Overview
About Indonesia
Scattered across the sapphire waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Indonesia is a sprawling archipelago of over 17,000 islands. It is a land where ancient traditions meet volcanic landscapes, from the mist-shrouded temples of Java to the pristine beaches of Bali. Here, you can encounter dragons on Komodo, witness sunrise over Mount Bromo, and lose yourself in the vibrant chaos of Jakarta.
What to see & do
Top attractions
Borobudur Temple
The world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur is a majestic 9th-century mahayana monument. It consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome. It is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.
Practical Information
Raja Ampat Islands
Located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, Raja Ampat is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands. It is widely considered to host the richest marine biodiversity on Earth, making it the ultimate destination for divers and snorkelers.
Practical Information
Wallace Line (Bali Sea / Lombok Strait)
An invisible biological frontier slicing through the archipelago, the Wallace Line marks one of the most profound ecological divides on Earth. Separating the Asian fauna of Bali from the Australasian species of Lombok, this marine boundary between the Bali Sea and the Lombok Strait has fascinated scientists since Alfred Russel Wallace first documented the sharp zoogeographic contrast in the 19th century. To cross it—by boat from Bali to Lombok, or onward to Komodo—is to witness a living lesson in evolution: macaques give way to cockatoos, dense dipterocarp forests transition to dry savannas, and the underwater realm shifts from Indo-Pacific coral biodiversity to more isolated Australasian assemblages. For the intrepid traveler, it’s not just a line on a map but a threshold into another world, where nature itself draws a boundary more dramatic than any geopolitical border.
Practical Information
Komodo National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park is the only place on Earth where you can see the Komodo dragon in the wild. The park encompasses three main islands—Komodo, Rinca, and Padar—along with numerous smaller ones, offering some of the world’s best diving and the stunning Pink Beach.
Practical Information
Prambanan Temple
Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound dedicated to the Trimurti—the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu), and the Destroyer (Shiva). It is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia.
Practical Information
Gili Islands
A trio of tiny islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—located off the coast of Lombok. Known for their white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and thriving turtle populations, the Gilis are a motorized-vehicle-free paradise.
Practical Information
Mount Bromo
Part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Mount Bromo is an active volcano and one of East Java’s most surreal landscapes. Its massive crater sits within the ‘Sea of Sand’, an expansive plain of volcanic sand, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that is most striking at dawn.
Practical Information
Mount Ijen
Mount Ijen is famous for its mesmerizing ‘blue fire’, a natural phenomenon caused by the combustion of sulfuric gases. The crater also contains a vast, turquoise-colored acidic lake, the largest of its kind in the world, and is the site of an arduous traditional sulfur mining operation.
Practical Information
Uluwatu Temple
Dramatically situated on the edge of a 70-meter-high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s six key spiritual pillars. The temple is renowned for its spectacular location, traditional Kecak dance performances, and its resident colony of mischievous monkeys.
Practical Information
Besakih Temple
Known as the ‘Mother Temple’ of Bali, Pura Besakih is the largest and holiest temple complex on the island. It sits over 1,000 meters up the side of Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred volcano, and comprises at least 86 individual temples.
Practical Information
Local Culture
Major events & festivals
Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran)
Eid al-Fitr, known as ‘Lebaran’ in Indonesia, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is the most significant holiday for Indonesia’s Muslim majority, characterized by family reunions, the asking of forgiveness, and the tradition of ‘mudik’ (returning to one’s hometown).
Galungan
Galungan is one of Bali’s most important religious festivals, celebrating the victory of ‘dharma’ (good) over ‘adharma’ (evil). It is the time when ancestral spirits are believed to visit the Earth. The streets are lined with ‘penjor’—tall, decorated bamboo poles—creating a festive and beautiful atmosphere.
Indonesian Independence Day
Known as ‘Hari Kemerdekaan’, this national holiday celebrates Indonesia’s declaration of independence in 1945. The day is marked by patriotic ceremonies, vibrant parades, and unique community games like ‘panjat pinang’ (greased pole climbing).
Nyepi (Day of Silence)
Nyepi is the Balinese ‘Day of Silence’ that marks the Balinese New Year. For 24 hours, the entire island comes to a complete standstill—no lights, no work, no travel, and no noise—intended for self-reflection and meditation.
Waisak (Vesak) at Borobudur
Waisak is the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. The celebrations at Borobudur Temple are the largest in Indonesia, culminating in a beautiful candlelit procession and the release of thousands of lanterns into the night sky.
Logistics
Practical info
Best time to visit
The dry season from May to September is the most sublime time to explore, offering endless sunny days perfect for island hopping and trekking. The wet season (October to April) brings lush greenery and fewer crowds, though tropical downpours are frequent.
Getting there & around
Domestic flights are the swiftest way to bridge the vast distances between islands. On land, the ‘ojek’ (motorcycle taxi) is an iconic and efficient way to navigate urban traffic, while trains offer a scenic journey through the heart of Java.
Food & drink
Indonesian cuisine is a riot of flavor and spice. Do not miss ‘nasi goreng’ (fried rice), ‘sate’ (grilled skewers), and ‘rendang’ (slow-cooked beef curry). Street food ‘warungs’ offer the most authentic and delicious culinary experiences.
Language & etiquette
A simple ‘Terima kasih’ (Thank you) goes a long way. Indonesians are known for their warmth and hospitality; a smile and respectful demeanor will open many doors.
Money
Currency & payments
Cash is king in local markets and remote areas, but credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, and restaurants in major tourist hubs like Bali and Jakarta.
Stay aware
Safety considerations
Indonesia is generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas. Be mindful of natural hazards like volcanic activity and strong ocean currents. Always drink bottled or filtered water.
Explore
Cities in Indonesia
Denpasar
The Gateway to Paradise
Ubud
Bali’s Spiritual and Artistic Heart
Jakarta
The Big Durian
Yogyakarta
The Soul of Java