Indonesia Tourism Guide: Complete Travel Guide for Your Perfect Vacation
Tavleen Kaur
Posted on February 7, 2025
Indonesia is a dream destination for many travellers alike from across the world and it is worth it. This archipelago, which houses over 17,000 islands, exists in a beautiful harmony of pristine beaches, stunning natural beauty, rich cultural beauty and blood-pumping adventure activities. Being one of the largest island countries, it has a diverse geography with volcanic mountains, jungles and a wide range of coral reefs. This Indonesia travel guide will equip you with all the information that you will require to make the most of your holiday to this island country. This destination caters to all kinds of travellers, as it is lined with gorgeous natural beauty and pristine beaches for the nature lovers, numerous adventurous activities for the adventure lovers, and several traditional and historical sites for the cultural enthusiasts. Enjoy the warm and hospitable nature of the local community and learn about the customary and traditional way of life. Whether you are visiting the numerous temples in Bali, the adventure jungle of Sumatra, or enjoying the urban life in Jakarta, Indonesia has something awaiting for all. Dive deeper into this Indonesia tourist guide and uncover this gem.
Key Takeaways
Best time for Indonesia tourism: April to October offers dry weather perfect for island hopping and outdoor adventures, while November to March brings occasional rain but fewer crowds
Budget planning: Expect USD 50-85 per day for mid-range Indonesia travel, including accommodation, meals, and attractions
Essential Indonesia travel tips: Apply for e-VOA in advance, learn basic Bahasa phrases, respect local customs, and plan 10-14 days minimum to explore multiple islands
Top destinations: Visit Bali for beaches and culture, Yogyakarta for temples, Komodo for wildlife, Raja Ampat for diving, and Lombok for tranquillity
Indonesia visa requirements: Indian citizens can obtain an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) for 30 days, making Indonesia trip planning convenient for most travellers
Ideal Time to Visit Indonesia: Weather and Seasonal Guide
Indonesia's tropical climate varies across its vast archipelago, but understanding the best time to visit Indonesia helps optimise your Indonesia trip planning. The country experiences two distinct seasons that significantly affect outdoor activities and travel experiences.
Ideal Months to Visit
Dry Season (April to October)
The dry season represents the best time to visit Indonesia for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Temperatures range from 25-32°C with minimal rainfall and lower humidity, perfect for exploring Bali's beaches, hiking Mount Bromo, diving in Raja Ampat, and spotting orangutans in Borneo. This period sees higher tourist volumes, especially in July and August, but offers ideal conditions for photography, water sports, and volcano trekking.
Wet Season (November to March)
Indonesia's wet season brings afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity, but also significantly fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates. Morning activities work best during this period, with cultural attractions like Borobudur Temple, indoor museums, and cooking classes providing excellent alternatives during afternoon showers. Some remote islands and dive sites may experience rough seas, making accessibility challenging.
Top Indonesia Attractions
There is an incredible array of places to visit in Indonesia across its 17,000+ islands, each offering unique experiences waiting to enhance your trip.
Borobudur Temple
Prambanan Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
Things to Do in Indonesia
There are endless activities to do in Indonesia, across its diverse archipelago
Volcano Trekking
Surfing
Diving and Snorkelling
Indonesia Transportation and Getting Around
Airport to City Transportation
- Major Airports: Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali), Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta), and Juanda International Airport (Surabaya) serve as primary entry points.
- Airport Taxis: Pre-paid taxi counters offer fixed-rate transfers to popular destinations, typically costing USD 15-30 depending on distance. Avoid unlicensed taxis outside airport terminals.
- Ride-Sharing Apps: Grab and Gojek provide reliable, affordable transportation with transparent pricing.
Inter-Island Transportation
- Domestic Flights: Quick and affordable connections between islands.
- Ferries: Economical public transportation for inter-island travel.
- Liveaboard Boats: Multi-day boat tours combine transport, accommodation, and diving around Komodo and Raja Ampat.
Local Transportation
- Scooter Rentals: Explore Bali, Lombok, and more with scooters for USD 5–10/day. A permit is necessary.
- Local Drivers: Private drivers offer comfort, air-conditioning, and local insights, costing USD 35–60/day for full-day tours.
