Summary People describe life in Indonesia as vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity. Expats love the friendly people, the tropical climate, the beautiful beaches, and the low cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 to $2,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. The population of Indonesia is approximately 270 million people, making it the fourth most populous country in the world. The largest cities in Indonesia are Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, and Semarang. The cons of living in Indonesia include the high levels of air pollution, the lack of reliable public transportation, and the prevalence of corruption. Additionally, the cost of living can be higher in some areas, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other countries. What do I need to know about living in Indonesia? When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Indonesia, they said "Think very hard, it's interesting to see the local culture and be so close to Singapore, but you will be living in second or third world standards. Power cuts, dirty water, trash everywhere, poverty, unreliable internet...the benefit is that it is cheap and expats can own land here. But the corruption makes that an expensive goal," said one expat in Batam. "Don't drink tap water. Eat only at restaurants that are recommended and tested by others. Learn the language. Have patience, therefore one can adapt accordingly. Don't expect too much from the people," said one expat who made the move to Jakarta. Answer Question & View More Answers Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard. PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard. How do I meet people in Indonesia? When we asked people living in Indonesia about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded "Not hardly anything here. A few people informally meet up. There is an English-speaking international church with lots of expats...otherwise it's up to you to meet others," said one expat in Batam. "Activities - Golf, road trip, Bazaars, Clubs - AWA, BEA, BWA, AWC, PWA also, huge community of Latinos and lots more. Whatever nationality they are, they will surely find their own country having their own organizations," said one expat who made the move to Jakarta. Answer Question & View More Answers What is life like in Indonesia? When we asked people living in Indonesia what life is like and how people spend their time, they said "Since it's a muslim country, they prioritize family and praying accordingly. Also, even though it's not their own holiday Chinese New Year, they still would like to celebrate such occassion by not working and staying at home," said one expat who made the move to Jakarta. Answer Question & View More Answers AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. We relocate 85,000 families every year. Free moving quote!Learn MoreGet a Quote AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. We relocate 85,000 families every year. Free moving quote!Learn MoreGet a Quote Is there a lot of crime in Indonesia? We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered "Crime is not uncommon in Indonesia. It is estimated that the actual rate of crime is considerably higher than the reported rate due to a lack of reporting, under-recording of crime and corruption. Petty theft, pickpocketing and opportunistic burglaries are the most frequent complaints, while violent incidents are less common. Idolatry and falsification of documents are relatively frequent in Indonesia, as are fraud and kidnapping," wrote one member in Indonesia. Answer this Question Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Indonesia accepting of differences? "Religion is not diverse. It's mostly Muslim among the locals, and aetheism and Christianity among the expats. Their are of coarse plenty of folk beyond that mold though," commented one expat who made the move to Jakarta. "It has a boom-town feeling, fast development and lots of jobs for the local workforce. Almost all locals or Chinese/local mix. Very young population as this town has many factory jobs open. As mentioned before, since it is far from where people are from they come here, work for a few years and go back," remarked one expat living in Batam, Indonesia. Answer Question & View More Answers Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard. PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard. What are the schools in Indonesia like? "Check out all the schools. JIS is not an American school and many students are enrolled in the IB program and that is a main focus. Many activities in middle school are very touchy-feely so consider whether this suits your child," remarked one expat living in Jakarta with children attending Jakarta International School. "I believe your child would be quite happy at JIS and the kids are quick to include new kids and get them acquainted with others and the school and environment," said one expat in Jakarta with children at Jakarta International School JIS. Answer Question & View More Answers Is the cost of living in Indonesia high? We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Indonesia, they wrote "The cost of living in Indonesia is considered to be relatively low compared to other countries. Prices for goods and services are often less expensive compared to other countries in the region, making it a great destination for those looking for an affordable place to live. Cost of accommodation, food, and transportation in Indonesia is quite reasonable and it also has some of the lowest cheapest internet prices globally. All in all, Indonesia offers ample opportunities for a comfortable life at a much lower cost than many other countries," commented one expat who made the move to Indonesia. Answer this Question "Living in Indonesia can be relatively inexpensive, but it depends on where in the country you live. The places with the highest cost of living are usually the more densely populated cities, such as Jakarta and Bali, due to higher demand for goods and services. Rent for a nice one bedroom apartment can range from around $300 to $650 USD per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can range from around $450 to $1200 USD per month. Eating out in a moderately priced restaurant costs around $8 to $15 USD per meal," mentioned an expat living in Indonesia. Answer this Question What type of recreational facilities are in Indonesia? When we asked people living in Indonesia about recreational activities, they mentioned "In Indonesia, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and waterfalls. There are also many cultural attractions, such as temples, museums, and monuments. