COMPAS news era
Related Articles
With 17,000 Indonesian islands dotted between mainland Asia and Australia, the archipelago has more than just natural wonders and curious wildlife. You’ll find everything from the scorched landscapes of Komodo to the lush volcanic slopes of Flores and the shimmering coral reefs of the Gili Islands. The spectacular crater lake changes color before your eyes, while the sparring dragons can be seen right from the Jurassic Park.
Indonesia’s ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity is immense – more than 500 languages and dialects are spoken by its 255 million population. Read our Indonesia travel guide for everything you need to know before you go.
Indonesia travel facts
Size: The Indonesian archipelago covers a lot of land, with more than 17,000 islands spread over 5,200 km between Asia and Australia.
Population: 255 million – and the largest Muslim population in the world.
Diversity: The country’s ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity is amazing: more than 500 languages and dialects are spoken across the island.
Wildlife: Indonesia’s biodiversity is just as impressive, placing the archipelago among the world’s 17 “megadiverse” countries, home to the most plant and animal species on Earth.
Volcanoes: Indonesia is the third most volcanoes in the world after the US and Russia – a staggering 139, some of which you can climb.
Economy: Indonesia has Southeast Asia’s biggest economy and it’s one of the world’s main suppliers of rubber, coffee, cocoa and, controversially, palm oil.
Currency: Indonesian rupiah (Rp)
Where to go in Indonesia
With tens of thousands of islands to explore, it can be challenging to narrow down the best place to travel in Indonesia. As diverse as it is dramatic, the archipelago has many alluring sights: the cultural core of Ubud, the colossal Buddhist stupa looming over Java, the turquoise crater lakes and cragged peaks of Gunung Rinjani, the dazzling white-sand beaches of the Gili Islands.
That’s not to mention the staggering wildlife, from huge Komodo dragons to the tiny tarsiers of Tangkoko National Park, and scores of wild orangutans cavorting among the jungles of Bukit Lawang. But beyond these obvious charms lies an abundance of undiscovered territory. The far-flung Banda Islands are a diver’s paradise, while a boat trip along Borneo’s great rivers offers a taste of traditional Dayak life.
However, we have outlined some of the top contenders to consider for your trip in Indonesia.
Bali
With its emerald green terraced rice fields and artistic culture, Bali has long been the poster child of the islands of Indonesia. The popular Kuta-Legian-Seminyak conurbation has an 8 km stretch of golden sand lined with accommodations, shops and bars, while adjacent Canggu is less developed with wilder beaches. For action, the Bukit peninsula is a popular surfing spot, and the tranquil island of Nusa Lembongan and the beach resorts of Amed and Padang Bai have excellent snorkeling and diving. Ubud is the undeniable cultural capital of Bali for its traditional dance and music performances as well as a collection of yoga studios and art galleries.
Lombok and Gili Islands
About 35 kilometers east of Bali, Lombok has more unspoiled beaches than its neighbours, and less traffic and pollution. It is visually stunning, with most of Mount Rinjani towering over the turquoise crater lake. Not far from the beach, the famous Gili Islands are surrounded by white sandy beaches and pristine coral reefs. Of the three, Gili Trawangan is a party island, while Gili Air and Meno have a softer vibe.
Java
Java’s central spine is dominated by volcanoes, its fertile slopes supporting shimmering rice fields with countless villages. To the south is the homeland of the ethnic Javanese and the center of their traditional arts, culture and language, symbolized by the courts of Yogyakarta and Solo. To the east, the volcano Mount Bromo offers excellent hikes, especially at sunrise. Elsewhere are the ancient temples of the Dieng Plateau, the turquoise lake of Ijen Crater and the palm-fringed beaches around Pangandaran.
Sumatra
An explorer’s paradise, most of Sumatra is still undiscovered. Most of the highlights on this hard-to-reach trail are clustered north of the old Trans-Sumatra highway: the orangutan-infested Bukit Lawang forest; Lake Toba, the enchanting spiritual heart of the Batak people; the Berastagi twin volcanoes; and dive sites on Pulau Weh. To the west you’ll find Bukittinggi – the cultural capital of the Minangkabau Highlands – and the forested lake of Lake Maninjau.
Borneo, Borneo
Occupying the southern two-thirds of Kalimantan, Kalimantan is still largely untouched by tourism. With few roads, the large inland rivers are the highways and a boat trip along the waterways will offer a taste of traditional Dayak life. More adventurous explorers can spend weeks exploring less-traveled tropical forests, and a visit to one of the national parks can put you face to face with wild orangutans.
Flores
Flores comprises one of the most attractive landscapes in Indonesia. The island’s volcanic ridge rises to 2500m, and the torrential monsoon season produces the lushness that distinguishes Flores from its scorched neighbours. The most eye-catching sight is Kelimutu: the three craters of this extinct volcano each contain a lake of a different, vibrant, and gradually changing color.
