HOLIDAYS IN INDONESIA – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The holiday adventure of a lifetime awaits in wonderful Indonesia, a spellbinding destination stretching like a necklace of exquisite island pearls between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

This mesmerising archipelago destination – which is steeped in history, culture, beauty and wonder – consists of more than 17,000 diverse islands including hugely popular Bali, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Papua, and a huge part of Borneo, called Kalimantan.

Vast tropical rainforests, incredible wildlife, glorious sandy beaches, epic active volcanoes, crystal-clear waters, sacred temples and vibrant cities are among the delights you’ll discover in this awe-inspiring getaway.

There’s so much to see and do in Indonesia, including the chance to marvel at the Orangutans in Sumatra and Kalimantan, dive beneath the waves to explore enchanting coral reefs in Bali or gaze in awe at Lombok’s famous Gunung Rinjani volcano.

We've decided to turn the spotlight on this exceptional escape to reveal why it’s the perfect choice for couples, families and groups of friends craving an unforgettable holiday experience.

What is the weather like in Indonesia and when is the best time to visit?

Indonesia’s tropical climate means it enjoys plenty of sunshine and warm weather all year round, with April to October being perfect for island-hopping, diving beneath the waves and lazing on the beach.

The only significant change is during the wet season, between November and March, when there is widespread rain, especially in the south. Downpours are normally short lived and there is still around 6 hours of sunshine each day.

Temperatures vary depending on location, with coastal areas averaging 28°C, while inland and mountain areas average around 26°C. The main tourist destinations get around 9 hours of daily sunshine.

How long is the flight from the UK to Indonesia?

The average flight time from the UK to Indonesia is around 16 hours, with direct flights available to some destinations such as Bali. Indonesia is 7 to 9 hours ahead of the UK, depending on the location you are visiting.

What language is spoken in Indonesia?

Bahasa Indonesia is the official national language of Indonesia, but there are more than 300 different native languages spoken there. Bahasa Indonesia is a standardised dialect of Malay which had been a lingua franca in the Indonesian archipelago for centuries.

What are the most popular holiday destinations in Indonesia?

The most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago is Bali, but other amazing getaways include Sumatra, Java, Lombok, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua.

Bali will take your breath away with its pristine white sands, volcanoes soaring above the clouds, imposing rice terraces, luxury beachfront resorts, laid-back nightlife and charming people.

Papua is a magnificent destination, with its lush jungles, rugged mountain ranges, biological diversity, remote tribal villages and amazing hiking routes like the Kokoda Trail.

The vast majority of Borneo, the third largest island in the world, forms Kalimantan, with the remainder belonging to Brunei and Malaysia. This incredible explorer's paradise is home to Orangutans, legendary jungles, mighty rivers and mysterious ancient villages.

Java boasts towering mountains with hot springs, rumbling volcanoes, incredible religious sites and Indonesia’s dazzling capital Jakarta with its iconic landmarks, bustling markets and countless street food stalls.

Beguiling Lombok is a surfer’s paradise and magnet for trekkers which will wow you with its fabulous food, jawdropping natural attractions, inviting ocean waters and stunning beaches.

Sulawesi is truly impressive with its glorious coral reefs, wonderful dive sites, charming villages, huge national parks and dense wildlife-rich jungles.

What are the top attractions in Indonesia?

Indonesia really hits the bullseye when it comes to exciting things to see and do, with incredible cultural and historical sights, a myriad of sports and leisure pursuits, wildlife galore and outstanding natural attractions.

Ancient temples, grand mosques, serene crater lakes, huge volcanoes, fascinating museums and galleries, massive national parks and captivating cities are just a few of the joys in store.

Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Bali’s Ubud, gaze in awe at the 9th century Buddhist Borobudur Temple in Java, take in the beauty of the Gil Islands in Lombok or be prepared to be wowed by the real-life dragons in Komodo National Park.

A must-see attraction in Indonesia is Bajigur Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan which is home to the largest population of Orangutans in the world. Other delights include the Jatiluwih Rice Fields in Bali, Bali Botanic Gardens, Candi Prambanan temple complex and Torajaland, home of the Toraja Tribe.

