Exploring Indonesia: Your Ultimate Guide (updated February 2023)

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Exploring Indonesia: Your Ultimate Guide (updated February 2023)

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Discover the enigmatic temples, lush green archipelagos, and diverse ecosystems... Indonesia is like a masterpiece full of surprising wonders waiting for you to explore.

Exploring Indonesia: Your Ultimate Guide (updated February 2023)

Overview of Traveling in Indonesia

Indonesia is an archipelagic country situated between Southeast Asia and the Pacific Ocean. With 13,487 islands, diverse ethnicities, and religions contributing to its unique culture, Indonesia exerts a powerful allure for travelers from around the world.

Additionally, this archipelago is renowned for its lush greenery, vast teak forests, the stunning paradise island of Bali, intricately adorned temples, and majestic mountains. It's a perfect stopover for travelers who love to experience and explore.

When is the Best Time to Visit Indonesia?

Indonesia has two seasons: rainy and dry. In the eastern islands, the monsoon brings hot and dry weather from June to December. In the west, the monsoon from December to March often brings heavy rain.

The ideal time to visit Indonesia is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and the humidity is low. This is also the season for festivals and tourism events in Indonesia.

Transportation to Indonesia

Vietnam – Indonesia

You can choose from several airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines... From Jakarta, Indonesia, you can connect to other famous tourist cities in Indonesia like Surabaya, Medan, and especially the renowned tourist hub of Bali.

From Hanoi to Jakarta

From Ho Chi Minh City to Jakarta

From Da Nang to Jakarta

From Phu Quoc to Jakarta

Transportation in Indonesia

• Air travel: In Indonesia, the domestic air network is quite extensive, connecting the capital Jakarta to most central islands and regions of the country. Airlines operating domestic routes include Garuda Indonesia (GA), Indonesia AirAsia (QZ), and Merpati Nusantara Airlines (MZ).

• Sea routes:

Major ports: Padang Bai and Benoa (Bali), Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Belawan (Medan), and Sekupang (Batam).

Tourist transportation companies:

– PELNI: A state-owned maritime company, maintaining high standards, serving passenger transport to most ports nationwide.

– ASDP (Fast Ferry): Operates and mainly serves fast ferry vessels on relatively short-distance routes.

– Additionally, there are routes operated by foreign companies that cater to tourists' needs, so they operate irregularly. Especially, luxury tourist boats often offer diverse trips to various attractions across the islands, including the Eastern islands (departing from Bali).

• Railways: The only railway transportation company in Indonesia is PT Kereta Api.

• Roadways: In Indonesia, driving is on the right side of the road, similar to Vietnam. The road system on major islands like Java (home to the capital Jakarta), Bali, and Sumatra is quite developed with good quality roads, most of which have sidewalks for pedestrians. However, on smaller islands, the road infrastructure is less developed.

• Buses: Bus fares are low and relatively stable. Larger buses equipped with air conditioning are more expensive than regular buses. Using buses is convenient for short-distance travel, especially within major cities, although they are often delayed due to frequent traffic jams, especially during peak hours.

• Taxis: Taxi services are quite common in cities and towns, making it easy to get around using this mode of transportation.

• Bemos and Opelets: These are local names for a type of mini-bus that operates short distances within cities. It's advisable to inquire about fares before boarding. Additionally, you can also rent a car for self-driving, which is a popular option and offered by many companies both domestically and internationally (international driver's license is required for tourists renting cars).

• Becak: This is the name of a three-wheeled vehicle widely used in Indonesia since 1936. Today, they are popular on streets, serving both local residents for daily commuting and tourists for city sightseeing.

Must-Visit Attractions in Indonesia

The Capital Jakarta

Jakarta, the capital, is Indonesia's pride, holding many intriguing aspects. Beyond the modern skyscrapers and streets, Jakarta harbors a peculiar traditional beauty rarely found elsewhere.

Monas – National Monument: Monas is a renowned symbol of Indonesia that you shouldn't miss during your Jakarta trip. The best time to visit the monument is at sunset when the sun gradually sets from the top of the monument, casting a reddish glow over the horizon. Besides the monuments, you can also find the National History Museum within the Monas vicinity, which houses many valuable artifacts about Indonesia's history.

Old Town: Old Town or Old Batavia is the oldest district in Jakarta. Surrounding Old Town are several museums favored by many tourists, such as the Jakarta History Museum (Fatahillah Museum), the Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum, etc. Batavia also hosts a Puppet Museum – a distinctive form of Asian performing arts. Here, you can rent a bicycle (about $3) to explore Sunda Kelapa port.

Setu Babakan Village: It's a wonderful place to delve into traditional life in Jakarta. This village spans 66 hectares, known as Perkampungan Budaya Betawi or Betawi Cultural Village. At Setu Babakan, you can experience various Betawi cultural aspects such as lenong (a traditional Betawi comedy), mask dances, traditional Betawi weddings, and of course, Ondel-ondel. The best time to visit is in June and July, when special festivals commemorate Jakarta's independence day.

Taman Mini Park: Taman Mini is one of the largest parks in Indonesia. It's an ideal destination for families with children. The attractions here are intertwined with Jakarta's long-standing legends. The park offers various entertainment options such as grand artificial swimming pools, golf courses, yacht docks, etc., attracting numerous tourists.

Al-Azhar Mosque: The grand Al-Azhar Mosque was built from 1953 to 1958. Its design is a combination of Hijazi (Saudi Arabian) and Coptic (Egyptian) mosque architecture. Here, you can witness the mosque's elegant beauty and solemnity. It's considered the hub of Islamic humanitarian activities in Jakarta.

Ancol Dreamland Entertainment Complex: The most exciting amusement park in Jakarta is Ancol Dreamland, often dubbed as Indonesia's Disneyland. Covering approximately 300 hectares, Ancol Dreamland includes Dunia Fantasy Theme Park, Seaworld with marine life shows featuring dolphins and seals, an art market known as Pasar Seni, and Pasar Seni – Jakarta's most famous art market, all within Ancol.

Taman Safari Park: Spanning about 168 hectares, Taman Safari Park is Jakarta's only park where you can see animals roaming freely. It's home to over 40 different species, including Sumatran tigers, Chinese bears, and rhinoceroses. Due to the animals' free movement, visitors explore the park by guided car or bus. Additionally, the park features a Baby Zoo where you can observe and interact with tiger cubs, lion cubs, and other animals.

Istiqlal Mosque: Istiqlal Mosque is located on Jalan Pintu Air. The name 'Istiqlal' means 'Independence'. Completed in 1978, it's considered Indonesia's national symbol and was Southeast Asia's largest mosque at the time. Istiqlal Mosque also serves as a venue for social and cultural activities, including lectures, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, fairs, and programs for women, youth, and children.

Explore Jalan Surabaya: Jalan Surabaya is Jakarta's famous antique street. Surabaya specializes in selling antiques and vintage items for tourists to explore and shop. However, you should be cautious when buying here, as some shop owners often mix fake items with genuine ones to make a profit.

Bali Island

Dubbed the gem of Indonesia, Bali not only captivates tourists with its natural beauty but also holds many sacred cultural values. Religion is an integral part of the people here, with Hinduism as the main religion, blended with Buddhism.

Ubud: Ubud is one of Bali's primary artistic and cultural hubs. Everything here exudes traditional Balinese style, from local guesthouses and spa resorts to beautiful garden areas. The most famous attraction is the Ubud Monkey Forest, a sacred conservation area where long-tailed monkeys roam freely. Visitors should also visit the Ubud Palace to admire ancient royal architecture or explore nearby local villages.

Seminyak: Situated on the west coast of the beautiful island, Seminyak is highly popular among tourists. While this area also features luxury hotels and restaurants like Kuta, Bali's main resort area, the atmosphere here is much quieter and more relaxed. Like anywhere on this paradise island, you can't miss the breathtaking sunset views over the sea. Additionally, you can relax at health spas or spend time in upscale shopping centers.

Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple: Bali is home to hundreds of temples, among which Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple are the most beautiful. Perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, both temples are favored by tourists for their unique geographical locations.

Discover Legian: Another tranquil resort area located on the west coast, Legian boasts romantic tropical beaches, upscale restaurants, and enticing shopping districts. If you're a surfing enthusiast, don't miss out on Uluwatu, Bignin, and Balangan (just a half-hour drive from Legian), known for some of the best waves for thrilling surfing sports.

Mt. Batur, Kintamani: This destination is perfect for adventurous travelers. It requires some endurance and mountain climbing skills to conquer the black sand and volcanic rocks of Mount Batur before being rewarded with stunning views, especially at sunrise. Additionally, a popular tourist activity is practicing yoga poses at the mountain's summit during sunrise. Afterward, you can stroll around Lake Bratan and visit the Ulun Danu Temple. If unable to conquer it, admiring the volcano from afar is still quite fascinating.

Jimbaran Bay and Nusa Dua: Dubbed the 'Beverly Hills of Bali,' Jimbaran and Nusa Dua are home to numerous 5-star beachfront resorts. You'll have the opportunity to dine on long stretches of sandy beaches under glittering candlelight with gentle waves lapping at your feet. These areas are also close to a small fishing village with daily seafood markets, allowing you to enjoy freshly prepared seafood dishes.

Tirta Gangga: Tirta Gangga is the name of a village and palace located in the east of Bali. Owned by the Karangasem royal family, this palace is an attractive destination for visitors. Built in 1948, it is known as a maze of many ponds and water springs, surrounded by lush gardens and unique stone sculptures.

Tegalalang Bali: Heading north of Ubud, you'll encounter villages known for woodworking and carving, where multiple generations of a family participate in all stages of the crafting process. Artisans here often craft religious artifacts but also cater to tourist demands. Each village tends to specialize in producing items based on specific themes such as animals or abstract figures...

Gunung Kawi: Located in Tampaksiring (Northeast Ubud), this is one of Bali's oldest relics—a beautiful temple preserved since the 11th century. To reach this place, you'll walk through stone steps in the lush green valley, gradually the temple carved in stone in honor of the Balinese royal family emerges. As customary, appropriate attire is required, but if unprepared, sarongs are available for rent at the entrance.

Explore Kuta: With its fine white sandy beaches and stunning natural landscapes, it's no wonder Kuta is one of the most famous beaches in Bali. From the crystal-clear emerald waters reflecting the sky to the sprawling white sandy beach resembling a silk carpet, the magnificent sunset scenes, and the swaying coconut trees... All serve as an invitation to travelers to visit Kuta.

Other Fascinating Tourist Destinations in Indonesia

The City of Medan

Medan preserves many cultural aspects deeply rooted in Indonesia. That's why most of the famous tourist spots here are temples, shrines, or mosques. These include Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple of the 9th century; Mesjid Raya, the intact mosque after the 2004 tsunami disaster; Annai Velangkani, a beautiful Indian architecture church representing solemn religious space. Sri Mariamman Temple with meticulously carved Hindu deities.

Additionally, Medan is renowned for Maimoon Palace, a legacy of the Islamic Kingdom designed by an Italian architect on a 2,772 m² land. And the Merdeka pedestrian street, the city's hottest spot, due to the concentration of people and the services provided for tourists.

The City of Semarang

Semarang is renowned for its European-style architectural landmarks such as the Sam Poo Kong Temple, a memorial to Admiral Zheng He, who contributed to maintaining peace in Indonesia; Blenduk Church, the oldest church in Central Java built by the Dutch community in 1753; Tawang Railway Station; Lawang Sewu, a building with numerous winding corridors leading to offices and the building's entrance.

The City of Surabaya

Surabaya, a bustling business city, preserves many ancient architectures, notably the Grahadi Castle built in 1795; House of Sampoerna, a museum with a lingering scent of tobacco, often referred to as Indonesia's tobacco museum. Alongside sightseeing, two prominent shopping centers not to be missed here are Kya Kya-Kembang Jepun with Indonesian-flavored cuisine and Pasar Ampel with cultural activities influenced by Indian culture.

The City of Yogyakarta

The former capital of Indonesia is where you can explore numerous ancient architectures and distinctive cultural practices of the archipelago's people. Leading the way is the Tugu Monument or Tugu, standing at 137m tall, built from 1961-1975. The monument is constructed with 14.5 tons of pure copper. A notable feature of the monument is the burning flame atop the monument plated with 35kg of gold. Next is the Kraton, the grand palace of the Mataram Kingdom from the 18th century; Masjid Gede Kauman, the mosque believed to represent the existence of the Sultan (the king of Yogyakarta), and the Vredeburg Fortress, a symbol of the Indonesian people's victory.

If you fancy a beach bath, you can choose Tamansari. It is a complex of beach baths, canals, chambers, and large recreational pools, built in Portuguese architectural style, adorned with symbolic Javanese decorations.

For travelers interested in archaeology, Candi Sambisari – a Hindu temple buried 8m deep or Candi Kalasan (also known as Candi Kalibening) located around 6m underground are two must-visit sites.

