Indonesia Travel Guides
Click on an area of Indonesia that interests you for a more detailed overview
Activities
There is always something exciting to do when backpacking Indonesia.
To get you inspired, I have provided some suggestions below.
DIVE
Indonesia is home to some of the best diving spots in the world, boasting rich marine biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes. Whether you are learning to dive, gaining a new qualification or looking for a fun dive, this is the place to do it! Places I have gone diving and would highly recommend are:
Amed - Highlights include Shipwreck Dives: Ocean Tree Bali Divers
Nusa Lembongan - Highlights include Manta Rays and Mola Molas: Lembongan Discover Divers
Komodo - Every single dive offered something new and exciting: Mikumba Diving
HIKE A VOLCANO
Indonesia is home to numerous volcanoes offering thrilling hiking experiences. The most popular volcanoes for trekking include:
Mount Rinjani - Lombok Island, 3,726m, best time to trek is April to December
Mount Bromo - East Java, 2,329m, best time to trek is May to September
Mount Ijen - East Java, 2,799m, best time to trek is April to October
Mount Batur - Bali, 1,717m, best time to trek is April to October
BEACH CLUB
If you want to spend the day relaxing by the pool, sipping on cocktails and listening to music, Indonesia has a variety of stunning beach clubs for you to enjoy. Beach clubs I would recommend include:
Potato Head Beach Club - Seminyak, Bali
Finns Beach Club - Canggu, Bali
Sundays Beach Club - Uluwatu, Bali
Pink Coco - Gili T
The Edge - Kemang, South Jakarta
WORKSHOPS
Making Your Own Ring - Studio Perak, Ubud
Palm Reading - Taksu Healing Haven, Ubud
Pottery Class - Pelangi Workshop Studio, Kerobokan
Make Your Own Fragrance - L’Atelier Parfums et Creations, Nusa Dua and Ubud
Weaving Class - Sasak Weaving Village, Lombok
Painting Class - Artisan’s Workshop, Seminyak
TEMPLES
Indonesia is home to numerous beautiful temples reflecting its rich cultural and religious heritage. Below are some of the most notable and recommended to visit temples in Indonesia:
Uluwatu Temple - Uluwatu, Bali
Tanah Lot Temple - Tabanan, Bali
Borobudur Temple - Central Java
Prambanan Temple - Yogyakarta
Temple of Maimun - Medan, North Sumatra
Bunaken Marine Park Temples - Bunaken Island, North Sulawesi
MONKEY FOREST
The Monkey Forest in Ubud, officially known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is a popular attraction in Bali. The sanctuary is home to over 700 long-tailed macaques known for their playful and often mischievous behaviour. When visiting, you can observe them interacting with each other, but make sure to secure any belongings as they are known to snatch loose items off tourists.
The forest is open daily from 8:30am - 6pm.
SURF
Indonesia offers tourists world class surfing spots, attracting surfers from around the world. Surf conditions range from mellow beginner waves to challenging breaks, offering everyone a go at surfing. Some of the best surfing spots include:
Kuta - Lombok
Canggu - Bali
Mentawai Islands - Sumatra
Nias Islands - Sumatra
Batu Karas - Java
Lakey Peak - Sumbawa
Togian Islands - Sulawesi
Jaco Island - East Timor
INDULGE
Luxurious spas and wellness retreats are dotted all over Indonesia, offering a range of serves for both the mind and body. Book yourself in for a relaxing massage, manicure and pedicure or facial scrub. Here are some popular places:
Four Seasons Resort - Ubud, Bali
Karma Kandara - Uluwatu, Bali
Javana Spa - Jakarta
The Lombok Lodge - Lombok
Transportation | Getting Around
Ferry
Large ferries, operated by Pelni, are used for travelling between major islands, whilst smaller speedboats are used to travel between popular tourist destinations like the Gili Islands.
A ferry ticket from East Java to Bali costs around 15’000 IDR (£1), whilst speedboat tickets to the Gili Islands can range from 150’000 to 350’000 (£8 - 17).
The journey to and from the Gili Islands is known to be quite arduous, with rough sea conditions. The ferry terminal on Gili T is also very chaotic, with a small boardwalk onto the island where you have to pay island tax on arrival and departure.
(For the inconvenience of the journey I personally would not choose to go back to Gili T, particularly when islands like Nusa Penida have a more extensive range of activities)
Motorbike Rental
Renting a motorbike is a great way to explore the smaller islands such as Nusa Penida. This is not to say you cannot rent one in other places like Java and Bali, just be prepared for lots of traffic!
