Luxury Indonesia Travel
Encompassing more than 17,000 islands, travel to Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating and diverse experiences. Explore immaculate green rice terraces, surf along rugged beaches, soak in volcano views at sunrise, or marvel at the world’s largest Buddhist temple complex. Indonesia travel can be as laid-back and contemplative or as lively and adventurous as you want.
Fascinating history and ancient spiritual and cultural traditions have shaped each island in the archipelago in unique ways. Discover these facets of local life through sacred rituals, the herbaceous, spicy flavors of time-honored dishes such as soto and rendang, and the rhythm of traditional Javanese music. Indonesia is also one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting wildlife destinations, and animal lovers will be drawn to safari-like experiences in untouched corners of Indonesian Borneo and Komodo National Park.
Accommodation in Indonesia is as dynamic as its landscapes and culture. Check into an architecturally striking property in Bali, fall asleep to the sound of the waves aboard a luxurious phinisi yacht, keep your toes in the sand at a beachfront villa, or venture into the heart of the rainforest on a river klotok.
What Is Indonesia Best Known For?
Indonesia’s deeply spiritual culture and history, combined with its spellbinding beaches and jungles, has drawn free spirits and adventurous explorers here for centuries. Home to over 600 ethnic groups with 700 different languages spoken across the islands, each with their own unique traditions, it’s an incredibly culturally rich destination.
Discovering the country’s spirituality is one of the most meaningful parts of travel to Indonesia. The archipelago is majority Muslim but select islands are unique in their religious practices. Explore sites such as the ancient wonder of Borobudur, a Buddhist temple that pre-dates Angkor Wat on the island of Java, and the smaller Hindu temples of Bali, including Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. Travelers might rouse to the sound of a Muslim call to prayer on Lombok and visit a family home in Sumba to learn about Marapu beliefs rooted in ancestral worship.
Indonesia is also known for its exquisite traditional handicrafts such as batik, ikat, and stone and wood carving, which you’ll get to witness firsthand in small rural villages.
Nature is intertwined with many experiences in Indonesia, whether that’s thrilling volcano treks, hikes to waterfalls, easy-going cycling through rural villages and green landscapes carved by rice terraces, or snorkeling and diving over vibrant coral reefs. You’ll often be escorted by endemic wildlife while spending time outdoors here, from spotting orangutangs in Borneo to marvelling at Komodo dragons in the animals’ namesake park. Indonesia’s wild beauty is a captivating part of a trip to the archipelago.
Indonesia Travel Highlights
- Experience the thrill of canyoning through Bali’s hidden ravines in the rugged, less-visited north of the island. Traverse waterfalls, natural pools, and cliffs draped in jungle vines on this fun, invigorating adventure.
- Stand in awe at Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple and an ancient spiritual and architectural wonder on the island of Java.
- Set sail on a luxury phinisi yacht, a traditional sailing boat with two masts, to explore the wild beauty of Komodo and Rinca. The islands are home to the legendary Komodo dragons, which you can spot sunbathing on shimmering pink sand beaches.
- Dive into hypnotic underwater world in the Wakatobi Islands. The archipelago is home to a UNESCO-designated national marine park that shelters vibrant coral reefs and an incredible array of marine biodiversity and is renowned for its pristine diving and snorkeling sites.
- In Borneo, cruise down waterways that wind through dense, mystical jungle aboard a traditional klotok riverboat, searching for elusive wild orangutans and other endemic wildlife.
- Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of less-visited Sumba, where rugged beaches, roaming horses, crystalline lagoons, thundering waterfalls, and traditional villages await discovery.
- Get lost in the vibrant streets of Yogyakarta, Java’s artistic and cultural center. Immerse yourself in the city’s traditions by taking part in gamelan, a traditional percussive music performance, and tasting local flavors in time-honored recipes.
- Cycle through Bali’s postcard rice paddies, winding past pristine green terraces and charming villages, and getting a feel for the island’s rural beauty and a slower way of life.
