Traveling to Indonesia is not only an adventure to a new land but also a journey to touch diverse and unique cultures. So, what to do, where to go, how to get there and around? Let’s explore Indonesia through our SUPER Indonesia travel guide: Top attractions, Transport, Eat, Tips & Suggested 6 days itinerary in this article!
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Traveling to Indonesia is a magical journey that takes you into a world of diverse cultures with wonderful natural beauty. Here, there are early mornings with thin mist covering the crater, afternoons with sea breeze blowing in the face on remote islands, and local markets full of strong spices.
Let us accompany you with a complete Indonesia travel experience so you can confidently travel from familiar destinations to little-known but fascinating places.
Indonesia travel guide: What Attracts Tourists to Indonesia?
Airport Transfer and Meals package at Klook x Kafin Airport Lounge (Free Drink)
Traveling to Indonesia takes you into a diverse, rich and culturally rich world with majestic nature and unique long-standing traditions. As one of the largest island nations in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is known as the “land of thousands of islands” with a total of more than 17,000 islands.
Indonesia is not only famous for its sea and islands, this country is proud of its mountain ranges, pristine tropical forests as well as lush green valleys. With the motivation to preserve the environment and sustainable tourism, Indonesia promises to bring you wonderful natural experiences with the unique natural resources of this country.
How to Travel to Indonesia from Vietnam
Travel to Indonesia
Airplanes are still the most popular and convenient choice to fly from Vietnam to Indonesia. From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily book flights to Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar) or Yogyakarta with many airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines.
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Round-trip ticket prices usually range from 3,500,000 to 6,500,000 VND, depending on the destination, booking time and travel season. If you book early, you can completely “hunt” for a direct flight to Bali for less than 4 million.
Travel in Indonesia
Transportation in Indonesia is very diverse and suitable for many types of itineraries. If you land at Soekarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) or Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali), traveling to the city center or to other destinations is quite easy.
Airway
Domestic air travel is the fastest and most convenient option when you want to travel between major islands such as Java, Bali, Lombok or Sumatra. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia AirAsia or Lion Air have high flight frequency and reasonable ticket prices, many routes are only from 500,000 – 1,200,000 VND/trip, booking early can be cheaper.
Road/Train
In the city, you can choose:
- TransJakarta bus or MRT Jakarta (subway), cheap, clean and well connected to the central areas.
- Technology taxis such as Grab or Gojek are extremely popular, you can choose to go by motorbike or car depending on your needs.
- Renting a private car for the whole day is the ideal solution if you want to freely explore or go to many places far apart. This service is currently available on Klook with friendly local drivers, pick-up and drop-off at your door and transparent prices.
In addition, if you go to islands or archipelagos such as Lombok, Gili, Labuan Bajo… then high-speed trains or ferries will be the main means of transport. Some ferry routes between Bali – Nusa Penida or Lombok – Gili operate daily, you can book tickets in advance to reserve your seat during the peak season.
Where to go: Famous Tourist Cities of Indonesia
Bali – The Tourism Icon of Indonesia
Bali – one of the wonderful pearl islands of Indonesia, is a famous tourist city that takes you on an impressive journey between majestic natural beauty and unique culture. Known as “paradise island”, Bali is not only a destination for gentle beaches with fine white sand and clear blue sea, but also a place where you can find a wonderful combination of majestic mountains, lush tropical forests and unique culture of the Indonesian people.
Capital Jakarta – City Rich in Cultural & Historical Values
Jakarta City Tour (National Monument and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah)
Known for its cultural diversity and rich history, Jakarta is an attractive destination for you to explore the ancient urban beauty of Indonesia. This capital is a cultural melting pot, evident in its temples, churches and unique architectural works. A notable place when you come to Jakarta is Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, which displays the culture and history of Indonesia’s 33 provinces and 27 main ethnic groups. This place promises to be an interesting stop for you to better understand the diversity of this country.
Lombok – “Hidden Gem” For True Travelers
Bali is always the first name when people think of Indonesia’s islands. But just leave the island about 40 km by sea, you will set foot on Lombok – a place that is still pristine, but has everything that makes travel enthusiasts sit up and look at the map again. Not too crowded, not covered with the glitz of mass tourism, Lombok is the type of destination that makes you feel both relieved and ahead of the trend.