Check out reviews to ensure the rental place is reliable. Some places may ask to see your driving license. Always always always wear a helmet and take out travel insurance - the driving in Indonesia is chaotic and unpredictable!
Plane
Domestic flights in Indonesia provide a convenient and efficient way to travel between various islands. The three major airlines are Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia and Lion Air with the recommended being the former two.
As with any flight, make sure to arrive with plenty of time and to check luggage allowance - Some smaller planes may have specific weight restrictions for luggage on board.
When arriving in Bali, to organise a Grab you will need to follow signs to the Grab Lounge Area - this is the only place grab cars can pick people up.
Taxi
I would recommend downloading the app ‘Grab’ which is essentially Asia’s version of Uber. It is a widley used and conventient transportation service offering a reliable and cheap way of getting around cities. This is my go to option when making shorter journeys.
Traffic in areas like Canggu and Seminyak is always pretty bad, therefore choosing a GrabBike rather than car is a quicker way for getting around. Some grab bikes will stop and ask if you need a ride but it is always best to book any journey through the app so that the trip is logged and fixed price is paid. You can download the Grab App here.
Another good taxi company in Indonesia is called BlueBird. You can download the app here.
Bus
Intercity Bus - A popular and affordable mode of transport, connecting major cities and towns across the islands. You can book online through companies like Traveloka, Redbus or Easybook. Alternatively, you can book at the bus terminals or through 12Go.
Minibus - These are common and affordable especially for short distances. Angkot, Bemo and Mikrolet are the main companies to book through. Make sure to research the minibus route and have small change to pay the driver.. When you want to stop let the driver know.
Train
Trains in Indonesia are very well connected across the island of Java. You can book tickets through RedBus, Traveloka, 12Go and Tiket.com or at the station. However I would recommend booking in advance. This is a quicker but slightly more expensive way of transiting across Java.
Best Time To Visit
Dry Season: May - September
Travelling Indonesia is probably best between these months as the dry weather allows for more outdoor activities like volcano and jungle trekking, surfing and sunbathing. Temperatures hover around 28 degrees all year round with a higher level of humidity in the dry season making it feel hotter than it is.
However, if you plan on climbing any volcanoes, be sure to pack some warm clothing as it does get cold at the top. These months coincide with the British summer and Australian winter so it is the busiest and more expensive time to travel here, especially in Bali.
Wet Season: October - April
With fewer tourists and lush green surroundings, the wet season can also be a good time to visit Indonesia. However, if you plan on climbing volcanoes during your stay, this is not considered a good time to go. Flooding risks are also higher during these months particularly on islands like Nusa Lembongan.
For avid divers, January and February is the worst time to dive in Indonesia due to rough seas. The best time to go diving is from April to September!
Travel Tip
Because Indonesia covers such a large distance between its west and east islands, certain regions can experience completely different weather forecasts at the same time of year. Because of this, it is important to check island specific forecasts when planning your trip.
Visa Requirements (updated 2025)
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY. THE FOLLOWING ADVICE IS FOR UK CITIZENS
UK Citizens and most nationalities will need a visa to visit Indonesia. Below are the two main visa recommendations:
1. Visa On Arrival (VOA)
If you are visiting Indonesia for a short period (e.g. a holiday) then this visa is the one for you! A VOA is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. Giving you a total of 60 days in Indonesia.
You can purchase a VOA at immigration when you land in the country. Alternatively, you can buy an eVISA online before arriving to avoid any tedious queues.
Both a VOA and eVISA costs 500’000 IDR / £24 and can be paid in IDR cash or by card.
You will need:
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A passport with at least 6 months validity and at least one blank page
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A passport style photo
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Proof of onward/return travel
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A sufficient payment method or payment receipt if purchased through an agent
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A completed arrival card
2. B211A Visa
If you want to stay in Indonesia for 60 - 180 days (up to 6 months), you can purchase a single entry B211A Visa before arriving in the country. As this is a single entry visa, if you leave the country during your stay you will need a new visa to re-enter.
The cost for a B211A Visa varies depending on what agent you buy it through, however you can expect to pay roughly £150 for 60 days.
