- Bali is the easy first stop, with Java's temples and volcanoes a short flight away
- April to October is the dry season across most of the country
- There are no direct flights from the UK; expect one stop and 17-19 hours to Bali
- British visitors need a visa on arrival or e-visa, and Bali charges a tourist levy
- Airports
- Bali Denpasar (DPS), Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta (CGK), Yogyakarta International (YIA)
- Flight time
- about 17-19h with one stop from London to Bali
- Best time to go
- April-October (dry season)
- Currency
- Indonesian rupiah (Rp, IDR)
Indonesia is the world's largest island nation, with more than 17,000 islands strung along the equator. For most UK travellers it starts and often ends with Bali, and for good reason: it combines beaches, surf, rice terraces, Hindu temples and some of the best-value luxury hotels anywhere. But the rest of the country is just as rewarding, from the ancient temples and volcanoes of Java to the dragons of Komodo. It is one of the most varied destinations in our Asia guides.
It is a long way from the UK, so most people take at least two weeks. This guide covers where to go, when to travel, how to get there and what it costs in 2026.
Where to go in Indonesia
Bali
Bali has something for almost everyone. Seminyak and Canggu have beach clubs and cafés, Ubud is the cultural heart amid rice terraces and jungle, Uluwatu has clifftop temples and world-class surf, and Sanur and Nusa Dua suit families. The nearby Nusa islands offer dramatic cliffs and diving with manta rays.
Java
Indonesia's most populous island holds two of its greatest sights. Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, and the Hindu temples of Prambanan are both near the city of Yogyakarta, a centre of Javanese arts and batik. Further east, sunrise over the crater of Mount Bromo is one of Asia's great views, and the Ijen volcano is known for its turquoise crater lake.
Lombok and the Gili Islands
Lombok, east of Bali, is quieter and less developed, with fine beaches in the south and Mount Rinjani for serious trekkers. The three Gili Islands have no cars or motorbikes, just bicycles and horse carts, plus easy snorkelling with turtles.
Komodo and Flores
Labuan Bajo on Flores is the base for boat trips into Komodo National Park, home to Komodo dragons, pink-sand beaches and some of the best diving in the world.
Best time to visit Indonesia
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Dry season (April-October) | Sunny, lower humidity and the best time for Bali, Java, Lombok and Komodo; busiest in July and August |
| Shoulder (April-May, September-October) | Good weather with fewer crowds and lower hotel prices; often the sweet spot |
| Wet season (November-March) | Hot and humid with heavy, usually short downpours; greener, cheaper, but rougher seas for boat trips |
| Christmas and New Year | Busy and expensive in Bali despite the rain |
Temperatures stay around 27-32 °C all year at the coast. Patterns vary across such a huge country, so check the specific island you plan to visit.
Getting to Indonesia from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK. The most popular routes to Bali are via Singapore, Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul, with total journey times of about 17-19 hours from London if connections are good. Many travellers break the trip with a night in Singapore or Dubai. For Java, fly into Jakarta or Yogyakarta, or take a short domestic flight from Bali.
Entry requirements
British passport holders currently need a visa on arrival, which can be bought online in advance as an e-VOA from the official Indonesian immigration website or at the airport. It costs IDR 500,000 (2026) and allows 30 days, extendable once for a further 30. You must also complete an online arrival declaration before you land, and Bali charges a separate tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person, best paid in advance through the official Love Bali website or app. Your passport needs at least six months' validity. Rules change often, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Indonesia before you book.
Getting around
Domestic flights link the main islands cheaply. Fast boats connect Bali with the Nusa islands, Lombok and the Gilis, but choose a reputable operator and avoid crossings in rough weather. On Bali, most visitors hire a car with a driver by the day, which is affordable and much less stressful than driving yourself. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek work in many areas. As in the rest of Southeast Asia, think hard before renting a scooter.
Money and costs
Indonesia uses the rupiah, and prices run into tens or hundreds of thousands. Bali can be as cheap or as lavish as you like: as a rough guide, backpackers spend about £25-40 a day, while a mid-range trip with a pool villa, a driver and restaurant meals costs around £80-150 per person per day. A local warung meal often costs under IDR 50,000. Use bank ATMs inside shops or branches to reduce skimming risk. Many restaurants add 10% service plus tax; tipping beyond that is appreciated but optional, and drivers and guides welcome a tip of around IDR 50,000-100,000 a day.
Top attractions in Indonesia
Indonesia on the map
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Bali from the UK?
Yes. British citizens currently need a visa on arrival, available online in advance as an e-VOA or at the airport, plus the Bali tourist levy. Check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
April to October, the dry season. May, June and September offer the best balance of weather, crowds and prices.
How long is the flight from the UK to Bali?
There are no direct flights. With one stop, expect about 17-19 hours from London, longer from regional airports.
Is Indonesia safe to visit?
Most visits are trouble-free. Take care with traffic, fast-boat safety and drinks in bars, and check advice on volcanic activity before trekking.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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