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Indonesia
This up-to-date guide to Indonesia features interviews with locals who share their top travel and destination tips. Includes more than 200 maps.
With a Lonely Planet guidebook you'll get the best out of your Indonesian trip. Our 9th edition of Indonesia will take you to the best beaches and bars in Bali, through lush paddy fields in Sumatra, diving with turtles off the Gilis in Lombok and to a traditional dance in Ubud.
Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.
In This Guide:
Discover natural Indonesia with our special color chapter
Detailed Itineraries for planning the perfect trip
Green Index helps you step lightly on your travels
With a Lonely Planet guidebook you'll get the best out of your Indonesian trip. Our 9th edition of Indonesia will take you to the best beaches and bars in Bali, through lush paddy fields in Sumatra, diving with turtles off the Gilis in Lombok and to a traditional dance in Ubud.
Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.
In This Guide:
Discover natural Indonesia with our special color chapter
Detailed Itineraries for planning the perfect trip
Green Index helps you step lightly on your travels
924 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
430 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 26, 2011
It's really hard to rate a guidebook, especially so in case of one describing a country so vast and diverse. My feelings over it are particularly mixed, given that I've spent a year in the country and learned to speak the language quite well.
On one hand I feel indebted to this book for the amazing wealth of information it provided me with. In fact, so much of it that I often left locals stupefied over me knowing more about their region's attractions than they did themselves. No book that I know of can provide so much comprehensive information about often obscure locations on the archipelago. This is where Lonely Planet's Indonesia is unbeatable - providing you with a list of places to see, the "where to go and what for".
But on the other hand, when it comes to "how to go" the book has its inevitable share of mistakes. Most of them are simple mistakes when quoting prices or addresses, but some are more subtle. There are three overall bad tendencies in LP's guidebooks that seem to get stronger with each subsequent edition. The first one is the tendency to include less and less descriptions and explanations of traditional culture. Second, attractions that are easy to reach and "manage" are overemphasized even if they are dull - I've found the Harau Valley (which is barely mentioned in a tiny box) infinitely more interesting than Lake Toba (described in detail on several pages). The third, more malicious and pronounced than the other two, is the shift from emphasis on cheap, adventurous and independent trips towards emphasis on expansive, comfortable and semi-organized cruises. Luxurious hotels and restaurants that weren't even mentioned in the first LP guidebooks (because their original readership despised them and their clientele just like I still do) are now underlined as "our picks"! This amounts to embracing the emerging mass-"adventure"-tourism catering to the needs of wealthy and unimaginative people in need of something to boast with on cocktail parties. Consequently, accelerating the death of the very mindset that made Lonely Planet guidebooks so popular in the first place. This tendency reaches its peak in the chapter about Bali. It is badly written and wrong in many places but all this fades when you realize that the entire chapter is apparently written from a viewpoint of a person who travels the entire island by a rented car, doesn't bother to interact with the locals, drops corny jokes all the time and has an amazingly dull taste for "mysterious" pseudo-exotica. It should have been more accurately entitled "how NOT to travel in Bali".
Another loathsome trend (though admittedly not the Lonely Planet's fault) is the tendency of too many travelers to follow the book to the letter. A few conversations with gap-year yuppies following this guidebook as if it were the Holy Quran itself did a lot to convince me not to do the same. The issue is so widespread and apparent that "follower of the holy book" has become a seasoned travelers' tongue-in-cheek expression for a run-of-the-mill, unimaginative backpacker.
In conclusion, buy this book if you plan to visit Indonesia but remember to take its data with a pinch of salt. It is best used as a source of inspiration for future voyages and emergency solutions when in trouble. In any case, DO NOT follow this book to the letter. Leave a lot of room for improvisation, imagination and genuine adventurousness in your travel plan. Locals ain't gonna eat you if you arrive in a place that ain't covered in this guidebook, really.
On one hand I feel indebted to this book for the amazing wealth of information it provided me with. In fact, so much of it that I often left locals stupefied over me knowing more about their region's attractions than they did themselves. No book that I know of can provide so much comprehensive information about often obscure locations on the archipelago. This is where Lonely Planet's Indonesia is unbeatable - providing you with a list of places to see, the "where to go and what for".
