Indonesia holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

Tipping isn't customary in Indonesia, but it's appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a service charge is often included. If not, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is welcomed. For other services, small tips are appreciated but not expected.

You'll find traditional Indonesian cuisine in local warungs, small family-owned restaurants, throughout the country. We recommend trying nasi goreng and satay at these authentic eateries. Many resorts also offer Indonesian dishes, and night markets are great for sampling local street food.

Indonesia offers varied beaches. Bali features Seminyak Beach with golden sand and surf, and Nusa Dua with calm waters. Gili Islands provide white sand and coral reefs. Lombok's Kuta Beach offers dramatic cliffs, whilst Raja Ampat has remote beaches with clear waters.

When visiting Indonesia, it's polite to greet people with a smile and a slight nod. When visiting temples, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. It's customary to remove shoes before entering homes or sacred places. Using your right hand for eating and passing objects is appreciated.

Indonesia offers diverse shopping experiences. In Bali, you'll find traditional markets like Ubud Market for local crafts and souvenirs. For modern shopping, visit malls like Grand Indonesia in Jakarta. Many resorts also have boutiques where you can purchase beachwear and local artisanal products.

Indonesia's nightlife varies by location. Bali, especially areas like Seminyak and Kuta, offers lively bars and beach clubs. In Jakarta, you'll find high-end lounges and live music venues. Many resorts host evening entertainment with cultural performances. Remember, nightlife in smaller towns and islands may be more low-key.

For Indonesia, bring light, breathable clothing for the tropical climate, beachwear and swimwear for beaches and hotel pools, and comfortable walking shoes. Include sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, insect repellent and a light layer for air-conditioned indoor spaces.

When visiting to Indonesia, you'll need adapters for Type C plugs with two round pins and Type F plugs with two round pins and two grounding clips. Most hotels and accommodations use these types of sockets. UK visitors will require an adapter for their devices. For high-powered appliances, check the label to ensure compatibility with Indonesia's 230V supply. We recommend bringing a Type C/F adapter for your trip.