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?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 remain mostly unchanged. That’s not to say that the people here aren’t welcoming – far from it. It’s just that the...
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...
Bali
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...
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...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...10 Best Beaches in Bali
The most popular beaches in Bali attract travellers with their impressive landscape, clear waters, and a wide range of activities...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...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...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...26 Best Things to Do in Sanur
Some of the best things to do in Sanur appeal to those looking to learn about Bali's unique culture and...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 Tattoo Studios in Bali
Tattoo studios in Bali aren’t hard to find, especially throughout the island’s main southern beach resort areas of Kuta, Legian...
Where & what to eat in Indonesia
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. To complement your holiday experience in Bali, you would not want to miss out on some of its most popular...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...10 Local Drinks You Should Try in Bali
Here are some local drinks you should try in Bali, especially when you’re looking beyond water or canned sodas to...
Where to shop & what to buy in Indonesia
10 Balinese Souvenirs Your Family Actually Want
There are some great Bali souvenirs worth bringing home, which are better alternatives to the usual ‘stupid things’ people buy while holidaying on the island. We aren’t talking about the colourful and kitsch stuff you find at most roadside art...33 Best Shopping in Ubud
Ubud is a haven for arts and crafts and you can find some of the island’s major art markets in...6 Best Night Markets in Bali
Night markets in Bali offer a unique shopping and dining experience after dark. These night markets are where you can...
Where to go & what to do at night in Indonesia
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 offer the most action and excitement. Most know that Bali’s clubbing hub is in the southwestern resort areas of Seminyak...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...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...
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 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...9 Tips to Survive Nyepi Day in Bali
How do I survive Nyepi Day in Bali? Should I still visit when the whole island literally shuts down for...