Komodo dragon
Off the west coast of Flores lies Komodo National Park, a group of dry but majestic islands that are home to endemic Komodo dragons. The largest extant lizard in the world, these fearsome creatures weigh up to 150 pounds and have a poisonous bite, allowing them to hunt much larger prey. The two most visited islands in the national park are Komodo and Rinca; accepted wisdom says that the dragon in the former is bigger but harder to spot.
Sulawesi
Sulawesi’s unusual “K” shape means that nowhere on the island is more than 100 km from the sea. Mountains isolated its four peninsulas apart from each other and from the outside world – invaders were vigorously pushed to colonize beyond the coast, and a unique blend of cultures developed. The southern part is divided between the Toraja highlands and the Bugis lowlands; isolated tribes occupy the central highlands, and Minahasa people of Filipino descent live in the far north. The mountainous land of Toraja is the island’s main attraction, thanks to its beautiful scenery, unusual architecture and lively festivals.
Jakarta
Jakarta is Indonesia’s unrivaled megalopolis, home to nearly 30 million people on a 700-square-kilometre stretch of concrete. While many travelers don’t glance at the capital a second time, there’s no better place to experience Indonesia’s pulsating dynamism and heart-wrenching contrasts. Give the city a chance and you’ll find everything from interesting ethnic and historical precincts and interesting museums to heady nightlife and massive new malls.
Best time to go to Indonesia
The entire Indonesian archipelago has a tropical climate, with temperatures always between 21°C and 33°C, although it is cooler in the mountains. In theory, the best time to travel to Indonesia is determined by the rainy and dry seasons, although it is often difficult to tell the difference. This is further exacerbated by the impact of climate change which has changed the pattern of the seasons, sometimes shortening and concentrating the rainy season.
Roughly speaking, in most countries, November to April is the wettest month (Jan and February are the wettest) and May to October is dry. The most expensive time to visit Indonesia is between mid-June and mid-September and again during Christmas and New Year, when rooms can be fully booked for days. Read more about the best time to visit Indonesia.
How to get to Indonesia
This part of our Indonesia guide will cover the best ways to travel to the country and how to get around the island.
Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport and Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport are the main international air gateways to Indonesia, with direct flights from several Australian cities and destinations throughout Asia.
The archipelago also has international airports in Medan, Makassar, Manado, Padang, Surabaya and Yogyakarta – with connections primarily to other Southeast Asian airports.
To enter by boat, Indonesia has ferry connections with Malaysia and Singapore.
How to get around Indonesia
When considering how to get around Indonesia, keep in mind that delays are common with all forms of transportation, caused by weather, engine failure, or not enough passengers arriving. The best option is to keep your schedule as flexible as possible to save a lot of stress.
One of the cheaper ways to get around Indonesia is by bus. However, you may find that you get what you pay for in terms of convenience and security. Another option is a tourist shuttle bus for longer distances.
In Java, you will find trains which tend to be more comfortable and reliable than buses.
Ferry routes run between Indonesia’s neighboring islands offering a choice of short and long haul routes. Check the latest route information and buy tickets in advance at the local Pelni office.
Domestic flights can be a faster and cheaper way to travel between islands in Indonesia. State-operated Garuda and Air Asia are the most prominent airlines, handling a wide range of international and domestic flights..
The best tourist attractions in Indonesia
Borobudur, Java
The largest Buddhist stupa in the world, the ninth century temple is the largest piece of classical architecture in the archipelago. The surroundings are equally spectacular, with towering volcanoes on three sides and jagged limestone cliffs on the fourth.
Bukit Lawang, Sumatra
Tucked away on the easternmost outskirts of Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang offers some of the world’s best opportunities to see orangutans in the wild. Watching these extraordinary creatures perform treetop gymnastics is one of the most memorable experiences in Indonesia.
Ubud, Bali
Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali, known for its talented classical dancers and musicians as well as its prolific painters and craftsmen. Set amidst terraced rice fields, this tantalizing city is filled with art galleries, museums and artisanal shops.
Mount Rinjani, Lombok
Rinjani, at 3726m, is one of the highest mountains in Indonesia. The hike to the top is challenging but rewarding, enjoying the forests, rocky peaks and the magnificent crater lake of Segara Anak Lake.
Land of Toraja, Sulawesi
In the south of Sulawesi, the mountainous highlands of Tanah Toraja are home to one of Indonesia’s most confident and vibrant cultures: the Toraja people, known for their abhorrent burial rituals.
Banda Islands
Clustered about 150 km southeast of Ambon in the remote Banda Sea, the Bandas are centered around the perfectly conical summit of Mount Api. Divers from around the world are lured to this remote volcanic island to swim among turtles, black marlin and hammerhead sharks.
Kelimutu, Flores
The three craters of this extinct volcano each contain a lake of a different color, vibrant and gradually changing color. Take a trip to the moon-like peak at dawn to see the sun rise faintly over the mountains.
