Mount Bromo’s smoldering crater at sunrise, wandering through Bali’s neatly terraced rice paddies, searching for dragons in Komodo National Park… On a tailor-made vacation to Indonesia with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Indonesia specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.
Wreck-dive through turtle-infested waters, or snorkel past shoals of glistening butterflyfish. Watch nervously as a villager precariously shimmies up a tree to harvest coconuts. Sip on Bali’s Robusta coffee-blend, grown in rich, volcanic soils. Outsmart opportunist macaque monkeys, and listen out for the orangutan’s deep, rumbling call ripple through Sumatra’s pristine jungle. Be captivated by a kecak dance (rhythmic chanting) at the world’s largest temple.
Gold-leaf temples anchored on clifftops besieged by thrashing waves. Lombok’s empty white-sand beaches. Forest-smothered volcanic peaks. What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go.
Suggested tours for Indonesia
Visit the temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan at Lake Bratan, hike to one of the craters on the Mount Batur volcano, and snorkel in the clear waters off the north coast. Our suggested itineraries are a great starting point as you begin to plan your trip to Indonesia.
Suggested activities for Indonesia
Watch sunrise over Mount Bromo, explore the 8th-century temples in the Borobudur Temple complex, and take a tour of the verdant rice terraces around Ubud. Whatever your interests, our specialists will suggest experiences designed to enhance your trip to Indonesia.
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Cycling at Jatiluwih rice terraces Cycling at Jatiluwih rice terraces
UbudCycling at Jatiluwih rice terraces
Cycle through colorful Balinese towns to the village of Jatiluwih (meaning 'really, really beautiful') which is famous for its magnificent panorama of the rice field terraces in this area.
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Try snorkeling on a Gili Islands boat tour Try snorkeling on a Gili Islands boat tour
Medana BayTry snorkeling on a Gili Islands boat tour
The Gili Islands are made up of three main islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. You are provided with snorkeling equipment, towels and water. You can also arrange to do some diving if you wish.
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Explore the Borobudur temple complex Explore the Borobudur temple complex
YogyakartaExplore the Borobudur temple complex
Naturally the main reason for visiting Borobudur is to see the awe-inspiring temple complex. The monument features the largest and most complete collection of Buddhist relief sculptures which feature on the walls of its seven terraces.
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Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Indonesia, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Useful information for planning your vacation in Indonesia
Indonesian, or Bahasa Indonesia, is the official language of Indonesia, but there are over 700 indigenous languages in use, and these can differ greatly from island to island. Although English is widely spoken in popular destinations such as Yogyakarta and Bali, a good phrasebook can help in many situations, especially if you’re planning to travel to lesser-visited islands and your phone runs out of charge or coverage.
In Indonesia, you should try popular dishes like satay (skewered meat with a peanut sauce), and nasi goreng (Indonesia fried rice). Also look out for beef rendang (a mild curry), gado gado (a vegetable salad), sayer asam (sour soup), siomay (steamed fish dumplings), and rawon (a hearty beef stew). In general, the food in Indonesia is fresh and spicy and includes lots of options for vegetarians.
You’ll also find lots of traditional herbal teas for sale in Indonesia, often made with a warming blend of ginger, cardamon, lemongrass, or lime leaves. Wedang jahe (ginger tea), bajigur (coffee with coconut milk, pandan leaves, and ginger), and jamu (a turmeric, lemon, and ginger infusion) are all popular but ask for local recommendations when you arrive.
The currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). You’ll find ATMs in all major cities and visitor destinations, and hotels and larger shops and restaurants accept credit cards. However, cash is still the predominant form of payment in most shops, markets, and at smaller food venues.
You can tip around 10% at restaurants in Indonesia. Most upmarket restaurants, bars, hotels, and lodges will include a 10% service charge on your total, while at local restaurants leaving 10% is considered generous. Taxi fares also include a 10% service fee, but drivers and guides, especially those who accompany you for several days, should be tipped extra. Tipping on cruises is also encouraged but will vary by boat and crew size.
For the latest travel advice for Indonesia, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the .
Indonesia offers adventure and relaxation in equal measure with pristine beaches, dense jungle, wildlife sanctuaries, and the dramatic unfolding of volcanic peaks. You can choose to lounge by the pool, surf, snorkel, or take in the islands’ cultural highlights on tours of temples and royal palaces.
Explore Indonesia’s volcanic landscape on a dawn hike to the summit of Mount Bromo, or its rich cultural legacy by visiting the 8th-century Borobudur temple complex. Get out into nature and see orangutans in Kalimantan or Sumatra, giant lizards in Komodo, or an incredible array of tropical fish, turtles, sharks, and seahorses on a snorkel trip around the Gili Islands. Alternatively, take it easy and discover traditional life in Bali’s rural villages as you cycle around rice terraces, see coffee drying in the sun, and visit local temples and hot springs.
Indonesia offers stays in private beachside villas, traditional family homes, jungle lodges, and indulgent resorts. Whether you’re after a luxury honeymoon retreat in Bali, an insight into local life and culture, or an adventure in the Sumatran rainforest, Indonesia has the answer with its huge range of places to stay.
