Indonesia

Good to know

1. 1Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, spread across more than seventeen thousand islands, though only a fraction of them are inhabited.
2. 2The national language is Bahasa Indonesia, which is written in the Latin alphabet and is considered fairly easy for beginners. Hundreds of local languages are spoken alongside it.
3. 3Java is home to most of the population, and the capital, Jakarta, is on this island. Bali, by contrast, is mostly Hindu in a country with the largest Muslim population in the world.
4. 4Borobudur in central Java is a ninth-century Buddhist monument, and Prambanan nearby is a large Hindu temple complex. Both sit close to the city of Yogyakarta.
5. 5Rice is at the centre of most meals. Nasi goreng (fried rice), satay and gado-gado (vegetables with peanut sauce) are found almost everywhere, while each region adds its own dishes.
6. 6The currency is the rupiah. Amounts on price tags run into the thousands, so it takes a day or two to get used to the numbers.

Tips for a first visit

• Pick one or two regions rather than trying to see everything. Travel between islands takes more time than the map suggests.
• Carry some cash, especially outside the big cities and tourist areas, since small shops, warungs (local eateries) and many transport operators do not take cards.
• Try a meal at a warung. It is usually the best way to taste local home cooking, and the food is often spicy, so ask for less chili if you are unsure.
• Use bottled or filtered water for drinking, and be careful with ice and raw food if your stomach is sensitive.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and mosques, and cover your shoulders and knees. Use your right hand for eating and for giving or receiving things.
• Dress and behave more conservatively outside the main tourist areas, particularly in more religious regions such as Aceh.

When to go

Much of Indonesia has a dry season from about May to September and a wetter season from about November to March. The dry months are the most comfortable for hiking, temples and beaches, but they are also the busiest. The wet season brings heavy showers and some rough seas, though it is greener and quieter, and the weather still varies by island.

Getting around

Because the country is so spread out, most people fly between islands and major cities, with many domestic airlines serving the main routes. On Java, trains link cities such as Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta and are a comfortable way to travel. Ferries connect nearby islands, such as Bali and Lombok, and within cities people use ride-hailing apps, taxis, buses and motorbike taxis.