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Indonesia Travel Guide - Everything you need to know !
- Akshata Karnad
- Aug 18, 2024
- 9 min read
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. Volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, ancient temples, underwater worlds that'll blow your mind. The perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
You could spend anywhere between 2 weeks to a few months exploring this archipelago and still not get enough.
Let me tell you, this is as detailed as the Indonesia Travel Guide gets!
INDONESIA VISA & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
VISA ON ARRIVAL
For Indian Nationals:
Cost: IDR 500,000 (~$32 USD)
Duration: 30 days
Extension: Can be extended for an additional 30 days
Payment: Cash only (USD, EUR, or IDR)
Critical passport requirement:
Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your last day in Indonesia. Double-check this before booking anything!
What to have ready at immigration:
Passport (6+ months validity)
Return/onward flight ticket
Hotel reservations (soft copy)
Proof of funds (optional but good to have)
Travel insurance (optional but recommended)
💡 PRO TIP: Have everything in soft copy on your phone + printed copies. Immigration may or may not ask, but better to be prepared.
Indonesia Travel Guide
TOP 10 MUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS
Indonesia, an archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, offers a stunning diversity of places to visit, from volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests to pristine beaches and ancient temples.
Some of the top destinations to consider for your Indonesian adventure:
1. Bali - The island of the Gods
The 'Island of the Gods' is a must-visit for any Indonesia trip. As the only Hindu island there, it's got a super unique and magical vibe.
What makes Bali special:
Epic beaches and stunning coastlines
Ancient temples everywhere you turn
Rich Balinese culture and traditions
Incredible food scene
Something for every type of traveler
The divide:
North Bali: Chill vibes, quiet beaches, waterfalls, coffee plantations
South Bali: Wild parties, beach clubs, amazing shopping, tourist central
Ubud: Cultural heart, rice terraces, yoga retreats, artisan markets
Read more: 8 Things to Do in Munduk, North Bali
2. Komodo Islands - The Land of the Dragons
The Komodo Islands are like a dream come true. Real-life dragons in their natural habitat. Crystal-clear waters for snorkeling and diving. The beaches here are like paintings with pink sands and stunning views. And the sunrises and sunsets? Unbelievably beautiful, turning the sky into a colorful masterpiece every day.
What you'll experience:
Face-to-face encounters with Komodo dragons
Some of the best snorkeling in the world
Padar Island sunrise (absolutely stunning)
Manta ray encounters at Manta Point
3-day boat tours with amazing crews
Trust me, this isn't just a place—it's a magical experience where nature and adventure collide.
Read more: Complete Komodo Islands Guide
3. Lombok - Bali's Laid-Back Neighbor
Lombok, offers a more laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty without the crowds.
Top experiences:
Hike Mount Rinjani (active volcano with caldera lake)
Pristine beaches in the Sekotong region
Gili Islands (see below)
Authentic local culture
Less touristy than Bali
Best for: Hikers, beach lovers, people seeking quieter Bali alternatives
4. Yogyakarta - Java's Cultural Heart
Yogyakarta is where you dive deep into Javanese culture. Traditional arts, crafts, batik, and some of the most epic temples in Indonesia.
Must-see:
Borobudur: 9th-century Buddhist temple, largest in the world, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Prambanan: Hindu temple complex dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Street food scene in Prawirotaman
Traditional batik workshops
Kraton (Sultan's Palace)
Read more: East Java Volcano Circuit Guide
5. The Volcano Circuit: Tumpak Sewu - Bromo - Ijen
This is THE adventure circuit in East Java.
The route:
Start in Yogyakarta (temples)
Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls (multi-tiered cascade)
Mount Bromo sunrise (otherworldly landscape)
Ijen Crater blue flames (2am trek to see rare phenomenon)
What you'll experience:
Sunrise over volcanic calderas
Blue flames burning in the crater
Sea of sand that looks like Mars
Sulfur miners carrying 80-90kg loads
Some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes
This circuit is jaw-dropping. Easily one of the highlights of Indonesia.
