Diving Holidays in Indonesia: An Overview

What species can I expect to see in Indonesia?

Indonesia's location in the heart of the coral triangle (Earth's epicentre of marine biodiversity) means it's home to myriad underwater life. Expect to see marine animals great and small when diving in Indonesia, from the giant sunfish (found off the coast of Bali) and the graceful manta rays (found off the coast of Komodo and Raja Ampat), to teeny pygmy seahorses and the small-but-mighty mantis shrimp.

You'll see a riot of colour, too, with ribbon eels, mandarinfish and nudibranchs all standing out against the seabed with their bold blues, oranges, greens and yellows.

When is the best time to dive in Indonesia?

The best time to dive in Indonesia is between April and September, during the dry season. At this time of year, you can expect good visibility underwater and sunny weather on land. However, the best time to dive can vary hugely depending on which part of Indonesia you're visiting. In some of our favourite dive spots - such as Raja Ampat, Ambon and the Banda Islands - the seasons are reversed, so the best time to dive in these regions is between October and April, due to calmer seas.

To see manta rays in Indonesia, head to Raja Ampat between November and March, Komodo between April and October or the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, just off the coast of Bali, between July and October (when you may also spot mola mola in these waters). For hammerhead sharks, visit the Banda Sea between September and November, as this is when they swim up to shallower waters in search of food.

After more shark sightings? The best time to see whale sharks in Indonesia lines up with peak season (from June to October) in most regions, with Cenderawasih Bay and Saleh Bay being our top spots for sightings. For macro and muck diving fanatics, dive into the 'muck diving mecca' of the Lembeh Strait between May and October, or head to Ambon from mid-October to mid-May for colourful coral and world-class muck diving.

What types of diving can I do in Indonesia?

• Coral diving: admire the kaleidoscope of colours displayed by both hard and soft coral. Plenty of destinations offer coral diving, including Bali, Komodo, Wakatobi and Raja Ampat, which has over 600 species.
• Muck diving: head to Lembeh, the muck diving capital of the world, to spot some of the smaller and more unusual creatures that call Indonesia's waters home.
• Fluorescence diving: also known as fluo diving, this dazzling form of night diving uses specialised underwater torches to reveal glowing corals. Visit Wakatobi to witness some of the best.
• Drift diving: enjoy exhilarating rides on strong currents in Komodo, gliding effortlessly past vibrant reefs, manta rays and sharks.
• Wreck diving: Bali's USAT Liberty reveals a coral-encrusted World War II ship, teeming with marine life. Accessible from shore, you can explore swim-throughs and hauntingly beautiful underwater history.

What should I pack for diving in Indonesia?

Fear not if you don't have your own equipment, as everything you need will be available to rent in Indonesia. However, if you do choose to pack your own, here's what to bring:

• Mask, snorkel and fins
• Wetsuit and/or rash guard
• A buoyancy control device (BCD)
• A dive computer
• A regulator
• A weight belt (if your BCD doesn't have integrated weight pockets)
• A safety whistle
• A Reef Hook if you'll be diving in current
• Reef-safe suncream
• Optional but not essential: a diving light, an underwater camera and a dry bag

Make sure your equipment has been professionally serviced in the last year, and don't forget your diving license.

Is the diving suitable for beginners?

Indonesia has a wide range of dive sites suitable for all levels, from the beginner-friendly Bali (the perfect place to get certified) to the more advanced conditions of Komodo National Park.

What level of dive qualification will I need?

To explore Indonesia's incredible dive sites, you'll generally need at least an Open Water Diver certification. However, if you're new to diving, many dive centres offer introductory experiences such as a Discover Scuba Dive, or you can start your journey by completing a full certification course.

What is Indonesia known for?

Indonesia is known for its islands - over 17,000 of them - making it the largest archipelago in the world. The result? Plenty of biodiversity and a rich tapestry of cultures. From iconic wildlife species like the Komodo dragon and the impressive number of volcanoes, to centuries of global influence from China, India, Europe and the Middle East, Indonesia is a mesmerising melting pot of nature and culture.

Religion also plays a central role in this diversity: while the majority of Indonesians practice Islam, there are also large communities of Christians, Hindus and Buddhists.

What’s the food like in Indonesia?

Indonesian food is a true feast for the senses, featuring elements that reflect the complex cultural influences from its history. Fish, rice, vegetables, fruits and spices are all common ingredients. Keep a lookout for the following dishes:

• Nasi padang: a feast made up of multiple dishes and served with steamed white rice. You might sample meats, fish, vegetables, curries and sambals.
• Gulai kambing: a tasty lamb stew made with coconut milk.
• Rendang: a hot and spicy combination of beef, spices and coconut milk.
• Ayam goreng: deep-fried chicken served with sides like sambals and salads.
• Salak: also known as snake fruit, this native treat has brown, scaly skin (hence the name). Tear it open to find sweet, juicy flesh divided into lobes (just don't eat the seeds).

Different islands have different specialities, too. In Java, dig into a delicacy of stir-fried water spinach, water chestnuts and shrimp paste. Another popular dish is nasi goreng, which consists of white rice, eggs, vegetables and shrimp.

What do people drink in Indonesia?

There's no shortage of filtered water or soft drinks for sale. Popular options include fresh coconut water and fruit juices like watermelon, papaya and pineapple juice. Delicious coffee is also produced within Indonesia and ranges from pre-ground soluble coffee to potent cups of freshly brewed jasmine.

Indonesia offers two reliable brands for beer fans: Bintang and Anker.

Do you need to tip in Indonesia?

Tipping in Indonesia is down to your preference, with service charges usually added to bills. However, leaving some more can be a nice way to show your appreciation if the service was exceptional.

