Indonesia travel tips for first-timers: what to know

Comprising over 17,000 islands that offer diverse landscapes — from lush rice terraces and active volcanoes to pristine beaches, coral reefs and rainforests — Indonesia offers travelers a rich mix of ancient temples, adventure, sublime beaches and flavorsome food. If this stunning archipelago is on your travel radar, read on for our top Indonesia travel tips that’ll help you curate your perfect Indonesia itinerary, and to stay healthy and happy during your vacation.

When is the best time to visit Indonesia?

First up in our tips for traveling to Indonesia is deciding when’s the best time to visit. On balance, Indonesia’s dry season (April to October) is the best time to visit most regions. 

At this time, conditions are perfect for outdoor adventures like beach trips, trekking, and island hopping, with minimal rain and clear skies. 

Conversely, monsoon season (November–March) brings heavy showers, which can disrupt travel and have a big impact on the likes of hiking adventures and beach breaks.

For smaller crowds, and lower costs than you’ll see in the July and August peak season, visit in May, June or September, which are shoulder-season months of the dry season. As such, these months offer a best-of-both-worlds scenario.

Want wider weather context? Wise up on the best time to visit Indonesia.

Is Indonesia expensive?

Good news! Indonesia offers great value for money. 

If you’re on a budget, you could plan a trip with daily costs ranging from $30–50 USD for stays in basic guesthouses, eating local food, and hiring a scooter to get around.

One notch up, expect to pay $80–150 USD for a mid-range experience i.e. staying in boutique hotels, and taking a few guided tours and private transfers.

At the other end of the scale, luxury travelers are looking at $250+ USD per day to stay in 5-star resorts, and to enjoy the likes of spa treatments, fine dining, and private guided tours. 

When it comes to the costs of getting around Indonesia to enjoy tourist-oriented experiences, inter-island boat trips cost $30–60, and domestic flights typically cost $50–150, depending on route and season.

Meanwhile, guided hikes and excursions are usually in the range of $40–100. 

Is Indonesia safe for travelers?

More good news! Overall, Indonesia is safe for travelers.

As all over the world, petty crime — bag snatching, pickpocketing — does happen, so take precautions, and avoid unlit and crowded areas. 

Also note that some coastal areas have strong currents in unpatrolled areas, so take care and ask locals if you’re unsure about conditions.

Lastly, as always, travel insurance is strongly advised.

Do you need a visa for Indonesia?

Both US and UK citizens are eligible for a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA). This costs USD 40 or IDR 500,000.

UK travelers may also apply for an e-VOA online before arrival. 

Note that passports must be valid for six months, and you need to be able to show your return ticket.

How to stay healthy while traveling in Indonesia

Staying hydrated in the heat and only drinking bottled or purified water sit high on our Indonesia travel tips — upset stomachs are the last thing you want on a trip of a lifetime.

Related, always be cautious with street food — choose busier vendor stalls, and opt for cooked dishes. 

Insect protection is crucial in mosquito-prone areas. Consider taking malaria precautions (repellent and long lightweight clothing) when visiting remote regions. 

Also, come armed with plenty of sunscreen and a sun hat. 

Finally, ensure you have travel insurance that covers in-country treatment and evacuation — better to be prepared and have the peace of mind from knowing you’re protected.

Cultural etiquette to know before visiting Indonesia

Indonesia is culturally diverse and predominantly Muslim (Java/Sumatra) or Hindu (Bali). 

You should always dress modestly for temple visits — cover shoulders and legs, and remove your shoes. 

During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours in Muslim regions.

Always use the right hand for greeting, giving and receiving, and avoid physical contact in formal settings.

Lastly, always ask permission before photographing people or sacred rituals.

Is Indonesia a good destination for families?

Indonesia is a great destination for families, with visiting Bali with kids coming especially recommended.

That’s thanks to theme parks like Waterbom and Bali Safari Marine Park, and as a result of the island’s calm beaches and shallow snorkeling spots. 

That said, Bali aside, the whole country has plenty to kids of all ages happy, from educational cultural experiences (think traditional dance performances, fun hands-on cooking classes, and temple visits) to outdoor adventures like rafting, jungle treks and wildlife encounters.

Our top tip for family vacations is to take time to research the best Indonesia accommodation (and to wise up on where to stay in Bali) to find the place that best suits your needs. 

Take your pick from family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs, to private villas, or family-run, family-friendly guesthouses.

At the same time, lots of transportation options are accessible for families — taxis, driver hires and (for older kids) scooters, with helmets.

Just take extra caution with road safety and beach currents, and take note of the health tips shared above.

What are the best places to visit in Indonesia?

How long to spend in Indonesia

What’s the best way to plan an Indonesia itinerary?

Our top tip is to start with a few anchor locations, considering travel times and options e.g. flights, ferries, buses or private transfers.

You’ll want to focus on grouping neighboring areas to minimize transit, and you should book 

inter-island boats and domestic flights in advance, especially in the dry season, which is also the peak season for tourism.

We also suggest mixing guided tours (e.g. volcano treks and wildlife experiences) with independent travel. That way, you’ll benefit of expert knowledlge while also having the chance to discover hidden gems for yourself. 

On that subject, it’s a good idea to leave buffer days for delays or extra exploration. 

Alternatively, rather than plan your own Indonesia itinerary, simply follow one of our expert-curated Indonesia itineraries after reading our guide to how to plan a trip to Indonesia.

Better still, have our local Indonesia travel experts personalise a trip to your exact wishes and timeframe. 

How to slow travel in Indonesia

Slow travel in Indonesia is an utter joy! In order to do it you really need to focus on one or two regions, and invest a decent amount of time in each place, looking to stay in homestays or eco-lodges so you can truly connect with local life. 

Ahead of your trip, learn some language, and read up on local customs. While there, take public transport for a truly local experience, and rent scooters so you can get off the beaten track at your own pace. 

Another great slow travel experience in Indonesia is to volunteer on projects like marine conservation or teaching. 

And it goes without saying that shopping locally, and taking some local cooking classes also invite deeper immersion.

Looking to relax?  Read up on the best yoga retreats in Bali.

How to handle money and payments in Indonesia

While ATMs are widely available in urban and tourist areas, we suggest you withdraw enough cash when you can — smaller towns have limited access. 

Credit cards work at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shop, but always ask first, and keep small bills/coins for markets, transport and tips. 

What are the most common scams?

Avoid fake tour guides, overpriced "special offers," and taxi riders without meters. 

Also avoid unofficial currency exchange booths and street money changers — only use banks or reputable kiosks, and be alert of cloned credit card machines and skimming devices 

In beach clubs, watch your drink, and always confirm official pricing for taxis and boats and agree the price before getting in and setting off.

How to travel responsibly and ethically in Indonesia

Always, always, respect local culture, which means dressing appropriately, asking permission before photographing, and follow environmental rules. 

On that subject, avoid single-use plastics, use refillable water bottles and reef-safe sunscreen, and don’t touch or buy coral, shells, or wildlife souvenirs. 

If you plan to visit animal attractions, check their ethics — some attractions listed as sanctuaries might not be what they seem.

Supporting locally owned businesses, guides and artisans is another great way to travel responsibly in Indonesia.

How to island hop Indonesia

Our top Indonesia travel tip for island hopping is to choose routes wisely.

While Indonesia’s vastness makes island-hopping exciting, it’s logistically complex, so plan routes realistically. For example, a classic loop is to head from Bali to the Gili Islands, then on to Lombok or Komodo.

Also note that while fast boats run regularly between major islands, they’re weather-dependent. So, allow buffer days for delays, and always book with reputable companies.

For more remote islands like Raja Ampat or Sumba, you’ll need to take a flight — advance booking is essential.

Lastly, avoid over-packing your itinerary — each island offers distinct cultures, from Komodo dragons to Papuan traditions, and deserves time to explore deeply.

Preparing for volcano treks

Adventurous travelers heading to Indonesia will no doubt be aware that the country is home to over 100 active volcanoes.

While hikes like Mount Batur, Mount Rinjani, and Ijen Crater offer epic sunrises, sulfur lakes, and lunar landscapes, it’s always a good idea to book excursions with guides, and to check current activity warnings. 

Wear proper shoes (not sandals), pack a headlamp for early starts, and bring layers as high altitudes get chilly. 

Note that sunrise treks often start around 2am, so get rest the night (and day) before and bring energy snacks and water.

Dive into Indonesia’s marine biodiversity

Indonesia lies at the heart of the Coral Triangle, making it one of the world’s top diving and snorkeling destinations. 

For example, top sites like Raja Ampat, Komodo and Tulamben’s USAT Liberty wreck offer coral gardens, manta rays and macro critters aplenty.

To make the most of your underwater adventures, book trips with eco-certified dive operators that avoid anchor damage and support reef conservation. 

Even if you’re not a diver, snorkeling tours from Amed, Pemuteran and the Gilis offer astonishing underwater worlds just offshore.

Ready to head to Indonesia? Read up on getting to Indonesia, and browse our customisable Indonesia itineraries to help you  plan your trip.

Not keen on planning? Talk to our local Indonesia travel experts to have them curate your ideal trip