Indonesia

Asia

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Indonesia

With a coastline stretching nearly 55,000 km, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. There are 17,504 islands in the country, three of which are among the world’s largest: Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua.

Indonesian seas contribute 18% of the total number of coral reefs worldwide. You can find 75% of the world's coral reef species in the Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua. Other popular diving and snorkeling destinations include Bunaken, Wakatobi, and Komodo national parks.

Lying on the Ring of Fire, Indonesia is home to over 100 active volcanoes. As a result of the eruptions, you can find stunning volcanic lakes like Lake Kelimutu, Lake Batur, and Lake Toba — the world's largest volcanic lake.

Besides its natural beauty, Indonesia is also famous for its cuisine, which features rich spices and flavors. Some of the must-try dishes include fried rice, pempek, rawon, satay, and rendang, which often makes the list of the most delicious foods in the world.

Travel Tips for Indonesia

What you need to know before traveling here

Practical Tips for Indonesia

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the most popular places in Indonesia?

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a popular destination with many places of interest from amusement parks to art galleries and luxurious shopping malls. With two international airports and several railway stations, it is also an excellent transit city for those who wish to travel to different parts of Indonesia.

Other world-famous destinations are Bali, a tropical island where you can find dramatic cliffside temples and spectacular natural landscapes, and Yogyakarta, a treasure house of cultural attractions like Prambanan Temple and the Palace of Yogyakarta, as well as a point of departure to Borobudur Temple.

What festivals do Indonesians celebrate?

Various cultural festivals are held annually in Indonesia, such as the Baliem Valley Festival in Papua (held for three days in August), the Ogoh-ogoh Festival in Bali (held one day before Nyepi Day), and the Dieng Culture Festival in the Dieng Plateau, Central Java (held in the middle of the year). Schedule your trip to coincide with these fascinating events for an even more unforgettable experience!

How many islands are in Indonesia?

Indonesia is composed of some 17.000 islands, around 6.000 of which are inhabited. The five main islands are Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea.

Does entering Indonesia require a visa?

All foreign tourists are required to apply for a visa, except for the citizens of Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Some foreign nationals are also eligible for Visa on Arrival for tourism purposes. Visit https://www.imigrasi.go.id/ for the most updated information about Indonesian visas.

What is Indonesian culture like?

With more than 1.000 ethnic groups making up the country, there is no singular definition of Indonesian culture. That being said, there are some cultural aspects that people throughout the country share, such as collectivism. Indonesian society also puts importance on hierarchy, especially based on age, often using honorifics when speaking to someone older. Moreover, Indonesians are generally religious, a trait reflected in their observance of daily rituals such as salah (Muslim prayer) and melukat (Balinese Hindu purification ceremony).