Volcanoes, temple islands and reefs scattered across the equator.
Indonesia spreads across more than 17,000 islands, and each region feels distinct. Bali has rice terraces, temples and surf beaches, while Java holds Borobudur, Prambanan and the smoking crater of Bromo. Further east are Komodo's dragons and dive sites, the reefs of Raja Ampat and the Gili Islands off Lombok, while the forests of Borneo and Sumatra shelter orangutans.
Food is a pleasure everywhere, from nasi goreng and satay to Padang curries and warung buffets. Distances are large, so domestic flights and ferries shape any route, with drivers and scooters for local trips. The dry season from roughly May to September is best for most islands, including Bali; December to February is usually the wettest period.
Best time to visit Indonesia
May, June, July, August, September.
Places to visit in Indonesia
Bali: Indonesia's Hindu island of temples, surf beaches, rice terraces and daily offerings, from Seminyak to Uluwatu.
Ubud: Bali's cultural centre, surrounded by rice terraces, with palace dance performances, art museums and yoga retreats.
Yogyakarta: Java's cultural capital, with a working sultan's palace, batik workshops, and Borobudur and Prambanan close by.
Borobudur: A vast 9th-century Buddhist monument of carved terraces and stupas, rising above the green plains of central Java.
Komodo National Park: Islands in eastern Indonesia home to the Komodo dragon, with pink-sand beaches and some of the best diving in the world.
Gili Islands: Three small, car-free coral islands off Lombok, with white-sand beaches, turtles and a relaxed island rhythm.
Mount Bromo: An active volcano in East Java rising from a vast caldera of volcanic sand, famous for its misty sunrise views.
Raja Ampat: A remote archipelago off New Guinea with the most diverse coral reefs on the planet and jungle-topped karst islands.
Jakarta: Indonesia's enormous capital, with the Dutch-era old town of Kota Tua, the National Monument and a huge food scene.
Lake Toba: The largest volcanic lake in the world, filling a huge caldera in North Sumatra, with Batak villages on Samosir Island.
Essentials
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Language: Indonesian; many local languages; English in tourist areas
Plugs: Type C / F, 230 V
Driving: Left side
Time zone: UTC+7 to +9
Tipping: Not expected; round up or leave 5–10% for good service
Getting around: Domestic flights and ferries between islands; drivers or ride-hailing on land
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking