Places to Visit in Indonesia
The world's largest archipelago nation — over 17,000 islands, and a single province (Bali) that carries the bulk of its international tourism identity.
Indonesia straddles the equator with a uniformly tropical climate, split broadly into a dry season (April-October, the most popular travel window) and a wet season (November-March, with humid heat and frequent but usually brief downpours). Bali, in the country's south-central archipelago, operates on its own distinct Hindu-majority culture within the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, with a temple-and-ceremony calendar (including the island-wide Nyepi 'Day of Silence,' when the entire island, including the airport, shuts down for 24 hours) that travellers should check before booking. Ubud, inland in central Bali, functions as the island's cultural and wellness-tourism hub, distinct from the beach resort towns of the south coast. Bargaining is expected in markets and with unmetered transport but not in fixed-price shops or restaurants; modest dress (sarong provided at most temples) and a temple sash are required for temple visits regardless of gender.
Capital
Jakarta
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR, Rp)
Time zone
WIB/WITA/WIT (UTC+7/+8/+9 across the archipelago; Bali is WITA, UTC+8)
Calling code
+62
Best months
May – Sep
Visas and entry
Citizens of many countries including most of the EU, UK, US, Australia, and Canada can obtain a Visa on Arrival (paid, typically 30 days, extendable once) at major airports including Bali's Ngurah Rai. Some nationalities qualify for visa-free entry for short stays under separate bilateral arrangements. Other nationalities require a visa arranged in advance through an Indonesian embassy or consulate.
Where to start in Indonesia
The place ranked first in each of our city guides.