The Ultimate Indonesia Guide

How to best get to Indonesia and what you need to know upon entry? Learn the essentials about this enchanting and diverse country in just a few short sentences. Here, we also reveal which Indonesian island is best suited for you. So, take the quiz quickly, answer the questions, and find your next holiday destination in Indonesia.

Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and, with around 17,508 islands and over 255 million inhabitants, is the largest archipelago in the world. A significant part of the island of Borneo also belongs to Indonesia, while the rest belongs to Malaysia and Brunei. Over 60% of the population lives on the island of Java, which is also home to the capital, Jakarta. The following map of Indonesia shows you the location of the archipelago.

In the country, there are many small and large islands that are not yet serviced by direct flights from the United States. Flights with Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines usually head to Indonesia with a stopover in Doha or Singapore. Once you arrive, you should take short and affordable domestic flights to hop from island to island. The distances are often very large, unlike in Thailand, for example, and ferry trips can take several days.

In general, for entry into Indonesia, you do not need a visa, only a passport and a valid return ticket. Without a visa, you can stay in Indonesia for 30 days. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a Visa on Arrival at the airport, which costs approximately €30.

The currency in Indonesia is the Rupiah (IDR). 1€ corresponds to just over 16,000 IDR. You will find ATMs and exchange offices in every larger city and often directly in hotels. Always double-check the exchanged money for safety, as it frequently happens that tourists are shortchanged in tourist centers.

Islam is the state religion of Indonesia, with over 90% of the population being Muslim. However, the coexistence with individuals of other religions, such as Hindus, Buddhists, or Christians, is very uncomplicated in Indonesia. The mix of religions and cultures makes Indonesia a very interesting melting pot. An exception are the Indonesian islands of Bali, where the majority of people are Hindu, and Flores, where most inhabitants are Christian.

The staple food in Indonesia is rice, but vegetables, fish, and meat are also commonly served in various forms. The most famous dish in Indonesian cuisine is Nasi Goreng.

Tip from TravelGuru: Night and street food markets are great if you want to experience authentic Indonesia. At such markets, you can get typical dishes like Saté skewers, soups, Nasi Goreng, or Rendang starting at just $0.50. You usually don't have to worry about hygiene, but a little cautious glance into the pots is recommended.

The weather on the Indonesian islands is characterized by dry and rainy seasons. Roughly speaking, the months from May to October are the best for a trip to Indonesia. It's best to check our detailed travel calendar to learn more about the island nation's climate!

Orangutans, tigers, and elephants roam through the tropically dense rainforests of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site west of Java, which leaves one speechless with its biodiversity and unique flora. On the sixth largest island in the world, ancient national parks await adventurous travelers seeking a unique nature experience.

While the chances of actually encountering the critically endangered Sumatran rhinos and Sumatran tigers in Gunung Leuser National Park in northern Sumatra are fairly low, the chances of observing orangutans in the wild are much higher. So, if you've always dreamed of meeting these lovable red-haired primates, Sumatra is your best chance.

Another tourist attraction of Sumatra is Lake Toba, which was formed by the eruption of the Toba volcano and is today the largest crater lake in the world, measuring 87 kilometers in length and 27 kilometers in width. When the volcano erupted millions of years ago, the consequences were felt worldwide. It's simply impressive what natural forces have shaped the island of Sumatra.

You won't miss out on postcard beaches like in Bali on Sumatra either. However, since the majority of the population in Sumatra - as in the rest of Indonesia - is Muslim, it is important to adapt to local customs and respect dress codes as well as any alcohol prohibitions, especially in Aceh, the strictly Muslim northwest of Sumatra. But don't worry: There are plenty of places in the rest of Sumatra where you can swim and enjoy the beautiful beach without problems. You can best reach Sumatra from Singapore, allowing you to easily combine a trip to Sumatra with a sightseeing trip to the mega metropolis.

Looking at the island of Sulawesi, located northeast of Java, one immediately notices the unusual shape of the island, which extends in several directions. Like many islands in Indonesia, Sulawesi owes its unusual shape to a volcano. The volcanic activity not only created the shape of the island but also made Sulawesi, or rather the islands to the north of it, Sulawesi Utara, a true paradise for divers. The Bunaken Underwater National Park is even considered one of the best diving areas in Indonesia. Sharks, sea turtles, and colorful corals can now be admired during well-organized tours. However, the region's beaches also excel with their untouched beauty and solitude, making it a true paradise for all who want to vacation far from the everyday grind.

We conducted a very interesting interview with Indojunkie blogger Melissa about Sulawesi and the people who live here. What she told us truly fascinated and impressed us. Sulawesi, or Celebes, as the island was once called, still counts as one of Indonesia's undiscovered gems and continues to spark our sense of adventure!

Compared to the two previous islands, Komodo is quite small, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to discover here. First of all, the island of Komodo is untouched, and you will look in vain for large villages. But that doesn't matter because travelers who venture here want to observe the island's most famous inhabitants, the Komodo dragons, or explore the underwater world at the dive sites around the island. Traveler Lea particularly recommends such a dive: 'The coast off Komodo is among the most beautiful diving areas in Indonesia and is simply unique!'

Komodo National Park

Last year, there was news that the entry fee to Komodo National Park would increase from around €4 to over €400. However, the Indonesian government has not yet provided specific details.

Anyone preferring a walk through the Komodo National Park will need a guide who will take you to places where the up to three-meter-long giant lizards are often seen and also protects visitors from potential attacks by these not-so-harmless creatures. Lea, who reports on her trip to Komodo, cheekily tells us: 'The dragons mostly lounge around relaxing in the sun. If one of them moves, many tourists immediately run away.'

You can also observe Komodo dragons on the neighboring island of Rinca. Organized day trips are offered from the more touristy islands of Lombok, Bali, or Flores. I'll now tell you how to best get to the island and what not to miss on the wonderful neighboring island of Flores.

The island of Flores is among those you can easily reach by plane from Bali, making it optimal for beginners interested in island hopping in Indonesia. However, for those with more time, Lea recommends a multi-day journey by boat: 'The many islands we passed on the way looked like they were from another world. Pristine and beautiful! However, you should ensure to book the crossing with a reputable provider on a safe boat, or it can become dangerous.'

The main attractions of Flores include the stunning beaches around the harbor town of Labuan Bajo and the three crater lakes of Mount Kelimutu. These occasionally change colors, shining in striking blue, green, or even black hues. Another tip from Lea: 'Definitely take a dive trip while you're in Flores! The diving spots off the coast are, like Komodo, among the most beautiful in Indonesia. Here I could dive with manta rays, dolphins, and - the dream of many divers - sharks. Simply unforgettable!' You don't have to worry about shark attacks as a beach visitor, because these interesting and often misunderstood creatures live usually miles from the shores.

Another peculiarity of Flores is that Christianity is the predominant religion here. While most regions of Indonesia are predominantly Muslim, residents still adhere to the Catholic faith, which was brought to them by European missionaries in the 17th century. Therefore, sacred buildings such as churches and chapels are common in Flores.

When listing the most beautiful travel destinations in Indonesia, Bali cannot be overlooked. It is undoubtedly the most famous and also the most popular island in Indonesia, attracting countless tourists - whether backpacking or on package tours - to the island of the gods, as Bali is also known. But what makes the island so special, and how does it differ from other Indonesian islands?

The first difference is the religion practiced by the island's inhabitants: over 90% of Balinese are Hindus, which is evidenced by the numerous beautiful temples in Bali. Be sure to take a trip to the most beautiful temples on the island! In the article about the most beautiful sights in Bali, you'll get a good overview.

Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights from the United States to Bali, so you must accept a stopover - usually in Singapore or Java. But the long journey is worth it: along with the mystical temples, dreamlike beaches await on the shores, magical nature around Ubud, and delicious Balinese cuisine. Prices for accommodation and meals in Bali are similarly low as in all of Indonesia. For example, rent a nice villa or look for a hotel with an infinity pool in Bali for a little money - you will see that you can still get a lot for your money in Bali.

Just a short distance from Bali lies the small island of Nusa Penida. Although it is only 20 kilometers long, it offers incredible natural beauty and many untouched beaches. The island's biggest highlight are the spectacular cliffs that rise several hundred meters above sea level, continuously revealing views of small coves or caves. The sight of the world-famous Kelingking Beach somewhat reminds us of the Smugglers' Cove on the Greek island of Zakynthos. Just make a stop on Nusa Penida and explore the island on your own! You can reach the island by ferry from Bali in about 1.5 hours. However, don't entertain any false illusions: Nusa Penida is a very popular excursion destination, so you will usually have to share the amazing views with many other travelers.

A great alternative to the island of Bali is the volcanic island of Lombok. You can reach Lombok either by ferry from the surrounding Indonesian islands or by plane. The airport is located in Lombok's main town, Mataram, with flights departing daily from Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Jakarta. Once you arrive, you can expect to find stunning beaches and lush nature that is well worth seeing. As more and more tourists have come to the island in recent years, Lombok is now considered well-developed for tourism, with numerous hotels and small hostels offering the right room for every traveler. Due to its stunning beaches and great accommodation options, Lombok is particularly popular among honeymooners.

A short boat ride from Lombok takes you to the Gili Islands, which for a long time were considered the less touristy alternative to Bali. However, more and more travelers are now discovering the beauty of these little islands, and a trip is still well worth it.

From Bali to the Gilis

To reach the Gili Islands, you need to take the ferries operating between Bali or Lombok and the Gilis. Depending on the departure port, the journey takes two to four hours.

The islands Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno invite you to relax, lounge, snorkel, and dive. Some of the island paradises are so small that you can completely circle them within just a few hours by bicycle. However, for animal welfare reasons, you should avoid the horse-drawn carts operating on the islands. Instead, ride a bike to lunch at one of the small warungs, relax in a hammock on the beach, or enjoy the sunset on your bungalow's terrace - on the Gilis, the dream of a relaxing holiday in Indonesia comes true.

In the comparison of Indonesian islands, this one cannot be overlooked: Java. The island, which along with the previously mentioned islands of Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Borneo belongs to the Greater Sunda Islands, is home not only to Indonesia's diverse capital, Jakarta, but is also marked by a rich cultural heritage and magnificent national parks. You can best reach Java from Bali, as this popular island is a neighboring destination along with Lombok and Sumatra. It's best to book a short and affordable domestic flight with airlines like Air Asia or Garuda Indonesia, which will take around 1.5 hours to Java.

In the southwest of the island, nature lovers will find Ujung Kulon National Park, where Javanese tigers and rhinos still live, which you might even be lucky enough to see. Divers will be particularly happy at Kepulauan Seribu National Park off the coast of the capital Jakarta. The marine national park bursts with biodiversity and wonderful beaches.

Nowhere can you experience Javanese culture as well as in Yogyakarta, or Yogya, the former capital of Indonesia. What many may not know: While Yogyakarta belongs to Indonesia, it is actually a sultanate. You can even see the palace, Kraton, where Sultan Hamengkubuwono lives and works, and learn more about the significance of the sultan during a tour offered in many different languages.

Additional attractions in Yogyakarta include the impressive Hindu temple Prambanan, the Merapi volcano, and the street Jalan Malioboro, where you can enjoy authentic night markets in the evenings. Another must-see is Borobudur, one of the largest temple complexes in the world. Borobudur is surrounded by volcanoes in the center of the island and is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Indonesia, if not all of Asia. Particularly impressive is the peaceful coexistence of people of different religions in Java. Over 90% of the population here are Muslims, but the customs and religious sites of other religions are accepted and often visited.

