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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Indonesia is far more than Bali — over 17,000 islands of culture, temples, and beaches. (Looking for Bali specifically? See our complete Bali guide.) Here are the direct answers Black travelers ask most about the rest of Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
CITY GUIDES
Indonesia rewards travelers who go beyond Bali. Jakarta is the massive capital. Yogyakarta is the cultural and temple heartland of Java. Lombok offers Bali’s beauty with fewer crowds. The Gili Islands are car-free tropical escapes. (For Bali, see our dedicated Bali guide.)
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PRACTICAL ESSENTIALS
Vietnam is welcoming to Black travelers, but a few cultural realities are worth knowing before you go so the small moments do not catch you off guard.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR BLACK TRAVELLERS
Indonesia beyond Bali offers an incredibly rich and varied experience for Black travelers — from Jakarta’s energy to Java’s ancient temples to the quiet islands. Because most of Indonesia is Muslim-majority (unlike Hindu Bali), a few cultural notes are especially worth knowing.
Curiosity, especially off the tourist track. Jakarta and major tourist areas are used to international visitors, but in Yogyakarta’s neighborhoods, on Lombok, and in smaller towns, Black travelers are far less common. Expect friendly staring, “hello mister/miss!” greetings, and photo requests, particularly from young people. It’s warm curiosity, not hostility — for many locals you may be the first Black person they’ve met in person. A smile and a wave turns it into a positive exchange.
Religion and modest dress. This is the biggest difference from Bali. Most of Indonesia is Muslim, so dress more conservatively than you would on Bali’s beaches — cover shoulders and knees in cities, and dress modestly when visiting mosques (women may need a head covering, usually provided). During Ramadan, be respectful about eating and drinking in public during daylight hours in more conservative areas. At Hindu and Buddhist temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, the usual temple etiquette applies (modest dress, respectful behavior).
Hair and beauty access. As across Indonesia, Black hair products are hard to find outside the Bali expat bubble. Bring your own full supply. Limited options can be ordered through Indonesian online marketplaces (Tokopedia, Shopee), but selection is inconsistent and delivery to islands is slow. There are very few braiders or natural hair stylists outside Bali, so arrive prepared with your hair done or bring everything you need.
Food. Indonesian cuisine is diverse and flavorful — nasi goreng, satay, rendang, gado-gado, and countless regional dishes. As a Muslim-majority country, halal food is the norm and widely available, which is convenient for Muslim travelers. Vegetarian options exist but check for shrimp paste (terasi) and fish. Street food and warungs are cheap and delicious — ease into them and drink bottled or filtered water.
Etiquette and warmth. Indonesians are gentle, polite, and community-oriented. Use your right hand for giving and receiving (the left is considered unclean). Avoid public displays of anger — patience and a calm demeanor are respected. Learn a few words of Bahasa Indonesia (terima kasih means thank you); it’s genuinely appreciated and the language is one of the easier ones to pick up basics in. Modesty, respect, and a friendly smile go a long way across the islands.
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TOP EXPERIENCES
The experiences below are the ones Black travelers consistently rate as worth the cost across Indonesia (beyond Bali). Each is bookable through Klook, the leading tour platform in Asia.
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LIVING IN INDONESIA AS A BLACK EXPAT
Most of Indonesia’s Black expat and digital nomad energy is concentrated in Bali (covered in our dedicated Bali guide). Beyond Bali, Jakarta is the main base for Black professionals, teachers, embassy staff, and those working with international companies, offering big-city amenities at a low cost of living. Yogyakarta draws students and creatives, while Lombok and the Gilis attract divers and a slower-paced nomad crowd. Indonesia’s visa options — the visa on arrival extension, the B211A for up to 180 days, and emerging remote worker visas — make longer stays accessible, and most expats use local visa agents to handle the process.
LATEST INDONESIA STORIES
Indonesia has become a top destination for Black expats