Imagine a landscape where rising volcanoes and giant craters give way to lush jungles, golden beaches and sapphire waters, and where cities are marked by ancient temples, mosques and monuments – if you can imagine that, you’ll be halfway to seeing the shape and soul of Indonesia.
If you’re hoping to explore this vast tropical archipelago, but are unsure where you should book your flights to Indonesia this year, we’re here to help! We’ve got a list of some of our favourite Indonesian destinations, along with a little advice on how to get there.
Find flight deals to Indonesia
Indonesia is a great destination for Aussies looking for a getaway, partially because you can always find cheap flights to Indonesia, and partially because no matter where you are in the country, the temperature doesn’t deviate much from the 26-28°C range. Meaning if you need to escape the cold, this is where you go.
Which cities in Australia can you get direct flights to Indonesia from?
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Adelaide
- Darwin
- Perth
- Cairns
You can book direct cheap flights to Indonesia from most major cities in Australia, but if you live outside of these points, there are excellent connecting routes that partner with larger carriers, like Garuda Indonesia or Qantas.
Direct routes from Australia are usually directed to Bali or Jakarta. Though you can also find nonstop flights to Lombok. All of the cities above operate flights to Bali, whereas flights to Jakarta typically depart from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
So where should I go in Indonesia?
Indonesia is huge, and holidaymakers can have any experience they wish here – whether they’re after a diving extravaganza, a relaxed beach break, a cultural smorgasbord, or an outdoor adventure. So when it comes to booking flights to Indonesia, here are some of our top picks that cover a few of those holiday wishes.
Flight deals to Bali
Bali has long been a beloved getaway destination for Aussies, and there’s a lot to love. This is a great all-rounder destination for first timers to Indonesia. For beach lovers there are the sands of Jimbaran Bay and Nusa Dua, or the lesser known and more pristine eastern coastline of Pasir Putih.
For families, Bali has water parks, animal sanctuaries and kids clubs, which are ideal for active kids and for parents looking to blend some family time with alone time. We recommend heading for the incredible Monkey Sanctuary in Ubud for a unique local experience everyone will enjoy.
For travellers looking for a mindfulness retreat or a fitness holiday, you’re also in luck. Ubud, Uluwatu and Canngu all have gorgeous yoga studios and programs that will suit everyone, from novices to old hands. Bali is also renowned in the fitness scene for having some of the world’s most amazing gyms – perfect for a holiday with a difference. Best of all, finding cheap flights to Bali is a cinch, as this is one of the most popular destinations in the country.
Flights deals to Jakarta
From the beachy vibes of Bali to theexciting cosmopolitan atmosphere of Jakarta, you’ll find that the Indonesiansensibility for hospitality and welcome is a national trait.
Jakarta is the place to be for thoselooking to shop and dine as well as explore the cultural heart of Indonesia bytouring the museums, galleries, palaces and temples. Shopping is amazing here,and you can duck into gleaming malls like the Taman Anggrek Mall, or throwyourself into the bustling scene of markets like Pasar Baru or the Jalan Surabaya Flea Market.
Go to the National Monument and theNational Museum for fantastic views of the city, and an insight into the country’shistory. Visit the wonderful Taman Mini Indonesia Inda, and then see theIstiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral. Lastly, it’s definitely worth takinga day trip to Pulau Seribu, also known as the Thousand Islands for a littlebeach time.
Jakarta is Indonesia’s capital, and there are a number of carriers that run direct flights to Indonesia from Australia, so you should be able to find cheap flights to Jakarta at any time of year.
Flight deals to Flores
Flying to Flores is for those travellerswho have always dreamed of seeing dragons. Just east of Komodo Island,travellers to this part of Indonesia can easily make their way to theincredible reaches of Komodo National Park.
This is UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of three larger islands and several smaller ones, and includes within its arms a marine park. Home to almost 6000 Komodo dragons on land, as well as populations of dugong, sharks, dolphins and whales in the sea, this is one of the most spectacular natural reserves in the world.
Book a holiday here and you’ll be able tobe guided to spots where you can see the famed dragons of Komodo laze in thesun, and dolphins breach the water to say hello. A once in a lifetimeexperience.
Getting to Komodo from Australia involves hopping on a connecting route, with flights to Flores typically diverted through Jakarta.
Flight deals to Lombok
Lombok is another paradaisical island, but it is less well known than Bali and therefore has a quieter, more secluded vibe. In particular, Lombok is ideal for couples honeymooning, as well as families, and divers.
For diving in this region you can’t dobetter than exploring the picturesque Gili Islands, where the waters are knownespecially for their sea turtles. The beaches here are also pristine, withturquoise waters and white sands.
For the outdoorsy, there is the summit ofMount Rinjani to conquer – this is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, andwhen you get to the top you’ll have a spectacular view of the Crater Lake.
Lastly, for honeymooners or familieslooking for some beach time, you’re spoiled for choice, with gorgeous stretcheslike Mawun, Tanjung Aan, and Selong Belanak.
Find direct flights to Lombok from Perth, or find affordable connecting flights to Indonesia with Skyscanner Australia.
Flight deals to Sorong
Divers will be in heaven…or rather, on the deep ocean floor. The dive sites off Raja Ampat are unreal, and considered to be among the most pristine in Indonesia. With Cape Cri being some of the most famous thanks to its staggering diversity – here you can see reef sharks, moray eels, seahorses, clown fish and many more underwater species.
But the dive sites in this part of theworld are vaunted not only for their untouched nature, but also their varyingpersonalities and attractions. See gliding Manta rays in Shadow Reef,barracuda and sea turtles in Four Kings, the sunken ship of Cross Wreck, andthe gorgeous technicolour coral gardens of Citrus Ridge.
As Raja Ampat is so pristine, you’ll discover to get there you will need to hop aboard flights to Jakarta first. With Skyscanner Australia you can turn your connecting route into a 2-for-1 holiday and spend a few days in the capital before winging your way to Sorong.
Flight deals to Yogyakarta
Jakarta’s sister city is in the south of Java and holds within the cradle of its arms some of Indonesia’s most important and iconic monuments. Close to the city you’ll find the pretty Ullen Sentalu Museum which celebrates Javanese culture, the gorgeous garden palace of Taman Sari, and the city palace, Kraton.
Culture vultures will need find themselvesoverwhelmed by the sheer majesty of Borobudur. This UNESCO Heritage Site is thelargest Buddhist monument in the world, and dates back some 1000 years. There’salso the UNESCO-listed Prambanan temple, an ancient Hindu complex of 240temples that mark the rise of the Hinduism in Indonesia.
There are natural attractions too. Visit the Kalibiru National Park, a lush forest complete with a wooden platform that overlooks the entire landscape. There’s also the Goa Jomblang cave, a huge sinkhole that has been made famous due to the shafts of heavenly light that illuminate the cave at noon. It’s hard to describe, but worth the descent!
How much are flights to Indonesia?
You can find flights to Indonesia as low as$134. All you need to do is type in yourorigin city in the search bar, and your preferred destination, and we will showyou the cheapest flights to Indonesia that are available on your selecteddates.
When is the best time to book flights to Indonesia?
If you are finding your dates are throwing up higher flight prices than you expected, Skyscanner Australia have a trick to help you snap up a bargain. Put in your origin and destination cities, and then click on the date bar. Press the Whole Month tab, and click on the Cheapest Month button, and we will show you when the cheapest flights to Indonesia depart.
Information is correct as of July 2019
