Indonesia is a massive country comprised of many regions and thousands of islands spread from east to west across the Indian and Pacific oceans. It's also primarily tropical. Other than a wet and dry season, the temperatures here change little throughout the year. So planning the perfect Indonesian getaway is as simple as picking the suitable months to avoid the heavier rains.
To get the most out of Indonesia's vast cultural and natural treasures, you'll need at least 10 days. This is enough time to see different archipelagos or experience the highlights of a major tourist hub like Bali. In five days or a week, you can still enjoy beach time, snorkeling, and sailing around a couple of locales, but two weeks really opens things up to go off the beaten path and visit multiple islands.
Discover the rich culture and incredible biodiversity of West Papua on this rugged, 12-day adventure. Get to know the people of the Dani tribe as you're welcomed into remote villages and embark on short, scenic hikes to the sweeping highlands and rushing rivers of the Wamena Valley. Then it's time to set out on an unforgettable multi-day trek through the jungle, exploring your lush environs by day and camping under the stars by night. After celebrating your achievements at a local Dani Pig Festival, transfer to Nimbokrang to search for the island's spectacular birds-of-paradise and end your adventure with a scenic boat trip across Lake Sentani.
Located just an hour's flight east of Bali, the "forgotten island" of Sumba remains one of Indonesia's best-kept secrets. On this laid-back, 10-day itinerary, you'll explore the island's secluded beaches, turquoise waterfalls, and lush jungles at a relaxed pace. Along the way, visit historic Sumbanese thatched villages, learn about the local Marapu culture, and watch locals create their famed ikat textiles.
Known as the "Jewel of Indonesia," Flores boasts lush mountains, volcanic lakes, and stunning pink beaches—with none of the crowds of nearby Bali. Hike, swim, and snorkel your way around the island on this 8-day expedition, discovering the rich culture of the local people along the way. As your trip nears its end, it's time to board a short cruise through the neighboring Komodo Archipelago, where you'll hop between remote islands and come face to face with Komodo dragons and manta rays.
From the orangutan forests of Sumatra to the ancient temples of Java and the pink beaches of Lombok, this 16-day itinerary introduces you to three of Indonesia's most beguiling islands. The trip starts out with an adventurous slant, as you trek through dense jungles, climb to dramatic waterfalls, and ascend volcanic peaks by Jeep. Then it's time to wind down with a week of laidback sun, sand, and snorkeling on the idyllic shores of Lombok.
This two-week adventure combines the best of Bali with an unforgettable detour through the wild Komodo Archipelago. Starting on the "Island of the Gods," you'll hike to waterfalls, canoe to Balinese temples, meet the monkeys of Sangeh, and sample mouthwatering street food from local markets. Then it's off to the island of Flores to set sail on a two-night cruise through the stunning Komodo National Park. Snorkel with manta rays and spot Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, then head back to Bali to end your adventure soaking up some sun on the breathtaking beaches of the Bukit Peninsula.
Escape to paradise on this immersive, 8-day exploration of Indonesia's most popular island. Focused on Bali's southern districts, you'll hop between the cultural center of Ubud, the lush rice fields of Sideman, and the breathtaking beaches of the Bukit Peninsula. Along the way, try your hand at Balinese cooking, explore the volcanic Mount Bakur by vintage VW, and meet the monkeys of the clifftop temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu.
This intrepid, two-week adventure starts deep in the jungles of Indonesian Borneo, discovering the remarkable culture and traditions of its Dayak people. After some time in the ancient village of Tumbang Malahoi, board a three-day river cruise to venture further into the biodiverse hinterland and see endangered orangutans. Then it's time to trade the jungle for the beach, as you fly east to the stunning Derawan Islands for a week of snorkeling, sunbathing, and shark-watching in a postcard-perfect island paradise.