West of Sulawesi lies Borneo, the largest island in Asia. Borneo is not only part of Indonesia but also belongs to Malaysia and the Sultanate of Brunei, so during a trip, you theoretically have the opportunity to visit three countries at once.

Kalimantan

When Indonesia refers to the island of Kalimantan, it means Borneo.

The island of Borneo has gained worldwide fame, particularly due to its unique animal and plant life. The tropical rainforests of the island are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Researchers still discover new species here every year that can only be found on Borneo. International animal protection organizations are committed to preserving this unique habitat, which provides a home to orangutans, rhinos, bears, and pygmy elephants, which are considered extinct worldwide except for here on Borneo.

Did you know that orangutans only live on Borneo and Sumatra? In the travel magazine, you will find interesting information about orangutans on Borneo. In this article, you will learn why Borneo's ecosystem is so special and why protecting this habitat is essential. You can observe these fascinating great apes, for example, in Tanjung Putting National Park in southwestern Borneo. Flights to Borneo are offered by various airlines and usually fly to the airports of Banjarmasin and Pangkalanbun.

Tropical rainforests and paradise beaches also exist on Borneo. After an adventurous jungle safari, you can relax for a few days on the pristine beaches of the island and marvel at the underwater world while snorkeling and diving. If you do plan to make a side trip to the Sultanate of Brunei, you do not need to apply for a visa as you can enter with your passport. The controversial Sultan of Brunei is one of the richest people in the world, which you can see from the magnificent buildings and temples in the country.

Our island hopping in Indonesia has now brought us by plane to the second-largest island in the world, New Guinea. What we have seen so far in terms of biodiversity and natural wonders continues on this equatorial island, which is divided into Indonesian West New Guinea and independent Papua New Guinea. On New Guinea, you will find not only a massive tropical forest home to colorful birds of paradise, giant butterflies, and exotic mammals like the tree kangaroo, but also remnants of a glacier that sits atop the island's highest mountain, Puncak Jaya.

If you are lucky enough to land in Papua, this very special journey will likely never be forgotten as the island is one of the most remote and undiscovered in the world. A possible excursion destination on Papua is the Baliem Valley, where the indigenous Dani people reside. Tourists are welcomed here, and even staying in simple accommodations in the midst of the jungle is possible. It offers a unique experience that brings you very close to the nature of Papua.

Also just a stone's throw away, or rather, west of Papua, is the Raja Ampat archipelago, which is undoubtedly one of Indonesia's best-kept secrets. Out of the 1,800 different islands, only 35 are inhabited. The few residents of the archipelago are closely connected to the sea and the animals that live here, most of whom earn their living from fishing. Why should you visit Raja Ampat? Because the archipelago possesses a unique marine ecosystem, with its biodiversity not even matching the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Thanks to its location within the so-called Coral Triangle, an area known for having one of the largest species diversities on the planet, Raja Ampat is one of the most extraordinary diving destinations on Earth.

You can only travel there by boat. A ferry runs from Sorong in New Guinea to Wasai, the main town of Raja Ampat, about 60 kilometers away. The somewhat cumbersome journey is also one of the reasons why Raja Ampat has so far been spared from mass tourism, or can you explain why such a natural paradise has received so little attention until now? We would definitely consider the archipelago one of the great hidden gems and strongly encourage you - if you're one of the passionate divers in the world - to book a trip to this island paradise.

To be honest, after this comparison of Indonesian islands, we could pack our bags again and travel to explore even more undiscovered islands of Indonesia. The ever-popular destination Bali is a great starter island for anyone wanting to ease into Indonesia before exploring further. Believe us: once you catch the Indonesia bug, you want to discover as much of the world's largest archipelago as possible. Are you also fired up and have more tips for fellow travelers? Which island is your favorite?