Indonesia: islands, map, population and everything you need to know

Indonesia is an archipelago in Southeast Asia.

It consists of approximately 18,000 small – and large – islands and has a population of over 265 million!

It is the fourth most populous country in the world, and the majority of its people are Muslim.

It is an important travel destination as it boasts some incredible places like Bali.

Its geographical location – close to Singapore and Australia – has made it a central tourism hub.

However, you should be aware that, for safety reasons, Indonesian airlines are banned from flying within the European Union and its 27 member states.

Therefore, to reach Indonesia or a tourist destination like Bali, you must exclusively choose a European airline or travel to Asia and fly to Indonesia from there.

 

Indonesia map

On the map of Indonesia, you can see the archipelago and the country's most popular regions.

 

Islands of Indonesia

The Indonesian archipelago consists of thousands of small and large islands.

The most popular ones include:

New Guinea, Borneo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Java (capital of Indonesia), Bali (one of Indonesia's most touristy islands), Madura, Borneo, Lombok, Timor

Bear in mind that Indonesia has over 18,000 islands!

 

Jakarta – Indonesia

Jakarta is the largest city in Indonesia and its capital.

It is located on Java – Indonesia's most popular island – and has a population of approximately 11 million people.

Jakarta offers a plethora of activities for visitors.

If you find yourself in Indonesia and Jakarta, do not miss spending a full day at Ancol – a theme park that has everything!

If you are travelling to Jakarta with children aged 2-6, then you should take them to Kidzania. It is a simulated city where children receive special currency and can do whatever they have dreamed of, such as becoming doctors, F1 pilots, and so on.

 

Old Town of Jakarta

Jakarta's Old Town has a very interesting atmosphere that you should definitely visit. It features dozens of historic buildings that preserve the architecture of a bygone era.

In the Old Town of Jakarta, you will also find dozens of museums, such as the history museum, maritime museum, etc.

 

Spas in Jakarta

Jakarta has dozens of spa services, which you can find both in the city centre and – almost – in every neighbourhood!

Spa studios offer unique relaxation massages, which you should definitely try!

 

Visa for Indonesia

Since 2017, you can obtain a tourist visa for Indonesia upon arrival at the port or airport of your destination, on the spot!

Alternatively, you can obtain the visa at the Indonesian consulate in Athens.

To obtain a visa upon arrival in Indonesia, the following are required:

Passport, one photograph, return tickets, and a fee of 10-25 dollars.

 

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is the most popular part of Indonesia and perhaps the most beautiful and touristy.

It has a permanent population of 4 million, while over 10 million tourists visit it every year!

Bali has a temperature of 30-35°C all year round, with humidity at 60-95% – extremely high!

If you find yourself in Bali, you will see the rich religious element of the area, as there are over 6000 temples on the island!

Most hotels in Bali offer luxury accommodation in opulent rooms with amazing pools.

Prices are quite low, which is one of the reasons why Bali is a very popular tourist destination for Europeans and others.

 

When to visit Bali

The ideal time to visit Bali is from May to November. Plan for at least 10-15 days, and it's a good idea to combine it with 2-3 days in Singapore!

 

Flights to Bali

At Travelo, you can find cheap flights to Bali and all areas of Indonesia, at very competitive prices.

Prices are set according to the season you wish to travel (when there are holidays in Europe, flights are more expensive).

Plan your trip and book your flights to Bali through Travelo at least 3 months before your departure. Keep in mind that you must have a valid passport, with an expiry date at least 6 months after your return date!

If you want to explore all the areas and the amazing beaches of the region, you should rent a car from a local company. This will give you the freedom to have your own schedule and the opportunity to explore every corner of Indonesia!

 

Bali Hotels

On the Booking website, you can find all available hotels in Bali. Do not book hotels through unofficial websites, as you risk your reservation and your money.

When searching for hotels in Bali, prefer only the security of Booking for your reservation, to be 100% sure about your money and accommodation.

 

Map of Indonesia: how the country is laid out

Indonesia stretches across an arc of over 5,000 kilometres, from Sumatra in the west to western New Guinea in the east. If you imagine the map in three zones, Sumatra and Java with their large urban centres are in the west, Bali, Lombok and the Nusa Tenggara islands are in the centre, and Sulawesi, the Moluccas and Papua are in the east. The country is divided into three time zones, so an internal trip from Java to Papua crosses two time zones. Jakarta, the capital, is located in northwestern Java and is the main entry point along with Bali airport.

How many islands are there and which ones are worth visiting on a first trip?

Official records speak of approximately 17,000 islands, of which fewer than 7,000 are inhabited. For a first trip of two or three weeks, the most logical combination is Java with Bali, with a stop in the Gili Islands or Lombok. Java offers temples, volcanoes and cities, Bali provides beaches, rice paddies and organised tourism, while Komodo and Sulawesi are for a second visit or for travellers interested in diving.

Population, language and religion

The population exceeds 280 million, making Indonesia the fourth most populous country on the planet and the country with the most Muslim citizens. Over half of this population lives on Java, one of the most densely populated islands in the world. The official language is Indonesian, but hundreds of local languages are also spoken. In Bali, the majority are Hindus, which is why the island's image differs significantly from the rest of the country.

Climate and best time to visit

The climate is tropical with two seasons. The dry season lasts from April to October and is the most convenient for beaches and hiking, while the rainy season from November to March brings intense but usually short afternoon downpours. Temperatures remain consistently around 27 to 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year, with high humidity.

Practicalities for your trip: currency, visa, transportation

The currency is the Indonesian Rupiah. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is needed in markets and local shops. For tourism, Greek travellers can obtain a visa upon arrival or electronically, valid for 30 days with the possibility of extension, so check the current terms shortly before your trip. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date. Travel between islands is mainly by domestic flights, which are cheap and frequent, and secondarily by fast ferries for shorter distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many islands does Indonesia have?

Official records list approximately 17,000 islands, of which fewer than 7,000 are inhabited. The largest are Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi and western New Guinea.

What is the population of Indonesia?

It exceeds 280 million inhabitants, with over half living on Java. It is the fourth most populous country in the world after India, China and the United States.

Where is Indonesia located on the map?

In Southeast Asia, between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, south of Malaysia and north of Australia. It spans both hemispheres, straddling the Equator.

What is the best time to visit?

From April to October, during the dry season. July and August are the busiest and most expensive, while May, June and September offer good weather with more moderate prices.

Do I need a visa for Indonesia?

For tourism, Greek travellers can obtain a visa upon arrival or electronically, valid for 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

How long is the flight from Athens?

There are no direct flights. With one stopover in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul, the total travel time ranges from 15 to 20 hours, depending on the layover.

What currency is used?

The Indonesian Rupiah. Keep cash for local markets, taxis and small restaurants, while cards are usually accepted in hotels and larger shops.

Read also

• A trip to Bali: when, where and how to go
• Athens to Bali: how long is the flight
• Cheap flights: price comparison
• What you are allowed to have on the plane