With ten days to spend in Indonesia, many travelers make a beeline to Bali for a highlights tour of the island's historic temples, beautiful beaches, and scenic rice fields. You could choose to focus more specifically on Balinese culture, choosing an itinerary that features local experiences like cooking classes. Or you could combine several days in Bali with time on another island, like Nusa Penida, an excellent destination for snorkeling. Another option is to skip Bali and spend ten days exploring the natural wonders of Java or cruising around the Raja Ampat Archipelago on a traditional wooden sailboat. Read on to learn more about your options.
Spend an unforgettable week in Indonesia with one of these unique itineraries! Focus your time on Bali, spending seven days visiting world-famous temples and swimming in waterfalls in the jungle, or combine a few days in Bali with a snorkeling and boating adventure around the island of Lombok. Get away from it all on a trip to western Flores and the Komodo Archipelago, hiking through secluded caves and sleeping in a traditional cone-shaped hut. Animal lovers won't want to miss an itinerary around North Sumatra, featuring interactions with elephants and the chance to spot orangutans in the wild, or an exciting trip to Borneo and Java that's rich with wildlife viewing opportunities. Learn more about your options by reading over the itineraries below.
Make the most of five days in Indonesia with one of these unique itineraries! Opt for a Bali highlights tour that features jungle hikes, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying Balinese-style nightlife in the resort town of Seminyak. Or choose a Bali tour that focuses on scenery, from picturesque waterfalls to rice terraces to a unique "floating temple." Combine a few days in Bali with some time in Nusa Penida, known for its rock formations and an underground temple. Other excellent choices include a 5-day adventure around the island of Java, home to the world's largest Buddhist temple, or a beach-oriented 5-day itinerary that features a cruise through Komodo National Park. Find out more about your options by reading over the itineraries below.
Soak up the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Bali on this wide-reaching 10-day tour around the island. In addition to traditional sightseeing and outdoor adventures, from visiting temples to swimming in a waterfall, this itinerary features a range of local experiences—you'll learn to cook regional dishes with a Balinese chef and spend time with a local family. You'll also snorkel, canoe, and hike through terraced rice fields before finishing the adventure on one of the island's best "hidden" beaches.
Discover Java's fascinating culture and spectacular natural landscapes on this 10-day itinerary. Hike to mountaintops for sunrise views of volcanoes, admire the countryside during a scenic train ride, and gaze upon a turquoise volcanic crater. Then you'll sightsee in the cultural capital of Yogyakarta and visit two world-famous temples—Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
Explore Java on this 5-day tour around the island's cultural monuments and pristine natural landscapes. Base yourself in Yogyakarta for the first few days, home to the world's largest Buddhist temple. Then continue on to Surakarta, also known as Solo, to shop for batik and attend a traditional Javanese cultural show. Round out the adventure with a trekking day around the slopes of Mount Lawu, hiking to a pair of historic temples and a beautiful waterfall.
Get to know the beautiful island of Bali on this weeklong tour of the island. Starting in Canggu, you'll drive along scenic Pupuan Road, passing terraced rice fields and jungle landscapes on your way to a temple that appears to float in mid-air. Hike to the gorgeous Munduk Waterfalls, then trek to the summit of Mount Batur for spectacular views at sunrise, followed by a soak in hot springs. You'll finish with a day of market browsing and strolling on the beach in Sanur.
This weeklong adventure around the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok, featuring a range of outdoor activities, is ideal for families. The itinerary starts in Ubud, where you'll get a taste of the island's rich culture, take a cooking class with a Balinese chef, and hike to a waterfall. Then catch a ferry to Lombok, where you'll base yourself while exploring the pristine waters around the Gili Islands on snorkeling excursions. With a great balance of relaxation and active pursuits, this 7-day trip is ideal for travelers of all ages.
Explore the natural and cultural wonders of two of Indonesia's most diverse islands, Java and Borneo. This week-long trip begins with a day of cultural sightseeing in bustling Jakarta, then catch a flight to Borneo, where you'll board a boat for a jungle cruise through Tanjung Puting National Park. Visit an orangutan rehabilitation center and spot wild pigs and monkeys in their natural habitats, relaxing on the boat's deck at night. Then jet back to Java and spend the last few days of the trip touring colorful Yogyakarta and side-tripping to the world's largest Buddhist temple.
