Indonesia is a land of infinite possibilities. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of languages. Landscapes, traditions and cultures so varied they feel like entirely different worlds.
That range is exactly what makes it so rewarding, and so difficult to navigate well. The real art lies in knowing which corners of this vast archipelago are worth your time and how to combine them properly. We’ve spent years exploring in depth and our trusted local experts know their regions inside out, many of them welcoming you into their homes and communities along the way.
Our journeys steer clear of the crowded clichés toward the places that reveal Indonesia at its best. Into Bali’s spiritual interior (far from the well-trodden south-west coast), up Java’s smouldering volcanoes and through its ancient temple complexes, across the raw landscapes and living traditions of Flores and Sulawesi, or out to islands so remote the diving remains the most impressive on earth.
Our Travel Team will take the time to understand how you like to travel, then craft a completely bespoke journey around you. We’ll help you make sense of it all.
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In Our Travellers’ Words
A Brilliant Adventure (Bali and Beyond)
First-class Island Hopping in Indonesia
Temples, Volcanoes and Dragons of Indonesia
Our Unique Holidays in Indonesia
Relaxing, immersive, life-affirming adventures that show you the best of the destination. Packed with experiences that connect you to the country and are kind to its people and environment. Your holiday can be as adventurous or as luxurious as you choose, as every trip will be turned into your own bespoke package.
Here are some ideas to spark your curiosity…
How We Plan Indonesia
Planning a trip here needs a different approach from most. We start not with where, but with what you want from your holiday, then the particular destinations and journey fall into place:
For culture and history, Java has depth, particularly Yogyakarta. We time Borobudur and Prambanan carefully to avoid crowds, visit lesser-known temples, and continue east to Mount Bromo and Ijen’s volcanic landscapes via colonial Malang. For something more distinct, South Sulawesi has Torajan highland traditions, animist villages and a way of life entirely its own.
For island life, Bali still holds beauty and a special kind of energy when you know where to go. We focus on the rural interior: Hindu ceremonies in hidden temples and the quieter rhythm of Sidemen and Munduk. For beaches, Lombok is our top choice: calmer, less crowded, with volcano views at sunset. And Sumba really is as magical as people say.
For wildlife and wilderness, Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) is the place to spot orangutans, while Komodo brings a different kind of drama: wide-open seascapes, snorkelling and the formidable dragons themselves. Crossing Flores nearby takes you off the beaten track.
For epic adventure, Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands rewards those with time and an appetite for something truly special. Travelling by phinisi boat, you move between jungle-covered islands and startlingly blue water, diving among marine life that has few rivals on earth.
Explore Experiences in Indonesia
Immersive experiences sit at the heart of ETG. Each one is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional moments.
Meet Our Experts
“If Komodo or Raja Ampat are on your radar (they should be!), I can’t recommend staying on a beautiful boat more. It’s the ultimate way to explore hidden coves, snorkel and dive in remote reefs, and soak up sensational sunsets on the deck.”
Lola
Indonesia Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas in Indonesia
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Indonesia. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use — they’ll live long in your memory.
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to Indonesia
Curious to find out more? The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia is our experts’ edit of hotels, experiences and holiday tips. Get your complimentary copy today.
You’ll receive five emails from us as well as the guide you requested. They will be inspiring, helpful content about this country. You’ll then be added to our weekly newsletter list, but you can always unsubscribe using the link in any of our emails.
Important FAQs about Indonesia
Indonesia is wildly diverse and fascinating: a vast sweep of islands with kaleidoscopic landscapes, warm welcomes, and unique traditions.
- Diverse Islands: Java’s ancient temples, Bali’s terraced countryside, Komodo’s raw drama, South Sulawesi’s remarkable funeral ceremonies. The differences between islands are real and striking.
- World-class Wildlife: From spotting the legendary Komodo dragons to orangutans in Kalimantan and snorkelling with gliding rays and darting florescent fish, Indonesia’s wildlife encounters are reason enough to visit.
- Rich Culture: Balinese Hinduism still shapes daily life in visible, meaningful ways. Yogyakarta’s UNESCO-listed temples are among Asia’s finest. And even small places like Lombok’s villages have strong traditions.
- Epic Landscapes: Scale volcanic peaks to admire otherworldly views, shift gears and unwind on tropical beaches, and set sail through turquoise waters dotted with coral atolls and limestone cliffs.
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Indonesia for over a decade – long before most travellers look beyond Bali. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships, and genuine love for the country mean we can help you experience Indonesia in a way that’s special and unusual.
Over the years, we’ve developed thoughtful experiences that bring together cultural richness, comfort, and freedom to explore. Think family-friendly beach retreats, wildlife encounters, volcano treks, or private boat trips through island chains few people can name – all bespoke to you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can relax knowing everything’s taken care of – while still having the freedom to discover Indonesia your way. We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every trip is personalised, every route considered, and every detail planned to help you uncover what makes this country truly remarkable.
Come with us to the Indonesia we know and love.
The short answer? Your best bet is during the summer. The slightly longer answer? Indonesia is massive – a 4,000km stretch of sea and islands, home to thousands of microclimates and shifting seasons. So when you search for the “best time to visit Indonesia” and get five different answers… they’re probably all right. Just for different places.
Most travellers aim for April to October, when much of the country sees its driest, sunniest weather. This works especially well for Bali, Lombok, Java, and Komodo. These months also line up neatly with the European and US summer holidays, which makes planning easier, especially for families.
But here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re heading to Raja Ampat or West Papua, the best time is the opposite – from October to April. Wildlife in Sumatra is great in the mid-year months, while the rainforests of Kalimantan stay steamy year-round (it’s a jungle, after all). And if you’re hoping to catch a particular cultural event or religious festival, that can shift the calendar (read our Seasonal Guide to Indonesia or speak to a specialist to discover when’s best for you).
Every ETG holiday to Indonesia is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Indonesia in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our Indonesia specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.