Nestled along the Pacific Ring of Fire lies Indonesia, a land of unparalleled beauty with diverse landscapes, cultures, and traditions. From towering summits to luscious forests and mesmerizing islands, the country offers the perfect all-around experience for tourists wanting to satisfy their travel itch. As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia boasts its moniker as the “Emerald of the Equator,” fascinating travelers all across the globe to experience the country’s local wonders.
Due to its geographical location, it’s no wonder travelers would want to explore the country by car. The thing is—conquering Indonesian roads can be daunting even for some road trip veterans. But if you’re not afraid of a little challenge, then a road trip in Indonesia is a worthwhile endeavor to add to your bucket list. Maybe you plan to visit the picturesque waterfalls in Jakarta, catch the sunrise at Gili Islands, or you just want to drive around Indonesian islands with style.
Planning out the itinerary and all the cool things to do in Indonesia? Here are a couple of road trip routes with top destinations to make your Indonesia road trip more memorable.
Unearthing Central Java – Yogyakarta to Dieng Plateau
201 miles, 3 days
Location: Central Java
Best time to visit: April to October
Start your journey at the Kraton Palace in Yogyakarta, which serves as the focal point of all things Java, then drive for around two kilometers to reach the Taman Sari Water Castle. Near the city is the Prambanan Temple Compounds, where you can explore 240 temples embodying the fascinating culture of Hinduism. If you want to make a side trip to Borobudur to see the world’s largest Buddhist temples, then it should take around two hours. You can expect another two hours to reach Surakarta, which houses the Sangiran Museum and the Radya Mustaka Museum.
From Surakarta, start ascending the steep mountain roads of Central Java and marvel at the sight of lush mountainsides, unique landscapes, and rows of rice fields. Aside from the sparkling twin lakes of Telaga Warna and Telaga Pengilon, you can also witness a massive boiling lake of sulfurous water up close at the Kawah Sikidang Crater. If you fancy a bit of history, you may conclude your day with a trip to Arjuna Temple Complex, the oldest ruin site in Java.
Seizing Great Sumatra – Bandar Lampung to Padang
665.4 miles, 7 days
Location: Sumatra
Best time to visit: July to September
Traveling to the Treasure of Sumatra, you can see the endangered Sumatran rhinos and elephants at the Way Kambas National Park on the east coast of Bandar Lampung. The Sumatran city is also known for the Krakatau Festival, an annual week-long festival named after the devastating eruption of Mount Krakatoa. Tourists flock to immerse themselves in the region’s local history, tradition, and culture.
After a lengthy drive to Padang, this quaint city’s mouth-watering Rendang and other Nasi Padang cuisine are a must-try dish to try in Indonesia. Head to the city of Bukittinggi and explore the iconic Clock Tower and the Pagaruyung Palace, a royal palace built in the traditional Rumah Gadang architectural style. A 15-minute drive from Bukittinggi Clock Tower is Sianok Canyon, a great hiking spot to take in scenic natural wonders and, if you’re lucky, a family of monkeys running around!
The Flores Adventure – Labuan Bajo to Moni
154.8 miles, 4 days
Location: Flores
Best time to visit: March to October
Fancy seeing a real-life dragon? Well, you’re in luck. Labuan Bajo in Flores is just the place to visit the largest living lizard in the world. The incredibly vast Komodo National Park is home to 2,500 Komodo dragons and other magnificent wildlife. When you’ve had your fill of Labuan Bajo and their Komodo dragons, make your way to Ruteng to marvel at the spiderweb rice terraces and then at the fossilized Flores Man in Liang Bua Cave.
For a touch of culture, the town of Bajawa would want to make it to your itinerary. Learn the ways of the local community by visiting the Bena traditional village and taking a relaxing dip in the Mangeruda Hot Springs. Afterward, make a stop in Ende to see the striking blue stone beach. Keep pumping the gas until you reach Moni, where the stunning tri-colored crater lakes of Mt. Kelimutu await you.
The Awesome Medan-Sabang Escapade – Medan to Sabang
404 miles, 5 days
Location: North Sumatra to Aceh
Best time to visit: August to November
One of Indonesia’s bustling cities in Northern Sumatra, the city of Medan is an economic hub and commercial center because of its proximity to Singapore and Malaysia. But Medan offers so much more than that—Medan is the perfect place if you’re a huge foodie. The city is a melting pot of diverse flavors from Malay, Batak, Chinese, and Indian influences, satisfying the taste buds of any food enthusiast.
