Dense jungles populated by tribes and rich sea meadows cropped by gentle dugongs. Sophisticated beach bars where beautiful people sip coconut cocktails, and the rippling rice paddies of Lombok. Bali’s beaches may be one of the top things to see in Indonesia, but there’s so much more waiting to be discovered in the largest archipelago on Earth. Each of its 17,000 islands boasts a beguiling secret, from real-life dragons in Komodo National Park to secluded beaches made of blushing rose quartz.
Things to see in Indonesia
Indonesia’s fascinating culture ranges from tattooed yogis offering alternative healing to the ancient animist beliefs of Papua’s tribes, set against dramatic volcanic landscapes painted in emerald, turquoise and white.
Get a sense of the country’s ambitious future in Jakarta, where well-heeled locals sip Indonesian-grown coffee beneath a skyline of glass-clad skyscrapers. While the deliciously soft white powder of beaches such as Seminyak and Padangbai may make relaxing feel like the natural focus of a Bali holiday, there’s plenty to see beyond the sunlounger too.
Best places to visit in Indonesia
Bali, Lombok and Java tend to top most travellers’ lists, but Indonesia has countless more magnificent places to explore. Ubud is known for its art galleries and bohemian cafes, while Bandung offers a romantic tangle of colonial buildings surrounded by lush tea plantations.
The Gilis, three idyllic islands off the coast of Lombok, are some of our favourite smaller destinations – too small for cars, so you’ll be taken to your beach hut by horse and cart. It’s cultural quirks like this, combined with palm-fringed beaches and lively nightlife, that make the Gilis one of Indonesia’s top hidden gems. For something even further off the beaten path, a private 4×4 tour through the Toraja highlands of Sulawesi offers a glimpse into a hill tribe culture centred around elaborate funeral traditions.
Best time to visit
The best season to visit Indonesia depends on the region and the kind of holiday you’re after. Although it’s warm and humid year-round, the country generally splits into two seasons: dry (April to October) and monsoon (November to March) – though this varies significantly by region.
August is one of the best times to visit Nusa Tenggara, a constellation of volcanic islands in the Java Sea known for beautiful beaches and diverse cultures. It’s also a great time for wildlife lovers to visit Borneo, when baby turtles are hatching, and orangutans are feasting on ripe durian. For diving during the monsoon season, head to Ambon in the Banda Sea, which has its own unique weather pattern and crystalline waters from November until May.
Where to stay in Indonesia
From humble surf huts to palatial jungle retreats, friendly homestays, international resorts and traditional phinisi sailing boats, Indonesia’s accommodation options are as varied as the coral gardens beneath its waves.
Balmy weather and abundant natural materials like palm fronds and bamboo have led to some genuinely chic boutique stays. Desa Seni in Bali is built from traditional houses, painstakingly rebuilt and restored so guests can experience living history, while Slow Gili Air offers a collection of luxury pool villas with a rustic, laid-back charm that suits the Gilis perfectly.
Bali remains a must-visit in part because of the calibre of accommodation on offer, with everything from sleek international resorts to jungle hideaways near hidden waterfalls and coral reefs.
Best places to eat in Indonesia
Indonesia’s cuisine is as varied as its islands, with every region offering its own specialities. Java is known for meat skewers cooked over a wood fire and dipped in satay sauce, while the tiny, historic Banda Islands – once the most fiercely contested territory in the world thanks to their native nutmeg trees – still flavour their food with nutmeg, cloves and mace. Try the nutmeg-jam pancakes at Delfika Cafe in Banda Neira, a local favourite for a genuine taste of the Spice Islands.
Cultural experiences in Indonesia
With over 1000 ethnic groups across the archipelago, Indonesia’s cultural calendar is packed. Come May, Bali’s rice harvest festival sees shrines built to Dewi Sri, the rice goddess, in the paddies, with decorated water buffalo racing at Negara. For something more contemporary, Anime Festival Asia draws thousands of local fans to Jakarta each year for drawing workshops and live performances.
Getting to Indonesia
You can fly directly to Denpasar, Bali, from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin. Lombok also now has a direct route from Darwin, with a Perth service reportedly on the way. Most other Indonesian destinations still require a connecting flight, typically via Bali, Jakarta, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
