Plan the perfect trip to Indonesia | Indonesia Holiday Guide

Are you looking for a quiet place where you can relax? With beautiful beaches, great landscapes with lush mountains on thousands of volcanic islands, and temples (some with fantastic sea views), Indonesia is the perfect place for you! Officially the Republic of Indonesia, this is an island country located in Southeast Asia.

This state is a complex of 17,508 islands and has a population of more than 255 million people. Indonesia is one of the most exotic places in the world; in addition to its beautiful landscapes on some islands, you can see real dragons called Komodo dragons, and other great species such as elephants, orangutans, and tigers. Keep reading and learn more about the incredible things you can enjoy in Indonesia!

How to get there

To get to this country, there are different airports for you to choose depending on which region or which island you want to go to first. Let’s see below the best options that you have to get to this country.

First, we want to mention the Soekarno Hatta International Airport, located in Benda Tangerang. It is the main airport in the country, and one of the most attractive due to its architecture. Likewise, the facilities are made to enhance your experience, since it has stores, hotels, and even a golf course.

Next on the list is the Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. This airport located in Bali is considered the second busiest and most popular airport in Indonesia. It is very popular because it serves large flights such as the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380. In the airport, you can find the usual facilities like lounge areas, prayer rooms, and free Wi-Fi.

Finally, Juanda International Airport can be a good choice. This airport serves the Surabaya metropolitan area and it is on the list of best airports in the world. If you choose one of these airports, we are sure that your travel experience will be best. Also, do not forget that they can also be useful when traveling around the Indonesian archipelago.

Visa Information

Most of the visitors from around the world do not need a visa to enter Indonesia. The only requirements are to have a passport valid for at least six months since your arrival day and have a valid return ticket. This is valid if you are staying in the country for less than 30 days. If you plan to stay in Indonesia for more than 30 days or other purposes other tourism, then you must apply for a visa. You can obtain one and more information at one of the Indonesian diplomatic missions.

Best time to visit the country

Indonesia is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun on the beach. If this is what you want to do in this country, then you should plan to travel between April and October. These are the dry months, so the weather is perfect for activities like snorkeling and relaxing on the beaches. If you travel in May, June, or July, you can expect temperatures around 31°C and enjoy festivals such as the Idul Fitri and Ramadan.

Of course, it is to be expected that in this season there will be a peak of tourists, so it is important to book in advance to ensure access to the most interesting places in the country. If you do not bother about the rain, you can travel during the rainy season (from November to March); there are also some fantastic indoor activities to do.

Safety

Travel to this intercontinental country will be a great experience; however, it is important to follow some safety tips to avoid bad times. For example, to avoid scams, try to always call a reliable taxi when moving around the country.

When being in crowded places always remember to keep your belonging with you, because pickpocketing is sometimes a common problem in the country. Overall, Indonesia is a safe country to travel; you just need to remember to apply the same precaution that you would apply in your hometown.

Budget

Do you want to know how much you will spend on your trip to Indonesia? Well, you could expect to spend around Rp 726,111 ($50) per day, including standard accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. If you are traveling for a week, then you could spend Rp 5,082,775 ($345.02) and for two weeks Rp 10,165,550 ($690.03).

Let’s see how much you can afford with Rp 726,111 ($50) per day:

• Hotel or Hostel: Rp 395,288 ($26.83)
• Food: Rp 190,230 ($12.91)
• Local transportation (taxis, buses, subway): Rp 92,156 ($6.26)
• Entertainment (shows, movie tickets): Rp 131,557 ($8.93)

Let’s break down some more specific food and drinks prices:

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: Rp 19,000 ($1.3) – Rice and vegetables.
• Mid-range restaurant: Rp 100,000 ($6.79) – Three-course meal.
• Soft Drink: Rp 8,100 ($0.55) – 0.33-liter bottle.
• Beer: Rp 35,000 ($2.38) – 0.5-liter draught.

Currency

The Indonesian Rupiah is the currency used in Indonesia. 1 USD is equivalent to 14,738.70 Indonesian Rupiah. US dollars are accepted in some large hotels; however, it is not the best option because you will probably pay much more than with the local currency. If you bring dollars, the best thing you can do is exchange your cash in the country. It can be in an airport or at properly authorized money exchangers.

You can also get cash using an ATM, however, keep in mind that a fee will be deducted for each transaction you make, and it may not be profitable. Always carry cash, because credit and debit cards are not commonly used, although some places may accept VISA and MasterCard.

Finally, do not forget to inform your bank that you are going to be using your card in another country, to prevent your card from being blocked.

Interesting facts about the culture

This exotic archipelago consists of thousands of beautiful islands, and it is important to say that there are many different ethnic groups so the culture is very diverse. Saying this, let’s start talking about the language.

