Things to do in Indonesia
Enter the dragon
The wildlife in Indonesia is as intriguing as the archipelago itself with every region differing in habitat, climate and the weird and wonderful creatures that dwell there.
There an inordinate number of things to do in Indonesia: it’s home to some of the rarest creatures in the world including the miniature deer that stands at just 35cm, fish that climb trees to catch insects (no, really), and crafty spiders that catch and devour small birds in their giant webs. The Tanjung Puting National Park is all about making your way slowly into the jungle along the misty river to spot orangutans, gibbons and long-tailed macaques; Sumatra is where the majestic elephant treads alongside mischievous monkeys; and Tangui, an orangutan release centre in Indonesian Borneo flutters with the colourful wings of its unique birdlife and some beautiful rare butterflies.
Of course, there is only one King in Indonesia and that’s the Komodo dragon – the stuff of legend, it is the world’s biggest lizard and lives among the savannah in eastern Indonesia’s untouched islands, Rinca and Komodo. Known locally as ‘ora’, they hunt alone and satiate their enormous appetites with huge animals like deer and even buffalo.
There an inordinate number of things to do in Indonesia: it’s home to some of the rarest creatures in the world including the miniature deer that stands at just 35cm, fish that climb trees to catch insects (no, really), and crafty spiders that catch and devour small birds in their giant webs. The Tanjung Puting National Park is all about making your way slowly into the jungle along the misty river to spot orangutans, gibbons and long-tailed macaques; Sumatra is where the majestic elephant treads alongside mischievous monkeys; and Tangui, an orangutan release centre in Indonesian Borneo flutters with the colourful wings of its unique birdlife and some beautiful rare butterflies.
Of course, there is only one King in Indonesia and that’s the Komodo dragon – the stuff of legend, it is the world’s biggest lizard and lives among the savannah in eastern Indonesia’s untouched islands, Rinca and Komodo. Known locally as ‘ora’, they hunt alone and satiate their enormous appetites with huge animals like deer and even buffalo.
Our Indonesia Holidays
Komodo and Flores holiday in Indonesia
See indigenous wildlife and stay in eco-accommodation
From
£4970
15 days
inc UK flights
Bali adventure holiday
Warm people ornate customs and welcoming culture
From
£670 to £820
9 days
ex 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
Raja Ampat diving project, Indonesia
Dive and conserve the stunning coral reefs of Raja Ampat
From
£1095 to £3550
15 days
ex flights
Indonesia holiday, Volcanoes and temples
Explore Central Indonesia's ancient temples and smoldering volcanoes
From
£2399 to £2849
16 days
inc UK flights
Bali cycling holiday in Indonesia
Discover the real Bali on a cycling trip
From
£679 to £970
8 days
ex flights
Highlights of Indonesia small group tour
Prepare to be dazzled by incredible Indonesia
From
£2225 to £2335
22 days
ex flights
Cultural holiday in Indonesia
Traditional culture, stunning scenery and unusual wildlife
From
£1795
15 days
ex flights
Sulawesi and Borneo snorkel safari
Small group snorkel safari to N.Sulawesi and Borneo.
From
£3389
15 days
ex flights
North Sulawesi and Raja Ampat snorkel safari
Group adventure snorkel and land safari to Indonesia
From
£3195
15 days
ex flights
Tailor made holiday in Bali, Off the beaten track
Cultural heritage, rainforest & beach relaxation in Bali
From
£1250
14 days
ex flights
Indonesia holiday, orangutans and culture
See wildlife and stay in a sustainable lodge development.
From
£4320
16 days
inc UK flights
Komodo Dragons 4 day tour, Indonesia
Set sail in search of Indonesia's impressive Komodo Dragon
From
£1175
4 days
ex flights
Kutai National Park orangutan holiday, Borneo
Orangutan & wildlife adventure in East Borneo
From
AU $2390
8 days
ex flights
Indonesia volunteering with traditional Balinese culture
Traditional dance and music in Balinese learning center.
From
US $1375
4 weeks
ex flights
Teach English in Indonesia
Teach English in the stunning island of Mandeh.
From
US $880 to US $1980
4 weeks
ex flights
Bali honeymoon, Ubud & Spa Village Resort Tembok
Explore the beaches and cultural heart of Bali.