Full Day Sembalun and Sendang Gile Waterfall tour in Lombok
Surfing beaches, Sasak villages that still retain their traditional lifestyle, and Mount Rinjani, where sunrises sparkle over volcanic craters. If you want a place that is breathtakingly beautiful but still new enough to make people ask “Where is this?”, Lombok is the answer
Batam Islands
As one of the larger islands in Indonesia’s Riau Islands, Batam is a vibrant tourist destination located near the port of Singapore. With its prime location, Batam is not only a convenient place for short trips from Singapore but also an ideal destination for you to enjoy the harmony of nature, culture and entertainment. Coming to Batam, you will be immersed in the atmosphere filled with positive energy and explore a diverse land of Indonesia.
Yogyakarta – The Land of Spirituality and Culture
Sunrise at Punthuk Setumbu, Borobudur and Prambanan Temples Tour
Visiting Yogyakarta is an exciting adventure through time and space. In this ancient capital, you will step into the traditional world at Kraton Palace and feel the ancient space of Kraton district with the Sultan’s palace. What you cannot miss is watching the sunrise at Candi Borobudur – a majestic Buddhist temple from the 9th century. When you come here, you can explore the impressive architecture and spiritual stories at the ancient temple.
Famous Tourist Attractions in Indonesia
Nusa Penida Island – Pristine Natural Paradise Off the Coast of Bali
Nusa Penida Private Day Tour With Photographer
With pristine beaches, soaring cliffs over 200m high, colorful coral reefs and majestic natural beauty, Nusa Penida Island is a paradise for those who want to enjoy a peaceful space and experience travel close to nature. Visiting Nusa Penida promises to bring you wonderful experiences. When you come here, you also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional island life and enjoy the unique cuisine of the Nusa Penida people.
Gili Islands – A Smog-Free Green Archipelago In Lombok
Lombok Gili Islands Private Tour by Glass Bottom Boat
Gili Islands is a small group of three islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, located off the northwest coast of Lombok. This is a great destination for those who want to enjoy the wonderful beach and relax in the majestic natural space. Besides activities such as diving, sailing, surfing, … you can also explore the village on the island and enjoy the cuisine when coming here.
Baliem Valley – A High Mountainous Area With Rich Indigenous Culture In Papua
Bali Sanur – Nusa Penida Fast Boat Ticket
Baleim Valley is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery, majestic waterfalls and long terraced rice fields. This is home to the indigenous Dani people – a community that maintains a unique traditional culture and customs. You can join trekking tours to explore remote areas of the valley, interact with local residents or participate in cultural events such as traditional parades.
Komodo National Park
Komodo Full Day Luxurious Speedboat Tour from Labuan Bajo
Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site since 1991, Komodo National Park is located on the Lesser Sunda Islands with an area of up to 1.8 million square kilometers. It includes three main islands: Komodo, Padar, Rinca, along with 26 other small islands. When coming here, you will be immersed in the wild beauty and rich ecosystem. In particular, you can see giant Komodo dragons and many other species of flora and fauna.
Lake Toba – The Largest Volcanic Lake in Southeast Asia in North Sumatra
5D4N Lake Toba, Samosir, and Berastagi from Medan
Formed from a giant volcanic crater, Lake Toba is not only famous for its majestic beauty of water and fine white sand, but also for preserving the historical and cultural stories of the Batak people. Traveling to Lake Toba gives you the experience of a peaceful and quiet space amidst the immense mountain scenery. You can relax on the lake shore, visit traditional villages to discover unique art, traditional music and unique local cuisine.
Mount Bromo – Welcome the Sunrise Over the Sea of Clouds in East Java
Bromo Afternoon Siesta and Sunset Tour
Located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, exploring Mount Bromo is a magical journey that takes you into the mystical land of natural beauty. One of the experiences you should not miss is watching the sunrise at the top of the mountain. To do this, you can choose the path to conquer the mountain top by cycling or join professional trekking tours.
Dieng Plateau – The Land of Ancient Temples in Central Java
Dieng Plateau Day Trip from Yogyakarta
Dieng Plateau, located in the mountains of Java, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical sites. Here, you will discover Kompleks Candi Arjuna – a group of ancient Hindu temples with unique architecture and exquisite stone carvings, Kawah Siki Dang – a volcanic valley with hot springs or Telaga Warna – a lake with changing colors;… All these places make the journey to explore Dieng Plateau magical when you are immersed in the natural beauty and uniqueness of Indonesian culture.
