Indonesia travel advice
Komodo dragons
Philip Beale, from our supplier, Pioneer Expeditions, shares his Indonesia travel advice:
“You could argue that the Komodo National Park it is a tourist hotspot, but that takes nothing away from how incredible seeing Komodo dragons is; it has to be slightly controlled and managed because Komodo dragons are amazing, but they’re not cute, they’re killers. Although the dragons are happy to sit around and be watched, you have to have a guide there to make sure you’re watching them safely and you will definitely see them – in that way, it’s not an experience where you feel lucky when you do, but your heartbeat rises and it’s very exciting nonetheless.”
“You could argue that the Komodo National Park it is a tourist hotspot, but that takes nothing away from how incredible seeing Komodo dragons is; it has to be slightly controlled and managed because Komodo dragons are amazing, but they’re not cute, they’re killers. Although the dragons are happy to sit around and be watched, you have to have a guide there to make sure you’re watching them safely and you will definitely see them – in that way, it’s not an experience where you feel lucky when you do, but your heartbeat rises and it’s very exciting nonetheless.”
Our Indonesia Holidays
Bali adventure holiday
Warm people ornate customs and welcoming culture
From
£690 to £810
9 days
ex flights
Komodo and Flores holiday in Indonesia
See indigenous wildlife and stay in eco-accommodation
From
£4970
15 days
inc UK flights
Kayaking holiday in Indonesia, Komodo Dragon expedition
Sea kayaking to some of the most remote beaches on earth
From
£1795
10 days
ex flights
Indonesia holiday, Volcanoes and temples
Explore Central Indonesia's ancient temples and smoldering volcanoes
From
£2499 to £2849
16 days
inc UK flights
Java and Bali holiday in Indonesia
An adventurous tailor-made journey through Java, Indonesia
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£1605
14 days
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Tailor made holiday in Bali, Off the beaten track
Cultural heritage, rainforest & beach relaxation in Bali
From
£1250
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Raja Ampat diving project, Indonesia
Dive and conserve the stunning coral reefs of Raja Ampat
From
£1095 to £3550
15 days
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Sulawesi and Borneo snorkel safari
Small group snorkel safari to N.Sulawesi and Borneo.
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£3489
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Highlights of Indonesia small group tour
Prepare to be dazzled by incredible Indonesia
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£2215 to £2350
22 days
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North Sulawesi and Raja Ampat snorkel safari
Group adventure snorkel and land safari to Indonesia
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£3195
15 days
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Bali cycling holiday in Indonesia
Discover the real Bali on a cycling trip
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£686 to £920
8 days
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Cultural holiday in Indonesia
Traditional culture, stunning scenery and unusual wildlife
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£1795
15 days
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Indonesia holiday, orangutans and culture
See wildlife and stay in a sustainable lodge development.
From
£4320
16 days
inc UK flights
Bali holiday, Ubud & Tandjung Sari
Discover Ubud and enjoy a week relaxing on the beach.
From
£2110
13 days
inc UK flights
Komodo and Flores adventure holiday in Indonesia
15 Day snorkel and land adventure through Komodo and Flores
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£2695
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ex flights
Indonesia highlights holidays
Experience the diversity of the Indonesian islands
From
£3556
17 days
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Bali and Java holiday in Indonesia
Discover the best of Java and Bali
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£2045 to £2450
16 days
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Bintan Island luxury resort in Indonesia
Discover rustic luxury in the tropics.
From
SGD635 to SGD1390
per accommodation per night (sleeps 2)
Bali discovery holiday, tailor made
An active holiday escape for adventure seekers or families.
From
£1575
14 days
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Dive holiday in Indonesia, Alor and Komodo
Bespoke adventure Alor and Komodo dive safari
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£3195
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Indonesia snorkelling holiday, Bali & Komodo
Group adventure snorkel and land safari to Bali and Komodo
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£2995 to £3195
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Indonesia wildlife holiday, mammals of Java
Join a unique safari focusing on all Javan endemic mammals
From
£1550
6 days
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Indonesia holidays, tailor made, Orangutans & Komodo dragons
Explore Bali's rich culture and landscape
From
£2765
13 days
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Sumatra 12 day tour, Indonesia
Discover the dramatic scenery, wildlife & culture of Sumatra
From
£1337
12 days
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Orangutan expedition in Central Borneo
Orangutan and Dayak culture adventure in Central Borneo
From
AU $2590
8 days
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Bali honeymoon, Ubud & Spa Village Resort Tembok
Explore the beaches and cultural heart of Bali.
From
£2140
12 days
inc UK flights
Bali private tour, 10 days
Romantic and magical experience in the mesmerising Bali
From
US $2000 to US $3800
10 days
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Highlights of Sumatra holiday
Rugged landscapes and unique wildlife
From
£1595 to £1640
9 days
inc UK flights
Avoiding overcrowded beaches
Philip Beale, from our supplier, Pioneer Expeditions, shares his advice on avoiding overcrowded beaches: “There are some very touristy beach scenes in Bali and some areas are all about beer drinking, loud music and very large crowds. Likewise, at certain times of year, the Gili Islands can get very overcrowded and have been victims of pollution because of this. In both Bali and the Gili Islands, however, there are wonderful spots too and it is possible to have a really nice beach holiday avoiding the overdeveloped and overcommercialised areas – research thoroughly and ask your tour operator for advice on where to go.”Our top Indonesia Holiday
Kayaking holiday in Indonesia, Komodo Dragon expedition
Sea kayaking to some of the most remote beaches on earth
From
£1795
10 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2020: 29 Mar, 10 Apr, 22 Apr, 1 May, 19 May, 29 May, 6 Jun, 17 Jun, 26 Jun, 6 Jul, 15 Jul, 3 Aug, 12 Aug, 22 Aug, 30 Aug, 7 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 30 Sep, 9 Oct, 17 Oct, 26 Oct, 2 Nov, 10 Nov, 20 Nov
2020: 29 Mar, 10 Apr, 22 Apr, 1 May, 19 May, 29 May, 6 Jun, 17 Jun, 26 Jun, 6 Jul, 15 Jul, 3 Aug, 12 Aug, 22 Aug, 30 Aug, 7 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 30 Sep, 9 Oct, 17 Oct, 26 Oct, 2 Nov, 10 Nov, 20 Nov
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Indonesia or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Health & safety
HEALTH
SAFETY
Tips from our travellers in Indonesia
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Indonesia travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday - and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Indonesia travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday - and the space inside your suitcase.
