Indonesia Guide
Indonesia Guide
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago with thousands of islands. Discover incredible culture, unspoiled nature, or simply stay in the water.
Looking for a family vacation, honeymoon, or trek in a true corner of paradise? What you need is a trip to Indonesia , one of the countries you should visit at least once in your life. It’s hard to forget Indonesia and its lush landscapes, clear waters, impressive volcanoes, ethnic diversity, the smiles of its people, and so much more. Here’s something to make you want to pack your bags.
Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world
Besides Cambodia , Vietnam and Singapore , Indonesia is also one of the must-see destinations in Southeast Asia . It is the largest archipelago in the world, located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Although the country is located mainly on the continent of Asia , its other territories are located on the continent of Oceania . It has a chain of more than 18,000 islands spread over an area of 2 million km².
Indonesia ‘s neighboring countries are Malaysia , East Timor , and Papua New Guinea . Its major cities are the capital Jakarta , Surabaya , Bandung , Semarang , Medan , Palembang , and Makassar . According to a 2021 census, it now has a population of nearly 275 million, making it the fourth most populous country in the world. Jakarta , the capital of Indonesia , is located on Java , the country’s largest island. Java is also home to almost half of Indonesia’s population, making it the most populous island in the world.
Indonesia, the second most biodiverse area on the planet
Due to its rich flora and fauna, Indonesia enjoys the status of the second most biodiverse region in the world, after Brazil . Its forests, which cover 60% of the territory, are home to numerous animal species. As far away as Bali , in the east of the country, for example, there are significant numbers of rhinoceroses, tigers, orangutans, leopards and elephants.
Indonesia has 47 different major natural ecosystems. It is also home to 17% of the planet’s species, including 12% of mammals, 37% of fish, and 11% of flowering plants. It is also notable for its wide variety of marine and coastal ecosystems. These mainly consist of dunes, beaches, mangroves, estuaries, coral reefs, and mudflats.
Description of Indonesia
Area : 1,919,440 km² (the 16th largest country in the world by area)
Population : 275 million inhabitants (in 2021)
Capital : Jakarta
President of the Republic : Joko Widodo
Main cities : Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang, Medan, Palembang and Makassar
Official language : Bahasa Indonesia
Currency : Indonesian Rupiah (1 € = 16,500 IDR)
Why travel to Indonesia?
Indonesia is considered the best family destination because it offers many sightseeing opportunities that will please everyone.
Indonesia, a multicultural nature destination
The country attracts tourists with its beaches, coconut trees, and almost always-present sunshine. It is particularly renowned for the quality of its infrastructure, the beauty of its beaches, and the diversity of its seaside activities. If you particularly enjoy visiting seaside resorts, head to Bali .
Indonesia is far from just a beach destination. It’s also known for its cultural diversity. Nearly 1,110 ethnic groups live here in perfect harmony, speaking nearly 700 languages. This means that a stay in Indonesia is not only about relaxing, but also about discovering. Meet the locals and immerse yourself in the country’s culture. Indonesians are welcoming, kind, and courteous.
Not to mention the country and its flora and fauna, which are truly worth a detour. If you’re a big hiking enthusiast, take advantage of your trip to Indonesia to visit Bali or another island in the archipelago. These places are true slices of paradise.
Indonesia and its gastronomic specialties
It’s impossible to spend a trip to Indonesia without enjoying its culinary specialties. What sets them apart is their spicy and colorful flavors. They can also vary from one island to another. Among the most popular dishes among visitors and locals alike, we can mention:
Nasi Goreng , the national dish: it is made with fried rice, garlic, shallots and Kecap Manis, the local soy sauce. Enjoy it with meat, egg, fish or even shrimp;
Rendang , the emblematic dish of the island of Sumatra : this dish, which also marks the cuisine of the Philippines and Malaysia , is made up of pieces of beef and spices. You can accompany it with a pressed rice cake, white rice or even sticky rice;
Babi Guling , a Balinese specialty made with roasted pork;
Kali Santang, a traditional dish from the Batang region consisting of fried fish, coconut rice and spices;
Gado Gado , a vegetarian dish of Javanese origin: it is made with spicy vegetables and a peanut sauce.
What are the activities and places of interest in Indonesia?
There’s no shortage of things to do in Indonesia : hiking, beachcombing, meeting Komodo dragons , visiting mosques, temples and churches, climbing volcanoes during the day or at sunrise. Adventure can be enjoyed solo, with family or friends.
