Indonesia family holidays

As Indonesia’s dry season falls between May and September, it is a natural choice for a family summer holiday. This time of year is by far the most popular time to visit Indonesia, so if you’re planning to head there in summer, make sure you book as early as possible. That said, although the rainfall from October to April makes for some definite wet days, the temperatures are lovely and warm at this time, and the rainfall comes in short bursts with clear skies in between. In these respects, it can make a great destination for escaping the winter chill too!

Having an experienced, knowledgeable and welcoming local guide on hand during your trip is absolutely invaluable. They’ll be able to meet you upon arrival, act as translator, transfer you between locations, and generally make everything go as smoothly as possible. They’ll leave you to your own devices as much or as little as you wish, but we think a good guide is essential for a successful family holiday. We pride ourselves on using only the best guides in a given region. All our guides are trained to the highest level, and fully certified and licensed. The feedback we get from our clients is that the guides make a great trip into an outstanding one.

Indonesia is such a popular destination for family travel, and it’s easy to see why! Everything is made as stress-free as possible, from smooth transport links to plenty of family-friendly accommodation, and it’s somewhere that families return to again and again. The feedback we get is that it’s a safe, reassuring and supportive destination, the people you meet are friendly and helpful, and the infrastructure is easy to navigate. As with all unfamiliar places, some things will definitely differ from what you’re used to, but most places feel totally secure and safe. If you need anything, or have any queries once you’re there, our guides are always on hand to help.

When planning a trip to Asia, it’s important to consider the possible requirement for vaccinations and immunisations. Most importantly, we stress that you should contact your doctor or medical practitioner well before you depart to get their advice on any vaccinations you may need for your trip. If you’ve travelled recently and believe that you are already up-to-date, it is still worth checking as vaccinations have a varying life span. The NHS Fit for Travel map The NHS Travel Vaccinations site has lots of up-to-date information on vaccinations and other travel health.

169 nationalities, including citizens of the UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, can now enjoy visa free access into Indonesia when arriving into any of Indonesia's international airports and over 80 seaports. The maximum period of stay is 30 days, and the visa cannot be extended or converted into another class of visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months at the day of exit, and should contain at least one empty page on the day of arrival. The standard tourist visa is a single entry visa that allows you to travel in Indonesia for 30 days from the date of your proposed entry. Travellers visiting for over 30 days will need to pre-purchase a Visa-On-Arrival, which is available for 35 USD payable in cash or apply for a visa at the nearest Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.

Though you can pick up quite a lot of stuff you might need in the major hubs, we’d recommend taking supplies of any essentials, such as favourite nappies, formula etc., as well as your preferred brand of sunscreen and insect repellent. Light, long sleeved shirts, a light scarf or two, and long trousers or skirts will mean that you’re prepared for any eventuality, including modest dress codes at sites of religious significance. They’ll also help provide valuable protection against strong sunlight and mosquitoes. If you’re travelling with tinies, consider taking a really good baby carrier, as push-chairs might be a pain to get around with.

Many people visit Indonesia to participate in its world-famous wellness culture, including yoga, and there are plenty of ways for families to get involved. If you’re in Bali, the question should probably be ‘where can’t we do yoga?!’ Yoga and meditation are offered at many resorts, and it’s so ubiquitous that many don’t make a big thing of it on their websites, so it’s always worth asking if you’re keen. Some resorts offer private yoga classes which can be adapted for kids, and there’s often childcare available if you want to participate without the littlies in tow!

ATM machines are widely available throughout Indonesia, including most airports, so there’s no need to obtain Rupiah in advance of your arrival, although it is possible to do so. It is essential to arrive with some US $ to obtain your visa upon arrival, which must be paid in US$ cash. ATM’s usually offer good rates of exchange, often better than you will find in many currency exchange bureaus or hotels. In most shops and restaurants only Rupiah cash and card payments are accepted.