Volcanoes, temples, reefs and thousands of islands
Indonesia is the world's largest island nation, stretching across more than 17,000 islands between Asia and Australia. Bali is the famous starting point, with temples, rice terraces and beaches, but Java's Borobudur and volcanoes, Komodo's dragons and Raja Ampat's reefs are just as remarkable. Each island has its own culture, food and landscapes. It suits beach lovers, divers, hikers and culture seekers with time to explore.
Tap a card or a pin. Add a place to a day of your trip, or look for tours.
The world's largest Buddhist monument, a stepped stone temple decorated with thousands of carved reliefs. It dates from the 9th century.
A 9th century Hindu temple complex with tall, pointed shrines to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is especially beautiful at sunset.
Bali's cultural heart, with art, dance, temples and rice fields around it. It is a calmer base than the beach towns.
Bali's sculpted rice terraces show the traditional subak irrigation system. Jatiluwih is part of a UNESCO cultural landscape.
A temple perched on a cliff above the ocean on Bali's southern tip. The Kecak fire dance is performed at sunset.
A sea temple set on a rock in the surf off Bali's west coast. It is famous for sunset views.
A rugged island off Bali with dramatic cliffs and beaches such as Kelingking. Manta rays gather at its dive sites.
Three small car free islands off Lombok with white sand and sea turtles. Gili Trawangan is lively, while Meno and Air are calmer.
Islands where Komodo dragons live, surrounded by excellent diving. Boat trips also visit pink beaches and viewpoints.
An active volcano in a sea of sand inside a huge caldera. Sunrise from a viewpoint above it is famous.
A volcanic crater with a turquoise acid lake and sulphur miners at work. Night hikes go to see blue fire.
A remote archipelago with some of the richest coral reefs on earth. Homestays and liveaboards are the main ways to visit.
The sultan's palace and old quarter at the heart of Javanese culture. Batik, wayang puppets and gamelan music thrive here.
A vast volcanic lake with Samosir Island in the middle, home to the Batak people. It is a peaceful place to slow down.
Highlands known for boat shaped houses and elaborate funeral traditions. Cliff graves and rice terraces fill the valleys.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it: pick cities, add places to days, see the weather for your dates.
Each city with a guide opens its own page: map, where to stay, what to eat.
Bali's cultural base.
culture, nature · Open the city guideBali's beach and dining hub.
beach, food · Guide comingJavanese culture and temples.
history, culture · Open the city guideGateway to Komodo.
diving, adventure · Guide comingCapital and air hub.
gateway · Open the city guideCar free island stay.
beach, diving · Guide comingCliffs, surf and sunsets.
surf, beach · Guide comingThe most popular base, with beaches, rice fields and temples across the island.
beach, culture, wellness · Open the city guideQuieter beaches and the Rinjani volcano.
beach, hiking · Guide comingCool highland city of cafes and tea plantations near Jakarta.
food, day trips · Guide comingGateway to Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang.
gateway, nature · Guide comingEntry to Tana Toraja and Sulawesi.
gateway, culture · Guide comingHindu island of temples, rice fields and beaches.
Ubud, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida
The populous heartland with temples and volcanoes.
Borobudur, Prambanan, Mount Bromo
Quieter neighbours of Bali.
Gili Islands, Mount Rinjani, Kuta Lombok
Dry islands with dragons and diving.
Komodo, Labuan Bajo, Flores
Big islands with lakes and unique cultures.
Lake Toba, Tana Toraja, Bukit Lawang
Remote reefs and rainforest.
Raja Ampat, Baliem Valley
Choose how long you have, then add the whole route to a trip as places and nights.
Best: April to October. The dry season across most islands brings sunny days and calmer seas.
Wet season rains are heaviest from about November to March, but patterns vary, and Maluku has its rains in the middle of the year.
January. Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.
82°F daily high, 78°F average, 12.5 in
Average of past years from NASA POWER, worked out at each city's position. A place far from these cities can be quite different.
The US State Department rates Indonesia Level 2 (exercise increased caution) for terrorism and natural disasters, with stronger warnings for parts of Papua, and visitors should also watch for volcanic activity, scams and traffic.
Domestic flights and ferries connect the islands, but long distances and delays are common.
Lodging, food and transport are good value, though Bali's resorts and diving trips can be pricey.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Members see the rules for their own passport here.
Passport and visa rules change often and without notice. Always check the official pages before you book and again before you travel.
| Entry | Check visa and entry rules on the official Indonesian eVisa website (https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/) and on your own government's travel advice before you go, as rules can change. |
| Plugs | Type C, F; 220 V |
| Tap water | not safe |
| Tipping | Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent is appreciated, and some restaurants add a service charge. |
| Payments | Cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants, but cash in rupiah is needed for warungs, markets and small islands. |
| Emergency | 110 police, 118 ambulance, 112 fire |
| Etiquette | Use your right hand for giving and eating, and do not touch people's heads. In Bali, do not step on offerings on the ground. Respect Nyepi, Bali's day of silence, when everything closes. |
| What to wear | Cover shoulders and knees in temples and mosques; in Bali a sarong and sash are required at temples. |
| Driving | On the left |
| Between cities | Domestic airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air and Batik Air link the main islands, and fast boats connect Bali, Lombok and the Gilis. On Java, trains are comfortable and good value. Ride apps like Gojek and Grab cover cars and motorbike taxis in cities. |
| Main airports | CGK, DPS, YIA, SUB, LBJ, KNO |
| Ride apps | Gojek, Grab |
The islands were home to powerful Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms that built Borobudur and Prambanan more than a thousand years ago. Islam spread from the 13th century and is now the majority faith. The Dutch gradually colonised the archipelago, which became the Dutch East Indies. Indonesia declared independence in 1945 and is now the world's third largest democracy, with Bali remaining mainly Hindu.
Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.