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and bird watching. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of shopping malls, movie theaters, and bowling alleys. Additionally, there are many restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of local and international cuisine," commented one expat living in Indonesia. Answer this Question What is the weather like in Indonesia? "The climate in Indonesia is tropical and humid, with two distinct monsoon seasons. The wet season runs from October to April, while the dry season runs from May to September. Temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year, with the average temperature ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Indonesia is also prone to typhoons and other tropical storms during the wet season," wrote one expat living in Indonesia. Answer this Question Are there good restaurants in Indonesia? "One of Indonesia's most popular restaurants is Warung Sate Klathak Pak Pong in Yogyakarta. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant serves up delicious sate skewered meat and other traditional Indonesian dishes. The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and generous portions. Another popular restaurant in Indonesia is Warung Makan Ibu Andika in Jakarta. This restaurant serves up traditional Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng fried rice and soto ayam chicken soup. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and friendly staff. In Bali, Warung Made is a popular restaurant that serves up traditional Balinese dishes. The restaurant is known for its delicious food and friendly staff. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. Finally, Warung Sate Padang in Padang is a popular restaurant that serves up traditional Padang dishes. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and delicious food. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes," said one expat. Answer this Question Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Indonesia? "People living in Indonesia typically buy groceries and do other shopping at traditional markets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online stores. Many people also shop at local mom-and-pop stores, which are often family-run businesses. Additionally, some people may purchase items from street vendors or hawkers," commented one expat living in Indonesia. Answer this Question What are the visa & residency requirements in Indonesia? "The process of applying for a visa in Indonesia typically involves submitting a visa application form to an Indonesian embassy or consulate. Other required documents may include passport photographs, payment, as well as a valid passport. Visitors may need to provide evidence of purpose of stay, such as a letter of invitation and proof of sufficient funds. Depending on the purpose of the stay, different types of visa may be available. The process of applying for residency in Indonesia requires the applicant to register a company in Indonesia, or obtain a work permit sponsored by an Indonesian employer. The applicant may also need to obtain a Temporary Stay Permit from an Immigration Office, and apply for an identity card and residency permit from the local Civil Registry Office. Depending on the type of residence permit, additional documents may be required, such as a local police record check and a Health Booklet," mentioned one expat inIndonesia. Answer this Question Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Indonesia? "Healthcare and health insurance in Indonesia can be expensive, depending on the type of care and insurance coverage needed. Generally, basic healthcare services such as doctor visits and vaccinations are relatively affordable, but more specialized treatments and procedures can be costly. Health insurance premiums can also be expensive, especially for comprehensive coverage, but there are government-subsidized health insurance plans available for those who qualify," remarked one expat living in Indonesia. "My kids and I all had dengue fever at the same time and were taken very well care of at BIMC, Nusa Dua. I am so pleased we had health insurance because the hospital bill would have cost us a hefty US $2100," said one expat living in Bali. Answer this Question
Identification The Republic of Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous nation, has 203 million people living on nearly one thousand permanently settled islands. Some two-to-three hundred ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects range in population from the Javanese (about 70 million) and Sundanese (about 30 million) on Java, to
Weather, Climate & Seasons What is the weather like in Indonesia? The climate of Indonesia is almost entirely tropical. The uniformly warm waters that make up 81% of Indonesia's area ensures that temperatures on land remain fairly constant, with the coastal plains averaging 28 °C, the inland and mountain areas averaging 26 °C, and the higher mountain regions, 23 °C. Temperature varies little from season to season, and Indonesia experiences relatively little change in the length of daylight hours from one season to the next. Is the weather generally rainy? The main variable of Indonesia's climate is not temperature or air pressure, but rainfall. The area's relative humidity ranges between 70% and 90%. Although air temperature changes little from season to season or from one region to the next, cooler temperatures prevail at higher elevations. In general, temperatures drop approximately 1°C per 90-meter increase in elevation from sea level with some high-altitude interior mountain regions experiencing night frosts. Are there different seasons in Indonesia? Being a tropical country, Indonesia does not have spring, summer, autumn, or winter, instead of just the two seasons of Rainy and Dry, both of which are relative. While there is significant regional variation, in most of the country including Java and Bali the dry season is April to October, while the wet season is November to March. However, global warming has made the seasons less predictable.