But on the other hand, when it comes to "how to go" the book has its inevitable share of mistakes. Most of them are simple mistakes when quoting prices or addresses, but some are more subtle. There are three overall bad tendencies in LP's guidebooks that seem to get stronger with each subsequent edition. The first one is the tendency to include less and less descriptions and explanations of traditional culture. Second, attractions that are easy to reach and "manage" are overemphasized even if they are dull - I've found the Harau Valley (which is barely mentioned in a tiny box) infinitely more interesting than Lake Toba (described in detail on several pages). The third, more malicious and pronounced than the other two, is the shift from emphasis on cheap, adventurous and independent trips towards emphasis on expansive, comfortable and semi-organized cruises. Luxurious hotels and restaurants that weren't even mentioned in the first LP guidebooks (because their original readership despised them and their clientele just like I still do) are now underlined as "our picks"! This amounts to embracing the emerging mass-"adventure"-tourism catering to the needs of wealthy and unimaginative people in need of something to boast with on cocktail parties. Consequently, accelerating the death of the very mindset that made Lonely Planet guidebooks so popular in the first place. This tendency reaches its peak in the chapter about Bali. It is badly written and wrong in many places but all this fades when you realize that the entire chapter is apparently written from a viewpoint of a person who travels the entire island by a rented car, doesn't bother to interact with the locals, drops corny jokes all the time and has an amazingly dull taste for "mysterious" pseudo-exotica. It should have been more accurately entitled "how NOT to travel in Bali".
Another loathsome trend (though admittedly not the Lonely Planet's fault) is the tendency of too many travelers to follow the book to the letter. A few conversations with gap-year yuppies following this guidebook as if it were the Holy Quran itself did a lot to convince me not to do the same. The issue is so widespread and apparent that "follower of the holy book" has become a seasoned travelers' tongue-in-cheek expression for a run-of-the-mill, unimaginative backpacker.
In conclusion, buy this book if you plan to visit Indonesia but remember to take its data with a pinch of salt. It is best used as a source of inspiration for future voyages and emergency solutions when in trouble. In any case, DO NOT follow this book to the letter. Leave a lot of room for improvisation, imagination and genuine adventurousness in your travel plan. Locals ain't gonna eat you if you arrive in a place that ain't covered in this guidebook, really.
August 23, 2007
Obvy, it's hard to "do" a country of 17,000 islands, let alone figure out how from one guide book, but I think they did an OK job here. It's probs the only book with info on some of the outer islands, though if you want to go there for diving, there are better guides. Going there with a general idea of what you want to do, and then meeting people there is the best way to go.
February 26, 2018
I am heading to Indonesia in June for a second trip, but exploring other places besides Bali. This guide helped me map out my itinerary and rule out visiting Sulawesi since there is not a lot to do in the southern region.
February 18, 2013
Having spent a year in Indonesia, travelling the country extensively, I found the information in this book to be often inaccurate, especially compared with other Lonely Planet volumes. I imagine this has to do with the difficulty and diversity of travel in the country.
December 14, 2019
Indonesia is huge (over 17,000 islands) and this is a beast of a travel book, I found it surprisingly full of great stories and tips. It's in my backpack and traveling with me as a companion for this new adventure.
May 18, 2010
Very early 1973 edition
May 15, 2019
I skimmed through the parts that were relevant to my trip to Indonesia. Lots that I missed but I probably know more about Indonesia than I ever expected to.
January 19, 2023
This is the best guide book I’ve found. It cuts the fat & gets right to the points. It’s important to remember that no travel book will be 100% up to date because the world is ever changing. However, this gave me a good idea of what to expect for my travels and which companies i should be using. I also appreciated the layout of the book. It was well thought out. For us, this book fits our travel style & travel needs.
Read
October 18, 2023*ebook*
January 8, 2024
It seems pretty helpful in planning the trip.
I don't know how accurate the information is, though.
(I will revise this review if the information is inaccurate.)
I don't know how accurate the information is, though.
(I will revise this review if the information is inaccurate.)
October 31, 2024
Useful travel guide beautifully illustrated and with plenty of maps
Read
May 27, 2025How can I read it? It does not open at all. What a mess.
September 22, 2020
Berlibur di negeri sendiri tidak kalah mengasyikannya dibandingkan menapaki daratan dan perairan negeri asing. Pantai-pantai dengan pasir putih, terumbu karang dengan ikan tropis yang eksotik, pegunungan dengan hawa sejuk semua menunggu untuk dijelajahi.
Suguhan panorama alam itu tidak hanya bisa dinikmati di Pulau Bali, melainkan di hampir seluruh provinsi di Indonesia. Jawa Tengah memiliki Pulau Karimun Jawa dan Kawah Ijen, Kalimantan Timur punya Derawan yang mulai dilirik wisatawan mancanegara, Nusa Tenggara Barat punya Danau Segara Anak dan Gunung Baru, dan Maluku memiliki Taman Nasional Manusela.
Nama-nama obyek wisata di atas mungkin belum Anda kenal. Namun, setelah bertandang ke sana, Anda akan terpukau oleh keindahan panoramanya. Karimun Jawa, misalnya. Menuju pulau ini, Anda memerlukan waktu tujuh jam dari Pelabuhan Jepara atau empat jam dengan kapal cepat dari Pelabuhan Tanjung Emas, Semarang. Waktu perjalanan yang cukup lama itu terbayar ketika tiba di sana. Anda bisa menikmati sensasi menginap di rumah terapung, snorkeling dan diving, berenang dengan bayi ikan hiu dan menyesapi keindahan pantai yang dangkal berlatar belakang langit biru dan awan putih.
