With 17,000 islands to its name, Indonesia is the perfect place to do everything under the sun or nothing at all -- with welcoming locals to boot. And with better value than Thailand and vastly less tourists, it’s no wonder that Indonesia is a long standing favorite for travelers on the SE Asia Trail.

While most focus only on one small part (i.e. Bali), Indonesia has some of the most diverse offerings in the world: think everything from idyllic beaches, top notch surfing, wild parties and thatched roof huts to frenetic urban centers, live volcanoes, monkey temples and Komodo dragons.

So tuck an orchid behind your earn, inhale the sweet scent of salt water and get ready to explore Indonesia.

Whatever you’re into, if you find the right island you’ll find your crowd.

That means that unlike other destinations, it’s hard to define the traveler “scene”: you’ll find everything from honeymooners and package tourists to backpackers, yogis (Ubud), surfers (Sumatra, Lombok) and partiers (Gili Trawangan).

REPUTATION.

As we mentioned, Indonesia is a better value and less crowded than Thailand, which means many pro-beach backpackers visit it simply because it is not a Thai island and has a greater sense of adventure attached to it. Nevertheless, this is still SE Asia and it has a similar flavor and same kind of travelers as elsewhere in the region.

Further afield (away from the small island of Bali), you’ll find huge chunks of Indonesia that are completely untouristed.

Our Rating. 8/10

GET YOUR BEARINGS... 

South of the South East Asian mainland and north of Australia, Indonesia is a popular stop for those looking to explore Asia away from the mainland as well as for Australian tourists making a short hop on a budget airline.

GETTING THERE.

To reach Bali, take a direct flight from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Oz or Bangkok. From there, you can easily visit the once inaccessible Gili Islands, take a boat trip to Komodo/Rinca or hop on a tour to the temple and volcanic highlights of Java. More details can be found in the "Routes & Itineraries" section of the Indonesia guide..

highlights of any trip to indonesia.

A COUNTRY THAT KEEPS YOU GUESSING.

Imagine a dreamy destination where temples rise to the sky and monkeys scamper to greet you. Now imagine the opposite of that -- Indonesia offers that to its visitors as well. 

The best part about the country is it's incredible diversity.

Literally ANYTHING you want can be found with a little curiosity and help from the incredibly friendly locals (and maybe a map).

World renowned for it's Local HOSPITALITY. 

Indonesians are some of the kindest in the world, and they'll be sure to go out of their way to show you the best their country has to offer.

A vibrant culture that's begging to be explored.

You don't have to find a museum to learn about Indonesia's culture; just walking down the street is a colorful interpretation of the country's deep spiritual connection and affection for nature. 

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE.

Always wanted to learn how to surf? Head to Lombok. Want to get wet and wild? Race past tropical waterfils and beautiful padi terraces at exhilirating speeds during a white water rafting trip on Bali's Telaga Waja river.

Surfing, diving, sailing or straight up sleeping, water is the backdrop for (almost) everything in Indonesia. 

lowlights of a trip to indonesia.

LACK OF FINE DINING.

While the street food is delicious, there isn't a lot to offer in terms of sophisticated fine dining or world class restaurants outside of Kuta in Bali.

There can also be challenges for vegetarians -- much of the traditional dishes are made with a shrimp paste -- it can be difficult to make substitutions.

OVER-TOURISTED RESORT TOWNS.

If you are a European, imagine Ibiza, if you're an American, imagine Cancún. This is how many (a particular type of person) sees Bali -- but there's plenty more to Indonesia than this tourist-magnet.

WATCH YOUR SHIT.

In areas more popular with tourists you'll need to make sure you keep a watchful eye on your gear at all times, lest it mysteriously disappear.

if you have TWO WEEKS Or MORE to explore...

A. JAKARTA.

Start your journey in Jakarta and wrap your senses around the dizzying smells, sounds, sights and people of Indonesia's teeming capital. Linger long enough to binge on Bintang beer and shopping, then head to Batu Karas for classic laid-back beach vibes.

B. YOGYAKARTA.

Hop a train to the country's cultural capital where you can explore the stupas, dabble in some Batik and amble through the kraton (walled city palace) before hopping a flight ($40-50) or boat to Bali.

C. BALI.

Spend a day or two in Kuta (if you have to), then head to Ubud. When you've tired of the crowds, grab a boat from Ahmed (a quiet town with diving schools, restaurants and ferrys) to the Gili Islands.

D. GILI ISLANDS.

Indulge in a mushroom shake and take advantage of the traffic-free streets (this is a car-free zone).

E. LOMBOK.

Explore Lombok and check out some of the best surfing in the world via scooter.

F. ISLAND HOP EAST.

Australia is the limit!

