Epic Megadiversity in Indonesia - 2025

With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world offering a virtually unrivalled range of holiday options. While the picturesque island of Bali remains the most well known and the most popular of Indonesia’s tourist destinations, there is so much more on offer for those willing to step off the beaten track. Pack your itinerary with visits to: the historic monuments and temples of Central Java; the world renowned dive sites of idyllically remote Raja Ampat; the extraordinary Island of Komodo, home of the unfathomably large Komodo Dragon; as well as a range of vast tropical forests providing sanctuary to incredibly diverse wildlife from Orangutans and other primates to critically endangered Javan Rhinoceros and Tigers. The range of choices is mind-boggling but, however you decide to spend your time on this remarkable group of islands, you are sure to have some truly exhilarating experiences and some unforgettable adventures.

Currency 

Local currency: Indonesian Rupiah 
Symbol: Rp 
ISO code: IDR 
Subunit: Sen 
Banknotes: Rp 1,000, Rp 2,000, Rp 5,000, Rp 10,000, Rp 20,000, Rp 50,000, Rp 100,000, Rp 200,000, Rp 500,000 
Coins: Rp 100, Rp 200, Rp 500, Rp 1,000 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 09:00 - 14:00 
Weekends: Limited hours on Saturday
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

*Check the specific hours of local banks for the most accurate information.

Air: 
Main airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, AirAsia 
International Airports: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali 
Domestic Airports: Numerous airports across the country 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Limited 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: MRT in Jakarta only

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Limited usage 
Meat: Yes (Ensure proper cooking) 
Street food: Yes (Choose reputable vendors) 

Local cuisine: Indonesian cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors, influenced by various cultures. Highlights include Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Satay (skewered and grilled meat), Soto (aromatic soup), and Rendang (spicy beef stew). Notable local drinks include Teh Botol (bottled sweet tea), Es Cendol (sweet-iced dessert), and Kopi Tubruk (strong Indonesian coffee). 

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, typically around 5-10%. 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 

Average temperature: 25-30°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30-35°C 
Average lows: 22-25°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25-30°C 
Average lows: 20-22°C 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes