Things To Do
in Indonesia
Indonesia is a vast archipelago nation made up of thousands of islands, located in Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich cultural diversity, with hundreds of different ethnic groups and languages spoken throughout the country. Indonesia is home to stunning natural landscapes, including lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and active volcanoes.
Jakarta, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis that serves as the political and economic center of the country.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a yoga session on the beach followed by breakfast at a local café. Stroll through the serene rice terraces of Ubud.
After lunch, visit the famous Tegenungan Waterfall for a refreshing swim. Explore the nearby art markets for unique souvenirs.
Enjoy a sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Jimbaran. Take a leisurely walk along the beach afterwards.
Embark on a boat trip to Komodo Island early in the morning. Get ready to explore and spot the iconic Komodo dragons.
Have lunch onboard and then go for snorkeling at Pink Beach. Enjoy the vibrant marine life and pink sand.
Return to your lodge and unwind after a thrilling day. Enjoy a traditional dinner with stunning views of the sunset.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse culture and rich heritage
- Breathtaking natural beauty including beaches, mountains, and rainforests
- Friendly and hospitable people
- Vibrant tourist destinations like Bali and Yogyakarta
- Rich biodiversity and unique wildlife
- Growing economy and emerging market opportunities
- Affordable cost of living in many areas
- Traffic congestion in major cities like Jakarta
- Environmental challenges including deforestation and pollution
- Natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
- Corruption and bureaucracy in governance
- Limited access to quality healthcare in rural areas
- Income disparity and poverty in some regions
- Traffic safety and road condition issues
Best Activities in Indonesia
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and explore the diverse landscapes of Indonesia by hiking in the mountains such as Mount Bromo, Mount Rinjani, or Mount Semeru.
Experience the rich marine life and colorful coral reefs by snorkeling or diving in popular spots like Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park, or the Gili Islands.
Indonesia offers world-class surfing opportunities, especially in places like Bali, Mentawai Islands, and Lombok, attracting surfers from around the globe to catch perfect waves.
Get your adrenaline pumping by embarking on a whitewater rafting adventure through the stunning river gorges and tropical rainforests of Bali or Sumatra.
Tours
Uncover the best of Indonesia with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Indonesia
Visit one of these nice places.
An ancient Buddhist temple in Central Java, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
An active volcano in East Java, offering breathtaking sunrise views and unique photo opportunities.
A picturesque archipelago in West Papua, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Indonesia
Indonesia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular Indonesian fried rice dish seasoned with sweet soy sauce, tamarind, and accompanied by a fried egg and prawn crackers. It can be found at warungs (local eateries), street food stalls, and restaurants across Indonesia.
Must-Try!
Grilled skewered chicken served with a savory peanut sauce, often accompanied by rice cakes and pickles. Some of the best sate ayam can be savored at food stalls and night markets in cities like Jakarta and Yogyakarta.
A traditional salad dish composed of boiled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs, all dressed with a creamy peanut sauce. It is a common dish at local food markets and vegetarian restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Indonesia better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
These night markets offer a variety of street food options including satay, grilled seafood, local snacks, and refreshing drinks. One of the renowned ones is Pasar Malam Sanur in Bali, offering a delightful array of local delicacies.
Located in Bandung, this food market is a haven for food enthusiasts, featuring sundry Indonesian dishes such as nasi campur, bakso, and assorted grilled specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Indonesia, it is important to show respect to elders by using polite language and gestures, and by allowing them to speak first in conversations.
Greetings are an important part of Indonesian culture, with handshakes being the most common form of greeting, along with a slight bow or nod, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
Making an effort to befriend and engage with locals, understanding their customs and traditions, can lead to a more enriching and respectful experience in Indonesia.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Indonesia with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Indonesia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Indonesia, as a service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. However, if exceptional service is provided, a small tip may be given as a gesture of appreciation.
In Indonesia, cash is commonly used for everyday transactions, especially in smaller establishments. However, major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas and larger cities. Mobile payment methods and digital wallets are also becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Indonesia.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit as the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach vacations. Expect large crowds of tourists during this period.
Expect heavy rainfall and high humidity during this period. It's a good time for surfing and diving due to the strong waves, but some areas may experience flooding and transportation disruptions.
Indonesia at Night
Hiking in Indonesia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located on Lombok Island, Mount Rinjani is an active volcano and a popular hiking destination, offering stunning views and rich biodiversity.
As the highest mountain in Java, Gunung Semeru provides challenging trekking routes and breathtaking landscapes, including the beautiful Ranu Kumbolo lake.
A popular sunrise hiking spot on Bali, Mount Batur offers a relatively easy trek with incredible views of Lake Batur and the surrounding mountains.
This national park features a variety of hiking trails through lush forests, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes, making it ideal for nature lovers.
Located in Central Java, Mount Merapi is an active volcano that can be trekked, offering spectacular views and unique volcanic landscapes.
Situated in Selangor, this hiking spot is known for its beautiful ridges, lush greenery, and panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas.
Famous for its blue flames and sulfur mining, Kawah Ijen offers a unique hiking experience and stunning views of the turquoise acid lake.
Known for its giant Komodo dragons, this park features various hiking trails with views of stunning landscapes and diverse marine life.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Indonesia through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Indonesia by plane.
Located in Jakarta, this is the largest and busiest airport in Indonesia, serving as a primary hub for international flights.
Located in Bali, this airport serves international flights and is a key gateway to the popular tourist destination of Bali.
Located in Surabaya, this airport handles domestic and international flights and is the second largest in East Java.
Located in Medan, North Sumatra, this airport serves both domestic and international flights and connects Indonesia to Southeast Asia.
Located in Batam, this airport serves as a busy transit point for flights between Indonesia and Singapore.
Located in Makassar, South Sulawesi, this airport handles international flights and is a hub for eastern Indonesia.
Located in Manado, North Sulawesi, this airport connects domestic routes with international ones, especially to nearby countries.
Located in Padang, West Sumatra, this airport serves international flights mainly to Malaysia.
Located in Yogyakarta, this airport offers limited international flights and serves as an entry point for tourists visiting the cultural center of Java.
Located in Jakarta, this airport is primarily for domestic flights but also handles some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Indonesia, primarily inhabiting the island of Java.
The second-largest ethnic group, mainly located in West Java.
An ethnic group from the island of Madura, located northeast of Java.
The ethnic group native to the island of Bali, known for its rich culture and traditions.
A collective term for several ethnolinguistic groups from North Sumatra.
An ethnic group from the southern part of Sulawesi, known for their strong maritime culture.
An ethnic group from West Sumatra, known for matrilineal society and rich traditions.
The indigenous people of Banten province in western Java.
The people of Aceh province in northern Sumatra, with a distinct culture and history.
An ethnic group native to the island of Lombok.
A collective term for indigenous ethnic groups in Borneo.
An ethnic group from the Toraja region in South Sulawesi, known for unique cultural practices and architecture.
People of Chinese descent, constituting a significant minority and contributing to various sectors.
The Soul of Indonesia
Discover the essence of Indonesia through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Badminton is the most popular sport in Indonesia, with a rich history of success in international competitions, including the Olympics and the Thomas Cup.
Football is widely followed and played across Indonesia, with a passionate fan base and a strong presence in both amateur and professional leagues.
Pencak Silat is a traditional martial art from Indonesia that is also recognized as a sport, with competitive events held nationally and internationally.
Basketball has gained popularity in recent years, with a growing number of fans and players, as well as leagues such as the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL).
Motorsports, including motorcycle racing and car racing, are popular in Indonesia, with events like MotoGP drawing significant crowds and media attention.
Volleyball is commonly played in schools and communities across Indonesia, with both indoor and beach volleyball gaining traction.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Indonesian eateries are accustomed to catering to vegetarian and vegan diners. Dishes like sayur lodeh, tempeh rendang, and tahu telur are popular options.
While Indonesian cuisine prominently features rice, dishes like soto ayam, grilled fish, and some sate varieties can be suitable for those seeking gluten-free options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Indonesia with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Indonesia.