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South-Eastern Asia

IndonesiaTravel guide

Explore Indonesia visa rulesCommon scams in Indonesia

Indonesia is a huge tropical country with over 17,000 islands between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its beaches, rainforests, volcanoes and many different cultures attract visitors from around the world.

Why go

  1. Explore beaches, rainforests and active volcanoes.

  2. Discover different languages, foods and cultures across the islands.

  3. Visit Bali, one of the country's main tourist destinations.

  4. Travel through Java by train for views of the countryside.

Best time to go: April to October is the dry season in most of the country, including Java and Bali. Rain still falls, seasons vary by region, and forest-fire smoke can affect Sumatra and Kalimantan, usually in June, July and August.

Getting there

By air

  • Most visitors arrive at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali or Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta.
  • Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Medan also have international flights from Singapore or Malaysia.
  • Flights from Australia take about 4–7 hours. Travel from the Americas takes over 20 hours and requires at least one connection.

By land

  • From Timor-Leste, the main crossing is at Mota'ain, between Batugade and Atambua. Other crossings are at Salele–Motamasin and Sacato–Wini.
  • From Malaysia, official crossings connect Sarawak with West Kalimantan at Entikong–Tebedu, Aruk–Biawak and Lubok Antu–Nanga Badau. Avoid unofficial crossings.
  • From Papua New Guinea, the only recognised crossing is at Wutung, between Vanimo and Jayapura. Border officials may be absent, so have a backup plan.

By sea

  • Ferries connect Indonesia with Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Most connections serve Sumatra and the Riau Islands.
  • Singapore has frequent ferries to Batam and Bintan, plus services to Karimun.

Customs

  • Complete the All Indonesia arrival card before arrival. It opens 72 hours before your flight and replaces earlier customs, immigration and health forms.
  • All arriving international passengers must have their luggage screened, including hand luggage.
  • Declare cash worth more than Rp100,000,000, or the same value in other currencies, when entering or leaving.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    Flying is the only fast way to cover long distances between many islands. Delays can happen, so keep your plans flexible. Arrive at least 90 minutes before a low-cost flight or 45 minutes before a full-service flight, following the instructions on your ticket. Usually only 7 kilograms of cabin baggage is free. Checked bags cost extra. Some airlines let you pay cash at a minimart by showing your ticket or booking confirmation number.

  • Ferries and boats

    Journeys can take hours, days or weeks, and some routes do not run daily. Buy PELNI and ASDP ferry tickets through travel agents or at their offices, usually near ports. Choose larger operators where possible, check for safety equipment and consider delaying travel in bad weather. Bring enough food for delays. Smaller boats may have poor maintenance or carry too many passengers. For small local boats, find out the route and usual price before travelling, then bargain.

  • Trains

    Java has the widest rail network, linking Jakarta with cities including Surabaya, Semarang, Yogyakarta and Solo. The Whoosh high-speed train connects Jakarta and Bandung in as little as 30 minutes. Intercity trains have reserved seats and require check-in before boarding. Commuter trains can be crowded, so watch for pickpockets. Bali has no railway, but trains reach Banyuwangi for ferry connections. Sumatra's separate rail networks do not allow travel across the whole island.

  • Buses

    You can buy intercity tickets at a bus terminal or company depot. Some services include meals or ferry crossings in the fare. Luxury overnight buses may have reclining seats, generous legroom or beds. Vehicle quality varies widely between companies. Guard your bags closely, especially on overnight journeys. Avoid buses that look poorly maintained. Many cities have angkot, shared minivans with sideways-facing seats. Larger cities also have bus systems.

What to see and do

  • Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park

    The park is a destination reached from Malang, with volcanic scenery among Indonesia's main natural attractions.

  • Lake Toba

    The lake is a destination that travellers can visit via Medan.

  • Bali

    One of Indonesia's main tourist destinations, with accommodation ranging from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts.

  • Indonesia's rainforests

    The country's tropical forests are among the world's largest and support abundant wildlife.

  • Take a scenic train journey

    Many train routes pass through scenic areas, making slower travel part of the experience.

  • Explore islands by boat

    Local boats can be hired for touring, fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Food and drink

  • Nasi goreng

    Fried rice, widely available across Indonesia.

