Indonesia holidays

A tropical paradise, a spiritual haven, an island of endless beauty — Bali promises an unforgettable escape and adventures to last a lifetime.

Bali’s underrated neighbour is a paradise in its own right, with tranquil beaches, plunging waterfalls and Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. Come fall in love with Lombok.

Indonesia’s capital refuses to be pinned down. Explore everything from Buddhist temples and gleaming skyscrapers to rooftop bars and some of the best street food stalls in the country.

As an island nation, it’s no wonder water sports are one of the best things to do in Indonesia. Surfers flock to Bali’s Kuta Beach, divers love Komodo National Park, and the Alas River is a go-to for whitewater rafting. Travelling with your family? Bali’s Tanjung Benoa is a great place to try banana boating and flyboarding.

Indonesian culture is deeply rooted in spirituality. This is reflected in the many mosques and temples scattered across the islands. Borobudur, in Central Java, is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. And Bali’s Pura Tanah Lot is famed for its sunset views. Pura Tirta Empul is another Balinese beauty with its sacred springs and ‘melukat’ purification ritual.

Home to 147 volcanoes — dozens of which are still active — Indonesia invites you to lace up your boots and embark on unforgettable treks. Central Java’s Mount Bromo is known for its striking sunsets. And Bali’s’ Mount Agung is said to be the home of the gods. For a real challenge, tackle Mount Kerinci, Indonesia’s highest volcano with panoramic Sumatra views.

One of the best beaches in Indonesia for nature and culture is Bali’s Suluban Beach. It’s home to limestone grottos, hidden caves and the Uluwatu Temple. And Pantai Merah’s pink sand beach on Komodo Island is a photographer’s dream at sunset. For beach parties without Bali’s Kuta or Seminyak crowds, try the Gili Islands’ Gili Trawangan.

Indonesia has a dizzying variety of natural wonders, from jungles and volcanoes to coral reefs and alpine lakes. Sumatra’s Lake Toba is the world’s largest volcanic lake, perfect for swimming and kayaking. Hike through lush highland greenery in the area around the impressive Sipiso-piso Waterfall. If you’re planning to dive, head to Wakatobi National Park for colourful reefs and marine wildlife.

The best restaurants in Indonesia invite you on a culinary adventure, from upscale dining to street eats and traditional ‘warung’ (small cafes) dishing up comfort food. You’ll find ‘nasi goreng’ (fried rice) and ‘rendang’ (stewed meat in spiced coconut milk) on many Indonesian menus. Have a sweet tooth? Don’t miss ‘dadar gulung’ (coconut pancakes).

The museums in Indonesia do a great job of teaching you about the local culture. Fashion geeks won’t want to miss the Danar Hadi Batik Museum in Solo, Central Java. And art lovers should make a beeline for the Neka Art Museum in Ubud, Bali. For a well-rounded tour of Indonesian history and culture, a stop at Jakarta’s National Museum of Indonesia is a must.

The best time to visit Indonesia is between April and October, when it’s warm and sunny, perfect weather for beach days and water sports. November to March is Indonesia’s rainy season. Travelling on a budget? Consider the shoulder seasons of March to May and October to November. Temperatures, crowds and prices are generally lower during these months.

A cheap holiday in Indonesia is doable. The average short taxi ride will run you about 25,000 Indonesian rupiahs (Rp), but getting around by bus is the best way to keep costs down. Find a cheap meal for as low as Rp30,000 and a coffee or local beer for under Rp38,000.