Indonesia
“In Indonesia, every island is a world of its own—where volcanoes breathe, temples whisper, and the ocean sings your name.”
Indonesia
Indonesia is a vast country to discover, but how many people truly realise just how vast? In terms of population, Indonesia ranks fourth in the world, with more than 280 million people. Its surface area spans over 1.9 million square kilometres, placing it 14th globally. And with nearly 17,000 islands, around 6,000 of which are inhabited, Indonesia is a destination that you simply cannot grasp in a single visit.
It probably will not surprise you then that, after two visits, we may have seen just 1% of the country. But both trips made one thing crystal clear: Indonesia leaves you wanting more. And we are not just talking about nasi campur.
In late 2022, we visited Indonesia for the first time, as part of a longer journey through Southeast Asia. We spent two weeks on the island of Bali, a destination with at least two very distinct faces. What we thought of Bali and how we experienced it, you will find in our separate blogs about this diverse island.
In the spring of 2025, we returned for another two weeks. Once again, we visited Bali, but this time we also explored the capital, Jakarta. We had different plans, more plans even, but sometimes life just takes over.
What is certain: we will definitely return to discover more of Indonesia. Because our Indonesia wish list is still long. But for now, read all about our experiences in Bali and Jakarta, and discover why this fascinating country has so much more waiting to be explored, yes, including all those other thousands of islands.
Discover Indonesia
Bahase Indonesia
Indonesian Rupiah
Warm to Hot
UTC +7 until +9
Discover Indonesia, a country of endless horizons, layered cultures, and landscapes that shift from volcanic peaks to jungle, from temples to surf breaks, from bustling cities to villages where time moves slowly. We have only scratched the surface, visiting Bali and Jakarta, but even that glimpse revealed just how deep and diverse Indonesia truly is.
On Bali, we travelled from the laid-back beach vibe of Canggu, to the lush rice terraces and temple trails around Ubud, and further north into the peaceful mountain village of Munduk, where waterfalls and jungle walks welcomed us into a slower rhythm. We soaked up the coastal charm of Amed, where volcanic beaches meet vibrant coral reefs, and visited the South with sunsets in Uluwatu and Ungasan, watching the ocean meet the cliffs in spectacular fashion.
Then there is Jakarta, Indonesia’s fast-evolving, often misunderstood capital. Beneath the layers of traffic and skyscrapers lies a city in rapid transformation. We stood at the heart of it all on Monumen Nasional, explored Indonesian heritage at the National Museum, and wandered through Kota Tua, the historic old (Dutch) town. We visited the majestic Istiqlal Mosque and the nearby Jakarta Cathedral, two landmarks that stand side by side as a symbol of unity. Jakarta is bold, intense, and fascinating, changing by the day, but always rooted in identity.
And yet, this may just the beginning, because waiting for us and you are:
Lombok, Bali’s quieter, rugged sister, with pristine beaches and Mount Rinjani waiting for hikers.
Sumatra, wild and untamed, where orangutans roam and volcanoes rise through jungle mist.
Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, where deep rainforest and river villages stretch for days.
Java, home to the ancient temples of Borobudur and vibrant cities like Yogyakarta and Surabaya.
Sulawesi, with its surreal coastline and the mysterious highland culture of Tana Toraja.
And beyond lie the eastern island chains, the Maluku Islands, Flores, and Raja Ampat, each a world of its own.
Indonesia is not a single destination. It is a collection of journeys, stories, islands, and people. Whether you are chasing waves, volcanoes, wildlife, or silence, Indonesia offers it all, layered with history, flavour, and soul.
Let this be your invitation to discover Indonesia, starting here, but never ending here.
Best travel tips for Indonesia
The best travel tips for your ultimate trip to Indonesia