  • Nasi padang

    A buffet-style meal featuring spicy, richly seasoned Minangkabau food.

  • Sundanese food

    Dishes from West Java often include fresh vegetables and herbs eaten raw.

  • Nasi kuning

    Rice coloured yellow with turmeric, sometimes shaped into a ceremonial cone called tumpeng.

  • Sambal

    Chilli sauces served with many dishes. Small bird's eye chillies can be especially hot.

  • Terasi

    Dried shrimp paste used for flavouring. It can have a strong fishy taste.

Money

Indonesian rupiah, written Rp; its currency code is IDR.

  • Menus and casual speech may leave off the last three zeroes. A price written as Rp25 can mean Rp25,000.
  • Check banknotes carefully, as smaller notes can look similar.
  • Fancy restaurants and hotels may add 10% government tax and a service charge. A price followed by '++' can mean these charges are extra.
  • Prices are often higher in Jakarta, Bali and eastern Indonesia than in smaller cities such as Yogyakarta or Bandung.

Tipping: Tipping is optional, though it is often hoped for in tourist areas of Java and Bali. If you tip, give it discreetly and directly to the person using your right hand.

Typical costs

  • A street meal can cost about Rp20,000.
  • An economy intercity van ticket usually costs about Rp75,000; an executive coach ticket costs about Rp150,000.
  • Basic guesthouses often cost under US$15 per night.
  • Budget hotels start at about US$20 per night.
  • A Rp300,000 hotel room may include breakfast.

Language

  • Indonesian, called Bahasa Indonesia, is the official language and is spoken by almost all Indonesians.
  • Many people also speak a local language; Javanese and Sundanese are the most widely spoken.
  • English is common in tourist areas and at better hotels, but is not widely spoken throughout the country.
Dingin
Cold; use this when ordering a chilled drink.
Bapak / Pak
A respectful way to address a man you do not know.
Ibu / Bu
A respectful way to address a woman you do not know.
Daftar harga
Price list.
Perempuan / wanita / cewek
Words for women that may appear on boardinghouse signs.
Pria / laki-laki / cowok
Words for men that may appear on boardinghouse signs.

Staying safe

  • Watch your belongings in markets, public transport and other crowded places. Keep phones, cameras and jewellery out of sight when possible.
  • Keep valuables out of checked baggage, as baggage handlers may steal them.
  • Use the hotel's safe deposit box rather than leaving valuables in your room or using the room safe.
  • Drug offences can lead to long prison terms or the death penalty. Never carry items for strangers.
6 common scams in Indonesia, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Use Bapak or Pak for an unfamiliar man and Ibu or Bu for an unfamiliar woman. You can add the person's name after the title.
  • Use your right hand when eating with your fingers. Use serving utensils to take food from shared dishes.
  • Follow other diners' example when cutlery is provided, especially in smarter restaurants.
  • Be patient and flexible when plans or timings change.
  • Understand that staring, requests for photos and personal questions may express curiosity about visitors.

Don't

  • Do not eat with your left hand, which is associated with handling dirty things.
  • Do not put either hand directly into shared serving dishes.
  • Do not use someone's first name alone unless you already know them personally.
  • Do not assume a swastika in a Hindu or Buddhist temple or home is a Nazi symbol; it has a religious meaning.

Staying healthy

  • Most places have daytime temperatures of about 26–32°C. Bring a jacket for cooler highland areas.
  • Bottled drinking water is available even in rural areas, including during dry-season water shortages.
  • Forest-fire smoke can blanket parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan during the dry season, usually in June, July and August.
  • If you suffer from motion sickness, the source names Dramamine and Antimo as options for boat journeys.

Phone and internet

  • Keeping in touch is usually straightforward near popular travel routes.
  • Some budget hotels provide wireless internet.
  • Indonesia's country calling code is +62. For calls to another area within Indonesia, replace +62 with a leading 0 before the area code.

