written by
Joanne Owen
updated 12.02.2025
Comprising 17,000+ islands, Indonesia is a dream destination for many kinds of travelers, with its extraordinary landscapes encompassing majestic mountains, tropical rainforests and out-of-this-world-beautiful beaches. Add to that a bounty of ancient temples, incredible food, and opportunities for adventure, and it’s clear why organizing trips to this magical nation can take some effort, which is where this guide to how to plan a trip to Indonesia will come in handy.
When to do this: at least 6 months before your trip
A key point to make at the outset of this deep dive into how to plan a trip to Indonesia is to give yourself plenty of time to do bigger-picture research that’ll inform your firm plans.
At this early stage, while it's worth taking inspiration from the best things to do in Indonesia, it’s wise to set some basic parameters for your trip.
First factors to consider when planning a trip to Indonesia
The first step of how to plan a trip to Indonesia starts with looking at the bigger picture © Shutterstock
When deciding when to go to Indonesia, on balance, the best time to visit is in May, June and September.
And the reasons? These are shoulder-season months of the dry season, which means minimal rainfall and smaller crowds than you’ll see in the peak tourist season that falls between June and August.
You’ll find the smallest crowds and lowest costs through the October-May wet season, with rain at its heaviest in December and January. As a result, this is not a good time to visit if you plan to explore rainforests and mountains.
Come the May to October dry season, the weather is hot, sunny and (unsurprisingly!) dry. While these conditions are ideal for beach breaks, hiking and cultural exploration alike, come prepared for hiked costs and bigger crowds in tourist hot-spots.
Broken beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock
In all honesty, however long you visit Indonesia for isn’t likely to be long enough!
With so many islands to explore, and so many types of activities to enjoy, you’ll be hard pushed to more than touch the surface of the destinations you visit during the average vacation timeframe.
That said, with careful planning and focus, it is possible to enjoy a rewarding range of destinations and experiences in trips of 10+ days, with focus being the key word.
For example, on a 10-day itinerary, you could cover Bali, Java, and Komodo National Park for a great balance between culture, natural beauty, and adventure.
Alternatively, you might prefer to do do a deep dive into a single island on, for example, a 10 days in Bali itinerary.
Wherever you decide to go (more help with that a little later), to cut down long transfer days and give yourself more time in your chosen locations, it’s best to stick to 2–3 areas during a 10-14-day trip.
Bajra Sandhi Monument, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock
The cost of a trip to Indonesia will depend on your accommodation preferences (upscale, budget, or somewhere in between?), the number of trips and tours you want to take, and how long you plan to stay.
Overall, Indonesia is an affordable destination, not least if you visit outside peak season, book flights and accommodation well in advance, and give yourself time to compare the costs of tours and trips.
In terms of the numbers, here’s an estimate of travel costs for a 2-week trip to Indonesia for three budget ranges.
Budget: staying in hostels with dorm beds, eating street food and dining at warungs (local eateries), using public transport and opting for self-guided tours and free attractions will csot around $800 for two weeks.
Mid-range: staying in mid-range hotels or private guesthouses, dining in a mix of local restaurants and occasional upscale venues, mixing public transport with occasional private transfers, and taking a few guided tours will cost $1500–$2500 for two weeks.
Luxury: staying in high-end hotels or resorts, dining in upscale restaurants, using private drivers and enjoying the likes of exclusive tours and spa treatments will cost $2500+ for two weeks.
Tegenungan Waterfall, north of Ubud, Bali © Shutterstock
In short, yes. You can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) on entry. This permits a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. There’s a fee of IDR 500,000 (approximately $35).
Alternatively, an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) can be applied for online prior to travel, facilitating a smoother entry process.
Also check your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Indonesia, and immigration officials may require evidence of a return or onward ticket.
Also note that all international travelers must complete an electronic self-declaration form called SATUSEHAT Health Pass prior to departure to avoid delays upon arrival.
Daunted by this detailed planning process? For ready-made ideas, see our customisable Indonesia itineraries or contact our travel experts to have them curate your perfect vacation for any duration.
Fisabilillah Barelang bridge, Batam Island, Indonesia ○ Shutterstock
When to do this: 4-6 months before
Step 2 is an exciting stage of your how to plan a trip to Indonesia journey. This is when you dig into deciding what you want to see and do.
Start researching and noting down anything that interests you, perhaps pinning places on a digital map for a picture of where they are, and how they fit together.
Traveling with others? Use a shared Google Doc or Google Map so everyone can add their must-sees. This will help build an itinerary that keeps everyone happy, while cutting down on a whole lot of back-and-forth.
Factors to consider while creating your wish-list:
Mushroom bay, Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock
Handily, we have a whole feature devoted to defining the best Indonesian islands for different types of experiences.
Here we present an overview of some of the best all-round-special islands to set you off on your wish-list journey.
Boasting beautiful beaches and mountains, vibrant nightlife, and tonnes of temples and festivals, it’s clear why Bali has long been rated so highly by tourists and travelers. It's also a fabulous place for cultural attractions — more on that later.