Take in the natural beauty of Indonesia's islands, from stunning rock formations to dreamy sunsets, on this 5-day adventure. Traveling by boat, you'll divide your time between the islands of Nusa Penida and Bali. Visit an underground temple and snorkel with manta rays offshore Nusa Penida before cruising over to Bali for a few days of hiking, surfing, and sunbathing on world-class beaches. Finish the trip with a night out on the town in Seminyak — a lively way to end this whirlwind island tour!
This photogenic 5-day trip takes you to some of Indonesia's best beaches. Spend the first few days exploring the island of Lombok, stopping to learn about Sasak indigenous traditions in a fishing village before going snorkeling in the aquamarine waters off Gili Nanggu. Then you'll jet over to Komodo Island and board a short cruise through Komodo National Park. Island-hopping through the park's island chain, you'll sunbathe on the famed Pink Beach, explore coral reefs on a snorkeling excursion, and spot Komodo dragons in the wild.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Indonesia on this three-week adventure across three of the country's most spectacular islands. Spot rare orangutans on an unforgettable multi-day jungle trek on Sumatra, then hop over to Java to visit ancient Buddhist temples and climb active volcanoes. Your adventure ends on the tropical beaches of Bali, where you'll snorkel through colorful underwater worlds and raft down the Ayung River.
Escape to paradise on this 10-day sailing trip through Indonesia's Raja Ampat Archipelago. Cruise through the pristine seas of West Papua on a traditional wooden sailboat, anchoring each night at undiscovered islands and secret coves. Climb lush island peaks, relax on white-sand beaches, and snorkel through crystal clear waters as you discover some of the most diverse marine life on earth.
Enjoy a perfect mix of culture, nature, and relaxation on this two-week tour of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Start among the rice fields and bamboo forests of Tana Toraha, where you'll discover ancient village traditions and hike through lush countryside. Head to the island's central coast to spend two nights in the tropical paradise of the Togian Islands, then fly to the far northeast to snorkel in the underwater wonderland of Bunaken Maritime Park.
Perfect for families, this two-week Indonesian itinerary blends adventurous excursions with plenty of free time to spend at the beach. Visit temples, hike to waterfalls, discover the monkey forest in Bali, then hop on a speedboat to reach the neighboring island of Gili Air. Here the whole family can enjoy an island paradise—exploring white sand beaches, swimming in turquoise seas, and snorkeling with sea turtles.
September is by far one of the best times of the year to visit Indonesia. The weather is warm and beautiful with sunny skies and an almost complete lack of rain anywhere; yet the crowds thin out as kids go back to school so there are fewer tourists than July and August. The result is an idyllic destination with beautiful beaches, stunning volcanos, and reasonable crowd sizes.
August marks the middle of the high season in Indonesia when the weather is hot and sunny; the skies are blue; and the tourist attractions are bustling with people. It's one of the best months of the year to plan a vacation, whether you plan to head to the white sands beaches of Bali or the volcanic peaks of Java. The only downside is that it can be crowded so plan accordingly.
July is a month when Indonesia is at its absolute best. The weather is dry, the ocean is warm, and the beaches are full of people surfing, snorkeling, and playing in the sun. It's the perfect time to hike one of the volcanos, explore the many temples, and wander through the bustling street markets. It's high season, and hence more crowded and expensive. Still, if you're seeking a vacation with great weather and plenty of activities, it won't disappoint.
June is one of the best months of the year to visit Indonesia. It's hot, sunny, and dry with blue skies overhead and idyllic conditions for activities like beach-going, volcano hiking, and exploring the many cultural sites that the region has to offer. Tourist numbers are higher this time of year but not as crowded as later in the summer, providing a great blend of good conditions and space to move around.
May is the beginning of the dry season when Indonesia transitions from a long, wet winter into summer. The weather is sunny and beautiful—with occasional scattered showers— and tourists begin arriving again. The white sand beaches along Bali's southern coast are idyllic and still fairly uncrowded, and the volcanos on Java, Lombok, and other islands are finally in the perfect condition for climbing.