You will need:
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A passport with at least 6 months validity and at least two blank pages
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A passport style photo
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Proof of onward/return travel
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Evidence of your B211A Visa sent from your booking agent
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Evidence of sufficient funds (sometimes but not always required)
Travel Tips
If you enter Indonesia on a VOA or eVISA, you will not be able to apply for a B211A Visa whilst in the country. So if there is a strong likelihood you will be exploring here for 60+ days I would recommend purchasing the B211A Visa before you arrive.
Proof of onward travel is a requirement when travelling to Indonesia. If you do not want to tie yourself down to an outbound flight, I would recommend using Onward Ticket to purchase a verified flight reservation.
VISA EXTENSIONS
Once you have arrived in Indonesia, you can extend your VOA, eVISA or B211A Visa. The process can take up to 14 days, so make sure to leave enough time before your visa expires. You can choose to extend your visa through an agent or you can do everything yourself.
Via an Agent
Extending your visa through an agent is less time consuming and avoids queues at an immigration office. It is however, more expensive as someone is essentially doing all the hard work for you.
If you purchase an eVISA and extension before arriving in the country then you won’t need to do anything other then follow the instructions provided by the previous agent.
To extend a B211A Visa, it is advised to use the same provider you bought the original visa with as they will remain as your sponsor.
If you are extending the VOA, you will need to find a reputable visa service and contact them directly.
What will happen?
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You will complete all requested forms and either submit them online or give them to the agent.
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You will submit your passport and evidence of your current visa online or give them to an agent.
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You will need to provide proof of onward travel.
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Some agencies will require you to visit an immigration office to have photos taken and your fingerprints scanned (you may have the option to pay abit more for them to sort this for you).
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When your visa extension is ready it will be delivered to you or you can collect it from the agency.
Recommended Visa Agents:
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Do It Yourself
Visit 1:
Arrive early to avoid queues, take a ticket number and fill out the required forms. When your ticket number is called, hand over your documents and passport.
Visit 2:
Around 3 days later your fingerprints will be scanned and photos will be taken. You will then be given a date when to collect your passport and new visa.
Visit 3:
Collect your passport and new visa on the date given. Make sure to check all the details are correct!
Things you will need:
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Your original passport and a copy
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A copy of your visa
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Sufficient payment method to pay for the visa extension (around 500’000 IDR / £24)
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Proof of onward travel
Immigration Offices:
This is the recommended option for anyone who has an eVISA or B211A Visa.
This is only possible if extending a VOA and will require 3 visits to an immigration office.
Travel Vaccinations
Before setting off on your backpacking adventure, I would highly recommend speaking to your GP or visiting a travel vaccine clinic to get the latest information on what vaccines to get. Make sure to leave plenty of time as some vaccines require multiple jabs over several months. If you plan on doing certain activities that may increase the risk of disease, such as jungle trekking, make sure to mention this to your health advisor. Remember to check your vaccination record as you may have had some as an infant or during secondary school.
Recommended Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio
Typhoid
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Rabies
A Yellow Fever vaccine is not essential for travelling to Indonesia however, if you are travelling from a high risk country you may be required to show a yellow fever certificate. This map shows high risk countries for yellow fever.
Dengue Fever and Zika Virus
A common illness amongst backpackers is dengue fever which is contracted through mosquito bites. Whilst most people who contract the illness don’t know they have it, symptoms can include a high fever (hence the name dengue fever), severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, a rash and swollen glands. Sounds nasty right?!
Indonesia is also a country where Zika Virus can be contracted. This is also transmitted through mosquito bites as well as unprotected sex. Symptoms tend to appear 3-14 days after contraction and can include a rash, itching, headaches, a fever, red eyes, muscle and joint pain.
Make sure you pack a bottle of insect repellent before you arrive in the country along with some longer layers to cover your legs and arms in the evening. The best products are chemical based repellents like DEET, Picaridin and Permethrin. I have also used natural repellents such as lemongrass, which, to my surprise, did work, however its effectiveness was not as good as the chemical products.
Malaria Tablets
There is varying risk of malaria in Indonesia with the highest risk being on the island of Sumba and in all provinces surrounding Papua and West Papua. If you are travelling to high risk areas, antimalarial tablets such as doxycycline are usually advised.
In all other areas, including islands like Bali, Java, Lombok, Sulawesi and Sumatra, the risk is not high enough to warrant antimalarial medication, however taking preventative measures is always encouraged. These include applying insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wearing protective clothing during the evening and sleeping under a mosquito net.
