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With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. From thrilling adventures to cultural immersion and stunning scenery, there's something for everyone. each with its unique charm. It offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, and so much more. Here's a guide to everything you need to know before you plan a trip to Indonesia and plan your itinerary. One can spend anywhere between 2 weeks to a few months exploring the archipelago and not get enough!
This is as detailed as the Indonesia Travel Guide gets!
1. Indonesia Visa
Nationals of India can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. You can apply to extend their stay for an additional 30 days. The cost of visa on arrival is about IDR 5,00,000. However, you must ensure that your passport is valid for 6months until the last day of exit from the country. Hotel reservations , return ticket and financial details (soft copy) are optional but are good to have handy.
Indonesia Travel Guide
2. Must visit Destinations
Indonesia, an archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, offers a stunning diversity of places to visit, from volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests to pristine beaches and ancient temples.
Some of the top destinations to consider for your Indonesian adventure:
1. Bali
The 'Island of the Gods' is a must-visit for any Indonesia trip. As the only Hindu island there, it's got a super unique and magical vibe. With its epic beaches, crazy landscapes, and awesome culture, it's a dream come true.
From the chill vibes and quiet beaches in North Bali to the wild parties, amazing food, and cool shops in the south, Bali's got something for everyone. You can check out ancient temples, soak up Balinese traditions, and explore the island's rich history.
Here's what you can do in North Bali
2. Komodo Islands
The Komodo Islands in Indonesia are like a dream come true. Meet real-life dragons - the Komodo dragons, right in their natural home. Dive into crystal-clear waters for amazing snorkeling and diving adventures. The beaches here are like paintings with pink sands and stunning views. And the sunrises and sunsets? Unbelievably beautiful, turning the sky into a colorful masterpiece every day.
3. Lombok
Lombok, Bali's less-developed neighbor, offers a more laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Hike to the summit of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano with a caldera lake, or relax on the pristine beaches of the Sekotong region.
4. Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is the perfect place to dive into Javanese culture. It's famous for its traditional arts, crafts, and batik. Check out the epic Prambanan temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu and don't miss Borobudur, a 9th-century Buddhist temple that's the biggest in the world! It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site covered in amazing sculptures and reliefs that tell the story of Buddha's life
5. The Volcano Circuit - Tumpak Sew-Bromo-Ijen
Visit the Borobudur and Prambanan Temples followed by Tumpak Sewu waterfalls and the chance to witness stunning sunrises at Mount Bromo and the blue flames at Ijen Crater.
6. Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat, an archipelago off the coast of West Papua, is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, or kayak through the crystal-clear waters surrounded by limestone islands
7. Gili Islands
The Gili Islands, this trio of tiny islands near Lombok, are total paradise. With their perfect beaches, crystal-clear water, and chill vibes, they're the best place to relax and have fun. Gili Trawangan is the biggest and has a wild nightlife and lots of places to stay. Gili Meno is super peaceful, perfect for couples and families. And Gili Air is a mix of both. You can snorkel, dive, kayak, and paddleboard and see amazing sea creatures.
8. Flores
Flores, this hidden gem in Indonesia, is a total stunner. With its volcano mountains, beautiful beaches, and cute villages, Flores is a dream come true for adventurers and nature lovers. Check out Komodo National Park, home to the legendary Komodo dragons, or hike up Kelimutu volcano to see the crazy colors of its crater lakes. Discover the cool local culture, eat amazing seafood, and experience the friendly people of Flores.
9. Borneo
Borneo is a treasure trove when it comes to nature and culture. It's famous for its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and amazing animals. Borneo's an adventure lover's dream come true. Check out the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centers in Kalimantan, hike through the thick jungles of Sarawak, or dive in the colorful coral reefs of Sabah. Discover the cool cultures of the Dayak tribes and eat the delicious local food. Borneo's huge size and natural wonders make it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers
10. Jakarta
Jakarta, Indonesia's crazy capital, is a mix of a modern city and old-school culture. Check out historical spots like the National Monument and Old Town, soak up the arts scene at galleries and theaters, or eat amazing Indonesian food at street stalls and fancy restaurants. Discover the city's different cultures, shop at cool markets, and experience the wild nightlife. Jakarta might not be the prettiest city, but it's a unique and unforgettable place for travelers who want to experience Indonesia's urban life.
3. The essential carry-on packing list
Here's a detailed post on the things to carry on you Indonesia trip.
4. Flight booking Do's and Dont's
Due to the numerous airports scattered across Indonesia's islands, there are many short-haul flights connecting major cities like Sumatra, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali to smaller destinations.
