Indonesia
Between sacred temples, volcanic peaks, and Bali's iconic rice terraces: your guide to Indonesia.
Our Quick Facts on Indonesia
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Vibe
Exotic, spiritual, and seriously diverse.
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Best time to go
May through September — the dry season across most of the islands.
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How long to stay
Three weeks is ideal for Bali or Java.
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Currency
Indonesian Rupiah — cash is king here.
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Tipping
Around 10% at restaurants; always appreciated for guides and drivers.
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Getting around
Domestic flights, ferries, or a private driver — the latter is super common and really convenient.
Orientation
Indonesia is the largest island nation in the world. The country is made up of 17,508 islands!
It sits in Southeast Asia between Malaysia and Singapore to the north and Australia to the south. To the east, Indonesia borders Papua New Guinea.
Indonesia covers 2 million square kilometers — roughly the size of Western Europe.
The capital is Jakarta, home to around 10 million people and the country’s largest city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I plan for a trip to Indonesia?
That really depends on what kind of Indonesia trip you have in mind.
If you’re sticking to just one of the major islands, one to two weeks is plenty.
For a multi-island trip, plan on at least two weeks — and honestly, longer is always better. Indonesia is seriously not the kind of destination where you’ll run out of things to do anytime soon.
How do I pay in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, you pay with Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). One US dollar is roughly equivalent to 16,000 IDR, so you’ll be dealing with large numbers — don’t let that catch you off guard at the ATM.
What language is spoken in Indonesia?
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia.
Indonesia is a hugely diverse, multi-ethnic nation, though, so an estimated 700 additional languages are spoken across its many regions — mostly local languages and dialects.
Arabic is also taught in many schools. The good news: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, so you won’t have trouble getting around.
What's the time difference in Indonesia?
Because Indonesia spans such a vast area, it covers three different time zones — each one hour apart.
Jakarta sits in the westernmost zone. Bali is one hour ahead of Jakarta, and eastern Indonesia is another hour beyond that. Indonesia does not observe daylight saving time.
Before you travel, it’s worth double-checking the time difference from your home country so you can plan your first day accordingly.
How safe is Indonesia?
Indonesia is generally a very safe destination. Serious crime and violence are rare.
That said, in heavily touristy areas like Bali or on crowded public transportation, petty theft and pickpocketing can happen. Just keep a close eye on your valuables and you’ll be fine.
