Indonesia travel itineraries

April to October is the dry season — the best window for most of the country. May, June, and September are ideal: good weather without the July–August peak crowds. The wet season (November–March) brings heavy but short daily rains; prices drop and the landscape is greener. Avoid Komodo trekking and volcano hikes during the rainy months.

Citizens of most EU countries, the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and around 90 other nations can get a Visa on Arrival at the airport for a fee, valid for 30 days and extendable once. All travelers must also complete the Indonesia customs declaration app before landing and pay the Bali Tourist Tax on arrival. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Grab (the regional Uber equivalent) is the easiest and most transparent option in Bali — fixed prices, no haggling. Blue Bird metered taxis are reliable in Denpasar and Kuta. Scooter rental is the default for independent travel outside cities. Renting a driver for the day is affordable and practical for temple circuits and day trips.

No — tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Indonesia. Stick to sealed bottled water or filtered water. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water. Many long-term travelers use a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to reduce plastic waste.

Bali has far more infrastructure, variety, and things to do — temples, rice terraces, surf, spas, nightlife. Lombok is quieter, less developed, and better if you want beaches without crowds. The Gili Islands sit between them and are easy to reach from both. If you have 2 weeks, combine all three.

No vaccinations are required for entry, but Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly recommended. Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies for longer or rural trips. Malaria risk exists in eastern Indonesia (Papua, parts of Sulawesi) but not in Bali or Java. Dengue is widespread — repellent is more useful than antimalarial pills for most itineraries.