city, Jakarta.
Ramadan & Idul Fitri - The most significant season of the year is the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. For 30 days, devout Muslims refrain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. People get up early to stuff themselves before sunrise (sahur), go to work late, and take off early to get back home in time to breakfast (buka puasa) at sunset. During this time it is polite to refrain from eating or drinking in public. Many restaurants close during the day. During Ramadan, all forms of nightlife close by midnight or stay closed entirely. The month of Ramadan ends with the two days of Idul Fitri (also known as Lebaran). Almost the entire country takes a week or two off to head back home to visit family in a ritual known locally as mudik, meaning going home. This is the one time of the year when Jakarta has no traffic jams, but the rest of the country does, with all forms of transport packed to the brim. All government offices, including embassies, and many businesses close for a week or two, and travelling around Indonesia is best avoided during this time.
Nyepi - Nyepi directly translates to “Day of Silence”. This is the Balinese / Saka New Year, and although the date changes every year, it is generally in March. This is a day of fasting and meditation and you will find everything closed in Bali on this day. Over the preceding days, you will see people of Bali scrubbing clean statues, while ceremonies and various other rituals are held.
Kesodo / Kasada Ceremony - Hundreds of thousands of Tenggerese gather at the active crater of Mount Bromo, in East Java, during the month of August in order to ask for blessings and another year free of volcanic eruptions. They will present offerings of rice, fruits, vegetables, animals, and other local produce to the God of the Mountain.
Waisak - This special day is in commemoration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha and is observed sometime during the full moon of May / June. While the whole of Indonesia is decorated very beautifully, in Borobudur (the largest Buddhist monument in the world) the day will be celebrated by thousands of monks and pilgrims.

Climbing up the crater of Mt Bromo in 2016

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SEASONS AT A GLANCE

Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.

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Climate Chart with avergae monthly temperatues and rainfall

BEST TIME TO VISIT INDONESIA

Best time to visit

Straddling the Equator, Indonesia is a warm-weather destination. Although there are theoretically two seasons, namely the rainy season and the dry season, the dry season is far from dry, it just rains a little less! The air is pretty much always warm and humid. For most of the country (including Java and Bali), the dry season is April / May to September / October, while the wet season is October / November to March / April.

The best months for diving off the coast of Bali, Lombok, or the Komodo National Park are April to September, and you should try to avoid the rough seas particularly in January & February.

In the highlands, temperatures will, of course, be cooler, and the mountain peaks of Papua (some above 5 000m altitudes) can even be snow-covered. If you plan to climb one of Indonesia's many volcanoes, such as Mt Bromo on Java, Mt Rinjani in Lombok, or Tana Toraja in Sulawesi, then the dry season is recommended, and also remember to bring a jacket as temperatures are much cooler.

May to September is thus usually the best time to visit Indonesia for mostly dry and sunny days.

REGIONAL EXCEPTIONS:

Java

Bali

Nusa Tenggara, Lombok, Flores, Komodo National Park, Sumba

Sumatra

Sulawesi

Kalimantan

West Papua & Raja Ampat

The Moluccas

BEST TIME FOR:

Snow Sports

While Indonesia is predominantly a tropical country, it does offer a unique opportunity for snow sports at the Cartenz Pyramid in Papua.

This area is home to the Carstensz Glacier, where snow can be found at the highest mountain peaks. Although it's not a traditional destination for snow sports, this rare occurrence of snow in a tropical region provides a special experience for enthusiasts looking to ski or snowboard in an unusual and exotic location.

Hiking and trekking

Indonesia offers a plethora of hiking experiences, from the misty Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls in East Java to the iconic Mount Rinjani in Lombok. Adventurers can traverse through diverse landscapes, including untouched rainforests, volcanic terrains, and picturesque rice paddies.

For those seeking a challenge, the ascent of Raya Hill presents the most elevation gain, promising breathtaking views as a reward for the strenuous climb.

With trails suitable for casual walks to multi-day treks, Indonesia's hiking trails cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Indonesia's dry season is from roughly from April to October, but always be prepared for some rain!

Best Beaches

Indonesia is an idyllic beach destination and it's always hot enough for the beach. Just note that from November to April can be very wet! You will enjoy much better beach weather from May to September.

Among the top picks of incredible beaches is Pantai Jelenga in Sumbawa, known for its world-class surf breaks and tranquil waters ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding. Bali's Suluban Beach is another gem, perfect for those looking to combine natural beauty with cultural experiences, such as the nearby Pura Luhur Ulu Watu temple. For a more unusual beach experience, Pink Beach in Komodo stands out with its distinctive pink sands, offering a picturesque setting especially at dawn or dusk.

With over 17,500 islands, Indonesia's beaches cater to every preference, from serene white sands to vibrant coral reefs and lively seaside parties. Exploring these beaches is a journey through diverse landscapes and cultures, each with its own story to tell.

Surfing

While you can enjoy excellent surf somewhere in Indonesia all year round, the best time for consistent swell is the dry months from April to October.

Indonesia is renowned for its excellent surfing opportunities, with Bali often hailed as a surfer's paradise. The country's vast coastline offers a variety of waves suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers.

Places like Kuta Beach in Bali and the Mentawai Islands are famous for their consistent waves and beautiful scenery. Surf schools and camps are abundant, providing lessons and guidance for those looking to improve their skills or catch their first wave.

With its warm waters and tropical climate, Indonesia remains a top destination for surf enthusiasts around the globe.

Wind Sport

Indonesia, with its vast archipelago, offers some of the most exciting kitesurfing experiences in the world. Jeneponto in South Sulawesi is renowned for its strong and consistent trade winds from April to October, making it an ideal destination for kitesurfers of all levels.

Bali and Lombok are also popular, offering a blend of beautiful landscapes and reliable winds during the dry season from May to September.

Sanur in Bali is ideal for beginners due to its flat water and onshore winds, while Nusa Dua offers a mix of conditions suitable for various levels of experience. For the more adventurous and experienced kitesurfers, Canggu presents a challenging environment with its offshore winds and reef breaks.

Each location provides unique experiences against the backdrop of Bali's stunning landscapes, ensuring every kitesurfer finds their perfect ride.

For more details on kite surfing in Indonesia expand this section!

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INDONESIA TRAVEL COSTS

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Traveling to Indonesia can be quite affordable, especially when compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia. On average, a one-week trip to Indonesia might cost around $415 for one person, which includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Indonesia is considered to be in the top 25% of affordable countries worldwide, with costs comparable to Vietnam or Cambodia. The expenses can vary depending on your travel style and the regions you visit, with popular areas like Bali or Jakarta being more expensive than less frequented locations.