What’s Cool
Incredible temples, beauty and culture of Bali, the unspoilt islands and beaches of Lombok, exploring the jungles of the islands in the east, seeing Sumatra's orangutans and the ancient temples of Yogyakarta.What’s Not
Anti-western sentiment, Islamic extremists, bombings, the legacy of the tsunami in Aceh, hot humid weather, pollution and noise of Jakarta, coming face-to-face with a komodo dragon!When to Go
Best: May-SeptemberHigh season: July to August
Low season: October to March
Essential Info
Time: GMT+7Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Round two-prong European plug
Money: Indonesian Rupiah
1US$ = 10,200 RP
Phone: ICC (+62) Outgoing: 001
Despite two devastating bombings, Bali continues to attract tourists as one of Asia's most popular resort island destinations, and rightly so. Even more travelers make it to Borobudur, an ancient temple complex that rivals Cambodia's Angkor Wat as the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Jakarta may be the capital, but its congested streets have little to keep visitors lingering.
Diving fans may like to check out Sulawesi, a diverse destination with world class reefs. But there are plenty of great dive sites near the more popular Bali and Lombok for the less adventurous. Jungle and volcano trekkers, on the other hand, have endless possibilities in the rugged wilderness that spans much of the country.Indonesia has reasonable domestic air service but safety can be dubious. A cheaper way to traverse this island-nation is to travel by boat, or by train if you're on Java or Sumatra. Driving habits leave a lot to be desired so watch your back.