Medan offers a wide array of destination choices for travelers, from the Great Mosque of Medan, the vitalizing volcanic lake of Lake Toba, to the Sumatran Orangutan haven Bukit Lawang. When you’re done with the city, drive north until you reach Banda Aceh, where you can take a ferry to Sabang in Weh Island, where you can surf, snorkel, and deep dive to your heart’s content!
Beach Galore Bali – Ubud to Mt Agung
31.2 miles, 3 days
Location: Bali
Best time to visit: July to October
Finally, an Indonesia trip is incomplete without a trip to Bali and venturing to its must-visit places. While exploring surf spots and trying out Balinese cuisine are among the best things to do in Bali, the province is so much more than what meets the eye. Starting the trip to Ubud, the town is considered the cultural and artistic heartland for all things Balinese. So you would want to visit the different art museums and galleries, such as the Museum Rudana for classical Ubud and Batuan-style paintings, the Komaneka Fine Art Gallery for more contemporary art, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum for raw and thought-provoking pieces. Ubud is also home to the infamous Water Palace, a unique Hindu temple known for its lovely lotus ponds. It is a place of worship dedicated to the Hindu goddess of learning, literature, and art.
Going east from Ubud, embark through mountain roads while enjoying the idyllic view of nearby rice and strawberry fields until you reach Lake Bedegul to be amazed at the floating Ulun Danu Bratan Temple at the very center of the lake. Take a couple of pictures, and then keep driving to Mt. Agung or the abode of the gods. It gets more mysterious from here as Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple of Hindu Bali, is considered the most divine Balinese Hindu temple on the whole island, lies at the foot of the volcano.
Ironing Out Your Indonesia Itinerary
Here are a few tips and tricks to make the most out of your Indonesian roadtrip.
- Understanding Indonesian car rentals. There are a few reminders to know about car rentals in Indonesia. If you’re staying in Bali in particular, you must know the basics of renting a car in Bali.
- Get car insurance. When driving in Indonesia, the car you’re using must be insured. Many car insurance providers in Bali are more than happy to help you better take care of yourself on the road.
- Expect more scooters and motorbikes. Most people in Indonesia ride scooters and motorbikes instead of public transportation, especially in Bali. If you’re thinking of renting a scooter in Bali, knowing road rules and safety measures come first.
- Remember the road trip essentials. Remember to bring your car emergency kit, a first-aid kit, the group’s travel requirements, blankets, and pillows—and your sense of adventure, of course!
- Budget wisely, but don’t skimp out. It’s a good thing that gas in Indonesia is relatively cheaper than in some other Southeast Asian countries. There are many top-notch hotels in Bali, and if you want to save, Airbnb properties and backpacker hostels will be your best friends.
- Learn about the ways of Indonesian roads: Compared to many Western countries, Indonesia drives on the left. Watch out for cars wanting to cut at high speed, especially motorcycles that seem to appear out of nowhere. Road signs in Indonesia may include words in their native language, such as “Jalan tol,” which means “expressway,” and other terms.
- Get travel-related apps. Google Maps, Citymapper, and Google Translate are helpful when you’re planning an Indonesian road trip.
Visit Indonesia Now
From beautiful beaches and historic temples to rich and diverse local cuisine, Indonesia is a worthwhile destination to add to your bucket list. Make the trip more exciting by exploring it via car. While Indonesian roads can be frightening at first, especially if you’re a foreigner, you can conquer local roads like a pro with IDA by your side. Message us now to get your international driving permit with ease and make your Indonesian road trip a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Does Indonesia require a visa? Indonesia is visa-free for 169 countries if you’re planning to stay for up to 30 days. See here if your country is part of the list.
- What are the months perfect for an Indonesia trip? The best time to visit Indonesia is between May and September during the dry season.
- What can I wear in Indonesia? As a Muslim-dominant country, it is advisable not to wear anything revealing but also to make sure that it is comfortable and breathable during the hot weather.
- Any local etiquette in Indonesia I should know about? Avoid using your left hand for greeting, handing, or eating.
- Are there ATMs in Indonesia? You’re likely to spot an ATM in bigger cities and tourist attractions than in rural areas.
- Can I drink tap water in Indonesia? Tap water in Indonesia is not drinkable.
- Should I buy a local sim in Indonesia? It’s advisable to get a local sim if you want to access the internet in Indonesia.