Bali, the island of the gods
This impressive island of 5,637 km² is located in the south of the country, or more precisely between the islands of Java and Lombok . Bali is part of the Sunda Islands . It is unimaginable to visit Indonesia without visiting this small Hindu enclave combining charm and wealth.
Its exceptional beauty, serenity, and art of living make it a very popular destination. Take your time; the island of Bali is to be discovered in depth. Visit its unspoiled beaches in the north, its two main volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur , its rice terraces in Jatiluwih , and its sacred temples.
The city of Yogyakarta
For an unforgettable holiday in Indonesia, you can’t miss the city of Yogyakarta . This prestigious and rich city is located in the region of the Merapi volcano , on the ancient kingdoms of Borobudur and Prambanan . Immerse yourself in this creative and cosmopolitan city to admire its artists’ studios, the former sultan’s palace and the sumptuous flower gardens.
The city of Amed
This very steep coastline located at the northeast tip of Bali is a must-visit for those with an adventurous spirit. Start your visit with a stroll through the village streets stretching for about fifteen kilometers.
We assure you that authenticity is the order of the day. In these villages, pigs roam freely, chickens here, goats there. In addition, the joviality and politeness of the locals will warm your heart. To continue your day, visit one of the cafes overlooking the sea or stroll along the black sand beach.
Gili Air Island
We now take you to discover the three famous coral atolls in the Gili Islands , off the coast of Lombok and Bali . These three Gili Islands are: Gili Trawangan , Gili Air and Gili Meno . The first island has a small hill that offers a breathtaking view of the other two islands.
For a change of scenery, then take a walk around the freshwater lake of Gili Meno .
Good to know : Travel within the atolls is not by car, but rather by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage or on foot.
Penida Island
This picture-postcard island is located off the coast of Bali . It amazes with its white sand beaches, super-friendly locals and clear blue waters. When you visit Penida Island , don’t forget to visit the remote village of Tanglad , a true haven of peace. As for activities, you can go snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, a boat trip and more.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa . This natural wonder is particularly renowned for its extraordinary seabed and numerous islands. To discover the famous Komodo dragons , head to the mountainous islets of the park. These are immense monitor lizards. They are emblematic animals of Indonesia, found nowhere else.
To better explore the wonders of Komodo National Park , take a multi-day cruise from Labuan . The adventure takes you to discover other mysterious islands, such as Padar and Rinca .
Our favorites
Here are some other places that might appeal to you:
- Sulawesi is located northeast of Bali. The region is known for its beautiful landscapes of rice terraces, its houses with unusual architecture, and its preserved traditional culture;
- Sumatra , which appears to be the most authentic destination in the country. The large island attracts tourists with its wild nature and lush vegetation. The latter is the refuge of orangutans. Also discover tribal cultures, such as those of the Batak people of Lake Toba ;
- Jakarta , located on a marshy plain at the northwest tip of the island of Java . Indonesia’s capital city is full of interesting places to visit, such as the National Museum, the Jalan Jaksa district, and the markets and restaurants of Chinatown.
How to visit Indonesia?
To travel to Indonesia , you can arrive by plane in Bali or Jakarta . Travel by water is also possible, from Singapore or Malaysia . Traveling to Indonesia by land can also be done via East Timor , Kalimantan or Papua .
Despite these various options, flying remains the most convenient and fastest means of transportation. The country is served by numerous airlines. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from France . A flight with a stopover from Paris to Jakarta can take you from approximately 18 to 20 hours. As for the price of a round-trip plane ticket, expect to pay between €450 and €1,000, depending on the season.
Transportation in Indonesia
There are several options for getting around Indonesia . To better organize your trip, it is best to choose your transportation solution in advance:
By plane
This option allows travel between several islands, some more distant than others. It should be noted that the country has numerous airports. There are also many airlines that operate locally.
By train
Since Indonesia is a former Dutch colony, it inherits an extensive train network . One of the advantages of traveling by train is that it allows you to admire the beauty of the landscapes. What’s more, this option is less expensive.
By boat
The most convenient way to reach the islands is by boat . You can choose between speedboats, ferries, and cruise ships.
By car
Choose car travel if you’re looking for comfort and safety. This option also ensures complete freedom of movement. Road conditions can be chaotic at times.
So, how do you get around Indonesia by car ? You can rent a car. There are many rental agencies. Note that the price of renting a car in Indonesia is around €35 per day .
