A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started
Learn to surf in Bali, on the idyllic coastline of Jimbaran
19 days, from £2,560 to £4,080
See Tabanan through the eyes of a local during a private guided tour
17 days, from £2,785 to £4,440
Wander from Java's temples to Bali's rice paddies, and coral reefs to village schools
17 days, from £3,375 to £4,645
Wander from Java's temples and volcanoes to Bali's rice fields, feast on the beach and go diving on Lombok
19 days, from £3,695 to £5,180
Bali and Lombok are a dream pairing for experiencing the best of Indonesia, from temples and rice paddies to white sandy beaches
13 days, from £3,295 to £4,555
Travel from rice paddies to UNESCO heritage status temples and to the secluded Karimunjawa archipelago, our favourite
14 days, from £4,100 to £5,270
While Indonesia is (quite rightly) a tourist magnet, you can explore a side of the islands that often goes unseen with our team’s insider knowledge and connections. That might come in the form of an eco-snorkelling tour in Lombok, guided by fishermen who previously worked in the shark-fishing industry. Our savvy in-country Concierges are just a WhatsApp away, eager to recommend their favourite tried-and-tested experiences. We’ll even take the admin out of travel by arranging e-visas and the Bali Tourist Tax before you go, so you can enjoy Indonesia’s rice terraces, temples and beaches in peace.
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Our specialists have extensive island-hopping experience and are ready and waiting to tailor your perfect Indonesian itinerary, away from the crowds. On the ground, our team is dedicated to immersing you even further into Indonesian culture, with tours covering sword making, traditional healing, cooking and more. To ensure your trip runs smoothly, our in-country Concierges go above and beyond to help, no matter if you’re in Bali or Java. As for accommodation, we’ve checked out the best properties (think: a farmhouse deep in Bali’s highlands or boutique hotel overlooking the ocean) providing options that stray from the norm.
While sun worshippers and surfers make the pilgrimage to the plethora of tropical beaches in search of adventure, culture vultures can take their pick from hundreds of temples and revel in local ceremonies and traditional rituals. A diving fanatic? Head to the Gili Islands to snorkel off coconut-palm lined shores, or the UNESCO-listed Raja Ampat which is known for its eyewatering natural beauty, wildlife and diverse marine life. Whether it’s the family holiday of a lifetime or a solo self-discovery excursion, the promise of an Indonesian adventure awaits. Even those in search of some seriously romantic Indonesian landscapes are in luck as these must-visit spots are scattered throughout the islands. They also make the perfect location for honeymooners, as do the scores of exceptional hotels, from thatch-roofed hilltop resorts to barefoot jungle retreats There really is something for all the family, friends and intrepid explorers to discover here. The hotels here have upped the ante too and we can recommend the one to perfectly suit your island endeavours. Spa hunters will discover massage huts with ridiculous views while adrenaline-seekers can let loose white-water rafting, mountain biking and hiking in lush terraced rice paddies.
Smoking volcanoes, Komodo dragons and ancient jungle temples, Indonesia holidays offer some of the most extraordinary visual spectacles on earth. In our humble opinion (and that of our clued-up diving team), Raja Ampat with its extreme biodiversity, hosts some of the best diving opportunities in the world. Sound tempting? Forego the hotel and opt for a traditional teak phinisi sailing boat to go island hopping. Aside from landscapes, the archipelago is home to around 300 native ethnic groups. Experience the region’s great cultural diversity from island-to-island, learning distinct weaving techniques and ceremonial rites of passage from kind-faced locals keen to tell of the wonders their home has. Original Travel consultants have travelled widely throughout the islands visiting the latest immaculate hotels, diving from luxury liveaboards, surfing and sampling all the best spa treatments imaginable (it's a hard job but someone has to do it!). All in the name of luxury holiday research, naturally. The team can recommend the place to take in a spot of buffalo racing (Jembrana in Bali) or the restaurant that serves the most delectable Nasi Goreng in Indonesia (we're keeping that one up our sleeves for the time being).
You really are spoilt for choice in this foodie's paradise, here the vast array of islands and its near 260 million inhabitants fold their cultural differences and region-specific traditions into each lovingly prepared dish. Bringing with them a wealth of flavours and fresh ingredients they’re keen to share with hungry travellers. Indonesia has it all, from perfectly fluffed rice dishes, warming noodle and soup combinations to fried street-side snacks and top dollar plates. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll likely find it here, so hit the markets, don an apron as you whip up a storm in a cookery class or take a food tour down the bustling Indonesian streets, dodging mopeds and more in the name of flavour. In a country that has so much to offer, especially in terms of culinary delights, delicious meals to quell stomach rumblings are always just around the corner.
Indonesia bridges the Equator, meaning it’s hot all year-round, with the only noticeable change in climate between November and March when the string of islands sees widespread rain downpours (most notably in the south). This is something to consider when deciding on the best time to visit, with most travellers opting to holiday between April and October, when the weather is perfect for all your island-hopping, diving and beach day needs. That’s not to say a little rain doesn’t bring with it cooler temperatures and lower humidity. In fact, travelling out of season provides the perfect conditions for those brave enough to brace the elements, as you’re able to enjoy the quieter temples and scenic spots that are still rich with wildlife, both above and below the water, throughout this time of year.
Indonesia’s sheer size means a holiday calls for careful planning. It deserves all the attention it can get, so why not combine several islands with a driver and guide so you can sit back and take it all in. You won’t want to miss the chance to cruise your way through the inlets, hike the jagged landscapes or dip into the warm waters that lap the coastlines throughout this slice of paradise. You can fly to the far-flung islands, boat your way around (for the genuine experience), drive or train for a slower way of navigating to appreciate the rural surrounding scenery or weave all the modes of transport into one for an epic holidaying experience. We recommend you take two weeks exploring Sumatra, Bali, Java and Sulawesi, with Bali’s stylish jungle setting and blissful beaches being the perfect antidote to all that adventure. Although, you might just find yourself captivated by the Indonesian charm and longing to stay even longer...
Finally, we couldn't talk about this island nation without focusing on diving in Indonesia, which is some of the very best in the world. There are few places on earth that offer the depth and breadth of variety as Indonesia, whether you’re hunting for the Giant Mola Mola (sunfish) in the Balinese waters or dipping into the marine biodiverse waters of Sulawesi, you’re sure to experience the extraordinary here. The Indonesian region of Raja Ampat is also the centre of the almost mythical Coral Triangle - regarded by those in the know (including our dive division, Original Diving) as the best diving destination in the world. Some accolade, and a region best explored from aboard a luxury yacht plying the waters between beautiful - and often completely deserted - islands.
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