Read more: Complete East Java Itinerar
6. Raja Ampat: Diver's Paradise
Raja Ampat, an archipelago off West Papua, is paradise for divers and snorkelers.
What makes it special:
Vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life
Crystal-clear waters
Limestone karst islands
Some of the highest marine biodiversity on Earth
Best for: Serious divers, snorkelers, photographers, marine life enthusiasts
Note: More remote and expensive than other destinations, but absolutely worth it if you're into underwater worlds.
7. Gili Islands: Paradise Trio
The Gili Islands—a trio of tiny islands near Lombok—are total paradise.
The breakdown:
Gili Trawangan (Gili T): Biggest, wild nightlife, lots of accommodations
Gili Meno: Super peaceful, perfect for couples and families, most secluded
Gili Air: Mix of both—chill but with some life
Activities:
Snorkeling and diving (sea turtles everywhere!)
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Cycling around the islands (no motorized vehicles!)
Beach hopping
Sunset watching
Perfect for: Beach lovers, divers, digital nomads, anyone wanting island paradise vibes
With their perfect beaches, crystal-clear water, and chill vibes, they're the best place to relax and have fun.
8. Flores: Hidden Gem of Indonesia
Flores is a total stunner and criminally underrated.
Top experiences:
Komodo National Park access (alternative to Labuan Bajo)
Kelimutu volcano (three colored crater lakes—unreal)
Traditional villages and local culture
Beautiful beaches
Amazing seafood
Best for: Adventurers, nature lovers, people seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences
Flores is a dream come true for adventurers and nature lovers.
9. Borneo (Kalimantan): Wildlife & Rainforests
Borneo is a treasure trove of nature and culture.
What you'll find:
Orangutan Rehabilitation Centers
Dense rainforests (some of the oldest on Earth)
Dayak tribal cultures
River cruises
Incredible biodiversity
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, eco-tourists, adventure travelers, culture seekers
Check out the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centers in Kalimantan, hike through the thick jungles of Sarawak, or dive in the colorful coral reefs of Sabah. Discover the cool cultures of the Dayak tribes and eat the delicious local food. Borneo's huge size and natural wonders make it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers
Note: Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) is less developed for tourism than Malaysian Borneo, but offers more authentic experiences.
10. Jakarta: Indonesia's Urban Heart
Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is a mix of modern city and traditional culture.
What to experience:
National Monument (Monas)
Old Town (Kota Tua)
Street food scene (some of the best in Indonesia)
Museums and art galleries
Markets and shopping
Nightlife
Real talk: Jakarta might not be the prettiest city, but it's a unique and unforgettable place for travelers who want to experience Indonesia's urban life.
Best for: Urban explorers, foodies, culture vultures, business travelers
PACKING FOR INDONESIA
Here's a detailed post on everything to pack for your Indonesia trip:
Quick essentials:
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Good walking shoes
Reef-safe sunscreen
Quick-dry everything
Universal adapter (EU-style pins)
Power banks
Waterproof phone case
Flight Booking Do's & Dont's
Indonesia has numerous airports scattered across islands, with many short-haul flights connecting major cities (Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali) to smaller destinations.
DO'S
Plan Early
Book flights well in advance for best prices
Popular routes (Jakarta-Bali, Bali-Labuan Bajo) fill up quickly
Check Baggage Restrictions
Low-cost airlines have STRICT baggage limits
Review cabin and checked baggage allowances carefully
Fees for excess baggage add up fast
Keep Documents Accessible
Passport, cash, boarding pass, e-visa (if applicable)
Keep everything in one easily accessible place
Research the Airline
Some local carriers operate older aircraft
Service quality varies dramatically
Check reviews before booking
Purchase Travel Insurance
Covers flight cancellations, delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies
Absolutely essential for Indonesia
Build in Buffer Days
Indonesian flights are NOTORIOUS for delays
Always have buffer time between connections
Don't book tight connections
Verify Transit Visa Requirements
If transiting through another country, check visa needs
Ensure your booking is a single PNR (one ticket)
If not, you'll need to clear immigration and re-check in
Double-Check Jakarta Airport Terminals
Jakarta has multiple terminals far apart from each other
Verify arrival and departure terminals
Ensure sufficient layover time to transfer
DON'TS
Don't Over-Rely on Cards
Card payments aren't accepted everywhere
Carry cash (USD or EUR) to exchange
Can use USD/EUR to purchase visa on arrival at airport
Exchange outside airport for better rates
Don't Book Batik Airlines
From our experience: always delayed
We missed connections because of them
Choose Garuda, Lion Air, or other alternatives
Don't Assume Flights Will Be On Time
"Almost always delayed by a few hours" is not an exaggeration
This is standard for most Indonesian domestic carriers
Plan accordingly
Getting around Indonesia
Indonesia's vast archipelago offers multiple transport options between and within islands.
Domestic Flights
Best for: Island hopping, time-sensitive travelers
Routes:
Jakarta/Bali → Labuan Bajo (Komodo)
Jakarta/Bali → Maumere (Flores)
Bali → Lombok
Java → Sumatra
Pros: Fast, comfortable, inexpensive (if booked early)
Cons: Delays are standard. Cancellations happen. Build buffer time.
💡 TIP: Book with Garuda Indonesia or Lion Air. Avoid Batik Airlines (personal experience: always delayed).
Ferries and Boats
Best for: Island hopping, soaking in local culture, scenic journeys
Popular routes:
Bali ↔ Nusa Penida
Bali ↔ Gili Islands
Bali ↔ East Java (Banyuwangi)
Inter-island ferries across the archipelago (Komodo Islands etc)
Pros: Scenic views, overnight options available, authentic experience
Cons: Longer travel time, can be uncomfortable in rough seas
Our experience: Took the ferry from East Java to Bali after the Ijen trek. Smooth, scenic, convenient.
Trains
Best for: Exploring Java overland
Why we loved it: Clean, comfortable, perfect for overnight journeys
Popular routes:
Yogyakarta → Malang (our route for volcano circuit)
Jakarta → Yogyakarta
Jakarta → Surabaya
Book tickets: 12go.asia/en
Our experience: Took the overnight train from Yogyakarta to Malang—it was a breeze. Comfortable sleeper berths, arrived refreshed.
Buses
Best for: Budget-friendly travel within Java and Sumatra
Pros: Affordable, accessible to most destinations
Cons: Long journeys, can be uncomfortable (especially overnight), frequent stops
When to use: Short distances or when trains/flights aren't available
Rent a Bike (Scooter)
Best for: Exploring at your own pace, freedom to stop anywhere
Where: All tourist islands (Bali, Lombok, Gili Islands, Flores)
Pros: Inexpensive, widely available, total freedom
How to rent: Ask your accommodation host—most have scooters or can arrange rentals
Cost: ~IDR 50,000-75,000/day (~$3-5 USD)
💡 TIP: Make sure you're comfortable riding before renting. Bali traffic can be chaotic. Wear a helmet always.
Ride Apps: Grab & Gojek
Where available: Most of Indonesia except areas with taxi unions (e.g., North Bali, some parts of Lombok)
Why we loved them: Reasonable prices, convenient, safe
When they're not available: Ask your host to call a local taxi. Union taxis are reliable with fixed tariffs for specific routes.
Local Transport
Tuk-tuks, local taxis, ojeks (motorcycle taxis)
Tips:
Negotiate prices before getting in
Fixed routes have standard rates—ask locals
Always be friendly but firm on agreed prices
Travel tip: Plan ahead. Be flexible and accommodate for delays (unbelievably common). Negotiate prices for taxis, tuk-tuks, and local transportation.
