Indonesia
Southeast Asia

Indonesia

Destination Overview

Your Indonesian honeymoon will take you to an archipelago of diverse cultures, breathtakingly beautiful beaches, ancient temples, active volcanos, rainforest, delicious food and hip nightlife. Whether your idea of romance is excitement and adventure or a relaxing stay at a luxury beach hotel, this trip will be an unforgettable way to start your new life together. There are vibrant cities, quiet highlands, tourist resorts where you can party all night, and small islands where you can get away from it all.

Indonesia consists of over 17,000 islands located in the Indian Ocean, and lures travelers to explore its many faces. Relax in the enchantment of Bali, hike through and learn about the terraced rice fields, marvel at the ancient Buddhist temples at Borobudur, and explore the rainforest and its unique wildlife, including orangutans, elephants and tigers.

For outdoorsy couples, the warm tropical weather is just right for all kinds of adventure. You can go hiking and zip lining in the rainforest, visit the nature reserves, and go swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the warm waters off sandy beaches. Different cultures exist here in harmony and create a rich tapestry of art, music, architecture and food. Put performances of Balinese puppet theater and the traditional dances of Java on your must-do list, and take time to explore the arts and crafts on sale in the colorful local markets.

Indonesia was part of the fabled spice islands sought by European explorers in premodern times. You’ll treasure your memories of the meals you have on your trip, from high end restaurants to street food to a family dinner on a home visit, when you can learn how to make the dishes and take home the recipes.

When seeking accommodations, you’ll be glad to find that your dollars will go a long way. But that’s the easy part, the difficult part will be choosing from the many enticing and super romantic choices. You could camp on the beach under the stars, live it up in style at a luxury hotel, or stay in a tranquil ecolodge to connect with the natural beauty all around you.

About Indonesia

At a Glance

  • The sheer size and diversity of Indonesia make this an unforgettable romantic getaway. The capital Jakarta is a world city with glitzy malls, museums, gridlock, culinary adventures, and exciting nightlife.
  • Beach lovers will have many destinations to explore. Bali has the most famous beaches, but Lombok and the Maluku Islands also have pristine beaches with clear waters and spectacular views.
  • In Bali, head for the hills and Ubud, with its terraced rice paddy fields, temples, rainforest and an ancient culture expressed through traditional music, dance, food and celebrations
  • Komodo Island has a nature reserve, pink sand beaches and lush rainforest. Scuba divers can explore the coral reefs at Merah Beach, Tatawa islands or Batu Bolong.
  • Indonesia is home to great natural diversity as well, with rainforests and underwater coral reefs and marine life. Make a trip to Tanjung Puting National Park to visit the gentle orang utans for an unforgettable trip into the untouched wilderness.
  • In the warm coastal waters you can swim with the turtles and dolphins, and explore the coral reefs in the company of tiny, brightly colored tropical fish.
  • There are volcanoes scattered around the archipelago and many of them are active. Hiking up to the crater of an active volcano is an adventure that will live in your memory for a long time.
  • Yogyakarta is home to many temples, including the Buddhist temple complex at Borobudur which dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries. While there, also visit the island of Kaliurang with its abundant natural beauty of mountain streams and valleys.

Honeymoon Hints

  • Some of the most popular beaches in Bali are Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua, and each has its unique character, from hipster chic to remote tranquility.
  • Raja Ampat, located at the eastern end of the archipelago, has only recently been discovered by tourists. This tropical paradise is still a quiet and serene honeymoon getaway, with rainforests and blue coastal waters full of life.
  • The three Gili Islands are popular destinations for honeymooners for snorkeling and diving amid the coral reefs. Lombok island is Bali’s quieter sister, full of natural beauty and without the crowds. 
  • Banda Island is another popular spot for an Indonesian honeymoon, for its beaches, crystal clear waters for snorkeling and swimming, and the town of Bandaneira.
  • Explore the colorful local markets with food stalls, handicrafts and clothing.

Travel Tips

  • GETTING THERE: The major international airport is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, connected to the city by taxi, train and bus services.
  • GETTING AROUND: Many of the islands are linked by air and it is the best way to get around. Ferryboat services also operate between islands, and are often the only option. If traveling by boat, make sure there is safety equipment that can be accessed if needed. Local transportation include buses, taxis, motorcycle taxis, and minibuses known as bemo. Car, scooter and motorcycle rentals are available, but due to traffic and road conditions, it’s best to hire a private car and leave the driving to an expert while you enjoy the scenery.
  • WEATHER: Indonesia is part of monsoon Asia, which means that it has a tropical climate with warm, stable temperatures year-round, and two seasons. The rainy season lasts from October to April, and the dry season runs from May to September. Average temperatures are around 86F year-round. The climate is humid no matter the season, so remember to pack accordingly.
  • WHEN TO GO: The dry season is popular with tourists but even if your travel dates fall in the monsoon, it won’t be a washout. The rainy season also has plenty of sunshine and strong winds, and a couple of hours of rain in the mornings and afternoons.
  • LANGUAGES: Over 700 languages are spoken in Indonesia, including Bahasa Indonesian, English, and Dutch.
  • CURRENCY: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are few and far in more remote areas, so make sure you have enough cash when heading out into the countryside.
  • DRESS: Pack for a humid tropical climate, with light, loose clothing that will keep you cool and also protect you from the sun and bugs. At religious sites like temples, your dress should cover shoulders and legs, and you can bring or rent a scarf or sarong for the purpose.

Destinations to Explore

Additional honeymoon destinations in Indonesia you may want to consider: