Indonesia Location Map: Where is Indonesia Located
When you look at an indonesia map asia view, you will see Indonesia clearly: it is a huge group of islands located in Southeast Asia.
To be more specific, it dominates the southern or maritime part of that region, and the map shows it is so large that it is located between two oceans (the Indian and the Pacific) and two continents (Asia and Australia). It's also located right on the Earth's Equator.
This indonesia location map is also important for understanding its neighbors. When planning a trip, it’s helpful to know which countries you might be near.
Land Borders: It actually shares land borders with three other nations.
- It shares the island of Borneo with Malaysia.
- It shares the island of New Guinea with Papua New Guinea.
- It shares the island of Timor with Timor-Leste.
It is also a close to many other countries, including Singapore, Australia, and the Philippines (though it does not share a land border with them).
Singapore Map (for Tourist): MRT, Attractions, Hotel & Travel Map
Philippines Maps: Tourist, Islands & Travel Map of PH
2 Facts Quick to Know Indonesia
Before you plan a single day, you MUST understand two facts about this map. First is the sheer scale. Indonesia is over 5,000 km (3,200 miles) wide from its western to its eastern tip. For perspective, that's wider than the United States from Los Angeles to New York.
Second, the country is so wide that it has three different time zones. This is a critical travel fact that catches many visitors by surprise.
- Western Indonesia (WIB - GMT+7): This includes Sumatra and the all-important island of Java (where Jakarta and Yogyakarta are).
- Central Indonesia (WITA - GMT+8): This includes Bali, Lombok, and Komodo National Park (Flores).
- Eastern Indonesia (WIT - GMT+9): This includes the remote diving paradise of Raja Ampat (Papua).
This means when you take the short 1.5-hour flight from Yogyakarta (Java) to Bali, you must move your watch forward one hour. A smart traveler knows this when booking their flights.
Tourist Map of Bali, Indonesia: Bali Map with Attractions, Hotels & Areas
Lombok Indonesia Map: Island Tourist Map with Kuta, Mt. Rinjani & Beaches
Java Island Map, Indonesia: Tourist Map with Attractions, Area & Itinerary
Komodo Map: Komodo Island Map, Komodo National Park Map
Simplified Indonesia Islands Map for Travelers
You don't need to memorize all 17,000 islands. For 99% of travelers, the entire indonesian islands map can be simplified down to these 8 key islands and regions. Think of these as the "main characters" of your trip.
Java Island (The "Heartland"): Indonesia's political and economic center and the world's most populous island. Its travel vibe is a dynamic mix of urban energy (Jakarta), ancient majesty (Borobudur), and epic volcano treks (Mt. Bromo).
Bali Island (Super Star): A world-famous deatinations. It's the center for its unique Hindu culture, incredible wellness retreats, legendary surfing, and a tourist-friendly infrastructure that makes it the most popular place to visit.
Lombok (The "Neighbor"): Just east of Bali, Lombok is its more rugged, less-crowded neighbor. It's often described as "Bali 20 years ago." It offers the stunning Mount Rinjani volcano, wild beaches, and is the gateway to the tiny, car-free Gili Islands.
Flores / Komodo (The "Dragon's Lair"): Continuing east, you find a long, wild chain of islands. The main attraction is at its western tip: Komodo National Park, the only place in the world to see the giant Komodo dragons in the wild.
Sumatra (The "Western Frontier"): A massive, wild island to the west. This is the place for deep jungle adventures, visiting the vast volcanic crater lake (Lake Toba), and seeing orangutans in the rainforests of Bukit Lawang.
Borneo (Kalimantan) (The "Jungle"): This is the Indonesian part of the jungle island of Borneo. Like Sumatra, it's a critical habitat for orangutans, best explored by taking a multi-day klotok (riverboat) journey up a winding jungle river.
Sulawesi (The "Explorer's Island"): That uniquely K-shaped island in the middle. It's an explorer's dream, famous for the stunning and exotic Tana Toraja funeral rites in the highlands and world-class diving at Bunaken National Park in the north.
Papua (The "Diver's Paradise"): The final frontier. This is the Indonesian half of the island of New Guinea. It's home to the pristine Raja Ampat islands, which scientists consider the "Amazon of the Seas"—the literal center of all marine biodiversity on Earth.
The Indonesia Map with Cities: Your Key "Hubs" & "Bases"
Now that we know the main islands, let's pinpoint the key cities on this indonesia map with cities.
Some of these are massive, sprawling megacities that are destinations in themselves, while others are small "gateway" towns that serve as the crucial base for your adventures.
Jakarta (Java): This is the massive, sprawling capital of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of Java. As the nation's economic and political center, it's a "love-it-or-hate-it" megacity, a chaotic but energetic hub of skyscrapers, giant malls, historic old-town districts, and incredible food.
Denpasar (Bali): While Denpasar is Bali's largest city, travelers often see it as the "welcome mat." It's home to the main international airport, and you'll typically travel from here to your final base in Ubud or one of the southern beach towns like Seminyak or Uluwatu.
Yogyakarta (Java): This is the undisputed cultural and artistic soul of Java. It’s home to the Sultan's Palace. Most importantly—it is the world's base for visiting the magnificent Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
Surabaya (Java): This is Indonesia's second-largest city and a bustling industrial port in East Java. For travelers, this "City of Heroes" (as it's known in Indonesia) is the primary starting point for all tours heading to the famous Mt. Bromo volcano.
Bandung (Java): The capital of West Java, this major city is set in a cool highland plateau. Known as "The Paris of Java" in colonial times. it's now famous for its gproximity to tea plantations and the Tangkuban Perahu volcano.
Malang (Java): While it's a popular base for Mt. Bromo (often preferred over Surabaya), its real charm lies in its own unique attractions. Malang is famous for the surreal Jodipan "Rainbow Village".
Labuan Bajo (Flores): Just a few years ago, this was a tiny, sleepy fishing village. Today, it's a booming "Wild West" style tourist town on the island of Flores. Its sole purpose is to be the one and only gateway to Komodo National Park. All boat tours start here.
Medan (Sumatra): The largest city on the island of Sumatra, Medan is a chaotic but fascinating melting pot of cultures. It serves as the primary gateway for travelers heading into the jungle of Bukit Lawang to see orangutans.
Makassar (Sulawesi): This is the largest city in all of Eastern Indonesia. serves as the essential gateway for travelers heading to the unique highlands of Tana Toraja or flying onward to the remote "Eastern Frontier”.
Sorong: This remote gateway is the essential, and only, airport used to access the Raja Ampat diving paradise.
Jakarta Indonesia Map: Tourist Map of Jakarta City & Jabodetabek
Yogyakarta Indonesia Map 2026 | Yogyakarta Map for Tourist
Surabaya Map: Surabaya City, Location & Tourist Map (2026 Updated)
Labuan Bajo Map | Labuan Bajo Indonesia Map for Tourist (2026)
Indonesia Tourist Map: Where Are the Attractions Worth Visiting
A map of cities tells you where to stay. This indonesia tourist map tells you why you're going in the first place. Because Indonesia is an archipelago, its greatest attractions are naturally clustered by its islands. This is the "treasure map" layer.
Borobudur Temple: This is the single largest Buddhist monument on Earth. The essential experience is to arrive in the pre-dawn darkness and climb to the top, watching the sunrise emerge from the mist-filled valley below.
Komodo National Park: It was voted as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It being the last remaining habitat of the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard.
Raja Ampat Islands: Considered the global epicenter of marine biodiversity, Raja Ampat ("The Four Kings") is a diver's and snorkeler's paradise. Its waters are home to more species of fish and coral than anywhere else on the planet.
Kelingking Beach is arguably one of the most Instagrammed spots in all of Southeast Asia. Photos and videos of its cliffs regularly trend globally.
Mount Bromo: One of the most iconic and accessible volcanic landscapes on Earth. The scenery is often described as otherworldly or lunar.
Ubud, Bali (Rice Terraces & Culture): Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali. It's famous for its traditional arts, yoga retreats, and, most visually, its stunning Tegalalang Rice Terrace. Photos of the lush green terraces, particularly with the famous "Bali swings," are ubiquitous on Instagram.
Prambanan Temple: This 9th-century compound is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and one of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia.
Mount Ijen: The combination of the blue fire and the turquoise acid lake is unique on a global scale.
Gili Islands: A trio of tiny islands (Trawangan, Meno, and Air) off the coast of Lombok, the Gilis are famous for their laid-back vibe, white-sand beaches, and the complete absence of motorized vehicles. The quintessential backpacker paradise.
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: Often called the "Niagara of Indonesia," Tumpak Sewu (meaning "a thousand waterfalls") is a breathtaking curtain of water plunging over 120 meters into a jungle-clad gorge. Widely considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.
Orangutan Sanctuaries: Sumatra (Bukit Lawang) & Kalimantan (Tanjung Puting). One of only two countries in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild, making it a top-tier wildlife destination.
Mount Rinjani: Mount Rinjani is Indonesia's second-highest volcano and an epic multi-day trek for serious adventurers. Considered one of the best and most beautiful volcanic treks in Southeast Asia.
Tana Toraja Highlands: Tana Toraja offers one of the most unique cultural experiences in the world. The Torajan people are known for their elaborate and macabre funeral rites, stunning traditional houses (tongkonan), and ancient cliffside burial sites.
Uluwatu Temple: Perched dramatically on a 70-meter-high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu is one of Bali's most important sea temples. Most notably, the spectacular Kecak fire dance that is performed daily at sunset with the crashing waves as a backdrop.
Lake Toba: It's the world's largest volcanic caldera lake, formed by a supervolcanic eruption tens of thousands of years ago. In its center lies Samosir Island, which is nearly the size of Singapore and is the heart of the unique Batak culture.
Gili Islands Map for Tourists: Map of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno & Gili Air
Komodo Map: Komodo Island Map, Komodo National Park Map
Indonesia Travel Map: How Many Days to Stay in Indonesia
This is the most practical and important part of your Indonesia travel map: How many days do you actually need?
The key is to understand how long each "block" of your journey takes. Before we look at full itineraries, here is a general "cheat sheet" for how long you should plan to stay in each key location.
- Main Gateways (Jakarta, Surabaya): 1-2 Days. These are primarily start/end points or hubs for tours.
- Cultural Hub (Yogyakarta): 2-3 Days. This gives you one day for the city and one full day for the Borobudur & Prambanan temples.
- Volcanoes (Mt. Bromo & Mt. Ijen): 3-4 Days. This accounts for the travel time to get there, the pre-dawn tours, and the travel time to get to your next destination (like the Bali ferry).
- Bali (The Island): 7-8 Days. This is a minimum. The island is huge and diverse, from the cultural center of Ubud to the surf cliffs of Uluwatu and the islands of Nusa Penida.
- Lombok: 3-4 Days (not including the Gili Islands).
- Komodo National Park: 2-3 Days. This gives you time for a 2-day/1-night boat tour, which is the best way to see the dragons and the amazing landscapes.
Now, let's see how these "building blocks" fit together into real, proven itineraries.
Route 1: The Classic Itineary Focous on Bali Island (1 Week)
If you have one week (7 days), this is our top recommendation. Do not try to leave the island. You will be tempted to add a volcano from Java or a Komodo dragon, but you will spend 4 of your 7 days in transit.
A full week on Bali gives you the perfect mix of culture, adventure, beaches, and relaxation.
Day 1: Denpasar Arrival & Kuta Beach.
Day 2: Kuta to Ubud (The Cultural Heart).
- Today you travel from the coast to the jungle. On the way, you'll visit the iconic Tanah Lot Temple, perched on a rock in the sea. In Ubud, you'll explore the spiritual side of the town at the Sacred Monkey Forest, the historic Ubud Palace, and the vibrant, bustling Ubud Market.
Day 3: Ubud's Temples & Terraces.
- This day is about Bali's spiritual water and landscapes. You'll visit Tirta Empul Temple to see the holy springs, then head to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces for that iconic photo. The day ends at the hidden Tukad Cepung Waterfall before you transfer back to a base in Kuta.
Day 4: Kuta to Uluwatu (The Clifftops).
- You'll head to the southern tip of the island. Here, you'll visit the dramatic Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali's most sacred, which clings to the edge of a 70-meter cliff. You'll stay for the famous Kecak Fire Dance as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Day 5: Transfer to Sanur & Nusa Penida West.
Today you move to the more relaxed east-coast town of Sanur. You can choose to have a free day on Sanur's calm beach, or take an optional boat tour to Nusa Penida's West Coast to see the world-famous Kelingking ("T-Rex") Beach and Angel's Billabong.
Day 6: Sanur & Nusa Penida East. Enjoy another free day in Sanur, or take the other optional tour to Nusa Penida's East Coast to visit the stunning Diamond Beach and the "treehouse" viewpoint.
Day 7: Denpasar Departure.
Route 2: Java & Bali (10 Days)
This is arguably the best first-time trip for those who want more than just a beach. It's a perfect 10-day blend of Java's ancient culture and epic volcanoes with the relaxing coast of Bali.
Day 1-2: Jakarta. You'll explore the capital's historic heart, Kota Tua (Old Town), with its Dutch colonial architecture. You'll also see the harmony of the grand Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia's largest, and the neo-gothic Jakarta Cathedral sitting right across from it.
Day 3: Jakarta to Yogyakarta (by Train): 6 hours ride.
