Indonesia Travel Guide: Essential Info, Where to Stay, and Must‑See Places

Introduction: Indonesia travel guide

Indonesia is a nation of more than seventeen thousand islands, yet most travelers see only a slice. The archipelago offers almost every kind of trip you can imagine: sunrise on an ancient temple in Java, manta rays soaring through clear water in Komodo, scooters humming past rice terraces in Bali, tribal highland rituals in Sulawesi, orangutans swinging through Kalimantan rainforest, and the calm, otherworldly reefs of Raja Ampat. Costs are reasonable, connections are improving, and the food scene—from warung classics to third‑wave cafés—never stops evolving.

This guide shows you how to plan a stress‑free route, where to stay for your style and budget, and which places deserve space on your itinerary right now. You’ll also find practical steps for visas, the Bali tourist levy, trains, ferries, flights, and on‑ground tips that locals share with friends.

Entry & Payments: e‑VOA, Bali Tourist Levy, and Onward Tickets

e‑VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival). Many nationalities can apply online for a 30‑day e‑VOA, extendable once to a 60‑day stay. The process is straightforward: fill out your details, upload a passport photo, pay by card, and keep a digital/printed copy of the visa. At immigration you’ll scan the QR and proceed to the e‑VOA lane. Keep proof of an onward or return ticket, as airline agents and border officers sometimes ask for it at check‑in and arrival.

Bali Tourist Levy. Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one‑time tourist levy per visit. The official site lets you pay online before arrival; you’ll receive a QR confirmation. Hotels and some tour desks may remind you if you forgot, and spot checks happen at popular attractions.

Money & cards. ATMs in cities and tourist regions are common. Withdraw moderate amounts to limit fees and carry small bills for tolls, markets, and boat fees. Credit cards work at mid‑ to high‑end hotels and many restaurants; remote islands and homestays may be cash‑only.

Connectivity & SIM. Buy a local SIM or eSIM at the airport or in town. Registration requires your passport, and for longer stays some shops may help register your phone’s IMEI. Telkomsel, XL, and Indosat are major providers; speeds are best in urban/visitor hubs.

When to Go: An Easy, No‑Stress Weather Playbook

Indonesia’s seasons vary by region, but a simple approach works:

May–September: Sunniest for Bali, Java, Lombok, and Komodo—great for hikes, volcano viewpoints, road trips, and sailing.
October–April: Tropical showers for much of the archipelago; crowd levels drop and prices can soften. Raja Ampat in West Papua often enjoys calmer seas in this window, making it prime for diving and liveaboards.

Month‑to‑month ideas:

Jan–Mar: Cultural city breaks, temple circuits, cafés/spas in Bali and Java; waterfalls are dramatic after rains.
Apr–Jun: Shoulder season sweet spot; good visibility at Bromo/Ijen, lush terraces in Bali, smooth Java train trips.
Jul–Aug: Peak sunshine; book trains, flights, and hotels early.
Sep–Oct: Warm seas, fewer crowds after peak; Komodo sailing is excellent.
Nov–Dec: Short, heavy showers; schedule indoor time and keep a flexible day or two for weather.

Getting Around: Flights, Trains, Fast Boats, Ride‑Hailing

Domestic flights link Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar (Bali), and Makassar to island hubs such as Labuan Bajo (Komodo), Sorong (Raja Ampat), and Medan (Sumatra). Book earlier for holiday periods; expect dynamic pricing.

Java trains are a traveler favorite—clean, punctual, and scenic. The official app allows you to buy tickets, select seats, and download an e‑boarding pass. Executive class has AC and reclining seats; food carts and station kiosks cover snacks.

Fast boats & ferries connect Bali to Nusa Penida and the Gili/Lombok islands, plus various inter‑island routes. In rainy months, seas can be choppy; keep your schedule flexible.

Ride‑hailing (Grab/GoJek) is widely available in cities and many tourist towns. Some areas have local taxi cooperatives with designated pick‑up zones; hotels can call a driver if the app shows limited coverage.

Where to Go: Regional Highlights & Hotel Areas

Bali: Easy Starts, Deep Culture

Bali fits first‑timers and repeat visitors alike. Each area offers a different rhythm:

Ubud (lanes, temples, rice terraces). Boutique jungle stays, villas with private pools, and wellness retreats. Expect cafés, markets, craft villages, and waterfalls within an hour’s drive.
Stay for: tranquil views, cooking classes, yoga, slow mornings with good coffee.
Hotel zones: Nyuh Kuning (quiet), Penestanan (artsy), central Ubud (walkable).
Seminyak & Canggu (beach cafés & sunset clubs). Design hotels and villas near surf breaks.
Stay for: food scene, beach walks, shopping, lively evenings.
Hotel zones: Petitenget (upmarket), Berawa (family‑friendly), Echo Beach (surf).
Uluwatu (cliffs & coves). Luxe cliff resorts, photogenic beaches, the Uluwatu temple’s sunset Kecak dance.
Stay for: dramatic views, beach hopping, laid‑back evenings.
Sanur & Nusa Dua (families). Calm beaches and paved promenades, big‑brand resorts with kids’ clubs.
Stay for: safe swims, sunrise cycling, easy coastal strolls.

