Indonesia

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Indonesia?

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago nation: 17,000 islands, 270 million people, hundreds of languages, and a range of landscapes and cultures that would take a lifetime to exhaust. Most visitors encounter one or two islands. A well-constructed guided tour helps you understand what you are seeing within this immense variety, and moves you between the key destinations - Bali, Java, Lombok, Komodo - with the internal flights and transfers arranged and the cultural context provided.

Bali is the entry point for most international visitors, and for good reason: the Hindu Balinese culture, with its temple ceremonies, rice terraces, dance performances and artistic traditions, is unlike anything else in Indonesia. Java adds the world-class ancient monuments of Borobudur and Prambanan. Komodo brings the world's largest lizard and some of the best diving in Asia. For British-Indian passengers, Bali's Hindu cultural landscape resonates strongly - the Balinese Hindu tradition, while distinct from Indian Hinduism, shares enough visual and spiritual language to feel genuinely meaningful.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Indonesia Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with Indian restaurants in Bali's Seminyak and Kuta areas
• Vegetarian options excellent throughout Bali, where the Hindu-influenced food culture naturally supports plant-based eating
• No beef in any included meals in Bali (where cows hold sacred status); pork-free options throughout
• Hindu cultural heritage of Bali highlighted in our itineraries, with temple visits, ceremonies and cultural context
• India departure add-on available on some itineraries - contact our India team on 1800 123 181 181

Best Time to Visit Indonesia

May to September is the dry season in Bali, Java and most of the islands. This is the best period for outdoor activities, beaches and temple visits. July and August are the peak months; May, June and September offer the same conditions with fewer crowds.

October to April is the wet season. Bali receives most of its rain from November to March, though showers are typically short and heavy rather than all-day. The landscape is lush and green; prices are lower.

Borobudur and Prambanan on Java are accessible year-round, though the July sunrise visits from Borobudur are particularly special and require advance booking.

Popular Destinations Within Indonesia

Bali - Ubud in the cultural heartland, with the Monkey Forest, rice terraces of Tegallalang, traditional Legong dance performances and the artists' market. The temple of Tanah Lot on its sea rock at sunset. The beaches and surf culture of Seminyak and Canggu.

Borobudur - the world's largest Buddhist monument, a 9th-century stupa on the Kedu Plain in central Java. One of the greatest architectural achievements in Asia, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sunrise from the upper terraces is extraordinary.

Prambanan - the Hindu temple compound near Yogyakarta, built in the same era as Borobudur. The three central temples dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are among the finest examples of Hindu architecture outside India.

Yogyakarta - the cultural capital of Java, with the Sultan's Palace (Kraton), the active Merapi volcano on the city's doorstep, excellent batik workshops and the creative arts scene that has made it one of Indonesia's most characterful cities.

Komodo National Park - a group of islands between Sumbawa and Flores, home to the Komodo dragon and some of the most extraordinary marine biodiversity in Asia. Pink Beach on Komodo Island is one of the very few pink sand beaches in the world.

Lombok - Bali's quieter neighbour, with Mount Rinjani volcano, the Gili Islands (car-free, snorkelling reefs) and a more relaxed pace.

Practical Information

• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Language: Bahasa Indonesia (official); English spoken in tourist areas and hotels in Bali and Java
• Time zone: Western Indonesian Time (GMT+7) for Java and Bali; Central and Eastern zones for other islands
• Electricity: Type C and F plugs (230V). A European adapter is needed; multi-adapter recommended.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Indonesia holidays are fully protected