The official language is Indonesian and something good for you is that it is pretty easy to learn! Some facts about this language are that it has no need for past or future tense, so there is only one form of the verbs. There is no difference between masculine and feminine nouns and the words have no plural! Very different from your native language, right? So it is an excellent idea to start learning some basic words and phrases in Indonesian.

One thing that you will love about this country is going to be the food. Indonesian food is special because they use fresh spices and herbs. Some of the most popular and typical plates are the following: Sambal (chili sauce with spices), Bakso (meatball soup), and Soto (soup with meat and vegetables).

When you travel to this country, you will realize that it is beautiful and diverse, with a rich culture and amazing places to visit.

What to do in Indonesia

Indonesia is an archipelago of thousands of islands. Do you know what that means? Many fun things to do! So there is no room for boredom. Since there are so many islands, let’s start by showing you which ones are the best to visit.

The best islands

• Java Island: It is the most populated island in both Indonesia and the world. This island is a combination of culture and nature. Since the capital of the country, “Jakarta” is located inside. Here you can see many of the incredible temples and sights as the Borobudur sanctuary or Prambanan that will let you breathless. You can also take a walk, go shopping in the city of Bandung, and enjoy the exotic cuisine of Indonesia.
• Bali Island: The Island is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and it is not surprising, it is known as the “Island of the Gods”. One of the most beautiful places in the world surrounded by azure waters and edged with golden beaches. This destination is a paradise for surfers, and if you are looking for a beach holiday, then there is no better place than Bali.
• Gili Island (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air): Known as the “three little paradises”, this sub archipelago within Indonesia is one of the destinations that will surprise you and will give you the best photos for your memories and your social networks. You can visit The Exile Gilí Trawangan, a rustic hotel where you will enjoy the heat of the Indonesian beaches, get on a swing in the ocean, or even a hammock.

Of course, we cannot talk about things to do in Indonesia without showing you which ones are the best and most beautiful beaches that will dazzle you. From crystal clear waters to azure waters, and even from pink beaches to the beautiful golden beaches of Indonesia!

The best beaches

• Nihiwatu Beach, in Sumba Island: This beach is considered as number 17 among the 100 best beaches in the world. It is one of the most popular beaches in Indonesia.
• Canggu Beach, in Bali Island: It is one of the favorite beaches for surfers visiting Bali. Currently considered one of the best on the island because there are no hotels or resorts near.
• Pink Beach, in Komodo Island: This beautiful beach of characteristic color is the result of the union of the white and red sand that is produced due to the erosion of the pink coral.

Many of the most popular activities that you can do in Indonesia are related to nature, however, it offers, for sure, something for everyone. If you enjoy watching exotic animals and wildlife, then be ready for your next adventure. Continue reading and learn about the top activities to do in Indonesia:

The best activities

• Watch the sunrise, in Borobudur Temple – Yogyakarta: Enjoy the beautiful views at this architectural masterpiece. It is the world’s largest Buddhist monument.
• Meet the Komodo dragon, in the Komodo National Park: In this country, you can see these animals in their natural habitat. Walk on paths and take photos of this exotic animal.
• Go snorkeling and watch beautiful animals, in the West Bali National Park: This place is home to multiple marine animals such as anemonefish, spadefish, and crocodile fish.

How to get around in Indonesia

As we said before, the country is made up of many islands, and if you want to explore all the places that Indonesia has to offer, the Indonesian transportation network is good enough to help you. The main transportation in the country is the Transjakarta Busway.

This consists of a network of buses with air conditioning that is affordable, although not very comfortable. A good way to get around is by car. You can rent a car for $10 per day; just make sure to get an International Driving Permit (this document is officially required). Other useful ways to get around are by ferry, train, or scooter.

How to stay connected in Indonesia

There are always different ways to stay connected in a foreign country. However, it is important to choose the one that is affordable, convenient, and easy to use. Some options are, renting a Pocket Wi-Fi, depending on the free public Wi-Fi or paying for the roaming option from your current mobile company.

However, we recommend you to buy a prepaid SIM card. Some of the companies in Indonesia are Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat. They will provide you with data, text messages, minutes for calls, and more. You can also order an international prepaid SIM card from a company like SimOptions. They offer SIM cards for Indonesia and more than 200 countries around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I rent a car?

It is a good idea if you prefer to travel on your own. It can cost around $10 per day.

Which airports can I fly to?

The best airports are the Soekarno Hatta International Airport, the Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, and the Juanda International Airport.

What are the most popular types of hotels?

The most popular accommodation types are cottages, hotels, resorts, and boutique hostels.

How much does a holiday cost?

You can spend around Rp726,111 ($50), including standard accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.

What are the best things to do?

If you are traveling to Indonesia, there are beautiful beaches such as Nihiwatu Beach that you need to visit.

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