Indonesia Tours

Name: Indonesia
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.6 (41 reviews)

Smouldering volcanic sunrises, inexplicable temples and tropical rainforest where orang-utans lurk

Indonesia Tours

Indonesia is located on a hotspot of tectonic activity in the Pacific Ocean, with 129 resulting volcanoes, known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. Travel to the lush islands of Java and Lombok – where you’ll summit Mount Rinjani – seeing spectacular sunrises, ancient temples and wandering through local villages along the way. On holidays here, you’ll also explore the archipelago’s fascinating customs and culture. With a population of around 238 million people, it is the world’s fourth most populous country, and across its many islands Indonesia comprises distinct ethnic, linguistic and religious groups.

Indonesia holidays also offer up white palm-fringed beaches, verdant rainforests, exotic wildlife – including orang-utans – and a certain sense of Zen. You’ll come across impressive Hindu temples, stunning rice terraces – the result of more than 2000 years of cultural exchange between India and South East Asia – and Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world.

Indonesia Tours & Trips

13 Days from £ 2449

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Cycle through rice paddies, jungles and villages in Bali and Java

Cycling

14 Days from £ 3599

£ 3199

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Search for Orang-utans, Komodo dragons and more wildlife

Wildlife

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Top 5 Highlights of Indonesia Tours

Bali: Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali tops the list of Indonesia’s highlights with its heavenly scenery, vibrant culture and luxurious resorts. From the iconic rice terraces of Tegalalang to the beautiful beaches of Kuta and Seminyak, Bali offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Explore Ubud, the spiritual and artistic heart of the island, where you can immerse yourself in traditional Balinese arts, visit ancient temples and watch a traditional Legong Balinese performance.

Komodo National Park: Nature and wildlife lovers will be in their element at Komodo National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Lesser Sunda Islands and is home to the famous Komodo dragons, the world’s largest species of lizard. Embark on a boat tour to explore the stunning landscapes, snorkel in pristine coral reefs and witness the awe-inspiring sight of these prehistoric creatures in their natural habitat.

Mount Batur: Located in Bali, Mount Batur is an active volcano that rises 1,717 metres above sea level and offers breathtaking views and thrilling hiking experiences. The volcano last erupted in 2000, leaving an imposing caldera in its wake. The sunrise trek is a popular activity, where visitors on Indonesia tours can witness stunning vistas of Mount Abang and Mount Agung while soaking up the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape. The nearby Lake Batur adds to the allure, creating a beautiful backdrop.

Ponjok Batu Temple: This unique temple complex made from black rock is known locally for its cultural and historical importance. The temple is shrouded in myths and legends, which adds to its mystery and charm. Standing majestically overlooking the ocean, Ponjok Batu offers striking views. Because its unusual shape resembles a peninsula, it was dubbed Ponjok by the local people.

Gunung Kawi Temple: This remarkable archaeological site dates back to the 11^th century and is made up of 10 ancient shrines (candi) that are carved into the rock face, each reaching around seven metres in height. These beautifully carved monuments are dedicated to King Anak Wungsu and his queens, serving as their final resting place, and are definitely worth seeing on Indonesia tours. You can explore the intricately detailed carvings of gods, demons and mythological creatures that depict tales of ancient times.

Indonesia Tours

Elly Siregar – Exodus Leader

Meet Elly Siregar, Exodus leader in Sumatra. One of Indonesia’s first female guides.

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Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

Expert opinion: Mount Bromo

This explosive volcano in East Java is the active cone inside the giant Tengger caldera, one of the area’s most jaw-dropping destinations, and an absolute must-see on Indonesia tours.

“There are sunrise views and then there’s watching the sun rise over Mount Bromo. As the day breaks, the otherworldly peaks of Mount Bromo and Batok rise from the crater floor with Mount Senaru in the background, often reaching out from a sea of clouds with plumes of smoke drifting towards the brightening sky. The brutality of active volcanoes intertwined with the serenity of the rising sun is truly awe-inspiring.”

Exodus Expert Tom Harari. Read more from our experts here.

Some parts of this trip were great. But like the previous reviewer the accommodation on the boat really let it down. The ppl in the cabins had a much better time as they were able to sleep. I read the trip notes and understood it to be shared bunk rooms with communal bathrooms. But it’s double cabins that have private bathrooms. No shared facilities, no where to store your stuff and sleeping on the deck was ok until the boat moved both nights (around 1am – 5am). Making it incredibly noisy, windy and cold on deck. If I understood this I doubt I would of booked this trip.

