Indonesia is a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, offering incredible diversity from ancient temples and volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Home to unique cultures, world-class diving, and lush rainforests, it's exceptional territory for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Indonesia is generally safe for tourists with standard precautions. Petty theft is the primary concern in tourist areas, while natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis) and marine safety (boat standards) require awareness.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal caution throughout Indonesia. Some areas (Papua, parts of Maluku, border regions) have elevated advisories. Natural disaster preparedness is essential.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism, natural disasters, and civil unrest in some regions. Avoid Level 4 areas: Papua border regions near PNG.
Standard Advice
There is a high threat of terrorism in Indonesia. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Exercise caution in tourist areas.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations
Be vigilant in tourist areas for petty crime
Monitor volcanic and seismic activity through local authorities
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps
Keep copies of passport and important documents
Respect local customs and dress modestly outside tourist areas
Check boat safety standards before maritime travel
Register with your country’s embassy or consulate upon arrival; keep the emergency number saved in your phone
Natural disasters including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are real risks—download the BMKG app for early warnings
Be cautious of drink-spiking scams in Bali nightlife areas, especially in Kuta and Seminyak; never leave drinks unattended
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Fake Money Changers Kuta
Unlicensed money changers on Kuta's tourist strip use sleight of hand, distraction, and calculator tricks to shortchange tourists — the 'best rate' is often the worst deal
How to avoid: Use only authorized money changers with PT Dirgantara or bank logos; count notes carefully before leaving
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed taxis waiting outside Ngurah Rai Airport and outside clubs will demand inflated fixed prices with no meter — common complaints include 5-10x standard rates at night
How to avoid: Use Gojek or Grab apps for all rides; pre-booked airport taxis through authorized counters inside the terminal
Gem/Art Investment Scam
Friendly strangers in Jakarta or Bali tourist areas invite travelers to gem shops or art galleries with supposed 'special deals', convincing them to purchase items as investments that are actually worthless
How to avoid: Politely decline unsolicited invitations from strangers to shops; genuine locals don't direct tourists to specific shops
Bali Timeshare Touts
Approach by friendly touts offering free transport or discounted activities in exchange for attending a 'short' property presentation that turns into high-pressure sales for 3-4 hours
How to avoid: Decline 'free' offers from strangers; if interested in activities, book through reputable operators directly
Temple Entry Fee Scam
Men standing outside temples claim there is a 'special ceremony' today requiring guests to wear a sarong (available to rent from them), or that the temple is 'closed' except via their tour
How to avoid: Check closing times in advance; official temple entry includes sarong loan; enter from main official gate only
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Rabies (if rural travel). Required: Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic countries. Dengue fever risk present — use mosquito repellent. Malaria risk in Papua, Maluku, and some eastern islands — take prophylaxis if visiting.
- Water
- Tap water is NOT safe to drink anywhere in Indonesia. Use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ice in tourist restaurants is generally safe; avoid ice at street stalls.
- Food
- Street food is generally safe when freshly cooked at busy stalls. Avoid pre-prepared foods sitting in open containers for long periods. Peel fruit yourself. Symptoms of Bali belly (traveler's diarrhea) are common the first few days — carry oral rehydration salts.
- Facilities
- Good private hospitals in Bali (BIMC Kuta, Siloam), Jakarta (MRCCC, RS Premier Bintaro), and Yogyakarta. Regional hospitals adequate for routine care. Remote areas have limited facilities — comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Generally safe for solo travelers. Use Gojek/Grab apps rather than unmetered taxis. Keep digital copies of your passport. Indonesia's Muslim culture means hospitality is widespread — solo travelers commonly invited for impromptu meals or conversations. Download the BMKG app for earthquake and volcanic activity alerts.
Female travellers
Indonesia is generally safe for female solo travelers with normal precautions. Bali is one of Southeast Asia's most female-traveler-friendly destinations. Dress modestly outside of beach areas to avoid unwanted attention. Avoid walking alone after midnight in Kuta and Legian. Catcalling can occur in busy city areas — a confident stride and firm 'tidak' (no) is usually sufficient.
Families
Highly family-friendly destination. Balinese culture is extremely welcoming to children. The main considerations are traffic safety (Bali's chaotic roads), food hygiene (stick to cooked foods and peeled fruit for young children), and sun protection at tropical latitudes. Nusa Dua and Sanur in Bali are the safest areas for families with young children due to calm waters and resort infrastructure.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is not illegal nationally in Indonesia (except Aceh Province, which enforces Sharia law, and a 2023 Yogyakarta Perda ordinance). However, Indonesian law does not recognize same-sex partnerships and public acceptance is very limited. Bali is relatively more accepting in tourist areas. Discretion is strongly advised throughout the country. Avoid public displays of affection anywhere. Some recent high-profile police actions in Jakarta have targeted LGBTQ+ venues.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 110
- Medical
- 118
- Embassy
- Register with your home country embassy in Jakarta; US Embassy: +62 21 5083-1000; UK Embassy: +62 21 2356-5200; Australian Embassy: +62 21 2550-5555
- Tourist Police
- +62 361 224111 (Bali Tourist Police)