Is Indonesia Worth Visiting? My Honest Review 2026

At this stage, I’ve been to almost every single country in Southeast Asia, and after thinking about it a lot, I’d say that Indonesia is definitely one of my favorite countries to visit.

It has so much variety that it feels like you’re exploring several different worlds at once. From the stunning Hindu temples of Bali to the beautiful mosques on other islands, and from white-sand beaches and massive cliffs to active volcanoes, lush jungles, and hidden waterfalls, the sheer amount of nature and culture I got to see there was actually crazy.

I’ve been to Indonesia three times now, and on every visit, I’ve tried to explore different regions. So far, I’ve spent time in Java, Bali, Lombok, and Flores. While I’m obviously not a local, I feel like I’ve experienced a fair share of what this massive archipelago has to offer.

In this guide, I want to give you some basic advice based on my personal experience and answer the most fundamental question: Is Indonesia worth visiting in 2026? Let’s get into it.

Is Indonesia Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

I know many of you don’t like reading a whole article, especially when it’s just me talking about what I liked and didn’t like, so I’m giving you the quick answer right off the bat: Yes, 100% Indonesia is worth visiting.

I’ve been to Indonesia three times now, and every single time, I’ve explored new things. It is genuinely cool how many different islands there are, each with its own unique culture and landscape. 

In fact, for 2026, Bali was actually named the #1 Travel Destination in the World by TripAdvisor, so it’s clearly not just me who thinks it’s special!

To give you an idea of what I’ve experienced in Indonesia so far:

• I’ve climbed into the crater of a volcano at Mount Ijen.
• I’ve visited stunning Buddhist temples in Java and beautiful Hindu temples in Bali.
• I’ve spent days swimming in waterfalls and surfing in Lombok.
• I’ve gone scuba diving with manta rays and sharks and took a 3-day sailing trip around the Komodo Islands.

On top of all those amazing adventures, I’ve always felt very safe in Indonesia. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the cost of accommodation, food, and transport is still super affordable. 

While travel costs globally have been creeping up in 2026, Indonesia remains one of the best places to get high-value, boutique experiences without the “big city” price tag.

Honestly, if that list doesn’t give you the itch to book a flight, I don’t know what will! I’m still not sure if it’s my absolute #1 favorite country in Southeast Asia, but it is definitely in my top 3 along with Thailand and Vietnam.

What I Loved About Indonesia

Different Islands & Landscapes 

Indonesia honestly feels like multiple countries all in one. Whether I was going to Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, or Flores, every single island was so insanely different, not just the landscapes, but the people and the food too. 

I really like the fact that I was able to explore multiple cultures and islands all within one country.

Different Cultures 

Just like the landscapes, the cultures and people are very different on each island. For instance, the Balinese people have such a unique vibe because of their Hindu history and religion. 

It’s a total contrast to neighboring islands like Java and Lombok, which are predominantly Muslim. Seeing how the cultures and even the food change depending on where you are is just super interesting.

Indonesian Food 

I love Indonesian food, and by now I have tried a ridiculous amount of it. Of course, I love the classics like Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng, but I also love some good Ayam Goreng and Gado Gado. My absolute favorite, though, is Beef Rendang and it is easily one of my favorite dishes worldwide.

Affordability 

Indonesia as a whole is still one of the cheapest countries I’ve ever visited. Especially when it comes to cute little boutique hotels or villas with private pools, the value for money in places like Ubud or Lombok is incredible. 

You can spend a lot of money if you hang out in beach clubs every day and stay in 5-star hotels, but you certainly don’t have to.

Unique & Iconic Activities 

Indonesia has given me some of the most amazing memories. I’ve climbed up volcanoes, visited ancient Buddhist temples, and gone scuba diving with turtles, sharks, and manta rays. I went surfing in Lombok and even did that 3-day sail to see Komodo dragons, which was honestly one of the best things I have ever done.

What I Didn’t Like About Indonesia

Overtourism, especially in Bali 

I actually feel terrible even mentioning this because obviously I’m part of the problem by traveling to these places, but Bali, specifically places like Canggu or Seminyak, is just insanely overrun. 

There are so many expats and tourists moving there now that it clogs up the roads so badly; it’s just chaos. Honestly, I don’t even go to Canggu anymore because of it.

Indonesia has a trash problem 

This is something I have noticed all over the country, and I’m not exactly sure what the reason is, but Indonesia has a huge waste management issue. I find trash literally everywhere, on the beaches, the side of the roads, and in the mangroves. 

I assume it’s a mix of overtourism, poor waste management, and a lack of education on the topic.

It’s not always easy to travel around 

This obviously isn’t anyone’s fault, it’s just the nature of the country, but Indonesia consists of so many different islands and getting between them isn’t always easy. 

You either have to book flights, which can be shockingly expensive, or take ferries. Some of the ferries, especially the ones between Bali and Lombok, have been pretty scary. 

I’ve never had anything happen to me personally, but I’ve seen horror stories about ferries sinking in that area, which definitely stays in the back of your mind.

My Favorite Things to do Indonesia

1. Komodo Island Sailing Trip 

My number one favorite thing I’ve done in Indonesia and honestly one of my absolute highlights ever, was the sailing cruise I did through the Komodo Islands. 

