Indonesia
Asia · Jakarta · ID
Indonesia stretches across seventeen thousand islands, a volcanic archipelago where Hindu temples crown jungle ridges in Bali and Komodo dragons patrol sun-bleached savannas. The air in Jakarta hums with motorcycle engines and the sweet char of satay grills, while over in Yogyakarta, gamelan orchestras ring out from palace courtyards at dusk. Divers descend into Raja Ampat's kaleidoscopic reefs, home to more species of coral and fish than anywhere else on the planet. Rice terraces cascade down hillsides in Ubud with an almost geometric precision, and fishermen in Sulawesi still build pinisi schooners by hand without a single blueprint. Every island offers a different dialect, a different spice blend, a different way of life, while volcano treks and jungle river cruises reveal corners still ruled by nature. The country is vast, chaotic, breathtaking, and endlessly welcoming, rewarding those who venture beyond the well-trodden paths with encounters that feel genuinely undiscovered.
Overview
Indonesia is a country in Asia. Its capital is Jakarta and the international dialling code is +62. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Indonesian. Local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Our guide covers 2 airports, including Ngurah Rai International Airport, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport. We also list 2 cities in Indonesia: Jakarta and Denpasar.
Bali's Rice Terraces and Cliff Temples
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces north of Ubud cascade down a steep valley in luminous green steps, each level fed by an ancient irrigation system called subak that has been managed by local farmers for centuries. Walking along the narrow paths between paddies, you can hear the steady trickle of water moving from one terrace to the next. Further south, Tanah Lot Temple sits on a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing surf, its silhouette striking against the sunset. In the evening, the Uluwatu Temple perches on a cliff edge above the Indian Ocean, where Kecak fire dancers chant in hypnotic circles as the last light fades. Between these sacred sites, warung cafes serve nasi goreng and fresh mango juice, and the scent of incense drifts from household shrines tucked into every garden.
Komodo's Dragons and Pink Sand Beaches
Landing on Komodo Island means stepping into a landscape that feels prehistoric: dry, golden savannas scattered with twisted lontar palms and the occasional dust cloud kicked up by a wild deer. The Komodo dragons themselves are far larger and more agile than any photograph suggests, their forked tongues tasting the air as they patrol riverbeds in search of carrion. Rangers carry forked wooden staffs and keep a careful distance while explaining the creature's hunting strategy with quiet expertise. After the trek, the nearby Pink Beach offers a startling contrast: powdery sand tinted the color of crushed coral by microscopic red organisms, meeting water so clear that the reef is visible from the shore. Snorkeling here reveals parrotfish, reef sharks, and sea turtles gliding through warm currents.
Yogyakarta's Ancient Borobudur Temple
Arriving at Borobudur before dawn is one of Java's great experiences. The massive stone stupa rises from the Kedu Plain in nine stacked platforms, its surfaces carved with over two thousand relief panels depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha. As the sky turns from indigo to orange, the silhouettes of distant volcanoes emerge behind the temple and morning mist clings to the surrounding palms. Climbing to the central dome, you pass through galleries where each panel tells a story with astonishing detail: merchants on sailing ships, lotus ponds, celestial dancers, and monkey armies frozen in stone. Local guides speak softly of the temple's rediscovery under volcanic ash in the early nineteenth century. By the time the sun clears the horizon, the entire structure seems to glow, and the scale of devotion required to build it becomes quietly overwhelming.
Raja Ampat's Underwater Coral Kingdom
Raja Ampat, off the western tip of Papua, is widely regarded as the richest marine environment on Earth. Submerging into its waters reveals a world of soft corals in impossible shades of magenta, orange, and electric blue, swaying in gentle currents alongside manta rays and schools of barracuda. The reefs here shelter more than a thousand species of fish, and snorkelers often find themselves surrounded by clouds of fusiliers without needing to venture past the house reef of their guesthouse. Between dives, kayaking through the mushroom-shaped limestone islands feels like drifting through a flooded fantasy landscape. Papuan guides share stories of traditional fishing practices and the marine conservation programs that have helped protect these waters. The sunsets from the wooden deck of a floating bungalow are extraordinary, painting the entire seascape in shades of copper and violet.
Jakarta's Street Food Night Markets
As dusk settles over Jakarta, the city's street food scene ignites with an energy that is part carnival, part symphony. In the Menteng neighborhood, carts selling sate ayam skewers materialize along the roadside, their charcoal grills sending fragrant smoke spiraling into the humid air. Nearby, a kerak telor vendor crackles open eggs on a flat griddle, mixing in sticky rice, dried shrimp, and crispy shallots until a savory crepe forms. The night market at Jalan Surabaya offers everything from es teler iced coconut desserts to martabak pancakes oozing condensed milk and chocolate. Pushing through the crowds, you hear a mosaic of languages, from Betawi to Javanese, and feel the warmth of a city that genuinely lives outdoors after dark. Every few steps, a new aroma pulls you forward.
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- Capital
- Jakarta
- Currency
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Languages
- Indonesian
- Calling code
- +62
- Internet TLD
- id
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Indonesia.
Which nationalities can enter Indonesia?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (2)
All airports →Cities (2)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Indonesia?
For the origins we track, Indonesia requires a visa for tourism (Morocco: visa on arrival and United States: visa on arrival). Entry rules depend on your passport, so confirm the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Indonesia?
Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, and the country sits in Asia.
What currency is used in Indonesia?
You pay with Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in Indonesia. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Indonesia?
The languages we list for Indonesia are Indonesian. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Indonesia?
The dialling code for Indonesia is +62 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Indonesia?
We cover 2 airports for Indonesia, including Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK).
Which cities in Indonesia do you cover?
Our guide lists 2 cities for Indonesia: Jakarta (capital) and Denpasar.