Indonesia River Cruises 2023/2024

Indonesia Travel Guide

Indonesia Tours Things To Do

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  Gili Trawangan

  Gili Trawangan, which lies off the coast of Lombok, is one of the three Gili Islands. You can easily get to the isle from Bali by speed boat or sailboat. Known as Gili T, Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three Gili Islands. 

  Best Time To Visit

  According to Rough Guides, it is best to visit Indonesia in May, June, or September, when the weather is drier and better for hiking or water sports. At these times, Gili T is less crowded as well. May, June, and September are considered the shoulder season of travel for Indonesia. The peak season falls in July and August. During these months, the average temperature during the day can climb to 87 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 degrees Celsius.

   

  You Should Know

  This travel destination becomes lively at night, with its themed events and live music. During the days, you can sunbathe on its sandy shores or participate in activities, such as visiting a coconut grove or snorkeling. One of the must-sees is the sunken ship, near Mentigi Beach, at Wreck Point. You can also go on a glass-bottom boat tour if you wish.

• 
  Gili Air

  Gili Air is the second largest of the Gili Isles in Lombok, and is more peaceful than Gili Trawangan, although a bit busier than Gili Meno, the smallest of the Gilis. If you wish to escape the party atmosphere on Gili Trawangan, Gili Air is for you.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Gili Air during the less crowded times of the year, or during May, June, or September. It is not as warm and therefore better for sight-seeing, cycling, hiking, or swimming.

   

  You Should Know

  Gili Air is a great place to scuba dive and snorkel, as you can find some pretty coral off-shore. You will also see turtles and maybe a whale shark occasionally. If you like scenic paths, you will love walking on this island. Restaurants, along the waterfront, also serve fresh seafood, which is cooked over hot coals.

• 
  Nusa Penida

  Located close to the island of Bali, Nusa Penida is linked to the busier island of Nusa Lembongan by way of a bridge. Some people choose Nusa Pendia over Nusa Lembongan, as they want to totally get off the grid while visiting Indonesia. This remote island offers both serenity and calm, as it does not get much of a Wi-Fi signal, and there really is no nightlife.

  Best Time To Visit

  Plan to visit this peaceful isle during the shoulder season of May, June, or September. It is easier to hike and have time to yourself when it is less crowded.

   

  You Should Know

  The island offers snorkelers and scuba divers a great opportunity to explore the surrounding waters. Nusa Penida is also home to peaceful sandy beaches and seaweed farms. If you truly want an island escape, this is the place to go. You can dive with the turtles and rays, who stay closer to the island's beach because there are fewer people.

• 
  Samosir

  Situated on the island of Sumatra in the middle of Lake Toba, Samosir sits on the largest crater lake in the world. The lake lies in an extinct volcano that is filled with water flowing from an underground spring. 

  Best Time To Visit

  Mark your calendar for a visit to Samosir during May, June, or September, which are better months for water sports, sight-seeing, and hiking.

   

  You Should Know

  Swim in Lake Toba or take a boat tour around the lake. You can also explore traditional Batak island villages, or see the ornate tombs of Batak kings at the island's cemetery. An afternoon soak in the hot springs, located in the hills of the island, is always a refreshing break.

• 
  Lembeh Island

  While many islands in Indonesia give you the opportunity to scuba dive, Lembeh Island is known for its muck diving opportunities. Located in Sulawesi and close to the town of Bitung, the waters around Lembeh are filled with natural sediment and underwater creatures. Macro photographers can take some great pictures of some of the creatures they find here.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visibility for muck diving is affected from December to January because it is the wet season. However, that does not mean drivers don't visit during these times. You just won't find as many. The best time to dive or see is from October to December. However, you will be able to spot more micro critters during July and August. 

   

  You Should Know

  Muck diving entails patiently sifting looking black sand for marine creatures that inhabit the sediment. In turn, you will be rewarded with finds of unique sea creatures, some of which you might see on the cover of a dive magazine. Species often discovered during a muck dive include crabs, cuttlefish, and nudibranchs. You may also spot a whale shark or dugong during a dive. Dugongs look like manatees except they display a forked tail.

• 
  Raja Ampat

  A major Indonesian archipelago, Raja Ampat lies off West Papua, New Guinea, close to the northwestern tip of the Bird's Head Peninsula. The island chain is made up of hundreds of jungle-forested islands – islands that are known for their coral reefs and beautiful beaches. 

