Indonesia
Indonesia
Hotels
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesCar HireMore

Plan Your Indonesia Holiday: Best of Indonesia

By Mónica C

Explore Indonesia

From the idyllic beaches of Bali to the chaotic melting pot of Jakarta, Indonesia is a diverse Southeast Asian gem. West Java and Sumatra are home to some of the most beautiful tropical forests in the world – perfect for jungle trekking. The Prambanan collection of Hindu temples in Yogyakarta will astound you with their architecture and aura of spirituality. Capital city Jakarta is a cultural and political hub that’s jam-packed with museums, performing arts centers, and traditional food stalls.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Indonesia Is Great For

Eat & drink

High-octane

The great outdoors

Wildlife

Explore more from our sponsors

Indonesia travel advice

Powered by AI
These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Historical and Cultural Sites

According to forum posts, Yogyakarta is highly recommended for its rich history and culture, featuring significant temples like Borobudur and Prambanan. Travelers have also suggested exploring Java for its diverse cultural experiences, including music, dance, and art.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty

Some travelers said that for wildlife enthusiasts, Sumatra and Kalimantan are great destinations to see orangutans and other native species in their natural habitats. Forum users also highlighted Komodo Island for a chance to see the Komodo dragons.

Volcanic Landscapes and Beaches

For those interested in volcanic landscapes, posts suggest visiting East Java for Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater. Bali and Lombok were noted for their beautiful beaches and underwater activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.

Art and Traditional Practices

Travelers have called out Ubud in Bali as a hub for traditional crafts, dance performances, and local arts. It’s also a good spot for yoga and meditation retreats, adding a wellness aspect to the cultural immersion.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Train and Bus Services

According to forum posts, Java has a well-established train network suitable for intercity travel, with options ranging from economy to sleeper classes. Long-distance luxury and sleeper buses are also available, which run overnight, making them a convenient option for travelers looking to save time.

Domestic Flights

Some travelers have highlighted that domestic airfares within Indonesia can be quite high. However, internal flights remain a viable option for covering the large distances between islands quickly. Garuda Airlines was specifically mentioned as an option for flights from Denpasar to Jakarta.

Local Recommendations

For city-specific travel, in Jakarta, the MRT and the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train are recommended for navigating the city and getting to the airport efficiently. It's noted that traffic in Jakarta can be intense, making public transport a better option than taxis.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Travel Infrastructure

According to forum posts, travel within Sulawesi is not as developed as in more tourist-friendly destinations like Bali or Thailand. Travelers have called out that transit options are limited, often uncomfortable, and can be time-consuming. It's advised to either limit the number of locations visited within Sulawesi or consider booking an organized tour despite potential high costs.

Local Experience

Some travelers noted that traveling overland and interacting with locals can be a rewarding experience, especially for those who speak Bahasa and are interested in a more immersive experience. However, English is not widely spoken, and Western-style food options are very limited.

Health Precautions

Travelers have emphasized the importance of using mosquito repellent due to the risk of diseases like dengue, which is prevalent but usually not deadly.

Destination Highlights

For those interested in diving, areas like Lembeh were highlighted for their beauty and tranquility, particularly because the tourism industry there is currently struggling and not crowded.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Visa Requirement and Sponsorship

According to forum posts, some nationalities, including Iranians and Israelis, require a sponsor to obtain a tourist visa for Indonesia. Travelers have used travel agencies as sponsors in these cases.

Visa Application Process

For many users, applying for a visa before arrival is recommended. A 60-day tourist visa needs to be applied for outside of Indonesia, preferably in your home country. Travelers have pointed out that this method is less hassle and avoids the need for visa extensions during your stay.

Visa Extension Information

Some travelers said that extending a visa on arrival (VOA) in Indonesia can be time-consuming, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Bali, where it can take up to two weeks. However, extensions can be processed more quickly in less touristy towns.

Online Resources

For up-to-date information, travelers have called out specific websites like welcomebacktobali.com, which provides detailed visa and entry requirement updates for Indonesia.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Accommodation Preferences

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend staying in areas that cater to their specific interests. For those interested in nature and hiking, Ubud is suggested for its lush landscapes and cultural sites. Beach lovers might prefer areas like Sanur for its calmer beaches, or Nusa Dua for its well-maintained, resort-like atmosphere.

Location Considerations

Some travelers have pointed out that staying in multiple locations can enhance the Bali experience. For instance, splitting a stay between a beach area and a cultural hub like Ubud allows for a diverse experience of what Bali has to offer. This approach also enables easier access to different activities and attractions around the island.

Seasonal Advice

Forum users advise considering the season when planning where to stay. During the rainy season, some mountain areas can be less accessible due to heavy rains and potential landslides, making locations with better infrastructure like Ubud more suitable.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Recommended Diving Locations

According to forum posts, Raja Ampat is highly recommended for its diverse and pristine marine life, although it is noted for being expensive and not easy to access. Komodo is another favorite, praised for its clear waters and vibrant underwater life, including sightings of mantas, though accessibility can also be a challenge here.

Accessibility and Additional Options

Some travelers suggested Bali as a more accessible option with decent diving spots, particularly around Tulamben for wreck diving and Nusa Penida for encounters with manta rays and mola-mola. Bunaken was also mentioned as a top spot for snorkeling due to its exceptional water clarity and coral walls.

Considerations for Travel

Travelers have called out that while these destinations offer fantastic diving experiences, one must consider the travel logistics and budget implications, as some areas like Raja Ampat can be quite remote and costly to reach.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Transportation Tips

Some travelers recommended hiring a local driver to navigate Flores efficiently, especially given the challenging road conditions and limited public transport options. For a comprehensive exploration, booking a car with a driver is suggested as public transport might not stop at tourist spots.

Accommodation and Logistics

According to forum posts, staying overnight in places like Bajawa or Riung when exploring specific areas like 17 Islands National Park can be beneficial. In Labuhanbajo, arranging boat tours to nearby islands like Komodo National Park and Pink Beach can be done on the spot without prior bookings, although checking closer to the travel date is advised due to fluctuating tourist numbers.

Tour Recommendations

Travelers have called out that while Flores offers spectacular cultural and natural sites, organizing visits through local agencies in towns like Labuhanbajo can enhance the experience. These local agencies can help tailor trips to various attractions including traditional villages and diving spots.

General Travel Advice

For many users, planning the travel route ahead of time is crucial, especially when trying to fit multiple destinations such as Kelimutu or Komodo National Park into a tight schedule. They recommended a mix of pre-planning and on-the-spot arrangements to strike a balance between a structured itinerary and flexibility.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Itinerary Options

According to forum posts, travelers have various recommended itineraries for Yogyakarta. One popular plan includes visiting Prambanan Temple for a sunset tour followed by the Ramayana Ballet. The next day, travelers can explore the Sultan Palace, Taman Sari, and Borobudur in the afternoon, finishing with shopping in Malioboro.

Alternative Suggestions

Some travelers suggested combining Borobudur Temple and Mount Merapi in a single day's trip, then visiting Prambanan Temple and including the Ramayana Ballet in the evening. This compact itinerary allows for efficient use of time while experiencing the key attractions in Yogyakarta.

Local Transportation

For moving around Yogyakarta, users have mentioned the convenience of using a private car or ojek (motorcycle taxi) for more direct trips to and from tourist spots. This approach is especially recommended for those wanting to manage their time more flexibly during their visit.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.