What to do in Indonesia: temples, volcanoes and breathtaking islands 🌏🇮🇩

The archipelago of 17,000 islands fascinates with its diversity. Between smoking volcanoes, terraced rice fields, white sand beaches and spectacular underwater scenery, Indonesia is a vast playground for curious travelers, photographers, divers and culture lovers. This guide helps you organize a smooth trip, from Java to Flores via Bali and Lombok, with practical advice to optimize your time, budget and connectivity. And if you're looking for a simple solution to stay online, check out GoMoWorld's destination page dedicated to Indonesia: in Indonesia.

Indonesia is a mosaic of peoples, languages and landscapes, stretched over more than 5,000 kilometers. Java, the most populated, is home to Jakarta, Yogyakarta and mythical volcanoes. Bali, the most famous, combines temples, surfing and easy living. Lombok and the Gili Islands attract with their beaches and snorkeling spots. Sumatra is the kingdom of primary forests and orangutans. Sulawesi attracts for the Toraja culture and diving in Bunaken. Flores and Komodo National Park offer incredible marine panoramas. Further east, Raja Ampat is a dream for divers around the world.

Climate-wise, we're talking about an alternation of dry season/rainy season that varies by region. Generally, May to September is favorable for much of the country, but some areas (like Raja Ampat) remain pleasant year-round with small variations. Always allow a margin: in Indonesia, the weather can surprise and is part of the journey.

Java: temples and volcanoes on the horizon

Start in Yogyakarta, cultural capital with a gentle rhythm. Explore the artisan alleyways, taste gudeg (emblematic dish) and set off at daybreak towards the legendary temples nearby.

The Borobudur complex, a Buddhist masterpiece, impresses with its symmetry and stupas. Prambanan, dedicated to Hindu deities, offers delicate bas-reliefs that light up at sunset. Take your time: beyond the sites, it's the atmosphere of the villages and rice fields that leaves a mark.

For nature lovers, head east Java. Bromo, with its lunar landscapes, is ideally discovered early morning from the Penanjakan viewpoint. Further south, Kawah Ijen fascinates with its turquoise acid lake and, on certain nights, blue flames. The hikes remain accessible but require caution and good condition (very early departures, sulfur fumes, sometimes slippery slopes).

Safety tip

Before any volcano ascent (Bromo, Ijen, Rinjani), check volcanic activity, respect authorities' instructions and go with a guide if you're not experienced. A dust mask can prove useful.

Bali: between rice fields, temples and art of living

Bali isn't just about Ubud and its rice fields, but it's an ideal starting point. Walk the Tegallalang terraces, discover waterfalls (Tukad Cepung, Tegenungan, Sekumpul if you have time) and treat yourself to a Balinese cooking class. Temple-wise, Tanah Lot blazes at sunset, Uluwatu perches on cliff edges, and Tirta Empul reveals Balinese spirituality around its purification pools.

In the south, Bukit beaches (Balangan, Padang Padang, Melasti) delight surfers and families. In the east, Amed is perfect for snorkeling and slow atmosphere. The Nusa Islands (Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan) invite vertiginous panoramas and crystal-clear water. However, watch out for currents: check locally before entering the water.

Temple code

In temples, cover your shoulders and wear a sarong. Avoid entering areas reserved for ceremonies. A smile, a "terima kasih" (thank you) and a calm step work wonders.

Lombok and the Gili Islands: beaches, mountains and snorkeling

Lombok offers a wilder alternative to Bali. Mount Rinjani attracts seasoned hikers (always ask guides about trail openings). Southern beaches, like Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak, seduce with their soft sand curves and turquoise waters.

The Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, Air) promise snorkeling, bike rides and flaming sunsets. Each island has its personality: festive for Gili Trawangan, peaceful for Meno, balanced for Air. Mask and snorkel essential, but respect turtles and marine life: observe, don't touch.

Sumatra: primary forest and volcanic lakes

Much rawer and more preserved, Sumatra enchants travelers seeking authenticity. Bukit Lawang is a base to spot orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park, via treks supervised by trained local guides. At Lake Toba, the world's largest volcanic lake, Samosir Island offers beautiful Batak villages, typical cuisine and a peaceful pace.

Komodo and Flores: dragons, islets and clear waters

From Labuan Bajo, boats launch towards Komodo National Park. On the program: prehistoric dragons on Rinca or Komodo, breathtaking viewpoints on Padar Island, pink beaches and incredible depths. Underwater visibility is often excellent, but watch out for currents and go with serious operators. On Flores, the road to Kelimutu unveils crater lakes with changing colors: magical sunrise.

