Indonesia Travel Guide : Bali Komodo Java & Islands

Selamat datang di Indonesia! Explore Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago nation, offering incredible diversity across its thousands of islands. Discover the spiritual culture, beautiful beaches, and lush rice paddies of Bali, marvel at the ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan on Java, encounter Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, relax on the idyllic Gili Islands off Lombok, trek through rainforests to see orangutans in Sumatra, or dive the pristine reefs of Raja Ampat. From volcanic landscapes to vibrant cultures and stunning marine life, Indonesia promises endless adventures. This guide covers essentials for UK travellers.

Visa Note: UK citizens typically qualify for **Visa on Arrival (VoA)** for tourism (usually 30 days, extendable once) or potentially visa-free entry for short stays (check current official regulations as these change). Ensure passport validity.

Safety Note: Be aware of natural disaster risks (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis). Petty crime occurs in tourist areas. Terrorism risk exists. Respect local customs, especially in conservative areas like Aceh. Check FCDO advice before travel.

Navigate this guide:

Best Time to Travel (By Region)
Getting There (Flights & Visa)
Top 10 Islands & Experiences
Accommodation in Indonesia
Why Book With Me?
FAQ About Traveling to Indonesia
Plan Your Indonesian Archipelago Adventure

Best Time to Travel to Indonesia (By Region)

Indonesia straddles the equator; climate varies but generally follows dry/wet seasons:

Dry Season (May to September): Generally the **best time to visit most popular regions** including Bali, Java, Lombok, Komodo/Flores, Sulawesi. Expect sunny days, lower humidity, less rain. Peak tourist season (especially July/August).
Wet Season (October to April): Higher rainfall and humidity, especially Dec-Feb. Travel still possible, landscapes lush, fewer crowds, lower prices (outside Christmas/NY). Rain often comes in heavy afternoon bursts. Diving conditions may vary. Some areas like Raja Ampat have opposite patterns (driest Oct-Apr). Sumatra experiences rain year-round but slightly less Jun-Jul.

Getting There (Flights & Visa from UK)

Main international gateways are SoekarnoÐHatta (CGK) in Jakarta (Java) and Ngurah Rai (DPS) in Denpasar (Bali).

Direct Flights from UK: Currently no direct flights.
Connecting Flights: Numerous options involve one stop via Middle Eastern hubs (Dubai – Emirates, Doha – Qatar Airways, Abu Dhabi – Etihad) or Asian hubs (Singapore – Singapore Airlines, Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia Airlines, Hong Kong – Cathay Pacific) to Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS).
Flight Times: Total journey time including connection is typically 15-20+ hours.
Visa Requirements: For tourism, UK citizens usually qualify for **Visa on Arrival (VoA)** at major airports like DPS/CGK (currently around IDR 500,000, allows 30 days, extendable once for 30 days) or potentially **visa exemption** for short stays (usually 30 days, non-extendable – check if currently active). Confirm latest requirements via official Indonesian immigration/embassy sources before travel. Passport must have 6 months validity and blank pages.
Internal Travel: Essential due to archipelago nature. Extensive network of domestic flights (Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air group, Citilink, AirAsia). Ferries (Pelni state ferries for long distances, local ferries for shorter hops) connect islands. Trains available on Java.

Top 10 Islands & Experiences in Indonesia

Bali:** Most famous island. Explore cultural heart Ubud (rice terraces, monkey forest, temples, yoga retreats), relax on beaches (Kuta/Legian/Seminyak – surfing/nightlife; Sanur – calmer; Uluwatu – cliffside temples/surfing), diving/snorkelling (Nusa Penida/Lembongan nearby, Amed/Tulamben wreck).

Best Hotels in Bali: Budget (Hostels in Kuta/Canggu/Ubud £8-£15/dorm), Mid-Range (Element by Westin Bali Ubud £80-£140), Luxury (Mulia Resort & Villas Nusa Dua £150-£300+; Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan Ubud £500+).

Bali for Families, Solo Travellers & Wheelchair Users: Caters to all. Families enjoy beaches/Waterbom park. Solos find yoga/surf/social scene. Accessibility varies hugely; some modern resorts accessible, but temples/rice fields/many areas challenging.

Top things to do Bali: Ubud Monkey Forest & rice terraces (Tegalalang), Uluwatu Temple sunset Kecak dance, Tanah Lot Temple, surfing Kuta/Canggu, relax Seminyak/Sanur beaches, yoga/wellness retreats.

Where to stay Bali: Ubud (culture/nature), Seminyak/Canggu (trendy, cafes, surfing), Kuta/Legian (busy, nightlife), Sanur (quieter beach resort), Nusa Dua (luxury resorts), Uluwatu (cliffs, surfing).
Java:** Most populous island. Visit Borobudur (UNESCO – world’s largest Buddhist temple near Yogyakarta), Prambanan (UNESCO – impressive Hindu temple complex near Yogyakarta), hike volcanoes Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen (blue flames – requires tour/guide), explore Jakarta (capital city).
Komodo National Park (Flores):** UNESCO site famous for Komodo dragons. Take boat trips (day or multi-day liveaboard) from Labuan Bajo (Flores) to see dragons on Komodo/Rinca islands, snorkel/dive vibrant reefs, visit Pink Beach, hike Padar Island viewpoint.

Access: Fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) from Bali or Jakarta.
Lombok & Gili Islands:** Lombok offers Mount Rinjani volcano trek (challenging), beautiful beaches (Kuta Lombok – south). Nearby Gili Islands (Trawangan – lively/party; Meno – quiet/romance; Air – balance) offer car-free relaxation, snorkelling, diving.

Access: Fly to Lombok (LOP) or fast boat from Bali to Gilis/Lombok.
Sumatra:** Large island known for rainforests and wildlife. See orangutans in Bukit Lawang (Gunung Leuser National Park), visit Lake Toba (huge crater lake), potential for volcanoes/surfing.
Raja Ampat (West Papua):** Remote archipelago considered one of the world’s best diving destinations due to incredible marine biodiversity and pristine reefs. Usually explored via liveaboard dive boats.

Access: Requires significant travel logistics (flights usually via Jakarta/Makassar to Sorong SOQ).
Sulawesi:** Uniquely shaped island. Known for Tana Toraja region (unique funeral ceremonies, traditional houses – ‘tongkonan’), Bunaken National Marine Park (diving near Manado), Togian Islands (remote beaches/diving).
Flores:** Island east of Komodo. Gateway to Komodo NP (Labuan Bajo). Offers Kelimutu volcano (three coloured crater lakes), traditional villages (e.g., Wae Rebo), diving Maumere.
Borneo (Kalimantan):** Indonesian part of Borneo. Explore Tanjung Puting National Park (orangutan rehabilitation centres, river boat trips – klotoks), Derawan Islands (diving).
Indonesian Cuisine:** Sample diverse flavours like Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), Satay (grilled skewers with peanut sauce), Rendang (spicy meat dish), Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce).

Accommodation in Indonesia

Huge range across the archipelago, excellent value generally:

Budget: Hostels, basic guesthouses (‘losmen’), homestays (£5-£20 dorm/basic room). Widely available.
Mid-Range: Comfortable hotels, bungalows, villas (especially Bali), boutique hotels (£20-£100).
Luxury: High-end international resorts, luxury villas with private pools (Bali/Lombok), upscale dive resorts, liveaboard boats (£100 – £500+).

Why Book With Me?

Indonesia’s vastness and diversity requires good planning. Travelistry creates your ideal archipelago adventure.

Personalised Service: Itineraries focused on Bali relaxation/culture, Java temples/volcanoes, Komodo dragons, diving Raja Ampat, Orangutan encounters, or island hopping combinations.
Expert Knowledge: Navigating visa options (VoA), booking reliable internal flights/ferries, choosing islands/regions based on interests/season, arranging Komodo/Orangutan tours.
Stress-Free Planning: We handle international/internal flights, accommodation (resorts, villas, lodges, liveaboards), key tours and activities.
Value for Money: Finding best value options across Indonesia’s generally affordable landscape (outside peak luxury).
Support: Assistance throughout your Southeast Asian island journey.

FAQ About Traveling to Indonesia

Do I need a visa to travel to Indonesia from the UK? UK citizens typically qualify for Visa on Arrival (VoA) for tourism at major entry points (fee applies, 30 days, extendable). A visa exemption (free, 30 days, non-extendable) might also apply – check the *absolute latest* official Indonesian Immigration rules before travel as policies change. Passport needs 6 months validity.
What is the currency? The currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It has many zeros! ATMs widely available in tourist areas. Credit cards accepted in hotels/restaurants/shops in popular areas. Cash needed for smaller vendors/transport/less developed areas.
Is Indonesia expensive? Generally very affordable for UK travellers. Bali can be slightly more expensive than other islands but still offers great value. Luxury resorts/diving trips (Raja Ampat) can be costly. Budget travel very easy.
Is it safe? Check FCDO advice. Generally safe in main tourist areas but be aware of petty crime (theft), scams. Respect local customs (dress modestly visiting temples/conservative areas). Be aware of natural disaster risks (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis – follow local advice). Terrorism risk exists but attacks infrequent recently. Road safety standards variable.
What language is spoken? Bahasa Indonesia is the official language and widely understood across the archipelago. Many local languages/dialects exist. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, especially Bali.