With plenty of flight options and some great fares available, an Indonesia holiday is an attractive escape from Hong Kong. In this mini guide, we’ve rounded up where to stay in Bali and beyond, along with some of the best Indonesia travel spots, including Bintan resorts. 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 – because 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 this quiet resort surrounded by nature in the southeast of Bintan Island – the only 5-star resort in its vicinity. Here are five things to look forward to at The Residence.
#1 There are 127 well-appointed terrace rooms and villas; 47 of them include private pool villas, more than any resort in Bintan. 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 around this Bintan resort: 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 come much better than these two neighbouring resorts in Seminyak, Bali. Here are five 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 Location – it’s 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
Bali villas vs resorts: which one suits your Indonesia holiday?
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: 277 million
Capital: Jakarta
Religion: Predominantly Muslim, but Hinduism is dominant in Bali
Emergency number: 112 (standard GSM number)
Some trivia about Indonesia travel
- 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 Indonesian travel spots
Do I need a visa for a holiday in Indonesia?
Rules have changed in recent times, and most visitors are now 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 Singapore, and 2 hours earlier than 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 spots
- 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 quotes
- “The firm tree does not fear the storm.” – Indonesian proverb
- “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 the one dish you shouldn’t miss on your Indonesia holiday?
Gado gado – a 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).
Liked this article on the best Indonesia travel spots from private pool villas in Bali to Bintan resorts? Read more in our Travel section for more ideas for your Indonesia holiday.
