Travel guide Indonesia
Welcome to Indonesia! Sumatra, Java, Bali, Komodo... Who hasn't dreamed of adventures, magical and fascinating places, wild animals to see, orangutans or tigers, and to share the culture of ethnic groups so far from ours. Indonesia is grandiose landscapes, misty mountains, luxuriant jungles, immense beaches, a cultural and religious melting pot where Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, animism cohabit... The archipelago is multiple and mysterious. Indonesia is made up of 17,000 islands, some of which are huge and densely populated like Java, while others are tiny and deserted. Only 6,000 of them are inhabited. From one end to the other, you will have to travel no less than 5,000 km and digest three time zones, from the western tip of Sumatra to the far end of Papua, the other end of the archipelago. In order to get to know this immense archipelago better, following the indications of the Indonesia travel guide can be very useful and will help you to set up the stay you have always dreamed of in Indonesia.
What to see, what to do Indonesia?
-
Book an activity
-
Customized travel
- The most beautiful cities Indonesia
When to go Indonesia ?
You can go to Indonesia all year round. Certainly, the rainy season does not allow a trip as comfortable as in dry season, because let us not forget it we are in a tropical region, hot and humid: the rain, very heavy, falls in downpours from October to May in Indonesia, certainly intermittently, but the sun always ends up making its appearance again and everything dries quickly. The best time to travel to Indonesia is between May and October depending on the island you are visiting. The closest to Australia are the least humid in the archipelago. It rains less, and all activities are possible (including volcano climbing, walks in the forest, visits to temples), we enjoy better landscapes that are not lost in the fog... But the high tourist season in Indonesia also brings its own little lot of inconveniences. Rates are higher everywhere (but remain reasonable), beaches are stormed, famous monuments too. Indonesians usually take their holidays in June or July.
Suggested addresses Indonesia
Travel Indonesia
-
Find a hotel
-
Car Rental
-
International e-SIM package
-
Find a local agency
Organiser un voyage dans un archipel comptant plus de 17 000 îles peut s'avérer être un défi de taille. Cependant, avec une recherche minutieuse et une planification réfléchie, vous pouvez naviguer à travers cette abondance d'options pour découvrir les trésors de cette destination extraordinaire. Si vous envisagez un voyage en Indonésie, il est crucial d'élaborer votre itinéraire en tenant compte de vos centres d'intérêt et de vos préférences, ainsi que de la région, afin d'éviter de passer la moitié de votre séjour en déplacement. Que vous aspiriez à escalader les majestueux volcans de Java, à vous prélasser sur les plages de sable blanc de Bali ou à plonger dans les eaux cristallines des Moluques, il existe un parcours taillé sur mesure pour répondre aux envies de chaque voyageur. Pour vous aider dans la préparation de votre périple, voici quelques propositions d'itinéraires à explorer afin de vous donner quelques idées.
Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners
How to go Indonesia
How to go alone
Several direct flights to Indonesia from Europe, they land in Bali. To get to the other islands, you must then take domestic flights, usually from Bali.
The country is a generally safe destination for independent travelers, but caution should be exercised in the poorer parts of the country.
How to go on a tour
Most tour operators and travel agencies offer Indonesia. This archipelago being immense, the possibilities of travel are multiple. The proposed stays are generally of 15 days and they propose either a discovery of the main islands namely Java, Bali, Sumatra, or then thematic stays around the luxuriant nature of Indonesia or its dream beaches, for example. It's up to you to choose, according to your desires!
How to get around
In Indonesia, trains only serve the major cities on the island of Java and the regions of Medan and Palembang on the island of Sumatra. However, all the islands are served by buses whose prices vary according to the comfort offered but they are generally very cheap. In Bali, the transportation network is dense and the trips are fast; there are many cabs and minibuses. Another possibility is to rent a two-wheeler, but beware that traffic is chaotic and even dangerous if you are not used to it.
Featured articles Indonesia
Discover Indonesia
Whatever time of year you choose to visit this magnificent archipelago, Indonesia promises unforgettable moments, steeped in culture, adventure and natural beauty at every turn. Find out what's on the calendar and let your heart be your guide. It's easy to get invited to weddings, ceremonies, community events and even family reunions (the latter are especially fun when the language barrier makes exchanges a little chaotic). If you're traveling during the Ramadan period, especially in remote areas, be aware that food and drink aren't always served during the day! Whether you're keen on outdoor adventure, exploring historic sites, or simply want to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, you'll always find a multitude of events to discover.
