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Ultimate Indonesia Travel Checklist 2026: What Every International Traveler Needs + Biggest Events to Plan Around
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items Indonesia is one of those places that becomes a core memory: warm people, lush landscapes, chaotic markets, temples wrapped in incense, beaches that glow at sunset.
But tropical beauty comes with its own… surprises. Humidity, mosquitos, SIM card conf...
Map
Sections
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What to prepare first?
When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
Must-have add-ons
Health prep for travelers
What to prepare first?
Whether they're coming for Bali’s beaches, Java’s culture, or Sumatra’s wildlife, these are the essential things every international traveler should prepare before flying to Indonesia.
❓Why this matters:
You’ll need a valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity) to enter Indonesia — this is strictly checked at the border. Most nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) valid for 30 days (and extendable once) or app...
Passport & Visa Requirements
❓Why this matters:
Travel insurance isn’t legally required for most visitors — but it’s highly recommended. Indonesia’s healthcare for tourists can be expensive, especially if you need medical care or evacuation in remote areas.
📌 What to look for...
Travel Insurance (Health + Trip Protection)
❓Why this matters:
Internet access is essential for maps, rides, translation, browsing local menus, and travel apps. You can either get a local SIM card at arrival or choose an eSIM plan before you go.
📌 What’s available:
• Local SIM cards (Telkom...
Stay Connected — SIM/eSIM
❓Why this matters:
Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While credit/debit cards are widely accepted in cities, cash is still commonly used in local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
📌 Tips for money:
• ATMs are available in major town...
Cash, Cards, and Currency
❓Why this app is essential:
WhatsApp is the main communication app used across Indonesia — by hotels, drivers, tour operators, small shops, clinics, and even local guides. Having it installed isn’t optional; it’s how things get done smoothly once you...
WhatsApp Messenger - Apps on Google Play
❓Why this matters:
Ridesharing apps like Gojek and Grab are critical helpers in Indonesia — for rides, food delivery, and even quick errands.
They provide safer, more transparent pricing than flag taxis in many cities.
🛫 Key apps to download before...
Ride & Transport Apps
❓Why this matters:
Some areas have limited signal, so downloading maps offline ensures you’re never lost — especially in remote regions or on island-to-island travel.
Apps worth pre-downloading:
✨ Google Maps (offline regions)
✨ Maps.me (offline na...
All-In-One Offline Maps - Apps on Google Play
❓Why this matters:
Indonesia is rich in diverse cultures and traditions. Being respectful enhances your experience.
📌 Basic tips:
• Dress modestly in religious sites.
• Removing shoes at temple entrances is standard.
• Learn simple Bahasa Indonesia...
Cultural Tips & Etiquette
❓Why this matters:
Indonesia introduced the All Indonesia declaration card — an online unified entry form that combines customs, health, and immigration data before arrival. Travelers are encouraged to complete it within three days before landing.
...
Arrival Forms & New Entry Requirements
When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
☀️ Dry Season (Best Weather)
April – October
Low humidity, calmer seas, perfect for Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, Raja Ampat.
🌧 Wet Season
November – March
Still travel-friendly but expect afternoon rain, especially in Java & Bali.
Here’s...
✨Nyepi (Bali’s Day of Silence) is scheduled for March 19, 2026.
This unique festival brings the entire island to a stop — air travel, traffic, and services pause for 24 hours as locals observe a day of silence, meditation, and reflection.
🫶The eve...
March: Nyepi & Ogoh-Ogoh (Bali) | Calendar of Festivals & Cultural Events in Bali [2025 - 2026]
✨Java Jazz Festival 2026 is scheduled for May 29–31, 2026 in Jakarta — with world-class performers, international artists, and a legendary music lineup.
✅ Why travelers love this:
• One of Asia’s biggest jazz festivals with big names and smooth vib...
Late May: Java Jazz Festival 2026 | Official Website
✨Waisak (Vesak), a major Buddhist festival at Borobudur Temple in Central Java, is set for May 31, 2026.
