Indonesia is thousands of islands, and Bali is only one of them. Here are the Bromo volcano above the clouds, the Buddhist Borobudur temple near Yogyakarta, the Komodo dragons and pink beaches near Labuan Bajo, Lombok's long beaches and surf. A holiday in Indonesia beyond Bali is often cheaper, calmer and less beaten-track.
An independent trip around Indonesia is built on domestic flights and ferries: Jakarta, Yogyakarta (YIA airport), Lombok (LOP) and Labuan Bajo (LBJ) are linked by regular flights. The island of Bali is described by us separately — see the "Bali" section.
Why independently
- Your own set of places. The mountains and temples of Java, the beaches of Lombok and the Gilis, the Komodo islands — you can assemble it all in a single trip.
- Price and flexibility. Hotels and boats without an intermediary are cheaper than a tour, and the flights between islands are short.
- Fewer crowds. Lombok and Flores stay quieter than Bali, especially outside peak season.
When is it best to go
The dry season over most of the country is from April to October: less rain and better underwater visibility. From November to March is the rainy season, more noticeable on Java and Lombok. For volcanoes and climbs (Bromo, Rinjani) the dry months are especially important.
Visa and entry
The entry rules for Russians, the visa on arrival and the electronic forms have changed — check the current conditions on the official websites of Indonesia's immigration service on the eve of the trip.
Where to stay
- Lombok and the Gili islands — beaches, surf, snorkeling, the Rinjani volcano
- Yogyakarta — the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, gardens, crafts
- Labuan Bajo — the Komodo and Padar islands, diving, sunsets
- Java: Bromo and Surabaya — volcanoes, sunrise above the clouds
Below are hotels by city and resort: compare prices, look at guest reviews and book.