Tanah Lot Temple – Bali Religious Tourist Destination
UNESCO Heritage Sites Tour in Bali
As a cultural and religious symbol, Tanah Lot is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Bali. Built on a large rock, the temple is present in the ocean, creating a mysterious scene when the waves lap at the temple’s foot. When traveling to Tanah Lot, enjoy the sunset moment, when the golden sunlight shines on the temple and the surrounding sea, making this place more wonderful than ever.
Borobudur Temple – The World’s Largest Buddhist Complex in Yogyakarta
Borobudur and Prambanan Temples Tour in Yogyakarta
Borobudur Temple – one of the pinnacle religious architectural works of the Champa people promises to be a wonderful experience when you travel to Indonesia. Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, Borobudur Temple is an important cultural and religious symbol, and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. There are more than 2,600 reliefs and 504 Buddha statues on 72 floors. Each floor of the temple represents a level in the journey from samsara (cycle of reincarnation) to nirvana (nirvana).
Batavia Old Town
The Old Batavia Jakarta Day Tour
Visiting Batavia Old Town or Kota Tua will take you back to the Dutch colonial period in Jakarta. Not only is it a place to preserve history, it is also a lively space with old cafes and restaurants, creating a cozy and cultural atmosphere. Not only that, Batavia Old Town also regularly hosts many art and cultural activities, creating a vibrant space in Jakarta.
What to eat: Delicious Indonesian Specialties
Satay – Grilled Skewers with Rich Flavor
Jimbaran Seafood Dining and Sunset Experience
The smell of smoke rising from skewers of meat burning on charcoal is a familiar image at night markets in Indonesia. Satay is not just a dish but an art of balancing spices and grilling. Each piece of chicken, beef or lamb is marinated with turmeric, coconut milk, garlic, then skewered on bamboo sticks, grilled until the edges are charred and fragrant. The highlight is the smooth, creamy peanut sauce poured over the skewers, sometimes with a little bit of mild chili sauce.
Gado-Gado – Local “Salad” for Vegetarians
Taman Dedari Restaurant Dining Experience in Ubud
No need for meat, no need for elaborate frying, but gado-gado conquers diners thanks to the surprising harmony of each ingredient. A plate of gado-gado usually includes boiled vegetables such as long beans, cabbage, bean sprouts, plus crispy fried tofu, boiled eggs and rice crackers. All are mixed with a fragrant peanut sauce, sometimes with lemon and light chili sauce, creating a feeling that is both strange and familiar.
Rendang – Meat Stew for Important Occasions
Rendang is not cooked to be eaten in a hurry. This is a dish for big ceremonies, gatherings or special meals in Minangkabau (Sumatra) culture. Beef is simmered for many hours in coconut water, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, chili and a mixture of local spices, until the meat is tender, well-seasoned and dark in color. The taste of rendang is a combination of spicy, fatty and salty, very “sticky with rice”.
In some regions, people cook rendang drier so that it can be preserved for many days – a unique cooking technique that makes this dish a national culinary symbol. If you love Vietnamese braised pork, rendang is definitely an attractive twist on the familiar taste.
Pisang Goreng – The “True Love” Snack from Ripe Bananas
Borobudur Temple, Merapi Kaliadem (Jeep), and Prambanan Temple Tour
You have not really understood Indonesian snacks if you have not tried pisang goreng. Ripe bananas are rolled in a thin layer of flour and fried in a large pan of oil. When the outer shell is golden and crispy, the inside still retains the natural softness and sweetness of ripe bananas. In some places, pisang goreng is sprinkled with grated cheese, chocolate, or served with condensed milk.
Es Campur – The Sweet Cold of the Tropics
Bali Street Food Culinary Walking Tour
When the sun starts to burn on the street, a glass of es campur is a great savior. It seems like it is just shaved ice with syrup, but es campur is a whole world of colors: red beans, jackfruit, coconut jelly, butter, condensed milk, sometimes even corn, cendol or rice cake. Each spoonful is a different layer of flavor, cool and sweet. In markets, small shops or beaches, you will see people lining up to buy this dessert to “cool off” after a hot day.