- Public Transport: Bemos, angkots, and local buses suit budget travellers, while Jakarta’s TransJakarta BRT provides efficient city travel.
Top Hotels to Stay in Indonesia by Budget
Luxury Hotels (USD 150+ per night)
Mid-Range Hotels (USD 40-150 per night)
Budget Accommodations (USD 10-40 per night)
Indonesia Visa for Indians
Indian travellers can apply for an electronic Indonesia Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) online for tourism, allowing a 30-day stay. Requirements include a passport valid for six months, a completed application, photos, accommodation proof, and a travel itinerary. From September 1, 2025, all arrivals to Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya must complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card online 72 hours before their flight.
Pro tip: Apply for your e-VOA at least one week before travel to allow processing time and avoid arrival delays.
Essential Indonesia Information
Essential | Details |
| Currency | Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) (1 USD ≈ 15,600 IDR, 1 INR ≈ 185 IDR) |
| Visa | Indian citizens require an e-VOA; apply online before arrival for 30-day tourist stays |
| Major Airports | Ngurah Rai (Bali), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Juanda (Surabaya) |
| Transportation | Domestic flights, ferries, scooters, Grab/Gojek ride-sharing, private drivers |
| Weather | Hot and humid year-round (25-32°C); dry season April-October, wet season November-March |
| Emergency Numbers | Police: 110, Ambulance: 118/119, Fire: 113 |
| Language | Bahasa Indonesia (official); English spoken in tourist areas; regional languages vary by island |
| Time Zone | Multiple time zones: WIB (Jakarta, +7 UTC), WITA (Bali, +8 UTC), WIT (Papua, +9 UTC) |
Conclusion: Why Visit Indonesia With Us?
Indonesia ranks among the world's most diverse and rewarding destinations for an unforgettable vacation. Your trip can be made extraordinary by booking your Indonesia holiday package through Pickyourtrail, where you gain access to expertly curated packages or customise your own based on your preferences and interests. Our visa experts handle your entire e-VOA application process, and you receive constant concierge support ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trip experience. Start planning your dream Indonesian adventure now and create memories that last a lifetime!
Yash Maheshwari
5
27 Jan 2026
We recently visited Bali for our honeymoon, and the entire trip was customized and organized by Pickyourtrail. The experience was completely effortless and very well planned. The tour guide arranged for us, kunal daga and sathya was a very kind and helpful person and made our trip even more enjoyable. The stays were awesome, and everything was managed smoothly. Overall, it was a great honeymoon trip, well organized, less hectic, and truly memorable. Thank you, Pickyourtrail, for such a wonderful experience. Highly recommended! specially thanks to (kunal daga) best trip planner
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Indonesia Tourism
1. Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Indonesia?
Yes, Indian travellers can apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) online, allowing a 30-day tourist stay in Indonesia.
2. What is the cost of a visa for Indonesia for Indian citizens?
The e-VOA typically costs between USD 35-50, and processing takes 2-3 business days.
3. What is the best time to visit Indonesia?
April to October is the dry season, ideal for beaches, volcano trekking, and island hopping, while November to March sees fewer crowds but occasional rain.
4. Which are the must-visit places in Indonesia?
Top destinations include Bali (beaches & culture), Yogyakarta (temples & heritage), Komodo National Park (wildlife), Raja Ampat (diving), and Lombok (tranquillity).
5. What are the top things to do in Indonesia?
Adventure seekers can enjoy volcano trekking, surfing, diving, and snorkelling, while culture enthusiasts can experience traditional dances, batik workshops, temple ceremonies, and culinary tours.
6. Are there any health or safety tips for travellers in Indonesia?
Carry mosquito repellent, drink bottled water, respect local customs, and keep emergency numbers handy: Police 110, Ambulance 118/119, Fire 113.
7. Do I need travel insurance for Indonesia?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or adventure activities like trekking and diving.
Customer Reviews
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Binita Negi
Reviewed on: 29 Jan 2026
We booked a customized Bali package through Pickyourtrail, and the entire experience was truly wonderful. The itinerary was well planned as per our familys preferences, which made the trip smooth and stress-free. The ground staff in Bali was awesomevery supportive, polite, and always available whenever we needed help. Because of their excellent coordination, my family and I were able to enjoy the trip to the fullest. Overall, it was a memorable experience, and we really liked the way everything was managed. Highly recommended!