Where to stay

  • Bali and Jakarta have accommodation from cheap guesthouses to luxury resorts. Choices are more limited away from popular destinations.
  • A losmen is a basic guesthouse, also called a wisma or pondok. Rooms often have fans and shared bathrooms.
  • A penginapan is a very small guesthouse, homestay or rented room. A kost is a boardinghouse for longer stays, and some accept only men or only women.
  • Some shared bathrooms have squat toilets and a bak mandi, a water tank used for bathing. Ladle water over yourself; do not climb into the tank or use it as a sink.

Trips to Indonesia

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

5 nights
Bali Between Fields and SeaUbudJimbaranFrom, per person~US$628
 6 nights
Bali for Just TwoUbudUluwatuFrom, per person~US$947
 8 nights
Java Temples and Bali ShoresYogyakartaUbudSanurFrom, per person~US$1,120

Outdoor adventures in Indonesia

Indonesia offers volcanic landscapes, rainforest treks, wildlife watching and beaches across thousands of islands. Its reefs and surf spots are major draws, with places for both first-time learners and more experienced travellers.

  • Kuta Beach surfing

    SurfingBalinear Kuta

    Easy Introductory lesson: 2.5 hours; courses: 3 or 5 days

    Book a surf school or private lesson in Kuta. Bali learn to surf has an office at the Hard Rock Hotel and offers hotel transfers.

    • Cost: Bali learn to surf: US$45 introductory lesson, US$120 for 3 days, or US$200 for 5 days. Beach board rentals: Rp20,000–80,000 per half day, though some ask Rp40,000–100,000 per hour.
    • Take lessons before heading out alone for the first time.
    • Check rental boards carefully. Damaged boards can lead to payment disputes.

  • Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park volcanic scenery

    More to doEast Javanear Malang

    Sunrise

    Travel via Malang to visit the park. If climbing a volcano, go with a guide.

    • Climb only when conditions allow.
    • For volcano climbs, take clothing suitable for temperatures from 0–30°C.

  • Komodo National Park dragon watching

    WildlifeNusa Tenggara

    Visit the islands of Komodo National Park to see Komodo dragons.

    • Do not harass Komodo dragons. They can be very dangerous.

  • Bunaken diving

    Scuba divingNorthern Sulawesinear Manado

    Dive in Bunaken National Marine Park near Manado.

  • Raja Ampat diving

    Scuba divingPapua

    Head to Raja Ampat for reef diving.

  • Gili Islands diving

    Scuba divingNusa Tenggara

    Use the diving teaching centres on the Gili Islands for instruction or recreational diving.

  • Nusa Penida diving

    Scuba divingBali

    Use the diving teaching centres on Nusa Penida for instruction or recreational diving.

  • Mentawai Islands surfing

    SurfingSumatranear Padang

    Private boat charters: up to 2 weeks

    Charter a private boat, the most popular way to reach the surf spots, or take a public ferry from Padang.

  • Baliem Valley trekking

    TrekPapua

    Trek through the remote Baliem Valley into the lands of the Lani, Dani and Yali peoples.

  • Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid)

    ClimbingLorentz National Park, Papua

    The mountain is in Lorentz National Park; approach and booking details are not specified.

    • Bring a jacket for the cooler highlands.

  • Kerinci Seblat National Park wildlife watching

    WildlifeSumatra

    Visit the park's large forest area for wildlife and plants.

  • Wakatobi diving

    Scuba divingSoutheast Sulawesi

    Head to Wakatobi for reef diving.

  • Alor Archipelago diving

    Scuba divingNusa Tenggara

    Dive around the Alor Archipelago.

  • Pulau Weh diving

    Scuba divingSumatra

    Head to Pulau Weh in the Indian Ocean for diving.

  • Nias surfing

    SurfingSumatra

    Head to Nias, north of the Mentawai Islands, for surfing.

  • Nusa Lembongan surfing

    SurfingBali

    Bali Wave Hunter offers surfing charters and tours from Bali to Nusa Lembongan.

  • South Lombok surfing

    SurfingNusa Tenggara

    Head to southern Lombok for surfing. Bali Wave Hunter also offers surfing tours from Bali to Lombok.

  • Sumbawa surfing

    SurfingNusa Tenggara

    Bali Wave Hunter offers surfing charters and tours from Bali to Sumbawa.

