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Home » Travel » Asia Travel Guide » Indonesia Travel Guide
Ubud

Indonesia Travel Guide

Welcome to Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago where the spirit of adventure comes to life. Delve into vibrant cultures, delectable cuisine and breathtaking landscapes with this Indonesia travel guide. 

Destinations

  • Bali

With over 17,000 islands, I’m not overstating the matter when I say that Indonesia is a country of contrasts – one where ancient temples stand alongside bustling cities and untouched jungles spill onto pristine beaches. 

This vast country offers a near-endless choice of experiences, from the spiritual calm of Bali to the wild terrain of Sumatra. Come along with me as we explore this amazing archipelago.

Balinese Dancing Ubud Palace

16 Fabulous Things to do in Indonesia Beyond Just Bali

Far-flung islands, lush beaches and iconic cultural attractions – there’s a lot to love about Indonesia. Not sure where to start? Discover the best things...
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What’s it Like To Travel in the Bali Rainy Season?

Canggu, Bali

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Ubud's famous rice terraces

The Best Things to Do in Ubud: 15 Amazing Ubud Attractions

How to Plan a Trip

Bingin Beach

Best time to visit

It’s best to visit Indonesia during its dry season (April to October) when it’s cool and inviting. By contrast, the monsoon season sees much wetter and stormier days. 

Indonesia is a famous beach, island-hopping, snorkelling, and honeymoon destination — all ideal activities for the dry season. 

Handy Resources

  • Skyscanner: Find the cheapest flights and best times to fly.
  • Holiday Autos: Secure the best price in car rental worldwide with 30,000 pick-up locations.  
  • Omio: An online service for booking trains, buses, and flights worldwide.
  • Booking.com: Offers airport transfers and accommodation. 
  • G Adventures: A go-to for epic expeditions, tours, or safaris.
  • Forevervacation: Best tour operator in Bali.
  • Bali Car Hire: Car rental agency based in Denpasar, Bali.

Where to Stay

Bali

Bali is a no-brainer destination for your Indonesian vacation. This dreamy island boasts some of the most renowned attractions in the entire country, including the Sacred Monkey Forest, Uluwatu Temple, and Ceking Rice Terrace. Stay at The Slow Canggu. 

Jakarta

Jakarta is Indonesia’s huge capital, with a whopping 11 million citizens. If you’re after culture, architecture, and cuisine, stay here for your vacation to Indonesia. Expect epic shopping sprees, dee-licious Indonesian coffee, and groovy hangout spots. Stay at The Orient.

Lombok 

Craving a beachfront escape? You may want to consider Lombok—a fabulous Indonesian island with no shortage of sun and surf. Experience a tranquil oasis filled with palm-fringed beaches, vibrant reefs, and cute turtles. Stay at Amber Resort. 

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta (or Jogja) is a one-of-a-kind island destination of Java, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional arts. Witness classic open-air Javanese dance shows, discover gamelan music, and admire ornate 18th-century structures. Stay at Harper Malioboro. 

Recommended Hotels

Amandari
Amandari
Ubud, Bali
Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta
The Phoenix Hotel
Yogyakarta, Java
Porter Hotel
Porter Hotel
Kuta, Lombok
Check Available Hotels

Packing For Your Trip

Packing for your Indonesia trip? Don’t forget…

  • Hiking trainers: for those treks through forests and rice terraces. 
  • Sun protection: protect your skin with sun hats, UV glasses, and high SPF sunblock.  
  • Swimwear and flip-flops: so you’re ready for a swim at this beach haven. 
  • Waterproof jacket: in case of heavy rainfall. 
  • Daypack: to travel conveniently with your belongings. 

Travel Insurance

Although travel insurance is not required to visit Indonesia, I still recommend insuring yourself in case of theft, accidents, or medical emergencies. Travel delays, interruptions, and damaged baggage are common anywhere you travel. 

I use AXA Travel Insurance.

Suggested Guidebooks

  • Moon Bali & Lombok Travel Guide: Outdoor Adventures, Local Cultures, Secluded Beaches  
  • The Rough Guide to Indonesia, Second Edition
  • Lonely Planet Indonesia (Travel Guide)

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Indonesia Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Indonesia Trip

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Top Things to Do

Go Temple Hunting in Bali

Bali has over 20,000 temples, so you have no excuse not to visit at least a handful. 

These holy structures are called pura in Balinese; for example, Pura Tanah Lot translates to Tanah Lot temple (one of the best). Other renowned temples include Besakih, Uluwatu, and Ulun Danu Beratan. 

Catch the Sunrise at Borobudur, Java

Catching the sunrise at Borobudur offers the most breathtaking scenery in Java, Indonesia. The gorgeous hues of orange and yellow light up the sky as you’re in the midst of the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Ensure you arrive before six am to see the sunrise.  

Chill Out on the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands or Gili Island triplets are a slice of paradise, away from civilization, that you won’t regret visiting. 

Imagine gorgeous white sands peppered with palm trees and kissed by aquamarine waters – now, envisage yourself sunbathing, snorkelling, or swimming there—pure bliss. 

Visit Komodo Island

Why not visit an island inhabited by Komodo dragons? If your zoologist senses tingle, you’ll love exploring this stunning island. Home to Pink Beach, 4,000 dragons, and famous coral reefs – you’ll have the time of your life. 

Escape to Raja Ampat

Another archipelago worth visiting is Raja Ampat encompassing hundreds of jungle-covered islands. 