From
£2140
12 days
inc UK flights
Indonesia wildlife holiday, primates and dragons
Orangutans, Komodo Dragons & coral reefs
From
£3199 to £3749
16 days
inc UK flights
Camp Leakey and Tanjung Puting NP tour, 4 days
Sail downriver to the Orangutan Sanctuary at Camp Leakey
From
£650
4 days
ex flights
Bali holiday for solo travellers
Travel to Bali and visit Indonesia's beautiful island
From
£715 to £785
9 days
ex flights
Java and Bali holiday in Indonesia
An adventurous tailor-made journey through Java, Indonesia
From
£1605
14 days
ex flights
Dive holiday in Indonesia, Alor and Komodo
Group adventure Alor and Komodo dive safari
From
£3195
15 days
ex flights
Raja Ampat diving holiday, plus Java tour, Indonesia
14 day world class diving and beautiful land adventure.
From
£2995
14 days
ex flights
Orangutan sanctuary volunteering in Borneo
Care for stunning endangered orangutans in beautiful Borneo
From
£1195 to £1895
13 days
ex flights
Bali private tour, 10 days
Romantic and magical experience in the mesmerising Bali
From
US $2000 to US $3800
10 days
ex flights
Luxury Bali holiday, Alila Villas Soori & Samaya Seminyak
Rice fields, villages and relaxing shores of Bali.
From
£2870
11 days
inc UK flights
Indonesia cycling holiday, Bali and Java
Explore some of the quieter parts of the islands of Bali & Java
From
£2399 to £2999
15 days
inc UK flights
Javan Rhino tracking expedition in Indonesia
A unique wildlife tour to find very endangered Javan Rhinos
From
£3495
10 days
ex flights
Kayak into the jungle
If you crave adventure, want a thought provoking dose of cultural immersion, and love a physical challenge, but relish the idea of moments of absolute relaxation too, there is no better way to journey along Indonesia’s atmospheric waterways than by kayak.Paddling a sea kayak deep into Indonesia’s jungle, reaching places where two feet just can’t get, drifting between remote beaches, uninhabited islands and visiting local stilted villages along the way in one of the very best things to do in Indonesia. The aim of any kayaking expedition into the jungle is to catch a glimpse of the mighty Komodo dragon, incredible animals that you’ll get to observe from a truly unique standpoint, alongside buffalo, monkey, and wild pigs and you make your way to safety and release some adrenalin with a swim or a snorkel above ethereal coral reefs.
Showcasing the best of Bali’s culture, the Pura Taman Saraswati temple is a striking and intricate carved complex set beyond a garden of pretty lotus blossoms.
Tour the temples
Java’s temples are not just sensational to look at, but they tell a physical tale of Buddhism and Hinduism living peacefully side-by-side as shown by the proximity of Prambanan, the celestial, turreted Hindu temple, to the magnificent Borobudur, the largest Buddhist building in the world and a manmade cluster of arches, stupas and statues.
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:
2019: 26 Jul, 3 Aug, 11 Aug, 20 Aug, 7 Sep, 13 Sep, 4 Oct, 13 Oct, 22 Oct, 1 Nov, 9 Nov, 17 Nov
2020: 29 Mar, 10 Apr, 22 Apr, 1 May, 19 May, 29 May, 8 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
2019: 26 Jul, 3 Aug, 11 Aug, 20 Aug, 7 Sep, 13 Sep, 4 Oct, 13 Oct, 22 Oct, 1 Nov, 9 Nov, 17 Nov
2020: 29 Mar, 10 Apr, 22 Apr, 1 May, 19 May, 29 May, 8 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.
Trek through paddy fields, watch endangered birds flock, or learn a new skill at a local craft workshop – Indonesia’s quieter side packs an almighty punch.
Explore the road less travelled
Off-the-beaten track Indonesia is all about getting under the skin of the country – exploring the central mountain region of laidback Ubud, the summits of dormant volcanoes across the cool northern slopes of Mount Batukaru, or cycling around the enigmatic Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Bratan, which can often be seen so shrouded in mist that it appears to float on the water.
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.
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.
Read on for a few tips from our friends in Indonesia, including how to avoid overcrowded beaches and how to travel safely.
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.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: Jean-Marie Hullot] [Enter the dragon: Jorge Láscar]
[Tour the temples: Jorge Láscar]
[Explore the road less travelled: Markus Winkler]
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