We tend to think of Indonesia as “the country Bali is in,” but Bali is just one of more than 17,000 islands. In our documentaries we went well beyond Bali, from temples to active volcanoes and from rice terraces to turquoise beaches. This guide breaks the giant archipelago into four regions for anyone planning a first trip to Indonesia.
Bali: Island of the Gods
Ubud is Bali’s cultural center: the Tegallalang rice terraces in every shade of green, the sacred Monkey Forest, art galleries and traditional dance performances. In the south, Uluwatu Temple is famous for clifftop sunsets and kecak dance. Ulun Danu Beratan, on a lakeshore, and Tanah Lot, out in the sea, are Bali’s most photographed temples.
Nusa Penida, off Bali’s southeast coast, is a popular day trip or overnight thanks to its dramatic cliffs and Kelingking Beach. For more, read our guide to what to know before visiting Bali. For tours: things to do in Bali.
Lombok and the Gili Islands
Lombok, east of Bali, is known for quieter beaches and Rinjani, one of the country’s highest volcanoes. There are no motor vehicles on the three tiny Gili Islands off Lombok’s northwest coast; you get around by bicycle or horse cart. Snorkeling with sea turtles is just an ordinary day here.
Java: Temples and volcanoes
Java, Indonesia’s most populous island, is the country’s cultural heart. The Borobudur (Buddhist) and Prambanan (Hindu) temples near Yogyakarta are on the UNESCO list. In East Java, the misty sunrise view of Mount Bromo and the Ijen Crater, known for its blue flames at night, are some of the most striking scenes in our documentary. The capital, Jakarta, is a chaotic but lively megacity.
The eastern islands: Komodo and Flores
In Komodo National Park you can see Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, in their natural habitat; visits are accompanied by rangers. The area is also a diver’s favorite thanks to its pink sand beach and rich coral reefs. Komodo is usually reached by boat tour from Labuan Bajo on Flores.
When to go
April–October is the dry season across most of the country and is considered the best time to go. July and August are Bali’s busiest months. In the wet season (November–March), rain usually comes as short afternoon downpours.
Getting around
Domestic flights are the fastest way to hop between islands, and fast boats run between Bali, Lombok and the Gilis. Public transportation on Bali is limited; hiring a car with a driver by the day is common and practical. For flights: flights to Indonesia.
Where to stay
In Bali, Ubud is best for culture, Uluwatu and Canggu for surfing and sunsets, and Sanur for a quiet family vacation: hotels in Bali.
What to eat
Nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), satay skewers with peanut sauce, vegetable gado-gado and Bali’s festive dish, babi guling (roast suckling pig). Halal options are everywhere on the islands outside Bali.
Sample itinerary: 16 days
- Days 1–3: Yogyakarta, Borobudur and Prambanan.
- Days 4–5: Bromo and Ijen.
- Days 6–11: Bali (Ubud, east Bali, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida).
- Days 12–16: The Gili Islands, or a Komodo tour from Labuan Bajo.
Unusual facts
- With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country in the world.
- It has the world’s largest Muslim population, yet most people on the island of Bali are Hindu.
- The Komodo dragon lives in the wild only on a handful of Indonesian islands, and it is the largest lizard on Earth.
- Borobudur on Java is considered the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
- Because it sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country has well over a hundred active volcanoes.
Things to watch out for & tourist traps
- Wearing a sarong is mandatory at Bali’s sacred temples, and women who are menstruating are expected not to enter temples.
- In Bali’s Monkey Forest, hold on tight to glasses, hats and phones; the monkeys snatch belongings and wait for food as “ransom.”
- If you rent a scooter, carry an International Driving Permit and wear a helmet; accidents and insurance problems are common among tourists.
- When climbing volcanoes (Bromo, Rinjani, Ijen), follow official warnings; areas can be closed depending on activity levels.
- Don’t drink tap water, and be careful with ice and raw vegetables.
Visas & entry
Most visitors need a visa for Indonesia, but many nationalities, including US, UK, Canadian, Australian and Turkish citizens, can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or apply in advance for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. A fee applies; the stay is 30 days and can be extended once for another 30. Your passport must be valid for at least six months, and you need a return or onward ticket. You must also fill out the free All Indonesia arrival card within three days before arrival, and if you’re heading to Bali, pay the Bali tourist levy (lovebali.baliprov.go.id). Rules and fees change, so check the official source (imigrasi.go.id) before you travel and beware of paid middleman websites.
Visa and entry rules depend on your passport and change often. Before you travel, always check the latest requirements with the destination country’s official sources and your own government’s travel advisory (for US citizens: travel.state.gov).
Indonesia guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
It depends on your passport. Many nationalities, including US, UK, Canadian, Australian and Turkish citizens, can enter with a Visa on Arrival or an e-VoA obtained online in advance, valid for 30 days and extendable once. Rules change, so check imigrasi.go.id before you go.
Where should I go in Indonesia besides Bali?
Lombok and the Gili Islands, Borobudur and Mount Bromo on Java, Komodo National Park and Flores are the top alternatives.
How many days are enough for Bali?
6–8 days is ideal for Ubud, the southern beaches and a tour of east Bali; 10 days if you add Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands.
When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
April to October is generally the dry season. You can also travel in the wet season (November–March); rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts.