Also packed with alternative things to do, and ways to get off the tourist-trail, Bali is also a wonderful place to travel with kids for an unforgettable family vacation.
Kickstart your own planning process by checking out our Bali itineraries covering 5 days, 7 days, 10 days and 14 days.
Lucky enough to have even longer? Here’s how to spend 3 weeks in Bali.
Rinjani, Lombok © Shutterstock
Located round 40km east of Bali, Islamic Lombok is lesser visited than its neighbour, but its scenery is just as stunning.
Though more resorts are popping around Kuta in the south (not to be confused with Kuta on Bali), which is close to Lombok’s best beaches, the island’s cultural character remains true to itself and it exudes untouched allures.
Beyond beach activities, Lombok offers epic hikes, thanks to the almighty presence of Mount Rinjani mountain.
Gili Meno © Shutterstock
The trio of tiny Gili Islands epitomise tropical paradise vibes — idyllic beaches, azure waters, magnificent marine-life, and laidback island life.
As revealed in our feature on which Gili Island is the best, they also have their differences, with Gili Meno offering the ultimate away-from-it-all experience.
Komodo dragons © Shutterstock
If wildlife’s your passion, you’ll want to check out these incredible Indonesian destinations — they variously offer opportunities to see kimono dragons, orangutans, Sumatran elephants, tigers and rhinos.
Komodo is of course, famous for its iconic Komodo dragons.
If that wasn’t reason enough to visit, Komodo National Park — which lies in the strait between Sumbawa and Flores — it also boasts pretty pink sand beaches, and its waters play host to manta rays, turtles and sharks aplenty.
Located in Kalimantan, Indonesia’s share of Borneo, Tanjung Puting National Park is among the best places to see orangutans in Borneo, and the whole world, for that matter.
Jungle river cruises also offer opportunities to see proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and gibbons.
Home to critically endangered Sumatran rhinos and elephants, Sumatra’s Way Kambas National Park serves exhilerating safari-style adventures and jungle treks.
The last refuge of the Javan rhino — one of the rarest mammals on Earth — Ujung Kulon National Park covers an epic landscape of thick tropical forest, volcanic terrain and incredible beaches.
Orangutan in Ssumatra, Indonesia © Shutterstock
Indonesia is a veritable playground for thrill-seeking travelers. Here are some of the best places to get your adventure on in Indonesia.
Spoiler alert: Java ranks very high on the adventure front.
Ijen volcano, Java, Indonesia © Shutterstock
Here are a few of the best places that showcase Indonesia’s underwater wonders.
Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstoc
With its history, heritage and contemporary culture woven from multiple ethnic groups, Indonesia offers visitors a richness of cultural attractions and experiences. Here are some highlights.
Known as Bali's cultural heart, Ubud is a handsome hub for traditional crafts, dance and music, with its Ubud Palace a top attraction.
Beyond Ubud — and beyond its beaches — Bali as a whole is steeped in culture, and Hindu traditions. So, keep an eye out for festivals and traditional dance performances wherever you are on the islands, with temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu hosting daily ceremonies.
Indonesia's most populous island, Java’s rich history is evident all over the island, with Yogyakarta held in regard as its cultural capital.
A center for classical Javanese fine arts and culture, the city is home to the Sultan's Palace (Kraton) and many traditional batik workshops.
It also serves as a gateway to Borobudur Temple (the world's largest Buddhist temple) and Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of towering spires and reliefs depicting tales from the Ramayana epic.
Renowned for its unique funeral rites and traditional houses with boat-shaped roofs (tongkonan), Tana Toraja invites visitors to experience indigenous Indonesian culture.
Tongkonan dwellings, Sulawesi, Indonesia © Shutterstock
When to start: at least 5 months before
To secure your ideal travel schedule and accommodation — and to spread costs and stand a better chance of bagging a bargain — it’s best to book your main travel components around five months ahead of your trip.
So, after going through your wish-list and fine-tuning the islands and experiences you’re definitely including in your Indonesia itinerary — and then researching how you’ll get around Indonesia — it’s time to take the plunge.
At this stage, book:
Monas, Jakarta, Indonesia © Shutterstock
Several airlines operate routes from the U.S. to Indonesia, often with layovers in their respective hubs.
For example, Qatar Airways flights involve a layover in Doha, Turkish Airlines flights involve a layover in Istanbul, and Etihad Airways flights layover in Abu Dhabi.
While total travel time will vary, depending on your departure city and layover duration, it usually ends up being 20-30 hours.
Common arrival points are Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta and Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali.
From the UK, flights primarily depart from London Heathrow and London Gatwick (LGW), with layovers similar to those outlined for flights from the US.
From the UK, you’re looking at a travel time of 17-20 hours.
After landing at a major international airport such as Jakarta or Bali, you can reach islands using domestic flights, ferries, speedboats or land transport, in some cases.
Domestic flights
Many of Indonesia’s most popular islands have airports, making domestic flights the quickest and most convenient way to travel. Here’s an overview of key domestic flights:
These should be booked early, especially if you’re traveling June-August.
Ferries and speedboats
Indonesia has an extensive ferry network connecting major islands, with speedboats often used for shorter trips to smaller islands.
