Indonesia
What you need to know before you go
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, spanning 18,110 islands. While only 6,000 of the islands are inhabited, that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most populous countries in the world. The best known of those islands is Bali – a tropical paradise that’s been a popular escape for decades, noted for its exotic culture, tasty cuisine and, of course, it’s fantastic beaches.
Even so, Indonesia is about more than sun sea and sand. It’s also the home of the extraordinary Komodo dragons, the expansive forests of Sumatra, the idyllic Gili Islands and the largest Buddhist temple in the world – Borobudur. If you’re looking for extreme natural beauty and wonderful cultural experiences, Indonesia should be topping your list.
Top destinations in Indonesia
Where will you go next?Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago. It’s home to an ancient culture that's known for its warm hospitality as well as exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural backdrops. Dining in Bali presents endless choices of exotic, local cuisine. After sunset, famous nightspots come to life offering exciting clubbing and packed dance floors...
Read moreLombok
Lombok is considered by some to be “an unspoilt Bali”, boasting the same fantastic beaches, waterfalls and even a volcano, but without the huge crowds of tourists. A relatively undiscovered destination in Indonesia, its landscape and traditional ways of life...
Bintan Island
Bintan Island is the largest of the Riau archipelago’s 3,200 islands and has a coastline that stretches for about 105 km. That whole length has a combination of pristine beaches, mangrove forests and old towns and villages where an eclectic...
What to see & do in Indonesia
Featured stories & fun stuff31 Best Things to Do in Ubud
The best things to do in Ubud include exploring ancient temples, majestic royal palaces, and green hillsides and rice terraces. A treasure trove of cultural landmarks, this Balinese town and its outskirts within the Gianyar regency, are where some of...20 Best Things to Do in Canggu
This guide to the best things to do in Canggu includes some of Bali’s most iconic landmarks that are found...26 Best Things to Do in Sanur
Some of the best things to do in Sanur appeal to those looking to learn about Bali's unique culture and...39 Best Things to Do in Candidasa and East Bali
Candidasa and other areas around Bali’s eastern region are home to well-preserved ancient villages and mysterious temples that help...21 Best Things to Do in Kuta
Some of the best things to do Kuta can be found on the beach. A favourite surfing coast since the...7 Best Islands around Bali
These tropical islands around Bali should be among your top picks if you’re planning an island-hop or 2. Those...5 Best Golf Courses in Bali
The best golf courses in Bali offer a good combination of challenging greens and well-maintained fairways that are seamlessly...18 Things to Do in Bali with Kids
Visiting Bali with kids can be fun and exciting. There is a wide range of activities fit for the whole...15 Best Things to Do in Nusa Dua
Some of the best things to do in Nusa Dua can be found on pristine beaches like Pantai Mengiat and...
Where & what to eat in Indonesia
10 Best Balinese Food
Thousands of islands with different cultures make up Indonesia, so it's no wonder that Balinese food is just as diverse. To complement your holiday experience in Bali, you would not want to miss out on some of its most popular...10 Best Tropical Fruits to Try in Bali
Balinese fruits are a feast for the eyes and taste buds, with their striking (sometimes unusual) textures, colours, shapes and...10 Best Restaurants in Ubud
The best restaurants in Ubud come in a wide range of styles, from modern fine-dining within 5-star resorts...
Where to shop & what to buy in Indonesia
6 Best Night Markets in Bali
Night markets in Bali offer a unique shopping and dining experience after dark. These night markets are where you can discover favourite local snacks and learn about traditional household items and their uses. Some of these markets seemingly never cease...10 Best Shopping Experiences in Bali
There are plenty of shopping experiences in Bali, from modern malls offering international brands, to artisan villages specialising in traditional...30 Best Shopping Experiences in Seminyak
Seminyak is one of Bali’s top shopping destinations, with a treasure trove of designer boutiques, international surf shops and lifestyle...
Where to go & what to do at night in Indonesia
29 Best Nightlife in Seminyak
Seminyak nightlife offers a rich collection of sophisticated bars, chic entertainment venues and clubbing hotspots. These complement the upscale beach resort area’s stylish fashion boutiques, galleries, luxury spas and classy restaurants. Most of the venues double as favourite dining destinations...8 Best Nightlife Experiences in Bali
Bali nightlife caters to a wide range of crowds, styles and budgets. Beach clubs to chill-out at sunset and...7 Best Party Streets in Bali
This lowdown of the best party scenes in Bali highlights the distinct personalities of each neighbourhood. We present which areas...
Useful information
Bali Festivals and Events Calendar
The Bali festivals and events calendar includes some of the most colourful local celebrations and festivals in Bali. Most observances follow the Balinese calendar system called pawukon, which rotates every 210 days. Besides governing the daily chores and elaborate rites...10 Mistakes People Make on Their First Bali Trip
Here are some of the most common travel mistakes people make on their first Bali trip. They include some of...How to Get to Gili Islands and Between Islands
Getting to and around the Gilis is relatively hassle-free. Lombok has an international airport with major operators flying regularly...