Things to do in Indonesia
Enter the dragon
The wildlife in Indonesia is as intriguing as the archipelago itself with every region differing in habitat, climate and the weird and wonderful creatures that dwell there.
There an inordinate number of things to do in Indonesia: it’s home to some of the rarest creatures in the world including the miniature deer that stands at just 35cm, fish that climb trees to catch insects (no, really), and crafty spiders that catch and devour small birds in their giant webs. The Tanjung Puting National Park is all about making your way slowly into the jungle along the misty river to spot orangutans, gibbons and long-tailed macaques; Sumatra is where the majestic elephant treads alongside mischievous monkeys; and Tangui, an orangutan release center in Indonesian Borneo flutters with the colourful wings of its unique birdlife and some beautiful rare butterflies.
Of course, there is only one King in Indonesia and that’s the Komodo dragon – the stuff of legend, it is the world’s biggest lizard and lives among the savannah in eastern Indonesia’s untouched islands, Rinca and Komodo. Known locally as ‘ora’, they hunt alone and satiate their enormous appetites with huge animals like deer and even buffalo.
There an inordinate number of things to do in Indonesia: it’s home to some of the rarest creatures in the world including the miniature deer that stands at just 35cm, fish that climb trees to catch insects (no, really), and crafty spiders that catch and devour small birds in their giant webs. The Tanjung Puting National Park is all about making your way slowly into the jungle along the misty river to spot orangutans, gibbons and long-tailed macaques; Sumatra is where the majestic elephant treads alongside mischievous monkeys; and Tangui, an orangutan release center in Indonesian Borneo flutters with the colourful wings of its unique birdlife and some beautiful rare butterflies.
Of course, there is only one King in Indonesia and that’s the Komodo dragon – the stuff of legend, it is the world’s biggest lizard and lives among the savannah in eastern Indonesia’s untouched islands, Rinca and Komodo. Known locally as ‘ora’, they hunt alone and satiate their enormous appetites with huge animals like deer and even buffalo.
Our Indonesia Vacations
Komodo and Flores vacation in Indonesia
See indigenous wildlife and stay in eco-accommodation
From
US $4410
15 days
ex flights
Bali adventure vacation
Warm people ornate customs and welcoming culture
From
US $990 to US $1210
9 days
ex flights
Kayaking vacation in Indonesia
Sea kayaking to some of the most remote beaches on earth
From
US $2295
10 days
ex flights
Bali biking vacation in Indonesia
Discover the real Bali on a cycling trip
From
US $1008 to US $1440
8 days
ex flights
Sulawesi and Borneo snorkel safari
Small group snorkel safari to N.Sulawesi and Borneo.
From
£3389
15 days
ex flights
Indonesia vacation, orangutans and culture
See wildlife and stay in a sustainable lodge development.
From
US $5200
16 days
ex flights
Cultural vacation in Indonesia
Traditional culture, stunning scenery and unusual wildlife
From
£1795
15 days
ex flights
Highlights of Indonesia small group tour
Prepare to be dazzled by incredible Indonesia
From
US $3350 to US $3515
22 days
ex flights
North Sulawesi and Raja Ampat snorkel safari
Group adventure snorkel and land safari to Indonesia
From
£3195
15 days
ex flights
Raja Ampat diving project, Indonesia
Dive and conserve the stunning coral reefs of Raja Ampat
From
£1095 to £3550
15 days
ex flights
Indonesia vacation, Isle of the Gods
True vacation perfection
From
US $1950 to US $2230
15 days
ex flights
Indonesia vacation, Volcanoes and temples
Explore Central Indonesia's ancient temples and smoldering volcanoes.
From
US $2179 to US $2349
14 days
ex flights
Tailor made vacation in Bali, Off the beaten track
Cultural heritage, rainforest & beach relaxation in Bali
From
US $1795
14 days
ex flights
Indonesia wildlife vacation, primates and dragons
Orangutans, Komodo Dragons & coral reefs
From
US $3499 to US $3979
14 days
ex flights
Bee Conservation in Bali
Honey bee conservation in the exotic island Bali.
From
US $825 to US $1925
4 weeks
ex flights
Bali and Komodo small ship cruise
Cruise the beautiful coasts and islands - relax and explore
From
£1755
8 days
ex flights
Tanjung Puting orangutan vacation in Borneo
Tanjung Puting National Park, Borneo orangutan adventure
From
AU $2390
7 days
ex flights
Sumatra orangutan experience, Indonesia
Sumatra orangutan & elephants adventure experience
From
AU $2390
8 days
ex flights
Javan Rhino tracking expedition in Indonesia
A unique wildlife tour to find very endangered Javan Rhinos
From
£3495
10 days
ex flights
Tanjung Puting orangutan vacation, Borneo
Orangutan Adventure Vacation, Tanjung Puting, Borneo
From
US $1795
7 days
ex flights
Java, Flores and Sulawesi vacation, Indonesia
14 day tour exploring the highlights of 4 Indonesian islands
From
£4795
13 days
ex flights
Java and Lombok 11 day tour
Explore culture, natural wonders & beaches of Java & Lombok
From
£1242
11 days
ex flights
Highlights of Indonesia vacation
Take in the highlights of 3 of Indonesia's beautiful islands
From
£2595
15 days
ex flights
Sumatra small group vacation
Venture to Indonesia’s wild, wild west
From
US $1084 to US $1265
9 days
ex flights
Indonesia wildlife vacation, mammals of Java
Join a unique safari focusing on all Javan endemic mammals
From
£1550
6 days
ex flights
Komodo and Java land and diving safari
Group adventure Komodo and Java dive and land safari
From
£3216
15 days
ex flights
Java 16 day tour
Ancient Temples, Towering Volcanoes and Vibrant Street Life
From
£2275
16 days
inc UK flights
Island of Flores vacation, Indonesia
Discover the volcanoes, villages and beaches of Flores
From
£2046
11 days
ex flights
Java and Bali vacation in Indonesia
An adventurous tailor-made journey through Java, Indonesia
From
£1605
14 days
ex flights
Kayak into the jungle
If you crave adventure, want a thought provoking dose of cultural immersion, and love a physical challenge, but relish the idea of moments of absolute relaxation too, there is no better way to journey along Indonesia’s atmospheric waterways than by kayak.Paddling a sea kayak deep into Indonesia’s jungle, reaching places where two feet just can’t get, drifting between remote beaches, uninhabited islands and visiting local stilted villages along the way in one of the very best things to do in Indonesia. The aim of any kayaking expedition into the jungle is to catch a glimpse of the mighty Komodo dragon, incredible animals that you’ll get to observe from a truly unique standpoint, alongside buffalo, monkey, and wild pigs and you make your way to safety and release some adrenalin with a swim or a snorkel above ethereal coral reefs.
