Indonesia Travel Information

Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands in Southeast Asia, is a land of diverse culture, beautiful beaches, and lush rainforests. From the temples of Bali to the beaches of Lombok and the orangutans of Sumatra, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Indonesia. Here are the top 10 things to do in Indonesia that should not be missed:

1. Visit the temples of Bali

Bali, an island in Indonesia, is known for its beautiful temples, such as Pura Tanah Lot, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, and Pura Besakih, which offer a glimpse into the island's rich culture and history. Visitors can explore the temples, and learn about the island's traditional ceremonies and rituals.

2. Visit the beaches of Lombok

Lombok, an island located east of Bali, is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, such as Kuta Beach, Senggigi Beach and Gili Trawangan. Visitors can enjoy the beaches and take part in various water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

3. Visit the orangutans of Sumatra

Sumatra, an island located in western Indonesia, is known for its rich biodiversity and home to the orangutans, which can be seen in their natural habitat in the Gunung Leuser National Park and the Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

4. Visit the temples of Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, a city located on the island of Java, is known for its beautiful temples and historical sites, such as Prambanan Temple and Borobudur Temple, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can explore the temples and learn about the history of the ancient Javanese civilization.

5. Visit Ubud

Ubud is a town located in the island of Bali, and it is known for its beautiful rice terraces, traditional crafts, and cultural activities. Visitors can explore the town's many art galleries, take a cooking class, or attend a traditional dance performance.

6. Visit Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is a group of islands located in the western part of Papua province and it is known for its rich marine biodiversity, and it is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. Visitors can also see the beautiful coral reefs and a wide variety of fish and other sea creatures.

7. Visit Komodo Island

Komodo Island is an island located in the Lesser Sunda Islands and it is home to the Komodo dragon, which is the largest lizard on earth, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the dragons in their natural habitat and also enjoy the beautiful beaches and snorkeling/diving.

8. Visit Toraja

The Toraja is a highland area located in South Sulawesi and it is known for its unique culture, traditional houses, and beautiful rice terraces. Visitors can learn about the Toraja's animist beliefs and customs, and see the traditional Tongkonan houses and the Tau-tau effigies.

9. Visit the Wakatobi

Wakatobi is an archipelago located in the Southeast Sulawesi and it is known for its beautiful beaches, rich marine life and traditional villages. Visitors can enjoy the beaches, take a boat tour to see the coral reefs and marine life, and learn about the local culture and customs.

10. Visit Borneo

Borneo is the third largest island in the world, located in the northern part of Indonesia, and it is known for its rainforests and wildlife, such as the proboscis monkey, orangutan, and the sun bear. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the rainforests and see the wildlife.

Indonesia has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The country is located along the equator, and so there is not much variation in temperature throughout the year. However, there are two main seasons, the dry season and the rainy season.

Dry Season

The dry season, which is generally considered the best time to visit, typically lasts from May to September. During this time, the weather is relatively sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and beach trips. The temperature during this time is usually around 30-35 degrees Celsius.

Rainy Season

The rainy season, which lasts from October to April, can see heavy rain and storms, particularly on the islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua. However, it is still possible to travel during this time, as the rain typically comes in short bursts and many tourist destinations have a dry period even during the rainy season. The temperature during this time is usually around 25-30 degrees Celsius.

It's worth noting that the climate can vary depending on the specific location in Indonesia, for example, some parts of the island of Bali have a different weather patterns than the rest of Indonesia. Additionally, some areas like the mountain regions of Java and Sumatra have a colder climate and it is advisable to pack warm clothes if you plan to visit those places.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, there are hotels available in most major cities and tourist destinations.

Guesthouses

These are a more budget-friendly option and can be found in many smaller towns and villages.

Villas

Many popular tourist destinations, such as Bali, offer a wide range of villa rentals, which can be a great option for families or groups of friends.

Homestays

This option is gaining popularity among travelers in Indonesia, as it allows visitors to experience traditional local life and culture while staying with a local family.

Hostels

Hostels are becoming more common in major cities and tourist destinations, and can be a good budget-friendly option for solo travelers.

Camping

Some national parks and other remote areas in Indonesia also offer camping facilities for visitors. It's important to note that depending on the location and type of accommodation, prices and availability may vary greatly. It's always a good idea to research and book in advance, especially during peak tourism season.

Air travel

Commercial airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and AirAsia offer flights to major cities in Indonesia from various international destinations.

Ground transportation

• Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Grab and Gojek are widely available in major cities.
• Public buses, minivans and trains are also an option for getting around, particularly in larger cities like Jakarta and Surabaya.
• Rental cars and motorcycles are also available, but it is important to note that traffic can be heavy in major cities.

Water transportation

• Ferries, speedboats and traditional boats are available for travel between islands and for exploring coastal areas.
• Some popular tourist destinations such as Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands can be reached by boat.
• Some of the larger islands like Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan also have airports and train services which can help you to move around.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.