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With 17,000 Indonesian islands scattered between the Asian mainland and Australia, the archipelago has more than its share of natural wonders and curious wildlife. You’ll discover everything from the scorched landscape of Komodo to the lush volcanic slopes of Flores and the shimmering reefs of the Gili Islands. Spectacular crater lakes change colour before your eyes, while sparring dragons could be straight from a scene of Jurassic Park.

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Where to go in indonesia, best time to go to indonesia.

• How to get to Indonesia

Lombok and Gili Islands

Around 35 kilometres east of Bali, Lombok has more unspoilt beaches than its neighbour, and less traffic and pollution. Visually it’s stunning, with the awesome bulk of Gunung Rinjani rising above turquoise crater lakes. Just off shore, the fabled Gili Islands are ringed by white-sand beaches and pristine coral reefs. Of the three, Gili Trawangan is the party island, while Gili Air and Meno have a mellower vibe.

Java ’s central spine is dominated by volcanoes, their fertile slopes supporting glimmering rice fields dotted with countless villages. To the south is the homeland of the ethnic Javanese and the centre of their traditional arts, culture and language, epitomized by the royal courts of Yogyakarta and Solo. To the east, the volcanic massif of Gunung Bromo offers excellent hikes, particularly at sunrise. Elsewhere are the ancient temples of the Dieng Plateau, the turquoise lake of Kawah Ijen and the palm-fringed beaches around Pangandaran.

An explorer’s paradise, much of Sumatra remains undiscovered. Most of the highlights on the beaten path are clustered to the north of the old Trans-Sumatran highway: the orangutan-filled jungles of Bukit Lawang; Danau Toba, the spiritual heartland of the fascinating Batak tribe; the twin volcanoes of Berastagi; and the diving sites of Pulau Weh. To the west you’ll discover Bukittinggi – the cultural capital of the Minangkabau Highlands – and the jungle-rimmed lake of Danau Maninjau.

Kalimantan, Borneo

Occupying the southern two-thirds of Borneo, Kalimantan remains largely untouched by tourism. With few roads, the interior’s great rivers are its highways and a boat trip along the waterways will offer a taste of traditional Dayak life. More intrepid explorers can spend weeks navigating their way through seldom-ventured tropical jungle, and a visit to one of the national parks could bring you face to face with wild orangutans.

Flores comprises one of the most alluring landscapes in Indonesia. The volcanic spine of the island soars to 2500m, and torrential wet seasons result in a lushness that marks Flores apart from its scorched neighbours. The most arresting sight is Kelimutu: the three craters of this extinct volcano each contain a lake of different, vibrant and gradually changing colours.

Off the west coast of Flores lies Komodo National Park, a group of parched but majestic islands that are home to the endemic Komodo dragon. The largest extant lizard in the world, this fearsome creature weighs up to 150lbs and has a toxic bite, allowing them to hunt far bigger prey. The two most-visited islands in the national park are Komodo and Rinca; received wisdom has it that the dragons on the former are bigger but harder to spot.

Sulawesi ’s unusual “K” shape means nowhere on the island is much more than 100km from the sea. Mountains isolate its four separate peninsulas from one another and from the outside world – invaders were hard-pushed to colonize beyond the coast, and a unique blend of cultures developed. The south is split between the highland Torajans and the lowland Bugis; various isolated tribes occupy the central highlands, and the Filipino-descended Minahasans reside in the far north. The mountainous Tanah Toraja is the island’s chief attraction, thanks to its beautiful scenery, unusual architecture and vibrant festivals.

Jakarta is Indonesia’s unrivalled megalopolis, home to almost 30 million people across its 700-square-kilometre concrete sprawl. Though many travellers don’t give the capital a second glance, there’s nowhere better to experience Indonesia’s pulsing dynamism and heart-rending contrasts. Give the city a chance and you’ll discover everything from fascinating ethnic and historical quarters and interesting museums to heady nightlife and gargantuan new malls.

Discover more places in Indonesia

• Komodo, Indonesia
• Lombok, Indonesia
• Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Sumatra, Indonesia
• Sumba, Indonesia
• Sumbawa, Indonesia
• Raja Ampat, Indonesia
• Nusa Penida, Indonesia
• Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

The whole Indonesian archipelago is tropical, with temperatures always between 21°C and 33°C, although cooler in the mountains. In theory, the best time to travel to Indonesia is dictated by the wet and dry season, though it’s often hard to tell the difference. This is increasingly so with the effects of climate change, which has already altered seasonal patterns, sometimes shortening and concentrating wet seasons.

Very roughly, in much of the country, November to April are the wet months (Jan and Feb the wettest) and May through to October is dry. The most expensive time to visit Indonesia is between mid-June and mid-September and again over Christmas and New Year, when rooms can be fully booked for days on end. Read more about the best time to visit Indonesia .

This part of our Indonesia guide will look at how best to travel to the country and how to get around the islands.

Jakarta’s Sukarno-Hatta Airport and Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport are the main international air gateways into Indonesia, with direct flights from several Australian cities and destinations throughout Asia.

The archipelago also has international airports at Medan, Makassar, Manado, Padang, Surabaya and Yogyakarta – with connections mainly to other Southeast Asian airports.

For entering by boat, Indonesia has ferry connections with Malaysia and Singapore.

When considering how to get around Indonesia , bear in mind delays are common to all forms of transport, caused by weather, mechanical failure, or simply not enough passengers turning up. The best option is to keep your schedule as flexible as possible to save yourself a good deal of stress.

One of the cheaper ways to get around in Indonesia is by bus. However, you may find that you’re getting what you pay for in terms of comfort and safety. Another option are the tourist shuttle buses for the longer distances.

In Java, you will find trains which are likely to be more comfortable and reliable than buses.

Ferry routes run between the neighbouring islands of Indonesia offering short and long distance route options. Check up-to-date route information and buy tickets in advance at the local Pelni office.

Domestic flights can be a quicker and cheaper way to travel between the Indonesian islands. State-operated Garuda and Air Asia are the most reputable airlines, handling a range of international and domestic flights.

Read more travel advice for getting around Indonesia .

The biggest Buddhist stupa in the world, the ninth-century temple is the greatest single piece of classical architecture in the archipelago. The surroundings are just as spectacular, with looming volcanoes on three sides and jagged limestone cliffs on the fourth.

Tucked away on the easternmost fringes of Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang offers some of the world’s best opportunities for seeing orangutans in the wild. To witness these incredible creatures performing gymnastics in the treetops is one of the most memorable experiences in Indonesia.

Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali, known for its talented classical dancers and musicians and for its prolific painters and artisans. Set amid terraced rice paddies, the seductive town brims with art galleries, museums and artisanal shops.

Rinjani, at 3726m, is one of Indonesia’s highest mountains. The climb to its summit is challenging but rewarding, taking in forest, rocky peaks and the magnificent crater lake of Danau Segara Anak.

To the south of Sulawesi, the mountainous highlands of Tanah Toraja is home to one of Indonesia’s most confident and vivid cultures: the Torajans, famed for their ghoulish burial rituals.

Clustered about 150km southeast of Ambon in the remote Banda Sea, the Bandas centre around the perfectly conical peak of Gunung Api. Divers from across the world are lured to these far-flung volcanic isles to swim among sea turtles, black marlins and hammerhead sharks.

The three craters of this extinct volcano each contain a lake of different, vibrant and gradually changing colours. Trek to the lunar-like summit at dawn to see the sun rise hazily over the mountains.

Off the west coast of Flores lies Komodo National Park, a group of barren but majestic islands that are home to the Komodo dragon – the largest extant lizard in the world.

On the borders of Alas Purwo National Park in the far southeastern corner of Java, the fishing village of Grajagan has become famous for its world-class surf. Better known as G-Land, it boasts awesomely long right- and left-handers and many kilometres of pristine beach.

This trio of jungly specks just off the northwest coast of Lombok are strikingly beautiful, with glorious white-sand beaches lapped by brilliant blue waters. Gili Trawangan best fits the image of party island, tiny Gili Meno is a honeymooners’ favourite, and Gili Air offers a mix of the two.

The laid-back town of Bukittinggi appeals with its flamboyant Minangkabau architecture, the beautiful scenery around Danau Maninjau and the rafflesia reserves in the hills.

South of Flores, Sumba is famous for its intricate fabrics, grand funeral ceremonies and its extraordinary annual pageant of horseback spear throwing.

With dense tropical jungle and abundant wildlife, Kalimantan provides opportunities for river travel in undiscovered territory. Cruise past mangroves, jungle and stilt villages along Indonesia's longest river, the Sungai Kapuas.

Yogyakarta ranks as one of the best-preserved and most attractive cities in Java, and is a major centre for the classical Javanese arts of dance, music, poetry and puppet shows.

Tangkoko National Park is the home of the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier. These nocturnal tree-dwelling creatures resemble bush babies or aye-ayes with their large saucer eyes and long, thin fingers.

Read our full guide on things not to miss during your Indonesia trip.

We’ve expanded our Indonesia travel guide to include an example of our Tailor-Made travel itineraries . These Indonesia itineraries can take you to every corner of the archipelago – and you’ll learn plenty about the Indonesian islands no matter where you want to go or what you want to do.

Travel ideas for Indonesia, created by local experts

6 days  / from 830 USD

Bali's Beaches and Temples

Experience Bali's brilliant beaches and temples with this stunning trip. Marvel at ancient temples like Tanah Lot and Pura Besakih, soak in stunning sunsets, stroll bare-footed along the best beaches in Bali and haggle at local markets – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!

10 days  / from 1600 USD

Rest and Relaxation in Bali and Lombok

This unique trip will take you to some of Bali and Lombok's most traditional places. Look forward to driving through tropical landscapes and spending time in villages nestled in scenic spots of traditional luxury with infinity pools and stunning vistas over the ocean.

10 days  / from 2100 USD

Royal Bali - Culture & Beaches

Enjoy a luxurious stay in Bali, with hand-picked 5 Star Hotels. This trip includes privately guided tours as well as leisure time, ideal for families with kids. Highlights include sea temple Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih rice terraces and Uluwatu temple with its famous Kecak dance.

14 days  / from 4025 USD

The Best of Bali

This trip will take you from the modern-day Bali to the traditional one. Bali has many adventures to offer, tour the countryside with a Vespa or glide through the hidden canyons. You will also be able to enjoy visits to enchanting villages, where you can take in the local way of life.

10 days  / from 1783 USD

Java and Lombok - culture and beaches

Start your trip in Yogyakarta (also called Jogja) with its rich cultural past such as the Borobudur temple. From there continue to hike Mount Bromo and explore more of East Java in Malang and Surabaya. End your trip on the dreamy beaches of Kuta/Lombok, dubbed 'the next Bali'.

12 days  / from 1250 USD

Singapore & Bali - A Unique Exploration

Combine Southeast Asia's smallest country Singapore with its largest country: Indonesia. Spend a few days exploring the metropolis before flying to the magical island of Bali. Temples, volcanoes and ceremonies are part of your itinerary, as are the gorgeous beaches of Nusa Lembongan.

Rich wildlife, smoking volcanoes, pink beaches: the highlights of Indonesia can be covered in a two-week trip.

Two week itinerary : ULTIMATE INDONESIA

• Bukit Lawang, Sumatra. In north Sumatra, the thick, misty jungle of Gunung Leuser National Park shelters wild orangutans, which can be spotted cavorting among the treetops.
• Ubud, Bali. Browse the art galleries and craft stores of Bali’s cultural capital, before watching captivating performances by classical dancers and musicians. Spend another day at your leisure or on a cycling tour of the area.
• Mount Batur, Bali. Rising from a huge volcanic crater, Gunung Batur is a smouldering volcano with wisps of sulphurous smoke drifting across its slopes. Hike to the summit at sunrise for dreamy views.
• Penarungan, Bali. Penarungan is a remote village on the fringes of Ubud, where traditional rural Balinese life continues as it has for years.
• Komodo National Park. Go island-hopping across Kelor and Rinca for the chance to trek among lunar landscapes and spot the Komodo dragon, or ora as it is known locally. You may also spot other unusual wildlife like sulphur-crested cockatoos, brush turkeys and the megapode bird.
• Pantai Merah, Komodo. The candy floss-coloured sands of Pantai Merah are the reason for its apt nickname: Pink Beach. This rose-tinted stretch of sand hugs the coastline of Komodo, and is a great snorkelling spot for its tropical fish and manta rays.
• Kanawa Beach, Komodo. Spend the morning snorkelling in the crystal clear waters before your transfer back to Bali.
• Sanur, Bali. A laid-back beach resort hooking around the southern coast of Bali, this is a chilled spot to unplug on powdery sands.
• Tanah Lot, Bali. Framed by frothing white surf and glistening black sand, this elegant Hindu temple is marooned on a wave-lashed rock just off the Balinese coast.

Whether you have two weeks or a month, our local Indonesia experts can book a trip that gives you the flavour of travel in this extraordinary country.

Travel advice for Indonesia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Indonesia

• Culture and Etiquette in Indonesia
• Eating and drinking in Indonesia
• Getting around Indonesia: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Indonesia for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Indonesia

In this section, we will look at Indonesia travel advice and tips to help you enjoy a stress-free trip.

Money and banks

The Indonesian currency is the rupiah (“Rp”). Notes come in denominations of Rp500 (very rare), Rp1000, Rp5000, Rp10,000, Rp20,000, Rp50,000 and Rp100,000. Coins, mainly used for bemos, come in Rp25 (rare), Rp50, Rp100, Rp500 and Rp1000 denominations. Officially, rupiah are available outside Indonesia, but the currency’s volatile value means that few banks carry it.

You’ll find banks capable of handling foreign exchange in provincial capitals and bigger cities throughout Indonesia, and almost every town has at least one or two ATMs, which are also found within most Indomaret and Alfamart convenience stores. These generally accept at least one from Visa, MasterCard or Cirrus-Maestro.

Medical care and emergencies

Pharmacies ( apotek or apotik ) can provide many medicines without prescription, but if you need an English-speaking doctor ( doktor ) or dentist ( doktor gigi ), seek advice at your accommodation or at the local tourist office. You’ll find a public hospital ( rumah sakit ) in major cities and towns, and in some places these are supplemented by private hospitals, many of which operate an accident and emergency department. If you have a serious accident or illness, you will need to be evacuated home or to Singapore, which has Asia’s best medical provision. It is, therefore, vital to arrange health insurance before you visit Indonesia.

Crime and safety

Indonesia has endured a torrid time over the past decade or so, most recently with the January 2016 terror attacks in downtown Jakarta, killing eight including the four assailants. Together with the July 2009 bombings of Jakarta’s Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels, the 2002 Bali bombings which left more than 200 (mostly foreigners) dead and the violence that surrounded the political and religious upheavals of the past decade, it undermines the idea that Indonesia is a safe place to travel. However, considering the scale of Indonesia and the vast number of international travellers, incidents involving Westerners are rare.

Petty theft, however, is a fact of life, so don’t flash around expensive computer equipment, jewellery or watches. Be aware of pickpockets on ferries, buses or bemos, who usually operate in pairs: one will try to distract you. Have nothing to do with drugs in Indonesia: the penalties are extremely tough, and you won’t get any sympathy from consular officials.

Read more travel advice for Indonesia .

As of 2016, citizens from 169 countries, including all of Europe as well as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US, can enter Indonesia visa-free at any official immigration gateways and stay for thirty days. However, travel requirements for Indonesia are notoriously prone to change, so it’s worth checking before you travel. For a full list of official gateways see indonesianembassy.org.uk .

Once you have entered visa-free, you cannot extend your stay so if you’re planning to stay longer than thirty days, you’ll need to either purchase a visa in advance from an Indonesian consulate or buy one on arrival for $35, which can then be extended for another thirty days at an immigration office (for Rp250,000).

Alternatively, you could make a visa run to Singapore or Malaysia before returning to obtain another thirty days in the country. A visa is most easily obtained in Singapore, Penang or Kuala Lumpur. A fee of Rp300,000 per day is incurred if you overstay your visa.

Prices for the simplest double room start at around $5 (more in touristy areas like Bali), and in all categories are at their most expensive from mid-June through to August, and in December and January. The bottom end of Indonesia’s accommodation market is provided by homestays and hostels. Penginapan, or inns, are often simply spare bedrooms in the family home, and there’s often not much difference between these and losmen, pondok and wisma, which are also family-run operations. Rooms vary from whitewashed concrete cubes to artful bamboo structures – some are even set in their own walled gardens. Hard beds and bolsters are the norm, and you may be provided with a light blanket.

In remote, rural Indonesia, you may end up staying in villages without formal lodgings, in a bed in a family house. First ask permission from the local police or the kepala desa (village head). In exchange for accommodation and meals, you should offer cash or useful gifts, such as rice, salt, cigarettes or food, to the value of about $2 at the very least.

At first glance Indonesian food may appear to lack variety, but scratch beneath the surface to discover regional specialities from across the archipelago and beyond. Influences from Chinese, Middle Eastern, Malay, Indian and Polynesian cuisines find their way into kitchens across Indonesia.

While rice is the favoured staple, noodles are also widely popular. Chicken, goat and beef are the main meats in this predominantly Muslim country, though plenty of pork options feature in Christian areas and seafood dominates coastal menus. Many restaurants offer a handful of vegetarian options, including cap cay (fried mixed vegetables), tahu (tofu), and tempe (pressed, fermented soya beans), a Javanese speciality.

Spices are the backbone of all Indonesian cooking, fried to form a paste for curries or rubbed over ingredients prior to frying or grilling. Meals are often served with sambal, a sizzling blend of chillies and spices. Vegetarians should be aware that krecek , a type of sambal, contains cow skin.

Alcohol is often a touchy subject in Indonesia, where public drunkenness may incur serious trouble, though there’s no need to be paranoid about this in cities. The locally produced beers, Anker and Bintang, are widely available. Spirits are less publicly consumed, and may be technically illegal, so indulge with caution. Nonetheless, home-produced brews are often sold openly in villages.

Some of the most popular Indonesian food and drink include:

• Nasi goreng , fried rice with shreds of meat and vegetables and topped with a fried egg.
• Nasi campur , boiled rice served with a small range of side dishes.
• Gado-gado , steamed vegetables dressed in a peanut sauce.
• Sate , small kebabs of barbecued meat or fish, served with spicy peanut sauce.
• Roti , an Indonesian bread made from sweetened dough.
• Indonesian coffee is among the world’s best, sweetened with copious amounts of sugar ( gula ).
• Tuak (“ balok ”) or palm wine, made by tapping a suitable tree for its sap, comes in plain milky white or pale red varieties.
• Rice wine ( arak or brem ) and sopi , a distillation of tuak, either of which can leave you incapacitated after a heavy session.

Read more about the food and drink in Indonesia .

Most people who visit Indonesia come for the sea, either surfing across the breakers or delving beneath the water’s surface on snorkelling and diving excursions. Inland is an abundance of hiking and biking opportunities, from volcano treks to wildlife-spotting in national parks and cycling among the lush countryside.

Indonesia has many of the world’s best diving sites, including Pulau Bunaken off Sulawesi, Pulau Weh off northern Aceh in Sumatra, the Bandas in the Maluku Islands, and Raja Ampat to the west of Papua. Most major beach resorts have dive centres, but once you get further afield you’ll probably have to rely on live-aboard cruises. A day’s diving costs anything from $45 to upwards of $100.

One of the main reasons why people travel to Indonesia is for its pounding surf. The best-known waves are found on Bali, G-Land (Grajagan) on Java and around Krui in southern Sumatra. Further afield, Sumba, the Mentawai Islands, and Lhoknga in Aceh are also increasingly popular. Good websites include baliwaves.com , indosurflife.com , wannasurf.com and wavehunters.com .

There are endless trekking opportunities on the islands. The best places to travel in Indonesia for volcano treks include Gunung Batur on Bali and Gunung Bromo and Gunung Merapi on Java. More taxing favourites include Gunung Rinjani on Lombok and Gunung Sinabung in Sumatra. Also in Sumatra, the Gunung Leuser National Park is Southeast Asia’s largest, and includes the famous Bukit Lawang orangutan sanctuary. Guides are available from local villages and tourist centres, at a cost of about Rp250,000–300,000 per day.

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim country, but the practice of Islam across the archipelago has been shaped by centuries of interaction with Hinduism, Buddhism and other faiths, as well as traditional animist practices. As a result, Islam in Indonesia has historically been buffered against the more austere, exclusivist ideologies of certain Middle Eastern states. The majority of Indonesians remain relatively open and tolerant in line with the state philosophy of Pancasila, which grants followers of all religions equal rights.

Although there are regional variations in accepted social norms, with Aceh among the most conservative provinces and Bali the most liberal, there are also differences within provinces. Outside the main tourist resorts, dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites, to avoid giving offence. Often you’ll be required to wear a sarong and a ceremonial sash around your waist (usually provided by the most-visited temples). Be especially sensitive during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Of the vast range of traditional dance and music across the Indonesian islands, the best known are the highly stylized and mannered classical dance performances in Java and Bali, accompanied by the gamelan orchestra. Every step is minutely orchestrated, and the merest wink of an eye or arch of an eyebrow has significance. Ubud on Bali and Yogyakarta on Java are the centres for these dances.

Although there are also more 250 native languages spoken throughout the archipelago, Indonesia’s national language is Bahasa Indonesia, a form of Bahasa Malay. Because it’s written in Roman script, has no tones and uses a fairly straightforward grammar, it’s relatively easy to learn.

Pronunciation

a as in a cross between father and cup

e sometimes as in along; or as in pay; or as in get; or sometimes omitted ( selamat pronounced “slamat”)

i either as in boutique; or as in pit

o either as in hot; or as in cold

u as in boot

ai as in fine

au as in how

c as in cheap

g always hard as in girl

k hard, as in English, except at the end of the word, when you should stop just short of pronouncing it.

Given the enormous cultural and ethnic mix that makes up Indonesia, it’s hardly surprising that the range of traditional music and dance across the archipelago is so vast.

Best known are the highly stylized and mannered classical dance performances in Java and Bali, accompanied by the gamelan orchestra. Every step is minutely orchestrated, and the merest wink of an eye or arch of an eyebrow has significance. Ubud on Bali and Yogyakarta on Java are the centres for these dances. Yogya is also the main place to catch a performance of wayang kulit , shadow puppet plays.

A gamelan is an ensemble of tuned percussion, consisting mainly of gongs, metallophones and drums, made of bronze, iron, brass, wood or bamboo, with wooden frames, which are often intricately carved and painted. The full ensemble also includes vocalists – a male chorus and female solo singers – and is led by the drummer in the centre. A large gamelan may be played by as many as thirty musicians, and is a communal form of music-making – there are no soloists or virtuosos.

Sundanese (West Javanese) degung is arguably the most accessible gamelan music for Western ears. Its musical structures are clear and well defined, and it is played by a small ensemble, but includes the usual range of gongs and metallophones found in all gamelan.

Top image © Akhmad Dody Firmansyah/Shutterstock

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• Guided and Escorted Tours

Indonesia Escorted tours and Guided trips

Embark on a remarkable adventure through Indonesia with our Indonesia-guided tours, curated specifically for travelers who value professional guidance and support throughout their journey. Delve into the rich cultural heritage as your knowledgeable guide unveils the secrets behind ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan. Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore the lush rainforests and witness the diverse wildlife in places like Komodo National Park. Or dive into the depths of the Indian Ocean to encounter the stunning marine life that thrives in Bali’s coral reefs. A guided tour is also an excellent way to connect with local communities, participate in traditional ceremonies, and gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s rich tapestry of cultures. From the historical and cultural wonders to the breathtaking natural landscapes, a guided trip to Indonesia ensure that every step of your journey is filled with discovery and authentic experiences. Build a personalized itinerary for an escorted travel experience with a customized trip to Indonesia . Or check our guided tours to Indonesia below.

• Best Time to Visit Indonesia
• Things to Do in Indonesia

131 guided tours in Indonesia

• Starts Bali, Indonesia
• Ends Bali, Indonesia

Bali 4 days 3 nights Beach & Surf Package

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Beach & Snorkeling Beach , Snorkeling & Spas 'data-more-tripid='4287'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Private Vehicle
• Age Range 5-79 yrs
• Operated in English
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Canggu, Indonesia
• Ends Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Bali Experience

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Beach & Sailing, yachting and motor boating Beach , Sailing, yachting and motor boating , Active and outdoor & Surfing, kitesurfing etc. 'data-more-tripid='37230'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Private Vehicle, Boat, Bus, Ferry & Minibus
• Age Range 18-40 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,025
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 308
• Total Price from: US$ 717
• Jun 22 Only 6 seats left
• Jul 01 Only 10 seats left

• Starts Ubud, Indonesia
• Ends Sanur, Indonesia

Beautiful Bali

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Countryside and village visits Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits , Walking tours & Motorcycle tours 'data-more-tripid='3540'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Home-stay
• Transport Boat, Private Vehicle, Bus & Minibus
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,185
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 178
• Total Price from: US$ 1,007
• Jul 10 Only 1 seat left
• Jul 15 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Jakarta, Indonesia

Best of Java

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Train tours Cultural, religious and historic sites , Train tours , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Volcanoes 'data-more-tripid='4435'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Home-stay & Bungalow
• Transport Flight, Train, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,479
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 370
• Total Price from: US$ 1,109
• Jun 22 Only 4 seats left
• Jul 06 Only 7 seats left

• Ends Ubud, Indonesia

Jakarta to Ubud

• Activities Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing Museum and gallery visits , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Bicycle tours 'data-more-tripid='3541'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Resort
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Train, 4WD Jeep, Private Vehicle, Minibus & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,440
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 610
• Total Price from: US$ 1,830
• Jul 07 Only 3 seats left
• Jul 14 Only 1 seat left

Indonesia Java, Bali & Lombok

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Farm and plantation visits Cultural, religious and historic sites , Farm and plantation visits , Volcanoes & Beach 'data-more-tripid='4434'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House, Home-stay, Bungalow & Resort
• Transport Flight, Boat, Ferry, Train, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,479
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 696
• Total Price from: US$ 2,783
• Jul 13 Only 4 seats left

• Ends Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

Bali & Beyond

• Activities Beach & Sailing, yachting and motor boating Beach , Sailing, yachting and motor boating , Trekking and Hiking & Active and outdoor 'data-more-tripid='37229'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Bungalow & Resort
• Transport Boat, Private Vehicle, Bus, Ferry & Minibus
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,495
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 749
• Total Price from: US$ 1,746
• Jul 01 Only 6 seats left
• Jul 08 Only 8 seats left

• Ends Gili Islands, Indonesia

Bali & Lombok Adventure

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Countryside and village visits Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits , Walking tours & Volcanoes 'data-more-tripid='6657'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Bungalow, Guest House, Resort & Home-stay
• Transport Boat, Bus, Ferry & Minibus
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,280
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 342
• Total Price from: US$ 1,938
• Jul 27 Only 4 seats left
• Jul 31 Only 5 seats left

• Ends Canggu, Indonesia

Delve Deep: Bali & the Gili Islands

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Beach Sightseeing Tours , Beach & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='41617'>+1 more
• Transport Boat & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,069
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 161
• Total Price from: US$ 908
• Jul 07 10+ seats left
• Aug 04 10+ seats left

• Ends Kuta, Indonesia

Indonesia: Hammocks & Hikes

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Walking tours & Beach 'data-more-tripid='4436'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Home-stay
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus, Minibus & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,999
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 600
• Total Price from: US$ 1,399
• Jun 19 Only 6 seats left
• Jun 26 Only 10 seats left

• Starts Seminyak , Indonesia
• Ends Seminyak , Indonesia
• Activities Active and outdoor & Surfing, kitesurfing etc. Active and outdoor , Surfing, kitesurfing etc. & Chill out 'data-more-tripid='37231'>+1 more
• Transport Private Vehicle, Boat & Ferry

• Starts Sanur, Indonesia

Discover Lombok

• Activities Countryside and village visits & Farm and plantation visits Countryside and village visits , Farm and plantation visits , Local culture & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='6659'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Bungalow & Guest House
• Transport Boat, Private Vehicle, Ferry & Minibus
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,175
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 176
• Total Price from: US$ 999
• Jun 26 Only 3 seats left

• Starts Kuta, Indonesia

Bali Intro 9 Day

• Activities Snorkeling & Local boat rides Snorkeling , Local boat rides , Surfing, kitesurfing etc. & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='23563'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Ferry, Private Vehicle & Flight
• Age Range 17-45 yrs
• Jun 16 Only 5 seats left

Bali, Lombok & Gili Islands: Hike, Bike, Raft & Snorkel

• Activities Active and outdoor & Cultural, religious and historic sites Active and outdoor , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Trekking and Hiking & Local boat rides 'data-more-tripid='6660'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Camping, Guest House & Hut
• Transport Boat, Private Vehicle & Minibus
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,970
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 197
• Total Price from: US$ 1,773
• Jun 23 Only 2 seats left
• Jul 07 Only 5 seats left

Going to Indonesia? Chat with a local travel specialist in Indonesia who can help personalize your own escorted trip to Indonesia.

Indonesia Guided Tour Reviews

• Reece Harrison-strati

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Indonesia

• Bali Fully Guided

202 Fully Guided tour packages in Indonesia with 11,782 reviews

Active Beach Surfing

Bali Bucket List Original 10 Day Tour

"This tour is amazing! Allows you take in the most beautiful locations in Bali and take part in incredible activities." Carly, traveled in April 2024

• €55 deposit on some dates

Active Beach Sightseeing

Bali Bucket List Boutique 10 Day Tour

"I cannot express how well put together this tour is! All of the hotels we stayed out were out of this world, and the staff, cleanliness, security was 100% up there!" Selina, traveled in October 2023

Explorer Beach Temples Surfing +1

Bali Experience

"It was a great experience everything was to me for the first time apparently I experienced Bali" Dina, traveled in October 2023

Explorer Beach Surfing

Wanderlands Bali - 8 Days

"I think the 8 days were really nice and organized. We did a lot of things and I esprcially enjoyed the day on Nusa Penida with the snorkeling tour." Emily, traveled in May 2024

• €145 deposit on some dates

Explorer Sailing Surfing

Bali Intro 9 Days

"The trip was fun and informative, we saw a lot and if we needed information, Hendri could tell us about it." Nadine, traveled in April 2024

In-depth Cultural Family Sightseeing Christmas & New Year +2

5 Days Unforgettable Experience Tour Bali - Nusa Penida

"Our tour guides were amazing and friendly. They made out trip so easy ans full of knowledge and joy." Angela, traveled in April 2022

Active Beach Temples

Bali 9 Day/ 8 Night Group Tour | ULTIMATE

"Bali is stunning. Some lovely hotels etc throughout the tour." Vikki, traveled in September 2022

• €35 deposit on some dates

Active Boat Beach Christmas & New Year +1

Wanderlands Bali & Lombok - 13 Days

"The activities were so varied and it was great to have the option to participate in more if you were up for it." Zoe, traveled in May 2024

Active Beach Wildlife

Komodo Island Hopper

"I really had a great time and enjoyed myself also thanks to you!" Samira, traveled in August 2022

Active Beach Temples Surfing +1

Bali Intro 12 Day

"The tour offered an ideal mix of thrilling adventures, relaxation, fun activities, and ample personal time." lulu, traveled in May 2024

Explorer Beach Family Temples Wildlife Sightseeing Historical Christmas & New Year +4

The Ultimate 8-Day Bali Adventure: Nusa Penida, Temples, Swings, Rafting, and Cooking Class

"This tour does include most of the sites and culture in 7 days. I was the only one on my tour, there was a lot of flexibility in doing xtra tours." nimmi, traveled in May 2020

Active Beach Family Temples Island Hopping Christmas & New Year +3

7 Days Bali and Gili Islands Epic Experience

"The hotels we stayed at were very accommodating, clean and comfortable, free wifi was a bonus." Trixie, traveled in January 2023

10 Days The Best of Bali, Gilis and Nusa Penida Island Experience

"This trip was amazing! The activities also were a perfect variety of leisure, activity, and site seeing." Tiffany, traveled in October 2023

In-depth Cultural Christmas & New Year +1

Best of Java

"This was our very first trip and it was quite the 'adventure'! Hey if they're all like that, I would do it again." Ferdinand, traveled in September 2019

Jakarta to Ubud

"A fantastic tour of Indonesia with a good mix of volcanoes, temples, beach and sightseeing." Sandra, traveled in August 2017

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Indonesia

I decided to go on this tour on my own at the beginning of this year and omg it was the best decision I think I’ve ever made. I met some incredible people and had the most amazing tour guide. Rio could not do more for his guests, he was so accommodating and made even the hard times (climbing up mount batur) funny. The tour it’s self is brilliant, you get to see so much in only ten days but not too much that it feels like all you’re doing is traveling from place to place. Thank you so much Bali bucklist tours for a perfect 10 days in Bali!

A fast-paced tour that covers the highlights that Bali & nearby islands have to offer. It’s not for those seeking a relaxing beach based holiday, but if you want to cram as much as possible into a short time, this might be for you. Andy, our guide, couldn’t have been more helpful or accommodating - nothing was too much trouble and he made sure that everyone in the group was having the best possible time. Would absolutely recommend

The tour guide were all very helpful, good and go out of their way to make our journey fun n amazing. I will book all my trips n recommend to all my friends your companies excellent service. Iam very please to the iteniraries n the hotel we stayed in. Thank u very much to make my holiday more enjoyable ?

Top operators

"I decided to go on this tour on my own at the beginning of this year and omg it was the best decision I think I’ve ever made. I met some incredible people and had the most amazing tour guide. Rio could not do more for his guests, he was so accommodating and made even the hard times (climbing up mount batur) funny. The tour it’s self is brilliant, you get to see so much in only ten days but not too much that it feels like all you’re doing is traveling from place to place. Thank you so much Bali bucklist tours for a perfect 10 days in Bali!

Bali Bucket List Tours is an expert in:

• Health, Spa & Wellness

"The tour was an excellent, fast way to explore the basics of Bali!

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• In-depth Cultural

"I had an incredible time ! My guide Ippy was that ideal candidate for the job and Indonesia and its people blew me away!

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Regions in Indonesia

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Bali Cultural Exploration

Experience the rich culture of Bali with Go Indonesia Tours. This Indonesia vacation package includes visits to traditional villages, vibrant markets, and ancient temples. Our expert Indonesia tour operator ensures a seamless journey, providing insightful commentary and personalized service. With our Indonesia trip packages, immerse yourself in the unique customs and traditions of this beautiful island.

Lombok Beach Retreat

Relax and rejuvenate on the pristine beaches of Lombok with Go Indonesia Tours. This Indonesia vacation package offers a perfect blend of leisure and adventure, from sunbathing on white sands to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Our friendly Indonesia tour operator will ensure you have a memorable stay. Choose our Indonesia trip packages for a serene and picturesque beach getaway.

Java Historical Journey

Discover the historical wonders of Java with Go Indonesia Tours. This Indonesia vacation package includes visits to iconic sites like Borobudur and Prambanan temples. Our knowledgeable Indonesia tour operator will provide fascinating insights into the island's rich history. Explore Java's heritage with our Indonesia trip packages, designed for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Sumatra Wildlife Adventure

Embark on a thrilling adventure in Sumatra with Go Indonesia Tours. Our Indonesia vacation package takes you deep into the jungle to encounter orangutans, elephants, and other exotic wildlife. Trust our experienced Indonesia tour operator to guide you safely through the wilderness. With our Indonesia trip packages, enjoy an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

Indonesia Tours & Vacation Packages | Go Indonesia Tours

Lying stretched along the Equator between the Indian and the Pacific Ocean, Indonesia looks like an incredibly wonderful archipelago with over 17000 stunning islands rich abundance in nature and culture. Raising amid growling volcanoes, it is an extraordinary destination for adventures. It is where to amaze you with mesmerizing white sand beaches and the majestic spectacle of the mountain backdrop. But the country offers you more than that. With over 300 ethnic groups living together in harmony and 700+ different spoken languages, the country is truly a mosaic of diverse cultures & traditions. Whether exploring the spiritual side, the lush and magical depths of the rainforest, or the castaway charm of pristine beaches. Be ready to feel your heart beating with the rhythm of the extraordinary land, feel your soul rising like the tide of the humbling waves, and be ready to make your trip of a lifetime to Indonesia – The Emerald of Equator.

Go Indonesia Tours is proud to be one of the leading Indonesia tour operators. More than just offering usual Indonesia trips, vacation packages, and travel services, we specialize in tailor-made Indonesia tours for individuals, families, and groups of all sizes. With 18 years of experience working in the Indonesia tourism industry, we help you to discover Indonesia your way! Halo & Welcome to Indonesia!

A Different Taste of Indonesia Trips

Easy Indonesia Trip Planning 

• Speak 1-1 with a dedicated Indonesia tour consultant
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Indonesia Tours Inspired by Insiders

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Authentic Indonesia Tour Packages

• See, taste, experience the real Indonesia & go home with amazing stories about your trip
• Experience a mixture of distinctive cultures & traditions among 300 ethnic groups
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• They are there to make your Indonesia vacation as relaxing & inspirational as possible

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Top-picked indonesia tours and holiday packages.

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Incredible Bali Tour – 8 Days

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Enchanting Spiritual Sites

Explore dignified spiritual sites to embrace traditional rituals & the religious diversity in Indonesia holiday packages

Wellness & Yoga Retreats

Enjoy your Indonesia vacation in local environment with our expertise. Every detail is taken care to ensure a completely hassle free & restorative in your trip

Ring of Fire Experience

Be mesmerized by the magnificent landscapes & some of the most fascinating volcanoes of the world

Local Insights

Bump into the local village where is a cradle of innumerable ethnic groups with multiple faces to immerse yourself in the culture of locals

Beach Relaxation

Experience the best of the archipelago of Indonesia from island hopping, enjoy insider experiences, beautiful jungles, beaches, & unique cultural interactions with locals

Nature & Wildlife

Discover the Indonesia wildlife with its orangutans, elephants, rhinos, and much more plus the Komodo dragons

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Get Inspiration of an Indonesia vacation

Having no idea how to start your Indonesia tour? Don’t worry! You can get inspiration from our ready-made itinerary below

Select a favorite Indonesia tour

If you want a custom tour, make a free inquiry by chatting, emailing, or filling the contact form, and then tell us your idea. We are happy to tailor a unique trip that suit you most

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Enjoy Indonesia Trip & Service

Now, it’s time to enjoy your Indonesia holiday package and create your own beautiful travel memories with your private local guide & driver

Unforgettable Indonesia Vacation by Trusted Customers

Jodi at Go Indonesia Tours set out the perfect and flawless Indonesia vacation for our group. Not only she allowed me to change the itinerary at least 5 times (up to 3 weeks before departure) but her quoted price was also extremely competitive as it included daily cars/drivers and guides when required to escort me to different tourist attractions. For 9 days of our Indonesia tour, we followed the tour without a single hitch. Staff, tour guides, hotels, and drivers were positive, punctual, charming, and friendly. An endearing, charismatic adventure surrounded by beautiful people. Flights, restaurants, and hotels were confirmed for us before we go. All of us were extremely impressed with all facets of this tour company's quality of service.

Susan from US

My partner and I had an unforgettable experience with Go Indonesia Tours in Ubud, thanks to our wonderful guide, Guna. Our tour included a visit to a stunning waterfall, the traditional home of a prominent Balinese family, the famous monkey sanctuary, and an overlook with breathtaking views of rice terraces where we enjoyed the giant swings and ziplines. The highlight was the visit to a significant Hindu temple, where we participated in a cleansing ritual.

Guna was incredibly accommodating and tailored the tour to our pace, making sure we had plenty of time to enjoy each site. He spoke excellent English, which made our experience much richer as he shared his extensive knowledge of Balinese culture and history. His relaxed demeanor and respectful attitude made us feel completely at ease.

Guna also has a talent for photography, capturing beautiful moments of our trip that we will cherish forever. We felt safe, engaged, and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful vistas and fascinating stories of Bali. The delightful meal we had high in the rainforest canopies was the cherry on top. We highly recommend Go Indonesia Tours and Guna to any couple looking for a romantic and enriching adventure.

Emily and John S. from Australia

As a solo traveler, I couldn't have asked for a better experience than the one I had with Go Indonesia Tours in Ubud, guided by the exceptional Guna. The tour included visits to a beautiful waterfall, the traditional home of a prominent Balinese family, the well-known monkey sanctuary, and an overlook with stunning views of rice terraces where I tried the giant swings and ziplines. The visit to a significant Hindu temple, where I participated in a cleansing ritual, was particularly memorable.

Guna's excellent English and extensive knowledge of Balinese and Indonesian history made the tour incredibly engaging. He was respectful of my pace and interests, allowing me to fully enjoy each location without feeling rushed. His relaxed and friendly demeanor made me feel like I was exploring Bali with a knowledgeable friend rather than a tour guide.

Guna's talent for photography ensured I have beautiful memories captured from the trip. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the tour. The stunning vistas, fascinating cultural insights, and a delightful meal high in the rainforest canopies made this an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend Go Indonesia Tours and Guna to solo travelers looking for a personalized and enriching journey through Bali.

Aisha . from US

Our family had an incredible day with Go Indonesia Tours in Ubud, expertly guided by Guna. The tour took us to a gorgeous waterfall, the traditional home of a prominent Balinese family, the popular monkey sanctuary, and a breathtaking overlook with views of rice terraces where we enjoyed the swings and ziplines. Our final stop was a visit to a significant Hindu temple, where we witnessed and participated in a cleansing ritual.

Guna was amazing with our kids, keeping them engaged and making sure the tour was fun and educational for them. His excellent English and deep knowledge of Balinese culture and history made the experience truly enriching. He was patient with our endless questions and allowed us to move at our own pace, making sure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves.

Guna's skills as a photographer were a bonus, helping us capture memorable family photos. We always felt safe and well taken care of. The beautiful scenery, captivating stories, and a delightful meal in the rainforest made this a day we will never forget. We highly recommend Go Indonesia Tours and Guna for families looking for a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

The Johnson Family USA

Information suggested by experts for your Indonesia tour packages

• Cities with specific destinations
• Indonesian Culture and Tradition
• Useful application for tourists
• Transportation for Indonesia tours
• Climate and geography
• Top 8 Authentic Indonesia Souvenirs
• Unique Indonesia Cuisines
• Accommodation in Indonesia

Discover Indonesia's Top 10 Must-Visit Cities with Specific Destinations in Your Indonesia Holiday Package

1. jakarta: where tradition meets modernity, 2. yogyakarta - the c ultural hub, 3. bali - the island paradise, 4. bandung - the creative capital, 5. surabaya - the city of heroes, 6. medan - gateway to sumatra, 7. makassar - coastal gem of sulawesi, 8. semarang - blend of adventurous and peaceful travel, 9. surakarta (solo) - the cultural enclave, 10. manado - gateway to north sulawesi, go indonesia tours from the deepest: find out about indonesia culture and tradition, 1. cultural origins and diversity: unraveling the past, 2. traditional festivals and rituals: a kaleidoscope of colors and traditions, 3. batik and traditional crafts: unveiling artistry and symbolism.

4. Wayang Kulit and Traditional Performing Arts: A Symphony of Shadows and Stories

5. homestays and cultural villages: a gateway to authentic experiences, most important apps: unlocking the best of indonesia tour packages, 1. go indonesia tours: help plan your tailor-made indonesia trip, 2. google maps: navigating indonesia local landscapes, 3. grab: convenient and reliable ride-hailing, 4. gojek: all-in-one super app, 5. xe currency: currency conversion made easy, 6. bahasa indonesia for travelers: language as sistance, 7. zomato or tripadvisor: discovering indonesian local culinary delights, 8. go mobile banking apps: convenient transactions on the go, discover convenient transportation options for exploring indonesia tour packages,     1. domestic flights,     2. private car rentals:, 3. motorbike rentals:, 4. public transportation:,   5. ferries and speedboats:, unveiling indonesia's weather: essential characteristics for your vacation to indonesia, 1. tropical climate:, 2. wet and dry seasons:.

3. Monsoon Winds:

4. volcanic activity:, 5. coastal delights:, unforgettable souvenirs from indonesia tour packages: 8 must-have keepsakes, 1 . batik marvels: unveiling the art of expression, 2. wayang kulit: shadows that dance with history, 3. handicraft wonders: unleashing artisanal splendor, 4. balinese silver: adornments fit for royalty, 5. kopi luwak: a gastronomic adventure, 6. spice odyssey: aromatic tales from indonesia, 7. batik artistry: canvas of culture, 8. harmonious melodies: musical instruments of indonesia, 1. rich and diverse flavors:, 2. emphasis on fresh ingredients:, 3. spices and aromatics:.

4. Regional Diversity:

5. street food culture:, comfortable accommodation options picked by best indonesia travel agency, 1. luxury resorts and hotels:, 2. boutique villas and homestays:, 3. budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels:.

4. Eco-Lodges and Nature Retreats:

5. unique stays:.

Things to Do in Indonesia

Best of Indonesia

Best Time to Visit Indonesia

Suggestions and tourism trends to support visitors in choosing the ideal season to explore this location.

Things to Know Before a Vacation

Fundamental guidelines to follow before visiting this place.

Indonesia Travel Guide in New Normal

Post-pandemic travel guidelines and tips.

Best Places to Visit

Make a list of the attractions absolutely must see if you visit this place.

Travel Visa Requirements

All the information you need to know about services, prerequisites, and entry requirements.

HANDCRAFTING INDONESIA TRIPS OF A LIFETIME

Indonesia travel blog.

Indonesia Traditional Dances | Top 7 Indonesia Folk Dances

A land of staggering traditional dances and rich cultural values, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Indonesia is both glamorous and absorbing. Introduction of Indonesia Traditional Dance Have you ever heard about the unique traditional dances, which have thousands of years old, originating from a country located in Southeastern Asia [...]

Indonesia Greetings & Etiquette | Useful Phrases for Visitors to Indonesia

Bestowed with thousands of stunning islands stretching along the Equator, Indonesia is definitely one of the places on earth that you should visit once in a lifetime. So far, with 300 ethnic groups inhabiting in over 8000 beautiful islands, getting to know about Indonesian greetings & etiquette is necessary to [...]

Lombok Island Attractions – Best Things to Do & See in Lombok, Indonesia

Over the years, tourists are attracted to Bali of Indonesia while many miss its neighbor, the Lombok Island. Because this place is less famous than the former, the island of Lombok still has many sites untouched and not commercialized like Bali. Therefore, it offers a wide range of natural wonders [...]

Sumatra Attractions – Best Things to Do & See in Sumatra

To the West of Indonesia lies a breathtaking island named Sumatra. Though it is not as known as other attractions like Bali or Lombok, this is really a hidden gem that you will regret if you don’t visit it on your vacation to Indonesia! To give some reasons, let’s look [...]

Bali Attractions – Best Things to Do & See in Bali

Bali is no doubt one of the most visited islands of the entire Indonesian archipelago. It has all one needs for a holiday: silky golden sand and turquoise, crystal clear waters in a tropical atmosphere. There are also a lot of beautiful sights here and if you like adventure activities, [...]

Indonesian Tea | Top 6 Types of Tea in Indonesia to Buy

Indonesia is an agrarian country with rich biodiversity. The geography of Indonesia as a tropical country makes it have a stable temperature and humidity on the highland which is very ideal for many types of plants to grow well. One of all those in the tea plants. Let’s find out [...]

Indonesia World Heritage Sites | All about 9 UNESCO’s Recognition

Indonesia is privileged to host nine World Heritage Sites recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO. Famous Buddhist and Hindu temples gilded with gold, or natural parks rich in biodiversity, to say but a few highlights of Indonesia’s natural and cultural wealth. There are now [...]

Top 5 Breathtaking Beaches in Indonesia You Cannot Miss

The largest archipelago on Earth – Indonesia – is made up of an outstanding number of over 18,000 islands. For that reason, among numerous places of interest, beaches in Indonesia are the incredible sights that you should never miss when you are on an Indonesia tour. Have a look at [...]

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Bali Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

Bali is a budget backpacker paradise. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia and a hub for travelers, yoga lovers, honeymooners, and digital nomads alike.

Not only does it cater to the budget-savvy vagabond, but the island offers plenty of options for the more affluent traveler as well.

While visiting Bali has become clichéd (many people visit to have an “Eat, Pray, Love” experience), I still find the island to be beautiful, budget-friendly, and full of things to do. The countryside is beautiful, the beaches ( outside of Kuta ) are picture perfect, there is great hiking, friendly locals, world-class dining, and it’s inexpensive.

I spent a month exploring the island and would happily go back and explore it again.

The trick to traveling Bali is to get away from Ubud and Kuta. Once you do so, you find a much calmer, cheaper, and less-busy island worth exploring where the touts don’t bother you and the empty beaches are yours to enjoy.

This travel guide to Bali can help you make the most of your visit, save money, get off the beaten path, and have the trip of a lifetime!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bali

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bali

1. Go scuba diving

While snorkeling is always an option here, Bali is best known for its phenomenal dive spots. The reefs here are beautiful and there is an amazing variety of fish to see. The wreck of a US cargo ship, Liberty, is a highly recommended spot, as is Manta Point off Nusa Penida. Mola mola (ocean sunfish) season runs from July to October and is also very popular with divers. Prices vary depending on the dive site location and where you’re staying, but expect to pay at least 1,500,000 IDR for a two-tank dive.

2. Visit a Hindu temple

The island of Bali is covered in temples. There are at least three in every city and they are considered to be the most iconic attractions. The most prominent temples are the nine directional temples (built for pilgrimages and which allow tourist entry except to the inner sanctum) and the Besakih Temple (Mother Temple) to the east of the island. Mother Temple is a huge temple complex located on the sacred Mount Agung, an active volcano. The climb takes several hours, and most people arrange this as a tour since you need a vehicle to reach the trailhead. Prices start around 320,000 IDR per person. Since it is a holy mountain, climbing can be off-limits during certain times of the year.

3. Take a trip to Nusa Lembongan

Located right off the coast of Bali, this little island is a good alternative to the craziness that is Bali. In fact, it’s where lots of residents go to escape! Nusa Penida is the most developed of the three Nusa islands and you can actually cross to Nusa Ceningan via a bright yellow footbridge. The beaches aren’t great here but the surfing is really good, with some of the best breaks in Bali. The diving is also excellent here and it’s cheaper than on the mainland.

4. Learn about Balinese Culture in Ubud

Ubud is the second most popular tourist area and it can get crazy busy, but it’s still the best place to learn about Balinese culture. There are a number of beautiful temples, numerous historical sites, dance shows, and some of the best food on the island. Head to Tegalalang Village to see the famous rice terraces as well as interact with the local farmers and artists who live there.

5. Hike Mount Batur

Many travelers hike up this 1,700-meter (5,577-foot) volcano for the sweeping vistas and stunning sunrise it offers. The climb only takes a couple of hours, and there are plenty of guides available to lead the way (you have to use a guide to be allowed to climb). Expect to pay around 400,000 IDR per person for a guide.

Other Things to See and Do in Bali

1. try some adventure sports.

There are tons of adventurous activities to do in Bali. You can go paragliding, white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, ATVing, horseback riding, jungle trekking, and even treetop zip-lining. Prices vary, though they are all quite affordable. Paragliding, for example, costs around 650,000 IDR per person for a tandem glide while zip-lining costs around 1,300,000 IDR.

2. Visit the hot springs

There are several hot springs on the island where you can relax and pamper yourself. In the northeastern mountains, there are some on the shores of Lake Batur. Another good spot is Air Banjar, which is located on the northern coast of the island near Lovina. It is incredibly energizing to sit in these natural pools while you take in the lush, beautiful landscape all around you. Admission varies but expect to pay around 200,000 IDR.

3. Visit the spa

Bali is the perfect place to re-energize by pampering yourself and releasing bottled-up stress and tension. Balinese massage is one of the most relaxing in the world, and there are a number of Balinese spa treatments which involve the use of various herbs and spices. Prices vary depending on what you purchase but expect to pay at least 200,000 IDR for a massage (it should cost less on the beach).

4. Party in Kuta

Kuta is kind of like the Tijuana of Bali. The streets are narrow here and there are hundreds of stalls selling faux-brand ripoffs and novelty souvenirs. There are plenty of hostels and lots of bars that cater to the younger backpacker crowd. If you’re looking to party, this is the best spot on the island to do so. Personally, I hate Kuta and think there are a lot of better places on the island. But if you want to party on a budget, this is the place.

5. Watch the monkeys

Located in Ubud, the Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and sacred area with temples. It’s very touristy, and a lot of people break the rules and feed the monkeys, which teaches them bad habits so don’t do that! Still, it’s exciting to watch all of the long-tailed macaques running around and playing with each other. Admission is 80,000 IDR.

6. Watch a Buffalo Race

Chances are, after a few days in Bali, you will have seen the water buffalo working in the various fields. In Negara, locals riding chariots race buffaloes every second Sunday from July to October. Negara is a bit out of the way and the races take place at 7am, so you probably should arrange accommodation for the night before. Nevertheless, it’s a peculiar spectacle and something you won’t likely see anywhere else!

7. Stretch it out

There are tons of world-class yoga retreat centers all around Bali, offering both single classes and multi-day retreats as well as training courses. If you need to relax, destress, and stay healthy this is a great place to do it! Expect to pay around 4,750,000 IDR for a 3-day retreat and upwards of 40,000,000 IDR for a 200-hour teacher training course. Drop-in classes are usually around 150,000 IDR.

8. Take a surfing lesson

You don’t even have to leave the airport to know that Bali is a surfing destination; you’ll see tons of surfboards being picked up at baggage claim. The best thing about surfing in Bali is that there’s something on offer for all abilities and on any stretch of the coast. Bring your own board or hire one for 150,000 IDR per day. If you’re new to surfing, a one-hour lesson costs around 350,000 IDR (including a board rental).

9. Learn to cook

The food scene in Bali has developed a lot in recent years and you can easily find some really high-quality restaurants all over the island. Sometimes getting back to the basics is best, though, and nothing really beats learning how to make authentic local dishes liked nasi goreng (fried rice), satay (skewered grilled meat with a peanut sauce), or sambal (a chili sauce or paste) so you can recreate the dishes when you’re back at home. Class lengths vary between a short 2-hour class all the way up to a 9-hour full-day class including a market visit. Classes cost around 350,000 IDR.

10. Join a beach clean-up

The amount of trash that ends up on Bali’s beaches is infuriating. Use your time to give back to the local community by joining a beach clean-up. There are clean-ups all over the island so it’s easy to find one close to where you’re staying. If you’re visiting in February, One Island One Voice organizes Bali’s biggest annual clean-up, with some 70,000 people spread out over 560 locations.

  For more information on other destinations in Indonesia, check out these guides:

• Gili Islands Travel Guide

Bali Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels usually cost around 75,000-200,000 IDR per night but they can be found as low as 55,000 IDR in the shoulder-season. Most hostels don’t offer private rooms, though free WiFi and free breakfast are generally included.

