If you’re planning a trip to see the wonders of Indonesia, our Travelex Travel Guide is packed with everything you need to know.
The capital city is a sprawling metropolis home to over a whopping 10 million people! The entire city is studded with culinary delights, exquisite shopping malls and rich history creating a stunning contrast between modern skyrises and cultural heritage.
Unlike Jakarta, the island of Borneo provides a tranquil backdrop for you to reconnect with nature. Home to a diverse array of wildlife from rare birds to unique plants, this tropical destination is best-known for its endangered orangutans - one of the only places on Earth where these “people of the forest” still thrive.
Sumatra is an adventure lover’s dream. From hiking to the summit of active volcanoes, swimming beneath cascading waterfalls, or trekking through the Sumatran tropical rainforest, you’ll never find yourself bored on this rugged island.
The most alluring island in Indonesia, fondly nicknamed “Island of the Gods”, it's no wonder Australians love flocking to this destination. With a thriving culture, beautiful beaches, lush rice paddies, bustling nightlife, and thousands of Hindu temples, you’ll be spoilt for choice on your trip to Bali.
An increasingly popular alternative to Bali is the island of Lombok. Along with its offshore Gili Islands, Lombok is surrounded by crystal-blue waters which wash onto white-sand beaches. This slice of paradise boasts surfing hotspots, volcano-topped jungles and epic beach parties to keep you entertained long after the sun sets.
This extraordinary destination will live in your memory forever thanks to its warm turquoise seas, emerald green rainforests and diverse marine life. West Papua is home to Raja Ampat, an enticing group of islands loved by peace-seekers and explorers alike. For avid snorkelers and scuba divers, Raja Ampat cannot be missed!
You don’t have to search very hard to find a volcano in Indonesia, with 147 calling the archipelago home. For adventure lovers, hiking active volcanoes is a popular activity, especially at dawn when the sun rises just as you hit the summit. Mount Batur sunrise trekking is extremely popular among Bali tourists. While you will need to set an early alarm, as it takes about 2-3 hours to reach the top, catching the sunrise at the summit is well worth the early start.
Indonesia is renowned for its unique wellness destinations offering healing experiences for the mind, body, and soul. As seen in Eat, Pray, Love, Ubud is the spiritual and artistic centre of Bali with riverside yoga, tailored massages and wholesome cuisine.
Aside from the orangutans in Borneo, Indonesia has endless opportunities for you to see wild monkeys in their natural habitat. You can observe their cheeky antics and even take a selfie - just remember to avoid eye contact and stay alert.
Indonesia has a rich history and culture with endless sites to explore and learn more. We recommend visiting Borobudur Temple in Java - the world’s largest Buddhist structure. The nine-tiered temple near Yogyakarta is World Heritage listed and not only features intricate hand-carved designs but also serves as an education hub.
As an epicentre of biodiversity, Indonesia has several scuba diving hotspots for you to explore. Interestingly, Indonesia is part of the Coral Triangle, an area in the Western Pacific Ocean that plays home to over 80% of the world’s coral species.
If your idea of a holiday is more relaxation and less exploration, the many islands of Indonesia have you covered. Picture your next vacation: swimming in crystal blue waters, drying off on white-sand beaches, and relaxing under a line of palm trees before capping off the night with a delectable dinner in a laid-back atmosphere. Pure bliss.
