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GDACS Global Alerts Green forest fire notification in IndonesiaGood News Network Good News in History, October 6Travel and Tour World West Sumatra Travel Dilemma Highlights The Massive Gap Between Tourism Potential And Hotel Success In IndonesiaConde Nast Traveler 10 Best Resorts in Indonesia 2026: Readers’ Choice AwardsConde Nast Traveler The Best Resorts in the World: 2026 Readers’ Choice AwardsTravel and Tour World Indonesia Connects with China and More Across 113 Countries as 41st Trade Expo 2026 Targets Major Travel And GDP GrowthTravel and Tour World Hundreds of Travelers Affected Over Asia as Jakarta, Larnaca and 45 More Airports Cancel 235 and Delay 3,115 FlightsTravel and Tour World Indonesia Woos South Korean Travellers With Bali, Lombok and Labuan Bajo in Bold Quality Tourism CampaignGDACS Global Alerts Green forest fire notification in IndonesiaThe Independent Travel Japan falls out of top 10 destinations for Chinese travellers during Golden Week amid diplomatic tensionsTravel and Tour World Saudi Arabia Aligns with Indonesia and More Connecting Major Capitals for Transnational TourismTravel and Tour World Bali’s Untold Tourism Boom Reveals The Deep And Fascinating Truth Behind Contemporary Leisure Travel Getaways In IndonesiaTravel and Tour World Bali Tourism Economic Shifts And The Villa Investment Hype Every Traveler Needs To UncoverTravel and Tour World Indonesia’s Nusa Ceningan Steps Up as Bali’s Peaceful Tourism Alternative to Crowded Holiday HotspotsGDACS Global Alerts Green forest fire notification in IndonesiaGood News Network Good News in History, October 6Travel and Tour World West Sumatra Travel Dilemma Highlights The Massive Gap Between Tourism Potential And Hotel Success In IndonesiaConde Nast Traveler 10 Best Resorts in Indonesia 2026: Readers’ Choice AwardsConde Nast Traveler The Best Resorts in the World: 2026 Readers’ Choice AwardsTravel and Tour World Indonesia Connects with China and More Across 113 Countries as 41st Trade Expo 2026 Targets Major Travel And GDP GrowthTravel and Tour World Hundreds of Travelers Affected Over Asia as Jakarta, Larnaca and 45 More Airports Cancel 235 and Delay 3,115 FlightsTravel and Tour World Indonesia Woos South Korean Travellers With Bali, Lombok and Labuan Bajo in Bold Quality Tourism CampaignGDACS Global Alerts Green forest fire notification in IndonesiaThe Independent Travel Japan falls out of top 10 destinations for Chinese travellers during Golden Week amid diplomatic tensionsTravel and Tour World Saudi Arabia Aligns with Indonesia and More Connecting Major Capitals for Transnational TourismTravel and Tour World Bali’s Untold Tourism Boom Reveals The Deep And Fascinating Truth Behind Contemporary Leisure Travel Getaways In IndonesiaTravel and Tour World Bali Tourism Economic Shifts And The Villa Investment Hype Every Traveler Needs To UncoverTravel and Tour World Indonesia’s Nusa Ceningan Steps Up as Bali’s Peaceful Tourism Alternative to Crowded Holiday Hotspots
Bali – IndonesiaYogyakarta – IndonesiaKomodo National Park – IndonesiaRaja Ampat – IndonesiaMount Bromo – IndonesiaBorobudur – Indonesia
📍 Bali📷 CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🌍 Asia🗓️ Best: Apr–Oct

Indonesia ✓

Bali

Thousands of islands, volcanoes, temples and coral reefs

🕒 –:– local time30 stories this week8 sources 6 top placesCapital Jakarta

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Indonesia📸 Photo album · 8 photos · Ultra-HD
Indonesia📜 History of Indonesia

The story of Indonesia

The Indonesian archipelago has one of the world's deepest human histories. Fossils of 'Java Man', an early human species, were found on Java, and on Flores scientists discovered a tiny extinct human relative nicknamed the 'hobbit'. Thousands of years ago Austronesian seafarers spread through the islands, bringing rice farming and outrigger canoes, and later Indian traders brought Hinduism and Buddhism to the region.

Powerful kingdoms grew rich on the spice and sea trade. The Buddhist Srivijaya empire in Sumatra dominated the Strait of Malacca from the 7th century, while on Java the Sailendra and Mataram dynasties built the colossal temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 9th century. The Hindu-Buddhist Majapahit empire, from the late 13th century, became one of the greatest in Southeast Asian history. Meanwhile, Islam spread gradually through merchants and Sufi teachers, becoming the majority faith across most islands, though Bali kept its unique Hindu culture.

Read the full history

European powers arrived in search of nutmeg, cloves and pepper. The Portuguese came first, but the Dutch East India Company, founded in 1602, established Batavia (now Jakarta) in 1619, and over three centuries Dutch control spread across the archipelago. Japan occupied the islands during the Second World War, and on 17 August 1945 Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed independence. After years of struggle, the Netherlands recognised Indonesian sovereignty in 1949. Sukarno's era was followed by the long New Order rule of Suharto, which ended in 1998 and opened a period of democratic reform known as Reformasi.