Java: Temples, Trains, and Volcanos

Yogyakarta is the cultural heartbeat. Use it as a base for Borobudur (ideally sunrise entry) and Prambanan (beautiful at sunset), as well as batik workshops and street food tours. Stay near Malioboro for markets and rail connections, or Prawirotaman for boutique cafés and art.

Bandung sits in cool highlands with tea fields and crater lakes. Architecture lovers will appreciate art‑deco heritage, and foodies can explore night markets and modern coffee bars.

Bromo & Ijen form the classic East Java loop: a 4×4 dawn ascent to Bromo’s lookout and a night hike at Ijen to see the eerie volcanic crater. Base nights in Probolinggo and Banyuwangi respectively, or join a small‑group transfer that links them, then cross to Bali by ferry or fly.

Jakarta is a metropolis with neighborhood charms: Menteng and SCBD for restaurants and MRT access, Kota Tua for heritage buildings and cafés. Food tours are the best entry point—let a guide lead you through layered regional cuisines.

Flores & Komodo: Sailing Between Dragons and Mantas

Base yourself in Labuan Bajo for day trips and overnight boats to Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo dragons, and manta cleaning stations. Options range from shared day boats to private phinisi liveaboards with cabins.

Where to stay: hilltop boutique hotels with harbor views, marina lodges connected to dive shops, and value homestays near the port.
What to know: your operator will outline park and harbor fees; some bundle everything, others charge per day and by activity (diving/snorkeling/trekking).

Raja Ampat (West Papua): The Reef of Your Dreams

If you’ve seen photos of karst islands floating in turquoise water, that’s likely Raja Ampat. Reefs are healthy, fish life is abundant, and currents can be strong. You’ll need a Marine Park Entry Permit—homestays and resorts typically help with the purchase.

Where to stay: over‑water homestays with family meals, remote eco‑resorts, or full liveaboards.
When to go: many divers prefer the calmer seas typically found between late in the year and early in the next; visibility and conditions change by location.

Lombok & The Gilis: Slower Days, Clearer Bays

Lombok is Bali’s quieter neighbor with surf beaches, waterfalls, and the sacred volcano Rinjani for trekkers. Senggigi/Mangsit host west‑coast resorts, while Kuta Lombok has a growing scene of cafés and mid‑range hotels.

Gili T, Meno, Air have no cars, making them perfect for snorkel days and beach bicycles. Gili T is liveliest; Gili Air balances cafés and calm; Gili Meno is quiet and romantic. Fast boats from Bali are weather‑dependent, so keep departure windows flexible.

Sumatra: Lakes, Wildlife, and Coffee

Lake Toba is a vast volcanic caldera with an island at its heart—Samosir. The vibe is slow and scenic with lakeside guesthouses.

Bukit Lawang borders Gunung Leuser National Park, famous for orangutans and jungle treks. Eco‑lodges offer guided walks; bring leech socks in rainy months.

Sulawesi: Culture and Coral

Tana Toraja is known for elaborate traditional houses and cliff‑side burial sites set among rice terraces. Visit with a local guide to understand rituals respectfully.

Coastal Sulawesi offers superb diving: Bunaken for vertical walls, Wakatobi for clarity and coral gardens, and Lembeh for macro photography lovers.

Kalimantan (Borneo): Rivers and Rainforest

Take a klotok boat along brown, winding rivers to see wild orangutans and proboscis monkeys. Overnights are on deck under mosquito nets with meals cooked aboard—simple, unforgettable.

Maluku & Lesser‑Visited Islands

Banda Islands (the original Spice Islands) are a dream for history lovers and divers, with coral, colonial relics, and nutmeg groves. Alor offers dramatic underwater topography and village culture with lower tourist pressure.

Where to Sleep: Hotel Types, Areas, and What to Expect

Guesthouses & homestays: Best value in smaller towns and islands. Expect fan or AC rooms, simple breakfasts, and local advice.
Boutique hotels: Common in Bali, Yogyakarta, and Labuan Bajo—design‑forward rooms, pools, and quality breakfasts.
Resorts & villas: Everything from beachfront family resorts to secluded villas with private pools and butlers.
Dive resorts & liveaboards: Package pricing typically includes meals, guided dives, and marine fees; good for remote islands.

