Travel guide to Indonesia – The Luxury Travel Expert

February 13, 2026

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From blissful beach retreats and wildlife encounters to soul-stirring spiritual journeys and adrenaline-filled adventures, Indonesia is a destination that continually captivates. This extraordinary Southeast Asian nation is made up of more than 17,000 islands stretching across the Pacific, where emerald rainforests, dramatic volcanoes, and picture-perfect shores create an unforgettable backdrop. With such an astonishing diversity of landscapes and experiences, every trip to Indonesia promises moments that linger long after you’ve left its island shores.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Indonesia with my travel guide. Find out more about:

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Weather in Indonesia is broadly divided into two seasons — wet and dry — with warm, tropical temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F) during the day year-round. In most parts of the country, the dry season runs from May to September, while the wet season typically falls between October and April.

The dry season (May to September) is generally considered the best time to visit. Expect plenty of sunshine, lower humidity, and daytime temperatures ranging from the high 70s°F to low 80s°F (26°C–29°C). While brief showers can occasionally occur, they are usually short-lived and infrequent. These months are ideal for sunbathing, diving, wildlife encounters, exploring cultural landmarks such as Borobudur, or trekking up one of Indonesia’s iconic volcanoes like Mount Bromo.
The wet season (October to April) brings higher humidity and more frequent rainfall, often in the form of intense tropical downpours that last a few hours, typically in the afternoon or evening. November through January usually see the heaviest rains. Travel is still very possible — and landscapes are at their lushest — but muddy rural roads and rough seas can occasionally disrupt travel to remote islands.

Regional variations are important to note. Eastern destinations such as Flores and Lombok tend to experience more pronounced dry seasons, while parts of western Indonesia — including Sumatra and Java — can receive rainfall throughout the year. Additionally, North Sulawesi follows a slightly different pattern, with some rainfall occurring in June and July.

For a detailed month to month weather report of the different regions in Indonesia, check this excellent website.

HOW TO GET THERE

Most tourists will arrive in Indonesia via Soekarno–Hatta International Airport near Jakarta or through one of the major airports serving Bali, Lombok, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya.

Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the primary gateway to the capital, Jakarta, located on the island of Java. It is Indonesia’s largest and busiest airport, with extensive international and domestic connections. Click here for a list of airlines offering direct flights to Jakarta.
Adisutjipto International Airport (YOG) serves the culturally rich region of Yogyakarta in Central Java. Often regarded as Indonesia’s cultural heart, Yogyakarta provides access to two of the country’s most celebrated UNESCO-listed sites: Borobodur and Prambanan. Click here for a list of airlines offering direct flights to Yogyakarta.
Juanda International Airport (JIA) serves the metropolitan area of Surabaya in East Java. It is the closest major airport to one of Indonesia’s most iconic natural attractions, Mount Bromo. Click here for a list of airlines offering direct flights to Surabaya.
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) — officially known as I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport — is Bali’s main airport and the second busiest in Indonesia after Soekarno–Hatta. It serves as the primary gateway to the island’s beaches, temples, and resorts. Click here for a list of airlines offering direct flights to Bali.
Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (LOP) is the sole commercial airport on the island of Lombok, providing both domestic and a limited number of international connections. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Lombok.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Entry requirements for Indonesia vary by nationality and are subject to change. Before traveling, always check with your government’s official travel advisory service and your nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate to confirm the latest regulations.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Indonesia and contain at least one blank page for stamps.

Citizens of many countries — including those from the EU, UK, USA, Canada and Australia — are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for stays of up to 30 days. The VOA can be obtained either online in advance (e-VOA) or on arrival at designated airports and seaports. It may usually be extended once for an additional 30 days. Other nationalities must apply for a visa in advance through an Indonesian diplomatic mission or via Indonesia’s official e-Visa system.

Travelers may also be required to present:

Proof of onward or return travel
Evidence of sufficient funds for their stay
Payment of the applicable visa fee

As immigration regulations can change with little notice, travelers are strongly advised to verify requirements shortly before departure.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

GETTING AROUND

Despite its vast size, Indonesia is relatively easy to navigate, with an extensive network of domestic flights, ferries, trains, and buses connecting the country’s many islands. However, travel can sometimes be unpredictable. Delays due to weather conditions, sea swells, traffic congestion, or occasional mechanical issues are not uncommon, so it is wise to keep your itinerary as flexible as possible.

