What’s Cool

Incredible temples, beauty and culture of Bali, the unspoilt islands and beaches of Lombok, exploring the jungles of the islands in the east, seeing Sumatra's orangutans and the ancient temples of Yogyakarta.

What’s Not

Anti-western sentiment, Islamic extremists, bombings, the legacy of the tsunami in Aceh, hot humid weather, pollution and noise of Jakarta, coming face-to-face with a komodo dragon!

When to Go

Best: May-September
High season: July to August
Low season: October to March

 

Visas

US/Can: on-arrival (30 day)
EU: on-arrival (30 days)
Aus/NZ: on-arrival (30 days)

Essential Info

Time: GMT+7
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Round two-prong European plug
Money: Indonesian Rupiah
1US$ = 10,200 RP
Phone: ICC (+62) Outgoing: 001
Despite two devastating bombings, Bali continues to attract tourists as one of Asia's most popular resort island destinations, and rightly so. Even more travelers make it to Borobudur, an ancient temple complex that rivals Cambodia's Angkor Wat as the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Jakarta may be the capital, but its congested streets have little to keep visitors lingering.
Diving fans may like to check out Sulawesi, a diverse destination with world class reefs. But there are plenty of great dive sites near the more popular Bali and Lombok for the less adventurous. Jungle and volcano trekkers, on the other hand, have endless possibilities in the rugged wilderness that spans much of the country.
Indonesia has reasonable domestic air service but safety can be dubious. A cheaper way to traverse this island-nation is to travel by boat, or by train if you're on Java or Sumatra. Driving habits leave a lot to be desired so watch your back.

Travel to Indonesia - Getting There

Jakarta and Denpasar (Bali) have only two long-haul international airports and are the most realistic entry points. Getting around is tricky due to the sheer geographical size and spread, therefore flying is the best option, with numerous local routes. Ferries connect Sumatra, Java, Bali and Lombok, with lesser sailings to Sulawesi and Kalimantan. Local buses run across the length of each island; they are fairly frequent but slow and hardly comfortable. On Java, you have the choice of VIP minibuses for a hassle-free journey as well as a train service.

Indonesia Things to Do


Yogyakarta
This stately Java city is full of handsome attractions, but mostly serves as a base to visit the Prambanam Hindu temple complex and the ancient site of Borobudur.
Bali
Recovering from the bombings, this paradise-like island of peaceful and friendly locals, perfect beaches and dramatic scenery was once a popular packaged destination and the jewel in the country's tourism crown. Expect plenty of beer-drinking Aussie blokes and sheila's mate!
Lombok
The next island east of Bali is where you go to escape the tourists, best appreciated on a chartered boat. Picture beaches all to yourself, azure waters and white sand.
Bukit Lawang
Bukit Lawang is a national park on Sumatra, 90kms northwest of Medan, in which adventurous travellers make a bee-line to seek out the orangutans and enjoy trekking, river tubing and a natural environment.
Lake Toba (Danau Toba)
Lake Toba is a gorgeous lake on Sumatra formed in a volcanic caldera, with a wedged-shape island from the collapsed cone offering all sorts of leisure locations.
The lakes of Kelimutu
The lakes of Kelimutu are one of the main attractions on Nusa Tengara, with multi-coloured waters formed in volcanic craters that seem to change like a kaleidoscope. Bizarre and unique.

Indonesia Travel Guide

A country of rich cultural heritage and spectacular natural scenery, Cambodia has a sad recent history from which it is still picking up the pieces. From the former heights of the mighty 10th century Angkor Kingdom to the lows of Pol Pot's murderous regime that wiped out a quarter of the population, Cambodia has had an eventful past.

What’s Cool

Angkor Wat, glitzy casinos, Sihanoukville's empty beaches, Phnom Penh's vibrant backpacker scene, Mekong Island's wildlife, dolphin spotting in Kratie, cheap hotel rates, interesting museums tracing Cambodia's tragic modern history.

 

What’s Not

Widespread prostitution and poverty, unexploded ordinance, scams, hot and humid weather for most of the year, occasional violence and political tension, unreliable transport, pot holes, lawlessness and firearms.

When to Go

Best: March-April
Worst: November-December

Visas

US/Can: no (30 day)
EU: *no (30 days)
Aus/NZ: no (30 days)

Essential Info

Time: GMT+7
Electricity: 220V 50Hz 3-Pin Plug
Money: Baht: 1US$ = 32 Baht
Phone: ICC (+66) Outgoing: 001
Cambodia might be quite low-key compared to its more popular neighbor, Thailand, yet it has plenty of charms of its own. With ancient temples, fascinating ruins, peaceful beaches and the very touristy Angkor Wat, Cambodia is slowly making its way to becoming one of the more popular destinations in Southeast Asia.
The capital, Phnom Penh, caters well to backpackers with its budget lodgings and lively bars while the likes of Siem Reap have more upscale offerings to cater to the increasingly sophisticated Angkor Wat crowds. The macabre Killing Fields are a sombre reminder of the nation's turbulent past but essential viewing for anyone who wants to get to grips with Cambodia's turbulent modern history.

Travel to Cambodia - Getting There

The fastest way to arrive in Cambodia is by air. The airport in Phnom Penh receives flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City and Guangzhou. From the airport, local buses are provided to take you to your destinations while taxis are aplenty at the airport and in the city. There are also frequently flights to Siem Reap from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and other regional airports - for convenient short trips to Angkor Wat. Alternatively, you can reach Cambodia by waterway from neighboring countries. The country's international seaport is located in Sihanoukville. To get around, use the services of trishaws and taxis. The road network is in a poor state and land transport is both tedious and uncomfortable.

Cambodia Things to Do

Angkor Wat


Siem Reap acts as the gateway to the world-renowned temples of Angkor, a true wonder of the world and the remains of an ancient Khmer city and religious center. The nearby Bayon and Ta Prohm temples are also worth visiting.
Phnom Penh
Many outstanding colonial architectural wonders, old temples, the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda, and busy streets attract tourists to Cambodia's capital city where unique historic charms fill the air.
Mekong Island
Visit a small zoo and weaving villages. Befriend big, friendly elephants and explore the island on their backs.
Sihanoukville
This resort town in the south boasts tranquil beaches, several natural spots such as waterfalls and rolling hills, and is a great place to relax with plenty of peaceful resorts.
Battambang
Cambodia's second-largest city, about 290kms from Phnom Penh, features many temples and villages. A small museum displays a selection of Angkor-era artifacts while a large lake is an ideal place for relaxing amid nature.

Cambodia Travel Guide

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