Komodo National Park, Komodo
Off the west coast of Flores lies Komodo National Park, a barren but majestic group of islands that is home to the Komodo dragon – the largest extant lizard in the world.
Grajagan, Java
On the border of Alas Purwo National Park on the southeastern tip of Java, the fishing village of Grajagan has become famous for its world-class waves. Better known as G-Land, this place offers both righties and lefties an incredible length and miles of pristine beaches.
Gili Islands
This trio of forest spots off the northwest coast of Lombok is breathtakingly beautiful, with beautiful white sand beaches surrounded by brilliant blue waters. Gili Trawangan best fits the image of a party island, little Gili Meno is a honeymoon favorite, and Gili Air offers a mix of the two.
Bukittinggi, Sumatra
The laid-back city of Bukittinggi attracts with its flamboyant Minangkabau architecture, beautiful views around Lake Maninjau and the rafflesia flower sanctuary in the hills.
Sumba
In the south of Flores, Sumba is famous for its intricate fabrics, grand funeral ceremonies, and the extraordinary annual horse spear throwing contest.
Borneo, Borneo
With dense tropical forests and abundant wildlife, Kalimantan provides opportunities for river tourism in undiscovered areas. Cruise through mangroves, jungles and stilt villages along Indonesia’s longest river, the Kapuas River.
Yogyakarta, Java
Yogyakarta ranks as one of the best-preserved and most attractive cities in Java, and is a major center for classical Javanese dance, music, poetry, and wayang performances.
Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Sulawesi
Tangkoko National Park is home to the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier. This nocturnal tree-dwelling creature resembles a baby bush or aye-aye with large saucer eyes and long, thin fingers.
Two week itinerary : ULTIMATE INDONESIA
- Bukit Lawang, Sumatra. In northern Sumatra, the dense, misty wilderness of Gunung Leuser National Park protects wild orangutans, which can be seen roaming among the treetops.
- Ubud, Bali. Explore the art galleries and craft shops in Bali’s cultural capital, before watching a captivating performance by classical dancers and musicians. Spend another day at your leisure or on a cycling tour of the area.
- Mount Batur, Bali. Emerging from a large volcanic crater, Mount Batur is a smoldering volcano with plumes of sulfurous smoke drifting down its slopes. Hike to the top at sunrise for great views.
- Penungan, Bali. Penarungan is a remote village on the outskirts of Ubud, where traditional Balinese rural life has continued for years.
- Komodo National Park. Explore the island across Kelor and Rinca for a chance to travel between lunar landscapes and see komodo dragons, or ora as they are known locally. You can also spot other unusual wildlife such as sulfur-crested cockatoos, brush turkeys and megapods.
- Red Beach, Komodo. The candy-threaded sand of Red Beach is the reason for its apt nickname: Pink Beach. This stretch of rose-colored sand hugs the Komodo coastline, and is a great snorkeling spot for tropical fish and manta rays.
- Kanawa Beach, Komodo. Spend the morning snorkeling in the crystal clear waters before your transfer back to Bali.
- Sanur, Bali. A relaxing beach resort nestled around Bali’s southern coast, this is a comfortable place to relax on the fine sand.
- Tanah Lot, Bali. Framed by foamy white waves and glistening black sand, this elegant Hindu temple sits atop a rock crashing against the coast of Bali.
- Whether you have two weeks or a month, our local Indonesian experts can book a trip that gives you a taste of traveling in this amazing country.
Travel visa requirements for Indonesia
As of 2016, citizens of 169 countries, including all of Europe as well as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US, can enter Indonesia without a visa at any official immigration gate and stay for thirty days. However, travel requirements for Indonesia are very susceptible to change, so it’s a good idea to check before you travel.
Once you have visa-free entry, you cannot extend your stay, so if you plan to stay longer than thirty days, you must purchase a visa in advance from the Indonesian consulate or purchase it on arrival for $35, which can then be extended for another thirty another day at the immigration office (for IDR 250,000).
Alternatively, you can apply for a visa to Singapore or Malaysia before returning for another thirty days in the country. Visas are easiest to obtain in Singapore, Penang or Kuala Lumpur. There is a fee of IDR 300,000 per day if you extend the stay of your visa.
Accommodation in Indonesia
Prices for the simplest double rooms start at around $5 (more in touristy areas like Bali), and across all categories the most expensive from mid-June to August, and in December and January. The lower end of the Indonesian accommodation market is provided by homestays and hostels. Inns, or inns, are often just a spare bedroom in a family home, and there is often not much difference between these and inns, lodges and guesthouses, which are also family-run operations. Rooms vary from whitewashed concrete cubes to artsy bamboo structures – some are even set in their own walled garden. Hard beds and bolsters are common, and you may be provided with light blankets.
In remote Indonesian countryside, you may end up living in villages without formal lodging, in bed in the family home. Ask the local police or village head for permission first. In exchange for accommodation and food, you must offer cash or a useful gift, such as rice, salt, cigarettes, or food, with a value of at least $2.