VENTURE OFF THE BEATEN PATH.

Flores & East Indonesia.

Explore away from the crowds with tons of beach and trekking opportunities.

Dragons At Rinca.

Skip Komodo and get your dragon fix in the lesser known Rinca.

Stupas.

The Borobudur and other stupas in Central Java (Yogyakarta and around).

Central Sulawesi.

Pretty much all of it

Per Day: US $10-30

It's hard to put a firm "per day" budget together for Indonesia, as the prices are wildly different between the more touristed islands and the rest of the nation. That said, living on $20/day (or less) is no problem on most islands.

ACCOMMODATION PRICES.

Prices fluctuate massively from island to island.

In Java, you're looking at about $7/night with breakfast included vs. $12-$15/night in Bali, depending on the season. The prices in the Gili islands are closer to Bali, but there are so many options it's easy to bargain, although that skyrockets to $20/night over the Christmas and New Years holidays (so book early!).

The good news?

The prices quoted above are for a 2-3 room guesthouse, as hostels have not yet "caught on" in Indonesia, for better or for worse. That means that if you're traveling with friend (or pick some up along the way), it'll be a whole lot cheaper per person. Remember, always barter and break out your best negotiation skills when locking down a price for your guesthouse. They might put up a tough front, but we can assure you -- they want your business! 

FOOD PRICES.

food is cheap and street eats are plentiful if you stay local.

 If you stick to local restaurants, each meal will cost you about $2, while that price increases to $6+ at spots that cater to westerners. 

Locals.

Indonesia is one of the poorest countries in Asia, and as a result many Indonesians do not have the opportunity to travel. We think this might be why they are some of the most kind, modest and overwhelmingly welcoming people in the whole world.

Other Travelers.

With so many different islands to explore, it's hard to put your finger on the typical "Indonesian Traveler", although you should expect to run into a few of the standard Southeast Asia backpackers.

In Bali, it's a mix of honeymooners, Australians and backpackers taking a break from the Thai islands, although there are also plenty of yoga-enthusiasts, surfers and divers to keep the party going all night long (and then some).

Move away from Bali and the crowds drop off dramatically. We encourage you to get out there and off the beaten path -- there's a whole world to explore!

Packing Strategy.

There are two seasons in Indonesia, dry and hot (April- September) and rainy (October-March). Regardless of when you go, it will be nice and toasty. What you need to pack depends on where you're going, but here are some country-specific tips to compliment our more general Packing Guide:

• Make sure your bag isn't too heavy because you'll be jumping on boats and walking around to find the best deals on hotels/guesthouses.
• You can buy all kinds of knockoff sunnies, t-shirts and sneakers throughout Indonesia, but especially in Kuta, Bali -- so don't worry if you forget something.
• Leave room in your bag, Bali is one of the best places to get your shop on!
• If you plan on scaling a volcano, make sure to pack a light parka because it tends to be cool up there.

DIVERS.

If you plan to dive, bring good swimsuits and your own mask if you have one.

RAD GIRLS.

Since Indonesia is a fairly conservative country, it's probably best to bring your own birth control -- although we have heard it is also possible to track down when you're in-country.

DRESSING APPROPRIATELY.

Temples require visitors to wear a sash or sarong when the enter. Please respect their traditions and don't saunter into a temple in a tank top and shorts.

For more, visit our Packing Survival Guide here.

Guidebook Recommendation.

"Lonely Planet Indonesia" is the guidebook of choice for most visitors. However, if your priority is sticking to your budget you should probably steer clear from the most recent version (especially for accommodation) as the places listed will have gone up in price due to their newfound popularity.  

For more information, read our review of the top guidebook brands and how to use them, which you can find here.

The best method for getting around varies greatly depending on which island you're on.

On major islands such as Java or anywhere tourists normally go, it's a breeze. Off the beaten track in Kalimantan or West Papua there are few roads and options are more limited. Here's a general overview:

BOATS.

Traveling by boat is the least hassle and your cheapest option. 

PELNI, the state owned shipping company has numerous vessels, operating on about two week loop schedules (available online). Ships are AC and first class cabins have TV and privacy. You can find a spot on a yacht, which normally head from Bali to Komodo. Off the beaten track, inter-island exploring can be expensive and time consuming especially in Maluku (spice islands).

Flights.

Surprisingly cheap and a good option if you're going a longer distance or tend to get seasick.

Bus.

Between backpacker centers there is a well-developed network of tourist buses and for a premium you can have comfort and direct routing.

Prices are many times greater than local buses, but still cheap and save a lot of time and hassle. However in times of reduced tourist numbers, some services are suspended and off the beaten-track you just won't find them.

TRAINS.