By taxi
Taxis are available in most Indonesian cities. This means of transportation is less expensive. A little tip: when taking a taxi, make sure it has a meter and that it works before getting in. This helps avoid a price being set arbitrarily by the driver.
In becak
The becak is a type of pedicab, with or without a motor. It is one of the most common means of transportation in the country. It is chosen for short journeys. Here too, before getting on, don’t hesitate to negotiate the price.
Climate and weather in Indonesia
The Indonesian archipelago enjoys a humid tropical climate. It has two seasons: the dry season, which occurs between May and September, and the rainy season, which occurs between April and October.
The climate of the main Indonesian islands
Sumatra , Java , Borneo , and the other major Indonesian islands have a humid climate. Jakarta , in particular, has almost constant rain. Rainfall only decreases during the dry season. In Java , rain falls almost every day during the wet season.
The climate of the small Indonesian islands
The climate of the smaller Indonesian islands is drier than that of the regions mentioned above. For example, there is less rain in the Lesser Sunda Islands. The weather is even dry in the islands of Timor and Sumba . In these regions, the dry season usually begins in May and ends in November. Temperatures are pleasant throughout the year.
The climate in Bali
Similar to the climate of the smaller islands of Indonesia , Bali ‘s climate is also characterized by relatively low rainfall. In addition, temperatures remain pleasant all year round.
When to go to Indonesia?
The ideal time to travel to Indonesia depends on the season and the activities you plan to do once you arrive. Keep in mind that the country enjoys pleasant weather between July and October. So, don’t hesitate to plan your trip during this period to explore the country in optimal weather conditions.
If visiting Java is on your agenda, consider a trip between June and September. This allows you to avoid the rainy season between January and December. Finally, swimming is possible year-round in Indonesia, as the sea temperature remains at room temperature.
Clothes to take away
When packing your suitcase, remember to choose your clothes carefully . Wear one or two sarongs to act as a pareo if you plan to visit churches, temples, or mosques. They are also worn for swimming in certain places.
Please note that in Indonesia , beachwear is only worn on the beach. When you travel, always wear appropriate clothing to respect your guests. To do this, choose loose, long clothing. In the evening, these also protect you from mosquitoes.
Finally, regarding footwear, opt for a pair of hiking boots for climbing volcanoes. For walking in the rice fields, wear sandals.
Good to know
Religion in Indonesia
Islam is the most widely practiced religion in Indonesia . 87% of the population is Muslim. The rest are Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, and Confucians. In Bali , 80% of the population is Hindu .
Time difference in Indonesia
Indonesia’s territories span two time zones:
In Java, Kalimantan and Sumatra : in summer: +5h in summer and +6h in winter (Greenwich Mean Time)
In Lombok, Bali, Sulawesi, Sumba, Flores and Sumbawa ; +6 hours in summer and +7 hours in winter (Greenwich mean time)
Customs and traditions in Indonesia
Indonesians smile at you when you pass them. They are also courteous and tolerant. Be aware, however, that certain gestures are considered rude. For example, avoid eating with your left hand, touching a child’s head, pointing, shaking hands with a member of the opposite sex, or placing your hands on your hips. When entering temples and mosques, make sure your legs and arms are covered. Also, remove your shoes at the entrance.
Unusual places in Indonesia
During your stay in Indonesia , don’t forget to explore the country’s most unusual places. These include, for example:
Borobudur Temple in Java
Just a short walk from the city of Yogyakarta lies one of the region’s historical relics. This is the Borobudur Temple , a monument built between the late 8th and early 9th centuries, during the Sailendra Dynasty . It was abandoned for several centuries, then rediscovered in the 19th century. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Millions of tourists visit it every year.
Lake Toba in Sumatra
Be amazed by Lake Toba , considered the largest lake in Southeast Asia . Located 175 km from Medan , this natural wonder is 100 kilometers long and 35 kilometers wide. For a true moment of relaxation and a change of scenery, come and recharge your batteries. Located at an altitude of 900 meters, this crater lake is bordered by mountains and magnificent landscapes.
Lorentz National Park in Papua
For an unforgettable vacation in Indonesia , don’t forget to add Lorentz National Park to your list of places to visit . Located in the province of Papua along the Pegunungan Mandala massif , this site is one of the largest national parks in Southeast Asia . It covers an area of 25,056 km². What makes it unique is its unique ecosystem in Asia Pacific , with its tropical forests, mangroves, and glaciers.
