Why Visit Indonesia?
Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands, and most visitors see one of them. Bali deserves its reputation: rice terraces around Ubud, surf at Uluwatu and Canggu, and a Hindu temple culture that shapes daily life. But the best trips use Bali as a base and add one more island. Yogyakarta on Java has two of the greatest temples in Asia, Lombok and the Gilis are quieter versions of the Bali coast, and Komodo is one of the best places to dive and snorkel in the region.
Where to Go
- Bali: Ubud for rice terraces, yoga and food; Canggu and Seminyak for cafés and sunsets; Uluwatu for cliff-top surf breaks and the Kecak dance at the temple; Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan for a day or two on the water.
- Yogyakarta, Java: Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and the Hindu temples of Prambanan. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and easy day trips from the city.
- Mount Bromo, East Java: A sunrise over the volcano crater is one of the classic Indonesian views. Most people overnight in the villages on the rim.
- Lombok and the Gili Islands: The three Gilis have no cars or motorbikes, just bikes and horse carts, with snorkelling off the beach. Lombok has surf in the south and Mount Rinjani in the north.
- Komodo National Park: Reached by boat from Labuan Bajo on Flores. Komodo dragons on land, manta rays and reefs in the water.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (April–October): The best weather across Bali, Java, Lombok and Komodo. July and August are the busiest months in Bali, so book early.
- The edges of the dry season (April–May and September–October): My pick. Mostly dry weather, fewer people and lower prices than midsummer.
- Wet season (November–March): Heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, green landscapes and cheaper rooms. Rough seas can cancel boats to the Gilis and Nusa Penida.
- Nyepi: Bali’s Day of Silence, usually in March. The whole island shuts down for 24 hours, including the airport, and visitors must stay in their hotel. Check the date before you book.
Travel Tips
- The currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Cards work in most Bali hotels and restaurants; carry cash for warungs, markets and smaller islands.
- Foreign visitors to Bali pay a tourist levy of IDR 150,000, payable online through the provincial government’s Love Bali site (lovebali.baliprov.go.id, checked October 2026).
- Use Grab or Gojek for rides and food delivery. Bali traffic is slow, so allow more time than the map suggests, or hire a driver for day trips.
- Wear a sarong and sash to enter Balinese temples. Most temples lend or rent them at the gate.
- Plugs are type C and F (the two round pins used in most of Europe), at 230V.
- Indonesians drive on the left. Only ride a scooter if you already ride one at home and have the right licence.
- Many restaurants add tax and service to the bill. Where they don’t, a small tip is appreciated but not expected.