Country guide
Indonesia is between 13,000 and 17,000 islands spread across 1,904,569 km2, the largest archipelagic state in the world, so the question is never what to see bu...
Photograph · Thomas Fuhrmann · CC BY-SA 4.0
Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor
Indonesia is between 13,000 and 17,000 islands spread across 1,904,569 km2, the largest archipelagic state in the world, so the question is never what to see but which island to fly to. Over 280 million people live in its 38 provinces and more than half of them on Java alone, the most heavily populated island anywhere and the one carrying Jakarta, the world's most populous city. Sumatra, Sulawesi and the Indonesian portions of Borneo and New Guinea are each a separate trip, across wilderness supporting some of the highest biodiversity on earth. The gaps between them are measured in flights, not in drives.
Checked 2026-08-25
Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.
Photograph · Gunawan Kartapranata · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photograph · trezy humanoiz from Denpasar, indonesia · CC BY 2.0
Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.
12 places match
Category
Typical visit duration
Interests
Pura Tanah Lot is a Balinese Hindu sea temple on a rock off the coast at Beraban, Kediri, in Tabanan Regency. Indonesia's official tourism service places the temple about 30 kilometres from Denpasar and about 300 metres offshore.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a Balinese Hindu sea temple perched on a steep cliff approximately seventy metres above the Indian Ocean. The temple is one of six key temples believed to be Bali's spiritual pillars.
Pura Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul Temple, known locally as Pura Tirta Empul, is a Balinese Hindu water temple located near Tampaksiring in the Gianyar regency, northeast of Denpasar.
Pura Agung Besakih, known in English as Besakih Great Temple, stands as the largest and holiest temple complex in Bali. Perched on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung, it serves as the spiritual centre for Balinese Hinduism.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is a significant Shaivite water temple in Bali, Indonesia. The temple complex sits on the shores of Lake Beratan in the mountains near Bedugul.
Pura Taman Ayun
Taman Ayun Temple, known locally as Pura Taman Ayun, is a Balinese Hindu temple located in Mengwi, Badung Regency, approximately eighteen kilometers northwest of Denpasar.
Ten to fourteen days is enough for Bali plus one nearby island or for a focused Java route, not for the whole archipelago. Every added island introduces an airport or harbour transfer, so choose regions first and count transfer days before assigning sightseeing.
Indonesia Immigration’s official eVisa service is the source for passport eligibility, visa class and stay conditions. Complete any required arrival formalities through government channels and verify the authorised entry point; a Bali-focused commercial site is not evidence of national admission rules.
Flights bridge distant islands, Java has useful rail corridors, and ferries, buses or local boats complete many regional legs. Check the licensed operator and weather before sea travel, and leave recovery time when an island connection precedes an international departure.
Dry-season timing varies across Indonesia, although much of Java and Bali is commonly easier from roughly May to September. Sumatra, Sulawesi and eastern islands can follow different rainfall patterns, so select dates for the chosen islands rather than the country name.
Indonesia uses the rupiah, and large IDR figures make digit checking important. Keep cash for markets, drivers and smaller islands, use bank-linked machines where available, and confirm whether an accommodation or boat quote includes taxes and local charges.
The recorded emergency contacts are 112 where available and 110 for police; electricity is Type C and F at 230 V. Tap-water safety is Not recorded, so rely on local official or accommodation guidance and verify emergency coverage on remote islands.
