Indonesia Holidays

Often mistaken for a country, Bali is Indonesia’s most popular island – and it’s not hard to see why. Roughly the size of Norfolk, this much-loved isle packs plenty into its sand-dusted borders, with different areas providing different experiences. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, stay in sleepy Sanur or Nusa Dua. Or, for a mix of lazy beach days and vibrant nightlife, opt for Seminyak. In lively Kuta, meanwhile, surfing and beach bars are the order of the day.

But a lot of Bali’s charm lies away from the coast. Inland, you’ll find beautiful Ubud, often referred to as the ‘Cultural Heart of Bali’. Featuring incense-filled temples, colourful shrines and terraced rice paddies, this place offers insight into authentic Indonesian life. You can watch traditional dancing, pick up crafts at the markets, and unwind with a Balinese massage. And no trip to Bali would be complete without a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you can see the island’s cheekiest residents.

If well-trodden Bali doesn’t tickle your fancy, consider visiting one of its neighbours. Picture-perfect Lombok is a mishmash of sandy beaches, lush greenery and Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, Gunung Rinjani. You can spend your days hiking through the steamy jungle, taking in the scenic views as you go. Or head out on a diving trip and discover rainbow-coloured reefs and deep channels, home to a variety of marine life.

Alternatively, you could make tracks for the nearby Gili Islands. This small archipelago is made up of three isles – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The first, also known as Gili T, has become something of a haven for backpackers but, away from the hostels and beach parties, you’ll find peaceful bays and luxurious hotels. The smaller islands, Gili Air and Gili Meno, offer a more authentic escape, with picturesque beaches, laidback bars and rich corals filled with tropical fish.

While it might be tempting to spend all your time on the beach, there’s plenty to do on your Indonesia holiday. Wherever you choose to base yourself, a boat trip is a must-do. You’ll be able to see more of this diverse country and admire the islands from their best side – the ocean. Why not set sail for lesser-known Flores, where you can snorkel with rays, sharks and turtles? Or head to the island of Komodo, home to the enormous lizards of the same name. A mishmash of forests and grassland, this place has more than 4,000 wild Komodo dragons, while the offshore reefs are teeming with fish.

For a slice of culture, head to Java and spend a day hopping between temples. You’ll be amazed by the World Heritage-listed remains of Prambanan Temple – a site made up of nearly 250 shrines, each with intricate carvings. An hour’s drive away, Borobudur Temple is another must-see. Dating back to the eighth century, it’s the largest Buddhist temple in the world.

Tropical Indonesia is hot all year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25°C. But, to see the islands at their best, you should plan your Indonesia holiday between April and October. This is the country’s dry season, when temperatures hover around 31°C – so you’ll have perfect conditions for sunbathing, snorkelling and hiking. Each island has its own micro-climate, though, so it’s a good idea to check the details before you book. For instance, Bali is driest during September and October, while August and September are the best months to visit Lombok.

Generally, it’s best to avoid going to Indonesia during the wet season, which runs from November to March. But, if you don’t mind packing an umbrella, you could land an absolute bargain – and the islands will be much quieter at this time of year.

Visa: British passport holders do not need a visa for trips lasting 30 days or less
Language: Indonesian
Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
Time difference: GMT +7 hours
Flight duration from London: Including a short layover, most flights take about 18 hours
Capital city: Jakarta