Move around as I did to see the real Bali and its people. Go off the beaten track into the mountains and explore all the small villages.
– Michelle Alix
“Bring a lightweight poncho, some good binoculars, and extra strength mosquito repellent.” - Jillian Woodford
“Kayaking is hard work if you're a novice and the wind is against you, but the whole trip is well worth the aching arms. Just book it.” - Liz Calton
“Pack light, you need virtually nothing, and if you are female make sure you are not menstruating otherwise you won't be allowed to visit the Komodo dragons which would be terribly disappointing.” - Sally Jackson
“Just decide what kind of holiday you want – I'd recommend a mixture of busy and remote to get a good idea of the culture.” - Christina Lloyd
“Kayaking is hard work if you're a novice and the wind is against you, but the whole trip is well worth the aching arms. Just book it.” - Liz Calton
“Pack light, you need virtually nothing, and if you are female make sure you are not menstruating otherwise you won't be allowed to visit the Komodo dragons which would be terribly disappointing.” - Sally Jackson
“Just decide what kind of holiday you want – I'd recommend a mixture of busy and remote to get a good idea of the culture.” - Christina Lloyd
Bring modest clothes to wear in the temples and small villages- shirts that cover your shoulders and shorts that are just above the knee or lower. Bring a flashlight for any mountain hiking!
– Christina Colley
“You need to be relatively fit, however, there is not pressure to participate in any of the activities. Accommodation and transport can be very basic, but add to the whole experience. Take ear plugs!” - Tracey Lawrence
“Don't be put off going in the rainy season. Maybe we were just lucky but we didn't get too much rain and travelling in the low season meant that the national parks and other tourist attractions were very quiet - apparently places like Tanjung Puting can get very busy in high season.” - Kathryn White
“Expect to get away from it all and try new experiences. Explore the surrounding area on foot.” - Adrian Helen
“You just have to open yourself up and be willing to take it all in. The local people can offer you so much. Be willing to speak with them and learn about their lives.” - Ruth Hanson
“Don't be put off going in the rainy season. Maybe we were just lucky but we didn't get too much rain and travelling in the low season meant that the national parks and other tourist attractions were very quiet - apparently places like Tanjung Puting can get very busy in high season.” - Kathryn White
“Expect to get away from it all and try new experiences. Explore the surrounding area on foot.” - Adrian Helen
“You just have to open yourself up and be willing to take it all in. The local people can offer you so much. Be willing to speak with them and learn about their lives.” - Ruth Hanson
More about Indonesia
Our temperature & rainfall chart covers all bases, especially when added to our month by month guide, supplier advice and cultural picks.
Our Indonesia travel guide aims to point responsible travellers in the right direction when it comes to what we rate & what we don’t as well as all the information you need on food, shopping & people to assist in your quest to discover Indonesia like a local.
Our interactive map of highlights features everywhere from Kalimantan and Sulawesi to Java, Komodo and Lombok.
From a kayak into the jungle to a tour of the temples, this is just the tip of the misty mountain when it comes to finding things to do in Indonesia.
Despite its enduring popularity, it’s still possible to find a quiet slice of life in Bali away from the hectic beach resorts.
If you’re getting into Game of Thrones or can’t forget Smaug from The Hobbit, there’s only one thing to do – set sail on a Komodo dragon tour.
Lombok’s a laid-back place with deserted beaches from where to surf, swim or snorkel over coral, and a majestic mountain at its core to challenge travellers in search of hardy hikes.
Sea kayaking in the Komodo Islands is a chance to be immersed in nature, paddling your way to remote corners of this beautiful national park.
Sulawesi is a legendary destination for diving and snorkelling, especially off its volcanic northern peninsula, but just as rewarding for visitors are its thick tracts of jungle, rugged mountains and proud traditional cultures.
Sumatra delivers big when it comes to both natural beauty and cultural wonders, from otherworldly volcanoes to ancient sites to the tropical jungle that orangutans call home.
Yogyakarta, on the island of Java, is a city of two parts, with a modern, busy side but with age-old customs and traditional arts living on in the ancient old walled town known as the kraton.
There are loads of activities for families in Indonesia, from hiking around volcanoes to horseback riding to snorkelling.
Weigh up development vs poverty, find out more about palm oil and research what you can do to help when it comes to animal rights.
Find all of our Indonesia guides in one place, including guides to Bali, Borneo, Raja Ampat and orangutan watching.
protection
Photo credits: [Page banner: Jean-Marie Hullot] [Komodo dragons: Bryn Pinzgauer]
[Health & Safety: Sebastian Staines]
[Michelle Alix Quote: Paolo Nicolello]
[Christina Colley Quote: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas]
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