Good to know

Access rules to parks (Komodo, Borobudur...) can change. Check the day before with local offices or your accommodation to avoid surprises and organize your schedule.

Sulawesi and Papua: living cultures and exceptional reefs

The highlands of Tana Toraja, in Sulawesi, are a unique immersion in living traditions, between tongkonan houses, ceremonies and rice field landscapes. Seaside, Bunaken and its drop-offs are among Indonesia's most beautiful dives.

Further east, Raja Ampat (West Papua) is a diver's dream: exceptional marine biodiversity, karst islets and milky blue lagoons. It's a more expensive and logistical destination, but unforgettable for those seeking total disconnection.

Getting up at night to see dawn on a volcano is a ritual. Indonesian specialty cafes (Java, Bali, Sumatra) delight latte art and filter method enthusiasts. Batik workshops in Yogyakarta reveal patience and precision, and you leave proudly with your pattern. Foodies will find happiness between grilled sate, nasi goreng, mie goreng and neighborhood warungs. And if the opportunity arises, attend a kecak dance at dusk in Uluwatu: the chorus, the torches, the cliff, all outdoors, it's hypnotic.

Culinary golden rule

Warungs heavily frequented by locals are often the safest and most delicious. Start "medium spicy" and adjust later. A smile and a few words of Indonesian open doors.

Formality-wise, many eligible travelers can obtain e-VOA (electronic visa on arrival) for 30 days, extendable on site. The passport must generally be valid at least 6 months after entry, with an exit ticket from the territory. Bali now requires a tourist contribution, payable online or on arrival; anticipate to streamline your passage. Rules may change, always check the latest official conditions before leaving.

For getting around, Java has an efficient rail network (Yogyakarta–Surabaya, Jakarta–Bandung). Domestic flights serve long distances, while ferries connect neighboring islands (Bali–Lombok, for example). Scooter rental is widespread but requires caution: helmet wearing, respect for local code, international driving license recommended. Car with driver services or local ride-hailing are practical for occasional trips.

Health-wise, sun protection, hydration, mosquito repellent and basic kit are essentials. Tap water is generally not drinkable: prefer bottled or filtered water. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.

Smart transport

Anticipate travel times: between terrain, islands and traffic, a "short trip" can quickly take half a day. Group visits by area and keep a margin for the unexpected.

Traveling also means staying reachable, booking a boat, checking a schedule, loading an offline route, translating a sign or sending news. With GoMoWorld, everything is simple and digital from start to finish.

• One eSIM for over 200 destinations. Install it once, it follows you everywhere. In Indonesia, as in neighboring countries, you no longer need to reinstall anything: just buy and activate a data plan in the app at the right time.
• Installation via app only, no QR code. Even if you buy on the website, you then need to download the app and log in with the same email to install your eSIM. It's guided step by step.
• Manual plan activation. Plans don't start automatically when you land: you decide the best time to click "Start".
• Purchased plans don't expire as long as they're not activated. Handy for preparing the trip in advance.
• Hotspot included. You can share the connection with your computer or family tablet.
• Optimized local mobile networks. The app relies on local partners for a stable and fast connection.
• Built-in VPN and Europe-based customer support. Secure your connections on public Wi-Fi and travel with peace of mind.

GoMoWorld tip

Install your GoMoWorld eSIM before leaving (from the app), then buy the desired Indonesia plan. On arrival, activate it manually when you need it. No stress if your flight is delayed: as long as you haven't clicked "Start", your plan hasn't begun.

• Ubud and surroundings for deep green: villas by rice fields, spas, cafes, yoga and crafts. Ideal 3 to 5 nights to branch out towards northern and eastern Bali.
• Canggu, Seminyak or Sanur if you like accessible beach, varied restaurants and stylish cafes. Perfect for mixing remote work and gentle surfing.
• Yogyakarta on Java side for culture and temples. Choose a central hotel to facilitate early morning departures to Borobudur and Prambanan.
• Labuan Bajo if you're exploring Komodo: favor serious accommodations that respect good practices at sea.
• Gili Air for a calm pace, Trawangan for lively sunsets, Meno for total calm bubble.

Indonesia remains generally affordable, especially if you alternate simple accommodations with more upscale addresses, and eat regularly in warungs. The heaviest expense is inter-island transfers and specialized activities (diving, cruises, guides). To maintain a good pace, avoid multiplying islands on a short stay: better 2 to 3 well-chosen bases than 5 express stops.

