The hustle and bustle of the city
Most cheap flights to Indonesia land in Jakarta, so be prepared to take in some city sights when you first arrive. Visit the National Museum. Check out some of the ornate mosques and cathedrals, local markets and coffee shops scattered throughout Jakarta. The Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park can be enjoyed from on high in a cable car. Just south of Jakarta, Badung is the fourth largest city in Indonesia. With its winding streets and sprawling suburbs, Badung a lively city with scrumptious cuisine. Be sure to take a day trip to Tangkuban Perahu and Kawah Putih, two volcanic craters, located near Badung. With incredible rock formations and misty views of the surrounding area, exploring the craters is definitely worth your time.
The island of the Gods
The island of Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia. Known for its picturesque beaches, shopping and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder that Bali is known as the Island of the Gods. To witness an Instagram-worthy sunset, Jimbaran is the place to go. Sit down, relax and munch on fresh seafood dishes while you wait for the sun to set. Beautiful candis (temples) dot the landscape and are often built right into the mountainsides. The Tugu Agung and Padang Buya waterfalls are sure to impress even the most critical tourists.
A bit of natural beauty
Komodo Island is home to the amazing Komodo Dragons, massive lizard-like creatures that resemble dinosaurs. Head to Pink Beach on the southern edge of Komodo Island for a snorkelling adventure. Swim with exotic tropical fish, octopi and sea turtles. On land, the rainforests on this extensive archipelago are home to Sumatran tigers, rhinos, orangutans and pygmy elephants. You can also visit a volcano or two during your trip. For example, Mt. Bromo and Mt. Rinjani both make for great hikes and fun photos.
When to go
Indonesia's seasons (rainy season and dry season) dictate the types of activities travellers should choose to do. With an average of 28 degrees Celsius, temperatures fluctuate very little throughout the year, making it a great destination all year round.
The best time of year to visit is during the dry season. Make sure to book your trip in advance, as prices do typically increase during peak season. Stick around for Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17th for a full day of colourful parades, traditional dancing, cuisine and events.
The rainy season begins in October and lasts until April. Short bursts of heavy rainfall are common. This time of year is not ideal for outdoor activities, and traveling in rural parts of the country may be difficult due to muddy backroads. If you do find yourself exploring Indonesia in February or March, check out the Bau Nyale Fishing Festival and be sure to try the festival’s specialty: fresh fish roasted in banana leaves.
Airports and airlines
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Indonesia flights from the United Kingdom (UK) are offered by the following carriers: Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Thai Airways. There are no direct flights from the UK to Indonesia with most stopovers occurring in Asia.