Indonesia In August: What’s So Exotic About This Southeast Asian Country

Everyone ranging from the Obamas to the Kardashians have been on holiday to Indonesia. Everyone on Instagram has seemingly been on a holiday to Indonesia. In all probability, many of your friends have been on a holiday to Indonesia. The pocket friendly beach paradise has emerged as a tourism hotspot, and for good reason. This year, it is time for you to plan a vacation in Indonesia.

If you’ve already begun and have chosen August for your visit, this article is for you. Read on to know everything about Indonesia in August, including the weather conditions, events, and best things you can try in Indonesia during the month.

Indonesia Weather In August

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August is one of the best times to visit Indonesia, weather wise. It is one of the driest and warmest months in the country and falls in between the peak tourism season.

The temperatures range between 33-degree celsius and 25-degree celsius, and presents the perfect conditions to explore the beautiful coastal country. If you find the weather a bit too warm, you can always take a dip in the perfectly temperate ocean waters surrounding the different islands.

Must Read: Indonesia Asks Not To Cancel Your Bali Vacay, West Australian Government Seconds!

Reasons To Visit Indonesia In August

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August falls bang in the middle of peak tourist season in the country. While this may mean that accommodation and flight costs are towards the higher end of the spectrum, it also means that visitors get to experience the best of everything Indonesia has on offer. With bustling markets to experiences (like water sports and some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world) that are only available during this time of the year, visiting Indonesia is definitely worth the few extra bucks.

With that said, availability of adventure and abundance of scenic beauty aren’t the only reasons to visit Indonesia in August. There are a number of festivities too that happen during the month of August. Check them out!

Baliem Valley Festival: Celebrated by the tribes of Baliem Valley, which is situated in the eastern province of Indonesia, the Baliem Valley Festival is one of the most unique festivals in the world. The participating tribes believe war is a symbol of prosperity and thus, celebrate this festival by staging mock war scenarios
Dieng Culture Festival: The Dieng Culture Festival is another extremely unique festival celebrated in Indonesia. Celebrated in Dieng, on the island of Java, the festival involves shaving off the naturally formed dreadlocks of the teenagers of the island
Independence Day: Indonesia was one a Dutch colony that got independence on August 17th 1945. The day is observed as the independence day of the country and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across all its islands. The most noteworthy celebration of the Indonesian independence day happens in front of the Presidential Palace where an elaborate parade is held
Bidar Boat Race: Another unique celebration of the Indonesian Independence, the Bidar Boat Race is held in Palembang in South Sumatra. Large handmade boats, ranging in length between 20 and 30 meters, are decorated with bring paints and other decorative material before racing in the river Each boat is operated by up to a 70-man crew and the whole affair is truly as much of a spectacle as the parade in front of the Presidential Palace

Places To Visit in Indonesia In August

Let’s look at some of the places that should definitely find a place on your itinerary. Each one of them deserves to be in your travel plan – read to know why!

1. Bali

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Perhaps the most well-known island in Indonesia, Bali is at the forefront of the tourism scene in Indonesia. Lined with majestic views, some of the most well known man made structures on the planet and a baffling variety of hotels, resorts, beach bars, clubs, and cafes, Bali is a tourist heaven.

Add the picturesque beaches encompassed within the island and you get the perfect place for a summery beach holiday. During August, the weather on the island is nothing short of delightful and the ocean waters are just the right temperature for an exhilarating dip, perfect time to visit Bali.

2. Raja Ampat Islands

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Raja Ampat (The Four Kings) Islands are an archipelago consisting of 1500 small islands. Apart from surreal picturesque views in every direction, the Raja Ampat Islands are known to house the largest variety of marine biodiversity on the planet.

So from whale watching to SCUBA diving, you can expect to experience the best of everything water-related during your visit to Raja Ampat Islands.

3. Komodo National Park

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As the name suggests, the Komodo National Park houses a large number of the Komodo Dragons, that are the last surviving species of dinosaurs. The reptiles roam the island freely and observing them in their natural habitat is truly a pulse racing experience. The national park is also home to some fantastic diving spots.

Things To Do In Indonesia In August

Listed below are some of the best activities that you can try during your trip to Indonesia in August. Do add them in your itinerary for a fulfilling vacation in this part of southeast Asia.

1. Hike To The Crater Of Mount Bromo

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Hiking around Mount Bromo is one of the most sought after activities for tourists in Indonesia, and for good reason. After all, it isn’t everyday that you get to hike around a volcano.

The hike is a beginner friendly one and offers some of the best views in Indonesia. In fact, speaking of views, the sunset views from Mount Bromo are often dearly called the best sunset views on the planet, and are definitely worth your time and the effort that goes into reaching the summit.

2. Dive Around The Raja Ampat Islands

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As mentioned earlier, the Raja Ampat Islands are blessed with the most thriving varieties of marine biodiversity on the planet. Hence, the archipelago is home to some of the most popular diving sites in the region.

Offering an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, a dive into the waters around Raja Ampat Islands will help you get acquainted with a world whose existence is often forgotten about by us land swellers.

3. Dine At Bali Restaurants

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Since Bali is one of the most popular islands of Indonesia, it is natural that there will be an abundance of attractions for tourists. Among these, are the ever popular cafes of Bali that cater to every whim of their guests, while offering some truly delightful views of white sandy beaches and endless ocean vistas.

Many of these cafes close down during the high tide months and are only open for business during the months surrounding August.

Further Read: 12 Indonesian Islands That Will Take Your Breath Away

August is perhaps the best time to plan a holiday in Indonesia. While our country struggles with monsoon showers during this time of the year, Bali is warm and welcoming, offering a perfect escape. While the flights and accommodations can turn out to be expensive, the extra charges can be easily avoided by planning in advance and making early bookings.