Before You Go – Indonesia travel tips

Before You Go

Before You Go – Indonesia travel tips, Planning your first trip to Indonesia? Before you pack your bags, here’s a quick guide to help you prepare — from local weather and travel essentials to cultural tips that make your journey smoother.

Indonesia is an exotic country made up of thousands of islands. Among them, the most popular tourist destinations are Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sulawesi, and Papua.

Being a tropical country, Indonesia only has two seasons — the dry season from March to September, and the rainy season from October to February.
Average temperatures range between 25–32°C. Even during the rainy season, mornings and early afternoons are usually clear, perfect for sightseeing. Some destinations are even more stunning during the rainy months, with lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

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What to Prepare Before You Go

Besides your travel documents, here are several essentials you should bring for a comfortable trip:

1. Mosquito repellent cream
2. Sunblock or sunscreen
3. Cold and flu medicine (colds are common but usually recover within a week)
4. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) — prepare some cash for your first arrival
5. Flip-flops for relaxing walks
6. Hiking shoes if you plan to explore mountains or forests
7. Light raincoat for unexpected showers
8. Small sling bag or wrist pouch for important documents
9. Local SIM card — easy to find in any city, with affordable internet packages
10. Address and contact of your country’s embassy or representative office
11. Budget plan for your holiday
12. Active travel insurance
13. Laundry service info — very affordable (around IDR 3,000–30,000 per kilogram)

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Culture & Etiquette

• Dress modestly when visiting temples or local villages.
• Always greet people with a smile — it’s part of Indonesian warmth.
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (5–10% is common).
• Smoking is common in Indonesia, including the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes). It’s generally allowed in most open-air spaces.

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Food & Dining

Indonesian food is flavorful, spicy, and sometimes hot. If you’re not used to spicy dishes, kindly ask the vendor to adjust the spice level.
Try local favorites such as Nasi Goreng, Sate, or Gudeg Jogja for a true taste of the culture.

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Money & Connectivity

You can bring your home currency and exchange it for Indonesian Rupiah at banks or authorized money changers.
Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés, and restaurants. Credit cards are accepted in major cities, but it’s always good to have cash for small shops or rural areas.

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Getting Around

Indonesia now has an improved train network, especially across Java Island, making intercity travel easy and scenic.
In cities like Yogyakarta or Bali, you can use ride-hailing apps such as Gojek or Grab for transport and food delivery.

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Final Thoughts

Wherever your journey takes you, Indonesia will welcome you with open arms and unforgettable experiences.
We hope this guide helps you travel more comfortably and enjoy every moment.

See you in Yogyakarta, Indonesia — with us, Surjan Tour Jogja! 🌺