Indonesia
6° 12′ 59” S, 106° 50′ 48” E
Capital
Jakarta
Language
Bahasa Indonesia
Currency
Indonesian rupiah
Flight time
+/- 15.5 hours
The country of Indonesia
Indonesia is one of our favourite destinations. It consists of more than 17,000 islands, the most famous of which are Sumatra, Java and Bali.
This country is known for its cultural diversity, white sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes, ancient temples and tropical forests. In addition, Indonesian cuisine is very popular, with dishes such as nasi goreng and satay.
In other words it is highly recommended. Read our blogs and go prepared for your trip!
Travel advice for Indonesia
Indonesia has a positive travel advisory and is a safe country to travel through. We have been there several times now and have always had a positive experience. However, there are some areas that are better to avoid.
- A number of volcanoes are subject to a red travel advisory namely: Merapi, Marapi, Anak Krakatau, Semeru, Karangetang and Ruang. This means you should not travel to these places.
- In addition, it is not recommended to travel to the provinces of Papua, Papua Highlands, Central and South Papua.
As the security situation can always change, we recommend that before you leave current travel advice check.
Best travel time for Indonesia
Indonesia has two main seasons, the dry season and the rainy season.
- Dry season: May to October
- Rainy season: November to April
The best travel time is, of course, the dry season. However, it can vary slightly from island to island but in general, the dry season runs from May to October. This is at the same time the ideal time for diving and therefore also the tourist high season. Read more about the best travel time at the bottom of this page!
Visa for Indonesia
If you travel to Indonesia with a Dutch or Belgian passport, you will need a visa. There are several ways to arrange this:
- Visa on arrival: You can still purchase a Visa on Arrival at the airport in Indonesia. This visa is valid for up to 30 days and costs 500,000 Indonesian rupiah (about €28). Pay by credit card or cash (note that ATMs are often available on arrival). Keep in mind that there can be long queues.
- Online applications (e-VOA): You can also now apply for the Visa on Arrival in advance digitally via the official Indonesian government website: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/. This will save you waiting time at the airport. After approval, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail, which you can show upon arrival in Indonesia.
- Apply online through Visa365: Do you prefer a Dutch party to arrange this for you and guide you in case of questions or problems? Then you can also apply for your visa via Visa365. They charge a service fee, but you get extra security and support in return. Apply for your visa to Indonesia through Visum365 here.
Important:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival.
- The visa can be extended once for another 30 days at an immigration office in Indonesia.
For the most up-to-date information and official applications, consult the website of the Indonesian immigration service or NetherlandsWorldwide.
Vaccinations for Indonesia
When planning your trip to Indonesia, you should consider the following vaccinations:
- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio)
- Hepatitis A (infectious jaundice)
These vaccinations are recommended when travelling for less than a month. If you are travelling from a country where yellow fever is prevalent, you should also be vaccinated for this. In addition to these vaccinations, malaria tablets are also recommended for some areas. Always check the up-to-date vaccinations information so that you are up to date with the latest developments.
Daily budget for Indonesia
Prices in Indonesia are a lot lower than in the Netherlands. This has made it the ideal destination for budget travellers for years. Of course, you can make it as crazy as you want.
We have been to Indonesia several times now and spend on average around €40 per person per day (excluding flights and including boat, taxi and bus transfers). The amounts below are therefore realistic to stick to as a daily budget.
| Budget Traveller | €15 - €25 p.p. |
| Traveller | €25 - €45 p.p. |
| Traveller + | €45+ p.p. |
Indonesia blogs
Indonesia
Indonesia, a destination visited by many every year and an absolute favourite! Discover this vast and diverse country, where thousands of islands combine to create a unique experience. With over 17,000 islands to explore, Indonesia offers a mix of jungles, spectacular volcanoes, vibrant markets and beautiful beaches. Whether you're looking for cultural sights, adventure activities, or just want to relax on an idyllic island, Indonesia has something for everyone.
Why choose Indonesia?
Indonesia has a rich culture, diverse landscapes and friendly people. Each island offers a unique experience and you will never be bored. The impressive history and cultural diversity make for unique traditions, lively festivals, and delicious cuisine. Taste local specialities like nasi goreng and satay, and discover ancient temples and historical sites.