1 Laos, $30/day. Back in my budget backpacking days around Southeast Asia, Laos was one of the two destinations where I was able to keep my budget at $30/day, even though accommodation was slightly more expensive than most places in Southeast Asia at that time. Many of the amazing activities you can do in Laos are cheap.
Expert advice on Indonesia weather and festivals The vast archipelago nation of Indonesia is home to a broad range of weather patterns. As a result, researching when to go to Indonesia can bring up any number of answers - all of which are correct for different areas of the country - making things a little confusing, especially for the first-time visitor! Generally speaking, the perfect time for a holiday in Indonesia is between April and October depending on the island. However, given that Indonesia stretches across 4,000km of sea and 17,000 islands, there are plenty of variations within this general rule. There are also many different cultural factors to consider when looking for the best time to visit Indonesia. It's safe to say that most of Indonesia's islands are perfect during the European and US summer holidays. However, we argue that there is no single 'best time' for an Indonesian holiday - it simply depends on what you'd like to experience. Below is a more detailed guide to the weather in Indonesia. Please get in touch with one of our specialists to discuss when to go to Indonesia in more depth. When to visit Indonesia Quick Summary Best Time June - September Monsoon Season December - March Beach Season May - September Wildlife All Year Weather in Indonesia throughout the Year January - February At the start of the year, Indonesia is firmly in its wet season, so if visiting in January or February, you can expect quite heavy rainfall and warm temperatures across most of the country. However, with temperatures hitting 30°C, the rain is often welcome as it helps take the edge off the heat. Rains fall off sharply in Sumatra, making this a tempting time to visit, though the Orangutans are elusive during these months. Rain also reduces in Sulawesi, particularly in the north, and while you can still expect rainfall in the south, that shouldn't put you off as it is beautiful and green at this time. March - April Parts of Indonesia are starting to come into season as March turns into April. The wet season is tailing off in Flores, Sumba and Komodo, though humidity remains high. While Bali in March still experiences very high humidity, there is some respite inland, and the island looks lovely and green. Sulawesi is getting dryer in the south and March is an excellent time for the wildlife in the north. As we get to April, Bali becomes extremely attractive again from a weather perspective - we think this is one of the best months to visit. There are usually fewer showers in Sumatra and Kalimantan as we move from March to April, and while Java remains overcast and rainy through March, this gives way to sunny skies in April. Indonesia's weather in April is excellent islandwide for all kinds of trips and activities. May - June Long days of brilliant sunshine and no rain make May to June an excellent time to go to Indonesia, particularly considering school holidays are yet to begin. The beaches are sun-drenched, the mountains are crisp and dry, and the skies are clear across the country. The hot weather has not yet dried out the vegetation, so the islands look beautiful too. The real beauty of May and June is that the full peak tourist season is still to come, so tourist hotspots such as Lombok, Bali, Borobudur in Java and Komodo have far fewer visitors. July - August July and August is the primary holiday season throughout pretty much all of Indonesia, with Lombok, Bali, Java, Sulawesi, Flores and Sumba all in their peak season. There is very little rainfall, and the humidity is low, making it a great time to visit. For these reasons, things get booked early, so make sure to book your summer holiday in Indonesia with plenty of time ahead to have access to the best hotels and guides. It's worth noting that in the further reaches of Indonesia - such as the Moluccas and Raja Ampat - you can occasionally find some monsoon winds that bring in a little rainfall during these months. September - October During September, Indonesia enjoys excellent weather. The benefit of September is that tourism numbers fall sharply, meaning you have the best of both worlds. This is true of Bali and Java, in particular, some of the most popular Indonesian destinations. October will see the slow return of the wet season, although there are still some pockets of excellent weather. The monsoon starts fully in December, so September and October in Indonesia present tremendou opportunities to enjoy dry sunshine and fantastic deals at the start of winter. November - December Indonesia's wet season starts in earnest in November, meaning that by December, rainfall is generally heavy throughout the country. There are dry spells in Bali, Java and Sumba in November, so don't rule it out entirely, but Sulawesi, Sumatra and Kalimantan experience heavy rainfall from November onwards. There