Here is a map of the malaria risk in Indonesia.
I would strongly advise to consult with your healthcare provider when making a choice about antimalarial tablets. The tablets are often quite expensive and side effects can be uncomfortable. Therefore, given the low risk, many avid travellers don’t bother. I have backpacked all over Southeast Asia and I am yet to take a malaria tablet (or get malaria). However, like I said, it is still worth doing some research and speaking to a medical professional so that you are happy with whatever decision you make.
For more information about travel vaccinations, check your local government travel advice. I have linked relevant UK sites below:
Costs and Budgets (updated 2024)
As a backpacker, I know how important it is to keep costs low whilst still ensuring an amazing travel experience. I have provided a rough idea of what costs look like per day so that you can plan your trip according to your budget. Whilst I have included the basics, try to also factor in a separate budget for emergencies (e.g. unexpected medical costs) and any of your bucket list activities that may cost a little more.
The currency in the Indonesia is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Low Range Budget
Accommodation: £5-12 for a dorm bed in a hostel.
Food: £5-10 for street food and home cooked meals.
Activities: £3-5 for free or cheap activities like hiking and relaxing on the beach.
Transport: £2-6 for short Grab journeys.
Average Daily Spend:
£15 - £33
Mid Range Budget
Accommodation: £12-25 for a private room in a hostel or hotel.
Food: £10-20 for a sit down meal in a nice cafe and some drinks.
Activities: £10-15 for activities like boat trips and snorkelling.
Transport: £7-15 for public transport and/or Grab.
Average Daily Spend:
£37 - £75
High Range Budget
Accommodation: £25+ for a private room in a fancy hotel or airbnb.
Food: £20+ for restaurant food and drinks.
Activities: £15+ for any activity you fancy! Diving, volcano trekking, you name it…
Transport: £15+ for Grab rides, ferry journeys and domestic flights.
Average Daily Spend:
£75+ the world is your oyster!
Sim Cards / Wifi
Staying connected in Indonesia is relatively easy, however internet speeds can vary depending on where you are. For example, WIFI in places like Bali and Lombok are pretty good compared to more rural areas of Sumatra and Java. The main phone networks are: Telkomsel, Indosat, XL Axiata, Tri 3 and Smartfren.
I would recommend using either Telkomsel or Indosat.
Option 1: Buy an eSIM
Purchasing an eSIM is a great way to access the internet whilst overseas. Personally, this is the easiest option and the option I choose whenever I am travelling outside of my home country. It is simple, affordable and hassle-free. Instead of finding a store and physically swapping out your home SIM for a travel SIM, you can download a data plan to your phone and instantly connect to a mobile network when you land in the country!
The app I use for buying an eSIM is called Airalo. After downloading the app and choosing the SIM you want, it will walk you through how to install and activate the eSIM.
Check out available eSIMs at Airalo.
Option 2: Buy a physical SIM in store
Getting a physical SIM straightforward with stalls selling SIMs in almost every shopping mall, airport and city centre. A popular place to get a SIM and top up one is at the famous 7 Eleven shops. SIM cards tend to be more expensive to purchase in more touristy places like Bali, so if you can, try and get on somewhere else, or download an eSIM instead.
Plug Type
The standard plug type in the Philippines is Type C and F. An important item to pack is a universal travel adaptor that can offer conversion to multiple plug types. If you plan on taking any styling tools (hairdryer/curling tong) a converter is worth taking to avoid power surges.
Pack an extension lead! That way you can plug in one adapter for this and still have multiple plugs available!
DOWNLOAD A VPN!
A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and offers a safer, freer and more secure online experience.
What does a VPN do?
1. It keeps your personal data like passwords, search history, account details and credit card details private.
2. It allows access to home content abroad as well as content from other countries. This is great when you want to watch Netflix shows only available in certain countries.
3. It can be cheaper to book flights and accommodation when connected to a different country.
Click here to give the Surfshark VPN 30 day free trial a go!
Language
Indonesia is a linguistically diverse country with over 700 languages spoken. The official language is Indonesian, also known as Bahasa Indonesian. Other regional languages include Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese and Batak.
Many Indonesians are multilingual often speaking their regional language and Bahasa Indonesian.
Hello - Selamat/Halo
Thank you - Terima Kasih
How are you? - Apa Kabar?
How much? - Berapa?
