Indonesia Vacations

Indonesian culture derives influences from many cultures, like Dutch, Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Portuguese. But what's truly exceptional about this country is that people identify more with their local cultures rather than their national identity. The values of unity in diversity are deeply ingrained, with concepts like gotong royong (mutual assistance) and mufakat (consensus) being key to society.

Indonesia, being the world's most populous Muslim country, has a diverse religious landscape. Although Islam is the main religion, you'll find a peaceful coexistence with other faiths like Christianity and Hinduism. Respecting the religious beliefs of the hosts is very important.Taking the time to understand and appreciate your hosts' beliefs can enrich your travel experience.

Respecting the customs is also a must. It is simple things like taking off your shoes before entering buildings, waiting for the hosts to be seated, and greeting elders politely. It is also customary to avoid asking elderly people for their names, as names are considered sacred in Indonesian culture.

What is the visiting etiquette in Indonesia?

Taking off your shoes upon arrival at someone’s home in Indonesia is expected, but don’t be surprised if this also extends to small shops, where they may request you to slip off your sneakers at the door. Do bring a gift if visiting a home, something small is acceptable. The gift may be received quietly without much fanfare, to be unwrapped or inspected after your departure, as it is considered impolite to show big excitement. If you’ve been offered a spot to sit down, keep both your feet on the floor and legs uncrossed, as showing the bottom of your feet is frowned upon. A host will likely serve small snacks, and then may seek permission to eat the snacks, saying makan iya, to which you can reply silahkan, meaning go ahead. It’s polite to indulge and try what you are being served, especially if it's a meal, don’t leave any food on your plate. Give generous thanks and compliments to your host also, they will appreciate the fan fare!

What is Indonesia best known for?

The temples of Indonesia are known to be some of the most breathtaking in the world. Amongst the lush green rice paddies on the island of Java is the ancient Buddhist site of Borobudur. It lights up during morning sunrise drawing travellers to its blocks made of volcanic rock, with no cement or mortar used. Each of the nine levels of the temple complex supposedly describe the Buddhism states of life, with the first three symbolizing the journey to bodhisattva, one who seeks awakening. The monument is home to over 500 Buddha statues and intricate lava stone carvings representing the life of Buddha. If you are planning a visit to any religious buildings or ceremonies, plan to wear modest leg and shoulder covering clothing.

Travel a short ferry ride to Lesser Sunda Island, and visit Komodo National Park. It is the only place you can see the largest lizard in the world, the komodo dragon, in the wild. They can grow up to 3 m (10 ft) long and weigh over 130 kg (300 lb) and are said to have roamed earth for at least four million years. The sprawling national park, located in the driest climate in Indonesia, gives an opportunity for travellers to view these unique creatures, who are now on the endangered species list. There are also great diving opportunities in the surrounding sea!

What are some Indonesian traditions?

Each August 17th Indonesians commemorate their independence from Dutch colonial rule. National flag colours red and white flags decorate the streets in preparation for the celebration. A formal ceremony with political and honored guests takes place at their national palace, along with brass marching bands. Locally Independence Day is marked with parades and fun neighbourhood activities. If you’re lucky you could witness panjat pinang, a popular game where a tree trunk is erected in a public area, then greased up with clay and oil. Participants attempt to climb the trunk and make it to the top to reach prizes. Spectators delight in the chaos of the muddy participants attempting to win, slipping and sliding!

What are Indonesian people like socially?

Warm and welcoming is a great way to describe how Indonesians treat others, and visitors alike. They are known to be friendly with travellers, so extending a smile and chatting with them will get you far. There is a distinct respect for elders, family, and community. Using a quiet voice and limited body movement while socializing is typical, along with tempered banter and laughs.

Another distinct aspect of Indonesian culture is their attitude towards time. The people here embrace the concept of Jam Karet or "rubber time". It's all about allowing life to unfold naturally, without any rush, so do expect some things to take longer than you may expect. Communication styles tend to be indirect, a means to avoid offending others. Even speaking loudly can be seen as shouting, and can result in malu, or shame. So, when you visit Indonesia, it's recommended to discuss matters privately and in a gentle manner. Remain calm, with a smile on your face, even if hashing out a sensitive situation. 

What language is spoken in Indonesia?

The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian, with less than 10% of locals speaking English. Given the high levels of tourism, you will often find vacation destinations with staff who will willingly attempt to communicate in English. Keeping a translation app on hand will also come in useful, especially to read signs for directions.

