Indonesia tours & vacations

Indonesia’s close proximity to the equator ensures consistently hot and humid weather in all seasons; however, its tropical climate means many areas are prone to periods of heavy rainfall. The wet season normally takes place from October to April and flooding can make the roads difficult to travel at times.

Popular holiday spots like Bali tend to receive large crowds during Christmas and school holidays but are significantly less crowded in shoulder seasons. Also worth keeping in mind are Indonesia’s various religious holidays. With a large population of practising Muslims, Ramadan results in the closure of many services, so expect a quieter experience when travelling during Ramadan.

Learn more about the best time to visit Indonesia

Weather in Indonesia

Indonesia has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season and hot, humid weather throughout the year. Temperatures average 22°C to 32°C along the coast, but it's typically a bit cooler at higher elevations, such as the Padang Highlands in Sumatra and Mt Bromo in Java. The sea is warm all year, with temperatures averaging a balmy 26°C to 28°C.

Learn more about the weather in Indonesia

Indonesia's history can be traced back 1.5 million years due to the prehistoric remains of the ‘Java Man’. Since then, with its trade voyages, Indonesia became an important part of the South East Asian region.

Indonesia became a land of Kings and Sultans, with multiple rulers spanning the archipelago over time. Centuries later, the Dutch colonized Indonesia, leading to its name as the Dutch East Indies. The Indonesian people declared independence from the Dutch after World War II in 1945; however, the Dutch did not recognize it until 1950.

Today, Indonesia's culture is diverse across its approximately 6,000 inhabited islands, with over 300 different languages spoken. However, most Indonesians speak Bahasa Indonesian.

Despite the diversity, Indonesians tend to have a strong cultural bond, with the national slogan meaning Unity in Diversity. Religion is a big contributor to cultural identity in Indonesia; the majority of the population is Muslim, but Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism and Buddhism are also practised.

Festivals are also an important part of Indonesian culture. The major festivals and events across Indonesia are Galungan dan Kuningan, Kartini Day, National Awakening Day and National Batik Day.

An archipelago of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia works its way across several oceans, beginning with the island of Sumatra in the West and stretching to Irian Jaya in the East. In between, Indonesia includes a sizeable part of Borneo, as well as larger islands such as Java, Bali and Sulawesi.

With such a broad selection of islands, Indonesia encompasses a variety of landscapes such as: thick tropical jungle, fertile rice fields, grasslands and volcanic mountain ranges.

Indonesia’s ecosystems are full of a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the very rare Sumatran tiger and elephant, the Javan rhino and the fierce Komodo Dragon. Indonesia is also famous for its incredible beaches and marine life.

With thousands of kilometres of reefs, beaches, bays and lagoons, Indonesia is a diver's paradise.

Here are some of the most popular foods and drinks you should try in Indonesia.

Things to try:

Satay

Satay is delicious skewered meat (often chicken), which is cooked over hot coals and covered in a spicy peanut sauce. Vegetarians can also try this sauce on rice cakes called ketupat. Satay is a great meal to eat on the run or equally good as part of a feast in a restaurant.

Beef rendang

Similar to a beef curry (although with less sauce and a richer flavour), Beef Rendang is a spicy dish that is traditionally served at special festive events like weddings. However, travellers will be able to sample this dish all over Indonesia.

Nasi Goreng

Indonesian fried rice known as Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s national dish for good reason. This famous meal is eaten all over the world in many different formats, but what makes Indonesia’s rendition particularly special is the darkness of the rice, thanks to the use of thick, sweet soy sauce known as kecap manis.

Siomany

These steamed fish dumplings served in peanut sauce are Indonesia’s answer to dim sum. The cone shaped packages can be made with a variety of fish including tuna, mackerel and even prawn. They’re a popular street food and can be found at many streetside stalls and restaurants.

Nasi uduk

Nasi uduk translates to mixed rice, and is a dish of rice cooked in coconut milk mixed with various herbs and spices. It is normally served with some sort of meat dish or curry.

Tea and coffee

Tea and coffee are the most common and popular beverages in Indonesia. They are often served sweeter than you may be used to drinking at home.

Bali

Bali might be known for its trendy cafes overlooking picturesque rice paddies, but there is so much more to this island paradise than meets the eye. The mountain areas are second to none, the waterfalls are stunning and the beaches are iconic. Ubud is a yogi paradise, while a sunrise climb to Mt. Batur is perfect for hikers looking for a challenge.

Lombok

Learn about the unique Sasak culture of Lombok from the food, arts and crafts and farming. The secluded beaches are less visited than their Balinese neighbour, but no less beautiful. If your visit is over a weekend, you may also be able to see a traditional wedding to experience the local customs, dress and feasting.

Komodo + Flores

There is only one place on earth to see the legendary Komodo Dragons in the wild, and that is Komodo National Park. Two of the more notable islands that make up the park are Komodo and Flores, both of which are great places to catch a glimpse of these famous reptiles.

Kalimantan

Found in the Indonesian section of Borneo, exploring the jungle is an experience you’ll never forget. Keep an eye out for orangutans, meet with friendly locals and learn about how they work to conserve the wildlife in this largely untouched slice of paradise.

The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Indonesia. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Indonesia.

ATMs are found widely throughout Indonesia, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so be prepared for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.