Today Indonesia is a vast, diverse democracy of hundreds of ethnic groups and languages, united by Bahasa Indonesia and the national motto 'Unity in Diversity'. For visitors, this means extraordinary variety: Javanese palaces and shadow puppetry, Balinese temple ceremonies, Torajan funeral traditions, and UNESCO treasures such as Borobudur, Prambanan and Komodo National Park.

Timeline

  1. c. 1.5 million years agoHomo erectus ('Java Man') lives on Java
  2. 7th centurySrivijaya empire rises in Sumatra
  3. 9th centuryBorobudur and Prambanan temples built on Java
  4. 1293Majapahit empire founded
  5. 1619Dutch East India Company establishes Batavia
  6. 1945Independence proclaimed on 17 August
  7. 1949Netherlands recognises Indonesian sovereignty
  8. 1998End of the New Order; Reformasi era begins
Indonesia 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • ASEAN – ASEAN member – many Southeast Asian citizens have easier short visits.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Indonesia appears below as soon as publishers report it.

Indonesia✨ 10 best things to do in Indonesia

Things to do in Indonesia

  1. Watch sunrise at BorobudurSee mist lift from the jungle and volcanoes around the world's largest Buddhist temple.
  2. Meet Komodo dragonsWalk with a ranger on Komodo or Rinca to see the world's largest lizards in the wild.
  3. Wander Ubud's rice terracesStroll through emerald terraces, temples and craft villages in Bali's cultural heart.
  4. Dive Raja AmpatExplore some of the most biodiverse coral reefs on the planet in remote West Papua.
  5. Hike Mount Bromo at dawnWatch the sun rise over a smoking volcanic crater rising from a vast sea of sand in East Java.
  6. Island-hop the GilisSwim with sea turtles and cycle car-free islands off the coast of Lombok.
  7. See a Balinese temple ceremonyWitness processions of offerings, gamelan music and dance at one of Bali's countless temples.
  8. Explore Yogyakarta's cultureVisit the Sultan's palace, learn batik and watch a wayang shadow-puppet performance.
  9. Relax at Lake TobaStay on Samosir Island in the world's largest volcanic crater lake, home to Batak culture.
  10. Feast on Indonesian foodTry nasi goreng, satay, rendang and gado-gado from street stalls and warungs.
Indonesia🗺️ Where to visit in Indonesia

Where to go in Indonesia

  • BaliLesser Sunda · island cultureTemples, rice terraces, surf beaches and a rich Hindu culture make Bali Indonesia's most-loved island.
  • YogyakartaCentral Java · cultureJava's cultural capital and the gateway to Borobudur and Prambanan.
  • Komodo National ParkEast Nusa Tenggara · wildlifeRugged islands with Komodo dragons, pink beaches and superb diving, reached from Labuan Bajo.
  • Raja AmpatWest Papua · marineA remote archipelago of jungle-topped islands with world-class coral reefs.
  • 📍
    Lombok & Gili IslandsNusa Tenggara · beachesQuieter beaches, Mount Rinjani treks and laid-back car-free islands.
  • Mount BromoEast Java · volcanoOne of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes in Southeast Asia.
  • 📍
    Tana TorajaSouth Sulawesi · highlandsMountain villages with boat-shaped houses, cliff graves and unique funeral traditions.
  • 📍
    Lake TobaNorth Sumatra · lakeA huge crater lake with relaxed island villages and Batak heritage.
Indonesia✨ Must-do experiences
  • Watch sunrise over Mount Bromo
  • Snorkel or dive with manta rays
  • See Komodo dragons on Rinca or Komodo island
  • Walk Bali's Tegallalang rice terraces
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Indonesia🍽️ Taste of Indonesia
  • Nasi goreng – spicy fried rice, often with an egg on top
  • Rendang – slow-cooked beef in coconut and spices
  • Satay – grilled skewers with peanut sauce
  • Gado-gado – vegetables with peanut sauce
Indonesia🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Indonesia

Best time to visit Indonesia

Indonesia is tropical and hot all year, with a dry season roughly from May to September and a wet season from November to March in the south. Weather varies across this huge archipelago, so check regional patterns, especially for eastern islands.

BestMay–September: the dry season across most islands, with sunny days ideal for beaches, diving and volcano hikes.
ShoulderApril and October: green landscapes, fewer crowds and mostly good weather.
AvoidDecember–February in Bali, Java and Nusa Tenggara, when heavy monsoon rains can disrupt boats and treks – though some regions, like Raja Ampat and Maluku, follow different patterns.
31°💧💧💧Jan
31°💧💧💧Feb
31°💧💧Mar
32°💧Apr
31°💧May
30°☀️Jun
29°☀️Jul
30°☀️Aug
30°☀️Sep
31°💧Oct
32°💧💧Nov
31°💧💧💧Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Denpasar (Bali) (approximate averages).

