Indonesia
Travel guide & places to visit in Asia
- Capital
- Jakarta
- Currency
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Language
- Bahasa Indonesia (official), 700+ regional languages (Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese)
- Best time
- April, May, June
About Indonesia
Largest economy in Southeast Asia, G20 member. Resources, palm oil, manufacturing, tourism. Rapidly growing digital economy.
Geography
Area: 1,904,569 sq km
- • Tropical: hot, humid, moderate throughout lowlands
- • Cooler in highlands
- • Two seasons: wet (Nov-Mar) and dry (Apr-Oct)
Government
Type: presidential republic
Capital: Jakarta (moving to Nusantara)
Economy
GDP: $1.186 trillion
Per Capita: $4,300
Demographics
Population: 277,329,163
Languages: Bahasa Indonesia (official), 700+ regional languages (Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese)
Religions: Muslim 87%, Protestant 7%, Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%
Explore Indonesia's Regions
Discover 38 distinct regions, each with unique landscapes and culture.
Major Cities in Indonesia
Explore 50 cities with unique attractions and experiences.
Places to Visit
beach
Pink beach
Indonesia
island
Satonda Island
Indonesia
top
Borobudur
Indonesia
waterfall
Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls
Indonesia
volcano
Sidoarjo volcano
Indonesia
nationalpark
Ujung Kulon National Park
Indonesia
Travel Essentials
Contact & Emergency
Phone Code: +62
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
fire: 113
police: 110
ambulance: 118
searchRescue: 115
Practical Info
Electricity: 220V / 50Hz / Type C, F
Driving: Left
Water: Bottled only
Tipping
- • 5-10% in restaurants if no service charge
- • 10,000-20,000 IDR for hotel staff
- • Drivers/guides: 50,000-100,000 IDR per day
- • Spa: 10-15% of bill
When to Visit Indonesia
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September
Peak Season
Jul-Aug (dry, peak tourist, Bali crowded)
Off Season
Nov-Mar (wet season, lower prices, rain usually brief)
- Mar
Nyepi (Balinese New Year) — entire island goes silent
- Jun
Bali Arts Festival begins
- Aug
Independence Day (Aug 17)
- Oct
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Top Destinations in Indonesia
- 1Bali (Ubud, Seminyak, Uluwatu)
- 2Komodo National Park
- 3Borobudur Temple (Java)
- 4Raja Ampat (diving)
- 5Lake Toba (Sumatra)
- 6Yogyakarta (culture, Prambanan)
- 7Gili Islands
- 8Lombok
- 9Flores
- 10Nusa Penida
- 11Toraja (Sulawesi)
- 12Bromo volcano
Cultural Tips
- Don't use left hand for giving/receiving — considered unclean
- Remove shoes when entering homes and some shops
- Dress modestly outside beach areas, especially in Java and Sumatra
- Don't touch people's heads
- Be mindful during Ramadan in Muslim-majority areas
- Bargaining is expected in markets, not in malls
- Pointing with index finger is rude — use thumb instead
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bali overrated?
Tourist Bali (Kuta, Seminyak) can feel overcrowded. But cultural Bali (Ubud, east coast, north), temple ceremonies, and rice terraces are genuinely magical. Go beyond the tourist belt.
How much does Indonesia cost?
Very affordable outside luxury resorts. Budget: 300,000-500,000 IDR/day ($20-33). Mid-range: 800,000-1,500,000 IDR. Street food: 15,000-35,000 IDR per meal.
Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities can get 30-day visa-free (not extendable) or 30-day visa-on-arrival ($35, extendable once). E-visa also available online before travel.
What to Buy in Indonesia
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