Indonesia Travel Guide
It’s one of those countries that is on everyone’s list. Whether you’re a backpacker, a honeymooner, a diver, a digital nomad, an adventure seeker, a beachbum, a nature lover, a foodie, a culture guru or anything else in between Indonesia is for you. I spent a little over five weeks here and only just began to scratch the surface. You might come for the Instagram pictures but you’ll stay for everything you discover here.
Things to Consider
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Best time to travel Indonesia
Indonesia enjoys warm temperatures all year round but there are still better times than others to visit depending on what you’re looking for.
High season: July – mid – September are months to avoid as crowds, heat, high prices and availability are all issues.
May, June and September are still in dry season but with fewer crowds which makes it an ideal time to travel Indonesia.
With the exception of Christmas and New Years in December, October through April is considered low season with January and February being the wettest months (but usually there is some sun on most days mixed with random downpours). Prices are lower and crowds are too.
Divers on Bali, Lombok and Komodo will find the best time is April – September while diving around Maluku and Papua are ideal from October – April.
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Covid-19 Updates
December 31, 2020: Not open for tourism
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Money
Official currency: Rp Indonesian rupiah
Budget: Hostel dorms start at $5 and go upwards from there. You can easily get by on $20-$30 a day when you add everything up, even when “splurging” on food and/or accommodation- especially if you’re traveling in a group and can split. Indonesia is an excellent budget destination.
Credit cards: Commonly used throughout Indonesia in cities and tourist areas but even remote places that get tourists (such as Bukit Lawang ) don’t accept credit cards nor do they have ATMs so make sure to have cash with you. Additionally you’ll want cash to tip guides, at the markets and for smaller purchases.
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Where to go
Suggested itineraries for traveling Indonesia
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Visas
170 passports can visit Indonesia for 30 days visa free. Venezuela, a handful of central African countries and a handful of Middle Eastern countries will need a visa in advance.
**Always check with your government for the most up to date information on visa requirements.**
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Vaccines
None
**Recommendations are given assuming you are up to date on routine vaccinations. Always check with your government for the most accurate and up to date information on required vaccinations for Indonesia travel specific to your country**
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Safety
Exercise Normal Precautions
**Always check with your government for the most accurate and up to date information on safety**
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Responsible Tourism
Know before you go so you can be the most respectful and responsible visitor possible
Things to keep in mind when traveling Indonesia:
- Palm oil- The logging industry is teartin through Indonesian rainforests and land to make room for more palm oil farms. Fertile land is being destroyed as those trying to maximize profits have little understanding or care in how to properly use the land. Indonesia already struggles to feed its own population and now even more land is being dedicated to palm oil. This goes for wherever you are in the world – check your product’s ingredient lists and only buy products with RSPO logo (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil)
- Buy and support locals for anything and everything you can such as food, accomodations, tour guides, etc
- Stay away from any organizations, programs or groups where touching orangutans is offered
Basic Info
Capital: Jakarta
Official Languages: Indonesian
Plugs: Type C and F which are the two round prongs like what you’d find in Europe. Three pronged outlets are not available, however.
