Visiting Indonesia in September

If you’re looking for the best time to visit Indonesia, September is easily among the top months to explore the country with the great weather conditions of the summer but without the crowds of peak season. The number of visitors drops dramatically so the popular western and central islands, including Java, Bali and Lombok will be much quieter this month, although still sunny and dry. In the eastern islands things are improving too, including in the Banda Islands, while Raja Ampat also sees drier days by the end of the month.

Java

Make the most of the lower visitor numbers to explore the popular spots, such as Borobudur on Java, as well as Yogyakarta and Bandung. It’s coming to the end of the tourist season at Pangandaran if you’re hoping to hit the beach, while the weather is still good if you’re hoping to go climbing and trekking too. Discover the hundreds of temples on the Dieng Plateau, or climb Mount Bromo before the weather turns again. The volcanic landscapes of the Ijen Plateau are another alternative, with a chance to explore the spice plantations around Kalibaru village too. For another volcanic experience, the remote Papandayan volcano is still active. Or it’s a good month to spot wildlife in the savannah of Baluran National Park, in one of the last dry months of the year.

Bali

On Bali, visit the famous water palace and explore the hills around Tirtagangga, or enjoy walking by the rice paddies of Ubud and Sidemen, or in the hills at Munduk. You’ll have plenty of space to stretch out on the beaches again, whether that’s around Sanur, Lovina, Jimbaran or the surf at Paradise Beach. And the trade winds on the east coast usually drop during September, so it’s also a good month to dive and snorkel at Nusa Lembongan, Amed and Candidasa, along with Pemuteran.

It’s getting hotter in Nusa Tenggara, but you can always escape into the hills of Tetebatu or trek Mount Rinjani for cooler weather. Or simply soak up the sun on the islands’ beautiful beaches, with some more good snorkelling and diving around the Gili Islands, Lombok and Flores, with island-hopping cruises which also take you to see Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park.

Sumatra

Temperatures are dropping slightly in Sumatra just as visitor numbers fall, so it’s the perfect time to visit Bukit Luwang to try to spot orangutans in the jungle. And while it’s hot on Kalimantan, you’ll find plenty of wildlife here, whether you choose to cruise along the river or look for orangutans in the rainforest. For another side to Indonesian Borneo, head Samosir Island in Lake Toba for a taste of local life and culture. Sulawesi is also sunny and dry across the south, with just a few showers across the north..

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, wildlife spotting, beaches, climbing and trekking, visiting the whole country