The 12 keywords Indonesia
1. #Batiks
Batik, which originated in Indonesia and is recognized by UNESCO, is a fabric-dyeing technique. It is used to create traditional garments such as sarongs, shirts and even wall art. The patterns often carry deep symbolic meaning, reflecting the country's history and cultural diversity.
2. #Growth
Over the last few decades, the Indonesian economy has recorded significant growth, propelling the country to become one of the world's most dynamic developing economies. The middle class continues to grow, foreign investment is on the increase, the manufacturing sector has expanded, as has the tourism sector...
3. #Street food
Feasting in Indonesia is anything but complicated. Warungs, those cheerful little huts made of odds and ends, scattered all over the country, are an excellent alternative for enjoying regional specialties at low cost, depending on your location. Nasi Goreng and sate ayam are sure to please.
4. #Culture
Who hasn't conjured up an image of Bali's colorful festivals? Who hasn't sighed at the beauty of the admirable batiks found nowhere else on the planet? Who hasn't dreamed of the richness of traditional art, the ghastly demons, the delicacy of the carvings, the splendor of the woodwork, and the astonishing masks..
5. #Jakarta
As the national capital, Jakarta is one of the world's most populous megacities, currently home to around 35.4 million inhabitants. Ranked as the world's second largest urban area, after Tokyo and ahead of New Delhi, it is also renowned for being one of the most congested conurbations on the planet.
6. #Sea
It's everywhere, a common identity marker across the immense archipelago. And everywhere, it's turquoise blue. It's the perfect excuse for a boat trip, a first experience of scuba diving or a day of surfing with friends in the bright sunshine. The seabed is one of the most beautiful and richest in fish in the world.
7. #Nature
The immense archipelago is home to some of the planet's most remarkable natural sights: rare animals such as the Sumatran tiger, orangutans and the amazing Komodo dragon, eccentric plants such as the one-meter-diameter rafflesia, and above all breathtaking landscapes forged by chains of volcanoes.
8. #Orangutans
Orangutans ("men of the forest" in Malay) are the emblematic primates of Indonesia, living mainly on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. These great apes, renowned for their intelligence and complex behaviors, face a growing threat of extinction due to deforestation and habitat loss.
9. #Religions
For Indonesia is all of these things: a blend of Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Confucian, Buddhist and Animist cultures: an inimitable patchwork that makes this one of the world's most fascinating countries. The nation promotes peaceful coexistence, harmony and mutual respect among its different religious communities.
10. #Rice paddies
Rice terraces, like those of Tegallalang in Bali, have become major tourist attractions for their picturesque beauty. Rice, called "nasi" in Indonesian, is an essential staple in local cuisine and plays a central role in the agricultural economy of the country, ranked among the world's leading producers.
11. #Natural parks
From the legendary Komodo National Park, home of the eponymous dragon, to the volcanic landscapes of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, to the crystal-clear waters of Raja Ampat National Park, these sanctuaries offer unforgettable experiences, from orangutan watching to Sumatran rhino conservation.
12. #Pasar
A pasar in Indonesia is much more than just a market: it's an explosion of life, a crossroads of cultures and a spectacle for the senses! Stalls overflowing with exotic fruits, mountains of spices that tickle the nose, local craftsmen weaving, sculpting and painting before your very eyes... An experience not to be missed!
You are from here, if...
The singing of the muezzin around 5am marks the start of the day.
You keep smiling even when the bus is ten hours late or the boat is so crowded it's impossible to lie down; you let out a " Begitulah " which translates as "That's the way it is".
You collect umbrellas to cope with sudden downpours.
Mocking bureaucracy has become a national pastime, almost an Olympic sport.
The question " Makan sudah?" (Have you eaten?) replaces "How are you?" as a conversation starter.
Sambal is an integral part of every meal.
You respect customs : don't show the soles of your feet when seated; don't eat with your left hand (considered impure); give something by holding it with both hands; take off your shoes when entering a temple or mosque; don't trample offerings that have just been made on the ground in front of houses; don't collect coral from the sea...