What is Hotel Merlin?

Hotel Merlin is a comprehensive travel guide helping you find the best hotels across Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bali, Batam, Yogyakarta, Lombok, and Maumere.

Which Indonesian destinations does Hotel Merlin cover?

We cover six top destinations: Jakarta (capital city), Bali (island paradise), Batam (Singapore gateway), Yogyakarta (cultural heart), Lombok (unspoiled beaches), and Maumere on Flores Island.

How do I book hotels through Hotel Merlin?

Hotel Merlin provides curated guides and links to trusted booking partners. Browse our destination pages for hotel recommendations and book directly through our partner links.

What is the best time to visit Indonesia?

The dry season from May to October is ideal for most destinations. Bali, Lombok, and Yogyakarta are best visited during these months for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Indonesia Travel Tips for First-Timers 2026

Your Essential Indonesia Travel Guide for 2026

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago with over 17,000 islands, offers endless possibilities for travelers. But navigating this diverse country requires some preparation. Here's everything you need to know.

Visa Information

•Visa on Arrival (VOA): — Available for 90+ nationalities at major airports and seaports. Cost: $35 for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days.

•e-VOA: — Apply online before departure to skip queues at immigration.

•Free Visa: — Some ASEAN countries enjoy visa-free entry for 30 days.

Best Time to Visit

Indonesia has two seasons:

•Dry Season (April–October): — Best for travel. Clear skies, less humidity.

•Wet Season (November–March): — Tropical downpours, but lower prices and fewer tourists.

Currency & Money

•Currency: — Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

•Exchange Rate: — Approximately 15,500 IDR = 1 USD (2026)

•Tips: — ATMs are widely available in cities. Carry cash for rural areas. Many places accept GoPay and OVO (local e-wallets).

Getting Around Indonesia

•Domestic Flights: — The easiest way to island-hop. Lion Air, Garuda, and Citilink offer affordable routes.

•Grab/Gojek: — Ride-hailing apps work in all major cities.

•Ferries: — Connect major islands. Book through PELNI or local operators.

•Trains: — Java has an excellent rail network (book via KAI Access app).

Cultural Etiquette

1.Dress modestly — when visiting temples and mosques

2.Use your right hand — for giving/receiving items

3.Remove shoes — before entering homes and sacred places

4.Ask permission — before photographing people

5.Bargain politely — at markets — it's expected!

Health & Safety

•Drink bottled water only

•Use mosquito repellent (dengue is present)

•Travel insurance is strongly recommended

•Keep digital copies of your passport

Must-Have Apps

•Grab — Transport and food delivery

•Google Maps — Navigation (download offline maps)

•Google Translate — Indonesian (Bahasa) translations

•Traveloka — Local booking platform for flights and hotels

Browse Indonesia tours and activities →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an Indonesia visa on arrival cost and how long does it last?

Visa on arrival costs $35 USD and is valid for 30 days, with a one-time 30-day extension available at local immigration offices. It's issued at major airports and seaports for over 90 nationalities.

What is the best month to visit Indonesia?

The dry season from April to October, especially June through September, offers the most reliable weather with clear skies and lower humidity. July and August are peak tourist months, so book accommodation early.

Should I carry cash in Indonesia?

Yes — while ATMs are common in cities, rural areas and small warungs often only accept cash in Indonesian Rupiah. Keep small bills handy for markets, transport, and tipping, and notify your bank before traveling.