What are the main natural wonders in Indonesia?

Indonesia is steeped in blissful beauty, with a plethora of natural wonders which will leave you completely spellbound.

Among the major attractions are Mount Krakatau, where the world’s largest ever eruption was recorded in 1883, Lake Toba, which is both a vast body of water and super volcano and Raja Ampat which is a striking fairyland of verdant cone-shaped islands.

Other popular delights for holidaymakers include Tegenungan Waterfall, Kintamani Highland, Goa Jomblang Cave and Bunaken Marine Park which is teeming with species of exotic fish

Is Indonesia a good destination for a beach holiday?

You’re never far away from a beautiful beach in Indonesia, with everything from long golden expanses offering a feast of family fun to secluded sandy coves which are perfect for romantic couples.

Whether you simply want to chill out and soak up the sun on the sands or take to the sapphire waters for some thrilling water sports action, you’ll have no trouble finding a heavenly beach which is perfect for you.

Spectacular sandy expanses in Indonesia include Seminyak Beach in Bali, Gili Trawangan in Lombok, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Pangandaran in Java, Air Manis Beach in Sumatra and Harlen Beach in Papua.

Is the transport system good for exploring Indonesia?

There are many ways of getting around Indonesia, with a vast transportation network at your disposal which includes planes, trains, hire cars, plus an array of two and four-wheeled public transport options.

Tourist boats and ferries are a great choice for travelling between islands, including Bali and Java, while renting a car or scooter is a popular option for discovering the delights of Indonesia on land.

Buses are generally inexpensive but sometimes cramped and uncomfortable, making getting around by a very reliable train service an option worth considering.

Other modes of transport available include cycle rickshaws, motorised becak, colour-coded minibuses, taxis and planes for travelling greater distances between islands.

Is Indonesia good for shopping?

Indonesia is a shopper’s paradise, with lively street markets to huge shopping malls offering the opportunity for some retail therapy during your holiday.

You'll be able to find everything you want, from delightful local crafts, foods and souvenirs to high-end fashion, elegant jewellery and electronic goods.

Among the fabulous markets where you can barter for a bargain are Pasar Gede Solo, an old and traditional street marketplace in Java; Lok Baintan Floating Market in Kalimantan; Sukawati Art Market in Bali and Kodim Market in Sumatra.

Major shopping malls include Grand Indonesia Mall in Jakarta, Beachwalk Shopping Centre in Bali and Lombok Epicentrum Mall.

What is the nightlife and entertainment like in Indonesia?

There’s plenty going on in Indonesia after dark, with many options for an entertaining evening out, from watching a performance by traditional dancers to partying in a lively nightclub.

There’s no shortage of pulsating beachfront lounge bars, up-tempo nightclubs and excellent live music venues in this enthralling destination.

You’ll discover plenty of places to dance the night away in the big cities and major beach resorts in Jakarta, Denpasar, and other cities.

Other options for some enjoyable evening entertainment include barbecues in rooftop bars, traditional dance shows, soothing sounds in laid-back jazz venues and romantic meals in beachfront restaurants.

What is the traditional food and drink in Indonesia?

Indonesia is home to fabulous dining experiences to satisfy every appetite, with everything from top-class gourmet restaurants to authentic street food delights.

There are thousands of delicious dishes to try but Nasi goreng, which is fried rice with various meats and chopped vegetables, is the most common, while gado-gado, which often features bean sprouts, boiled eggs and tofu, is another big favourite.

Seafood dishes are also hugely popular and Indonesia is blessed with mouth-watering tropical fruits including mangoes, guavas, papayas and rambutans. Popular traditional drinks made with spices and healthy nutrients include Bandrek, Bir Pletok and Bajigur.

All across the archipelago you'll see vendors selling tasty snacks including sweet nuts, potatoes and biscuits, while there’s no shortage of wonderful fine-dining restaurants presenting flavoursome local delicacies.

Discover the wonders of Indonesia on a fabulous sunshine holiday. Start planning your holiday today at Destination2.co.uk.