Travel to Indonesia — everything you need to know
When to go to Indonesia?
- April – October — Dry season (Bali) : Best time for Bali and the small Sunda islands (Lombok, Flores, Komodo). Calm seas and guaranteed sunshine.
- May – September — General dry season : The dry season extends across the archipelago (except Sulawesi). Ideal for diving in Raja Ampat and visiting Borneo.
- November – March — Wet season : Java and Bali get more rain but remain visitable. Northern Bali and Flores stay dry. Fewer tourists.
Weather in Indonesia
Check the weather city by city, starting with Jakarta.
- Bali: daytime highs from 29 to 32 °C depending on the season, 145 mm of rain per month on average.
- Jakarta: daytime highs from 31 to 33 °C depending on the season, 161 mm of rain per month on average.
- Yogyakarta: daytime highs from 30 to 32 °C depending on the season, 180 mm of rain per month on average.
- Lombok: daytime highs from 26 to 30 °C depending on the season, 149 mm of rain per month on average.
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What to do in Indonesia?
Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, spanning 17,000 islands. Bali, the island of the gods with its temples and rice terraces, Komodo and its dragons, Lombok and its untouched beaches, and the orangutans of Borneo come together in a country of breathtaking biodiversity.
Bali
The island of the gods, with its terraced rice fields (Tegallalang), Hindu temples (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu), surf beaches and artisan villages around Ubud.
Highlights : Tegallalang rice terraces, Tanah Lot temple at sunset, Uluwatu temple on the cliffs, Ubud — Bali's cultural heart.
Yogyakarta & Borobudur
Borobudur is the world's largest Buddhist temple (9th century), listed by UNESCO. 70 km away is Prambanan, an equally spectacular Hindu temple complex.
Highlights : Borobudur — Buddhist temple, Prambanan — Hindu temples, Kraton — the Sultan's palace, Mount Merapi (active volcano).
Komodo Island
Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards, live in this UNESCO national park. Unique pink beaches (Pantai Merah) and outstanding snorkelling.
Highlights : Komodo dragon, Pantai Merah pink beach, Komodo National Park, Manta Point — diving.
Raja Ampat
One of the world's best diving and snorkelling spots. Seventy-five percent of the planet's coral species live in these crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush karst islands.
Highlights : Wayag — aerial view over the karst islands, Pianemo — iconic viewpoint, Snorkelling at Arborek, Blue Water Mangroves (kayaking).
Lombok & Gili Islands
Lombok, less touristy than Bali, with the majestic Mount Rinjani and the Gili Islands, a car-free paradise for diving, snorkelling and nightlife.
Highlights : Trekking Mount Rinjani (3,726 m), Gili Trawangan — beach & nightlife, Gili Meno — sea turtles, Selong Belanak Beach.
Travel budget for Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the cheapest destinations in Asia. Prices have risen in Bali, but it remains very affordable. Java and the more remote islands are even cheaper.
- Backpacker : 20–40 €/j — Hostel + warungs + shared scooter
- Comfort : 60–110 €/j — Bali villa + restaurants + activities
- Luxury : 200 €/j+ — Private-pool villa + fine dining + private excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Indonesia
- Flight from Paris : ~13–14h with a layover (Singapore, Doha, Dubai)
- Visa : 30-day visa on arrival ($35) or online e-Visa
- Currency : Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) — ATM withdrawals recommended, cards not widely accepted
- Language : Indonesian (Bahasa) — English widely spoken in Bali and tourist areas
- Electricity : Type C/F — 220V (same as France)
- Mobile network : Very cheap local SIM (Telkomsel, XL)
- Tap water : Not drinkable — bottled water is essential
- Health : Hepatitis A/B and typhoid vaccines recommended; mosquito repellent advised (dengue)
Compare Indonesia with other destinations