• For a guide or a driver: Tip between 50,000 to 100,000 Indonesian rupiah (roughly £2.29 to £4.59). Hand the tips directly to the person they're for (you can keep them in separate envelopes if you need to).
• For a taxi driver: Tip between 10,000 to 30,000 rupiah (roughly 46p to £1.38) depending on the length of the journey and how helpful they were.
• For other service personnel: Use the price of a local beer or cup of tea as a reference for what a fair tip would be.

Other etiquette to consider in Indonesia

Life in Indonesia has an aura of calm and harmony, but it's also important to keep cultural nuances in mind:

• Avoid having conversations with your hands on your hips, as this can be interpreted as confrontational.
• Use your whole hand or thumb to point, instead of your index finger.
• PDA is considered taboo in public.
• Dress modestly, particularly when visiting places of worship, such as mosques, where you should cover your arms and legs.
• Take off your shoes before entering religious buildings or someone's home.
• Always ask permission before taking photos. Certain public buildings might be off-limits, too, so check first.

The most important thing is to be polite, patient and friendly. People in Indonesia are known for their hospitality and will be happy to help out. Finally, don't forget to put yourself in holiday mode and soak in the stunning scenery - don't let a tight schedule rush you through the country.

When is the best time to visit Indonesia?

The best time to visit Indonesia is between April and October (the dry season), when the weather is warm but not too humid, making it ideal for exploring.

What is the climate of Indonesia like?

Indonesia has two seasons: the dry season between April and October, and the rainy season between November and March. Temperatures are often in the early 30°Cs.

Keep in mind that it's a tropical climate, so rain is always possible throughout the year. It's also important to note that the weather has become less predictable, so always come prepared.

Where is Indonesia?

Indonesia is in Southeast Asia, sitting between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

How big is Indonesia?

Indonesia is 735,358 square miles.

How many islands are in Indonesia?

The exact number varies depending on the source, but most experts agree that Indonesia has between 17,000 and 18,000 islands.

Is Bali part of Indonesia?

Yes, Bali is part of Indonesia. It's one of the many islands in this country and is known for its abundant marine life. This, along with how well-connected Bali is, makes it the most visited island in the archipelago. But fear not, as we can help you discover the island's hidden gems and escape the crowds.

What plugs do they use in Indonesia?

Indonesia uses type C (two round pins) and type F (two round pins with two earth clips), so bring an adapter. The electricity supply is 230V.

What is the capital city of Indonesia?

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia. It's located on the island of Java, on the northwest coast.

What language do they speak in Indonesia?

Over 94% of the population in Indonesia speaks Bahasa Indonesia (the national language), though many also use local languages like Javanese or Sundanese as their first language at home. English is taught in schools and is commonly used in cities and tourist areas, though less so in rural regions.

What religion do they follow in Indonesia?

Islam is the main religion in Indonesia, although a small number do follow Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism.

What is the time difference in Indonesia?

Indonesia has three time zones. The Western zone is seven hours ahead of GMT; the Central zone is eight hours ahead; and the Eastern zone is nine hours ahead.

Indonesia doesn't follow daylight saving time, so in the summertime, the difference is an hour less for each zone.

What currency do they use in Indonesia?

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Notes are available in denominations of 2,000Rp, 5,000Rp, 10,000Rp, 20,000Rp, 50,000Rp and 100,000Rp. Coins of 50Rp, 100Rp, 200Rp, 500Rp and 1,000Rp are in circulation.

Popular destinations like Bali and Jakarta accept US dollars, euros and pound sterling, but it's best to have some Indonesian rupiah to hand so you can get the correct amount of change back.

Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in mid to high-end hotels, restaurants and shops, although some may add a three percent surcharge for card payments.

Can you drink the tap water in Indonesia?

No, it's best to avoid drinking the tap water or using it to brush your teeth, wash food or make ice for drinks. Stick to filtered water instead.

When do shops and businesses open in Indonesia?

• Shops are usually open till 7pm, but malls can remain open till 10pm every day apart from Fridays, when many shops will close early.
• Street markets spring into action around 7pm and keep running until after midnight.
• Banks open from 8am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

Opening hours may differ depending on the location during Ramadan. Our team can provide the most up-to-date Indonesian travel advice.

How long is a flight to Indonesia?

It takes roughly 18 hours to fly from the UK to Indonesia, depending on which airport you fly into and how long your stopover is. Common stopover destinations include Singapore, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur.

See more precise flight times for popular diving destinations below:

• Denpasar (Bali): The fastest time is 16 hours and 35 minutes with one stopover.
• Jakarta (Java): The fastest time is 15 hours and 35 minutes with one stopover.
• Labuan Bajo (Komodo National Park): The fastest time is 21 hours and 15 minutes with two stopovers.
• Sorong (Raja Ampat): The fastest time is 24 hours and 20 minutes with two stopovers.

Do I need a visa to visit Indonesia?

Yes, British citizens need a visa to visit Indonesia. You can apply for a visa online up to a week before you leave. You can also get a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA) for tourism purposes, which costs around £23 and can be paid for with cash or by card.

If you apply within the initial 30 days, you can get a 30-day extension on the 30-day visa at any immigration office in Indonesia. If you applied online, you can also get the extension online.

What are the passport requirements for Indonesia?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you arrive in Indonesia and have at least two blank pages.

Are there other entry requirements for Indonesia?

Before you travel to Indonesia, you must fill out an electronic self-declaration form, the SATUSEHAT Health Pass.

You may be asked to provide proof of your onward travel when you arrive.

You must pay a tourist levy if you visit Bali. This costs 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately £6.86) and can be paid online or when you arrive.

What are the vaccination requirements when visiting Indonesia?

You must be up to date with routine vaccinations required for life in the UK - visit your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date information. You also need a certificate to prove you've been vaccinated against yellow fever if you travel from a country considered to be a transmission risk.