Country guide
Indonesia Travel Guide: 17,000 islands of volcanoes, temples and the world’s best reefs
Indonesia is a Southeast Asian archipelago of over 17,000 islands, famous for Bali’s temples and rice terraces, Java’s Borobudur temple, Komodo dragons and world-class diving. The best time to visit most of the country is the dry season, April to October.
Indonesia at a glance
| Timezone | WIB/WITA/WIT (UTC+7 to +9) |
|---|---|
| Currency | Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) |
| Languages | Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) |
| Population | 277 million |
| Coordinates | -2.5489, 118.0149 |
Why visit Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago — 17,000 islands stretching from Sumatra’s jungles to Raja Ampat’s reefs. Most journeys begin on Bali, the island of temples and rice terraces, but Java’s Borobudur, Komodo’s dragons and Lombok’s beaches reward anyone who ventures further.
When to visit Indonesia
Most of Indonesia has a dry season (April–October) and a wet season (November–March). Bali, Java and Lombok follow this pattern; some eastern islands differ. May, June and September combine the best weather with the fewest crowds.
Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence (March), shuts the entire island for 24 hours — airports included. Plan around it. Read the full month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Indonesia.
Destinations in Indonesia
Indonesia travel questions
What is the best month to visit Indonesia?
May, June and September are the best months to visit Indonesia — dry-season weather with smaller crowds and lower prices than July–August. The wet season (November–March) brings heavy rain but lush landscapes, powerful waterfalls and the year’s cheapest rates.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.