Indonesia tours & travel

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 takes place from May to October and flooding can make road travel difficult 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.

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.

1. Sumatran Rhino

Appearing almost prehistoric, the Sumatran rhino is smaller in both size and number than its African cousins. Covered in a reddish brown fur, the Sumatran rhino is a solitary animal, and has been quietly grazing the grasslands for thousands of years.

2. Sulawesi Giant Squirrel

Living deep within Sulawesi’s rainforest canopies, this enigmatic and shy rodent can be tough to spot, so stay quiet and alert if you want catch a glimpse of one.

3. Sun Bear

A perennial favourite, the sun bear can be found on many of Indonesia’s islands. Perhaps suffering from ‘small bear syndrome’, these fiery characters are often quite aggressive, defying their nickname as the ‘Honey Bear’.

4. Sulawesi Macaque

Native to the island of Sulawesi, these crafty primates are known for being exceptionally social creatures. With family groups usually led by dominant females, Sulawesi macaques are a prime example of 'girl power' in action.

5. Sumatran Tiger

A noble predator with an almost mythical status, the Sumatran tiger stalks its prey deep within the jungles of Sumatra. With some estimates putting their numbers at just over 300, an international effort is underway to protect this incredible animal.

6. Javan Slow Loris

Slow in name, slow in nature. Don’t be fooled though, this super-cute creature packs a deadly punch – it is the world's only poisonous primate!

7. Long-Beaked Echidna

Inhabiting the island of New Guinea, this crazy critter snuffles about the forest floor using its large snout. Don’t expect to see many of these guys though; they are classified as ‘critically endangered’.

8. Komodo Dragon

The fearsome Komodo Dragon is the world’s largest lizard, often weighing up to 70 kilograms. Described as the ‘perfect predator’, this stealthy beast makes for an exhilarating sight.

9. Moluccan Flying Snake

Scared of snakes? Now you'll have to search the ground and the air as these aerodynamic reptiles have found a novel way to move between the treetops, by becoming airborne and gliding for up to 30 metres.

10. Babirusa

What do you get when you cross a pig and a deer? The odd looking Babirusa: a short and stocky animal with large, curled horns. Native to Indonesia, populations of these bizarre beasts are sadly in decline due to poaching and habitat loss.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

The culture of Indonesia is diverse and varied across the approximately 6,000 inhabited islands. There are over 300 different languages spoken across the islands, however most people can speak Bahasa Indonesian. Despite the diversity, Indonesian tends to have a strong cultural bond, with the national slogan meaning Unity in Diversity. Religion is a big contributor to cultural identity in Indonesia, with everyone needing to have an official religion, which will be listed on their national identification card. Generally speaking, you can only marry people of the same religion as you. The majority of the population are Muslim and, but Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism and Buddhism are also practised.

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

Satay

Satay is delicious skewered meat (often chicken), which is cooked over hot coals, 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.

There are many different religious and cultural celebrations in Indonesia, but some of the key public holidays include:

Galungan dan Kuningan: celebrating the victory of light over darkness, when ancestors visit their relatives on earth.

Kartini Day: the birthday of national heroine, Raden Ayu Kartini, who fought for women’s education rights.

National Awakening Day: celebrates the coming together of people from the 17,000 islands of Indonesia as a national identity.

National Batik Day: celebrates the traditional batik clothing and is commemorated in October on the day when UNESCO first acknowledged batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2009.

For most travellers, shopping in Indonesia will be very affordable, with opportunities to purchase authentic arts and crafts, including traditional batik clothing, woodcarvings, pottery and other unusual items. On bigger islands like Bali and Java, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to shopping opportunities. Tourist centres can be worthwhile if you are looking to buy handcrafted items like puppets, leatherworks and batik. Otherwise, explore local markets for clothing, shoes, antiques and other items.

At most markets, bargaining is encouraged. If you want more information about haggling in Asia, check out this blog.

Bali

Bali might be known for its Instagrammable smoothies and 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 iconic. Plus, there’s so much to see and do, whether you’re yogi seeking a reset in Ubud, a traveller looking to experience local culture and cuisine or a hiker looking to challenge themselves with a sunrise climb up Mt Batur.

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.

Lombok

Learn about the unique Sasak culture on 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 witness a traditional wedding to experience the local customs, dress and feasting.

Sulawesi

Known for its mountainous landscapes and remote villages, Sulawesi is home to one of Indonesia’s most unusual and confronting cultures. Meet with locals and learn about the Ma’nene death ritual, a 900-year- an old tradition where the Torajan people dig up and spend time with the dead.

Kalimantan

Located 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.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is all about relaxation. Whether you’d rather kick back on the pristine beach and take in some sea air, stretch out at a yoga class or simply unwind with a massage (which is so affordable in Indonesia, it would be a crime not to!).