are visitors to Bali in December, especially those 'searching for themselves' as opposed to a sunny beach, but the weather is unpredictable, and the seas can be rough at this time of year. DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE WEATHER GUIDE Enter your details for Monthly averages for temperature and rainfall When to visit for any festivals An in-depth look at the weather month-by-month BEST WEATHER IN BALI Since Bali is located just under 10 degrees south of the equator, the rainy season runs during the winter months - from December to February, when the rain fends off the higher temperatures and humid atmosphere. May and June in Bali offer clear skies and sunny days, and while the humidity may not have been entirely driven off yet, it's a perfect time for avoiding the busy season and school holidays. The idyllic weather in July and August makes Bali a massive draw for those looking for a tropical beach summer holiday. The weather remains lovely in September, and the month also sees tourism dropping considerably, making it an ideal time to visit Bali for a bargain. WEATHER IN LOMBOK Closely located to Bali, Lombok enjoys all the same weather patterns as its sister island. Like Bali, Lombok's tropical climate means that the best time to visit is during the Northern Hemisphere summer months, typically between June and September. Less visited than Bali, Lombok is a great place to escape the bulk of tourists during peak season. WEATHER IN JAVA West of Bali, Java's climate is similar to Bali and Lombok's. The showers of the rainy season can enter into May, though again, this is an excellent way to drive off the warmer temperatures of around 32°C. For those looking for relief from the heat, the mountainous regions of Java's interior are great for mitigating the tropical climate. It's also worth knowing that Java's south coast enjoys cooler summers than the island's north. FESTIVALS IN INDONESIA If you'd like to experience one of the myriad cultural festivals in Indonesia, below, we have shared some of the best to bear in mind The famous funerals of the Torajan people in southern Sulawesi offer a tremendous public spectacle, where visitors are positively encouraged. There is such a thing as a funeral season - though funerals take place all year round, the best time to experience them is from July through to the end of August. The funeral season occurs because Torajan people preserve their dead until the time is considered proper, sometimes for up to several years. Funerals are generally held in the holiday periods when the sizeable Torajan diaspora can return to Tana Toraja the Torajan homeland. Other famous festivals in Indonesia include Nyepi, the day of silence, held in Bali in March usually, and the 'mock war' of the Baliem Valley Festival in Papua in August. In February or March, two other exciting events occur; Pasola, the jousting festival in Sumba, and the Bau Nyale Fishing Festival in Lombok. We are big fans of unique experiences, and we think it is worthwhile considering travelling out of season if it means you will experience one of these extraordinary one-off spectacles. Meet the Indonesia experts Nick Our Head of Travel, Nick loves exploring life in Asia and over the past decade he has spent a great deal of time in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. To add to his impressive repertoire, Nick also pioneered our Indonesia holidays and having done exhaustive tours to Bali, Java, Flores and Indonesian Borneo he is passionate about extolling the virtues of this often overlooked country. ... Read more Call Nick James James didn’t leave Europe until he was 19, first venturing to California for three months and then four months in South America. But it was his first trip to South East Asia, travelling from Hanoi to Bangkok overland, which really captured his imagination. A few years later he embarked on an epic eight-month tour of India which saw him, among other things, working in the holy city of Varanasi and volunteering in a rural development commune in southern Kerala. James has since been back to India over ten times, and travelled to Malaysia and Borneo, becoming obsessed with the street food of Penang in the process. More recently he's been to Bali and Lombok where he particularly enjoyed climbing Mount Rinjani, Sri Lanka where he fell in love with the Mudhouse and back to off-the-beaten track Sikkim in India. ... Read more Call James Holly Holly’s first job in travel was in a marketing role. However, it didn’t take her long to decide to exchange inspecting photographs of amazing destinations for being in them herself. ... Read more Call Holly Becky Becky joined the Experience Travel Group team in July 2012, but was an explorer from a young age, thanks to her globe-trotting parents. Southeast Asia was where her young journeys began and later, combining her passion for history with travel, she delved into the culture, religions and traditions of Asia and the Middle East. Becky also spent a year studying at the University of Otago, in New Zealand, as part of her History degree. ... Read more Call Becky As Featured In