Indonesia is famous for its tropical islands, volcanoes, beaches, jungles, and rich cultural diversity. It’s a country full of contrasts and a country that I personally fell in love with. I lived in Indonesia for about 6 months and have traveled back several times since, which gave me the chance to really experience local life beyond the typical tourist spots. Here are some quick facts about Indonesia:
Capital: Jakarta 
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) 
Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) 
Time zone: Multiple (UTC +7 to UTC +9) 
Power plugs: Type C & F, 230V / 50Hz 
Driving side: Left Useful local phrases:
Hello: Halo
Thank you: Terima kasih
I’m sorry: Maaf
The food/drink is great: Enak sekali
Best time to visit Indonesia
Wondering about the best time to visit Indonesia? Indonesia has a tropical climate with two main seasons:
Dry season
May – October
25–32°C
Sunny and dry
Rainy season
November – April
25-31°C
Humid with short and heavy showers
So what’s the best time for visiting Indonesia?
- Dry season: best for island hopping, beaches, hiking, and outdoor activities
- Rainy season: best for fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and lower prices
How to get there and getting around?
Airport: Most international travelers arrive via Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK) or Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel between islands. Popular routes include Bali → Lombok, Bali → Flores, and Jakarta → Yogyakarta. Budget airlines like AirAsia, Lion Air, and Citilink often have good deals. Compare flights via Skyscanner for the best deals. If you don’t know yet when you are going to leave the country, buy an onward ticket and fake your return. This works fine.
Train / Bus options: Trains are mainly available on Java and are a comfortable way to travel between cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. Buses and minivans connect many destinations across the islands, though travel times can be long. I always use 12GoAsia when traveling in Indonesia. With just a few taps, you can easily book a ride ensuring a seamless and budget-friendly travel experience. Most of the time, you will receive a digital transportation ticket, so you don’t have to worry about printing.
Scooters / Motorbikes: Renting a scooter is very popular in places like Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands. Rental costs are usually affordable per day. Always wear a helmet, drive carefully, and make sure you have the proper license.
Boats: Boat travel is essential in Indonesia. Ferries and fast boats connect islands like Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands. Longer ferry routes connect major islands such as Java, Sumatra, and Flores. Boat trips are also popular for island hopping and exploring remote areas.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps: For short distances, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest option. Popular apps include Grab or Gojek. They are affordable, reliable, and widely used in cities and tourist areas.
Car rental / driving: Renting a car is possible, but usually comes with a driver. Self-driving is less common due to traffic and road conditions. Hiring a driver is often affordable and a great way to explore comfortably. If you decide to drive yourself, use DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices.
Destinations
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FAQ about Indonesia
Is Indonesia safe for (female) solo travelers?
Yes! Indonesia is generally safe, especially in popular destinations like Bali and Java. I’ve always felt comfortable traveling and living here. Just stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas at night, and respect local customs.
Why is Indonesia worth visiting?
I love Indonesia for its incredible diversity. You can find beautiful beaches, volcanoes, jungles, temples, and unique cultures spread across thousands of islands.
Is Indonesia cheap to visit?
Yes, Indonesia can be very affordable, especially for food, transport, and accommodation. Tourist hotspots like Bali can be slightly more expensive. Traveling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay the local currency with a Wise Visa Card or Revolut Maestro Card. I have been using these cards for several years and have saved a lot of money as a result. I recommend bringing both bank cards with you when you travel.
Is tipping expected in Indonesia?
Not mandatory, but small tips are appreciated in restaurants, for drivers, and for guides.
Do I need a visa for visiting Indonesia?
Many nationalities can enter visa-free or get a visa on arrival for short stays. Always check official government sources before traveling. The official website to check visa regulations for Indonesia is the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration portal: https://www.imigrasi.go.id. It provides accurate and up-to-date information on visa types, requirements, and application procedures for foreign nationals.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Indonesia?
Yes, I always recommend travel insurance, even though Indonesia is very safe. Heymondo or Safetywing are among the cheapest travel insurances for travelers and cover medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. As a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll receive a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
Will my mobile phone work in Indonesia?
Yes! Coverage is good in cities and tourist areas. Good local providers include Telkomsel, XL Axiata or Indosat Ooredoo. When I travel, I usually get a local SIM card or an eSIM. eSIMs are super easy if you don’t want to swap physical cards. Providers like Holafly, Airalo or Saily are great for eSIMs. I’ve been using eSIMs on my trips and find them convenient and cost-effective.
Can I drink tap water in Indonesia?
No, tap water is not safe to drink. Always use bottled or filtered water.
Do I need to speak the local language in Indonesia?
No. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Bahasa Indonesia phrases is appreciated.
