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!
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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Akash Thomas
Reviewed on: 26 Nov 2025
Big thanks to pickmytrail group for planning my vacation to Bali in Nov 2025. They were available to provide guidance and help from the planning stage till the end of the trip. 24hr concierge on the app was really helpful. Thank you once again.
Chitra D
Reviewed on: 19 Nov 2025
Well organized trip. Initially I was concerned about safety as I was a solo traveller. But as assured by agency, ground staff at Bali were polite and it was a wonderful and memorable trip.
Tapish Dixit
Reviewed on: 18 Nov 2025
Our Bali trip was absolutely amazing, and a huge credit goes to our guide Tirta, who made the entire experience unforgettable. From the moment we met, he was warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. He took us to the best spots, shared local insights, clicked beautiful pictures, and made sure we were always comfortable and enjoying every moment. His guidance turned our vacation into a smooth, stress-free, and truly memorable journey. We couldnt have asked for a better guide. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Bali! I planned this trip on the 10th and left on the 11th, so everything happened very quickly. I was a bit nervous about whether things would go smoothly since it was such a sudden plan, but the entire trip turned out amazingthanks to PickYourTrail. They handled everything so well, and I truly had a wonderful experience. I highly recommend everyone to plan their trips with PickYourTrail.
Sairam Reddy
Reviewed on: 17 Nov 2025
Our Bali trip planned through Pick Your Trail was absolutely amazing! From the moment we booked, everything was smooth, well-coordinated, and tailored perfectly to our preferences. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, balancing adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation. All the arrangementshotels, transfers, activitieswere seamless. The team was always available, quick to respond, and made sure we were comfortable throughout the journey. We especially loved how flexible and customizable the experience was. Thanks to Pick Your Trail, we enjoyed Balis beautiful beaches, cultural spots, and scenic landscapes without any stress. It truly was a wonderful and memorable vacation. Highly recommended for anyone planning a hassle-free and well-organized trip!
Srividhya Vasudevan
Reviewed on: 16 Nov 2025
We booked a Bali trip with pyt and we loved it. The details were shared clearly and the team was able to handle and guide us with the all questions that we had. Also the ground team in Bali was so wonderful. Our guide was very gentle and we enjoyed the trip to the core ! Thank you PickYourTrail for giving us this beautiful package
Saran S
Reviewed on: 12 Nov 2025
Had an amazing solo trip to Jakarta and Bali, all perfectly planned by PickYourTrail. Everything from stays to transfers was taken care of smoothly, and I didnt have to worry about a thing. The team stayed in touch throughout and made the experience truly memorable. Would definitely recommend them for anyone planning a hassle-free vacation!
Rocky
Reviewed on: 11 Nov 2025
We recently completed our Bali trip planned by PickyourTrail, and overall, it was a wonderful experience! Special thanks to Hari for his excellent follow-up throughout the planning and booking process he ensured everything was well-coordinated and kept us updated regularly. Vincent did a great job in processing all our travel documents smoothly and on time. Their 24/7 online support since the trip started was truly commendable always available, quick to assist, and very professional. While the planning on the sightseeing spots could have been a bit better, most of the places suggested were iconic and memorable. Overall, a great experience and strongly recommended for anyone planning a Bali trip or any international vacation!
Anagha Paulson
Reviewed on: 05 Nov 2025
Trip to bali was planned under our budget and was truly customised according to our needs
Anupam Saha
Reviewed on: 05 Nov 2025
This was the first time travelled to an International destination through Pickyourtrail and was absolutely thrilled how well it went for our trip to Bali. From the travel booking to execution everything was perfect and well executed. The driver cum guide Roby and Mani was excellent in communicating and guiding us throughout the tour as and when required. Thanks for such a wonderful experience. Keep it up!!!!
S V
Reviewed on: 05 Nov 2025
Thank you for your whole trip support. Overall it is very good especially for the food from Ganesha Hotel where we got the Indian Food with discount. Only one thing we found is instead of taking the hotel in Bali, we should have taken in Ubud so we can see few more places instead of spending too much time in travel. Most of the places we visited are in Ubud.
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