April is a shoulder season in Indonesia when the country shifts from its wet, rainy low-season into a more pleasant dry season that's sunny and full of tourists. It still gets a fair amount of rain—in fact, some consider April to still be wet season. However, you'll find far more dry days than earlier in the year and there are hardly any tourists, which makes it a great "best of both worlds" destination.
March is a rainy month in Indonesia, and large swaths of the country get pummeled with tropical storms. Although Bali remains less affected, many of the other islands are susceptible to flooding and washed-out roads. That said, the rain usually comes in short, intense bursts followed by sunshine and blue skies. Plus, the crowd sizes are small so if you don't mind a little bit of rain, it can actually be a great time of year for a visit.
During February, rain falls on many of Indonesia's islands as tropical monsoons roll across the sea. It's considered low season—tourists aren't out in heavy numbers, making it a great time to come to escape the crowds. The storms typically don't last more than a few hours and the rest of the time it's full of lush, green jungles and sunny beaches with blue shorelines.
January is the wet season in Indonesia, and many of the islands get hit with rain—making it a less-than-ideal time if you're seeking sunshine and beach-going activities. That said, it usually only rains for a small portion of the day and there are plenty of locations where the precipitation is lighter. Best of all, there are hardly any people around, so you won't have to contend with the crowds that swarm beach resorts during other times of the year.
Rainy season is in full effect in Indonesia in December. The monsoons sweep across the ocean and bring rain to the majority of the islands, making it a less-than-ideal time weather-wise. That said, there are hardly any crowds during this month (with the exception of the Christmas holiday) and prices are often cheaper. For those reasons, some tourists find December the perfect time to plan a vacation.
Indonesia is wet and rainy in November, although that doesn't necessarily mean it's not a good time for a vacation. It rains to some degree on most days; however, the storms don't usually last for more than a few hours and the rest of the time it's sunny and beautiful. Plus, prices are lower and crowd sizes are smaller.
October marks the beginning of the rainy season in Indonesia and although there are still plenty of things to do that don't involve beaches and sunshine, it's not the most ideal time for a vacation if weather is a big factor for you. That said, it's a great time to go with fewer crowds and the prices are much cheaper. Plus, temperatures stay warm and the rain showers typically only last a few hours so some travelers find it worth the other perks.
On this three-week tour, enjoy waterfalls and hot springs, take bicycle tours, climb a mountain, go snorkeling, and spend plenty of time relaxing on gorgeous beaches on Bali, Lombok, and tiny Gili Air. There will be plenty of sights and activities included every day, but also enough downtime to relax around hotel pools and spend quality family time together.
This 8-day discovery tour of Lombok and the Secret Gili Islands is perfect for adventure-seekers who are short on time. Immerse yourself in the Sasak culture and local wisdom with visits to local villages, before exploring the untouched beauty of Bali's lesser-visited neighbor, with trips to secluded waterfalls in the jungle, remote beaches, and quiet, untouristed islands.
Experience the magic of Indonesia on this 3-week trip from Lombok's laidback surf capital of Kuta to uninhabited islands off the coast of Sumbawa. Hike the lush forests around Mount Rinjani, explore the underwater world of the Southern Gili Islands, and customize your adventure with optional activities—like an overnight trek camping on the slopes of an active volcano.
Jump right in and discover the beauty of Bali and the Gili Islands on this 12-day adventure through the Island of the Gods. Start your adventure in Ubud with a vintage VW safari through the rice paddies and a sunrise trek up to Mount Batur before visiting some of the island's holiest and most beautiful temples. Then, head to Sidemen for a taste of traditional Balinese culture in the countryside, and spend a few days relaxing in tropical island paradise on Gili Meno before winding up in Uluwatu, where your trip ends with a mesmerizing Kecak dance performance as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Uncover the secrets of some of the world's most fascinating cultures on this 13-day trip through Java and Sulawesi. Start your trip in Yogyakarta, visiting the ancient Buddhist temple sites of Borobudur and Prambanan before flying to Makassar. From there, head north to the jungle-covered, mountainous region of Tana Toraja, a place where death has as much importance as life. Visit historic villages and ancient tombs before ending your trip on the white-sand beaches of Bira and Liukang Island.
