best cities to visit in Indonesia (2026)

A tropical nation in Southeast Asia, Indonesia in 2026 is a great destination for city lovers and culture vore. Must visit cities include Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Yogyakarta, Bandung and Surabaya. Average food price in a mid-range restaurant is IDR 100,000 – IDR 150,000 and average monthly rent is IDR 3,500,000 – IDR 6,000,000. You can enter Indonesia visa-free for 30 days or apply for a Visa on Arrival for IDR 500,000. Read on to learn more about Indonesian culture and laws to help you navigate and fully enjoy your trip.

• Meals in larger cities tend to range between IDR 100,000 and 150,000, €6.30 to €9.50, $6.70 to $10.00.
• Rent for 1 bedroom apartments in Bali in 2022 starts from about IDR 3,500,000 (€220) to IDR 6,000,000 (€380) per month.
• Visa free for 30 days, Visa on Arrival: IDR 500,000 (approximately €32 / $34)
• Local customs such as modest dressing and bargaining are important to respect.
• Indonesia offers diverse experiences compared to Thailand and Vietnam.

Indonesia is highly rated for its cultural richness, affordability, and diverse landscapes.

1. Jakarta: The busy Capital

From historic landmarks and pristine nature reserves to a nightlife that never sleeps and gastronomic delights that tantalize the taste buds, Jakarta is a melting pot of tradition and modernity that embodies the essence of Indonesia’s capital city. With a population of over 10.7 million as of 2023, Jakarta is at the centre of Indonesia’s political, economic and social affairs. Jakarta has an impressive number of nightspots, shopping malls and restaurants that truly satisfy the taste buds of any food lover.

It's no surprise that living in Jakarta is more expensive than almost anywhere else in Indonesia. Average dinner prices in the capital at a mid-range restaurant can range from 150,000 to 200,000 IDR (approx 9-12 USD or 9.50-10 EUR) and rent for an one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can be as high as 6,000,000 IDR (or around 380-400 USD or 380-400 EUR) per month. Having said all that though, Jakarta is still Indonesia and there's a whole lot more on offer here than you'd ever get to experience elsewhere in the country.

JAKARTA - Known for its congested roads, Jakarta can be a very slow place. While commuters are increasingly turning to public transport, riding an "ojek" or motorbike taxi is a common way for locals and visitors to get on with their busy schedules. A new rule in Jakarta prohibits smoking in any public space, with smokers set to be slapped with a fine.

2. Bali (Denpasar): The Island of the Gods

Located in the country of Indonesia, Bali along with its capital city of Denpasar is the most visited destination in the country with over 6 million tourists visiting every year. Known for its beautiful beaches, amazing art forms, exotic landscapes, culture and many other things, Bali offers a wonderful holidaying experience that's unique and unforgettable. Bali also has a rich Hindu culture that's reflected in the temples and ceremonies that are celebrated here throughout the year.

Expats and Digital Nomads are interested to know the cost of living in Bali. A mid-range meal at a local restaurant costs around IDR 120,000 or €7.60 or $8.00. One-bedroom apartments in the city centre rent for around IDR 5,000,000 or €320 or $330 per month. You should always dress modestly when visiting temples and this is easy as local people provide sarongs at the entrance to the temple.

There’s a local term that local communities often use to refer to the foreigners. Yes you guessed it…BULE! So that being said, we ask you to learn and respect local way of life to the fullest. Bali, yes – but also Lombok and many other islands are a part of this country and Indonesia has lots of valuable culture to share. Enjoy !

3. Yogyakarta: The Cultural Heart of Java

Yogyakarta, more commonly referred to as Jogja, is famous for its culture and traditional art. it's close to the famous ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. Yogyakarta is a region deeply rooted in Javanese culture and the place where you can see the traditional Javanese ways of life in action – batik making, traditional dance and puppet shows.

Cost of living in Yogyakarta is generally lower than Jakarta and Bali. A mid-range meal costs about IDR 100,000, a one-bedroom apartment for rent in the city centre is about IDR 3,500,000 and bargaining at local markets is an integral part of the culture.

Please be aware that local customs prevail, so it's advised that visitors refrain from visiting temples during periods of worship. it's also valuable to gain an insight to local culture through art and food. This will give you an appreciation of what makes Yogyakarta special.

