With a blend of impressive scenery and fascinating culture, the huge archipelago that is Indonesia appeals to the type of holidaymaker wanting something more exotic and exciting from a holiday. It does, however, cater equally well for those seeking luxury accommodation, with relaxing sunbathing and swimming. With such a choice of destinations; from Bali (or as it is known, the 'Island of the Gods') to the volcanic landscapes of Lombok; to Komodo - the land of the dragons - Indonesia holidays have something to interest all visitors. There are stunning beaches and numerous historic temples. When you are exploring try to see one of the hypnotic Balinese dances performed - quite an experience. Bask in the blend of spirituality and tradition in a place where art is a religion. The fascinating blend of people and cultures make luxury Indonesia holidays truly unforgettable.
Read on for our expert guide for making the most of your Indonesian trip.
1. What you need to know before you go
- Flight time from the UK – Although there are currently no direct flights to Indonesia, there are multiple airlines with quick connections that start from 16 hours flying time from London (typically 18 hours with connections)
- Currency – Indonesian Rupiah (IDR - currently around 17,000 to £1)
- Language – Bahasa Indonesian is the national language of Indonesia, although most people speak multiple local indigenous languages. English is widely spoken in popular tourist areas, but learning to speak a few words of Bahasa Indonesian is widely appreciated
- Time difference – The vast Indonesian archipelago stretches across three time zones, with Bali being 7 hours ahead of GMT
- Visas – Currently British Citizens can apply for a Visa on Arrival at Indonesia’s main arrival airports at a cost of IDR 500,000 (approximately £30) which is valid for 30 days and payable on arrival in cash (GBP + EUR accepted) or by Visa or Mastercard.
- Useful Indonesian Phrase: ‘Jam Karet’ – literally translates as ‘Rubber Time’. It can mean ‘time is a flexible, unpredictable commodity’ but we find it can relate to every day dealings with all aspects of the country. The best recommendation we can make is to be prepared to be flexible, and appreciate the system of ‘jam karet’
- Food & Drink: Traditional Indonesian cuisine is based on rice (nasi), corn, cassava and sweet potatoes, along with coconut milk, spices, chillies and peanuts. Chicken, beef and fish are also main ingredients in the local dishes, though in these islands you can't go wrong with the fresh seafood. Nasi goreng, or fried rice, is a national food of Indonesia, and you should definitely sample it during your stay. Made a number of different ways, it is a staple of the local Indonesian diet.
2. When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
Most of Indonesia is hot year round, but typically the best time to visit most of Indonesia is April – October, with the majority of monsoon rains falling December – March. There are some regional variations, with the seasons reversed in the far Eastern parts of Indonesia around Raja Ampat typically seeing the calmest weather from September – April.
3. What to pack for a holiday in Indonesia
First things first, you’ll want to pack comfortable shoes for your holiday in Indonesia, you'll be doing a lot of exploring. That said, packing a lightweight, roll-up backpack is also a great idea to keep hassle-free.
You’ll definitely need a high factor sun cream, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months and be sure to apply it regularly. Sunglasses and a sun hat are also necessities, along with insect repellent - visiting the jungles and forests of Indonesia will require a good quality bug spray!
Don’t forget your swimwear, Indonesia has, of course, a heap of stunning resorts with pools but you'll also want to take a dip in the Ocean and natural waterfalls that expand across the country.
Overall, less is more with Indonesia - comfortable, lightweight clothing, along with a raincoat (for those unexpected downpours) is a good idea.
4. Getting around Indonesia
There are a wide variety of transport options with trains, boats and regional flights being popular options of linking major cities and tourist destinations. It is worth remembering that distances can be huge, and roads can often be slow, so it’s worth not over estimating the distances you can cover in a holiday. Metered taxis are cheap and widely available in major cities, Bali & Lombok (typically Bluebird Taxis) although it’s worth checking that meters are working and on before you embark on your journey. In some out of the way locations you may need to confirm pricing before setting off on your journey.
5. What are the top tourist attractions in Indonesia?
Here are a few of the top attractions and things to do that you definitely won’t want to miss while you are there.
Komodo Island: You simply can’t miss a trip to Komodo Island when visiting Indonesia. Famed for its ancient Komodo Dragons, tourits flock here for the pristine waters, breathtaking vistas and crisp white sands.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces: These famous and stunning rice terraces are situated in Ubud, Bali and welcomes guests on tours to explore the stunning scenes.
Nusa Penida: Just a thirty minute boat ride off the South-East Coast of Bali, this gorgeous Island attracts guests looking for breathtaking views, exceptional hikes and plenty of exploring.
Mount Rinjani: The second largest volcano in Indonesia is located in the Island of Lombok. Adventurous travellers will love the extreme hikes.
If you are ready to book your trip and see this stunning destination with your own eyes then you can check out our hotels and flights here.