In addition to the above typical dishes, Indonesian cuisine also surprises with dishes that are familiar to Vietnamese tourists, but have their own versions. You may come across lontong (pressed rice with curry), ayam penyet (pounded chicken), cendol, or roti canai, names that seem to only be found in Malaysia or Singapore. But in Indonesia, these dishes are often spicier and more intense, emphasizing local spices and rich coconut milk.
Suggested 6-Day 5-Night Indonesia Travel Itinerary for First-Time Travelers
Day 1: Fly to Bali: Relax and Watch the Sunset by the Sea
After landing at Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar – Bali), visitors can move to the Seminyak or Kuta area to check in and rest. These are the two most famous beach areas in Bali, bustling but still pleasant if you choose a hotel on quiet roads.
Bali Private Car Rental With Driver (Per Zone)
In the afternoon, go to the beach early, choose a cafe with a direct view of the sunset or visit Tanah Lot, a temple located on a rock in the middle of the ocean, the most romantic place to watch the sunset on Bali. In the evening, you can enjoy grilled seafood at Jimbaran, combined with a relaxing massage to get used to the slow, leisurely pace of life in the tropics.
Day 2: Experience Ubud – Forest, Rice Terraces and Indigenous Culture
Ubud All-Inclusive Private Day Tour
On the second day, you can start early in the morning to Ubud – the cultural heart of Bali, where mountains, forests, craft villages and nature blend together in a quiet space. You can start the day with a visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest), then take a walk among the green rice fields in the famous Tegalalang field.
At noon, stop for lunch at a small restaurant overlooking the rice fields, then continue to explore Tirta Empul temple – where locals come to purify themselves with sacred spring water. If you have time, try a batik class, wood carving or enjoy Luwak coffee in the forest. These are “very Ubud” experiences, helping you see more of Bali’s culture behind the tourist shell.
Day 3: Explore Nusa Penida Island – Unspoiled Nature
Nusa Penida Private Day Tour With Photographer
An energetic day for you to begin with a journey to explore Nusa Penida Island, a pristine island located about 40 minutes by speedboat from Bali. From early morning, you will be taken to famous landmarks such as Kelingking Beach with its dinosaur-shaped cliffs jutting out into the sea, Broken Beach where the sea water penetrates through the rock arch to create a beautiful circular lake, and Angel’s Billabong, a natural clear lake right on the edge of the rock.
At noon, stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a typical island lunch. If time permits, you can join snorkeling at Crystal Bay, famous for its clear waters and rich marine life. At the end of the day, the boat takes you back to Bali. Spend the evening in Canggu, a quieter area than Kuta and Seminyak, with a creative atmosphere and a free spirit that is very typical of the surfing community.
Day 4: Arrive in Jakarta – Touch the Rhythm of the Capital
Fly early from Bali to Jakarta (about 1.5 hours), you will feel the contrast: from the tropical sea and sky to the modern urban rhythm, blending colonial architecture and typical Islamic identity. After landing at the airport, check in at Menteng or the city center, then spend the afternoon visiting the Monas National Monument – the symbol of Indonesia.
In the afternoon, you can visit the old town of Kota Tua with its old Dutch architecture, vibrant and colorful. In the evening, find a local restaurant like warung nasi uduk or enjoy the cuisine at the famous night food area located on the streets around Jalan Sabang.
Day 5: Shopping, Culture and Relaxation in Jakarta
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Ticket (TMII)
Your last day in the capital can start gently with a morning exploring the National Museum of Indonesia, then visiting the Istiqlal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia. At noon, you can choose to shop at Tanah Abang market or Mall Grand Indonesia to find souvenirs, batik fabrics, spices or local coffee.
The evening is the ideal time for you to stroll around Ancol Dreamland, Jakarta’s largest coastal entertainment area, or relax at a rooftop bar to watch the city at night.
Day 6: Free Street Walking and Flying Back to Vietnam
Depending on your flight time, you can take the opportunity to have breakfast, stop by a few small shops to buy more gifts, or simply take some time to rest before going to the airport. Ending the 6-day journey with all the nuances: from pristine islands, quiet nature to modern cities, a moderate journey but enough for you to “fall in love” with Indonesia and want to come back again.
