In this mini guide to an Indonesia holiday, we’ve rounded up where to stay in Bali and beyond, along with some of the best Indonesia travel spots, including Bintan resorts that are just a short ferry ride away from Singapore. You’ll also find tips on choosing the right Bali villa and a handy fact file covering visas, food, money and useful language phrases to get you started. With over 17,000 islands, there’s plenty to explore.
Private pool villas and resorts to shortlist for your next Indonesia holiday
The Residence Bintan – a 5-star resort
Families, couples and solo travellers can expect a rejuvenating break at The Residence, a quiet resort surrounded by nature in the southeast of Bintan, and the only five-star resort in the vicinity. Here are five things to look forward to.
#1 There are 127 well-appointed terrace rooms and villas; 47 of them include private pool villas, more than any resort on the island. The design features clean minimalist lines and traditional Javanese aesthetics.
#2 Relax and unwind with a visit to The Spa by The Residence, which offers a combination of modern techniques with ancient Ayurveda and Indonesian traditions.
#3 Food-wise, guests can choose from authentic Indonesian food at Rica Rica, healthy bowls and drinks at The Pool Bar, international dishes at The Dining Room, and barbecue seafood buffets by the beach. There’s also the Earth Basket farm, where this Bintan resort grows its own ingredients.
#4 Complimentary activities include yoga and marine discovery walks. There’s also an animal sanctuary with peacocks, ducks, chickens and rabbits that is bound to delight little travellers.
#5 There’s plenty to explore near this Bintan resort, too. For example, you can visit Senggarang Island to see wooden houses on stilts and an iconic banyan tree temple; head to Penyengat Island, a nominated UNESCO site for its historical significance; or enjoy a boat ride to White Sand Island and Mapur Island, perfect for snorkelling or picnics.
+62 778 6000 888 | cenizaro.com/theresidence/bintan
The Legian Seminyak and The Club by The Legian Seminyak, Bali
If it’s a front-row ocean view you’re after in Bali, it doesn’t get much better than these two neighbouring resorts in Seminyak, Bali. Here are some highlights!
#1 All 66 Suites at the resort, along with the three-bedroom Beach House, come with ocean views and breezes – ideal for greeting the sunset with a refreshing drink in hand.
#2 The main restaurant at this Bali resort overlooks a tiered infinity pool to the beach, and serves up a mix of Asian flair and Western comfort, using organic locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss cocktails at The Pool Bar and The Ocean Bar.
#3 For more exclusivity, the adjacent property, The Club by The Legian Seminyak, Bali, is a private estate with a 30-metre pool and 13 private pool villas ranging from one to three bedrooms. They include VIP perks such as a dedicated butler, chauffeured limousine service and complimentary in-room bar.
#4 Both retreats are designed by Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim (who also designed Capella Singapore and AMAN Summer Palace Beijing), so you can expect a blend of tropical elegance with an infusion of local natural-fibre furnishings, wooden floors and original art and artefacts.
#5 The Concierge team at this Bali resort can arrange a variety of tailored half- and full-day tours to explore more of Bali, from shopping excursions and temple tours, to scuba diving, surf lessons or horse riding through rice fields.
IG @thelegianseminyak | @theclub.thelegianseminyak
lhm-hotels.com/en/the-legian-seminyak-bali
Sweet Surrender Bali villa
Tucked away in one of Seminyak’s most sought-after pockets, Sweet Surrender is a four-bedroom Bali villa – renovated by Singapore based Australian interior designer Faith Town. Here are five reasons to book this villa for your next Indonesia holiday.
#1 Interiors are designed with a focus on exquisite yet functional details: think luxe linen, Jim Thompson upholstery, tropical inspired yet sophisticated wallpapers, and soft furnishings sourced from known brands such as Fenton & Fenton and Soho Home. There’s also bespoke furniture made in Indonesia from local teak, rattan and stone.
#2 The location is within easy walking distance from Seminyak’s best cafés, dining spots, spas and beach clubs. Nearby are world-class restaurants like Merah Putih and Mauri, along with local favourites including Potato Head, La Lucciola and Bodyworks.
#3 Sweet Surrender has four bedrooms, all with ensuites. Three bedrooms feature Californian king beds, while the fourth is a bunk room with two built-in queen bunk beds – just the thing for teens or older kids who love a space of their own.
#4 The living and dining areas open to a large pool deck surrounded by luxe tropical gardens, creating an indoor-outdoor flow. You can expect plenty of boutique-hotel touches, too, from Smeg appliances and international sockets to a big-screen media room for that much-needed holiday downtime, be it the latest series on Netflix or some live international sport.
#5 This Bali villa is run by a dedicated local team including a villa manager, daily housekeeping, and a chef available on request. They’ll sort out all kinds of day-to-day operations to make your stay a smooth one, from daily cleaning to breakfast prep, laundry and in-villa spa treatments. They’re also your go-to for organising private drivers for exploring Bali’s coastline (or shops!).
Bookings are available via 5 Star Bali Villa.
IG @SweetSurrenderBaliVilla
5 highlights of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
#1 The resort rises up from the south end of the bay, giving all 156 villas a prime view of the wide sweep of water. More than 300 Hindu shrines dot the grounds, and a resident priest tends to an ancient temple. Elsewhere, stone steps lead to rocky coves, and grassy plateaus rise above the waves – a popular place for couples to get married.
#2 A popular accommodation choice is the Premier Ocean Villa – a thatched-roof sanctuary inspired by a traditional Balinese courtyard house. There’s a poolside open-air bale where you can flop beside the water. Inside, every touch is thoughtfully considered, from the soaking tub and outdoor shower, to the delicious tropical fruit and treats. Larger villas – from two- to four-bedrooms – cater for bigger families and groups.
#3 The resort’s Healing Village Spa is a 10-suite complex that looks like it’s suspended over water. From a comprehensive treatment menu, we sampled a two-hour Celestial Light Ritual that included crystal-infused oils, chromatherapy lighting, singing bowls and a massage on a bed of crushed quartz crystals.
#4 Every corner of the resort has a culinary highlight. Cocktail bar Telu is a gem, constructed entirely of upcycled materials, including coasters made from tyres. Alu is a casual poolside café serving a menu put together by a nutritionist. Jala honours the culinary heritage of Jembrana, a coastal regency in Bali’s west. Sundara is a special spot by the beach – don’t miss the degustation menu. And Taman Wantilan has wide wooden decks with unbeatable views and a huge array of live stations at breakfast.
#5 By staying here, you facilitate plenty of good for Balinese communities. For instance, waste is recycled and distributed to locals to be used in other ways, and leftover soap is processed and repackaged for the ROLE Foundation supporting orphanages in Bali. Four Seasons also hires hearing-impaired students from Nusa Dua for internships, and clean-up events are regularly held on the beach and elsewhere.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan – 5 reasons to stay
#1 The second Four Seasons property in Bali is located in Sayan, just west of Ubud. Guests spending time at both the Jimbaran and Sayan properties can experience “The World’s Only Check-In by River Raft” – a one-hour water adventure through Class II and III rapids, passing by a holy spring and a heritage dam. You’ll never arrive at a luxury resort the same way!
#2 Four Seasons Sayan’s many accolades include being voted the world’s best hotel, and it’s easy to see why from the 42 villas and 18 suites. Even the One-Bedroom Villa is enormous – 350 square metres, with private pool and jungle and river views. The décor features locally sourced materials, traditional ikat fabrics and carved wood for a warm, rustic elegance.
#3 The resort’s recently opened Sacred River Spa is a large cluster of seven private spa villas with a focus on holistic wellbeing and detoxification. A highlight is the Ultimate Renewal treatment, including a foot bath, private infrared sauna, scalp elixir and deep tissue massage. Also not to be missed is the “Sacred Nap”, where you’re suspended in a silk hammock in the nook of the river, and gently rocked by the resort’s Wellness Mentor, who chants quietly in the background.
#4 Each day starts with the option of a complimentary yoga class. Also free is a regular 20-minute shuttle into Ubud for shopping. Paid activities include a three-hour biking-and-hiking exploration of nearby villages, a cooking school, sunrise trekking and a private tour called “Can You Keep a Secret?” taking in Bali’s hidden gems. Pici Pici (“little snail”) is the resort kids’ club.
#5 In typical Four Seasons fashion, dining here is about as good as it gets for an Indonesia travel destination – from breakfast looking out over palms and paddies, to Mediterranean delights at Riverside, or room service by your private pool. Be sure to book the Chef’s Dinner at Sokasi. At a small riverside pavilion, chefs prepare traditional Balinese dishes for just eight guests. Expect the likes of claypot duck cooked underground for 12 hours, to babi guling – suckling pig slow-roasted over an open fire.
The difference between Bali villas and resort stays
Villas work beautifully for families, multi-generational trips and groups of friends, offering space, privacy and flexibility around meals and schedules. Bali resorts, on the other hand, suit travellers who prefer on-site dining, kids’ clubs and spas, with everything in one place.
