Indonesia
What you need to know before you go
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, spanning 18,110 islands. While only 6,000 of the islands are inhabited, that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most populous countries in the world. The best known of those islands is Bali – a tropical paradise that’s been a popular escape for decades, noted for its exotic culture, tasty cuisine and, of course, it’s fantastic beaches.
Even so, Indonesia is about more than sun sea and sand. It’s also the home of the extraordinary Komodo dragons, the expansive forests of Sumatra, the idyllic Gili Islands and the largest Buddhist temple in the world – Borobudur. If you’re looking for extreme natural beauty and wonderful cultural experiences, Indonesia should be topping your list.
Top destinations in Indonesia
Where will you go next?Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago. It’s home to an ancient culture that's known for its warm hospitality as well as exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural backdrops. Dining in Bali presents endless choices of exotic, local cuisine. After sunset, famous nightspots come to life offering exciting clubbing and packed dance floors...
Read moreBintan Island
Bintan Island is the largest of the Riau archipelago’s 3,200 islands and has a coastline that stretches for about 105 km. That whole length has a combination of pristine beaches, mangrove forests and old towns and villages where an eclectic...
Lombok
Lombok is considered by some to be “an unspoilt Bali”, boasting the same fantastic beaches, waterfalls and even a volcano, but without the huge crowds of tourists. A relatively undiscovered destination in Indonesia, its landscape and traditional ways of life...
What to see & do in Indonesia
Featured stories & fun stuff31 Best Things to Do in Ubud
The best things to do in Ubud include exploring ancient temples, majestic royal palaces, and green hillsides and rice terraces. A treasure trove of cultural landmarks, this Balinese town and its outskirts within the Gianyar regency, are where some of...15 Best Things to Do in Bali
The best things to do in Bali include not-to-be-missed cultural treasures and some of the most iconic...21 Best Things to Do in Kuta
Some of the best things to do Kuta can be found on the beach. A favourite surfing coast since the...26 Must-See Temples in Bali
Ancient Bali temples dot the highlands and coasts, boasting magnificent centuries-old architecture. Several have become some of the island’s...20 Best Things to Do in Canggu
This guide to the best things to do in Canggu includes some of Bali’s most iconic landmarks that are found...10 Best Things to Do in Seminyak
The best things to do in Seminyak highlight what Bali’s most sophisticated and upscale beach resort area has to offer...7 Best Islands around Bali
These tropical islands around Bali should be among your top picks if you’re planning an island-hop or 2. Those...11 Best Things to Do on the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands offer a great selection of activities that you can enjoy during your tropical retreat on these 3...18 Things to Do in Bali with Kids
Visiting Bali with kids can be fun and exciting. There is a wide range of activities fit for the whole...
Where & what to eat in Indonesia
10 Best Tropical Fruits to Try in Bali
Balinese fruits are a feast for the eyes and taste buds, with their striking (sometimes unusual) textures, colours, shapes and sizes. Although several types share many resemblances with those that you find in other places across Southeast Asia, some varieties...10 Best Balinese Food
Thousands of islands with different cultures make up Indonesia, so it's no wonder that Balinese food is just as diverse...10 Best Restaurants in Ubud
The best restaurants in Ubud come in a wide range of styles, from modern fine-dining within 5-star resorts...
Where to shop & what to buy in Indonesia
10 Best Shopping Experiences in Bali
There are plenty of shopping experiences in Bali, from modern malls offering international brands, to artisan villages specialising in traditional crafts and art forms. The island is also home to international designer brands, many of which have flagship boutiques in...10 Best Shopping Malls in Bali
These great shopping malls in Bali are among the island’s most popular spots for shopping and entertainment. As a resort...10 Best Shopping Streets in Bali
The best shopping streets in Bali run through the island’s most popular resort areas, such as Kuta, Legian and Seminyak...
Where to go & what to do at night in Indonesia
8 Best Nightlife Experiences in Bali
Bali nightlife caters to a wide range of crowds, styles and budgets. Beach clubs to chill-out at sunset and well into the wee hours, night clubs to get loose with live DJs, rooftop bars, theatre shows, or simply an...29 Best Nightlife in Seminyak
Seminyak nightlife offers a rich collection of sophisticated bars, chic entertainment venues and clubbing hotspots. These complement the upscale beach...7 Best Party Streets in Bali
This lowdown of the best party scenes in Bali highlights the distinct personalities of each neighbourhood. We present which areas...
Useful information
Bali Festivals and Events Calendar
The Bali festivals and events calendar includes some of the most colourful local celebrations and festivals in Bali. Most observances follow the Balinese calendar system called pawukon, which rotates every 210 days. Besides governing the daily chores and elaborate rites...10 Useful Tips for Bali Taxis
Taxis in Bali are a viable choice for getting around the island, due to their wide availability and convenience. Within...10 Mistakes People Make on Their First Bali Trip
Here are some of the most common travel mistakes people make on their first Bali trip. They include some of...