Suggested Cost of Traveling to Indonesia 6 Days 5 Nights
| Category | Detail | Estimated cost (VND/person) |
|---|---|---|
| International air tickets | Round trip ticket Vietnam – Bali/Jakarta (book early) | 4.000.000 - 6.500.000 |
| Domestic air tickets | Bali → Jakarta (one-way) | 1.000.000 - 1.200.000 |
| 3-star hotel | 5 nights in Bali + Jakarta (shared if go with 2 people) | 3.000.000 - 4.500.000 |
| Nusa Penida Island Tour | Includes train, shuttle, lunch, entrance fees | 900.000 - 1.200.000 |
| Private car rental Ubud/Bali 1 day | With driver, gas, flexible schedule | 700.000 - 1.000.000 |
| Tour costs, entrance tickets | Tanah Lot, Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul, museum… | 300.000 - 500.000 |
| Eat and drink | Every day ~300,000 VND: breakfast, lunch, dinner + drinks | 1.800.000 |
| Travel & Grab/Gojek | In the city (Bali & Jakarta) | 500.000 - 700.000 |
| Shopping and personal spending | Souvenirs, coffee, clothes, gifts | 1.000.000 - 1.500.000 |
| Total estimated cost | 13.200.000 – 19.900.000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Indonesia
Do you need a visa to travel to Indonesia?
With a Vietnamese passport, you do not need a visa when traveling to Indonesia for less than 30 days. You only need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a round-trip ticket.
When should you go to Indonesia?
The dry season from May to October is the ideal time to travel to Indonesia. The weather is sunny, with little rain, suitable for visiting islands, volcanoes and cultural heritage sites.
How long does it take to fly from Vietnam to Indonesia?
A direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Jakarta or Bali takes about 3.5 to 5 hours depending on the route. There are many airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines…
How to travel between islands in Indonesia?
You can travel by domestic plane (many flights/day) or high-speed train/ferry if traveling nearby such as Bali – Nusa Penida, Bali – Lombok, Lombok – Gili…
Can I use Grab or Gojek in Indonesia?
Yes. Grab and Gojek are popular in big cities such as Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta… You can book motorbikes, cars, food delivery via the app.
What is the Indonesian currency? Can I exchange it in Vietnam?
The currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). You can exchange it in advance in Vietnam at a major bank or bring USD to exchange at the airport, currency exchange counter in Jakarta, Bali. 1,000 IDR ≈ 1,500–1,600 VND (depending on the time).
Is Indonesian food suitable for Vietnamese people?
Most Indonesian dishes are salty, spicy, rich, and use a lot of spices, sweet sauce, and coconut water. If you don’t eat spicy food, you can ask for “tidak pedas” (not spicy) when ordering.
Should you book tours and tickets in advance?
Yes. Especially for hot spots like Borobudur, Nusa Penida, or a private car in Ubud – booking in advance on Klook helps you reserve a spot, save money, and avoid queuing.
Traveling to Indonesia is not only about enjoying the natural beauty but also about exploring and enriching your soul with unique cultural identities.
Let’s make a memorable trip to Indonesia!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Bali you can refer to
- Nusa Penida Full Day Trip from Bali
- Bali Instagram Tour
- Bali Private Car Charter
- Mount Batur 4WD Jeep Sunrise Tour With Photographer
- Instagram Tour with Photographer in Bali
- Waterbom Bali Ticket
- [ALL-IN] Bali Private Car Charter
- Nusa Penida Instagram Tour & Snorkelling from Bali
- Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking or Jeep Private Tour in Kintamani Bali
- Fast Boat Ticket between Bali (Sanur) and Nusa Penida
- Fast Boat Ticket between Sanur and Nusa Penida by Axe Stone
- Scooter & Motorbike Rental in Bali
- Nusa Penida Private Car Charter
- Bali Safari and Marine Park Ticket
- Ayung White Water Rafting
- Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking Experience
- Kecak Fire and Dance Show Ticket in Uluwatu and Melasti Beach Bali
- 3G/4G Prepaid SIM Card (DPS Airport Pick Up) for Bali
- 4G Portable WiFi for Bali
Are you looking for more Bali travel guide and top things to do in Bali: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Bali itinerary 8 days — How to spend 8 days in Bali (8 days 7 nights in Bali) pefectly? And more here.
