Indonesia

Asia

Indonesia

Indonesia spans thousands of islands, and each cluster has its own character: Bali's rice terraces and temple ceremonies, Komodo's dragon-patrolled islands and pink-sand beaches, and Sumatra's rainforest home to orangutans found nowhere else. Volcanic peaks, some still active, shape much of the terrain, and diving here ranks among the world's best for coral diversity. Daily life blends Hindu, Muslim, and animist traditions depending on the island, making the food, festivals, and architecture change noticeably as you travel between them.

Why go thereIslands Diving & snorkelling Volcanoes Surf Beaches Sacred sites Wildlife Nature & landscapes Culture & heritage Food Wellness & spa Mountain hiking

Main destinations

Food & drink to try

Rendang

Rich coconut curry meat dish slow-cooked until deeply caramelized and tender.

Nasi goreng

Fragrant stir-fried rice with eggs, shrimp, and aromatic spices in every bite.

Sate

Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce, smoky and utterly irresistible.

Main destinations

Other destinations

Comfort in January · by notability

Food & drink to try

Rendang

Rich coconut curry meat dish slow-cooked until deeply caramelized and tender.

Nasi goreng

Fragrant stir-fried rice with eggs, shrimp, and aromatic spices in every bite.

Sate

Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce, smoky and utterly irresistible.

Gado-gado

Vegetable medley smothered in creamy peanut sauce, crunchy and deeply satisfying.

Soto ayam

Golden turmeric chicken soup with galangal, warming and aromatic comfort in a bowl.

Nasi campur

Rice ringed by small portions of whatever the warung cooked that morning.

Babi guling

Balinese suckling pig stuffed with turmeric and lemongrass, spit-roasted until glass-skinned.

Bakso

Beef meatball soup in rich broth with noodles and fresh herbs.

Mie goreng

Fried noodles with sweet soy, chilli and a fried egg on top, sold everywhere.

Nasi Padang

Dishes stacked on your table unasked; you pay only for what you touch.

Sambal

Chilli relish ground fresh daily, in hundreds of regional versions.

Pempek

Palembang fish-and-sago cakes fried and served in dark, sour vinegar sauce.

Gudeg

Yogyakarta jackfruit stewed for hours in palm sugar and coconut until sweet and brown.

Rawon

East Javanese beef soup blackened by keluak nuts, served with bean sprouts.

Ayam betutu

Whole chicken packed with spice paste, wrapped in leaves and buried in embers.

Lumpia

Crispy spring rolls filled with savory meat and vegetables, perfectly fried golden.

Tempe goreng

Fermented soybean cake sliced and fried crisp, invented in Java centuries ago.

Martabak manis

Thick sweet pancake folded over chocolate, peanut and condensed milk, sold at night.

Es cendol

Green rice-flour worms in coconut milk and palm sugar over shaved ice.

Kopi luwak

Rare, smooth coffee from civet-digested beans, world's most distinctive and expensive brew.

Practical info

Drives on the left

Entry & health

Set your passport

indonesia.travel power-plugs-sockets.com jakartaglobe.id

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Tipping & local customs

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated; a 5–10% tip for good service is welcomed in restaurants, especially where no service charge is included. Many mid-range and upscale restaurants add a 'service' and tax charge (often labeled '++') to the bill, in which case extra tipping is optional; small change or rounding up is common for taxi drivers, hotel porters, and tour guides.

Use only the right hand (or both hands) to give/receive items, eat, and shake hands — the left hand is considered unclean
Remove shoes before entering homes, mosques, and some temples; dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees) at religious sites
Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and homosexuality, while not illegal nationwide, is culturally sensitive (Aceh applies Sharia law with stricter rules)
Avoid pointing with your index finger or feet toward people or religious objects; use a thumb or open hand instead
During Ramadan, be respectful of those fasting in Muslim-majority areas — avoid eating/drinking loudly in public during daylight
Losing your temper or showing anger openly is seen as a loss of face; calm, polite communication is preferred

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Before you go

Stay connected

Get an eSIM for Indonesia — mobile data the moment you land.

via Airalo

Travel insurance

Cover trip cancellation, medical care and delays.

via EKTA