Uncover the highlights of Sumatra and Java on this epic 2-week adventure that takes you deep into the rainforest in search of wild orangutans, high up to the summits of ancient volcanoes, and deep into the history and culture of two of Indonesia's most fascinating islands. Start in Bukit Lawang before making your way to Lake Toba and Samosir Island. From there, head over to Java to marvel at the views from the top of Mount Bromo and explore the countryside and temples around the royal cities of Solo and Yogyakarta.
Both parents and kids will find plenty to satisfy them on this family-friendly tour of Bali. The itinerary is full of educational activities so kids learn while they're having fun. Enjoy a combination of natural beauty and wildlife parks, and cultural attractions like dance performances and temple visits.
Bali is world-famous for its gorgeous natural scenery and elegant architecture. This 5-day itinerary offers an overview, taking you to some of Bali's most picturesque temples — including a sea temple and a "floating temple" — framed by striking landscapes. Visit rolling green rice terraces, hike to the towering Sekumpul Waterfall, and take in spectacular views at the "Gateway to Heaven" temple at Pura Lempuyang. You'll relax in the tropical gardens of Tirta Gangga, a royal bathing complex in the highlands, before spending the last night of the trip in the peaceful countryside retreat of Sidemen.
Discover the best of Balinese nature, culture, and beaches on this unforgettable 10-day adventure. For the first half of the trip, you'll base yourself in Ubud, going on excursions to hike around rice terraces, cycle through villages, and visit the region's famous temples. Then you'll continue on the journey with a sunrise trek to the top of Mount Batur and a detour to Tanah Lot, a magnificent Balinese sea temple. Spend the last part of the trip in the lively resort town of Seminyak, the perfect jumping-off point for a boat cruise and snorkeling trip around the idyllic island of Nusa Lembongan.
Over 10 days, you will exercise your leg muscles as you hike to the top of Mount Batur at sunrise and get your adrenaline kicking as you go water rafting along Ayung River. This adventurous itinerary, which includes Bali's top destinations, will start with three days in Ubud where you'll learn about Bali's history as well as have time to explore this scenic and cultural city independently. In Amed, a small fishing village, you'll discover the vibrant tropical colors of Indonesian fish while snorkeling before visiting Lempuyang Temple and then heading to Sanur with a stopover at White Sand Beach.
For travelers who want to focus on natural beauty and wildlife, this 12-day itinerary will show you the best features of three of Indonesia's islands. Start with a stay in a wildlife sanctuary in Borneo before taking a boat to Maratua Island, where you will swim at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Then, head to Bali to explore rock-cut temples guarded by monkeys, verdant terraced rice fields, and colorful art markets.
This dynamic 11-day itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for a balance of culture and adventure in Indonesia. Start your tour in Java's capital of Yogyakarta and see palaces and ancient temples before hopping over to Bali to explore Ubud's markets, hidden waterfalls, and rice paddies. Then, you'll top it all off with a snorkeling adventure on Gili Air Island and beach relaxation in Jimbaran.
Travel through the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali on this thrilling 11-day journey. You'll start by exploring the magnificent temples of Yogyakarta and hiking up sacred Mount Merapi in Turi. Then, you'll fly over to Bali, where you'll explore beautiful Ubud and its surroundings, including its rice terraces and Monkey Forest. Finally, you'll head east to Karangasem regency for more breathtaking temple complexes and palaces, as well as some well-earned beach days.
Experience the beauty, tranquility, and magic of Bali's Nyepi week on this 10-day itinerary that focuses on cultural experiences. Begin your trip with visits to some of Bali's most scenic Hindu temples before going snorkeling and relaxing on the beaches around Seminyak. Then, head to a small village to sample authentic Balinese cuisine and learn about cultural traditions with a local family before transferring to Ubud to partake in the Nyepi celebrations and tour many more temples.