If you want to connect with the locals on your Indonesian vacations, learning some Bahasa Indonesia can really help. While Indonesia has many languages, Bahasa Indonesia is spoken and understood all over. Making an effort to speak the local language can lead to genuine and heartwarming interactions with the people you meet.

So, you've planned your trip, but you're not quite sure when is the best time to visit Indonesia. The unpredictable weather of the region makes the decision even more difficult. But the answer to "When should I go to Indonesia?" is straightforward: it's always a good time. Each season offers new experiences and adventures.

Many visitors avoid the rainy season in Indonesia, which starts in November and goes up to March. But it's important to note that different regions in the country have their own weather patterns. In West Papua and the Maluku Islands, the dry season is from September to March, while in Sumatra and Kalimantan, March to October is the best. Even if you visit Indonesia during the monsoons, rain showers are typically brief and can create beautiful sights and sounds, alongside sunny days. This season can be especially attractive for travellers who are on a budget, as there are fewer people and lower prices.

When is the ideal time to visit Indonesia?

The ideal time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season, which typically runs from mid-April to September. This part of the year offers sunny days and warm weather. For those who prefer fewer crowds, May-June and September are good months to visit.

When is Indonesia's peak tourist season?

If you're looking for fantastic weather, the high season of July and August is perfect. The country has plenty of sunny days during this time, and you can enjoy many outdoor adventures like surfing, trekking and diving. It also coincides with the Australian winter and summer holidays in Europe and other parts of the world. The only drawback is that the high season can lead to crowded destinations and higher costs for flights and accommodations. Connect with a Goway Travel Specialist to plan your trip well in advance.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Indonesia?

In general, Indonesia is an affordable destination to visit. The bigger challenge is typically sought after accommodation will book up in advance of popular holiday times. Pricing for accommodation and flights will be lowest February to May and September to November.

How long should I plan to visit Indonesia?

A visit to multiple spots in Indonesia could ideally be done in 9 days, highlighting the islands of Bali, Lombok, and Gili Trawanga. If you have more time, it would be easy to add more days to explore the rich cultural regions and islands of Indonesia.

How much does a trip to Indonesia cost?

Indonesia is known for being relatively affordable for all types of travellers. Trips can be planned to accommodate budgets of all sizes, with variation depending on the time of year, style of trip, duration, destinations, and level of accommodation. Typically, for a one-week vacation to Indonesia, an individual traveller should budget between $2,000-$3,500, not including international airfare. 

What is required to visit Indonesia?

All visitors from Canada and the United States require a passport and visa, to visit Indonesia for up to 30 days. If travelling directly to Bali, travellers will go through passport control, where a 30-day visa on arrival can be purchased. All other arrival destinations in Indonesia require a B211A Tourism Visa, which can be arranged before you travel. 

How to plan a trip to Indonesia?

With the help of an expert Goway Destination Specialist! The best way to explore Indonesia is on a tailor-made vacation catering to your individual interests. Want to visit the mystic Uluwatu Temple perched atop a cliff high above the ocean or board a private boat tour to the famed James Bond island of Khao Phing Kan? Everyone has their own style of travel. 

Where to vacation in Indonesia?

Indonesia is spread out across 17,000 islands, many with enchanting villages, iconic temples, volcanos, and lush landscapes. In the capital of Jakarta, a visit provides an authentic Indonesian experience filled with extensive shopping, sought-after street food stalls, and nightlife. Trek beyond Yogyakarta to visit the largest Buddhist Temple in the world, Borobudur at sunrise. Journey into the jungle and encounter hundreds of monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. On Lombok, climb to the top of the active Mount Rinjani volcano and hike to photograph the Tiu Kelep waterfall. Boat to Bali to unwind beachside, and learn to surf. 

Is Indonesia LGBTQ+ friendly?

As a predominantly Muslim country, Indonesia lacks structured support for the LGBTQ+ community. There are no anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation and gender identity. That said, most travellers find the country tolerant if conducting themselves respectfully in public. 

What currency does Indonesia use?

The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). On average $1 USD is worth 16,000 IDR, but exchange rates are always fluctuating, so check the latest rates before travelling. Credit cards can be used at many major retailers and accommodations, however keeping cash on hand at all times is important while travelling in Indonesia, especially for dining and tipping. 

Do I need to tip in Indonesia?

While dining in Indonesia, a 10% tip on the bill is customary. Also consider tipping those in the service industry, as wages are low, and tips are graciously appreciated. 