4. Bandung: The Paris of Java

Popularly known as the “Paris of Java”, Bandung is celebrated for its refreshing air and unique scenery, nestled within the mountains. This is one of the main reasons why many locals from Jakarta spend their weekends here, hoping to get away from the capital’s mayhem. Apart from being a fashion and food hub for local designers and chefs, Bandung holds a charm that leaves tourists mesmerized.

Cost of living in Bandung is affordable. For example, the average price of a mid-range meal in a restaurant is IDR 130,000 (€8.30, $8.70). Rent for one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is about IDR 4,000,000 (€250, $260) per month. Bandung is a great place to eat street food. You can get taste of local food but always make sure that it's cooked fresh, to avoid any food poisoning.

A minivan (known as an “angkot”) is a type of public transport, shared with other passengers. Bandung is famous for its shopping malls and street markets, and also known for its cool weather which makes it a wonderful place to visit in Indonesia.

5. Surabaya: The Gateway to Eastern Indonesia

Surabaya, a major city on the island of Java, is a significant economic centre in Indonesia for commerce and industry. it's Indonesia’s second largest city and functions as a gateway to Eastern Indonesia. The city is also steeped in history with many colonial buildings, landmarks and museums that showcase Indonesia’s fight for independence.

Cost of living in Surabaya is quite affordable. Average cost of a mid-range meal in a local restaurant is around IDR 110,000. A one-bedroom apartment in city centre will set you back around IDR 3,800,000 per month. In Indonesia, the practice of leaving tips isn't mandatory, but encouraged. In this case, giving some money is simply a matter of courtesy.

We recommend learning some basic words and phrases in Bahasa Indonesia. Locals will appreciate your effort and it will have a significant effect on the quality of interactions. Surabaya is a unique mix of old and new architecture.

Practical Information for Travelers

Important travel information prior to your trip to Indonesia. Visa requirements and local customs should be read and understood prior to your journey. As of 2026, most nationalities are eligible for visa free entry to Indonesia for a single entry and will be granted 30 days. Alternatively a Visa on Arrival (VoA) can be obtained for 30 days and is affordable at IDR 500,000 (approximately €32 or $34 USD) and can be extended once.

Some basic tips to follow. - Travel time is normally longer than what you expect, a 20 Km ride in Jakarta for instance can easily take up to an hour. - Always respect the local custom even though you may find them a bit outdated, at least in rural areas.

Culturally Indonesia is a bit more varied than Thailand and Vietnam and so as a whole travelling through Indonesia is a very different experience. In terms of cost Thailand is the cheapest but Indonesia has by far the most varied landscapes and cultures.

Best rates will be achieved when using a local cash machine or money exchanger as opposed to the airport.

Cost Breakdown: Living and Traveling in Indonesia

City-Wise Comparison: Jakarta vs. Bali vs. Yogyakarta

Indonesia Tourist Guide: 2026 Travel Insights

In 2026, Indonesia will be on your travel bucket list? Indonesia, a country with vast diversity of scene, culture and infrastructure makes the world’s diversity as its best role model. Indonesia has almost 200 million population with 300 ethnic groups, a number of language speakers reaching 700, varying traditions, and 34 provinces inhabited with cultures that bring each other closer as well as make it very complicated to understand. it's definitely known how Indonesia always offers the greatest discoveries. From the concrete Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia with lots of activities through to the most peacefull and popular holiday island of Bali, each city has different beauty, and must obey the rules of local culture.

The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). We recommend using an ATM for best exchange rates. See Travel Advice and Ratings for important health and safety information before you travel.

For those of you who are planning to become an expat in Indonesia, or for those who are simply here on holiday, this travel guide offers a broad spectrum of information about Indonesia.

You may wish to download the local ride hailing and food delivery apps, such as Gojek or Grab.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indonesia

What is the best time to visit Indonesia?

When to go Indonesia is at its best between May and September. During this period the dry season is in full flow, meaning that the weather is as reliable and as comfortable as it gets in this part of the world.

Is Indonesia safe for tourists?

Yes, Indonesia is generally safe for tourists. We recommend staying informed about local conditions and exercising normal safety precautions.

How can I travel between cities in Indonesia?

You can travel between cities in Indonesia by flying, taking the train or taking the bus. The most common method of transport between cities is flying.

What currency is used in Indonesia?

The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Indonesia?

Although not required, we strongly advise you to consider having vaccinations such as Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and any that are due.

it's wise to carry a spare copy of your passport and visa, in the event that you're required to present your documents when crossing from one island to another (such as Male to Hulhumale). These checks are becoming increasingly common.

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