In Bali, you’ll find everything from small, boutique lodges set in tropical gardens to opulent suites built in a traditional vernacular style. Java and Lombok offer stays anywhere from historic landmarks to indulgent villas with private pools overlooking white-sand beaches.
On lesser-visited islands, or in the national parks, you won’t get the same choice of luxury hotels and resorts, and are more likely to stay in traditional thatched villas or simple jungle lodges, but all our recommended options have friendly staff and good service. For further ideas, take a look at our collection of places to stay in Indonesia.
Indonesia has over 17,000 islands but most visitors choose to go to Bali, Lombok, or Java. Sumba, Flores, and Sulawesi in the east are also popular but offer a more off-the-beaten track experience. One of the joys of a trip to Indonesia, however, is island hopping across the country experiencing the difference in culture and attractions from place to place.
You could go to Bali, Indonesia’s best-known island, which is renowned for its beaches, big surf, temples, and paddy fields. Nearby Lombok is quieter and has secluded beaches, Sasak villages, and offers the possibility of climbing to the rim of an active volcano. You’ll find more imposing volcanic peaks on Java as well as the intricate royal temples around Yogyakarta. Further afield, the three Gili Islands are a tropical paradise with powdery sands and turquoise seas, while the traditional culture and endemic wildlife on Sulawesi make it well worth the trip.
It takes around 20 to 25 hours to fly to Indonesia from the East Coast of the USA, and around 23 to 27 hours from the West Coast.
Indonesia covers three time zones ranging from UTC+7 in the west of the country to UTC+9 in the east. Indonesia does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
With about 6,000 inhabited islands, getting around Indonesia involves plane or boat travel, as well as taking private transfers. Regular flights run between all the major islands, and ferries operate between islands that are grouped together, making it easy to travel by boat on an island-hopping trip from Java through Bali and on to Lombok and the Komodo Islands, for example.
Yes, taking a cruise around Indonesia is one of the most comfortable and serene ways to experience the country’s many varied islands and can take you to remote areas that are little visited. For example, you could get well off the beaten track on a cruise around Raja Ampat or the Moluccas, visit Komodo National Park to see the impressive Komodo dragon, and swim and snorkel off Sumba and Flores.
Shared and private cruises are available on board luxury yachts, schooners, and liveaboards. For ideas on where to go and which vessels are available, take a look at our cruising in Indonesia page.
Your doctor can provide you with immunization advice for Indonesia, but you should also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country. You can also check the recommended vaccinations by visiting the .
Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for Indonesia. Enter where you’re traveling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.
Although Indonesia is a secular country, many of its islands have strong cultural customs which should be observed when visiting. Java for example has a Muslim majority, while Bali is predominantly Hindu. Dressing modestly is important, and if you’re visiting temples or mosques, you should remove your shoes before entering. Use your right hand when eating, or when passing or receiving something. The left hand is considered unclean. Show respect for elders and be patient, time is a flexible concept in Indonesia. Most of all, make sure you smile, it’s considered polite, even if you have just met eyes with someone accidentally.
It’s a good idea to dress modestly in Indonesia because it’s a sign of respect for local culture. Although beachwear is fine by the sea or pool, cover up elsewhere in public. Indonesia’s weather is hot and humid so pack light clothes in natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. If you’re planning to climb one of Indonesia’s mountains or volcanoes, pack a fleece or warm jacket as temperatures are far colder at altitude. If you’re visiting temples or mosques, you’ll need to make sure your arms and knees are covered, and women should cover their heads.
Indonesia by region
If you’re planning to focus your time in Indonesia around a particular area, you can jump into the region you're most interested in to find detailed itinerary ideas together with accommodation choices and a taster of the experiences we can offer.
Indonesia in pictures
Our expert guides to traveling in Indonesia
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Indonesia. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Indonesia at its best.
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What to do in Bali: our highlights guide What to do in Bali: our highlights guide
What to do in Bali: our highlights guide
With beaches accessible only through caves, and Hindu dances at cliff top temples, Bali is characterized by the spirituality of the people and the variety of cultural and environmental experiences it has to offer.
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What to do in Indonesia: our highlights guide What to do in Indonesia: our highlights guide
What to do in Indonesia: our highlights guide
Active volcanoes, exotic wildlife and outstanding beaches; the Indonesian archipelago has so much to offer. Spend time with the Taroja people and discover their traditions or explore the many Buddhist temples.
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Best beaches in Indonesia Best beaches in Indonesia
Best beaches in Indonesia
Indonesia has so much to offer: history, culture, scenery and diverse wildlife. After seeing so much, you might want to end your trip relaxing on an idyllic beach. We look at some of the best beaches in Bali and Lombok.
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Luxury vacations in Indonesia Luxury vacations in Indonesia
Luxury vacations in Indonesia
Sunning yourself on an exclusive stretch of pearly sand, sinking into a morning massage with views across the Indian Ocean, and hopping between islands on a lavish cruise — Indonesia is ideal for luxury-seekers. Southeast Asia specialist Mat reveals the country’s most sought-after spots.
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