It's decided – your next travel destination will be Indonesia! But with such a vast territory, proper planning beforehand is essential to ensure a worry-free journey.

Preparing your trip to Indonesia will help you address practical questions about entry requirements, destinations to prioritize, and the best time of year to visit. To guide you through this preparation, we offer some valuable tips here, with more details to come in our Practical Information section.

The Essentials for a Trip to Indonesia

First, let's review the essentials for preparing your stay in Indonesia.

Entry Requirements for Indonesia

Since June 10, 2015, French citizens – and other European nationals – no longer need a visa to enter Indonesian territory. However, this regulation only applies if your stay does not exceed 30 days.

To enter Indonesia, your passport must:

• Have a blank page available,
• Be valid at the time of entry,
• Remain valid for at least 6 months after your return to your home country.

For more information on this topic, feel free to consult the Indonesian Embassy website.

Recommended Vaccinations and Treatments for a Trip to Indonesia

Staying in Indonesia does not require any mandatory vaccinations. However, it is strongly recommended to consult a physician before your departure. In most cases, they will suggest protecting yourself against hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid.

To ensure excellent health throughout your getaway, don't forget to pack a small first-aid kit containing basic medications (paracetamol, anti-diarrheal, insect repellent, anti-itch cream, antiseptic, etc.). You may also consider a malaria prevention treatment, as mosquitoes are present throughout Indonesia.

SPF 50 sunscreen and after-sun cream are highly recommended for all skin types.

What to Pack

Before heading to Indonesia, be strategic when packing. Bring only the most important clothing and items to maximize space in your luggage:

• Choose loose-fitting, lightweight clothing to better cope with the heat;
• Pack at least one pair of lightweight pants and a long-sleeved shirt for jungle treks that offer mosquito protection;
• Sturdy hiking shoes suitable for various hikes and flip-flops for the beach if your itinerary includes coastal areas;
• A waterproof backpack to protect your electronics and daily essentials;
• One or two sarongs as beach cover-ups and for visiting Hindu and Muslim temples;
• Rainwear (raincoat or windbreaker) if traveling during monsoon season;
• A hat or baseball cap and sunglasses.

The Best Seasons to Visit Indonesia

Indonesia enjoys warm weather year-round. Temperatures range between 25°C and 32°C across the entire territory. Generally speaking, the ideal season to visit is the dry season from April to September. During this period, the weather is cooler and drier, allowing you to enjoy a variety of activities.

Between January and March, the wet season arrives. However, you can still enjoy a wonderful stay, as rain typically falls only in the early evening.

Indonesia welcomes large numbers of tourists around July and August. If you prefer a more peaceful vacation, consider traveling between April and June, or around September and October.

Top Destinations in Indonesia

Whether you're an adventurer, a leisure enthusiast, traveling with family, or on your honeymoon, we may not recommend the same places to everyone.

Indonesia is a vast territory with more than 13,400 islands, making it the world's largest archipelago. You can imagine, then, that there's an abundance of activities here to suit every taste!

For an adventure-filled stay:

If you prefer challenges, adventure, and off-the-beaten-path itineraries, we'd suggest focusing on volcanic destinations. Our Mountains of Fire tour will take you on a fascinating discovery of Mount Merapi, Mount Semeru, Mount Bromo, Kawah Ijen, and Mount Rinjani.

For a family vacation or honeymoon:

If your vacation centers around a family getaway or honeymoon, the island of Bali would be more suitable. Beach relaxation, cultural discovery at numerous Hindu temples, and reconnection with nature are all on offer.

Highlight Activities in Indonesia

Indonesia offers a wide range of activities. Here are some top attractions categorized by your interests:

• Relaxation: massage, spa, and yoga at wellness centers across Indonesia's various islands.
• Hiking and excursions: cycling through Bali's trails, visiting the monkey forest in Bali, exploring Hindu temples in Bali, strolling along the beaches of Lembongan Island, and more.
• Discovery: Indonesian cooking and dance classes, dolphin encounters off Bali's south coast.
• Recreational and sports activities: surfing, snorkeling, watching the sunrise at the Borobudur Temple and on Mount Kelimutu.
• Theme parks: Waterbom Jakarta (Jakarta), Ancol Dreamland (Jakarta), Trans Studio Makassar (Makassar), Pulau Wayag (Raja Ampat), Finns Recreation Club (Canggu).