Search Holidays in Indonesia Online
Known as the Land of a Thousand Islands, Indonesia lies in the tropics across the Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia, washed by the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The population is more than 245 million, and the official language is Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia).
Climate in Indonesia
Temperatures stay between +26°C and +33°C year-round, with the sea at around +26°C. Constant breezes make the heat easy to handle. It's noticeably cooler in the mountains, worth bearing in mind if you're booking a trip up-country. The country has two seasons: dry (June to November) and wet (November to March). The dry season sees the most visitors, since temperature and humidity are at their most comfortable, and it's also the best time for diving.
Book a trip during the wet season and you can still enjoy a great holiday. Rain mostly falls early in the morning or at night, with sunny days in between. Weather in Indonesia is least predictable in March and October, when the seasons turn over, strong winds pick up and sunshine and thunderstorms can alternate several times a day. This is considered the best time for surfing.
Beaches and Attractions in Indonesia
As an archipelago nation, Indonesia is in a sense one long stretch of coastline, but the best-known beaches with the most developed tourist infrastructure are on the islands of Bali and Lombok. On Bali, visit Ubud, an arts hub that has grown into a laid-back resort town in recent years. Just outside town is the Monkey Forest, a must for most visitors — the macaques that live there have no fear of people, and every visitor gets checked for anything edible. Bali is also home to Goa Lawah Temple, famous chiefly for its bat cave.
Also worth seeing is the celebrated Buddhist temple complex of Borobudur on the island of Java. On the same island, near Mount Merapi, stands the Hindu-Buddhist temple complex of Prambanan. Indonesia's cultural hub, the city of Yogyakarta, is home to plenty more fine monuments and temples. On Lombok, visit Mayura Water Palace, set among gardens and pools in beautiful surroundings.
Entry Requirements
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality — check the rules for your passport before you book. On arrival you'll need to show your passport, an immigration/arrival card, your tourist voucher, a return ticket and proof of payment of the tourist tax. Immigration card forms are usually handed out on the plane. Part of the card is taken at passport control and the other part is returned to you — don't lose it, or you won't be able to leave the country until you sort out replacement paperwork.
Currency in Indonesia
The local currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Money can be exchanged at the many exchange points found at every resort and in almost every hotel. Not all foreign currencies can be exchanged everywhere, so it's worth bringing US dollars or euros. Exchange rates move, so check the current rate before you travel — it takes thousands of rupiah to make one dollar.
Good to Know Before You Go
Planning to rent a car or scooter? Indonesia drives on the left. Before booking your trip online, check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations, since this is a tropical country.
