Is Indonesia somewhere that you’ve got on your bucket list? With some of the most beautiful destinations and places to see and plenty to do, it’s easy to understand why so many people would like to go there at least once in their lifetime.
There are, of course, popular destinations that many of us would have already heard of. Perhaps you’ve got the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, or the beautiful island of Bali on your list.
There are also other places to see in the region, all of them boasting unique things to discover.
When people plan their holidays, there is a lot to consider. One of the big things to think about is the weather and making sure you go there at the right time and during the best season.
I’ve definitely made that mistake before, most notably with my Australia road trip!
The best time to go to Indonesia is between May and September where the days are dry and sunny. However, if you do want to go during other times of the year that would be classed as the rainy season then don’t let this information put you off.
Between October and April is technically the rainy season in Indonesia but the downpours come in the way of a tropical storm that may only last a couple of hours, if that. The temperatures remain high throughout the year.
So we’ve discussed the weather but now it’s time to decide where to visit. There are many popular destinations within Indonesia that are worthy of your consideration.
From beaches to city vibes, there’s something for everyone here so I thought I’d share with you some of them.
Bali
If you think of Indonesia then the chances are the next word to pop into your head will be Bali. One of the most popular destinations in Indonesia, Bali really needs no introduction.
Bali has long been a place for people to take holidays and Bali honeymoons are super popular thanks to the wonderful luxurious resorts that spread across the sparkly shoreline.
But you also get many backpackers and tourists on a budget taking in the beauty of this destination. You can choose to go to the southern parts of the island where a mix of British and Australian holidaymakers will frequent the beaches or, if you are looking for a more ancient Bali vibe, then heading north will still give you all of the fun with a little more culture and diversity to experience.
Lombok
Hate following the crowds? Then Lombok is one of the best alternatives to the more popular Bali.
It has (unfortunately for some!) grown in popularity in recent decades, but most of the Eastern Island is still underdeveloped, which makes for real beauty and tranquility.
With less of the commercialised bars, clubs, and restaurants, and more rustic and simple features, Lombok is a great place to add to your trip. You can sit back and relax and enjoy a pure thinking space with no distractions other than the beautiful weather and ocean.
However, if you are a keen surfer there are plenty of opportunities to take on the waves in Lombok. Some of the best Indonesia beaches can be found here.
There’s always something to do in Lombok but there’s a slower pace about it which you may really enjoy, especially if you’re escaping a busy job or home life.
Gili Islands
If you want a tropical paradise then look no further than the Gili Islands. A trio of islands between Lombok and Bali, these little gorgeous nuggets of tranquility are not to be missed.
The two smaller islands, Gili Air and Gili Meno, are quite secluded and laidback whereas the larger of the three, Gili Trawangan, is a much livelier place to see and experience.
A real hive for backpackers, the rustic bars are filled with a mix of cultures and people from all over the globe. The Gili Islands are definitely a highlight on any Indonesia itinerary.
Java
Java is situated between Sumatra and Bali and it is a volcanic island that is ideally located at the centre of Indonesia. Java is actually the home of the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, which is a vibrant and bustling city.
I’ll tell you more about Jakarta later but Java has much more to offer than just this incredible city. Here you have the Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, and Mount Bromo to add to your must-see list.
It will definitely give you a taste of the culture and beauty that Indonesia seems to exude.
Jakarta
Jakarta, the Indonesian capital is home to more than nine million people and it is a sprawling city. Many people use Jakarta as a pitstop for a few days of sightseeing and fun before heading off to some of the more remote islands or the popular resort of Bali.
There really is a genuine charm about this city and it is without doubt one of the best cities in Indonesia. There is a modern side to the city with sprawling skyscrapers and many food outlets but there’s also a more traditional side to it too.
The Kota Tui Old Town is definitely worth a visit. Jakarta is definitely worthy of a stop before heading somewhere for a bit of relaxation and it’s also a great destination for a city break.
Ubud
If you are looking for culture then look no further than the cultural heart of Bali. Nestled against the stunning terraced rice fields, which are also a sight to behold, Ubud holds dance and musical performances in the city every day.
If you are hoping to learn about Balinese culture, then Ubud is definitely the place. While it has been slightly commercialised, a short walk away from the crowds will offer a more ancient and cultural insight into the city and what Bali is all about.
Hopefully, this has given you plenty of inspiration when it comes to visiting Indonesia.