Timing tip

Wake up early to visit major sites before crowds and heat. Take advantage of afternoons for quieter activities (beach, cafe, spa, market), then head out for a sunset at a viewpoint.

Here's an easy-to-adapt framework according to your desires. It mixes culture, volcanoes and sea without rushing.

Day 1–3: Yogyakarta (Java). Arrival, relaxation, city visit, then sunrise at Borobudur and sunset at Prambanan. Taste local specialties, explore batik workshops, stroll on Jalan Malioboro.

Day 4–5: East Java. Journey to Bromo region. Morning ascent for volcano view, walk in the caldera. Next day, head to Ijen for a sunrise hike. Plan warm clothes and headlamp.

Day 6–8: Ubud (Bali). Flight or ferry to Bali and settle in Ubud. Rice fields, waterfalls, temples, cooking class. One day towards the east (Lempuyang, Tirta Gangga) or north (Bedugul, Jatiluwih) according to your tastes.

Day 9–10: South Bali. Head to Bukit peninsula for beaches (Uluwatu, Balangan, Melasti) and cliffs. Kecak dance show at sunset, dinner facing the ocean.

Day 11–12: Gili or Nusa. Finish with two days snorkeling and relaxation: Gili Air for gentle cycling, or Nusa Lembongan for coves and yellow bridges. Return to Bali the day before departure.

Possible extensions:

• City-break and food tour in Singapore before or after Indonesia, with great air connections.
• Coastal road-trip in Thailand, from the gulf to Andaman Sea islands, if you continue in Southeast Asia: in Thailand.
• Nature immersion and futuristic cities in Japan in spring or autumn: in Japan.
• Great breath of fresh air and wide open spaces in Oceania if you head to the Pacific: in Australia.

Combination tips

With a single GoMoWorld eSIM valid in over 200 destinations, you can chain several countries without reinstalling anything. Buy your plans in advance and activate them as you travel, at your own pace.

To stay connected without surprises, here are the plans available in Indonesia. Choose according to duration and expected consumption, keeping in mind that connection sharing (hotspot) is always permitted.

If you're leaving for a month, the 30-day plan with 25GB at €29.99 offers comfortable margin for navigation, maps, some streaming and occasional video calls. For a more contained budget while maintaining flexibility, the 30-day plan with 17GB at €19.99 suits moderate daily use very well. If you know you'll mainly use data for navigation, messaging and a few bookings, the 30-day plan with 7GB at €10.99 is an excellent entry point. Finally, for a city-break or short beach break, the 7-day plan with 1.7GB at €3.99 suffices for essentials.

Useful reminder: you can buy your plans from the website or directly in the app, but eSIM installation is done only via the GoMoWorld application. Plans only activate when you indicate it in the app, and they never expire as long as you haven't started them.

Hotspot and security

All GoMoWorld plans allow connection sharing. The built-in VPN also lets you secure your usage on public Wi-Fi (cafes, airports, hotels), handy for booking and managing your online accounts.

Indonesia's beauty lies in its fragile ecosystems. Opt for diving/snorkeling operators respectful of reefs, avoid non-reef-safe sunscreens, bring your waste with you on less equipped islands and favor accommodations that reduce single-use plastic. Wildlife-wise, observe without touching or feeding, including turtles and Komodo dragons.

Respect for places

In sacred places and villages, ask permission before photographing, and follow guides' instructions. Discreet behavior often opens unsuspected doors.

Download offline maps of your travel areas (Java, Bali, Lombok...), scan your important documents, check your passport and visa conditions. Prepare a small health kit, a plug adapter (type C or F in most cases), and good shoes if you're going hiking. For connectivity, install the GoMoWorld app, add your eSIM, then choose your Indonesia plan. You can then buy and activate other plans if you decide to add a stop in Singapore or Thailand, without reinstalling anything.

Indonesia is the promise of a multiple journey: from ancient temples to volcanoes, from mist-belted rice fields to coral-fringed beaches, from bustling markets to rituals that punctuate life. By choosing a few bases and leaving yourself breathing room, you'll enjoy a rich and serene itinerary. And connectivity-wise, GoMoWorld simplifies everything with a single eSIM for over 200 destinations, flexible plans, always-available hotspot and built-in VPN to travel with peace of mind. Prepare your sunrises, your dives and your walks through the islands: in Indonesia, wonder awaits at every turn.