Things to do in Indonesia

Indonesia is a chain of thousands of islands, stretched across three time zones and about 5,100 kilometres from west to east. Few visitors see more than a corner of it. Tours in Indonesia gather on three islands, and the things to do on each have little in common.

Three islands, three different trips

• Bali. The island most visitors mean, and where almost all the tours run. It is the one Hindu-majority province in a mostly Muslim country, so temples and ceremonies feature in most itineraries.
• Java. West of Bali, and home to over half of all Indonesians. Yogyakarta, under two hours from Bali by air, is the base for Borobudur and Prambanan. East Java holds Bromo, a volcano with a sunrise of its own.
• Lombok. A boat ride east of Bali, across a strait more than 250 metres deep. The strait carries the Wallace Line, where Asian wildlife gives way to Australian. Rinjani volcano and the Gili islands are the draw, though few tours run there.

Komodo, Flores, Sulawesi and Sumatra lie further out. Each needs its own flight and its own plan.

What the days are made of

The offer leans on nature and outdoors, then sightseeing, then sport. Culture, food and wellness follow. The signature trip is a volcano at sunrise, on Batur in Bali or Bromo in Java.

Full-day tours mostly run nine to ten hours. Sunrise treks start long before dawn.

Practical

• Weather. The best time to visit Indonesia's main islands is the dry season, from about May to October. November to April is wet, with heavier rain and rougher crossings. Coasts hold 29 to 32C all year.
• Clocks. Java runs on UTC+7, Bali and Lombok an hour ahead on UTC+8.
• Entry. Visitors from the EU, UK, US, Australia and many other countries can buy a 30-day visa on arrival, extendable once. The online All Indonesia arrival card is filled in before landing.
• Bali levy. A one-off tourist levy of 150,000 rupiah, paid on the Love Bali portal or at counters in the airport and ports.
• Money. The rupiah. Cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants, while drivers, warungs and small entrance fees run on cash.
• Tipping. Not traditional. Tourist restaurants often add service charge and tax, so check the bill before adding more.
• Temples. Shoulders and knees stay covered, and a sarong and sash are available at the gate. By island rules only worshippers enter the inner courtyards, and menstruating women may not.
• Nyepi. Usually in March, Bali's Day of Silence closes the whole island, airport included, for 24 hours from 6am.