- Discover Menjangan Island on the far northwest side of Bali. Encounter wild deer and diverse birdlife in West Bali Barat National Park, then dive into the island’s crystal-clear waters to snorkel alongside colorful marine life.
- Slow down in southern Lombok, spending your days on pristine beaches and learning about local artisan traditions, including visits to traditional weaving and pottery villages.
What to Expect on a Luxury Trip to Indonesia
- Memorable Accommodations: Your home-away-from-home in Indonesia will be just as enchanting as the island itself. Retreat to a luxury tent hidden in the jungle of Ubud and spot roaming horses from a stunning beachside villa on the island of Sumba. Sail the remote reaches of the archipelago’s turquoise waters on a dreamy private yacht or wake to misty views of the world’s largest Buddhist temple complex at a Java retreat.
- Expert Guides: However you spend your time in Indonesia, you’ll have friendly and knowledgeable, English-speaking guides connecting you to the destination in a meaningful way, whether you’re temple or island hopping, cycling and hiking, or setting out on a sailing expedition.
- Exclusive Experiences: Every trip we design is bespoke, and we pride ourselves on giving you access to exclusive experiences tailored to the type of travel that resonates with you. Expect private tours, classes, or workshops, and excursions led by expert guides. Whether you’re an avid birder or wildlife enthusiast exploring Borneo’s rainforests, keen to learn about Balinese Hindu traditions, or ready to dive into the underwater paradise of Wakatobi, our expert guides will help you uncover the rich layers of each destination with their deep knowledge and expertise.
- Seamless, Worry-Free Travel: Navigating Indonesia’s islands by water and air often requires expert logistics and scheduling. Your Indonesia specialist will weave your trip together seamlessly, arranging all transfers, private drivers, and connections so you can simply enjoy the destination.
- 24/7 In-Destination Support: Our job doesn’t end when your boarding pass is printed. Extraordinary Journeys is always by your side while you’re traveling. We have reliable on-the-ground support, and a 24/7 concierge is just a phone call away.
Indonesia Travel FAQs
There is so much to see and do on Bali alone, you could easily spend two weeks on the island. However, twelve days is about the minimum you would want in order to experience a few Indonesian destinations without feeling too rushed. For a comprehensive trip that spans three or four islands and a range of experiences, 17 days is a sweet spot. (Daily flights don’t run between all of Indonesia’s popular islands so an itinerary must account for travel days.)
Most flights from the United States require a layover or stop in Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Taipei, Hong Kong, Qatar, or the Philippines.
Indonesia is generally a safe destination. Of course, it’s always good to practice common sense and situational awareness in busy urban centers. We recommend not wearing flashy jewelry or unnecessarily drawing attention to yourself as a traveler.
U.S. citizens require a visa to enter Indonesia, which you can apply for online in advance on travel. Fly with printed confirmation of your approved application and then receive the actual visa upon arrival. The visa is only valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so do not apply too early. There is also a custom declaration form that should be completed online up to three days before arrival.
Please note that Bali has introduced the Bali Tourist Tax (Bali Levy), effective from February 14, 2024. International tourists visiting Bali are required to pay IDR 150,000 ($9.69) per person before arrival through the Love Bali website or mobile app. This levy supports the preservation of Bali’s natural environment, culture, and tourism infrastructure. It aims to enhance tourists’ experiences while maintaining the island’s unique heritage. You can pay the tax in advance by filling out the details here.
There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Indonesia, however, we suggest you check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up-to-date recommendations, and discuss options with your healthcare professional.
Bahasa Indonesian is the official language of the country, however certain islands such as Bali have their own language, and on Sumba each village speaks their own dialect.
The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the official currency of Indonesia. 10 U.S. dollars is equivalent to roughly 163,000 rupiah.
