What to do in Indonesia?

Indonesia is a vast archipelago of islands where ancient temples, emerald rice terraces, fiery volcanoes, and vibrant coral reefs come together. From Bali’s spiritual heart to Sumatra’s wild rainforests and Raja Ampat’s turquoise lagoons, this diverse country invites you to dive deep, roam far, and uncover a thousand cultures in one unforgettable adventure. One day might find you learning batik from a local artisan, the next lost among Komodo dragons or sunrise volcanoes — every island holds a different secret to uncover.

Sumatra

Sumatra is a land of steaming volcanoes, dense jungles, and unique wildlife. Home to critically endangered orangutans, elusive tigers, and the largest volcanic lake in the world, Lake Toba, it’s a destination for those who crave adventure off the beaten path in the rainforests of Bukit Lawang, the surf breaks of the Mentawai Islands and the highland culture of the Batak people.

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat, tucked away in Indonesia’s remote West Papua, is a marine wonderland. Known as one of the most biodiverse dive sites on Earth, its coral reefs are home to manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and countless fish. Above the surface, limestone islets, hidden lagoons, and quiet villages offer a rare blend of serenity and adventure, far away from the usual travel circuit.

Scenic rice fields

Indonesia’s rice fields are living works of art—layered terraces carved into hillsides, glowing green under the tropical sun. From the iconic Tegallalang and Jatiluwih paddies in Bali to the lush, remote valleys of Flores and Sulawesi, wander along narrow footpaths, watch farmers work by hand, or simply soak in the peace of these timeless scenes.

Java's Volcanoes

Hike through eerie, otherworldly volcanic landscapes at Mount Bromo, where sunrise paints the caldera in surreal hues, or descend into the glowing blue fire of the Ijen Crater, past sulphur miners and steaming vents. From the sacred heights of Mount Merapi to the lush slopes of Mount Semeru, Java’s volcanoes offer a raw and elemental adventure.

Bali

Bali is where ancient temples meet lush jungles and surf breaks crash beneath fiery sunsets. From the artistic heart of Ubud to the coastal energy of Canggu and the cliffside serenity of Uluwatu, Indonesia’s only Hindu-majority island offers something for everyone – whether you’re chasing waves, world-class cuisine, rituals, or rice fields.

Komodo National Park

Whether you’re hiking rugged trails, or watching dragons roam, Komodo National Park is a place where prehistoric landscapes and mythical creatures come to life. Spread across volcanic islands between Flores and Sumbawa, it’s home to the legendary Komodo dragon—the world’s largest lizard—and a surreal mix of pink-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters making it a diver’s dream.

Lombok

Lombok is Bali’s wilder, quieter neighbour where waterfalls tumble through lush forests and white-sand beaches remain uncrowded. It’s an island of contrasts: serene coastal villages, thrilling surf spots and raw volcanic landscapes. Explore the turquoise bays of the south, the rice fields of the north, or catch a ferry to the laid-back Gili Islands. Here adventure meets tranquillity— and it still feels undiscovered.

Sumatra

Sumatra is a land of steaming volcanoes, dense jungles, and unique wildlife. Home to critically endangered orangutans, elusive tigers, and the largest volcanic lake in the world, Lake Toba, it’s a destination for those who crave adventure off the beaten path in the rainforests of Bukit Lawang, the surf breaks of the Mentawai Islands and the highland culture of the Batak people.

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat, tucked away in Indonesia’s remote West Papua, is a marine wonderland. Known as one of the most biodiverse dive sites on Earth, its coral reefs are home to manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and countless fish. Above the surface, limestone islets, hidden lagoons, and quiet villages offer a rare blend of serenity and adventure, far away from the usual travel circuit.

Scenic rice fields

Indonesia’s rice fields are living works of art—layered terraces carved into hillsides, glowing green under the tropical sun. From the iconic Tegallalang and Jatiluwih paddies in Bali to the lush, remote valleys of Flores and Sulawesi, wander along narrow footpaths, watch farmers work by hand, or simply soak in the peace of these timeless scenes.

Java's Volcanoes

Hike through eerie, otherworldly volcanic landscapes at Mount Bromo, where sunrise paints the caldera in surreal hues, or descend into the glowing blue fire of the Ijen Crater, past sulphur miners and steaming vents. From the sacred heights of Mount Merapi to the lush slopes of Mount Semeru, Java’s volcanoes offer a raw and elemental adventure.

Bali

Bali is where ancient temples meet lush jungles and surf breaks crash beneath fiery sunsets. From the artistic heart of Ubud to the coastal energy of Canggu and the cliffside serenity of Uluwatu, Indonesia’s only Hindu-majority island offers something for everyone – whether you’re chasing waves, world-class cuisine, rituals, or rice fields.

Komodo National Park

Whether you’re hiking rugged trails, or watching dragons roam, Komodo National Park is a place where prehistoric landscapes and mythical creatures come to life. Spread across volcanic islands between Flores and Sumbawa, it’s home to the legendary Komodo dragon—the world’s largest lizard and a surreal mix of pink-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Lombok

Lombok is Bali’s wilder, quieter neighbour where adventure meets tranquillity and waterfalls tumble through lush forests and white-sand beaches remain uncrowded. It’s an island of contrasts: serene coastal villages, thrilling surf spots and raw volcanic landscapes. Explore the turquoise bays of the south, the rice fields of the north, or catch a ferry to the laid-back Gili Islands.

Indonesia Travel Facts

active volcanoes: Indonesia has the world's most active peaks, forming the "Pacific Ring of Fire"
of all known coral species are found in Indonesian waters, especially in Raja Ampat
islands form the world's largest archipelago, about 6000 of which are inhabited
century temple: Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, located in Java

Beyond Bali: Indonesia's Hidden Gems

While Bali may steal the spotlight, Indonesia’s real magic lies off the well-travelled path. Discover the surreal karst islands of Raja Ampat, where coral reefs burst with life. Hike through the misty jungles of Sumatra, home to orangutans and hidden waterfalls. Explore the volcanic beauty of Flores, or find peace in the terraced valleys of Toraja. From remote surf breaks in Sumbawa to ancient temples tucked away in Java’s highlands, Indonesia is a treasure trove waiting to be explored—if you know where to look.

South East Asia map
Indonesia Map

Best time to travel to Indonesia

May - September

Dry Season: Best time to go! Sunny weather, cooler temperatures and lower humidity

April & October

Shoulder Season: Offering a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices

November - March

Wet Season: The monsoon season can bring heavy rain, especially in the south

Our favourite hotels in Indonesia