In a nutshell
- Planning a trip to Indonesia but wondering if it’s a safe destination? We can put your mind at ease — we genuinely felt safe throughout our time there.
- As with any trip, keep a close eye on your belongings and use a good dose of common sense when navigating the streets.
- The one thing to really watch out for is traffic. It’s seriously chaotic and hectic in the cities, road conditions outside them are often poor, and there aren’t many rules to speak of.
- Indonesia also sits in an active seismic zone — earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tropical storms can all occur. Stay informed about natural hazards before and during your trip.
Is a vacation in Indonesia dangerous?
No. Indonesia is a safe travel destination. We spent a month there and never felt unsafe at any point.
Something can always happen anywhere, but we genuinely haven’t heard of tourists running into serious problems.
As in any country, keep a close eye on your bags and valuables — don’t let your guard down!
Even at night, you can walk the streets without issues in most places. That said, we’d avoid spending time after dark in less touristy and poorer areas.
Crime in Indonesia
Crime in Indonesia is low.
Petty crime like theft and various forms of scamming are probably the most common things tourists encounter.
Personally, we mainly noticed tourists being lured into paying more for something than it’s actually worth. This happens especially at attractions across Indonesia and in popular tourist spots like Bali or Lombok.
Safety in Indonesia for solo female travelers
You can absolutely travel through Indonesia as a solo female traveler. On our three-week Indonesia road trip, I was partly on my own and always felt safe.
In non-touristy areas — in my case mainly on Java — I got stared at a lot on the street and had all kinds of things called out to me. It was mostly men.
That can feel uncomfortable — but no one ever got pushy with me.
And it’s not just men, by the way. Women and especially children also point at you, ask for photos, and so on. It all takes some getting used to, but you’ll find your rhythm!
Otherwise, I’d recommend avoiding poor and very remote areas — especially at night. As a Western woman, you stand out a lot, and if you’re traveling alone, those situations just won’t feel comfortable.
Traffic in Indonesia
Honestly, traffic in Indonesia gave us the most trouble. Especially in big cities like Jakarta, cars and buses are stuck in gridlock while scooter riders weave through every gap — and onto sidewalks.
As a pedestrian, you really have to stay alert — especially when crossing the street.
Even if you’re riding a scooter yourself, expect a learning curve. Indonesia drives on the left side of the road and there aren’t many rules to speak of. But you’ll find your footing after a while.
Outside the cities, traffic is calmer, but road conditions are often worse — steep hills and tight curves are common. Take it easy and drive carefully.
More important travel tips for Indonesia can be found here:
Natural disasters in Indonesia
It’s worth knowing upfront: natural disasters are not uncommon in Indonesia. The country has many active volcanoes that erupt from time to time — most of these are minor eruptions with little real impact.
Truly dangerous eruptions are rare, but they can happen. Since early warning systems are now in place, you don’t need to worry too much.
Earthquakes are also a regular occurrence. Most are small tremors you can barely feel, but stronger ones do happen. Experiencing one during your trip is unlikely — but possible.
Earthquakes can trigger tsunamis. If a warning is issued, move away from the coast immediately. Landslides often accompany these events as well.
Tropical storms also occur in Indonesia — locally known as cyclones. The cyclone season runs from early November to late April, which also overlaps with the rainy season.
Read our tips on the best time to visit Indonesia:
To avoid tropical storms and heavy rainfall, plan your visit during the dry season from May to October.