Indonesia🎉 Festivals & events in Indonesia
  • March
    Nyepi (Day of Silence)Bali shuts down completely for 24 hours of silence after a night of parades with giant ogoh-ogoh effigies.
  • Every 210 days (Balinese calendar)
    Galungan & KuninganBalinese celebrate the victory of good over evil with bamboo penjor poles lining every street.
  • May/June
    WaisakBuddhist pilgrims gather at Borobudur for candlelit processions celebrating the Buddha's life.
  • August (17th)
    Independence DayFlags fly everywhere, with parades and fun village games like climbing greased poles.
  • Varies (end of Ramadan)
    Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran)Millions travel home to celebrate with family, so transport is extremely busy around this time.
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Indonesia🧭 Indonesia itinerary ideas

How many days in Indonesia?

5 daysBali highlights

Day 1-2 explore Ubud's rice terraces, temples and markets. Day 3 visit Tanah Lot or Uluwatu for sunset and a Kecak dance, then Day 4-5 relax on the beaches of the south coast or take a boat to Nusa Penida.

10 daysJava, Bali & Komodo

Day 1-3 Yogyakarta for Borobudur, Prambanan and city culture. Day 4-6 Bali's Ubud and coast, then Day 7-10 fly to Labuan Bajo for a boat trip through Komodo National Park to see dragons and snorkel.

Indonesia🎒 Backpacking Indonesia – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $25–40 a day

  • Canggu, Ubud and Kuta in Bali, Yogyakarta's Prawirotaman area and the Gili Islands are full of cheap hostels and homestays.
  • Use ride-hailing apps for motorbike taxis and cars – they are cheap and avoid haggling.
  • Eat at warungs (small local eateries) for nasi campur and other dishes at a fraction of tourist-restaurant prices.
  • Trains on Java are cheap, comfortable and scenic – book in advance online.
  • Overnight public ferries between islands are much cheaper than flights if you have time.
Indonesia🛡️ Safety & money in Indonesia

Stay safe

  • Traffic is the biggest risk – only ride a scooter if experienced, licensed and insured, and always wear a helmet.
  • Avoid drinks of unknown origin, especially locally made spirits, as methanol poisoning has occurred.
  • Respect volcano alert levels and exclusion zones, and hike with registered guides.
  • Strict laws apply to drugs and some behaviour; respect local customs and dress modestly at temples and in conservative areas.

Money

  • The rupiah is the currency; prices include many zeros, so double-check notes when paying.
  • Use ATMs attached to banks to reduce skimming risks, and exchange money only at authorised money changers.
  • Tipping isn't expected, though many restaurants add a service charge; small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated.

Emergency: 112 general · 110 police · 113 fire · 118 ambulance

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Indonesia🛬 Getting to Indonesia

The main international gateways are Jakarta's Soekarno–Hatta and Bali's Ngurah Rai airports, with others in Medan, Surabaya and Lombok. Ferries link Singapore with nearby islands like Batam and Bintan, and land borders exist with Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.

✈️ Cheap flights to Indonesia: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Indonesia💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Indonesia
  • Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands, making it the world's largest archipelagic country.
  • It has the largest Muslim population of any country in the world.
  • More than 700 languages are spoken across the country.
  • On Nyepi, Bali's airport closes and even tourists must stay indoors for 24 hours.
  • Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards, live only on a handful of Indonesian islands.
Indonesia❓ Indonesia travel FAQ

Indonesia travel questions

Is Indonesia safe for tourists?

Indonesia is generally safe for travellers. Road accidents, petty theft and natural hazards like volcanoes and earthquakes are the main risks. Check your government's latest travel advice before you go.

When is the best time to visit Indonesia?

May to September is the dry season for Bali, Java and most popular areas. Some eastern regions have different rainy seasons, so check for each island.

How many days do you need in Indonesia?

A week covers Bali well, while two to three weeks lets you combine Java, Bali and Komodo or Lombok. Indonesia is huge, so pick a region rather than trying to see it all.

Do I need a visa for Indonesia?

It depends on your passport. Check the official Indonesian immigration site or your nearest embassy before you travel.

What language is spoken in Indonesia?

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, and hundreds of local languages are spoken. English is common in tourist areas like Bali, and learning a few Indonesian phrases is appreciated.

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Indonesia💰 What a trip costs
$price level
$25–40backpacker / day
$70–140mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Indonesia🚌 Getting around

Domestic flights connect the islands, with ferries and boats for shorter crossings. On land, use ride-hailing apps, buses or a hired driver.

Indonesia🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Borobudur – The world's largest Buddhist temple, from the 9th century
  • Prambanan – Tall, carved Hindu temple complex near Yogyakarta
  • Besakih Temple – Bali's mother temple on the slopes of Mount Agung
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Indonesia🤝 Local etiquette
  • Wear a sarong and sash when entering Balinese temples
  • Use your right hand to give and receive things
  • Dress modestly outside beach areas, especially in mosques

📰 Older Indonesia stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

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