Indonesia Travel Guide
Top Places to Visit
- Bali – Beaches, temples, and vibrant culture.
- Yogyakarta – Center of classical Javanese art and heritage.
- Komodo Island – Home to the famous Komodo dragons.
- Raja Ampat – World-renowned for marine biodiversity and diving.
- Borobudur – Iconic Buddhist temple and UNESCO site.
Language & Culture
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. Indonesia is a multicultural nation with over 17,000 islands and hundreds of ethnic groups. Religion, traditional arts, music, and ceremonies shape daily life, with Islam as the dominant religion.
Transportation, Currency & Food
- Transportation: Domestic flights, ferries, buses, and ride-hailing apps are widely used.
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
- Food: Nasi goreng (fried rice), satay, gado-gado (vegetable salad), and rendang (slow-cooked beef) are staples.
Best Season & Entry Points
| Season | Weather | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| May – September | Dry season | Best for travel, beach, and outdoor exploration |
| October – April | Wet season | Fewer crowds, lush landscapes |
Main international airports include Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Ngurah Rai (Bali), and Juanda (Surabaya).
Estimated Budget (Per Day/Traveler)
| Category | Cost (IDR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 150,000 – 1,000,000 | Guesthouses to boutique hotels |
| Meals | 50,000 – 200,000 | Local warungs to upscale dining |
| Transport | 20,000 – 150,000 | Ride-hailing, buses, domestic flights |
| Activities | 100,000 – 500,000 | Tours, temple visits, adventure |
Packing List Suggestions
- Lightweight, breathable clothes
- Rain jacket and mosquito repellent
- Power adapter (type C/F plugs)
- Swimwear, sandals, sunblock
20 Basic Language Tips
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Halo | Hello |
| Terima kasih | Thank you |
| Tolong | Please / Help |
| Selamat pagi | Good morning |
| Selamat malam | Good evening |
| Maaf | Sorry |
| Berapa harganya? | How much is it? |
| Saya tidak mengerti | I don’t understand |
| Kamar kecil di mana? | Where is the bathroom? |
| Ya / Tidak | Yes / No |
| Saya butuh bantuan | I need help |
| Apakah Anda bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris? | Do you speak English? |
| Satu, dua, tiga | One, two, three |
| Sampai jumpa | See you |
| Enak! | Delicious! |
| Nama saya… | My name is… |
| Senang bertemu dengan Anda | Nice to meet you |
| Permisi | Excuse me |
| Tidak apa-apa | It’s okay |
| Selamat tinggal | Goodbye |
Health & Safety
- Drink bottled or purified water
- Vaccinations recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid
- Traffic and road conditions can be challenging
- Keep valuables secure and beware of scams
Festivals & Holidays
- Nyepi (Balinese New Year) – Day of silence in Bali
- Waisak – Buddhist celebration at Borobudur
- Independence Day – August 17 parades and games
- Ramadan & Eid – Celebrated widely across Indonesia
Sustainable Tourism
- Respect local customs and dress modestly at temples
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and reduce plastic use
- Support local businesses and eco-certified tours
- Be mindful of wildlife and natural habitats
