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 moreLombok
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...
Bintan 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...
What to see & do in Indonesia
Featured stories & fun stuff26 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...31 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...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...15 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...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...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...39 Best Things to Do in Candidasa and East Bali
Candidasa and other areas around Bali’s eastern region are home to well-preserved ancient villages and mysterious temples that help...8 Best Bali Rice Terraces
The best Bali rice terraces offer outstanding landscapes that can fill entire memory cards with stunning snaps. They’re among the...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...
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...10 Local Drinks You Should Try in Bali
Here are some local drinks you should try in Bali, especially when you’re looking beyond water or canned sodas to...
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...33 Best Shopping in Ubud
Ubud is a haven for arts and crafts and you can find some of the island’s major art markets in...6 Best Night Markets in Bali
Night markets in Bali offer a unique shopping and dining experience after dark. These night markets are where you can...
Where to go & what to do at night in Indonesia
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 resort area’s stylish fashion boutiques, galleries, luxury spas and classy restaurants. Most of the venues double as favorite dining destinations...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...7 Best Nightlife in Uluwatu
The best nightlife in Uluwatu is often found in the 5-star resorts that line the limestone cliff-fringed coast...
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 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...9 Tips to Survive Nyepi Day in Bali
How do I survive Nyepi Day in Bali? Should I still visit when the whole island literally shuts down for...