Indonesia Travel Guide

Written by Alex Robinson, travel journalist and our Indonesia specialist · Updated November 2026

Indonesia Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Indonesia is the world’s largest island nation: around 17,000 islands stretching more than 5,000 km from Sumatra to Papua. In one trip you can see orangutans in the rainforests of Borneo, temples and rice terraces in Java and Bali, Komodo dragons in the east and some of the best coral reefs on Earth. This guide covers the practical side: visas, money, health, safety and when to go.

When you are ready to plan, see our tailor-made Indonesia holidays.

Indonesia at a Glance

Health and Vaccinations

See your GP or a travel clinic at least eight weeks before you travel. Check the vaccinations and malaria advice for the islands you are visiting on TravelHealthPro, as the advice differs between Bali and remote areas such as Borneo, Flores and Papua. If you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever, you will need a yellow fever certificate.

• Don’t drink tap water. Bottled or filtered water is easy to find, and many hotels offer refills.
• Use insect repellent day and night, as dengue fever is common across Indonesia.
• Good private hospitals are found in Bali and Jakarta, but care is limited on remote islands. Take out travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• If you take regular medicines, carry them in their original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Some medicines that are legal in the UK are controlled in Indonesia, so check with the Indonesian Embassy before you travel.

Money

The currency is the rupiah. Notes go up to 100,000 rupiah, so you will be dealing in large numbers.
Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in Bali, Jakarta and Yogyakarta. Carry cash for markets, small cafés, boat trips and remote islands.
ATMs are easy to find in towns. Use machines attached to banks and cover the keypad.
Tipping isn’t expected, but it is appreciated. Many restaurants add a service charge.

Staying Safe

Most visits to Indonesia are trouble-free. A few things to know:

Volcanoes and earthquakes: Indonesia has many active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. Always follow local advice and respect exclusion zones. Our local team keeps an eye on conditions and will change plans if needed.
Drinks: avoid homemade spirits such as arak, and drinks from unlicensed bars. Methanol poisoning has killed tourists.
Drugs: penalties are extremely severe and can include the death penalty.
Roads: traffic can be chaotic. We use experienced private drivers and don’t recommend hiring a scooter.
The sea: currents can be strong on some beaches. Swim where there are lifeguards and follow the flags.

Read the latest GOV.UK travel advice for Indonesia before you go.
Local Customs and Etiquette

Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and mosques. In Bali you will need a sarong and sash for temples; they are usually lent at the entrance.
Remove your shoes before entering homes and places of worship.
Use your right hand to give and receive things, and don’t touch people on the head.
Indonesia is mostly Muslim. Dress modestly away from the beach, and be respectful during Ramadan, when some restaurants close during the day.
In Bali, don’t step on the small offerings (canang sari) placed on pavements and doorsteps.
On Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence in March, the whole island shuts down for 24 hours, including the airport. Guests must stay in their hotels.

Food and Drink

Indonesian food is varied, spicy and full of flavour. Try nasi goreng (fried rice), satay with peanut sauce, rendang (slow-cooked beef from Sumatra), gado-gado (vegetables with peanut sauce) and, in Bali, babi guling (roast pork). Many dishes come with sambal, a chilli paste, on the side, so you can choose how hot to go. Our guides can recommend the best local warungs (small family restaurants)

Frequently Asked Questions
Do British citizens need a visa for Indonesia?

Yes. You can get a 30-day visa on arrival for 500,000 rupiah, or apply online before you travel. It can be extended once for another 30 days. Check the latest rules on GOV.UK before you go.
How much is the Bali tourist levy?

The levy is 150,000 rupiah, about £8, per foreign visitor arriving in Bali. You can pay it online before you travel or when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Indonesia?

For Bali, Java and Komodo, the dry season from about April to October is best. Raja Ampat is best from October to April. Because the islands have different weather, there is somewhere good to visit in every month.
Is Indonesia safe for tourists?

Yes, most visits are trouble-free. Follow local advice near volcanoes, avoid homemade spirits, use licensed drivers and check the GOV.UK travel advice before you travel.
Can I drink the tap water in Indonesia?

No. Drink bottled or filtered water, and use it to brush your teeth. Ice in hotels and good restaurants is usually made from purified water.
What should I wear in Indonesia?

Light, loose clothes for the heat, with something to cover your shoulders and knees for temples, mosques and villages. Bring a light rain jacket in the wet season and a warm layer for early starts on volcanoes such as Bromo.
What is Nyepi and does it affect my holiday?

Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence, usually in March. For 24 hours the island closes: no flights, no traffic and no lights outside. It is a special experience, but you will need to stay in your hotel, so we plan around it.
Plan Your Indonesia Holiday

Ready to explore? Browse our Indonesia bespoke holidays, see where you could stay on our Indonesia hotels page, or request a video call to start planning your trip.