A timeless destination, Indonesia and its thousands of islands promise a journey rich in color and emotion. With its sumptuous and diverse landscapes, its land suited for adventure and wellness, its warm and captivating people, Indonesia is one of those corners of the world you simply must visit. Here are five reasons, among many others, to choose Indonesia for your next vacation:

For Its Wide Range of Activities

In Indonesia, you won't have time to get bored. Beyond exploring its cultural, historical, and architectural treasures, you can plan a new activity for every day of your trip. Get ready for some active holidays: mix and match surfing, kitesurfing, diving, cruising, hiking, trekking, safari, yoga, meditation, paragliding, quad biking, canyoning, art or cooking workshops... Indonesia is a destination that offers an incredible array of activities to visitors, so make the most of it! With such a palette of experiences to enjoy, you'll have plenty to fill the blank pages of your travel journal. Plus, Indonesia is perfect for family vacations.

For Its Relaxing Setting

But Indonesia is also the perfect destination for wellness and relaxation vacations. Beyond adrenaline-pumping activities, Indonesia also offers an ideal setting for rest, leaving your everyday worries behind and turning inward. For a spiritual retreat, it's one of the world's finest destinations! Thanks to its wild nature and incredibly rich colors, its culture of respect, and its philosophy of living in the present, Indonesia is one of the most beautiful places to practice yoga and meditation. If you're seeking a relaxing vacation, take the opportunity to book an essential oil massage or soak in natural hot springs. Plus, the often vegetarian and well-balanced cuisine is perfect for a detox retreat, and you can benefit from the warmth of local people to learn another way of living—simple and genuine.

For Its Magnificent Landscapes

A country of a thousand islands, Indonesia is also a land of a thousand colors. Its landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, with stunning contrasts and flora unique in the world. Between its powerful still-active volcanoes, its lush vegetation and deep jungles, its waterfalls, its rice fields, its plains, its beaches, and its coconut palms, Indonesia offers an exceptional natural setting. It's sometimes hard to believe that these paradisiacal reliefs, so different from one another, sit so close together. To discover what nature has to offer in beauty and surprise, head to Indonesia!

For Its Exceptional Wildlife

If you love animals, don't hesitate to plan a trip to Indonesia. This Southeast Asian destination is one of the world's finest for safaris. Indeed, Indonesia is renowned for its exceptional fauna, including notably endemic and extremely rare species. Nearly 17% of the world's wild animals have chosen Indonesia as their refuge! You can, among other things, observe some extraordinary animals, unfortunately endangered: orangutans, Komodo dragons, Sumatran tigers... Birdwatching enthusiasts will appreciate encounters with exceptional birds such as the Sumba hornbill, the Wetar rail, or Wallace's bird of paradise.

For Its Cultural Diversity

Indonesia is also a wonderful vacation destination for its cultural heritage: in addition to visiting Indonesian temples, known throughout the world, take time to meet the locals and discover their fascinating culture. By the way, Indonesians are said to be among the world's most welcoming people, and you'll be delighted by their warm and curious smiles. Deeply religious and respectful, they'll be happy to invite you to cultural ceremonies while quietly ensuring respect for local religious regulations. Not to mention the great cultural diversity of the people, shared among several religions, tribes, and traditions. Be sure to take the opportunity during your journey in Indonesia to meet the Torajas, the "mountain people" with fascinating customs.

Demystifying Indonesia: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Discover below answers to the most common questions about Indonesia.

Where to Go in Indonesia?

The list below is not exhaustive, but helps you identify the most emblematic, spectacular, and must-see places in the country.

Java-Bali Circuit

Discover the traditional and popular route in Indonesia, which takes you through the emblematic islands of Java and Bali. Explore a variety of landscapes, cultures, and captivating activities by visiting the famous temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, the majestic volcanoes Bromo and Ijen, the charming cities of Yogyakarta and Surabaya, the paradisiacal beaches of Sanur and Kuta, as well as the magnificent rice fields of Ubud and Jatiluwih.

Sumatra Circuit

A wild and authentic adventure awaits travelers across Indonesia's largest island. The journey reveals unspoiled nature, exceptional wildlife, and ancient culture. Must-see sites include Lake Toba and Samosir Island, where you can see orangutans in Bukit Lawang forest, discover the traditions of the Batak and Minangkabau peoples, and trek in Kerinci Seblat National Park.

Flores-Komodo Circuit

Discover an exotic, colorful, and unusual experience on the island of Flores, where natural beauty meets cultural richness and ethnic diversity. Visit the multicolored lakes of Kelimutu, immerse yourself in the authenticity of the traditional villages of Bena and Wae Rebo, dive into the crystal-clear waters of Labuan Bajo Bay, and marvel at the Komodo dragons in the national park of the same name.

What Documents Do You Need to Enter the Country?

Simplified Procedures

Indonesian authorities are fully committed to their role as facilitators, making tourist access more seamless. A valid passport for at least six months beyond your entry date and a return plane ticket are the only documents needed for a visa-free stay of less than 30 days in Indonesia.

However, it is essential that your passport be in good condition: a large number of French citizens are denied entry to Indonesia due to a damaged passport, whether from torn pages or a deteriorated cover.

For those wanting to stay more than a month in the country, a visa on arrival is available at official ports and airports. Its validity exceeds 30 days but does not exceed 60 days.