Indonesia is also known for its spectacular nature, with lush jungles, active volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. This makes it an ideal destination for adventure travellers and nature lovers. Last but not least; the country is perfect for travellers on a tighter budget.
In short, Indonesia is a destination that has something to offer everyone. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culture, or a combination of all. What are you waiting for? Discover this magical country and make memories for life! Have any questions or would you like more information? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or contact us at Instagram.
How to plan your trip to Indonesia
Check out our blogs for the best tips to plan your ultimate trip to Indonesia! This fascinating country offers unprecedented diversity, from lush jungles to spectacular volcanoes, vast rice paddies and beautiful beaches. Whether you want to explore ancient temples, stroll through the lively streets of Jakarta, or relax on the beach, Indonesia has something for everyone.
Our aim is to make planning your trip to Indonesia a lot easier and more fun. Therefore, in our blogs we share practical tips on the best time to travel, which islands to visit and which activities not to miss. Want to surf, dive or just relax? We have it all figured out for you.
Could you use some help organising? Check out our Travel journal where you can easily keep track of your budget, activities, favourites restaurants and excursions.
Transport in Indonesia
In Indonesia, there are plenty of options to get from A to B relatively cheaply. In both the big cities and the countryside, there are various transport options to special places and sights. Almost all over Indonesia they have made it incredibly easy for tourists and you can buy entire packages. This is not always the cheapest option but often the fastest!
Arrival in Indonesia
Arrange pick-up in advance: We actually always recommend this because when you arrive at the airport, you are not waiting for dozens of shouting taxi drivers and price negotiations. Most hotels and hostels have a pick-up service (€18 - €22 per ride). You often pay a bit more, than if you go by taxi, but there will be someone with a nameplate waiting for you, ideal!
Grab: Another op way is to book a Grab when you arrive at the airport. This is the ideal way to get to your hotel quickly, cheaply and easily. The only downside is that to do this, you need instant internet or depend on the people at the Grab pick-up location.
Public transport: Do you want to take public transport? Then keep this in mind when booking a flight ticket. This option may not be available in the evening.
Transport in Indonesia
We recommend that you use a own scooter hire a car, as this is the ideal way to get around. Although this might not be the most suitable option on all islands, it does give you all the freedom to go wherever you want! Besides, it is not expensive and you can rent a scooter (around €5 a day).
Tip: Take an international driving licence with you. This is easy to apply for at a ANWB shop in your area. You may be picked out during a traffic control. If you do not have an international driving licence, chances are you will be fined!
Public transport in Indonesia
Train: On several islands like Java, the train is one of our favourite means of transport. You can cover large stretches in a cheap way and you see fantastic views right away. You have the choices of several classes. Booking a ticket in advance is definitely recommended, you can do this easily via 12Go.Asia or Tiket.com.
Bus: Both within cities and for longer distances, this is an easy way to get around. These rides are cheap and easy to arrange locally. However, you will often be on the road for a long time as the distances in Indonesia are long. Booking a ticket in advance is definitely recommended, you can do this easily via 12Go.Asia
Boat: To travel between islands, you can take a boat. This is especially around Bali, Lombok and Flores a good option. Safety is still an issue though. The quality of the boats is not always good, so always check the reviews of a boat company and with bad weather, choose to leave on another day. Tickets can be bought at the local port or online via 12Go.Asia
Best travel time for Indonesia
Indonesia has a year-round tropical climate and has two main seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. The best travel time is hard to pinpoint. The country is far too big for that. However, the months May to October labelled as best travel time. The least precipitation falls during this period.
- Dry season: May to October
- Rainy season: November to April
Dry Season (May-October): In the dry season, there is little rain and you can expect lots of sunny days. It is the ideal time to explore the breathtaking landscapes and beaches. In addition, it is the perfect period for climbing volcanoes and spotting wildlife. Just keep in mind that these months are very busy and prices are higher. This is because the dry season coincides with the Australian winter and European summer holidays, attracting for Bali and the surrounding islands many travellers.
Rainy season (November-April): You can expect the occasional heavy downpour during this period, but don't let this stop you. The whole country turns green during this period, making it a fantastic time to travel. Besides, the period is ideal for people on a smaller budget as the temperature is still pleasant and there are fewer tourists.