This guide provides all the essential information you need for a short-term trip to Indonesia. Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, ancient temples, lush rainforests, or stunning beaches, this checklist will ensure you have a smooth journey across Indonesia’s diverse islands.
🇮🇩 Welcome to Indonesia 🇮🇩
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, consisting of more than 17,000 islands, with Bali, Java, and Sumatra among the most well-known. It’s a land of incredible diversity, offering everything from bustling cities and ancient temples to pristine beaches and lush jungles.
The Essentials
Weather
Indonesia has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons:
- Dry Season (May to October) – The best time to visit, with temperatures averaging between 26°C to 31°C and minimal rainfall.
- Wet Season (November to April) – Expect heavy rainfall and humidity, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C. It rains mostly in the afternoon and evening, but mornings are usually sunny.
Money Matters
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, major hotels, and restaurants. However, it’s recommended to carry cash, especially when visiting rural areas or small islands.
- ATMs are common in cities, but can be limited on smaller islands
Top Tip – Tipping in Indonesia isn’t mandatory but is appreciated, especially in tourist areas. A small tip (IDR 10,000–50,000) for good service in restaurants, hotels, taxis, and spas is a nice gesture.
Language
Official Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Bali and Jakarta, but in more rural regions, knowledge of Indonesian or a translation app can be helpful.
Connectivity and Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and tourist areas, but it can be slow in rural areas and on some islands.
- SIM cards with data plans are easily available at airports and convenience stores. Providers like Telkomsel and XL Axiata offer good coverage
- An alternative to SIM cards are eSIMs, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that you can download on your phone and use for the duration of your trip click here to find out more information about my favourite eSim Provider Airalo!
Plug & Sockets
Indonesia uses plug types C and F, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. A universal adapter is recommended.
Safety and Emergency Numbers
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 118
- Indonesia is generally safe for tourists, but be cautious in crowded areas, and secure your belongings from petty theft. On the islands, it’s important to follow local customs and be respectful, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
Travel and Transport
Air
Indonesia has several international airports, with Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali) and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta) being the busiest. Other notable airports include:
- Juanda International Airport (Surabaya, Java)
- Kualanamu International Airport (Medan, Sumatra)
Domestic flights are a popular and convenient way to travel between the islands, with airlines like Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and AirAsia Indonesia offering frequent services.
Public Transport
Taxis: Taxis are common in cities like Jakarta and Bali. Apps like Grab and Go-Jek are also widely used for ride-hailing.
Ferries: Ferries are essential for island-hopping, especially in the Nusa Tenggara and Bali regions. Pelni operates the main ferry services across Indonesia’s islands.
Top Tip – Make sure to book your ferries as far in advance as possible as they tend to get booked up quite quickly, especially the more popular routes – such as Bali to the Gili Islands.
Bemos and Angkot: These are local minibuses that operate as shared taxis in many cities and rural areas. They are cheap but can be crowded and confusing to navigate.
Trains: Java has a good rail network connecting major cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya.
Car Rental
Renting a car or scooter is a popular option in tourist destinations like Bali and Lombok. However, roads can be challenging, so driving experience and caution are essential. International driving permits are required for tourists renting vehicles.
Food and Culture
Indonesia’s food scene is as diverse as its landscape, with flavours influenced by a mix of cultures. Whether you’re enjoying street food or dining in a restaurant, Indonesian cuisine offers something for every palate. Make sure to try out the below:
🍛 Nasi Goreng – Fried rice served with egg, prawns, chicken, and vegetables, often topped with fried shallots and accompanied by a side of pickles or fried crackers.
🍢 Satay – Grilled meat skewers, served with a rich peanut sauce. Satay can be found throughout Indonesia and is popular as street food.
🍜 Soto – A traditional Indonesian soup made with either chicken or beef, flavored with turmeric, lemongrass, and lime, and often served with rice.
🥥 Gado-Gado – A healthy Indonesian salad made of blanched vegetables, boiled eggs, and tofu, served with peanut sauce.
🍲 Rendang – A slow-cooked beef curry made with coconut milk and a blend of Indonesian spices, originating from Sumatra.
🍉 Fresh tropical fruits – Enjoy an abundance of tropical fruits like mangoes, durian, jackfruit, and snake fruit.
Top tip: Stick to bottled or boiled water in Indonesia, as tap water is generally not safe to drink.
Packing List
Here are a few essentials to bring for your trip to Indonesia:
🧴 Sunscreen and insect repellent – Protect yourself from the tropical sun and mosquitoes, especially in rural areas.
👕 Light, breathable clothing – The tropical climate means you’ll want lightweight and comfortable clothing.
🧢 Hat and sunglasses – Essential for shielding yourself from the intense sun.
🧣 Sarong or scarf – Useful for visiting temples where modest dress is required.
☂️ Rain jacket or umbrella – Handy during the wet season, especially for sudden tropical downpours.
👟 Comfortable walking shoes – For exploring cities, temples, and trekking in nature.
🧢 Adapter – Make sure to bring a universal adapter for the power outlets.
Useful Apps
📲 Grab – For ride-hailing and food delivery services across Indonesia. Download here.
📲 Go-Jek – Indonesia’s super-app for ride-hailing, food delivery, and various other services. Download here.
📲 Google Maps – For directions, public transport, and walking routes. Download here.
📲 Google Translate – For all your translation needs. Download here.
Indonesia offers a truly diverse travel experience, from the vibrant culture of Bali and the serene temples of Java to the adventure-filled islands of Sumatra and Flores. Whether you’re diving in crystal-clear waters, trekking through jungles, or enjoying delicious street food, Indonesia is a destination that leaves a lasting impression. Enjoy your adventure!
Safe travels and make sure to bookmark this page or send to your travel buddy!
Lizzieontour 
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