Here are some Do's and Don't based on our experience in Indonesia that can help you plan better.
Do's :
Plan Early: Book your flights well in advance to secure the best prices, especially for popular routes like Jakarta and Bali.
Check baggage restrictions: Low-cost airlines flying to different cities in Indonesia, have strict baggage restrictions. Carefully review the allowed cabin and checked baggage allowances and any associated fees for excess baggage.
Documents: Keep your passport, some cash, boarding pass and e-visa (if applicable) easily accessible.
Research the airline: Investigate the airline you plan to use, as some local carriers may operate older aircraft offering less-than-ideal service and unimaginable delays sometimes.
Purchase Travel Insurance: Consider a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers flight cancellations, delays, lost passports/baggage, and medical expenses.
Accommodate for delays : Most local carriers are almost always delayed by a few hours, so always keep a buffer day on your itinerary before arrival.
Verify Transit Visa Requirements: If your flight involves a transit in another country, carefully check the booking details to ensure it's a single PNR. If not you will need to check-out, complete immigration, pick up baggage and check-in again. In this, case a transit visa or visiting visa is mandatory along with enough layover time.
Double-Check Transit Airport Codes: Jakarta has multiple terminals (and quite far away from each other), so verify the arrival and departure terminals for your flights, distance between the terminals and ensure sufficient layover time to transfer between them.
Dont's:
Over-rely on Cards: While Indonesia offers visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, card payments may not be accepted everywhere. Carry a sufficient amount of cash, preferably US dollars or euros, which can be exchanged outside the airport for a better rate. USD and Euros can be used to purchase visa on arrival at the airport.
5. Getting around Indonesia
Indonesia being a vast archipelago with so many diverse islands, there are multiple options to travel between and within the islands.
Domestic Flights: Flights are the best option when you want to travel between islands. For example Jakarta/Bali - Labuan Bajo (Komodo Islands). Jakarta/Bali - Maumere (Flores) etc. They are fast, comfortable and inexpensive if you are a time-sensitive traveler. The downside to it however is that most of the airlines are not as reliable in the context of timely departure and arrival. More often than never, the flights are delayed for several hours if not cancelled.
Ferries and Boats: Its best for island hopping and really soaking in the local culture. We took the boat to go around the Komodo islands. There are regular ferries to/from Bali - Nusa Penida , to/from Bali - east Java, and many such routes. These routes are convenient when you are travelling to neighboring islands. The views are scenic and many even offer overnight accommodation. You can choose this mode of transport based on the amount of time you can spend in transit.
Trains: These are most convenient if you are exploring Java on land. The trains are clean and comfortable for long, overnight journeys. We took the train from Yogyakarta to Malang for our Volcano circuit and it was breeze. Look up train routes and fared on https://12go.asia/en
Buses: Budget-friendly travel within Java and Sumatra. Affordable, accessible to most destinations. The downside to it is that the journeys can be long and uncomfortable journeys, especially overnight buses.
Rent a bike: All tourist islands across Indonesia have the option of bike rentals to be able to explore the city. They are inexpensive and easily available everywhere. Reach out to your host and they will have a fleet of bikes for you to pick from. They are inexpensive and give you the freedom to explore every bit of the island without getting stuck with a tour itinerary.
Ride Apps: Grab and Gojek are commonly used ride hailing apps across Indonesia except certain areas in specific islands where they have a taxi union. One such example is North Bali. They are reasonable and convenient wherever available. If you dont have access to taxis via these apps, you can reach out to your host for a taxi. Taxis hired from the unions are also very reliable and reasonable as the tariff is fixed for fixed routes.
Local Transport : This would include tuk-tuks, taxis etc.
Travel tips: Plan ahead. Be flexible and accommodate for delays (unbelievably common). Negotiate prices for taxis, tuk-tuks, and local transportation.
6. My Travel contacts Tour guides/Travel Agents
Frendos Tour : https://wa.me/6281337288941 [Komodo boat tour]
Brothers trip Komodo : https://wa.me/6282144175779 , @brothers_trip_komodo (Instagram) [Komodo Boat Tour]
Kresna Tours : https://wa.me/6289628171280 [Custom itinerary across Java, Komodo, local travel]
Semeru Malang : https://wa.me/6281944958936 [ Hostel + Volcano circuit with Tumpak Sewu]
7. Details of our stay
Yogyakarta - Pojok Pas Guest House
North Bali - Wanagiri Campsite
Labuan Bajo - Hôtel bonne nuit
Ubud - Baleni
Ubud - Denden Mushi
Seminyak - Wayan House
8. Salutations and more
Some words and phrases that are good to know before you visit
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