Indonesia Travel Guide
Bali's rice terraces and temples, volcano sunrises and Komodo's islands.
Updated October 2026
Why visit Indonesia
Indonesia is a country of more than 17,000 islands, but most trips start in Bali — and for good reason. Ubud's rice terraces and jungle temples, Uluwatu's clifftop sunsets, surf beaches and a warm, spiritual culture make it endlessly appealing. Nearby Lombok and the Gili Islands add quieter beaches and great snorkelling.
Beyond Bali, Yogyakarta on Java is the base for the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, and Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park. Short domestic flights connect the islands. This guide covers when to go, how to get around and how to stay online everywhere you travel.
Internet & eSIM
Staying connected in Indonesia
On Bali and beyond, your phone handles a lot: booking Grab or Gojek rides and scooters, ordering food, finding villas down unmarked lanes, translating and arranging boat trips. Villas and cafés usually have Wi-Fi, but you'll want data on the road, at the beach and on day trips.
Roaming in Indonesia is expensive for most foreign plans, and buying a local SIM involves registration. A travel eSIM gives you local data from the moment you land: install it at home with a QR code, switch it on at the airport and keep your own SIM for calls and texts. Coverage is good on Bali, Java and Lombok, and thinner on remote islands.
- Install before departure, turn on when you land
- Keep your own number active for WhatsApp and SMS codes
- Book Grab or Gojek rides from day one
Viberest eSIM
Stay connected in Indonesia
Flights to Indonesia
Compare prices from hundreds of airlines and travel sites.
Tours & activities
Top things to do in Indonesia
ToursDiscover The Best of Ubud: All-Inclusive and Private Guided Tour
Ubud, Indonesia
8 hours
8 hoursFree cancellation
from $28
ToursNusa Penida Premium Day from Bali: Manta Rays, Yacht & Land Tour
Seminyak, Indonesia
8 hours
8 hoursFree cancellation
from $74
ToursUbud Private Tour: Waterfalls, Temple and Rice Terraces Swing
Ubud, Indonesia
8 hours
8 hoursFree cancellation
from $27
ToursUbud ATV Quad Bike Tunnel Waterfall Tour
Ubud, Indonesia
1.5 hours
1.5 hoursFree cancellation
from $34
ToursUbud: Monkey Forest, Jungle Swing, Rice Terrace and Water Temple
Ubud, Indonesia
8 hours
8 hoursFree cancellation
from $27
ToursUbud Private Tour Rice Terraces Temples Waterfalls.
Kuta, Indonesia
8 hours
8 hoursFree cancellation
from $38
ToursMount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour with Optional Activities
Ubud, Indonesia
4 hours
4 hoursFree cancellation
from $20
ToursPrivate Uluwatu Sunset Tour with Kecak Dance and Dinner
Ubud, Indonesia
7 hours
7 hoursFree cancellation
from $32
Bookings are made with our partner Viator. Viberest may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Where to go
Popular cities in Indonesia
- BaliTemples, beaches, surf breaks and a vibrant food scene.Things to do in Bali
- UbudRice terraces, the Monkey Forest and yoga retreats in the jungle.Things to do in Ubud
- YogyakartaBorobudur and Prambanan temples and Javanese culture.Things to do in Yogyakarta
- LombokMount Rinjani, quiet beaches and the nearby Gili Islands.Things to do in Lombok
- Labuan BajoGateway to Komodo dragons and Pink Beach boat trips.Things to do in Labuan Bajo
- JakartaIndonesia's busy capital, with old Batavia and great food.Things to do in Jakarta
Seasons
Best time to visit Indonesia
The dry season, roughly April to October, is the best time for Bali, Lombok and Komodo. The wet season (November–March) brings tropical downpours but greener landscapes and lower prices.
- Jan — fair
- Feb — fair
- Mar — fair
- Apr — good
- May — great
- Jun — great
- Jul — great
- Aug — great
- Sep — great
- Oct — good
- Nov — fair
- Dec — fair
BestGoodLess ideal
Dry season · Apr–Oct
Sunny days and calmer seas — ideal for beaches, diving and Komodo boat trips. July, August and holidays are busiest.
Shoulder months · Apr & Oct
Good weather with fewer crowds and better prices — a sweet spot for Bali.
Wet season · Nov–Mar
Heavy afternoon rains and high humidity, but lush rice fields and quieter beaches. Some boat routes may be limited.
Nyepi (Bali)
Bali's Day of Silence, usually in March, shuts down the whole island for 24 hours — including the airport. Check the date if you travel then.
Before you go
Indonesia travel tips
Pay the Bali tourist levy
Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-time tourist levy, which you can settle online before you arrive. Use only the official website.
Official Love Bali levyUse ride-hailing apps
Grab and Gojek are the easiest way to get around cities and Bali's busy areas, with prices shown upfront.
Respect temple etiquette
Wear a sarong and sash at temples (often provided), and don't step on offerings placed on the ground.
Drink bottled water
Tap water isn't safe to drink. Choose bottled or refill stations, and be cautious with ice in small stalls.
Plugs and power
Indonesia uses type C and F sockets at 230 V. Visitors from the UK, US and many other countries need an adapter.
Entry requirements
Many visitors need a visa on arrival or an e-VOA, which can be bought online before travel. Check the official immigration site for your passport.
Indonesia official e-VisaIndonesia packing checklist
0/7FAQ
Indonesia travel questions
Do I need an eSIM in Bali?
It's the simplest way to have data for Grab, Gojek, maps and messaging from the moment you land, without high roaming fees or registering a local SIM.
Will my phone work with an Indonesia eSIM?
Most recent iPhones, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIM, provided they're carrier-unlocked. Check under Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Add eSIM.
Which mobile networks does the Viberest Indonesia eSIM use?
Our Indonesia plans connect through Smartfren, Telkomsel, XL, Indosat, PT Natrindo Telepon Seluler and Fren/Hepi, with 5G where available — the same networks local residents use.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
April to October is the dry season with the best beach and diving weather. April, May, September and October balance good weather with fewer crowds.
Where should I stay in Bali?
Ubud for culture and nature, Canggu and Seminyak for cafés and nightlife, Uluwatu for cliffs and surf, and Sanur or Nusa Dua for calm, family-friendly beaches.
Is tipping expected in Indonesia?
Many restaurants add a service charge. Where they don't, rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service, guides and drivers is appreciated.
Viberest eSIMStay online in Indonesia
- Maps, translation & messaging — no roaming fees
- Install by QR in minutes, keep your own number
- Delivered to your email right after checkout
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