Here are examples of some notable routes
Public ferries — slow but cheap
Jakarta → Bangka / Belitung – 24 hours
Surabaya → Makassar (Sulawesi) – 24 hours
Bali (Padang Bai) → Lombok (Lembar) – 4-5 hours
Speedboats and fast ferries
Bali (Sanur) → Nusa Penida/Nusa Lembongan – 30-45 min
Bali (Padang Bai) → Gili Islands/Lombok – 1.5-2 hours
Lombok → Gili Islands – 15-30 min
Labuan Bajo → Komodo National Park – 1.5-2 hours
Private boats and liveaboards
For remote or adventure-focused travel, you could charter a private boat, or join a liveaboard.
By land
For islands connected by bridges, or close by, road travel combined with short ferry rides is a practical possibility.
Jakarta → Sumatra: buses take ferries across the Sunda Strait.
Bali → Lombok: travel by bus and ferry via Padang Bai.
Java → Bali: use overland bus plus ferry.
Pinkcoco Hotel, Gili Air, Indonesia © Shutterstock
When it comes to accommodation in Indonesia, you can take your pick from countless affordable options, no matter which islands you decide to visit, though expect costs to be higher from mid-June through August, and in December and January.
Accommodation in the best Gili Islands hotels also tend to be pricier than other destinations, though if you start looking — and booking — early they don’t have to break the bank.
To get you started, browse the best accommodation on Gili Trawangan, the most developed of the three Gilis.
Heading to Bali? Wise up with our guide to where to stay in Bali. If you want to be close to epic surf and an epic temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu), look to stay in Uluwatu.
Coming to Bali for culture? You’ll want to check out accommodation in Central Ubud.
Meanwhile, accommodation in Lombok covers everything from private villas and very affordable, beautiful resorts, to homestays.
Nias Island, North Sumatra © Shutterstock
When to do this: at least 4 months before
To make sure you don’t miss out — and to save yourself hassle and time when you arrive in Indonesia — pre-book your must-do activities and tours.
Questions to consider and take action on: what attractions and experiences should be booked in advance of my trip to Indonesia?
If any of the following have made it onto your Indonesia itinerary, we suggest you book them before you travel, along with booking your required domestic flights, as mentioned above.
Diving: pre-book liveaboard cruises and dives in areas like Komodo, Raja Ampat, Bali and Lombok
Hiking and trekking: pre-arrange guided treks to Mount Rinjani (Lombok) and Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater (Java).
Wildlife tours: pre-book orangutan tours in Kalimantan and Sumatra, and seeing Komodo dragons on Komodo Island.
Mount Bromo © Shutterstock
When to do this: three months in advance
To give yourself time to weigh up different options — and for peace of mind — it's best to attend to a few admin matters a few months ahead of your trip.
Decisions to make:
Travel insurance is recommended for peace of mind wherever you travel. If you don’t already have something in place, take time to compare options a few months ahead of your trip.
While Wi-Fi is widely available in big hotels, cafes and restaurants, it’s that not always the case in rural locations, and you might find it handy to buy a local SIM card, or to get an eSIM ahead of traveling.
Offering the convenience of being able to activate a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card, eSIMs also provide the peace of mind that comes of being able to set up connectivity before you arrive, such as the top-notch service offered by Travelsim.
In a word — yes. Cash remains the dominant payment method in Indonesia, especially in rural areas, local markets and with street vendors. It's also advisable to carry Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in small denominations.
While ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, be aware of potential withdrawal fees and limits.
When it comes to cards, while credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in larger hotels in urban centers and popular tourist destinations (American Express less so), note that many businesses apply a surcharge, often around 3%, for card transactions.
Candi Pawon near Borobudur temple, Central Java, Indonesia © Shutterstock
When to do this: one week before
A week or so week ahead of your trip, it’s time to assemble your travel documents and itinerary details, and give thought to packing.
What to do:
It’s a good idea to have digital and physical copies of all your booking confirmations.
We also recommend compiling all the details of your day-to-day itinerary — plus booking confirmations, addresses and useful contact details — into one handy document.
When it comes to clothing, you need lightweight fabrics, swimwear, plus modest attire for visiting religious sites or rural areas i.e. long skirts, long sleeves and cover-up scarves.
It’s also a good idea to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho to counter sudden tropical downpours.
As for footwear, bring comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops, sandals, plus hiking boots if you’re planning to tackle uneven terrain.
You’ll also need sun protection gear — a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against strong UV rays. Insect repellent is also advised, especially in forested or rural areas.
Note that Indonesia uses Type C and F sockets, so bring a universal adapter to ensure compatibility.
Taman Ayun Temple, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock
While this might seem an unnecessary “tip”, it’s here as a reminder that all the work of planning your trip to Indonesia will certainly be more than worth the effort
Another way to increase your chance of enjoying every moment is to have our local travel experts curate your ideal Indonesia itinerary.
They’ll have done all the hard work for you — including booking transfers, accommodation and tours — leaving you free to make the most of your time on the islands.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 12.02.2025
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Indonesia