Catrin Conley Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

The itinerary for this trip was remarkable – saw oragutans and Komodo dragons in the wild, snorkeled, and enjoyed touring around Bali and the various islands. Did the Gili Trawangan extension and went scuba diving there. And Elly was a wonderful tour guide. However, there were some downsides, including the boat in the Komodo islands and some of the other transportation. The boat itself was not very comfortable, and actually a little dangerous in certain regards. The boat was not set up to accommodate the number of people on the tour, so was at times crowded and uncomfortable in the common area. There wasn’t just an option to sleep on the deck, but a requirement for a few people, as there were not enough cabins to accommodate the entire group. And when those deck sleepers needed to use a restroom in the middle of the night, they had to barge in to one of the cabins in the dark – no restrooms on the boat except inside the few cabins. The dining table where they served all the food buffet-style was crammed in a small room, with the stairs leading down to a couple of the cabins right alongside of the table -as you were getting your food, it would have been extremely easy to fall down them if you weren’t very careful. The refrigerator with all of our drinks was very often blocked by people sitting at the table, so there was major shuffling to do you when you wanted to get a drink. There was a low railing around the boat, which in rough seas would have been very easy to fall overboard.
there was only one support skiff with the boat that could only take half of us ashore at a time, so getting everyone onshore took forever. The local guide that accompanied us on the Komodo boat trip was not very good. He didn’t do any kind of assessment of everyone’s snorkeling abilities but instead took off on the first snorkel in a strong current, and didn’t look back to see if everyone was following, or try to keep the group together. People fell way behind and because there was only one skiff, that skiff couldn’t (nor ever intended to, it seemed) stay with the snorkelers. People were scattered over a large area in the water and in some cases, were told to just wait in the water when the first half of the group had already filled the skiff for the return trip to the big boat. It was a situation ripe with the potential for disaster. And the guide wasn’t around to stay with the people who had to remain in the water waiting. And if you wanted to jump in and swim off the big boat, the ladder was so high in the water that it was very difficult to get back on the boat – and there was no safety line deployed behind the boat to make it any easier, or safer, to get to the boat.

Other transportation was disappointing. The small group of us that went on the Gili Island extension had to wait over an hour at port the ferry terminal, after arriving back in Bali, for the driver to show up to transport people to the airport for thir flights. I stayed a couple extra nights in Bali before going home, and the driver that was supposed to transport me from the hotel to the airport never showed up at all – the hotel had to make alternate arrangements for me.

In closing, it was a wonderful, adventerous trip, but Exodus has some work to do to make it a little safer and comfortable.

Kathryn Curtis Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

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What are the best places to visit on an Indonesia tour?

Indonesia is known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes and warm hospitality. One of the best places to visit in Indonesia is Bali, famous for its stunning beaches, lush rice terraces and vibrant nightlife. Other must-visit destinations include the vibrant town of Ubud, Bhrama Arama Vihara monastery and the Banjar Hot Springs. For nature lovers, head to the spectacular Komodo National Park, a natural paradise and home to the awesome Komodo dragons which you can witness in their natural habitat.

What is the best time to visit Indonesia?

Indonesia experiences a tropical climate, so it’s generally warm throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which varies across different regions but typically falls between April and October. Temperatures can reach up to around 33ºC and the evenings remain warm. If you’re visiting the mountainous regions, you’ll find the temperatures tend to be much cooler. Although you should expect rain at any time of year, heavier downpours usually occur between late October and early May.

FAQs on Indonesia Tours

Are there any visa requirements for an Indonesia tour?

For a fee of 500,000 Indonesian rupiah ($33US), many nationalities are eligible for a 30-day visa at Medan, Bali, Yogyakarta, Batam, Jakarta and Surabaya. However, the length of stay and visa regulations may vary, so it’s always best to check with the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your country. You will also need to check the requirements for any other countries that you need to travel through. The links below take you to the government websites for various countries.

Is Ubud worth visiting?

Located in the heart of Bali, Ubud is definitely worth a visit. This enchanting town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture and spiritual experiences. Famous for its rice terraces, Ubud provides a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist areas. With its numerous art galleries, traditional craft markets and lively performances, immerse yourself in the Balinese culture. Additionally, Ubud is home to many yoga and meditation retreats, providing a peaceful respite for anyone seeking relaxation. Whether you’re an art or nature lover, Ubud offers something for everyone, making it an exceptional destination to explore and discover the true essence of Bali.

Where can I see Komodo dragons in Indonesia?

Indonesia is the perfect destination for witnessing Komodo dragons. These unique creatures can be found primarily on the islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar. Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers an incredible opportunity for visitors to observe these fearsome yet fascinating reptiles in their natural environment. A guided tour of the national park provides you with an unforgettable experience as you admire the Komodo dragons up close. Verdant landscapes, turquoise waters and an abundance of wildlife add to the appeal of Komodo National Park

What wildlife can I see in West Bali National Park?

West Bali National Park offers visitors a rich and diverse wildlife experience. The park is home to a wealth of fascinating and rare animals, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. You can expect to encounter the endangered Bali Starling, a stunning bird native to the island. The park also plays host to the Javan Rusa deer, grey macaques, black leaf monkeys and various species of birds. Traversing through the lush, forested areas, you might also catch glimpses of lizards, snakes and a variety of colourful butterflies. West Bali National Park is a wildlife haven that promises exceptional encounters with incredible creatures.

Is Indonesia good for cycling?

Indonesia is an ideal destination for cycling, thanks to its diverse landscapes and unspoilt natural beauty. With its vast network of roads and trails, it offers a wide range of cycling opportunities for both beginners and experienced riders. From challenging mountainous terrain to serene coastal routes, Indonesia has it all. The country also boasts a tropical climate that allows for year-round cycling adventures. As you pedal your way through rice fields and traditional villages, you will also have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture and friendly local communities. Our cycling tour of Indonesia guides you through coffee plantations, tropical beaches and jungles, and up to the crater of Batur Volcano.