If you are looking for a cheap guesthouse or a budget hotel, expect to pay around 375,000-800,000 IDR per night for a double room. This generally includes free WiFi and breakfast. For a hotel with a pool, expect to spend at least 600,000 IDR per night.

Airbnb is available here too, with prices starting at around 350,000 IDR per night for an entire home or apartment. Private rooms cost around 180,000 IDR per night. Be sure to book your Airbnb in advance, otherwise, expect these prices to double (or triple).

If you’re looking for luxury, Bali also has some of the most expensive hotels in the world, many costing over 13,000,000 IDR per night.

Food – Lots of dishes here have a rice (nasi) or noodle (mie) base and, in some cases, that’s the whole dish, such as with nasi ayam (chicken rice). Be sure to try the Balinese take on satay (where the meat is minced and wrapped on skewers) and babi guling , a delicious suckling pig that is roasted for hours. Another popular choice is oxtail soup. Be mindful that the food here can be a little spicy.

Local cuisine is extremely cheap, usually under 10,000 IDR for street food. A basic restaurant meal costs closer to 25,000 IDR. Western food is a lot more expensive but is still affordable at around 125,000 IDR for a meal and a drink.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 55,000 IDR for a combo meal deal while a beer at the bar is around 45,000 IDR. Expect to pay 17,000 IDR for a bottle of water.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs between 500,000-700,000 IDR. Be sure to stick to local food items, as imported foods like wine, cheese, chicken, and beef are super expensive. Buying them often ruins your budget.

Bali Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 425,000 IDR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat some street food, cook some meals, rent a bicycle to get around, and do a few activities like hiking or seeing a Balinese dance. It’s really easy to do Bali on a budget if you stay in cheap guesthouses, eat local, and stick to the less expensive activities.

On a mid-range budget of 1,100,000 IDR per day, you can eat out at more restaurants, stay in a budget hotel or a private hostel room, rent a scooter to get around, drink more, enjoy some massages, and take more tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,350,000 IDR or more per day, you can stay at a nicer hotel or villa, take taxis or private minivans around the island, eat Western food, drink more, and do any adventure activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury, however. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in IDR.

Bali Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Bali can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. This is the land of cheap backpackers, honeymooners, top-of-the-line expensive resorts, and yoga retreats. It caters to every travel style. If you’re looking to save money while visiting, here are some tips and tricks that help you lower your costs:

• Eat local food – You can pick up tasty local fare for around 10,000-15,000 IDR. Stay far away from Western restaurants if you want to save money!
• Bargain – Nothing is ever at face value in Indonesia. Bargain hard and bargain often. Don’t ever pay the first price you were quoted (but don’t be a jerk either).
• Head north – The southern area of Bali (Kuta, Ubud, Seminyak) is the most popular (and most expensive) part of the island. If you head to the beaches in the north or northeast part of Bali, prices are much cheaper and you can find better deals on accommodation.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Grab are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi. Just be aware that Ubers can be much harder to find in quieter areas.
• Drink cheap – Save money on alcohol by hitting the happy hours or just buying your drinks at a local store instead of the bar. This is the cheapest way to drink.
• Bring a filtered water bottle – Bali has a waste problem, and much of it gets burned. You’ll see (and smell) it during your visit. Bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money — and the environment. I like Lifestraw .

Where to Stay in Bali

Bali has tons of fun, affordable, and social hostels and guesthouses. Here are my favorites places to stay on the island:

• Tribal Bali (Canggu)
• PADI Backpackers House (Ubud)
• Kememai Hostel (Ubud)
• Warung Coco Hostel (Kuta)
• M Boutique Hostel (Seminyak)
• Capsule Hotel Bali – New Seminyak (Seminyak)

For more recommendations, check out this list of the best hostels in Bali.

How to Get Around Bali

Bemos & buses – Bemos are a minibus or a van that carries around 12 people in very tight quarters. They’re not widely used by visitors because they’re usually real time consuming. However, they’re cheap and most rides are around 5,000 IDR.

Tourist buses are a great way to get around, and they’re very affordable. They usually have air-conditioning, and some have Wi-Fi. There are signs in most areas offering these services. Kura-Kura Bus and Perama are the two biggest tourist bus operators. Kuta to Lovina costs 250,000 IDR, while Denpasar to Kuta is just 30,000 IDR. Kuta to Ubud is 100,000 IDR.

Taxis – Taxis are essential for getting around Bali, and they’re cheap. The starting rate is around 7,000 IDR and then 5,000-15,000 IDR per kilometer. You can also find drivers all over the island willing to take you wherever you want to go. A car from Ubud to Padangbai (where you get the boat to Lombok and Gili) costs around 300,000 IDR while an airport transfer to Seminyak or Canggu should cost around the same.

Bluebird Taxis are available in most places, and they’re the most dependable company for metered taxis and English-speaking drivers. There’s a smartphone app that makes ordering a taxi simple and convenient.

Grab (an Uber offspring) is a household name in Southeast Asia. It, too, is convenient, but it sometimes costs even more than a taxi. Go-Jek is a similar option and it also offers motorbike ride shares.

Bicycle – Bicycles are available for rent all around the island, usually costing 50,000 IDR per day for a basic bicycle.

Motorcycles and scooters – Motorbikes are quintessential to the Bali experience, and it’s not uncommon to see whole families riding one together! Motorbikes are so common here because they make it easier to weave in and out of congested traffic.

Scooter rentals are available around the island for as little as 90,000 IDR per day while motorbikes cost about 300,000 IDR a day. You should be an experienced driver for this option though as accidents are very common.

Ferry – Getting to and from Bali is easy via ferry. Ferries start around 15,000 IDR for a ticket from East Java to West Bali, and the rates go up from there for other routes. Bali (Padang Bai) to Lombok is about 500,000 IDR (one way) on the fast ferry or 60,000 IDR on the slow boat (which takes around 8 hours), while Bali to the Gili Islands is 300,000-350,000 IDR (one way) on a speedboat.

When to Go to Bali

Bali has a warm, tropical climate year-round with just two seasons: wet and dry. The dry season lasts from April to September while the rainy season occurs from October to the end of March. The average daily temperature year-round is 28°C (80°F). The high season is from July and August as well as through the Easter holidays and Christmas holidays (about December 11th to January 1st). Bali is busiest during this time, and prices are the highest.

In Bali’s mountainous areas, temperatures are much cooler and there is more rainfall than along the coast. If you plan on spending time in the mountains you need to pack appropriate clothing.

Overall, the best time to visit is between May and September when it’s dry and sunny. It’s still pleasant to visit during the rainy season as rainfall usually comes as fast and intense downpours that only last a few hours. In Bali, the extremes between seasons aren’t drastic.

The dry season is the best time to climb the volcanoes, participate in water sports, and the best time to dive is from April to September.

How to Stay Safe in Bali

Bali is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo — as violent crime is rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Indonesia. Theft is also very common on public transit. It’s easy for thieves to grab your wallet or purse when you’re distracted by all the chaos around you. Stay alert and always keep your valuables out of reach.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here but the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There’s a lot of partying here so you’ll want to keep an eye out at night. There are countless solo female travel blogs out there that can give you specific information on how to stay safe.

Credit card fraud is common in Indonesia so it’s always best to pay with cash when possible. To avoid getting your information stolen at an ATM, enter a reputable bank to withdraw money from there.

When out and about, make sure you don’t keep all your cash on you. Take what you need for the day and keep the rest secure in your accommodation just to be safe.

If you take a taxi, remember that not all prices in Bali are fixed. Make sure the driver turns on the meter when you get in, or agree on the price upfront to avoid any misunderstandings.

To avoid some of the common scams on the island, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bali Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Bali Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Indonesia and Bali travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

A Visitor’s Guide to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Kuta Beach: The Worst Place in Bali

How to Visit Borobudur in Indonesia

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10 ways to experience Indonesia on a budget

Dec 2, 2023 • 7 min read

Budget for your trip to Indonesia with these top tips along with a guide to daily costs © fernanda photos / Shutterstock

With a million rupiah currently equal to around US$65, you’ll be transformed into a millionaire the moment you touch down in Indonesia .

If you choose the simple beach-bumming lifestyle, you should budget to spend around a million rupiah a week. Alternatively, live the high life with some of the most luxurious five-star hotels on the planet at low-season prices that are a fraction of the cost elsewhere. 

This guide to daily costs, along with tips on saving money, can help you budget for your visit to Indonesia.

Daily costs

• Local coffee in a streetside  warung (stall): $1
• Cappuccino in a fancy cafe: $2.50
• A hearty plate of fried rice/noodles: $1
• The same meal in a tourist venue: $4
• Cocktail at a happy-hour beach bar: $5
• Beer in a hotel bar: $3
• Glass of house wine at a resort: $6 (sometimes up to $25!)
• 1.5L (50oz) bottle of water: $0.25
• Surfboard rental: $3.50 per session
• 90-minute yoga class: $10 (less if you get a package price )

1. Take your pick from thousands of islands

Bali  is substantially more expensive than neighboring Java , which is in turn slightly more expensive than Sumatra , but the sheer amount of competition vying for the tourist dollars means you can stay very cheaply. In Bali, two people could spend around $20 a day, including a private room, meals and scooter rental.

In general, as you go further to less touristed islands, the cost of living diminishes. Bear in mind, though, that at the extremes of the world’s greatest island nation – in the Alor archipelago, for example, or in the distant Maluku islands – prices are higher due to the transportation costs of getting goods (and vehicles and fuel) to remote regions.

2. Choose the cheapest time to go

October to April is rainy season in Bali and central Indonesia, and the cheapest season to travel here. Unless you are going far off the beaten track – jungle trekking or volcano climbing, for example – this is often a lovely time to be in Indonesia. The rains are usually short and sharp, and interspersed with blissful sunny days (avoid Christmas school holidays and New Year, though.)

3. Find an inexpensive flight

Sign up to Jack’s Flight Club for prompt updates about cheap flights to Jakarta or Bali. Within Indonesia, national carrier Garuda Indonesia , Air Asia or Lion Air link all the other main islands. For a rough idea of flight prices, you can travel one way between Jakarta and Bali from around $40, or from Bali to Labuan Bajo (for access to Komodo) from around $36.

4. Book the best-value accommodations

You can book in advance, of course, but if every dollar counts, consider booking just the first night or two, because the best deals – in hostel-packed Kuta , for example – are often found by asking around. With private rooms available from as low as $2 in some parts of Indonesia, dorms are rare.

It can often be more cost-effective to rent a long-term bungalow or villa through an apartment rental site than to pay for a nightly hotel room. A good air-conditioned double room in Bali will cost $8 a night (breakfast included), but a self-catering bungalow in the central  Ubud area  with its own garden and kitchen might cost around $6 a night if you book a full month.

5. Car and scooter hire is inexpensive

Public transportation in Indonesia is cheap but erratic, so most travelers opt to rent a vehicle. To keep costs at a minimum, consider renting long-term. Scooters are cheap (often around $2–3 a day if you rent for a week or more), but for the sake of safety and security, consider upgrading to a car, which will set you back around $15 per day – which is especially affordable if you're traveling with friends. With petrol costing less than $0.65 per liter ($0.17 per gallon), self-driving in Indonesia is inexpensive.

