Acountry made up of more than 17,000 islands forming a 3,200-mile-wide archipelago, Indonesia is both massive and incredibly diverse. From the metropolis of Jakarta to the jungle of Borneo, Indonesia really has it all. Its geography and infrastructure can make it a somewhat challenging place to travel, though, so be sure you’re prepared for your trip. Double-check your packing list, and if you’re bringing devices like a phone or tablet, don’t forget a US to Indonesia power adapter as well.

Outside of Bali and a few other tourist hotspots, however, much of Indonesia remains off the beaten path and won’t be terribly crowded even in high season.











Jakarta doesn’t make many travelers’ list of favorite places, but most visitors to Indonesia end up at least flying in or out of the capital. It’s well worth staying an extra day or two to see the city’s top sights. The national monument, called Monas, is Jakarta’s most iconic landmark, and its observation deck offers fantastic views over the city. Istiqlal Mosque is the most impressive of the city’s many mosques, and the Cathedral of Jakarta stands right across the road from it.
Because it’s so spread out and comprised of so many different islands (and because infrastructure is not great on many of them), getting around Indonesia can be a challenge. Flying is the most feasible option for traveling longer distances, and many domestic airlines operate in Indonesia, AirAsia and Garuda Indonesia generally considered the most reliable. To go shorter distances, like between neighboring islands, ferries are usually available.