Many travellers find the sweet spot by splitting a stay – starting with a few nights in a Bali villa for space and downtime, then finishing at a resort for indulgence and activities.
Six things to look for when choosing a Bali villa for your next Indonesia holiday
A villa stay can be one of the most memorable ways to experience Bali. But not all villas are created equal! Before booking, it’s worth looking beyond the photos and checking a few practical details.
#1 Location (and realistic distances)
Beachfront, rice field or clifftop? They all sound dreamy, but location affects day-to-day ease. Being walkable to cafés and shops in areas like Seminyak or Canggu can be a big plus for some Bali villas, while quieter areas such as Ubud or Uluwatu are better suited to travellers who value space and privacy.
#2 Staffing and service levels
Many Bali villas include staff, but the level of service varies widely. Some offer daily housekeeping only, while others include a villa manager, security and optional private chef services. For families or groups, having someone who can organise drivers, childcare or in-villa meals can make the stay feel effortless.
#3 Pool design and safety
A private pool is often the highlight, but check the layout carefully – especially if travelling with children. Look for shallow areas, fencing options or bedroom layouts that allow easy supervision.
#4 Layout and liveable space
It’s not just about the number of bedrooms. Comfortable communal areas matter just as much – shaded outdoor seating, indoor lounges with air conditioning, and dining spaces that fit everyone.
#5 Wi-Fi, power and backup systems
While infrastructure has improved in Bali, occasional power outages still happen. Villas with backup generators and reliable Wi-Fi are worth prioritising, particularly if anyone plans to work remotely.
#6 Noise, privacy and surroundings
Check what’s nearby – neighbouring villas, beach clubs or construction sites can affect privacy and noise levels. A quick map check and recent reviews often give a clearer picture than listing descriptions alone.
# Indonesia Travel Tips
The basics
Population: 287 million
Capital: Jakarta
Religion: Predominantly Muslim, but Hinduism is dominant in Bali
Emergency number: 112 (standard GSM number)
Trivia about Indonesia
- Indonesia is one of the largest producers of nutmeg in the world.
- There are over 700 indigenous languages across the country.
- Indonesia’s Komodo dragon is the largest living species of lizard, growing to three metres.
- The Indonesian flag has identical features to the flag of Monaco; it’s just a tiny bit wider.
Best Indonesia travel destinations for your next holiday
Popular Indonesia travel spots include Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Lombok, Aceh and Bintan. Borobudur temple, Komodo National Park and Sumatra’s rainforests are among the World Heritage Sites and also some of the best Indonesia travel destinations if you’re looking for history and nature.
Important questions when going to Indonesia travel spots
Do I need a visa for a holiday in Indonesia? Visa rules change periodically; most visitors are currently required to apply for a visa on arrival, either online or at the airport. A few ASEAN countries are exempted, including Singapore and Malaysia.
What time is it Indonesia? Indonesia is between 7 and 9 hours ahead of GMT. Bali is the same time as Kuala Lumpur, and 2 hours behind Sydney.
What’s the money situation? The official currency is the Indonesia rupiah (Rp). There are ATMs throughout the country.
When’s the perfect time to explore Indonesian travel spots? An Indonesia holiday means warm weather year-round, with wetter months from November to March. For drier conditions, aim for May to September – though northern regions can still see rain anytime.
What’s the lingo? The official language is Bahasa Indonesia (though English is widely spoken.) Try “Selamat” for “hello” and “Terima kasih” for “thank you” for starters!
Staying safe and healthy in Indonesia travel locations
- Malaria and dengue fever exist in parts of the country – use adequate protection and carry antimalarial medicine during your holiday in Indonesia.
- Avoid swimming in freshwater streams and lakes as disease-causing organisms can be present.
- Unlabelled bottles of the locally distilled rice spirit called arak can have dangerous additives.
Cultural highlights for your Indonesia holiday
What to read: This Earth of Mankind by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. This love story takes place at the end of the Dutch colonial period.
What to watch: Laskar Pelangi (“The Rainbow Troops.”) Tells the story of 10 school children and their two teachers on a Sumatran tin mining island
Notable quote: “Because Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, hundreds of languages and people from scores of regions and ethnic groups, my time here helped me appreciate the humanity of all people.” – Barack Obama
Last but not least
What’s a good place to start with trying Indonesian cuisine? Gado gado is a delicious salad of boiled vegetables served with a peanut sauce dressing. Also, on the Hindu island of Bali you mustn’t miss babi guling, or roast suckling pig.
What should I buy as a souvenir? Puppets! Look for shadow puppets (wayang kulit) and also wooden doll puppets (wayang golek).
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