Asia
Indonesia
- Flight from Zurichapprox. 17 to 20 h
- Best monthsApril to October
- CurrencyIndonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Visa for CHVisa on arrival
Free intro call, we usually reply within 24 h
Experiences and tickets
What makes Indonesia special
Indonesia is far bigger than Bali, but Bali is a gentle place to start.
You begin among rice terraces and temples near Ubud, move on to the surf beaches of Canggu and Uluwatu, then catch a boat to the cliffs of Nusa Penida. Food is cheap, people are open, and a hired driver gets you around without stress.
With more time, add Java for volcanoes and huge temple complexes, or the Gili Islands for slow beach days. The journey is long, so think two or three weeks rather than one. If you would rather not sort everything out yourself on Bali, we offer a tour of rice terraces and temples, which you can find among our experiences.
Ideal for: Adventurers, Surfers and yogis, Couples, Long-term travellers
When to travel
January
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
February
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
March
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
April
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
May
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
June
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
July
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
August
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
September
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
October
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
November
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
December
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
By region
Bali
April to October is the dry season. July and August are the busiest, while May, June and September often feel more relaxed.
Java
The dry months from May to September suit volcano hikes such as Bromo and Ijen.
Gili Islands and Lombok
A similar pattern to Bali, and the sea is calmer outside the rainy season.
The weather now and in the coming days
Weather currently unavailable
Weather data: MET Norway, CC BY 4.0
What you need to enter
Pick your passport and we show you the entry rule.
Entry rule
Visa on arrival
For Swiss citizens
Tourists generally need a visa for entry, either an e-VOA arranged online or a visa on arrival on site. Your passport should still be valid for at least six months when you arrive, and an ID card is not enough. Rules, fees and extra formalities change, so check them before you book with the FDFA and the Indonesian representation, all information without guarantee.
No guarantee – the official authority is binding.
Money and budget
- Currency
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Exchange rate
- Rate currently unavailable
Daily budget per person
Frugal
CHF 40
per day
Comfortable
CHF 90
per day
Generous
CHF 200
per day
Guide values excluding flights, in CHF.
How to get there and get around
Flight time from Zurich
approx. 17 to 20 h
With one stop, for example via the Middle East or Southeast Asia
Getting around
On Bali, a private driver booked by the day is the least stressful option. Ride-hailing apps and scooters are everywhere, but traffic is dense. Indonesia drives on the left. Between islands you take fast boats, and on Java trains and domestic flights.
Connected and mobile on the ground
eSIM for Indonesia
Mobile data from the moment you land, no roaming fees and no SIM swap.
Car rental in Indonesia
Compare rental cars and explore on your own schedule.
Airport transfer
Fixed price, driver waiting: a relaxed ride from the airport to your stay.
Activities in Indonesia
Secure tours and tickets in advance.
Partner links: we may earn a commission, the price stays the same for you.
Where to go
Ubud and central Bali
Rice terraces, temples, waterfalls and crafts. The terraces at Tegallalang and the temples nearby look their best early in the day.
Canggu and Uluwatu
Surf beaches, cafés and sunsets. Canggu is lively, while Uluwatu sits on the southern cliffs and feels calmer.
Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
Islands southeast of Bali with cliffs, coves and snorkelling. Stay overnight if you can, day trips feel rushed.
Java with Yogyakarta and Bromo
Culture, the temple complexes of Borobudur and Prambanan, and volcanoes. A strong contrast to the beaches.
Photos: Muncan Bali Indonesia Rice-paddy-along-Jalan-Raya-Muncan-01 by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0; Tegalalang Rice Terrace - Subak Ceking on Bali 11 by Anggabuana, CC BY 4.0; Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Bay) of Nusa Penida, Bali (2025) - img 08 by Chainwit., CC BY 4.0; Mount Bromo, Java, Indonesia, 20220820 0611 9485 by Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and compressed. This adaptation is also licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to sleep
Ubud
Small guesthouses and villas with a pool, often with breakfast
Canggu and Uluwatu
Hostels, surf camps and boutique villas
Islands
Simple bungalows to small resorts, best booked ahead
Travel well prepared
Travel advice
Current travel advice and the security situation are published by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
View FDFA travel adviceHealth
Stick to bottled or filtered water, as stomach trouble happens. Repellent and long sleeves in the evening help with mosquitoes, and dengue does occur. Ask a travel clinic about vaccinations. Scooter accidents are unfortunately common among tourists, so check with your Swiss insurer what is covered abroad and on scooters before you leave.
We are happy to advise you on travel insurance.
Good to know
- Language
- Indonesian
- Plugs
- Type C, F
- Dialling code
- +62
- Traffic
- Drives on the left
- Tipping
- Tipping is not expected but is appreciated. A few percent in a restaurant or a small amount for drivers and guides is plenty.
- Internet
- Coverage is good in cities and tourist areas. An eSIM is often cheaper than roaming and works from the moment you land.
- Customs
- You pay in Indonesian rupiah, cash is needed for small warungs and markets, and ATMs are easy to find in tourist towns. Sockets are type C and F at 230 volts. A charger with a two-pin Euro plug (type C) mostly fits, a Swiss three-pin type J plug will not, so an adapter belongs in your bag. Temples need covered shoulders and knees, and a sarong is often lent on site. Hand things over with your right hand and keep a low profile at ceremonies.
How long to stay
Recommended length
14 to 21 days
Suggested route
- Ubud (4 nights) with rice terraces and temples
- Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan (2 nights)
- Uluwatu or Canggu (4 nights) for beaches and surf
- Optionally Java with Yogyakarta and volcanoes (4 to 5 nights)
Frequently asked questions
When is the dry season on Bali?
From April to October. July and August are the busiest, while May, June and September often give good weather with slightly fewer crowds.
Roughly what does a day cost?
Travelling simply, around CHF 40 to 90 a day, with more comfort and a private driver more like CHF 90 to 200. Flights and excursions are extra.
Do Swiss citizens need a visa for Indonesia?
Usually yes. Tourists are normally required to get a visa on arrival, online or on site. Your passport should have at least six months left. Check current rules and fees with the FDFA and the Indonesian representation.
How do I get around Bali?
A private driver for the day is the most comfortable and still affordable. Scooters are cheap, but left-hand traffic and chaos are not for everyone. Fast boats serve the islands.
Is Bali safe for young travellers?
Tourist areas are well set up. The usual risks are pickpocketing, scooter accidents and upset stomachs. Read the FDFA travel advice before you go.
Is an eSIM worth it for Indonesia?
Often, yes. You are online straight after landing, can use ride apps and maps, and skip your provider's roaming charges.
How many weeks should I plan?
Because of the long journey, at least two weeks. With three you can combine Bali, the small islands and Java.
We plan your trip to Indonesia
In a free intro call we cover your wishes, dates and budget. Afterwards you receive a quote with options.
Pick a slot in the calendar right away – or message us wherever suits you best.
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Reply usually within 24 h