Taxes and service: Many listings add service charge and VAT at checkout. Check if your rate is net or ++ before you book.

Green cues: Glass water bottles, refill stations, towel programs, and reef‑safe sunscreen on sale are reliable signs your hotel takes sustainability seriously.

Smart Itineraries You Can Book Without Overthinking

7 Days – Bali Essentials

Days 1–2 Ubud: rice terraces, waterfall, craft villages, evening dance performance.
Day 3 Sidemen: quiet valley stay, cooking class or photo walk among paddies.
Days 4–5 Uluwatu: beach hopping, cliff temple sunset, casual seafood.
Days 6–7 Seminyak/Canggu: café crawl, Tanah Lot at golden hour, shopping.

10 Days – Java by Train + Bali Coast

Day 1 Jakarta: food tour, old town.
Days 2–3 Bandung: tea fields, crater lake. Train to Yogyakarta.
Days 4–6 Yogyakarta: Borobudur sunrise, Prambanan sunset, batik workshop.
Days 7–10 Bali coast: fly to Denpasar; relax in Seminyak/Canggu or Nusa Dua.

10 Days – Komodo Sailing + Bali Recharge

Days 1–3 Bali: decompress in Ubud or the south.
Days 4–6 Labuan Bajo: boat to Padar, Pink Beach, manta point; optional dragon trek.
Days 7–10 Bali: spa day, beach clubs, sunset temple, last‑minute shopping.

12 Days – Raja Ampat for Snorkelers & Divers

Days 1–2 Transit via Jakarta or Bali: gear check, rest.
Days 3–10 Raja Ampat: resort or liveaboard; marine permit arranged by your host.
Days 11–12 Return: city night, markets/cafés, fly home.

Food & Drink Cheat Sheet

Warungs: family‑run spots for nasi campur, mie goreng, satay, and gado‑gado. Fresh, affordable, and fast.
Cafés: espresso drinks, single‑origin pour‑overs, smoothie bowls, and modern brunches—especially in Bali and Jakarta.
Night markets: skewers, fried snacks, tropical fruit; go with small bills and try a little of everything.
Water: stick to sealed bottles or hotel refill stations.

Safety, Etiquette & Responsible Travel

Scooters: Wear helmets, avoid alcohol, keep speeds low on unfamiliar roads, and check insurance coverage for motorbikes.
Temples & villages: Dress modestly; sarongs are provided at many temples. Ask before photographing people.
Ocean awareness: Respect currents and local advice; use reef‑safe sunscreen and never stand on coral.
Natural hazards: In rainy months, landslides and localized flooding can interrupt routes. Build a weather buffer day.
Wildlife: Keep distance from Komodo dragons, monkeys, and manta rays; follow ranger and guide instructions.
Environment: Pack out trash on boat days; refill water bottles; choose operators who brief on reef etiquette.

Packing List Short & Smart

Travel basics: passport, onward ticket, travel insurance policy.
Adapters: Type C/F two‑pin; voltage 230V.
Day gear: lightweight rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent.
Water: reusable bottle; many hotels provide refill stations.
Temple wear: sarong; or borrow at entrance.
Activity‑specific: reef‑safe sunscreen, mask/snorkel (optional), dry bag, motion tablets for boat days, trekking shoes for volcano routes.
Pharmacy: oral rehydration salts, anti‑diarrheals, basic pain relief, any prescriptions in original boxes.

FAQs Indonesia travel guide

Is e‑VOA enough for a vacation? For many passport holders, yes—30 days with a one‑time extension available. Apply online before you fly and keep your QR ready.

How do I pay the Bali levy? Pay online via the official portal, store the QR on your phone, and you’re set. It’s a one‑time fee per visit.

Do Java trains require paper tickets? No. Use the official app to buy, then download your e‑boarding pass and go straight to the platform gate.

Do I need a permit for Raja Ampat? Yes. It’s a marine park entry card; resorts and homestays help you purchase it at or before check‑in.

How much are Komodo park fees? They vary by activity and operator. Some bundle fees into the boat price, while others itemize daily tickets, harbor fees, and diving surcharges—ask for a detailed breakdown before booking.

Is Bali safe right now? Tourist zones are generally safe with normal urban awareness. In rainy months, follow local weather advisories and avoid risky roads during downpours.

Can I rely on scooters for the whole trip? They’re popular but come with risk. If you’re not comfortable, hire a driver for day tours and use ride‑hailing for short hops.

What’s a realistic daily budget? Backpackers can keep costs modest; mid‑range travelers typically choose boutique stays and a few day tours; resort or liveaboard trips run higher.