Not spicy - Tidak Pedas
Please - Tolong
Religion
Whilst the majority of the population are Muslim, Indonesia is a highly diverse country with many other religions being practised such as Roman Catholic, Hindu, Buddhism and Protestant.
This is reflected in their national motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika”, meaning unity in diversity.
Customs and traditions vary between islands. For example, Java is known for its Javanese and Sudanese traditions with people dressing more modestly. Whilst Bali is renowned for its distinctive Balinese culture and tourism industry.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Police: 110
Fire: 113
Ambulance: 118 or 119
Search and Rescue: 115
Traffic Accident: 112
Staying Safe
SCAMS AND CRIME
Indonesia like many other countries can encounter various scams specifically targeted at tourists.
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Taxi drivers may take longer routes to increase the fare or use tampered meters. To avoid this, use reputable companies like Grab and BlurBird and avoid accepting rides from unmarked cars.
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Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas so make sure to stay vigilant and keep your belonging secure and in sight.
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Credit card fraud is common here (I have unfortunately experienced this). Try to pay for things with cash and when withdrawing money, go into a reputable bank rather then using an ATM on a side street.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
If you are hiking or trekking, always make sure to check weather forecasts. Indonesia is prone to typhoons and heavy flooding, especially during the wet season (November to April). Remember to stick to designated trails and if you are hiking alone, inform someone about your plans and expected return time, just in case something goes wrong.
INSURANCE
The roads on some of the islands are not great and the driving is chaotic! Accidents can and do happen when backpacking so make sure to wear a helmet and drive slow, particularly when road conditions are bad. Most importantly, get yourself covered with travel insurance. I recommend SafteyWing as the best backpacker travel insurance. You will also need to get yourself an International Driving Permit in order to legally drive here. Insurance companies will most likely not cover you if you don’t have this.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Whilst it is rare, Indonesia does encounter earthquakes and volcanic eruptions from time to time. Make sure to check government travel advice before travelling to certain regions - any recent volcanic activity will be on reported here.
LGBTQ+ BACKPACKERS
Indonesia is a predominantly a Muslim country with conservative views towards relationships. The province of Aceh enforces Sharia Law and people can face punishments such as public caning for engaging same-sex activity. LGBTQ+ media has been restricted online, with gay dating apps being banned. It is therefore important to avoid any public displays of affection. Bali, however, is predominately Hindu and personal freedom is considered important to the religion. Locals are welcoming to LGBTQ+ tourists making this area of Indonesia safe to travel. You can often find drag shows, gay bars and LGBTQ+ events in areas like Canggu, Seminyak and Ubud. However, whilst Bali is more accepting than other parts of the country, the Indonesia Law still applies and travellers should be aware of their rights before coming here. For more advice check your local government travel advice.
UK Government LGBTQ+ Travel Advice
For Up to Date UK Government Safety Advice: Click Here
Insider Tips
A great way to save money when backpacking is to eat local food. Local food in Indonesia is a great alternative to a Western Food and is delicious! Make sure to try their local dish called Rendang; beef slow cooked in coconut milk and a mixture of lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, garlic, galangal and chillies.
If you are going to Indonesia for a ‘backpacking’ experience, then make sure to do it properly! Book into hostels instead of hotels - this is a much better way to meet likeminded travellers and keeps to a lower budget. Not all hostels are party party party - if you want some down time to chill out, there are tons of more relaxed hostels to stay in. If you want more privacy but also want to socialise, booking a private room in a hostel is a good option!
Whilst having a phone full of photos is a great way to remember your time backpacking, I would highly reccommend packing a notepad and pen. Writing as little as a sentence a day is really good way of noting down what you got up too, how you felt, any friends you made etc. Putting the photos together with the diary makes an invaluable book to look back on years down the line.
Whilst it is a great idea to have a plan of the kinds of activities you want to do, don’t tie yourself down to anything. With this I mean try not to book anything in advance - as a backpacker plans change ALL THE TIME. Travel agencies and tour companies are dotted all over Indonesia so wait until you arrive to book anything. Activities are often also cheaper when booking in person.
Many bars in Indonesia offer a ‘Happy Hour’ where certain deals are offered on selected alcohol. This is a great way to save money when drinking so make sure to check happy hour deals before choosing where to go!
When packing, you will need less than you think. Don’t bother buying multiple long skirts, baggy trousers and expensive swimwear; you can get these and more for as little as £2. Save your money for cool adventures like a diving!
Follow my travels on Instagram for fun and exciting reels!