Indonesia Travel Guide for First-Timers: When and Where to Go?

Indonesia has more than 18,000 islands scattered throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and it’s one of the most exciting destinations to visit.

Indonesia Travel Guide for First-Timers: When and Where to Go?

Tourist ships anchored on the Gili Rengit Beach in Lombok, Indonesia

Indonesia has more than 18,000 islands scattered throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and it’s one of the most exciting destinations to visit. It’s home to diverse flora and fauna, plenty of ethnic groups, rich history and culture, and mesmerizing landscapes. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful Southeast Asian country, you need to be prepared.

Especially if you’re a first-time traveler, we’ll help you organize your trip and navigate the journey properly. Here, we’ll go over the essentials you need to consider or be aware of before embarking on such a trip.

And since Indonesia has some of the most pristine waters in the world and unique marine life, it’s worth emphasizing it in the beginning, bring your swimsuit and a pair of snorkeling goggles since for sure you’ll want to explore the underwater world.

What Is the Best Time to Visit?

Mountain range in Komodo National Park in Indonesia

Although Indonesia is an all-year-round destination, the best time to book a trip is during the dry season, which is from May to September. During this period, the days are dry and hot, and there’s usually no rain.

The weather during the dry season is perfect for watersport activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and other land activities like hiking or just spending lazy days on the beaches.

The wet season is usually not recommended for trips since there can be pretty heavy tropical downpours during the days, and it can last up to a couple of hours. However, if you don’t mind such weather and are eager to explore the islands regardless, then make sure to pack a raincoat and get to it.

Choose Your Transportation Method

Beautiful islands of Indonesia, home to some of nature’s finest masterpieces

The transportation method is one of the most important things to consider when booking a trip to Indonesia. Are you going to book a direct flight? Or take a cruise? Either option is beneficial. However, booking a cruise can be far more appealing.

The Indonesia cruise ships travel to remote locations where you can access parts of the islands that usually are not accessible via a land tour or a boat tour.

What Can You Expect?

Well, you can expect a lot. We are talking about Indonesia, so you might face many some challenges since you’ll be getting out of your comfort zone. And traveling to a country with unique culture, cuisine, and traditions.

Some of the things to be aware of:

The currency is the Indonesian rupiah, so make sure to learn about the exchange rates and the average amount to take with you in cash. Remember that there are ATMs from where you can take out money or even pay with a card in the restaurants, gift shops and other places. You might struggle to find ATMs in the more rural places, so bring enough cash with you.

The official language is Indonesian.

The plugs are type C, so it’s recommended that you bring a universal adapter.

Take extra precautions with your belongings. Indonesia is known for its safety, and it’s considered the safest country in Southeast Asia, but it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on your stuff.

Avoid buying arak since it contains methanol. If you want to buy drinks, make sure it’s from reputable resorts, so you can ask your guide for advice or recommendation on where to purchase it.

Where to Find Adventure?

Tegallalang Rice Terrace in Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest archipelago worldwide, so deciding which islands to visit might be challenging. There are more than 167 active volcanoes, which makes Indonesia a playground for adventure and hiking activities. Here are the most famous places in Indonesia that you can visit:

Raja Ampat. These islands are located north of Papua New Guinea and are the home of the most sensational diving spots in Indonesia. The translation of the name means "Four Kings" and consists of four major islands surrounded by turquoise water.

Flores Island. Also known as the "Flower Island," this is an island filled with traditional villages, colored crater lakes and breathtaking coral reefs.

Tanjung Puting National Park. This is one of the world’s natural wonders known for the orangutans that live there. These animals are considered endangered species since some of the last of the kind live in this park.

Lombok. If you’re traveling to Indonesia, you must visit Lombok Island and dive into the tropical paradise with magical waterfalls and steamy jungles.

Bali. We’ve put Bali last as a cherry on top since it’s the most famous destination in Indonesia. It’s also known as the "Island of the Gods," a place rooted in spiritual and Hindu temples.

Learn More About Travel to Indonesia

Now that you have a glimpse of what you can expect from your cruise to Indonesia, it’s time to do your research and learn more about the destination, places you’ll visit, required vaccinations, or travel paperwork.

This article is a partnership with Aqua Expeditions.