Best travel tips for Indonesia

Indonesia is a land of incredible contrasts and breathtaking diversity.

From jungle-clad volcanoes to coral-fringed islands, ancient temples to buzzing city streets, this vast archipelago of nearly 17,000 islands offers something for every kind of traveler. We spent weeks exploring the country across different regions, from the rice terraces of Bali to the cultural heart of Java and Jakarta. Here are our best travel tips for Indonesia to help you prepare for your journey, whether you are planning a beach break, a cultural deep-dive, or a multi-island adventure.

When is the best time to visit Indonesia?

Indonesia is a year-round destination, but being in the tropics, it has two main seasons:

Dry Season (May to September): This is the most popular and best time to visit, with sunny days and low humidity. Ideal for hiking, diving, and island-hopping.
Rainy Season (October to April): Expect short but heavy showers, especially in the afternoon. Some regions, like Bali and Lombok, remain popular during this time due to lower prices and fewer crowds.

We visited twice, in November and late April and enjoyed mostly dry weather in April and experienced some showers during our November trip.

How to get to Indonesia?

By Air: Most travelers fly into Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS), or main airports on other islands. Direct international flights are available from major cities across Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Visa: Indonesia offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for many nationalities, valid for 30 days and extendable once. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.

Tip: You can now apply for your VOA online before arrival (e-VOA) for a smoother airport experience. Check your elibiligity here and apply!

How to get around Indonesia?

Indonesia is a huge country, thousands of islands and wide spread, and getting around takes planning:

Flights (book here!): For longer distances between islands (Bali to Jakarta for example), domestic flights are very affordable and time-saving. Carriers like Lion Air, Citilink, and Batik Air operate extensive routes.
Ferries: If you are up for a slower pace, ferries connect many islands. Book in advance and check local conditions.
Scooters & Rentals: In places like Bali or Lombok, scooters are the most flexible and best way to get around. Make sure you have an international driving permit, wear a helmet and get insurance! Renting with insurance may be a bit more expensive but it is totally wort hit.
Trains: Java has a great rail network on the big islands like Java between cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya, quite comfortable and scenic.

Tip: You can always check the 12Go Asia website for traveling options in Indonesia and book directly though this link!

How to pay in Indonesia?

Cash: Still king, especially in rural areas and for small purchases.
Cards: Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, large restaurants, and shops in tourist areas.
ATMs: Widely available in cities and tourist hubs. Always carry some cash for smaller towns.

Tip: Use ATMs connected to major banks and avoid those in minimarkets, they often have high fees.

What are the Top Destinations in Indonesia?

Bali: Temples, rice fields, beaches, and nightlife. A great intro to Indonesia.
Java: Don’t miss Yogyakarta (for Borobudur and Prambanan), Jakarta (urban vibes), and Mount Bromo (volcanic sunrise hikes).
Komodo & Flores: For wild landscapes, traditional villages, and spotting Komodo dragons.
Sumatra: Trek with orangutans in Bukit Lawang or relax by Lake Toba.
Sulawesi: Dive into unique culture and world-class diving in Bunaken or Wakatobi.

Indonesia is massive, so unless you have unlimited time, choose a few regions/destinations and take it slow.

And always look here for the best offers for Tours and Attractions.

What to eat in Indonesia?

The food scene is as diverse as the country itself. Here are some favorites:

Nasi Goreng: Indonesia’s iconic fried rice dish, served everywhere.
Satay: Skewered grilled meats with peanut sauce.
Gado Gado: A delicious veggie salad with peanut dressing.
Soto: A hearty traditional soup — many regional varieties exist.
Tempeh: A protein-rich fermented soy product, often fried or grilled.

We ate plant-based and found it surprisingly easy in local warungs (eateries), especially with dishes like tempeh, tofu, and veggie nasi campur. They will ‘customize’ your dish upon request, fresh and all!

Where to stay in Indonesia?

Bali: From beach resorts in Seminyak to jungle villas in Ubud.
Java: Boutique hotels in Yogyakarta, and city hotels in Jakarta.
Flores: Beach bungalows and eco-lodges with amazing views.
Budget to Luxury: Indonesia has it all, you can spend €10 a night or €500.

Tip: Book in advance for popular places like Bali in peak season (June–August).

And ofcourse, always book your accommodation here!

Useful apps and tools for Indonesia

Grab and/or Gojek: For transport, food delivery, and even massages your “Uber” experience, both work very smooth
Google Maps: Works well for navigation and planning.
XE Currency: For currency conversion.
Google Translate: Super helpful in remote areas.

Staying connected in Indonesia

Staying online in Indonesia is very easy, but should you get an eSIM or a local SIM card? Here’s what we found:

eSIM (Best for Convenience & Multi-Country Travel) (book your eSIM here!)

Purchase online before arrival and activate instantly. Great if you are traveling through (Southeast) Asia.

Local SIM Card (Best for Budget & Coverage)

Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat are popular providers.
You can buy tourist SIMs at the airport or local shops. Expect to pay around 50,000–100,000 IDR for a week’s data.

Our Verdict: For short visits, an eSIM works fine, and our eSIM Asia worked perfect. But if you need more data or plan to travel off the beaten path, a local SIM card may provide better value and coverage.

Budget tips for traveling to Indonesia

Eat Local: Good Warungs serve authentic meals for under €2.
Use Public Transport: Buses and trains are cheap and reliable in Java.
Negotiate: In markets and for services, bargaining is normal.
Travel Off-Peak: Cheaper flights and accommodation outside July/August and holidays.

Cultural tips for Indonesia

Dress Modestly: Especially at temples (adjust!) and in rural areas.
Shoes Off: Remove shoes before entering homes and some businesses.
Politeness Wins: A smile and “terima kasih” go a long way.
Religion: Indonesia is mostly Muslim, but Hinduism has a stronger presence in Bali and Christianity in parts of eastern Indonesia.

Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Indonesia

Q: Is Indonesia safe for tourists?
A: Yes, generally. Just stay aware of local advice and avoid risky areas.

Q: Do I need vaccines?
A: Routine vaccines are recommended, more specifically if you travel to the remote eastern islands. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and possibly rabies depending on your itinerary.

Q: Can I drink the tap water?
A: No. Always drink bottled or filtered water.

Q: Is it easy to travel between islands?
A: With a bit of planning, yes. Domestic flights are common; ferries exist but can be slow.

Ready to discover Mexico?

Indonesia captured our hearts with its endless variety and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are exploring temples in Jakarta, relaxing on a beach in Bali, or trekking volcanoes in Java, this country offers something magical every single day.

Got questions or your own Indonesia tips to share? Drop us a message or find us on Instagram — we would love to hear from you!

Selamat Jalan!

the booming journey