I spent three days on a beautiful wooden sailboat with amazing cabins and fantastic food. We sailed all around the islands, saw the Komodo dragons up close, and even got to snorkel with manta rays. It was such a unique and overall incredible experience; it’s definitely my top recommendation. 

I’ll leave the link right here for the exact tour I booked because I highly recommend it.

2. Surfing in Lombok 

I spent about two months living in Kuta Lombok, which is easily one of the best surf towns in Indonesia. It’s super chill and nowhere near as overrun as the popular spots in Bali. 

Since I really wanted to focus on getting better at surfing, I needed a place where I could actually find some space on the waves, and Lombok was just perfect for that.

3. Scuba Diving in the Gili Islands 

The Gili Islands are one of my favorite places to go scuba diving; I just love the underwater world here. 

I’ve been back a few times now, and my last dive was especially great. I saw multiple white-tip reef sharks, green sea turtles, and even a shipwreck. If you’re into diving, you can’t miss this. It’s also one of the best and cheapest places in the world to get your scuba diving certificate.

4. Climbing Mount Ijen 

This is something I did a while back when I first backpacked through Indonesia, but it’s so unique that it’s still one of my favorite memories. 

Mount Ijen is an active volcano in Java where locals harvest sulfur from the crater. We hiked all the way up in the middle of the night and then went down into the crater (wearing gas masks!) to see the famous blue flames caused by the sulfuric gases. It is a surreal, one-of-a-kind experience.

Where Should You Visit in Indonesia: Bali or Lombok?

Honestly, I know many of you have been asking me this recently, and I get it, Indonesia has so many different places to see and visit that it’s hard to say which one is “best.” It really depends on what you want to see and what your travel style is.

However, if I were to go back to Indonesia for the very first time, I would probably still start in Bali because it truly is beautiful. 

But, I would limit myself to Uluwatu for the beaches and the beach clubs, and I’d definitely skip Canggu and Seminyak. Instead, I’d head inland around Ubud to explore the amazing temples and nature.

From there, I would definitely include the Gili Islands because I just love the scuba diving and that chill island vibe. And finally, if I had the time and the budget, I would for sure add the Komodo sailing trip I talked about earlier. To me, that’s the perfect Indonesia trip, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

FAQs About Visiting Indonesia

Is Indonesia safe? 

From a crime perspective, I’d say yes, it’s very safe. I’ve personally never been in a situation where I felt like I was in trouble. However, the traffic is definitely a different story! It can be pretty intense, so if you’re planning to ride a scooter, always wear a helmet and be extremely cautious. 

Also, as I mentioned before, the ferries between Bali and Lombok can be a bit sketchy, so just be aware of that when planning your transport.

Is Indonesia expensive to visit? 

It definitely doesn’t have to be, but it can be if you want it to be! I usually stay in small boutique hotels which are really nice and only cost me about 20 USD a night. I also eat at local spots to keep things affordable. 

That said, if you’re staying in 5-star resorts and hitting beach clubs every day, the costs will obviously add up quickly.

Do I need a visa to visit Indonesia? 

Yes, you do. You can either get an e-visa in advance or grab one on arrival at the airport. It’s a very simple process and costs about 35 USD (500,000 IDR). Just keep in mind that if you’re heading to Bali, there is also a separate Tourism Levy of about 10 USD (150,000 IDR) that you’ll need to pay as well.

Is Indonesia good for families? 

Absolutely! Many places in Bali and Lombok have amazing family-friendly resorts and activities that kids would love. Plus, because everything is so affordable, you can have a high-end family vacation without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts: Is it worth visiting Indonesia?

I absolutely think Indonesia is worth visiting, it’s honestly one of my favorite countries in all of Southeast Asia. I love the diversity of the cultures, the landscapes, and the incredible activities you can find here. 

The Gili Islands, in particular, really stole my heart; I could genuinely see myself living there for a few months just to hang out on the beaches and go scuba diving every day.

I hope this guide helps you plan your next trip or at least decide if Indonesia is the right fit for you. If you’re looking for more history and structured activities, maybe Thailand or Vietnam would be a better choice. 

Or, if you’re strictly looking for white sand and crystal-clear water, the Philippines might be for you. There’s no right or wrong answer, it just depends on what you’re looking for. Happy travels!

Check Out My Other Lombok Guides

Is Lombok Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

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The Best Restaurants in Kuta Lombok: My Top Places to Eat in Lombok

Beaches in Kuta Lombok: My Favorite Beaches in Kuta

Best Time to Visit Lombok Island: My Seasonal Guide

Best Things to Do in Kuta Lombok: My Favorite Activities in Kuta

Places to Stay in Kuta Lombok: My Top Areas in Hotels in Kuta Lombok

Where to Stay in Lombok Island: My Favorite Areas & Hotels

Best Things to Do in Lombok Island: My Favorite Activities in Lombok

Check Out My Other Indonesia Guides

Is Indonesia Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Indonesia Itinerary 3 Weeks: How I Spent 21 Days in Indonesia

Best Time to Visit Indonesia: When I Would Go Again