Travelers should also be aware that safety standards and levels of comfort can vary considerably across different modes of public transport. Choosing reputable operators and allowing extra time between connections can help ensure a smoother journey.

Air travel is the quickest and most convenient way of getting around Indonesia, and sometimes the only way to reach certain parts of the archipelago. Most routes are flown several times a day, although plane schedules – particularly on smaller airlines and to less-visited destinations – can be unreliable and infrequent. There are several domestic airlines in Indonesia, and the competition between carriers means that tickets are usually cheap, especially if you book in advance. Tickets can be booked online via the airlines’ websites:
In Java, trains are considered one of the most comfortable, fastest and easiest ways to travel. In the east, the railway service connects with the ferry to Bali, and in the west with the ferry to Sumatra. Some of the most popular train journeys run between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, and Yogyakarta and Surabaya. Most trains can be booked online and offer three classes:
- Executive (eksecutif) – air-con with mandatory reservations.
- Business (bisnis) – no air-con but mandatory seat reservations.
- Economy (ekonomi) – no air-con, crowded and unreserved.
While ferries connect many of Indonesia’s main islands, flying is generally the quickest and most reliable way to cover longer distances across the archipelago. Public ferries operate frequently on shorter routes between neighbouring islands, including crossings between Sumatra and Java, Java and Bali, and Bali and Lombok. The ferry route between Java and Bali is particularly popular with travelers. Services depart from Ketapang in East Java multiple times daily — operating 24 hours a day — for the short 30-minute crossing to Gilimanuk in western Bali. Advance booking is usually unnecessary; passengers can simply arrive at the port and purchase a ticket for the next available departure. For the most up-to-date schedules and fares, check directly with ferry operators, the harbour office, local travel agents, or your hotel.
Coach and bus travel is a practical option for budget-conscious travelers in Indonesia. There are several types of services available, including long-distance buses and short-distance minibuses, commonly known in Bali as bemo. Long-distance coaches usually offer air conditioning, reading lights, reclining seats, and in-bus entertainment, often featuring Indonesian films. While these buses are comfortable, they are also the slowest mode of transport for covering long distances, so travelers should allow extra time when planning journeys by road.
One of the most convenient ways to explore Indonesia is by hiring a car with a driver. This option offers the freedom to travel at your own pace while taking in the country’s stunning landscapes. A local driver removes the stress of navigating narrow or unfamiliar roads, helps prevent getting lost, and can assist with translation when needed. Private transfers are widely available and can usually be arranged through most hotels or travel agencies.

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put Indonesia on your bucket list:

Visit Borobodur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple
Visit Prembanan, Indonesia’s most beautiful Hindu temple
Explore Borneo by river
Climb Mount Rinjani in Lombok
Track orang utans in Sumatra
Relax on the beaches of Bali
Stay at ultra-luxury resorts
Face the dragons in Komodo National Park
Watch the sunrise at Mount Bromo

The following, in-depth articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to Indonesia:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for Indonesia, but I hereby share with you a two-week schedule in Java and Bali based on my own travel experiences in Indonesia. Three weeks are recommended though if you have more time and want to travel at a more leisurely pace or add some other islands to your itinerary (e.g. Lombok, Sulawese, Sumatra or Borneo).

Days 1-4: make Yogyakarta your port of entry in Indonesia and explore the temple compounds of Borobodur and Prembanan
Days 5: take train to Surabaya (6 hours) followed by a 3 hour private car transfer to the Mount Bromo area, for a visit to the volcano the next morning
Dag 6: watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo and visit the caldera, followed by a 7 hour private car transfer to the Ijen area
Day 7-10: midnight visit to the Mount Jien to watch the Blue Fire, followed by a boat trip to Bali (30 min) and a private car transfer to the Ubud area
Days 11-15: transfer to the Uluwatu area in the south of Bali for a couple of days of relaxation in Bali’s most spectacular coastal area:

For more ideas, I suggest the excellent Indonesia itineraries as provided by The Lonely Planet and Frommers.