Available only in Java and parts of Sumatra. Several trains run between Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya. Most  trains are comfortable (AC sleepers), however prices for different classes and trains vary enormously.

In indonesia, scams are your biggest enemy.

You'll most likely encounter locals attempting to charge you more than you should pay -- for pretty much everything. Always ask for a better price and be stern when bartering. Don't feel guilty-- it's the way things work in Indonesia and you'll always feel better about getting a deal.

WOMEN TRAVELING ALONE.

At night, try to walk with friends as you might get bothered or harassed if you're by yourself. During the day, you're more than safe -- there are always people around to help you out if someone's paying a little too much attention to  you.

Food.

The food in Indonesia ranges from average to excellent, depending on where you are and what you're eating. Sorry, we know that's vague. Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng are the most popular dishes and always cheap ($1-$3USD). Most restaurants will also offer thai curries and spring rolls, along with all you favorite basic Asian dishes.

VEGETARIANS.

Look for 'temple meat' which is Tofu or Gado-gado (a traditional dish of vegetables served with a peanut sauce). It should be noted that strict vegetarians will struggle as prawn/shrimp is used as a base for many sauce and prawn crackers are often added to the top of dishes. You can find some vegetarian restaurants and Ubud (central Bali) in particular will cater to all diets including vegans and health freaks.

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Drinks.

The local beer is Bintang and you'll learn to love it, we promise. It costs about $1.50 in beer stores for a small bottle but will be more expensive in restaurants.

POLITICS.

Indonesia has suffered great upheaval in the last ten or so years - everything from peaceful demonstrations to armed conflict. However, the situation in Indonesia is often exaggerated by western media, making it seem like the whole place is in turmoil. Areas of Central Sulawesi, Aceh, Papua and Maluku have all experienced unrest; but outside these areas life is simple. Still it pays to keep in touch with the news when in the country - especially in Aceh.

ARAK.

There is a local spirit called Arak which is very dangerous and often made with  ethanol. It kills tourists every year and travelers are told to avoid it.

POLICE.

Corrupt police in Kuta, Bali who will sometimes ask for bribes (especially if they catch you with drugs, and they are often working with the drug dealers).

THEFT.

Leave your stuff unattended and it will probably get snatched. Keep your belongings with you at all times, and don't leave your stuff on the beach at night -- no matter how badly you want to go for a midnight swim!

Food & Water.

Don't drink the water and watch out for food poisoning. 

DRUGS IN INDONESIA.

Depending on island, soft drugs easily available, although in the likes of Kuta (Bali) a little too easy and questions are raised as to just how safe it is buying off the street. In addition, magic mushrooms can be found with ease in the wet season and feature on many Bali menus year-round, if that's your bag.

That said, getting caught with drugs in Indonesia can be serious -- and perpetrators are subject to the death penalty, so if you can't be good, at least be smart.

GILI TRAWANGAN.

Looking for a vibrant nightlife scene? This is the place to be. There are no police on this island...so anything goes!

MUSHROOMS.

Very popular in the Gili Islands and easy to find (there will be signs everywhere saying they sell trips to the moon). Mushrooms are safe here and are served as a shake/smoothie. 

Kuta, Bali.

The biggest club scene can be found here, but be warned, there is a lot of corruption here. Beware of touts, pickpockets and drug scams. Also corrupt police! 

WHEN NOT TO GO.

Christmas and New Years is always very busy and more expensive -- but is also a total blast if you don't mind the extra crowds.

Language.

Most people will speak English to you and you’ll get by just fine with their broken English and your made up sign language.

Cash/ATMS.

ATMs are easy to find, but can sometimes be out of service or out of cash, so keep that in mind! If you’re in a bind, head into a travel agency and ask for a cash advance from your credit card. Most will do it for a small percentage.

VISA STRATEGY.

The Indonesian Government requires nationals from most countries to purchase a tourist visa on arrival at one of the main air or sea ports. A 7-day transit visa on arrival (at pretty much all common entry points) costs around US$10 and a 30 day visa costs US$35 per person (have the cash on you, in exact change US$ helps - unless in Bali where it does not matter and you can even use a credit card). A 30 day visa is extendible for another 30 days.

Be aware that Immigration officials calculate the 30-day period as follows: your arrival day is counted as your first day, and you must leave the country on the 30th or 60th day! After 60 days it is US$20 a day fine if you overstay, or get a new [social] visa If you are not arriving at one of the main points of entry you will need to obtain a visa prior to travel. The cost in advance varies depending on the country of application, but seems to be about $35-60US depending on where you apply and where you are from.

We try to keep it brief, so if you're planning a trip to Indonesia and we missed something, just let us know. If you include your email address we'll get back to you with a personalized answer lickity-split.

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