Showcasing the best of Bali’s culture, the Pura Taman Saraswati temple is a striking and intricate carved complex set beyond a garden of pretty lotus blossoms.
Tour the temples
Java’s temples are not just sensational to look at, but they tell a physical tale of Buddhism and Hinduism living peacefully side-by-side as shown by the proximity of Prambanan, the celestial, turreted Hindu temple, to the magnificent Borobudur, the largest Buddhist building in the world and a manmade cluster of arches, stupas and statues.
Our top Indonesia Vacation
Kayaking vacation in Indonesia
Sea kayaking to some of the most remote beaches on earth
From
US $2295
10 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 26 Jul, 3 Aug, 11 Aug, 20 Aug, 7 Sep, 13 Sep, 4 Oct, 13 Oct, 22 Oct, 1 Nov, 9 Nov, 17 Nov
2020: 29 Mar, 10 Apr, 22 Apr, 1 May, 19 May, 29 May, 8 Jun, 17 Jun, 26 Jun, 6 Jul, 15 Jul, 3 Aug, 12 Aug, 22 Aug, 30 Aug, 7 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 30 Sep, 9 Oct, 17 Oct, 26 Oct, 2 Nov, 10 Nov, 20 Nov
2019: 26 Jul, 3 Aug, 11 Aug, 20 Aug, 7 Sep, 13 Sep, 4 Oct, 13 Oct, 22 Oct, 1 Nov, 9 Nov, 17 Nov
2020: 29 Mar, 10 Apr, 22 Apr, 1 May, 19 May, 29 May, 8 Jun, 17 Jun, 26 Jun, 6 Jul, 15 Jul, 3 Aug, 12 Aug, 22 Aug, 30 Aug, 7 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 30 Sep, 9 Oct, 17 Oct, 26 Oct, 2 Nov, 10 Nov, 20 Nov
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Indonesia or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Trek through paddy fields, watch endangered birds flock, or learn a new skill at a local craft workshop – Indonesia’s quieter side packs an almighty punch.
Explore the road less travelled
Off-the-beaten track Indonesia is all about getting under the skin of the country – exploring the central mountain region of laidback Ubud, the summits of dormant volcanoes across the cool northern slopes of Mount Batukaru, or cycling around the enigmatic Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Bratan, which can often be seen so shrouded in mist that it appears to float on the water.
More about Indonesia
Our temperature & rainfall chart covers all bases, especially when added to our month by month guide, supplier advice and cultural picks.
Our Indonesia travel guide aims to point responsible travelers in the right direction when it comes to what we rate & what we don’t as well as all the information you need on food, shopping & people to assist in your quest to discover Indonesia like a local.
Our interactive map of highlights features everywhere from Kalimantan and Sulawesi to Java, Komodo and Lombok.
Despite its enduring popularity, it’s still possible to find a quiet slice of life in Bali away from the hectic beach resorts.
If you’re getting into Game of Thrones or can’t forget Smaug from The Hobbit, there’s only one thing to do – set sail on a Komodo dragon tour.
Lombok’s a laid-back place with deserted beaches from where to surf, swim or snorkel over coral, and a majestic mountain at its core to challenge travelers in search of hardy hikes.
Sea kayaking in the Komodo Islands is a chance to be immersed in nature, paddling your way to remote corners of this beautiful national park.
Sulawesi is a legendary destination for diving and snorkelling, especially off its volcanic northern peninsula, but just as rewarding for visitors are its thick tracts of jungle, rugged mountains and proud traditional cultures.
Sumatra delivers big when it comes to both natural beauty and cultural wonders, from otherworldly volcanoes to ancient sites to the tropical jungle that orangutans call home.
Yogyakarta, on the island of Java, is a city of two parts, with a modern, busy side but with age-old customs and traditional arts living on in the ancient old walled town known as the kraton.
There are loads of activities for families in Indonesia, from hiking around volcanoes to horseback riding to snorkelling.
Read on for a few tips from our friends in Indonesia, including how to avoid overcrowded beaches and how to travel safely.
Weigh up development vs poverty, find out more about palm oil and research what you can do to help when it comes to animal rights.
Find all of our Indonesia guides in one place, including guides to Bali, Borneo, Raja Ampat and orangutan watching.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: Jean-Marie Hullot] [Enter the dragon: Jorge Láscar]
[Tour the temples: Jorge Láscar]
[Explore the road less travelled: Markus Winkler]
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