Indonesia
What you need to know before you go
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, spanning 18,110 islands. While only 6,000 of the islands are inhabited, that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most populous countries in the world. The best known of those islands is Bali – a tropical paradise that’s been a popular escape for decades, noted for its exotic culture, tasty cuisine and, of course, it’s fantastic beaches.
Even so, Indonesia is about more than sun, sea and sand. It’s also the home of the extraordinary Komodo dragons, the expansive forests of Sumatra, the idyllic Gili Islands and the largest Buddhist temple in the world – Borobudur. If you’re looking for extreme natural beauty and wonderful cultural experiences, Indonesia should be topping your list.
Top destinations in Indonesia
Where will you go next?Bali is the most popular island vacation destination in the Indonesian archipelago. It’s home to an ancient culture that's known for its warm hospitality as well as exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural backdrops. Dining in Bali presents endless choices of exotic, local cuisine. After sunset, famous nightspots come to life offering exciting clubbing and packed dance floors...
Read moreBintan Island
Bintan Island is the largest of the Riau archipelago’s 3,200 islands and has a coastline that stretches for about 105 km. That whole length has a combination of pristine beaches, mangrove forests and old towns and villages where an eclectic...
Lombok
Lombok is considered by some to be “an unspoilt Bali”, boasting the same fantastic beaches, waterfalls and even a volcano, but without the huge crowds of tourists. A relatively undiscovered destination in Indonesia, its landscape and traditional ways of life...
What to see & do in Indonesia
Featured stories & fun stuff25 Must-See Temples in Bali
Ancient Bali temples dot the highlands and coasts, boasting magnificent centuries-old architecture. Several have become some of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Great for photos, they're usually set against exotic backdrops. They’re most colorful during festive temple anniversaries. Such...35 Best Things to Do in Ubud
The best things to do in Ubud include exploring ancient temples, majestic royal palaces, and green hillsides and rice terraces...17 Best Things to Do in Bali
The best things to do in Bali include not-to-be-missed cultural treasures and some of the most iconic...10 Best Beaches in Bali
The most popular beaches in Bali attract travelers with their impressive landscape, clear waters, and a wide range of activities...7 Best Islands around Bali
These tropical islands around Bali should be among your top picks if you’re planning an island-hop or 2. Those...20 Best Things to Do in Canggu
This guide to the best things to do in Canggu includes some of Bali’s most iconic landmarks that are found...10 Movies Shot in Bali
Discover Bali in the movies with these great film selections. They’ve either depicted the island in its clear form or...5 Best Golf Courses in Bali
The best golf courses in Bali offer a good combination of challenging greens and well-maintained fairways that are seamlessly...10 Best Luxury Spas in Bali
Luxury spas in Bali are some of the best places to rest and rejuvenate after a day of exploring the...
Where & what to eat in Indonesia
10 Best Balinese Food
Thousands of islands with different cultures make up Indonesia, so it's no wonder that Balinese food is just as diverse. To complement your vacation experience in Bali, you would not want to miss out on some of its most popular...10 Best Tropical Fruits to Try in Bali
Balinese fruits are a feast for the eyes and taste buds, with their striking (sometimes unusual) textures, colors, shapes and...13 Bizarre Foods and Drinks in Bali
Some of these most bizarre foods and drinks in Bali are side dishes that accompany meals served daily at local...
Where to shop & what to buy in Indonesia
10 Balinese Souvenirs Your Family Actually Want
There are some great Bali souvenirs worth bringing home, which are better alternatives to the usual ‘stupid things’ people buy while vacationing on the island. We aren’t talking about the colorful and kitsch stuff you find at most roadside art...10 Best Shopping Experiences in Bali
There are plenty of shopping experiences in Bali, from modern malls offering international brands, to artisan villages specializing in traditional...10 Best Shopping Malls in Bali
These great shopping malls in Bali are among the island’s most popular spots for shopping and entertainment. As a resort...
Where to go & what to do at night in Indonesia
8 Best Nightlife Experiences in Bali
Bali nightlife caters to a wide range of crowds, styles and budgets. Beach clubs to chill-out at sunset and well into the wee hours, night clubs to get loose with live DJs, rooftop bars, theatre shows, or simply an...7 Best Party Streets in Bali
This lowdown of the best party scenes in Bali highlights the distinct personalities of each neighborhood. We present which areas...29 Best Nightlife in Seminyak
Seminyak nightlife offers a rich collection of sophisticated bars, chic entertainment venues and clubbing hotspots. These complement the upscale beach...
Useful information
Bali Festivals and Events Calendar
The Bali festivals and events calendar includes some of the most colorful local celebrations and festivals in Bali. Most observances follow the Balinese calendar system called pawukon, which rotates every 210 days. Besides governing the daily chores and elaborate rites...10 Bali Charities You Can Take Part in
There are plenty of Bali charities you can contribute to, from animal welfare to social foundations focusing on children’s education...10 Mistakes People Make on Their First Bali Trip
Here are some of the most common travel mistakes people make on their first Bali trip. They include some of...