TOUR OPERATORS & CONTACTS (Tried & Tested)
These are the operators we personally used and recommend:
KOMODO BOAT TOURS
Frendos Tour WhatsApp: +62 813 3728 8941 (Komodo boat tour - reliable, great crew)
Brothers Trip Komodo WhatsApp: +62 821 4417 5779
Instagram: @brothers_trip_komodo (Excellent 3-day tours, friendly guides)
JAVA VOLCANO CIRCUIT
Semeru Malang WhatsApp: +62 819 4495 8936 (Hostel + Volcano circuit including Tumpak Sewu, Bromo, Ijen)
CUSTOM ITINERARIES
Kresna Tours WhatsApp: +62 896 2817 1280 (Custom itineraries across Java, Komodo, local travel arrangements)
WHERE WE STAYED (Our Actual Accommodations)
Yogyakarta
Pojok Pas Guest House Clean, comfortable, great location for exploring the city
North Bali (Munduk)
Wanagiri Campsite Stunning mountain views, coffee estate access, peaceful
Labuan Bajo (Komodo base)
Hôtel Bonne Nuit Near airport, comfortable, perfect base before/after boat tour
Ubud
Baleni Beautiful traditional Balinese accommodation
Denden Mushi Unique, artistic vibe, great location
Seminyak
Wayan House Beach access, comfortable, good for South Bali exploration
USEFUL INDONESIAN PHRASES
Knowing a few basic phrases goes a long way!
Quick essentials:
Selamat pagi = Good morning
Terima kasih = Thank you
Ya = Yes
Tidak = No
Berapa harga? = How much?
Saya mau = I want
Hati-hati = Be careful / Take care
❌ 5 MISTAKES TO AVOID IN INDONESIA
1. Not building buffer days between flights └─ Indonesian domestic flights are almost always delayed. Don't book tight connections. We learned this the hard way.
2. Booking Batik Airlines └─ From our experience: always delayed. We missed a connection because of them. Choose Garuda or Lion Air.
3. Over-relying on credit cards └─ Many places are cash-only. Carry USD/EUR to exchange. ATMs aren't everywhere.
4. Skipping travel insurance └─ Volcano hikes, boat tours, scooter rides, remote islands. Get comprehensive coverage including water activities.
5. Trying to see everything in 2 weeks └─ Indonesia is MASSIVE. Pick 2-3 regions max. You'll enjoy it more and actually experience places instead of just checking boxes.
✓ ESSENTIAL PLANNING CHECKLIST
3 Months Before:
□ Research destinations and create rough itinerary
□ Book international flights
□ Apply for visa if needed (most get visa on arrival)
□ Purchase travel insurance
2 Months Before:
□ Book domestic flights between islands
□ Reserve accommodations
□ Book Komodo boat tours (these fill up!)
□ Book volcano circuit tours
2 Weeks Before:
□ Check passport validity (6+ months from exit date)
□ Confirm all bookings
□ Order universal adapter and travel essentials
□ Download offline maps □ Save all important contacts
□ Start packing using our Indonesia Packing List
1 Week Before:
□ Get USD/EUR cash for visa and exchanges
□ Make copies of all important documents
□ Download entertainment for flights
□ Final confirmation of first night accommodation
FINAL TIPS FROM OUR EXPERIENCE
What worked for us
Building buffer days between major moves
Using 12go.asia for train bookings
Renting scooters for island exploration
Staying in locally-owned accommodations
Using Grab/Gojek wherever available
Carrying plenty of cash
Book the 3-day Komodo tour instead of rushing through
What we'd do differently
Avoid Batik Airlines completely
Spend more time in North Bali
Learn more Indonesian phrases before arriving
Bring more reef-safe sunscreen from home
Plan buffer days
What surprised us
How delayed flights are (unbelievably common)
How cheap and convenient laundry services are
How friendly and welcoming Indonesians are
How good the train system is in Java
How much we fell in love with the country
📌 BOOKMARK THIS GUIDE
This is your Indonesia home base. Bookmark it and refer back as you plan each section of your trip.
Dive deeper:
Questions about planning Indonesia? Drop them below. We've been there, made the mistakes, learned the lessons—here to help you have the smoothest trip possible!
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