  • Puncrut–Lembang walking trail

    HikeWest Javanear Bandung

    Start at Puncrut on Jl. Kiputih in North Bandung. For the less tiring option, go to Ledeng, take an angkot, a local minibus, to Lembang, and ask for the way down to Puncrut.

  • Tangkuban Perahu volcano visit

    More to doWest Javanear Bandung

    Travel about 20 km north of Bandung to the volcano near Lembang.

  • Kawah Putih crater lake visit

    More to doWest Javanear Bandung

    Travel about 40 km south of Bandung to the lake near Ciwidey.

  • Ranca Upas camping and deer watching

    More to doWest Javanear Bandung

    Camp at Ranca Upas, a camping ground in a protected area.

  • Pulau Samalona diving

    Scuba divingSouth Sulawesinear Makassar

    Boat journey from Makassar: 30–45 minutes

    Take a boat from Makassar. One boat can carry 2–8 people.

    • Cost: Rp600,000–800,000 for the boat trip.

  • Base G Beach

    BeachePapuanear Jayapura

    Visit from Jayapura; the beach is not far from the city centre.

    • Cost: Free entrance.
    • Watch for locals trying to overcharge visitors.

  • Harlem Beach

    BeachePapuanear Jayapura

    Sunset

    Head to Harlem Beach at Tablasupa, Depapre.

Airports, metros and trains in Indonesia

Airports with scheduled flights

  • SOCAdisoemarmo International AirportSurakartaMain international airport
  • DPSDenpasar I Gusti Ngurah Rai International AirportKuta, BadungMain international airport
  • DJJDortheys Hiyo Eluay International AirportSentaniMain international airport
  • HLPHalim Perdanakusuma International AirportJakartaMain international airport
  • BTHHang Nadim International AirportBatamMain international airport
  • SRGJenderal Ahmad Yani AirportSemarangMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • JakartaJakarta MRT13 stations15.7 kmsince 2019
  • JakartaJakarta LRT11 stations12 kmsince 2019
  • JakartaJabodebek LRT18 stations44.5 kmsince 2023
  • PalembangPalembang LRT13 stations23.4 kmsince 2018

Trains

Rail network
8,260 km
Electrified
621 km
High-speed lines
143 km
Top speed
350 km/h

People and safety in Indonesia

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.

  • Muslim84%
  • Christian10%
  • No religion3%
  • Hindu2%
  • Buddhist<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal in law, risky in places

  • The law allows up to 5 years in prison.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #96 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

74% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 99 of 198 countries can visit Indonesia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required18
  • Visa on arrival81
  • eVisa37
  • Visa required62

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe42 of 46 countries
  • Asia32 of 49 countries
  • Americas13 of 35 countries
  • Oceania3 of 14 countries
  • Africa9 of 54 countries

Questions

When is the best time to visit Indonesia?

Most of the country, including Java and Bali, has its dry season from April to October. Rain still falls, and conditions vary between regions.

Can I get by with English?

English is common in tourist areas, at better hotels and among airline staff. Elsewhere, expect limited English and consider learning a few Indonesian or local words.

Can I buy transport tickets without booking online?

Yes. Bus tickets can be bought at terminals or depots, and PELNI and ASDP ferry tickets are sold through travel agents and their offices; some airlines also allow cash payment at minimarts.

What is the quickest way to travel between distant islands?

Flying is the only fast way to cover long distances across Indonesia. Ferries can take days or weeks, and some routes do not run daily.

Why does a menu show a price such as Rp25?

Menus sometimes leave off the final three zeroes, so Rp25 can mean Rp25,000. Also check for extra tax and service charges.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is optional, though it is often hoped for in tourist areas of Java and Bali. Give any tip discreetly and directly to the person who helped you.

What is a losmen?

A losmen is a basic guesthouse, often with fan-cooled rooms and shared bathrooms. It may also be called a wisma or pondok.

Is Indonesian food very spicy?

Chillies and sambal sauces are widely used, and some regional food is especially spicy. Small bird's eye chillies can be very hot.

Which number should I call in an emergency?

Call 112 free from any telephone. In major cities it connects emergency services; elsewhere it usually reaches police, and operators generally speak Indonesian.

How should I eat if food is served without cutlery?

Eating with your fingers is common, but use only your right hand. Take food from shared dishes with serving utensils.

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