✅ Significance:
This celebration includes ceremonial offerings, lantern rituals, and deep cultural meaning — one of the most spiritually moving...
Late May – Early June: Waisak Festival 2026 at Borobudur | Dates & Venues
✨The Bali Arts Festival is expected to run from mid-June to mid-July 2026.
✅ What to expect:
• Month-long celebration of Balinese art, dance, music, galleriess, fashion & culture.
• Daily traditional performances, parades, and talented local ar...
Mid-June to Mid-July: Bali Arts Festival | Calendar of Festivals & Cultural Events in Bali [2025 - 2026]
✨A global motorsport event held at the Mandalika International Circuit. Expect high-speed racing, global fans, and packed beachside resorts.
Why go: MotoGP fans, sport tourism, and travelers seeking a “festival + beach trip” combo.
October: Indonesian MotoGP 2026 – Mandalika, Lombok
✨Jakarta’s Epic Rock & Metal Celebration — A Must-See for Music Fans 🎤
🫶Why it’s a standout event:
Hammersonic is Asia’s largest rock & metal music festival, bringing together bands and fans from around the world. In 2026, the festival ret...
May: Hammersonic Festival – Sunday Only (May 3, 2026)
Must-have add-ons
Some destinations ask for extra preparation — Indonesia is one of them in the best way. From tropical weather to island adventures, having the right essentials can make your trip feel effortless instead of exhausting. This section gathers small but p...
✨Why this is a true travel essential:
One small device that solves a problem every international traveler faces: charging everything, everywhere. This adapter works across multiple countries — including Indonesia — so there’s no need to bring separat...
Acer Travel Plug Adapter w/ 5 USB Ports
❓Why this tiny cable matters more than it looks:
Short cables are one of those travel upgrades people don’t realize they need — until they try one. This 5-inch USB-C to USB-C cable keeps charging setups neat, lightweight, and tangle-free, especially ...
Short USB-C Cable 5in 100W PD Fast Charge
A comfortable, lightweight tee that blends classic cotton look with modern comfort technology — ideal for travel to hot or humid places like Indonesia.
🌴 Why It’s Great for Warm Travel
- Cool, breathable feel: The shirt uses AIRism-infused fabric t...
AIRism Cotton Oversized T-Shirt | Half-Sleeve | UNIQLO US
✨The HYDAWAY 25oz Collapsible Water Bottle is designed for travelers who want a practical water bottle without sacrificing luggage space.
When full, it holds enough water for long walks, sightseeing, or outdoor activities. When empty, it collapses fl...
HYDAWAY 25oz Collapsible Water Bottle BPA-Free
Reliable power is important when traveling across Indonesia, where long transit times, outdoor activities, and limited access to power outlets are common. The UGREEN Nexode 20000mAh 165W Power Bank is designed to handle both phones and laptops, makin...
UGREEN Nexode 20000mAh 165W Power Bank
Health prep for travelers
Traveling to a tropical country like Indonesia is exciting, but a little health preparation goes a long way. Between the heat, humidity, different food, long walking days, and changing routines, your body may need extra support. This section focuses ...
✨Why this is a non-negotiable for tropical travel:
Indonesia’s sun is beautiful but intense. This sunscreen offers high SPF 50 protection while still feeling moisturizing and comfortable on the skin — not sticky, chalky, or heavy. It’s made for long ...
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Body Lotion 16oz
✨Why this matters for tropical travel:
Mosquitoes in Indonesia aren’t just annoying — they can interrupt sleep, outdoor plans, and overall comfort. This lotion-based insect repellent provides up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes, ticks, an...
Boogie Insect Repellent Lotion, DEET-Free, 6oz
❓Why this is truly useful:
Travel dehydration is sneaky — especially in warm, humid countries or during long flights, outdoor sightseeing, or food adventures. Cure Hydration focuses on electrolyte balance, not sugar spikes, making it a smarter option...
Cure Hydration Electrolyte Drink Mix - 14 Packets