Indonesia: Best Time to Travel
The dry season, from May to September, is considered the best time to travel to Indonesia, when you’ll enjoy sunny skies and lower humidity, and make the most of outdoor activities. Bali, Java, Lombok, Komodo (Flores), and Sumba in particular enjoy ideal weather during this period.
The wet season generally stretches from October to April across much of Indonesia, with November to February seeing the heaviest rainfall. During this time, spells of rain limit the enjoyment of outdoor activities and touring. For this reason, our Indonesia destination experts strongly discourage travel between November and February.
Where to Travel in Indonesia
Bali
As one of Indonesia’s main transit hubs, there’s a good chance your adventure will begin on the island of Bali. Although it’s Indonesia’s most popular island, that’s for good reason. Some of the country’s most beautiful beaches are here and you can still find quiet, atmospheric corners if you know where to look. Weave through the rice gardens and jungles of Ubud while discovering local traditional music and handicrafts, explore a renowned temple guided by a Balinese priest, and head to under-the-radar Tabanan for mountain hikes, waterfall dips, and a luxury retreat.
Java
Immerse yourself in Indonesia’s ancient spirituality, artisan traditions, and outdoor adventures on the island of Java. Explore Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple complex that pre-dates Angkor Wat, learning about ancient Javanese civilization and Buddhist philosophy. Go river rafting or embark on a cycling tour that stops at small villages where you’ll get a glimpse of local artisans and rural ways of life. End your stay here in Yogyakarta for a becak, or pedicab, journey through the city’s renowned street food culture.
Kalimantan (Borneo)
Indonesian Borneo is one of the last untouched regions on Earth. If you’re after an untamed wilderness adventure that takes you into the heart of the jungle, Borneo is unforgettable. Set sail on an immersive expedition on board a private chartered klotok boat and drift down remote, serpentine rivers in search of wild orangutans swinging through the misty trees. In Tanjung Puting National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you’ll get a look at orangutan conservation. One of the greatest joys of this journey, though, is simply soaking in the enchanting river scenery in a part of Indonesia that few see.
Lombok
Lombok is home to quiet stretches of platinum sand, vibrant snorkeling sites, and trekking and cultural encounters amidst rice fields and bamboo forests. In contrast to Bali’s Hindu traditions, the island is predominantly Muslim with the call to prayer ringing across villages and the coastline, lending a unique atmosphere within the country. In addition to spectacular scenery, you’ll spend time in rural villages to uncover centuries-old artisanal traditions.
Komodo National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a beautiful, wild adventure. The islands are home to the legendary Komodo dragon, rare, shimmering pink sand beaches, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in Indonesia. From your homebase on a private charter yacht, sail around the archipelago, stopping to trek across grassy savanna and up to mountain peaks at sunrise in search of spellbinding views and endemic wildlife. Below the ocean’s surface, snorkel over colorful coral reefs and alongside kaleidoscopic fish and graceful manta rays.
Sumba
The island of Sumba is still one of Indonesia’s least-visited destinations, often referred to as its last true wilderness. Here, time slows down to the pace of the horses that roam the beaches, and the life that unfolds across small villages where centuries-old traditions are still practiced. As uncharted as Sumba feels, it’s not without elegant properties. NIHI Sumba, a wellness and culinary beach sanctuary, is consistently voted one of the best hotels in the world by travel experts.
Sulawesi
In the Sulawesi region, explore the enchanting underwater world of the Coral Triangle. This vast marine region spans Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste, with at least 500 species of reef-building corals. It’s a diving and snorkeling paradise, and Wakatobi, a barefoot luxury resort that’s part of the Wakatobi archipelago, is its crown jewel. Whether you head out to the reef that’s right off the resort’s beach or embark on a boat trip farther afield, you’ll enjoy a state-of-the-art dive center along with a Private Dive Experience Manager—think of them as a dive butler—that will create a tailor-made underwater adventure.
Indonesia Travel Destinations On a Map
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