Recommended stunning Indonesian destinations to visit in 2025

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in Southeast Asia, with 17,000+ islands, including popular travel destinations such as Bali, Java, Sumatra, Lombok, and Komodo. It has natural wonders such as volcanoes, beaches, and rainforests, as well as cultural sites such as Borobudur and Prambanan, as well as abundant seafood and distinctive cuisine. --- 🌏 Indonesia Travel Overview - Best time to visit: - The dry season (April–October) is ideal for travel, with sunny weather suitable for beaches and outdoor activities. - Rainy season (November–March): More rain, but fewer tourists and lower prices, ideal for cultural exploration. - Visa: - Visa-free (30 days): Applicable to Chinese passports (entry from major airports such as Jakarta/Bali). - Visa on arrival (extendable to 60 days): Requires payment of approx. USD 35 (applicable to some ports). - Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), CNY 1 ≈ IDR 2,200 (2024 exchange rate). - Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), English is commonly used in tourist areas. --- 🏝️ Must-visit destinations in Indonesia 1. Bali Highlights: Beaches, temples, rice terraces, diving, nightlife - Recommended attractions: - Ubud: Rice terraces (Tegallalang), Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace. - Kuta/Seminyak: Surfing, sunset beaches, bar streets. - Uluwatu: Lover's Cliff, Rock Bar. - Nusa Lembongan: Snorkeling, Manta Point. - Featured experience: - Bali SPA, traditional dance performances (Kecak Dance), volcano trekking (Batur/Gunung Agung). 2. Yogyakarta Highlights: World cultural heritage, volcanoes, Javanese culture - Recommended attractions: - Borobudur: The world's largest Buddhist temple, with stunning sunrises. - Prambanan: Indonesia's largest Hindu temple complex. - Mount Merapi: Jeep adventure or hiking available. - Featured experience: - Learn Batik making, watch Wayang Kulit. 3. Lombok Highlights: More pristine than Bali, ideal for surfing and hiking - Recommended attractions - Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan/Meno/Air): White sand beaches, snorkeling, sea turtles. - Mount Rinjani: 2–3 day hike, the volcanic lake is amazing. - Pink Beach (Pantai Tangsi): A niche romantic spot. 4. Komodo Island Highlights: World Natural Heritage Site, Komodo dragons, stunning islands - Recommended attractions: - Komodo National Park: See wild Komodo Dragons. - Padar Island: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the tricolor bay. - Pink Beach: One of the few natural pink beaches in the world. - Best way to visit: Liveaboard 3–4 day island hopping tour. 5. Surabaya & Mount Bromo Highlights: Volcanic wonders, magical sunrise - Recommended activities: - Mount Bromo: Jeep ride through the sand sea to watch the sunrise and cloud sea. - Ijen: Blue flame, sulfur lake (requires early morning hike). 6. Other niche recommendations - Raja Ampat: World-class diving destination, coral reef paradise. - Flores: Mysterious tribes, tricolor volcanic lake (Kelimutu). - Bandung: Dutch colonial architecture, volcanic hot springs. --- ## **🍜 Must-try Indonesian food** 1. **Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)**: National cuisine, must add shrimp crackers and fried egg. 2. Sate: Grilled skewers with peanut sauce, chicken/mutton are the most classic. 3. Rendang (Padang Beef): Slow-cooked coconut milk beef, one of the world's 50 best dishes. 4. Bakso (Meatball Soup): Common on the streets, served with noodles or rice. 5. Gado-Gado (Indonesian Salad): Vegetables + peanut sauce, refreshing and appetizing. 6. Seafood: Jimbaran beach barbecue in Bali, Lombok fish market. --- 🚗 Transportation - Plane: Direct flights between major cities (e.g. Jakarta → Bali, Yogyakarta → Lombok). - Boat: Bali → Lombok/Gili Islands (2 hours by fast boat). - Train: More convenient between cities on Java Island (e.g. Jakarta → Yogyakarta → Surabaya). - Rent a motorcycle: Commonly used in Bali/Lombok, approx. IDR 50k–100k/day. --- 📌 Travel Tips 1. Tipping: Not mandatory, but restaurants/hotels can give IDR 5–10k. 2. Bargaining: Appropriate bargaining is possible in markets and taxis (non-metered). 3. Internet: Buy a Telkomsel or XL data card at the airport (approx. CNY 50/10GB). 4. Safety: Generally safe, but beware of snatch thieves (especially in Jakarta). 5. Religious etiquette: Sarong is required to enter temples, avoid shorts/sleeveless clothing. --- 🗺️ Recommended classic itinerary 7–10 day classic route - Day 1–4: Bali (Kuta + Ubud + Nusa Lembongan) - Day 5–6: Yogyakarta (Borobudur + Prambanan) - Day 7–8: Surabaya + Mount Bromo - Day 9–10: Lombok/Gili Islands 14-day in-depth tour - Day 1–5: Bali - Day 6–7: Komodo Island (liveaboard island hopping) - Day 8–10: Lombok (Mount Rinjani + Gili Islands) - Day 11–14: Raja Ampat (diving) --- Indonesia is a diverse, mysterious, and adventurous country. Whether you want a vacation, adventure, or cultural exploration, you can find a suitable way to play! If you have a specific destination or need, you can refine the guide~ 🌴✈️