Indonesian cuisine offers a delightful blend of Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indian, European, Pacific Islander, and indigenous flavours. Balinese cuisine, for instance, has Indian influences, with less focus on beef. Lombok's cuisine, on the other hand, does not include pork. This is because this region is more influenced by the island's Muslim culture. Regionally, traditional Javanese dishes tend to be sweeter due to the abundance of cane sugar, but Manado and Padang really lean into using chili and spices. The use of spices is central to many traditional Indonesian dishes. A special spice base, basa gede, forms the foundation for many recipes. To intensify the love for spice, a fiery chili sambal paste is also included in most meals. If you order a typical meal in Indonesia, it will consist of rice accompanied by vegetables and meat. Indonesia has become well known for its spice exports, including pepper, cardamon, cloves and nutmeg.

What is Indonesia's traditional cuisine?

One such iconic traditional Indonesian dish is tumpeng, a beautiful cone-shaped serving of rice decorated with a variety of colourful sides and meats. You'll also want to try a rendang, which refers to a method of tenderizing meat over a day’s worth of cooking, starting with spices and coconut milk being added to meat until cooked down. The result is a tender meat dish served atop warm rice. And let's not forget about nasi goreng, a scrumptious fried rice preparation that's bound to satisfy your taste buds. Vegetarian options are also plentiful, with tofu and tempeh often used as meat alternatives. Delicious coconut milk and spice marinated pieces of chicken, pork, goat and beef are skewered and grilled, known as satay are widely available, especially on street carts.

For dessert, try the sweet and salty barbequed banana, known as pisang kapik, with ground coconut and brown sugar on top. A must find in a traditional market is kue apem, a steamed cake made from rice flour, coconut milk and palm sugar covered with grated coconut, which is sure to delight with its sweet caramel flavour and light texture.

What is the dining etiquette in Indonesia?

Manners are of utmost importance in Indonesia, and you are sure to witness politeness and patience in dining settings. Wait to start eating until the host has started eating, or the oldest person seated at the table. Eating with hands can be common, but only use your right hand, as the left one is considered unsanitary. In most tourist centric locations, forks or spoons will be provided—if it's provided, best to use it. After you’ve finished your meal, it's acceptable to leave a small portion of food on the dish, an indication that you are appreciative of the meal and offering it up to the gods.

When you are done eating in smaller restaurants, it's likely you just get up and go pay your bill at a register. If you are waiting around unsure, you can inquire with a staff member permisi, mau bayar, excuse me, I’d like to pay.

What is the drinking etiquette in Indonesia?

When it comes to drinks in Indonesia, you cannot miss the renowned sweetened coffee. Largely influenced by its predominantly Muslim population, alcohol is available but also heavily taxed.  Drinking alcoholic beverages with a meal is not common, except in more tourist centric areas. Local beers like Bintang Pilsners and Anker are quite popular and easily found. Specialty spirits continue to be mass produced such as moke and sopi from the Timor islands are derived from palm trees, while ballo from South Sulawesi province is derived from lontar tree sap. In many indigenous Indonesian cultures, fermented beverages are a part of religious gatherings and festivals. There is even local home brewing, traditionally done with fermented rice, palm or coconut sugar and flavoured with various fruits, herbs or spices.

It's important to note that the consumption of spirits may be restricted in certain areas, so it's best to be cautious. Avoid overindulgence, as any boisterous or reckless behavior could be subject to being reprimanded.

Does Indonesia cater to dietary restrictions?

Indonesians are known to try to be accommodating of travellers, however language barriers surrounding severity and importance of avoiding certain ingredients can be challenging. Given the dominant Muslim population, dining on halal options is easy. Also, vegans and vegetarians will find an abundance of dishes to suit their needs. Finding gluten-free meals is possible, but do try to clearly communicate with staff. Many types of nuts, peanuts, and sesame are prolifically used in traditional Indonesian dishes. Travelling with a translated card indicating your dietary restrictions could be helpful. Consider doing research before travelling to find spots that are suitable for your dietary restrictions.

What do meals typically cost in Indonesia?

You can find the cheapest meals, between $3-5 at mobile stalls called kaki lima, usually located in night markets and also on the streets. Another budget-friendly choice is a warung restaurant that may offer a smaller menu, or even buffet style, with meals from $4-6 . If you're looking for more variety, check out the larger rumah makan restaurants. In major cities, you'll also find international restaurants, or more formal dining options often available from $20-40 per person.