This otherworldly site features 500 coral species and the world’s most biodiverse marine life. Kri is the most famous island, with exceptional diving, balmy beaches, and plentiful accommodation options. 

Fill Your Camera at the Gate of Heaven, Bali 

Ignore the Instagram hype around the Lempuyang Temple or “gates of heaven” — influencers go there for the wrong reasons. If you value history and spiritualism, you’ll likely know this is the oldest Balinese temple and one of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, or the “six sanctuaries of the world”. 

Go Waterfall Hunting

Indonesia is one of the rainiest places on earth, so the prevalence of gushing waterfalls amongst its many rainforests is no surprise. If you love hiking and a refreshing dose of waterfall mist, you don’t want to miss Tibumana, Tukad Cepung, and Tegenungan Falls. 

Explore Gorgeous Rice Fields 

Indonesia’s stunning rice terraces are a big hit among tourists. The landscapes are surreal, and the cultural heritage intrigues you – it’s a rural and authentic experience like no other. Don’t just take my word for it; see it yourself by visiting Jatiluwih, Tegallalang, and Pererenan rice fields. 

Lombok

Lombok is like Bali before the crowds. My advice?  Get there quick before they do. With all the charm of its sister island, but a fraction of the visitors, it’s becoming one of Indonesia’s go-to destinations.

What’s so special? Lombok’s famed for its spectacular black sand beaches (there’s even a pink sand beach too if you know where to look). 

Suggested Indonesia Itineraries

Ready to take on Indonesia with both hands? I’ve devised four fun-tastic itineraries to help you unearth the best way to travel in Indonesia (thank me later). Feel free to add or remove destinations based on your time and preferences. 

Beautiful Bali Beaches

One Week

Blue Point Beach – Kuta Beach – Seminyak Beach – Pemuteran – Diamond Beach – Canggu Beach – Lovina Beach

Go beach hopping on some of Bali’s most gorgeous beaches. 

Tour of the Temples

Ten Days

Borobudur Temple – Sewu Temple – Plaosan Temple – Lempuyang Temple – Pura Tanah Lot – Besakih Temple – Uluwatu Temple

Visit all the must-see temples of Indonesia in one go. 

Best of Ubud 

One Week

Tegalalang Rice Terrace – Tegenungan Waterfall – Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – Ubud Art Market – Puri Saren Palace – Tirta Empul Temple

See the best of Ubud by visiting its standout attractions. 

Best Indonesia Islands

Three Weeks

Lombok – Komodo – Java – Flores – Sumatra – Belitung – Sulawesi

Venture beyond Bali by exploring some of the best Indonesian islands.

Recommended Tours

Ubud Monkey Sanctuary
The Best of Ubud: Water Temples and Waterfalls
Borobudur, Indonesia 
Indonesia: Explore Java, Bali, Lombok with G Adventures
Bali
Indonesia: Hammocks and Hikes with G Adventures
More Tours

Hidden Indonesia: Off the Beaten Path

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple

This temple is the perfect alternative to the touristy Tirta Empul. Here, you’ll run into locals who bathe in the holy spring waters. Ensure to stop by the gorgeous Koi pond with intricate stone carvings, typical of a water temple, just without the crowds. 

Rumah Akar, Jakarta

One of Jakarta’s best-kept secrets is also likely the most mystical place that offers an otherworldly backdrop for your travel snaps. 

 

Located in Pinangsia, West Jakarta City, this mysterious museum, also called ‘roots house,’ looks like a scene from Jumanji, or abandoned jungle city.

The roots creeping up the cracked walls create a sense of eeriness, promising a unique photo session to those who find it. 

Hidden Pools in Mangku Sakti Waterfall, Lombok 

Sembalun, East Lombok, is home to one of the most awe-inspiring natural sites: the majestic Mangku Sakti Waterfall.

This gushing fall plunges a 1.5-meter into a deep pool, hidden within granite stones. The gorgeous crevices of the canyon’s dark grey interior, juxtaposed with baby-blue waters, result in a surreal sight artists can only dream of. 

Cirebon, Java

Escape the crowds by visiting one of Java’s hidden wonders: Cirebon. You’ll find this hush-hush coastal city in northern West Java, where a blend of culture, history, and culinary delights hits you hard. 

Explore two historic palaces, the 16th-century Keraton Kasepuhan and the 17th-century Keraton Kanoman, then visit Sunyaragi Cave, an 18th-century water palace in the shape of a labyrinthine.   

How to See the Best of Indonesia for Free

This wouldn’t be the best travel guide to Indonesia without free activities/attractions for budget travellers. Start by visiting traditional villages for a medley of arts, crafts, dance, and music. Don’t miss Ubud, Trunyan Village, Tenganan and Penglipuran Village.  

Next, consider free tours of iconic landmarks such as the National Monument, Istiqlal Mosque, and Tugu Proklamasi in Jakarta. 

Finally, discovering the best beaches of Bali might be the most rewarding free thing to do in Indonesia. 

Dishes to Try in Indonesia

  • Gado-Gado salad – a vibrant salad made of fried tofu, tempeh, hard-boiled egg, and vegetables. 
  • Kering Tempeh – deep-fried tempeh served with crunchy peanuts and a sweet and sour glace. 
  • Nasi Goreng – egg fried rice with veggies and spicy chilli.
  • Pisang Goreng – delicious deep-fried bananas. 

Top Drinks in Indonesia

  • Bintang – famous Indo pale lager beer. 

Map of Indonesia

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Ubud

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