Jamuna Shanmugam
Reviewed on: 28 Jan 2026
Recently booked a Bali trip through PYT, and it turned out to be a truly wonderful experience. Meghana did an excellent job during the planning phase as she patiently accommodated all my requests and shared thoughtful, spot-on suggestions. Once we landed, Shreya was always available for urgent queries and ensured smooth coordination throughout the trip. Everything was handled seamlessly. A special shout-out to our Bali driver, Slamat, whose guidance and local insights made the journey even more memorable. Overall, a well-planned, stress-free, and delightful experience. Thanks to Meghana, Shreya, and the entire PYT team!
Dr.ashreet Sidana
Reviewed on: 28 Jan 2026
Our 10-day Bali trip with PickYourTrail was nothing short of magical! From the moment we started planning to the day we returned home, everything was handled with perfection and professionalism. The itinerary was beautifully curated, giving us the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, culture, and luxury. Every hotel, transfer, and activity was exactly as promised (and often better!). The team paid attention to even the smallest details, which made the entire trip completely stress-free for us. What truly stood out was their seamless coordination and 24/7 support. No matter where we were in Bali, help was always just a message away. That level of reliability gave us total peace of mind and allowed us to enjoy every moment. Bali itself was breathtaking and PickYourTrail made sure we experienced the best of it in the most comfortable and memorable way possible. This wasnt just a vacation, it was a perfectly crafted experience.
Yash Maheshwari
Reviewed on: 27 Jan 2026
We recently visited Bali for our honeymoon, and the entire trip was customized and organized by Pickyourtrail. The experience was completely effortless and very well planned. The tour guide arranged for us, kunal daga and sathya was a very kind and helpful person and made our trip even more enjoyable. The stays were awesome, and everything was managed smoothly. Overall, it was a great honeymoon trip, well organized, less hectic, and truly memorable. Thank you, Pickyourtrail, for such a wonderful experience. Highly recommended! specially thanks to (kunal daga) best trip planner
Rm K
Reviewed on: 27 Jan 2026
We had an amazing and stress-free trip to Bali. Our guide and driver Supartha made our trip waaayy better.
Deeksha Gaikwad
Reviewed on: 06 Jan 2026
Our Bali trip was wonderfully planned by Pickyourtrail, and we are very satisfied with the overall experience. The iternary was well-structured, covering all major attractions. All arrangements including hotels, transportation, and activities were handled smoothly and professionally.
Surya Sudha
Reviewed on: 04 Jan 2026
Our trip to Bali and Malaysia was wonderful. Very relaxing along with loads of fun. Thanks to Disha from pick your trail, who planned it seamlessly basis our needs. The planning was so smooth that elderly as well children equally enjoyed all the activities and stay. Thank you chat support of pick your trails too, fo being instantly available.
Guhan Seshadri
Reviewed on: 02 Jan 2026
We recently visited Bali for our honeymoon, and the entire trip was customized and organized by Pickyourtrail. The experience was completely effortless and very well planned. The tour guide arranged for us, Mr. Artha, was a very kind and helpful person and made our trip even more enjoyable. The stays were awesome, and everything was managed smoothly. Overall, it was a great honeymoon trip, well organized, less hectic, and truly memorable. Thank you, Pickyourtrail, for such a wonderful experience. Highly recommended!
Sai Sharma
Reviewed on: 02 Jan 2026
We had an amazing experience with Pickyourtrail for our 8 nights & 9 days Malaysia and Bali family trip. The travel plan was perfectly organized, hotel stays were comfortable and family-friendly, and special care was taken to ensure our kids had a great time. Every arrangement was thoughtfully done as per our requirements. The team support was excellentresponsive, professional, and hassle-free throughout the trip. Thanks to the entire Pickyourtrail team for making our vacation smooth and memorable. Highly recommended!
Suren G
Reviewed on: 01 Jan 2026
I would like to thank the entire team from Pickyourtrail for making my Bali trip memorable. Special thanks to Diwakar who handled patiently and answered all my queries
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