Bila Anda tergolong sibuk dan tidak ingin bepergian terlalu jauh, daerah Sukabumi bisa menjadi pilihan. Anda bisa mengikuti outbond dan arung jeram di Sungai Citarik, piknik di Pelabuhan Ratu atau menyusuri pantai dan melihat penyu bertelur di Ujung Genteng.
Bosan dengan wisata alam, masih ada wisata budaya seperti mengunjungi museum dan keraton, atau berkeliling daerah untuk mencicipi masakan khas. Anda bisa mencicipi tempoyak di Jambi, rawon di Malang, tinutuan di Manado dan es palu butung di Makassar.
Semua informasi tentang kota-kota se-Indonesia tersaji lengkap dalam buku ini. Bukan hanya obyek-obyek wisata, melainkan juga peta daerah, sarana dan jalur transportasi, tempat peristirahatan restoran, lokasi ATM juga kantor pos dan warung internet. Semuanya melampirkan rentang tarif, waktu pelayanan, foto-foto indah dan opini penulis tentang tempat rehat atau lokasi makan itu. Benar-benar detail, sehingga Anda tidak memerlukan lagi guide ataupun agen travel. Sebuah buku yang menjadi panduan terpercaya para backpacker domestik maupun mancanegara.
Jadi bila bujet Anda terbatas, bisa tetap berlibur dengan menginap di losmen atau wisma yang direkomendasikan si penulis. Atau bila ingin benar-benar nyaman, bisa menyiapkan bujet lebih dengan menginap di resort.
Yang patut disayangkan, buku ini disusun bukan oleh orang Indonesia, melainkan 13 penulis berkewarganegaraan asing. Agar data dalam buku ini benar-benar valid, mereka melakukan penelitian selama lebih dari 300 hari.
Satu lagi, buku ini belum diterjemahkan dalam bahasa Indonesia. Namun kelemahan ini bisa menjadi peluang bagi mereka yang ingin melatih kemampuan bahasa Inggris. Harga bukunya yang cukup mahal juga terobati dengan besarnya manfaat yang diperoleh dari buku ini.
Terlepas dari beberapa kekurangan itu, buku ini akan menambah kecintaan dan kebanggaan Anda terhadap kekayaan alam Indonesia. Anda bisa menghadiahkannya ke orang-orang tercinta atau kolega Anda yang tinggal di luar negeri, hitung-hitung menyukseskan tahun pariwisata Indonesia.
Juga ditulis di dewipuspasari.net
Suguhan panorama alam itu tidak hanya bisa dinikmati di Pulau Bali, melainkan di hampir seluruh provinsi di Indonesia. Jawa Tengah memiliki Pulau Karimun Jawa dan Kawah Ijen, Kalimantan Timur punya Derawan yang mulai dilirik wisatawan mancanegara, Nusa Tenggara Barat punya Danau Segara Anak dan Gunung Baru, dan Maluku memiliki Taman Nasional Manusela.
Nama-nama obyek wisata di atas mungkin belum Anda kenal. Namun, setelah bertandang ke sana, Anda akan terpukau oleh keindahan panoramanya. Karimun Jawa, misalnya. Menuju pulau ini, Anda memerlukan waktu tujuh jam dari Pelabuhan Jepara atau empat jam dengan kapal cepat dari Pelabuhan Tanjung Emas, Semarang. Waktu perjalanan yang cukup lama itu terbayar ketika tiba di sana. Anda bisa menikmati sensasi menginap di rumah terapung, snorkeling dan diving, berenang dengan bayi ikan hiu dan menyesapi keindahan pantai yang dangkal berlatar belakang langit biru dan awan putih.
Bila Anda tergolong sibuk dan tidak ingin bepergian terlalu jauh, daerah Sukabumi bisa menjadi pilihan. Anda bisa mengikuti outbond dan arung jeram di Sungai Citarik, piknik di Pelabuhan Ratu atau menyusuri pantai dan melihat penyu bertelur di Ujung Genteng.
Bosan dengan wisata alam, masih ada wisata budaya seperti mengunjungi museum dan keraton, atau berkeliling daerah untuk mencicipi masakan khas. Anda bisa mencicipi tempoyak di Jambi, rawon di Malang, tinutuan di Manado dan es palu butung di Makassar.