Indonesian Cuisine

Nasi Goreng: Aside from the vibrant colors of the fried rice grains, rich in flavor, Nasi Goreng entices travelers with a variety of accompaniments such as raw vegetables, sauces, eggs, shrimp, cabbage, traditional meats…. Particularly, fried with tamarind, chili, Nasi Goreng's fried rice has a tangy, spicy taste.

Babi Guling: Originating from the beautiful island of Bali, Babi Guling, a specialty made from roasted suckling pig and rice, is jokingly referred to by many travelers as a dish grilled twice. The first time involves roasting the suckling pigs of moderate size. After the suckling pig is roasted to perfection, fragrant and crispy, the chef or vendor will cut the pig meat into bite-sized pieces, mixed with rice, leeks, garlic, ginger, turmeric, pepper, herbs, galangal, chili, lemongrass… then continue grilling over hot fire for 5 hours, ensuring the sweet, aromatic flavors of the meat and spices permeate the rice. The tempting highlight of the dish is the crispy, golden pig skin, placed on the plate as part of the decoration.

Nasi Kuning: Kuning is a dish made from a special type of golden rice commonly used by the people of Bali during festivals and ceremonies. After being skillfully cooked with coconut milk, chicken broth, fragrant spices, the rice is shaped into pyramids. Nasi Kuning is often served on a large plate and beautifully arranged in proportion with meat, eggs, fish, green vegetables… At first glance, the dish resembles a vivid and lively painting.

Nasi Uduk: Nasi Uduk or coconut milk rice, derived its name from the preparation method of the dish. Besides the special aroma of rice cooked with coconut milk, Nasi Uduk also beckons travelers with a variety of side dishes such as seasoned meats, fish, chicken, boiled eggs, chili sauce, and crispy cookies. Of course, when presented on the plate, the indispensable seasoning of Indonesian rice dishes is fried onions.

Tempeh: Tempeh is a cake made from fermented soybeans and rice flour, often fried to a crispy, dark gray color and sold fresh or frozen in the market. Besides traditional Tempeh, to suit the taste of travelers, vendors also transform this dish according to Western tastes such as Tempeh Burgers, Tempeh with salad and tomatoes…

Satay: A dish travelers can find anywhere in Indonesia. The meat used in this dish is usually beef or chicken. Particularly, the slaughter of animals is carried out by followers of Islam. It is a religious cultural characteristic of the Islamic community in Indonesia.

Beef rendang & sambal: Rendang is a dish originating from the Minangkabau ethnic groups of Indonesia. The dish quickly became a famous dish mentioned everywhere in the world. Rendang is one of the typical dishes of Minangkabau culture. Rendang is prepared to serve special occasions.

Javanese fried noodles: Fried noodles are a favorite dish of the Indonesian people. In general, noodles are made from cereals grown in Indonesia such as rice, glutinous rice, mung beans, soybeans… The soft and chewy noodles absorb the rich flavors of the stir-fry, accompanied by characteristic vegetables. When eating noodles, travelers should not forget to add traditional dipping sauces. This is a unique feature of Indonesian cuisine.

Where to stay when traveling to Bali

In Bali, there are 2 areas where travelers usually stay the most: Kuta and Ubud. Hotels located in alleys will be cheaper than hotels located on the main streets. If your Bali island itinerary is 4 days, then you should stay 2 nights at a hotel in Ubud and 2 nights at a hotel in Kuta. In Ubud, it's closer to travel north, while in Kuta, it's closer to the airport for the departure day.

Mytour suggests some resorts – hotels in Bali with good prices and beautiful views:

The Pavilions Bali Resort

Six Senses Uluwatu Bali Resort

Amandari Ubud Bali Resort

The Kuta Beach Heritage Bali Hotel

Grand Mirage & Thalasso Bali Resort

Amadea Resort & Villas Seminyak Bali

Swiss-Belresort Pecatu Bali

Prohibited Actions

– Do not shake hands with Muslim women unless they initiate it and should be done with both hands.

– Before entering homes or places of worship, shoes should be removed. It's polite to accept water if offered by the host.

– Avoid pointing fingers at people, objects, or places.

– Use your right hand to give or receive gifts.

– Ask for permission before taking photos at sacred places.

Important Information to Note:

• Indonesian Currency: When purchasing goods, most shops only accept local currency. Therefore, you need to carry US dollars for exchange. The currency unit of Indonesia is the Rupiah (Rp or IDR) and it comes in the following denominations:

– Banknotes: 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 1,000,000 IDR.

– Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 IDR.