Indonesia

Everybody loves a few travel facts, and our Indonesia Travel Snapshot gives you a helpful overview of what to expect when planning your holiday. From tropical islands and ancient temples to vibrant cities, wildlife, beaches and incredible food, Indonesia is a destination full of variety. Read on below as we expand on our travel bites…

Best Time To Travel – Indonesia is warm and tropical all year round, though the best time to travel can depend on where you are visiting. In many popular holiday areas, including Bali, the dry season generally runs from April to October and is ideal for sightseeing, beaches and outdoor activities. The wet season usually runs from November to March, bringing higher humidity and tropical rain showers. You can still travel during this time, but we recommend packing light rainwear and allowing a little flexibility in your itinerary.

Capital City – Indonesia’s capital is Jakarta, located on the island of Java. It is a busy, modern city and one of the country’s main international gateways. Many travellers may also arrive through other major hubs such as Bali, Surabaya, Medan or Makassar, depending on their itinerary.

Currency – The national currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah, also written as IDR or Rp. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and larger stores, especially in tourist areas, but cash is still recommended for local markets, small shops, tips, taxis and regional areas. ATMs are widely available in major destinations.

Approximate Travel Time – Indonesia is easy to reach from Australia, with direct and connecting flights available from many major cities. Bali, flying into Denpasar, is one of the quickest and most popular entry points for Australian travellers. As a guide, direct flights to Bali take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from Darwin, 3 hours and 45 minutes from Perth, 5 hours and 25 minutes from Adelaide, 6 hours and 15 minutes from Melbourne, 6 hours and 20 minutes from Brisbane, and around 6 hours and 30 minutes from Sydney. Flight times can vary depending on the airline, route, aircraft and seasonal schedules. Other Indonesian destinations such as Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Komodo and Borneo may require a domestic connection through Bali, Jakarta or another major hub.

Religion – Indonesia is home to a mix of cultures and religions, with Islam being the largest religion nationally. Approximately 87% of the population is Muslim, followed by around 10.5% Christian, made up of approximately 7.4% Protestant and 3.1% Catholic. Other recognised religions include Hinduism at around 1.7%, Buddhism at around 0.7% and Confucianism at around 0.03%.

Bali is a little different from the rest of Indonesia, with around 86–87% of Bali’s population identifying as Hindu. This is reflected in the island’s temples, ceremonies, daily offerings and local traditions. Travellers are encouraged to dress respectfully when visiting temples, mosques, villages and religious sites.

Famous Dish – Indonesian cuisine is full of flavour, with popular dishes including nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay, gado-gado, rendang and soto. Food can vary greatly between islands, so each region offers something different to try. There are also plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements in major tourist areas. Please let us know any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Visa Required – Australian passport holders generally require a visa to enter Indonesia for tourism. Many travellers are eligible for a Visa on Arrival or e-Visa on Arrival, usually for stays of up to 30 days. Entry requirements, fees and conditions can change, so we recommend checking current visa requirements before travel. Travellers visiting Bali should also be aware that a separate Bali tourist levy may apply.

Fitness Level – We rate most Indonesia holidays as easy to moderate, depending on the itinerary. Many tours include walking through temples, villages, markets, rice fields, beaches or national parks, and some areas may have uneven paths, stairs or warm and humid conditions. More active itineraries, such as volcano walks, jungle trekking or island-hopping, may require a higher level of fitness. Our guides are there to assist, and each tour will note the recommended fitness level before booking.