Indonesia is a perfect blend of diversity, culture, history, landscapes, and religion.
It’s a tropical country that counts more than 18,000 islands, each with unique characteristics.
But, if you truly want to explore the “Emerald of the Equator,” then a 2-week trip will be a perfect choice.
The country has everything a traveler could want, from ancient temples and stunningly pristine beaches to a myriad of other places to see.
To help you narrow down the choices and choose the best landmarks, we’ll take you on a trip across the country, short cruises, island hopping, and temple excursions.
In the brief guide below, we’ll discuss a couple of places to put on your itinerary. It will give you an overview of what this country has to offer.
The Best Time to Visit Indonesia
Indonesia cruise ships that tour the islands are available all year round.
Indonesia is a destination with a lot on the agenda, depending on your preferences.
The temperatures are high throughout the wet season, which is from November to March, and pretty dry from May through October.
● Dry Season
In the dry season, biking and hiking are ideal, so adventure seekers book packages, which can be quite pricey since it’s the peak season.
The best months to visit the country are September, May, and June.
The islands are usually less crowded, and the humidity is lower, which makes it ideal for cycle rides and long hikes.
Dry season is also ideal for watersports activities like snorkeling, diving, or surfing. You can visit the islands of Lombok, Bali, and the Komodo National Park for the best diving spots.
● Rainy Season
The wet season is from October to April. It signals the winter period on the islands.
As a result, the temperatures drop to around 30 degrees, and there are frequent showers and sporadic downpours.
The best time to visit Indonesia during the rainy season is at the end of it, March and May.
You’ll see vast lands of lush greenery, rice paddies, the jungle, and a lot of festivities that begin at the end of March.
● Summer Season
In the summer period, June through August is the perfect period for experiencing the holiday season and going for outdoor pursuits.
July is usually the most crowded month, and the prices tend to be higher during the peak season.
● Fall Season
If you want to avoid the tourist rush during summer, you should visit Indonesia in the fall.
This season is especially suitable for overland trips. You can go island hopping and visit remote islands, take shore excursions, or explore temples.
Itineraries to Consider
With more than 18,000 islands, choosing the best places to visit can be challenging.
Indonesia is an adventurer’s playground and a leisure’s perfect sweet spot.
Here are a couple of itineraries to add to your list and explore the country ruled by an ancient monarchy and the home of the Komodo dragon.
Raja Ampat – Flores Island – Southern Sulawesi
The Raja Ampat cluster of islands is a sensational destination in Indonesia, whose name translates to the “Four Kings.”
It’s made up of four major islands, surrounded by palm beaches and turquoise waters.
You’d get to explore the marine wildlife and the coral reef, swim with sea lions, and observe the coral species.
Then you can add Flores island to the list and embark on a journey to the place known for the colored lakes and Mount Kelimutu.
And continue to Southern Sulawesi, the region with the most rice fields, bamboo-clad hills, and limestone peaks.
Lombok – Bukit Lawang
Lombok is the calmer, more serene, and more relaxing alternative to the crowded Bali.
It’s a tropical paradise that boasts uncrowded beaches, surfing spots, and mesmerizing waterfalls deep in the jungles.
Backpackers list Lombok on their itinerary in search of adventure due to the volcanic jungle and great treks.
And if you want to have a day filled with wildlife exploration, then visiting Bukit Lawang is the right choice. It’s the capital of North Sumatra and a popular destination for orangutans.
Komodo National Park
The Komodo National Park is located in the Nusa Tenggara region and is famous for the Komodo dragon.
You must visit the park and observe this “hideous-looking” creature, as Charles Darwin referred to it.
You can find these creatures on smaller islets and islands like Rinca, Komodo, and Padar.
The park is a wildlife sanctuary where reptiles can roam freely on the islands. However, if you want to see the wildlife up close, you should book a guided tour.
Excited Already?
So, Indonesia is a beautiful country with endless opportunities for exploration—whether you choose to visit all the major tourist spots in one go or spend your time exploring smaller towns and villages.
Personally, I recommend taking a 2-week trip across the country.
There’s so much to see and do, from centuries-old temples and magnificent beaches to wildlife safaris and short cruises on some of Indonesia’s many islands.
So if you want to really get lost in this wonderful country, then I suggest planning your trip now!