For a stay longer than 60 days, you must first submit a visa application to the Indonesian embassy or consulate in France.

How to Obtain a Visa for More Than 60 Days?

To apply for an Indonesia visa, start by completing an online form and attach:

● an identity photo,

● a copy of your passport,

● proof of your round-trip flight reservation

● a travel attestation or invitation letter if applicable.

Visa application fees must be paid at this stage.

Once your file is complete, send it by mail or submit it in person to the Indonesian embassy or consulate in France. You will receive your visa by mail or pick it up in person according to your preference. The time to obtain a visa varies depending on the type of visa and time of year, but you should expect about two weeks on average.

Please note:

Before leaving Indonesia, you must provide proof of exit from the country to immigration services, such as a plane ticket or any other document attesting to your intention to leave the country.

What Budget for Indonesia?

Cost for 1 Month of Travel

Indonesia is a country that adapts to all budgets, from tight to generous. The cost of living is very low compared to Western standards. You can travel here for less than 20 euros per day, staying in guesthouses, eating in warungs (small local restaurants), using public transportation, or renting a scooter.

Treat yourself to 50 euros per day by staying in charming hotels, enjoying refined cuisine, taking taxis or flights.

For a 30-day stay in Indonesia, plan a budget between 600 and 1,500 euros, depending on your comfort preferences and planned activities.

Tips for Enjoying a Budget-Friendly Trip

● Explore less-visited and more authentic islands, ideal for tight budgets.

● Take advantage of promotions and last-minute offers on low-cost flights to maximize your budget.

● Practice negotiation to get favorable rates on accommodation, food, excursions, and souvenirs.

● Adopt economical travel practices by opting for backpacking, couchsurfing, woofing, volunteering, or joining traveler groups to share costs.

Note: credit cards are accepted mainly in major cities and tourist areas, but not often elsewhere.

When to Travel to Indonesia?

Indonesia is a destination you can visit year-round, thanks to its tropical, hot, and humid climate. The average temperature is 27°C, with variations depending on altitude, latitude, and season. The dry season runs from May to October, and the rainy season from November to April.

Generally, it's advisable to travel between May and September to enjoy the sun, sea, and landscapes. But you can also travel between October and April to avoid crowds, benefit from lower prices, and discover the richness of local wildlife and flora.

Other Useful Information for Planning Your Trip

The moment of departure for Indonesia is filled with palpable excitement. However, careful preparation before departure is essential to protect yourself against potential risks.

Embassy and Consulate: The Traveler's Safeguard

Before traveling to Indonesia, it is strongly recommended to register on the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Ariane website. This precaution allows you to share your presence data, itinerary, and contact information, ensuring you receive alerts, directives, and information about risks in case of crisis or emergency. Moreover, this registration greatly facilitates contact, location, and rescue operations if needed.

Here are the contact details for the French Embassy and Consulate in Indonesia:

· French Embassy in Jakarta1234:

Address: Jl. M. H. Thamrin No. 20, Jakarta 10350
Telephone: +62 21 23 55 76 00
Email:

· French Consulate in Bali567:

Address: Perumahan Griya Abasan 18 Padangsambian Klod, Denpasar Barat, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80117
Telephone: +62 811 3960 1401
Email:

Good to Know:

It is important to note that Indonesia is a Muslim-majority nation where Sharia law is applied in certain provinces such as Aceh. Thus, it is paramount to respect current standards of decency, modesty, and tolerance. It is advisable to avoid clothing deemed provocative, public displays of affection, sexual relations outside of marriage, as well as alcohol and illicit substance consumption, blasphemy, and homosexuality, among others.

For journalists wishing to cover Indonesian current events, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the strict laws governing the profession in the country.

Anyone violating local law may face imprisonment and immediate expulsion from the country.

Health Advice for Indonesia

COVID-19

Procedures related to COVID-19 have been simplified for travelers from France. The requirement to provide a negative PCR test upon arrival and submit to quarantine has been lifted. You simply need to complete an online form and obtain travel medical insurance. However, always take standard precautions if you experience suspicious flu-like symptoms around you (hand sanitization, social distancing, etc.)

Malaria

Malaria and rabies are still present in certain rural Indonesian areas. Protect yourself against mosquito bites by using repellents, wearing long clothing, and taking a preventive treatment on medical prescription.

Rabies

Contact with birds and other wild animals can result in the risk of rabies transmission, hence the need for prior vaccination. Furthermore, it is crucial to know that post-exposure treatment for rabies must be administered without delay following a suspected bite.

Zika Virus

Zika virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, active day and night. Its symptoms include rash, fever, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, especially in pregnant women, which can lead to serious fetal malformations. Detected in Indonesia around the 1970s, global epidemics were reported in 2007. To date, no vaccine or specific treatment is available for this viral disease.

Prevention measures:

● All mosquito bite protection measures.

● Protected sexual relations with infected individuals.

Recommended Vaccines

In Indonesia, vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory if you're coming from a country where the disease is present, or if you've transited through such a country. It is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, cholera, and tuberculosis.

Consult a physician at least a month before departure to review necessary vaccinations. If needed, get vaccinated at an approved center.

Note: before traveling abroad, it is always recommended to purchase travel insurance covering foreign hospitalization expenses and medical evacuation.

With careful planning and awareness of potential challenges, every traveler can safely enjoy this gem of Southeast Asia.

Audrey Denjean