Driving in Indonesia – especially in Bali with its swarms of motorbikes – is not for the fainthearted, so if you prefer not to drive yourself, you can hire a car and driver for around $30 per day.

6. Use taxicab apps for local rates

Bluebird Taxis has 23,000 vehicles throughout Indonesia, and while convenient, they can be about twice the price of Grab , the Singapore-based company that acquired Uber in Asia.

Before leaving home, download the apps for Grab and Gojek , which claims to have two million motorbike taxis across Southeast Asia. These options mean you'll only pay local rates for transport, so no haggling every time you need to take a car or motorbike taxi, and no need for complex multilingual conversations trying to confirm destinations or give directions.

7. Ferries, buses and trains are cheap but take a long time

Ferries connect some of the islands, and they're inexpensive, though erratic and time-consuming. Take the trip from Labuan Bajo to Bali, for example: the weekly ferry costs less than $20, but it's a 33-hour ride compared with an hour-long flight.

On larger islands, long-distance buses connect all the main cities, but only on Java and parts of Sumatra can you count on getting around by rail. As a general rule, you can figure that a seat on a train will cost you about $1.50 for each hour of travel, and you can book through Kareta Api Indonesia . A bus ticket is usually slightly cheaper and almost always faster than Indonesian trains.

8. Eat local to eat cheap

While Indonesia lacks the culinary variety of much smaller Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, you can count on finding hearty local food at affordable prices. Unless you are in a tourist center, you can usually find a single-plate meal – normally nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles) – for less than $1. Because they are cooked on the spot, ingredients are usually fresh and frequently delicious.

The West Sumatran city of Padang has exported its fine gastronomic traditions, and you will find Masakan Padang (literally Padang-style cooking) eateries – typically a buffet where you're given a plate of rice and simply point to whatever extras you fancy – in virtually every town throughout the country. You can often grab a veritable feast for around $2; try to pick establishments that seem to have a constant turnaround of diners.

9. Stay off the booze

The best way to keep costs low in Indonesia is simply to avoid alcohol. A bottle of Bintang, the standard local beer, is about $2, a bottle of "cheap" wine starts at around $10, and a bottle of imported gin or whisky will likely set you back $30 or more. Those are supermarket prices – the figures will likely triple in a trendy bar. If you want to party without breaking the bank, look out for the ubiquitous two-for-one sundowner happy-hour deals.

10. Haggling is part of the culture

Haggling is a way of life in Indonesia, and outside of big, fixed-price malls and supermarkets, you will be expected to haggle for most things. Although many travelers are uncomfortable about bargaining for purchases, you’ll soon find that a smile, a joke and a couple of reliable stock phrases can transform a boring shopping trip into an opportunity to bond with local people. At its best, haggling turns a mere business transaction into something far more human.

"Bukan harga bule"  (not foreigner price) is good for a smile.

"Saya sudah bankrupt"  (I’m already bankrupt) guarantees outright belly laughs.

Remember, though, that your haggling should only be driven toward establishing a fair price that is good for both parties. Some travelers pride themselves on their tough haggling skills, believing that a street vendor will always be making a profit regardless. This is not always true: most store-holders will prefer to sell at a loss if it is the only way that they can feed their family that night.

This article was first published Mar 30, 2022 and updated Dec 2, 2023.

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Belitung Island Travel Guide & Things To Do (Indonesia)

Belitung is a very underrated tropical island in Indonesia with some incredible scenery and nature.

This island is about the same size as Bali , but much less famous, and just like Bali it has a lot of amazing things to see and do. It’s even been recognized as a UNESCO Geopark for its unique landscapes.

We spent two weeks in Belitung and were blown away by some of the picture perfect islands and white sand beaches with granite boulders. It’s a paradise for island hopping.

This travel guide for Belitung will explain how to get there, where to stay, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Where Is Belitung Island?

The Bangka Belitung islands are two islands (‘Bangka’ and ‘Belitung’) located just off the southeast coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.

Belitung (also known as ‘Belitong’ by the locals) is the smaller island of the two, and it’s surrounded by lots of tiny islands and granite rock formations, making it the perfect place to get in a boat and go island hopping!

How To Get To Belitung Island

Belitung island can be reached by flying or taking the ferry.

Generally the best way to get there is to fly into the airport at Tanjung Pandan (TJQ).

Non-stop flights are available from Jakarta (CGK) and Pangkalpinang (PGK), with one way prices as low as 750k Rupiah ($45 USD) and a flight time of only 1 hour. If you’re coming from Bali, you’ll need to transit in one of these places on the way to Belitung.

There used to be non-stop international flights from Kuala Lumpur as well, although those were discontinued during Covid and haven’t started up again yet.

You can shop for flights to Tanjung Pandan at Skyscanner.

How To Get Around Belitung Island

The best way to get around Belitung island is to rent a scooter or hire a private car with driver. You can book either of these with your hotel, or with Billitone Capture (+62 853-1555-5288).

The roads on Belitung island are in great shape, and traffic is surprisingly light. We normally don’t travel by scooter, but when we saw how open the roads were on Belitung we couldn’t help ourselves!

If you need a private airport transfer by car, those can be booked with Klook for as low as 75k Rupiah (~$5 USD). In the city, short trips can be done with the Grab or GoJek apps.  

Where To Stay In Belitung

Swiss-Belresort

Sheraton Belitung Resort

Hotel Fairfield By Marriott

BW Suite Belitung

Beachfront Hotels In Belitung

For beachfront hotels in Belitung, there are a bunch of options in all different budgets:

• Hotel Santika Premiere Beach Resort

Leebong Island Resort

• Rock and Wreck Dive Resort
• Sheriton Belitung Resort
• Swiss-Belresort Belitung
• Watuduya Resort

Sadly, some of the hotels in Belitung have struggled a bit since Covid because the tourist numbers haven’t fully recovered, although the situation seems to be improving lately.

My top choice for a beachfront hotel would be the Sheriton Belitung Resort . It’s a 5-star hotel in a perfect location with a private beach, swimming pool, and buffet breakfast.

They can also help arrange island hopping tours by boat, and other activities like kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, and stand up paddleboarding. Sheraton is located on the northeast side of Belitung, so it’s perfect for island hopping.

Private beach at the © Sheriton Belitung Resort

Room at the © Sheriton Belitung Resort

Swimming pool at the © Sheriton Belitung Resort

What To Do In Belitung

• island hopping tour.

There are lots of great things to do in Belitung, but by far the best is the island hopping tour in northwest Belitung.

You’ll go by boat and see perfect white sand beaches, turquoise water, rocky granite islands, underwater coral reefs, and even a Dutch lighthouse from the 1800s. The snorkeling is top quality.

You can’t visit Belitung without doing this boat tour! We enjoyed it so much we actually did it several days in a row.

Read More: Belitung Island Hopping

Island hopping in Belitung is a great way to visit deserted beaches and other sights

Drone picture of Batu Berlayar , one of the most photogenic little islands near Belitung.

The Dutch lighthouse at Lengkuas island

• Leebong Island

Aside from the popular island hopping tours in northwest Belitung, there’s also a nice little island in southwest Belitung that’s owned by the 3-star Leebong Island Resort , which has sea view villas and overwater bungalows.

There are day trips to Pulau Leebong departing from Pegantungan harbor , or you can stay overnight at the resort. Their official website has more info about the day tours. Leebong has a beautiful white sandbar and other things to see.

Book Now: Leebong Island Resort

• Tanjung Tinggi Beach

Possibly the most photogenic beach in Bangka Belitung, with perfect blue-green water and giant boulders. It’s a good sunset spot too.

Tanjung Tinggi can be reached with a 30 minute drive from town.

Read More: Tanjung Tinggi Beach

Tanjung Tinggi beach

Drone pic of the granite rocks at Tanjung Tinggi

• Tanjung Pendam Beach

This is the main beach near the town in Belitung, and it’s very popular with young people since it sits right on the edge of Tanjung Pandan city.

Since it’s west facing, Tanjung Pendam Beach is also a great spot to watch the sunset. The floating trees give it a surreal look, and if you’re lucky you’ll even get boats passing by in the distance.

Tanjung Pendam beach

Sunset and floating trees at Tanjung Pendam

• Batu Baginda

This was one of my favorite experiences in Bangka Belitung.

Batu Baginda is a short (but moderate) hike that takes you to the top of an absolutely massive boulder, where you have views of the whole southern half of Belitung island on one side, and the Java Sea on the other.

Better yet, if you have a drone, you can take some aerial selfies to see how tiny you look on top of the boulders!

Read More: Batu Baginda Hike

Drone selfie on the giant boulder at Batu Baginda . See me?

Another angle showing the size of the boulders

• Kaolin Lake

This is a bright turquoise mineral lake that’s still being mined today. It’s a unique landscape that makes for some great photos.

The lake is easy to reach since it’s only a short distance from Tanjung Pandan city.

Drone picture of Kaolin Lake

• Balancing Rock

This is a giant balancing granite boulder that’s not too far from Tanjung Tinggi beach, so it’s easy to combine with other sights on the island.

From the road, it’s just a short 10 minute hike to reach the rock ( map location here ), and at the top you get nice views of the surrounding countryside too.

This boulder is massive and impressive. It’s great for pictures from pretty much any angle!

The balancing rock is one of Belitung’s most peculiar sights

Another angle of the balancing rock. Balinese woman power.

• Peramun Hill

Bukit Peramun is a dense jungle where you can go trekking and see Indonesian wildlife.

It has hills and giant boulders, banyan trees, caves, and tarsier sightings. Tarsiers are the little bug-eyed primates that hop around in the trees at night eating insects.

One of the highlights of this forest is a giant banyan tree called the ‘thousand root tree.’ It’s very photogenic, but it’s hard to find without a local guide. We searched for hours and didn’t find it, so a guide would be very helpful to have.

• Penyabong Beach

This is a secluded beach in southwest Belitung, about 1.5 hours from Tanjung Pandan.

There is a nearby resort with private villas , or you can combine it with a visit to the Batu Baginda rocks . You can find a Google Map to the beach here .

Penyabong beach has nice white sand and no crowds, but sadly trash has built up here over the years. We picked up some rubbish on our way out. Please keep this place clean.

Penyabong beach

Drone pic of Penyabong beach

• Serdang Beach

This is a nice white sand beach with colorful boats, on the east coast of Belitung island.

It’s a bit harder to reach than some of the others, but you’re rewarded with a wide open beach that has snow white sand and no crowds.

Sadly, there’s a lot of trash at this beach, and it’s also a bit isolated. It requires about 1.5 hours of driving from Tanjung Pandan city.

Serdang beach

Bright colored boat

• Bukit Berahu Beach

This is a small beach with cottages and an old resort at the top of the hill.

It’s near the main road, so you can easily stop here on the way to other sights like Tanjung Tinggi beach.

Best Restaurants In Belitung

The Belitung restaurant scene is still a work in progress, but here are some good options we found:

• What’s Up Cafe : Great food and good atmosphere. We ate here almost every day. Portions are a little small, but the prices are fair enough. They have indoor and outdoor seating, A/C, good WiFi, and they accept cash or credit cards for payment.
• Tarsius Coffee : Nice little cafe across the street from Tanjung Pendam beach. Good place to work, with fast WiFi and lots of power outlets.
• Happy Resto : A popular bakery and restaurant in Belitung.
• Koffie Boon : Coffee shop and bakery with lots of nice creations in Tanjung Pandan city.
• Ayam Goreng Karawaci : Fried chicken takeaway restaurant near Tanjung Pendam beach.
• KFC : If you’re itching for familiar food, Belitung does have it. Just throwing that out there. We ordered KFC on the GoJek app one evening when we were too tired to eat out.

Other Tips For Belitung

• Credit Cards: Hit and miss. Some hotels and restaurants in Belitung accept credit cards, but keep cash handy just in case.
• ATM: There are plenty of ATMs in Tanjung Pandan with good withdrawal limits. Foreign cards work fine in my experience.
• WiFi: Hotels in Tanjung Pandan generally have decent WiFi. This is quickly improving.
• Cell Service: Local SIM cards like Telkomsel have good reception in Tanjung Pandan and elsewhere on the island.
• Apps: Grab and GoJek are both available in Tanjung Pandan. You can use these for short rides or even food delivery to your hotel.
• Malaria: According to this Lancet study from 2018, malaria has been eliminated in Belitung. That’s great news, but it’s still a good idea to wear mosquito spray to protect from dengue fever.

Is Belitung Safe?

Yes, Belitung is safe! We spent weeks here traveling all over the island, and I’d say it’s a very safe place.

Indonesia is a low crime country in general, but be sure to wear mosquito spray when out and about, because there’s a risk of dengue fever anywhere in the country.

With that said, we got more than two dozen bites each on our trip and never got sick with anything, so dengue is not exactly rampant here.

Belitung Private Driver & Motorbike Rental

If you want to explore Belitung in the comfort and safety of a private car with a driver, my recommendation would be Billitone Capture (+62 853-1555-5288).

Their price is 400k Rupiah ($26 USD) for a day tour of driving and sightseeing in Belitung for 1-5 passengers. That's the total price for the whole car + driver + petrol. For longer distance trips, there may be a surcharge.

If you'd rather travel by motorbike, they have that too. Their scooter rentals start at 75k Rupiah (~$5) in Tanjung Pandan city.

Banyan tree on the rocks at Tanjung Tinggi

Best Time To Visit Belitung

The best time to visit Belitung is generally from April to October. This is Indonesia’s dry season, so it’s less rainy, with more sun, smoother seas, and better snorkeling visibility.

We were there in July for two weeks and the weather was mostly great, although there was some rain in the evenings and at night.

Months to avoid are November to January, when there’s a lot more rain. If you have to go in the rainy season, give yourself some extra days as a buffer in case of bad weather.

Map Of Things To Do In Belitung

Here’s a map of some of the best things to do in Belitung island.

The blue icons on the map are things you can see by driving, and the purple icons are islands to see by boat.

Keep in mind this is far from a complete list, and I’m sure you could find some more interesting sights if you look around.

How Long To Stay

You can see the top highlights of Belitung island in 3 or 4 days, although there are plenty of hidden gems to explore if you have extra time.

We spent two weeks in Belitung and still didn’t see everything.  

Belitung Hotels

Our belitung video.

Last but not least, here’s a 4K Belitung drone video from our trip to get you excited about experiencing everything this island has to offer.

Happy travels!

More Indonesia Travel Tips

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Belitung.

Don’t forget to check out my blog post about island hopping in Belitung as well. It’s definitely one of the best activities to do there!  

• Most Beautiful Indonesian Islands - Best Places To Visit In Indonesia
• Best Hikes In Indonesia - Volcanoes, Jungles, & Waterfalls
• Indonesia Waterfall Guide - Best Waterfalls In Indonesia
• Indonesia Beach Guide - Best Beaches In Indonesia
• Best Things To Do In Indonesia - What To Do In The Islands
• Indonesia Travel Guide - Tips, Info, & Photos

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Hi , that is a fantastic guide of Belitung , really help us to organize our tour for this summer but unfortunately Kloot is not offering the island hopping, nor driver . could you recomemend us another contacts. Thanks

Hi Laura, thanks for pointing that out. I just updated the article with new information. For a driver, you can arrange that with Billitone Capture (+62 853-1555-5288). They can do airport pickups or a private driver for a full day of touring. This company has scooter rentals and island hopping boat tours in Belitung too. Otherwise, your hotel in Belitung should also be able to arrange these things if needed. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions just let me know. Have a great trip to Belitung!

Hi, I’m wondering if it’s expensive to spend 2 weeks in Belitung. Is it easy to find accomodations there?

Hi Kay! Sure, it’s pretty easy to find accommodation in Belitung. The prices are normally a bit higher than Bali, but still not too expensive. You can browse Belitung hotels here . Most of the accommodation is in Tanjung Pandan town.

Thank you very much for introducing this place. Belitung has special significance for me. My father was born here, and when he was in his twenties, he left Indonesia for China for some reasons. Until his death last year, he never returned to the place where he was born. Therefore, I am curious about Belitung where he lived when he was a child. Perhaps one day I will visit here to fulfill his last wish.

Thanks for sharing. Yes, a lot of Chinese Indonesian families live in Belitung. It’s a great island. I hope you can visit someday.

My husband and I have travelled a lot in Indo but I think you’ve beaten us lol We are planning to go back to Sumatra this summer, but this time with our kids. We always said we would go back to Bukit luwang with kids so it’s time to make true on that! Then we are deciding between the Banyak islands or Belitung. Which are obviously not close so we would have to choose… If you had to which one would you go for?! Thanks again for all the amazing tips, Indonesia is our favourite country and we have spent over 2 years travelling it’s amazing islands (across 20 years) so share your love of it!

Hi Kirsty! Would you be flying into Jakarta first? If so, I think I’d choose Belitung since it’s a lot easier to reach than the Banyak islands. The Banyaks have a more private and primitive feel, which is fun, but Belitung also has some very nice beaches and there’s more to see and do, while still not being too touristy. That sounds like a great trip. We loved Bukit Lawang and would love to go back sometime. I’m glad you guys have been able to explore more of Indonesia!

Hello, great article! I’m not able to find any direct flight from Kuala Lumpur for this. Any idea if this might have changed recently?

Thanks Komal! Yeah, sadly they stopped doing the flights from KL during Covid and haven’t started those again yet. I just updated the article. Before Covid, AirAsia was doing 8 flights per week between KL and Belitung. Hopefully they bring that back eventually. For now, the only option is to fly from Jakarta or Bangka, or take the ferry.

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Thomas acknowledges more travel paid for by Harlan Crow. Colleagues report six-figure book payments

FILE - Members of the Supreme Court sit for a new group portrait following the addition of Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, at the Supreme Court building in Washington, Oct. 7, 2022. Bottom row, from left, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts, Associate Justice Samuel Alito, and Associate Justice Elena Kagan. Top row, from left, Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch, Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, file)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Clarence Thomas on Friday belatedly acknowledged more travel paid by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow, while several colleagues reported six-figure payments as part of book deals.

Thomas, who has faced criticism for failing to report luxury trips paid for by Crow and others over many years, said in his annual financial disclosure that, in 2019, Crow paid for a hotel room in Bali, Indonesia, for a single night, and food and lodging at a private club in Sonoma County, California. He did not report any travel paid by others last year.

The disclosure on Indonesia is curious for what it omits: the rest of the trip. ProPublica reported last year that Thomas flew to Indonesia on Crow’s private jet and then boarded his superyacht for an islands tour, one of many trips Crow has given to Thomas and his wife, Ginni, over the years.

Another justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson , reported eye-popping numbers, a nearly $900,000 advance for her upcoming memoir, and attention-grabbing gifts, four tickets to a Beyoncé concert valued at $3,700 from the singer herself.

Jackson was one of four Supreme Court justices who reported sizable income from book deals. Justice Brett Kavanaugh reported being paid $340,000 by the conservative Regnery Publishing company. The company was sold and the book is to be published by an imprint at Hachette Book Group, according to Axios, which also reported this week that Kavanaugh’s book will deal with his contentious confirmation hearing that included allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has denied. The court confirmed Friday that the justice is writing a legal memoir.

Justices Neil Gorsuch and Sonia Sotomayor reported royalty income of $250,000 and nearly $90,000, respectively.

In their day jobs, the justices are being paid $298,500 this year, except for Chief Justice John Roberts, who earns $312,200.

The only justice whose report was not available Friday is Samuel Alito, who received an extension for up to 90 days, as he does most years. The justice has separately been under scrutiny over flags that flew outside homes he owned. He has said they were raised by his wife.

Jackson, the first Black woman on the nation’s highest court, signed a book contract soon after taking her seat in 2022. The book, “Lovely One,” is to be published in September.

The total value of her book deal has not been publicly disclosed, but it is expected to rival if not exceed what Sotomayor was paid for her memoir, “My Beloved World,” more than $3 million.

Among the current justices, only Roberts, Alito and Justice Elena Kagan have so far not cut book deals. Thomas received a $1.5 million advance, stunning at the time, for his 2007 book, “My Grandfather’s Son.” Justice Amy Coney Barrett in 2022 reported receiving $425,000 for a yet-to-be-released book, part of a reported $2 million deal she signed soon after joining the court in 2020.

The disclosures paint a partial picture of the justices’ finances, as they are not required to reveal the value of their homes or, for those who are married, their spouses’ salary.

The justices adopted an ethics code in November, though it lacks a means of enforcement. The code treats travel, food and lodging as expenses rather than gifts, for which monetary values must be reported. Justices aren’t required to attach a value to expenses.

In March, the federal judiciary began requiring judges to disclose travel-related gifts and their values — rather than reporting such gifts as reimbursements. The justices say they generally abide by the same rules, but Thomas did not disclose the cost of the Bali hotel.

Some Democratic lawmakers are continuing to press legislation that would require the court to adopt a binding code of conduct and provide for investigations of alleged violations. But the prospect for such legislation is considered remote in a closely divided Congress.

Only two justices reported receiving gifts last year. Thomas said he was given two photo albums worth $2,000 by Terrence Giroux and his wife. Giroux is the executive director emeritus of the Horatio Alger Association.

Jackson received artwork for her Supreme Court office worth $12,500. And then there were the Beyoncé tickets, worth more than $900 a pop. Beyoncé performed two concerts in the Washington area in August 2023, though Jackson’s disclosure does not say when or where the tickets were for.

“Justice Jackson is Crazy in Love with Beyonce’s music,” Supreme Court spokeswoman Patricia McCabe said, invoking a Beyoncé song. “Who isn’t?”

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Jakarta: 25 Excursions in and around the Indonesian Capital Paperback – December 20, 2012

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• Print length 224 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Tuttle Publishing
• Publication date December 20, 2012
• Dimensions 5.13 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• ISBN-10 9780804842242
• ISBN-13 978-0804842242
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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0804842248
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuttle Publishing; FOL PAP/MA edition (December 20, 2012)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780804842242
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0804842242
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.13 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• #15 in Jakarta Travel Guides
• #278 in General Indonesia Travel Guides
• #1,532 in Southeast Asia Travel Guides

About the author

Andrew whitmarsh.

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