Visiting Indonesia in May

There’s some of the best weather of the year across Indonesia in May, although visitor numbers aren’t at their peak this month so you can enjoy the sights – from glorious beaches to volcanoes and hills, temples to wildlife – without the worst of the crowds. As with all tropical countries, the occasional shower is always a possibility, especially if you’re venturing into the jungles and rainforests, but generally you can expect dry, sunny days.

Beaches

If you’re hoping for beach time, you’re spoiled for choice across Bali and Nusa Tenggara, with some great diving, snorkelling and surfing as well as countless chances to lounge under a palm tree. On Bali, head to Pemuteran, Nusa Lembongan, Amed and Candidasa to discover the fabulous marine life, or relax on the sands at Sanur, Lovina, Jimbaran and Paradise Beach. In Nusa Tenggara, you could try an island-hopping cruise to see as many as possible, or choose from Lombok, the Gili Islands, Flores and the Komodo National Park, where you can also look for the island’s dragons.

Nature

It’s a fantastic month to get outdoors as well, whether you’re looking for a walk through the rice paddies of Ubud and Sidemen in Bali or a chance to get into the island’s hills at Munduk and around Tirtagangga to visit the famous water palace. Or on Lombok, you could head into the hills of Tetebatu or challenge yourself to trek Mount Rinjani, although bear in mind that it will be cooler here.

Java

On Java, May is a perfect time for a holiday in Indonesia if you’re planning to climb Mount Bromo, trek the less-visited Ijen Plateau with its volcanic peaks and villages, or even visit the remote active Papandayan volcano. It will be cooler at altitude, so do go prepared. Java’s biggest tourist spots, including Yogyakarta and Borobudur will also be quieter than other peak months, so it’s an ideal time to explore here. And the dry season has started at Baluran National Park where you can be lucky enough to see Javan leopards in the savannah.

Wildlife

For more wildlife, it’s a good month to visit Sumatra and Kalimantan as well, both generally hot and sunny although with the occasional shower, especially in the north of Sumatra. Head to Bukit Luwang for the chance to spot orangutans in the jungle, or you can cruise along jungle rivers in Kalimantan, and head into the rainforest there to look for orangutans as well.

Sulawesi

In Sulawesi, the south is getting drier throughout the month, although with some rain still in the north, and the southern and northern Molucca Islands, including the Banda islands, are all enjoying sun. Rainy season has begun in the central isles while the southeast monsoon is arriving across Raja Ampat this month.

Festivals: Vesak – or Waisak – usually takes place this month, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, with some of the biggest celebrations at Borobudur on Java.

Best for: Exploring the whole country without the crowds, beaches, diving and snorkelling, trekking and climbing the peaks, rice paddies, wildlife spotting, temples