Day 4: Yogyakarta. You'll greet the sunrise at Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple. Visiting the Sultan's Kraton Palace and the Taman Sari Water Castle, before ending the day at the towering Hindu spires of Prambanan Temple for sunset.
Day 5: Fly to Bali & Transfer to Ubud.
Day 6: Ubud's Temples & Culture. (Tanah Lot Temple, Ubud Palace, Ubud Market).
Day 7: South to Uluwatu. (Uluwatu Temple)
Day 8: Transfer to Sanur (East Coast). Move to the relaxed town of Sanur. Today is a free day to enjoy the calm beach, or you can take the popular optional boat tour to Nusa Penida's West Coast (Kelingking Beach).
Day 9: Sanur Free Day. Your last full day is for relaxing in Sanur, or for taking the other optional trip to Nusa Penida's East Coast (Diamond Beach).
Day 10: Bali Departure.
Route 3: Java, Bali & Komodo (12 Days)
This is the ultimate "Big 3" itinerary for a 12-day trip. It's fast-paced, but it lets you see the ancient temples of Java, the volcanoes of East Java, the culture of Bali, and the dragons of Komodo. This is a true "bucket list" journey.
Day 1: Jakarta
Day 2: Jakara to Yogyakarta by train (6 hours).
Day 3: Yogyakarta (Borobudur temple, Kraton Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle, Prambanan)
Day 4: Train to Surabaya.
Day 5: Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour. An early-morning (around midnight) start! You'll be picked up for a 4x4 Jeep ride to the Penanjakan Peak viewpoint to watch the famous sunrise. Afterward, you'll cross the "Sea of Sand" and hike to the Bromo crater itself before returning to Surabaya.
Day 6: Fly to Bali.
Day 7: Bali (Kuta to Ubud): Tanah Lot Temple, Ubud Palace, Ubud Market.
Day 8: Bali (Ubud to Uluwatu): Uluwatu Temple
Day 9: Transfer to Sanur. Move to the relaxed east-coast town of Sanur. You can enjoy a free day or take an optional boat tour to Nusa Penida's West Coast.
Day 10: Fly to Komodo.
Day 11: Komodo National Park Tour. This is the big one! An all-day boat tour will take you to Padar Island for its iconic hike, the famous Pink Beach, Komodo Island to see the dragons, Taka Makassar (a beautiful sandbar), Manta Point (for snorkeling), and Kalong Island to watch thousands of bats fly out at sunset.
Day 12: Komodo Departure.
Indonesia Airports Map: Flights are Your Best Friend to Travel Around Indonesia
Flights are Your Best FriendYou've seen the itineraries, and you've probably noticed one thing: flights are essential. This is the final, practical layer of your Indonesia airports map.
Because Indonesia is an archipelago, you cannot drive or take a train between the main regions. A domestic flight is often cheap, fast, and the only practical way to get from one island group to the next.
The 2 Main International Gateways (The "Doors")
For 99% of travelers, your journey will begin by landing at one of these two massive international airports.
CGK (Jakarta - Soekarno-Hatta): This is the primary international gateway for the entire country and the nation's largest, busiest airport. As the main hub for the national carrier, Garuda Indonesia, it has the widest range of international connections.
You can fly here directly from major cities across Asia (e.g., Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Bangkok), the Middle East (e.g., Dubai, Doha), Europe (e.g., Amsterdam), and Australia.
DPS (Bali - Ngurah Rai / Denpasar): It is a massive international airport focused on leisure travel. It is heavily serviced by flights from all over Australia (e.g., Perth, Sydney, Melbourne).
You will also find many direct flights from major hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, and the Middle East (Dubai, Doha).
Key Domestic Hubs & "Base" Airports
Once you are "inside" Indonesia, you will use these smaller, but crucial, domestic airports to hop between islands and reach your attractions.
LBJ (Labuan Bajo): This is the Komodo Dragon Gateway. It's a small, regional airport on the island of Flores.
SUB (Surabaya): This is the Volcano Hub and Indonesia's second-busiest airport. This is the main airport travelers use as a base to access Mount Bromo. It is also a major domestic hub connecting Java to Eastern Indonesia.
LOP (Lombok): This is the international airport for the island of Lombok, Bali's neighbor. Singapore and Kuala Lumpur have direct flights to Lombok.
KNO (Medan - Kualanamu): The main international gateway for the island of Sumatra. It's a major hub with flights from Jakarta (CGK) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) in Malaysia.
SOQ (Sorong): The remote gateway to Raja Ampat on the island of Papua.
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