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Indonesia Travel Guide

Discover the destination Culture and Discovery

The 7 reasons to go to Indonesia

Indonesia - 17,000 islands and as many reasons to go there. Whether you go to Indonesia for a romantic holiday, trekking, scuba diving or to discover the culture of the country, there is something for all tastes.

1
A culinary discovery
2
Admire the stunning and varied landscapes
3
Conquer the seabed
4
Meet the Indonesians
5
Let yourself be amazed in Ubud
6
Discover the magic of the Buddhist and Hindu temples
7
Climb the volcanoes

1. A culinary discovery

Each dish will ravish your taste buds. Travelling from island to island, you will discover Indonesian and local cuisine. Don't miss the Nasi campur (a tasting platter of the main Indonesian specialties), the gado gado (salad of vegetables and soybean sprouts), the krupuk (large crisps of shrimp or fish) or satay kebabs (chicken, pork or fish). But beware - Indonesian cooking is one of the spiciest in all Asia. To "put out the fire", you can accompany your dishes with rice or coconut milk. Those with sensitive palates should avoid them or ask for dishes without spices.

2. Admire the stunning and varied landscapes

Apart from its temples and culture, Indonesia is a real mosaic of landscapes. Admire the smoke from the volcanic crater at Mount Bromo in Java, stand in awe at the rice paddies of Jatiluwih in Bali, laze on the idyllic beaches of the Gili Islands in Lombok or set out to encounter orangutans in Kalimantan. In Indonesia, nature offers you its most beautiful treasures.

3. Conquer the seabed

Indonesia possesses stunning underwater biodiversity which can rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It's a paradise for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. You will find it hard to choose among the wreck of the USS Liberty in Tulamben in the east of Bali, the Gili Islands, Nesa Tengara between Flores and Komodo or Bunaken Island. Depending on the site, you will have the chance to see manta rays, ocean sunfish, coral valleys, silvertip sharks and turtles.

4. Meet the Indonesians

Composed of 1,110 ethnic groups and nearly 700 languages and dialects, Indonesia possesses a unique cultural diversity which delights budding ethnologists. You can set out to meet the Javanese and Malays in Java, the Sasaks in Lombok or the Ngadas in Flores. Each ethnic group has its own cultural specificities: beliefs, rituals, and social structures. But they all have one thing in common: a warm smile and unrivalled kindness.

5. Let yourself be amazed in Ubud

Visit Ubud for an immersion in the heart of Balinese culture. A city of unmatched wealth, it possesses many art galleries and a multitude of temples to discover. It is famous for its dance performances and it is impossible to miss out on this important aspect of the cultural and night life of Ubud. It is here that you will enjoy the best food in Bali.

6. Discover the magic of the Buddhist and Hindu temples

Indonesian temples represent the power of a culture and the importance of the beliefs of a whole people. Whether it is the Borobudur in Java, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Tanah Lot or the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan in Bali, or perched on a mountain top or at the water's edge, each temple sweeps the traveller away to a universe of spirituality.

7. Climb the volcanoes

With 150 volcanoes, Indonesia is the country that has the largest number and the highest density of active volcanoes in the world. It is possible to access most of them by a trek of one or several days, or by car. Among the most well-known volcanoes are Mount Bromo on Java, Mount Agung on Bali and Mount Rinjani on Lombok. You can see smoke streaming from their craters. Nothing is more astounding than a sunrise or sunset with view on a volcano.

Discover the destination

Why go to Indonesia?

A real mosaic of different regions, Indonesia counts 17,000 islands on the ring of fire! All these jewels set in the middle of the Indian Ocean will not fail to win your heart. Here is what you need to know before leaving on a trip to Indonesia.

We advise you if...

You love scuba diving and snorkelling
You have a small holiday budget
You dream of seeing Komodo dragons
You want to visit a country where 300 different languages and 6 official religions coexist!
You want to admire a patchwork of landscapes during a single trip: rice paddies, volcanoes, temples, acid lakes, beaches...
You are a fish lover: take advantage of the price per kilo at the beach!

When to go in Indonesia?

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The best time to visit Indonesia is the dry season, which lasts from May to October. In the month of July, the country is invaded by Indonesian tourists, while European tourists visit the country in July and August. So, prefer the months of May, June and September to discover Indonesia away from the crowds. The temperatures are between 22 and 34 degrees, which makes the island a perfect destination if you looking for some heat.

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What to see in Indonesia?

Top places to discover.

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Prepare your departure to Indonesia

Indonesia's temples, jungles and paradisaical beaches make it a country that numerous tourists dream about. So here is some advice so you can be properly prepared for your journey.

What documents do you need to travel to Indonesia?

For a trip to Indonesia of less than 30 days, entering through specific air and seaports, British citizens do not need a visa. If you request a visa from the Embassy it will be for 30 days and can be renewed once, for a further 30 days. If you decide you need a visa when you arrive you can get one at the airport which is also valid for 30 days. In this case you should join the "Visa on arrival" queue and will have to pay $35. This visa can be renewed for a further 30 days at any immigration office. For more information, consult the government's website.

Health advise

Before a trip to Indonesia you should take out health and repatriation insurance. There is malaria in Indonesia so you should use mosquito repellent and wear clothes that protect you from insect bits. You should also take an anti-malaria treatment before, during and after your stay.

Make sure your DTP vaccination is up to date, and vaccinations against typhoid, and Hepatitis A and B are recommended.

Don't drink tap water. Use bottled water to avoid problems. You should also avoid eating raw fish or meat.

Finally, if you do have to go to hospital then choose a private one.

Language

Indonesia's official language is Indonesian or Bahasa Indonesia.

Time difference

There are three time zones in Indonesia. So, depending on the region, the time is between 7 and 9 hours ahead of the UK. for example, in winter if it is noon in London it is 7 p.m. in Jakarta, 8 p.m. in Bali and 9 p.m. in Jayapura.

Phone and internet connection

The international telephone code for Indonesia is +62 To keep your communication costs low I recommend buying a prepaid card from a telephone shop.

In big cities and tourist sites, or if you are staying in a big hotel, you shouldn't have too much trouble getting an internet connection, On the other hand in the small villages it will be difficult, if not impossible, to connect to the internet.