Semua informasi tentang kota-kota se-Indonesia tersaji lengkap dalam buku ini. Bukan hanya obyek-obyek wisata, melainkan juga peta daerah, sarana dan jalur transportasi, tempat peristirahatan restoran, lokasi ATM juga kantor pos dan warung internet. Semuanya melampirkan rentang tarif, waktu pelayanan, foto-foto indah dan opini penulis tentang tempat rehat atau lokasi makan itu. Benar-benar detail, sehingga Anda tidak memerlukan lagi guide ataupun agen travel. Sebuah buku yang menjadi panduan terpercaya para backpacker domestik maupun mancanegara.
Jadi bila bujet Anda terbatas, bisa tetap berlibur dengan menginap di losmen atau wisma yang direkomendasikan si penulis. Atau bila ingin benar-benar nyaman, bisa menyiapkan bujet lebih dengan menginap di resort.
Yang patut disayangkan, buku ini disusun bukan oleh orang Indonesia, melainkan 13 penulis berkewarganegaraan asing. Agar data dalam buku ini benar-benar valid, mereka melakukan penelitian selama lebih dari 300 hari.
Satu lagi, buku ini belum diterjemahkan dalam bahasa Indonesia. Namun kelemahan ini bisa menjadi peluang bagi mereka yang ingin melatih kemampuan bahasa Inggris. Harga bukunya yang cukup mahal juga terobati dengan besarnya manfaat yang diperoleh dari buku ini.
Terlepas dari beberapa kekurangan itu, buku ini akan menambah kecintaan dan kebanggaan Anda terhadap kekayaan alam Indonesia. Anda bisa menghadiahkannya ke orang-orang tercinta atau kolega Anda yang tinggal di luar negeri, hitung-hitung menyukseskan tahun pariwisata Indonesia.
Juga ditulis di dewipuspasari.net
June 14, 2013
I recently travelled to Indo (specifically Java, Bali, and the Gilis), and like another reviewer noted, found some inaccuracies, including outdated prices. One example, a hotel in Eastern Java (whose name I will not mention, but is near Mount Bromo), got a very nice review for its accommodation and food. Some friends and I had a negative experience at this hotel (the walls were very thing and the staff were indifferent at best), and when I subsequently checked reviews on Trip Advisor, several others who travelled at different times had similar experiences. I realize things change over time, but I suspect some places rest on their laurels, and LP staff may not be checking as diligently as their claim to fame (see "Do Travel Writers Go To Hell?"). Having said that, I've never believed LP should be used as a bible, but as a guide.
August 14, 2012
Even though I downloaded this to for the bus between books, it was an excellent read!!! The easy, flowing conversational style was like sitting next to a world-traveling friend. And I learned so much about a place I admittedly never really thought about before. I did not read every single chapter, just cherry picked the (several!) chapters that caught my interest. Over all, I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel of Indonesia or actually traveling there!!! Oh, and take me with you!
September 10, 2007
given the miss information about jakarta's famous clubs ... (woops) I'm not sure to completely rely on the book, nevertheless it's the best shot to get to know a bit about our archipelago country in one single book.
December 7, 2007
A lot better than the previous version of LP. It has more information about flight connecting around the archipelago including budget ones. Information about accommodation is unbeatable. But probably need to do about activities and cultural background. Yes the only LP book that can beat India.
December 26, 2008
Lonely planet guides are a must for the traveler experienced or inexperienced. Have used several for the middle east and for Asia and never been disappointing. Gives you access to a whole range of different things touristy as well as local.
May 17, 2012
I am an Indonesian and I am traveler too, from this I know a lot about so many beautiful places from this complete guide book. After I read this book, I realize I only traveled 10% from the places they mention. Worth to buy if you love travelling especially in Indonesia.
September 12, 2014
Despite the fact that I would expect much more information on Lombok (Tanjung Ringgit area for instance) or on Flores, this guide is still very helpful. Also, 99 % of the travellers you meet in Indonesia are relying on it as well.
September 1, 2016
This book could do a better job preparing you for daily life in Bali. It was targeted at people with a daily budget 2-3x of mine, which is fine but it wasn't the book I needed. Not at all worthless, it was helpful for weekend touristy excursions.
April 29, 2008
sayang sekali, buku panduan wisata indonesia yang bagus justru ditulis oleh orang asing..
January 31, 2010
complete guide for visiting indonesia.. even me as an indonesian need this book to help my self finding good advice to travel in indonesia
April 4, 2011
a must!
July 4, 2011
Reserving judgment - cant tell if these are any good till you go there. The dedicated Bali LP I thought good, the Thiland one was crap.
September 25, 2012
The world's fourth most populous country – 240 million and counting – is a sultry kaleidoscope that runs along the equator for 5000km.
November 15, 2015
Only finished section on Bali because that's all I needed for my trip. :)
November 16, 2018
You can't really go wrong with a Lonely Planet guide. Lots of usefull information and suggestions for preparing your trip.
December 17, 2024
My trusted companion to exploring Jogja this winter guiding me to a great hostel and places to visit.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews