Indonesia

Indonesia’s cultural depth stretches across its thousands of islands. In Bali, daily offerings and temple ceremonies remain central to life. Jakarta hums with a blend of tradition and modern energy, while Sumatra is home to ancient Batak villages and rich storytelling traditions. From royal palaces in Yogyakarta to handwoven ikat in Flores, the country offers countless ways to engage with its layered heritage.

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Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Indonesia.

Read Before You Go
Hotels
Sure, the beaches and views are great. But these islands excel with sustainable innovation, rich local traditions, and unique accommodations.
Afar’s resident hotel expert uncovers 12 of the most alluring new and renovated hotels of 2025, from California to Indonesia.
Dragons. Culture. Overwater bungalows. Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort, is one of Indonesia’s most exciting new island getaways.
Book one of these romantic retreats in these off-the-beaten-path honeymoon destinations.
These hotel pools around the globe are worth building a trip around.
If you’re looking for serenity in 2024, check out these top destination spas.
Surf, sand, culture, and craftsmanship—these are the 15 most incredible properties in Bali and the Indonesian archipelago.
At these properties, the children’s programming goes far beyond basic caregiving services with immersive experiences that offer younger guests a deeper look into culture, nature, sustainability, and even themselves.
Community consciousness and sustainability define a trio of beach hotels on Sumba, an island known for its pristine beaches, remote villages, and ancient rituals.
The world’s best beach resorts put cultural and environmental preservation front and center.
Three luxury resorts on the Indonesian island of Bali are getting creative with waste reduction and recycling—and are educating travelers in the process.
2020 shows no sign of slowing down when it comes to luxury hotel openings. Here are 6 openings that I am especially excited about, plus a rundown of what other important brands are up to, highlighted at ILTM Cannes this month.
Three designers share what makes their hotel projects so special
These top-level properties are the places to stay.
Resources to help plan your trip
It’s always a good idea to learn local etiquette before traveling somewhere unfamiliar.
You don’t need rose-colored glasses at these pink sand beaches.
Here’s how to get out on (and under) the water sustainably.
Breathing in the nutmeg scent and following red-footed boobies in the footsteps of naturalists on this seven-night Aqua Expedition.
Bali’s governor also announced a proposal to revoke visa-on-arrival permits for tourists coming from certain countries.
A curated list of ethical (and magical) experiences viewing wild animals around the world.
Hailed the world over as one of the best travel destinations, this Indonesian island offers invigorating aquatic outings for the young, the old, and everyone in between.
Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka hadn’t seen her dad in years. So she headed to Bali for what she thought would be a chill reunion. He had something else in mind.
There are two distinct drinking scenes in Bali. Kuta is the hedonistic party town that goes all night every night, and just next door is the more refined and fashionable Seminyak. Whether you’re looking for a cold beer paired with a sunset view or a happy hour deal at a perfect dive bar, Bali has you covered. From high-end cocktails (and a stellar view) at the Rock Bar to the signature cocktail featuring exotic fruit (and, yes, another stellar view) at the Potato Head Bar to wham-bam-get-on-the-dance-floor-again-man shots (no view but loads of international DJs) at Eikon and beyond, there are so many new-to-you places to enjoy.
Whether you’ve got a new home ready to fill with everything from dishes to textiles or you just want some surf wear for an upcoming lesson or, perhaps, a wooden carving to bring home to your aunt, there’s a shopping experience to match your need in Bali’s shops and towns. Fans of haggling will find worthy opponents at markets including the Sukawati Art Market. For high quality clothing and souvenirs, head straight to the boutique-heavy town of Seminyak.
There’s no one perfect way to take a trip to Bali. On one visit you might decide to spend more time exploring ways to explore your inner self through yoga or taking a ritual bath at Tirta Empul and while exploring the sacred spaces at Pura Besakih. On another? You might be all about going big mountain biking and photographing the rice paddies and terraces. Or, perhaps, all of the above on every trip? From the beaches of South Bali to the cool hills of Baturiti and the cultural hotspot of Ubud, options abound.
The hotels of Bali complement the island’s beauty, from boutiques nestled in verdant rice terraces to sprawling beach resorts. They also bring out its unique culture with a host of immersive experiences that highlight the traditional Balinese way of life.
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