May 2026

We’ve condensed our Indonesia adventure into one blog, and we’re excited to share it with you. It was an unforgettable experience. In just nine days (Eid al Adah break), we explored three incredible destinations.

Traveling in Indonesia

Time zones vary; Indonesia spans three time zones. West Java is usually 3 hours ahead of Dubai.
Domestic flights are common; Indonesia is huge, so flying between islands is often the fastest option.
Traffic can be intense; in larger cities like Jakarta and Bandung, short distances can take much longer than expected.
The climate is tropical; expect heat, humidity, and sudden rain showers year-round. Lightweight clothing and a rain jacket help.
Ride-hailing apps are everywhere; apps like Grab and Gojek are widely used for taxis, scooters, food delivery, and payments.

Visa and other requirements

Before arriving in Indonesia, you must complete the Satusehat Health Pass (SSHP). This can be done online through this form.
Cash is still important; Cards work in cities and tourist areas, but many local shops, markets, and small restaurants prefer cash.
Respect local customs; Indonesia is culturally diverse and mostly Muslim, so modest clothing is appreciated in many areas.
Local SIM cards are cheap and useful. Mobile data is affordable and helpful for navigation and ride-hailing apps.
Tap water in Indonesia is generally not safe to drink, so it’s best to stick to bottled water. Most hotels provide safe drinking water.

Fun facts, do’s & don’ts

Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands, making it the world’s largest archipelago. Only about 6,000 of those islands are inhabited. Indonesia has over 700 local languages spoken across the country.
Nature is incredible; from volcanoes and rainforests to orangutans in Borneo, wildlife and landscapes are a major highlight.
Wildlife is unique; Indonesia is one of the few places where you can see orangutans, Komodo dragons, and exotic tropical birds in the wild.
Indonesians are known for their friendliness; locals may happily ask where you’re from or want photos with visitors.

Our Highlights

Jakarta; we explored the city and immersed ourselves in, among other things, its rich Dutch heritage.
Borneo; we went on a river safari to see orangutans in Tanjung Puting National Park.
West Java: we took a road trip around the Bogor district.

Our Travel Journey

Day 1: Travel day; early flight, arrival around 23:00. Overnight in Jakarta.
Day 2: Exploring Jakarta. Overnight in Jakarta.
Day 3: Exploring Jakarta and afternoon flight to Pangkalan Bun, Borneo. Overnight in Pangkalan Bun.
Day 4-6: 3-day / 2-night Orangutan jungle boat safari.
Day 6: Return to Jakarta, then road-trip to Bogor. Overnight in Bogor.
Day 7: Exploring the Bogor region with a private driver. Overnight in Bogor.
Day 8-9: Relaxing in Bogor and return to Jakarta. Evening flight back to Dubai.