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Raja Ampat from early June through October, when you will experience less chance of rain. The average temperature is also slightly cooler during these months – around 77 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degrees Celsius.

   

  You Should Know

  Raja Ampat represents one of the best places to scuba dive in Indonesia because of the rich marine life living on the coral in its surrounding waters. Misool Island, in the island group, displays caves and rock paintings while the crimson bird of paradise can be seen on Waigego Island. The other main islands in the archipelago include Salawati and Batanta.

• 
  Komodo National Park

  A UNESCO World Heritage site, Komodo National Park is home to the Komodo dragon. The park comprises three primary islands – Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, including the waters that divide them with their rich marine life. The park is so-named because it is home to the endangered Komodo dragon, a large lizard that looks like it stepped out of a scene from Jurassic Park, the movie.

  Best Time To Visit

  According to trip planners, June and July are ideal months to visit the park. That is when the weather is the calmest and driest. However, May and October are also good travel times, as you will avoid the rainy season. 

   

  You Should Know

  Sightings, at the park, of the Komodo Dragon, while not guaranteed, are common. The large lizard, also called the Komodo monitor, grows up to 10 feet in length and can weigh up to 150 pounds. Its bite is said to be venomous. The lizard's diet mainly is made up of Timor deer, although it also eats a large amount of carrion. If you sight the lizard, stay at a safe distance, as it has been known to occasionally attack humans.

• 
  Gili Meno

  The smallest of the three Gili islands, Gili Meno is a popular honeymoon isle – designed for anyone wanting to get away from it all. Like all the Gili Islands, there are no cars, so you need to rent a bike, walk, or go by horse or cart to get around the island.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit during May, June, or September.

   

  You Should Know

  The seas around the small island are crystal clear, which makes it easy to spot marine life, such as turtles or rays. You can walk around the island in only a few hours. Also, calm waters are ideal for snorkeling. Access is easy to Gili Meno from larger islands, such as Bali or Lombok.

• 
  Bali

  Most tours to Indonesia will include a stop in Bali. The popular island is known for its beaches, coral reefs, rice paddies, and wooded mountains. Popular resort towns on the island include Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Seminyak. Bali is as lively as it is peaceful.

  Best Time To Visit

  Enjoy the sights and explore Bali during the shoulder months of May, June, or September. 

   

  You Should Know

  The island is home to the Uluwatu Temple, a Hindu religious site. The island is also well-known for its retreats that feature yoga and meditation.

Indonesia Tour Packages

• Rainy Season - November to March

  If muck diving is your plan, when it is rainier you will have more of the ocean to yourself, as fewer divers take to the waters during this period. However, the visibility picks up from October to December. You can spot more creatures during July or August. With that said, not everybody plans to muck dive. Maybe you have set your sights on a visit to Komodo National Park. If so, travel experts recommend you visit during June or July.

• Dry Season - April to October

  Overall, as noted, it is best to explore Indonesia and its islands during the dry times of May, June, or September. At these times, you will also experience fewer crowds, which will make it easier to hike or see the sights. You will also pay less for tours. Because peak season runs from July to August, expect the average temperature, during the day, to be around 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). 

Indonesia Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Indonesia Tours?

  Indonesia tours cover about 10 days of travel and frequently include the islands of Bali, Lombok, and the 3 Gili Islands. Because Indonesia represents a large archipelago of thousands of islands, you can find tours that will lead off the grid a bit. One of the popular destinations is Komodo National Park, home to the endangered giant lizard, the Komodo Dragon.

• What’s Included in an Indonesia Tour?

  Because Indonesia is comprised of islands, tour costs include the cost of boat transport, accommodations, admission prices for attractions, and the services of a professional travel guide. Hotel and airport transfer fees are included as well.

• What’s the Best Indonesia Tour?

  Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to visiting Indonesia. While some travelers like to stay at resorts and enjoy a lively nightlife, other trip-goers prefer to find a remote island and to spend their days hiking or exploring. Therefore, the best Indonesia tour is the one you discover that meets your trip preferences and budget, as well as your availability for travel.

• How Much Do Indonesia Tours Cost?

  What you pay for an Indonesia tour will depend on the length of the trip, its amenities, whether it is a private or group Indonesia tour, and the time of year you choose to travel. For a luxury trip that lasts about 12 days, which also includes ocean cruising, plan to spend about $5,000 per person. This price will go down if you take a trip during the shoulder season or you choose all-inclusive discounted packages. In this case, you can spend half of what you would spend on a trip that features upgraded amenities.