All about Indonesia
When to visit
The summer peak season (July–August) and the shoulder seasons (April–June and September–November) are the best times to visit Indonesia. In most of the country, the dry season runs between roughly May and October. While it’s tempting to visit during the northern hemisphere winter, Indonesia’s rainy season brings heavy humidity and often unpleasant water conditions. Bali, in particular, can get extremely crowded over Christmas, New Year, and Lunar New Year.
Getting around
With all those islands, it might seem that flying would be the best way to get around Indonesia, but boats and trains (on Java and Sumatra) are greener and more atmospheric ways to travel. Indonesia’s public transit can be hard to navigate, but regional ride-sharing apps, such as Gojek and Grab, fill in the transportation gaps. Travelers looking for photo ops won’t want to miss quirky short-hop modes of transit, such as pedal-powered becak cyclos or Lombok’s cidomo horse carts.
Traveler tips
It’s easy to try and cram too much into an Indonesia trip. Staying for a month or more and picking a small number of areas to focus on will let you spend more time experiencing the archipelago and less in transit. Pack carefully for your itinerary: For example, what is appropriate in a Bali beach club won’t be acceptable in downtown Jakarta. Volcano hikes can get surprisingly cold, while plus-size clothing is almost impossible to find even on Bali.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Indonesia known for?
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago nation, encompassing more than 17,000 islands. Many travelers come to Indonesia to lounge on its beaches, snorkel or scuba dive the coral reef, or surf world-class waves from Bali to Sumatra. But it’s also home to jungle, rice fields, ancient temples, and volcanoes.
What special attraction is located in Indonesia?
Indonesia’s best-known islands are Bali, Java, Lombok, and (most of) Borneo. Weird and wonderful wildlife includes orangutans, tarsiers, mola-mola fish, and Komodo dragons. Out of its UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most famous is Java’s Borobudur, one of the world’s greatest Buddhist monuments, built during the eighth and ninth centuries.
What is unique to Indonesia?
Indonesia is home to unique wildlife species, including types of rhinoceros, orangutan, and elephant. But its most famous critter is the Komodo dragon, Earth’s largest lizard. Komodos can grow to more than 10 feet (3 meters) and live only in Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Flores.
What is the coolest city in Indonesia?
Jakarta is Indonesia’s biggest city and the nation’s capital, but Yogyakarta just may be the coolest. Yogyakarta is a university town with vibrant nightlife, a laid-back vibe, and a rich traditional culture. It’s also the perfect base for exploring Borobudur (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Prambanan Temple, and Mt. Merapi.
What things are illegal in Indonesia?
Drugs are famously illegal in Indonesia, with penalties—including death—applied to locals and foreigners alike. Riding a motorbike without a helmet and a locally valid license is also illegal, although you may see unhelmeted riders on the streets. LGBTQ rights are threatened, and the autonomous Aceh region has harsh local laws.
Is Indonesia friendly to foreigners?
Yes. Indonesians are incredibly friendly to foreigners. In much of the country, it may be hard to walk down the street without someone engaging you in conversation or practicing their English. Public displays of affection, however, are taboo for all couples and can be actively dangerous for visibly LGBTQ couples.