With more than 17,000 mostly uninhabited islands to explore, Indonesia is one of the last great adventures left on the globe.
Indonesia is a nation that rebels against monotony. Each archipelago holds something new to explore, from the well-known tourist centres of Bali to the pristine beaches of Sulawesi, the tropical splendour of the Gili Islands, and the Komodo dragons of Rinca. Trek through rainforests and snorkel through coral reefs. Be immersed in more than 300 unique cultures spread throughout the islands, and bear witness to their vast array of traditional practices. Brush up on your bartering skills in the markets and enjoy some of the most flavourful cuisine the region has to offer. If it’s something new and exciting you’re looking for, then Indonesia will never disappoint.
Indonesia travel highlights

Encounter Komodo dragons on Rinca Island
While many visitors flock to Komodo Island to see this icon of the Indonesian wild, quieter Rinca Island offers a more natural experience. Join a local ranger and let the hunt begin.

Witness the radiant crater lake of Satonda Island
Sail to a tiny island off the north coast of Sumbawa and find a beautiful, water-filled caldera in its centre. A walk along the crater rim reveals one unforgettable vista.

Taste Lombok life with sarong weaving and nature walks
Rural life in Lombok is a relaxed affair. Before escaping to Sengiggi beach, enjoy a hands-on weaving workshop and a guided walk along the rice paddies.
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Articles on Indonesia
Indonesia holiday information
Indonesia Facts
Local culture of Indonesia
Geography and environment
Shopping guide to Indonesia
Indonesia Festival calendar
Food and drink in Indonesia
Further reading
Indonesia travel FAQs
• Australia: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
• Belgium: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
• Canada: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
• Germany: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
• Ireland: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
• Netherlands: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
• New Zealand: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
• South Africa: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
• Switzerland: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
• United Kingdom: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
• USA: No, not if staying for less than 30 days.
Note that while travellers from the countries listed above do not need to obtain a visa for visits less than 30 days, visa-free visits cannot be extended. If you are travelling to Indonesia for more than 30 days, you should apply for a visa before you travel. You can also purchase a visa on arrival. These can be extended for up to 60 days of travel within the country.
All visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of their arrival.
For the most up-to-date visa recommendations, we suggest contacting your local embassy.
In terms of weather, the best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season from May to September, as much of the rest of the year will come with monsoonal rains. Temperatures average between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius (73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round, with humidity as high as 70% to 90%. However, to escape the tourist surge, where hotel room prices can be increased by as much as 50%, July and August should also be avoided if possible.
Tipping is not compulsory, but often expected with good service. 10% is usually standard for hotels and restaurants, while US$0.50c (5000Rp) is often fair for smaller services such as taxi drivers, porters or those serving drinks on the beach. US$1 (10,000Rp) for these services is considered quite generous.
Internet speeds across Indonesia still vary dramatically, but cafes and restaurants in tourist areas will usually provide efficient Wi-Fi access, as of course will most hotels.
As long as you’ve enabled international roaming with your service provider you should have no trouble getting reception in Indonesia’s urban centres. Additionally, local SIM cards can be purchased for about US$0.50c (5000Rp) with cheap rates for international calls. Reasonably fast 3G data networks are found across the nation.
Toilets are very much dependent on where you are in Indonesia. The closer to a tourist centre you are, the more likely you are to find a toilet of the Western variety. At the other end of the scale, in more remote regions or places not frequented by travellers, you may find squat toilets. A good travellers’ tip is to carry your own toilet paper, as many toilets won’t have any, as well as hand sanitiser.
Coffee = US$2 (25,500 Rp)
Beer at a bar = US$1 (15,000 Rp)
Short taxi ride = US$4 (50,000 Rp)
Simple meal at a local restaurant = US$2 (25,000 Rp)
Dinner in a high-end hotel restaurant = US$10 (100,000 Rp)
These price estimates were last updated November 2017.
Water in Indonesia should be considered contaminated, and should be boiled or sterilised before drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Ice in drinks from restaurants and bars should be avoided. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.
Major credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist centres, but it’s best to carry cash in more remote areas.
ATM’s are widely available in populated tourist centres, but become less common further out from major cities. Some carry high bank fees, and others low withdrawal limits, so travellers should be cautious when using them.
This depends on where you are. Bali, for example, is known for being especially LGBTQI-friendly, with a large queer community, and Indonesia's transsexual community is internationally famous. However, same-sex couples travelling throughout Indonesia should follow the same precautions as straight travellers and avoid public displays of affection. This is especially important in conservative areas such as Aceh. Prominent Indonesian LGBT organisations include GAYa Nusantara (https://www.facebook.com/YayasanGAYaNUSANTARA/) and Gaya Dewata (www.gayadewata.com).
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or Smartraveller before you travel.
Yes. All Peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.
For more information on insurance, please go to Travel Insurance.
Jan 28: Chinese New Year
Mar 28: Hari Raya Nyepi (Hindu New Year)
Apr 14: Good Friday
Apr 24: Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
May 10: Waisak Day (Buddha’s Birthday)
May 25: Ascension Day
Jun 25: Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Aug 17: Independence Day
Sep 1: Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
Sep 22: Islamic New Year
Dec 1: Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
Dec 25: Christmas Day
Dec 26: Boxing Day
For a current list of public holidays in Indonesia go to https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/asia/indonesia/public-holidays/
It is recommended you visit your doctor or travel clinic for up to date advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.
Recommended vaccines
1. Hepatitis A (transmitted through contaminated water)
2. Hepatitis B (transmitted through blood and other bodily fluid)
3. Typhoid (transmitted through contaminated water)
4. Diphtheria (transmitted through person-to-person contact or contact with infected objects, such as a cup or tissue)
5. Tetanus (transmitted through infections to cuts or punctu