Where to Begin!

Start with buying the Lp guide to the country and looking through it!
It will give you ideas about what is on offer in the various parts of the country.
You will have 5-6 months, which could allow you to see a lot - more than most visitors.

For temples and surf, Java and Bali are the islands to go, but neither has really beautiful, calm beaches by Indonesian standards.

I'd also start with a guidebook.....there are many,many options and you will find the one that suits your needs most.

If you are flying inter continental then the vast majority of flights will be either into Jakarta or into Bali.So those are the probable places to start.Jakarta is not very 'touristy' for a major city.Nor very interesting IMHO,but that depends on your interests ;-)

Bali has some very touristy parts,and others less so.Its more of a 'gentle' introduction to the country and that is where I would start as a first timer.Most of the interesting temples are either in Bali or in East Java next door.Ther are good beaches on Lombok,the other side of Bali.

As Laszlo says,you have plenty of time..much more than most people.You can see several islands in your timeframe,so no great need to start with the more unusual places.

At the top of this page are "Videos" and "Destinations" -- have a look at them too. I think guides in e-book format are easier to carry than hardcopy ones.

It is hard to know where to enter and leave Indonesia too. Visas are another thing to watch. So look at these at the same time and don't make any international flight bookings before these questions are settled.

Paul

Start in Jakarta. It is a city of millions of people. Local people in Jakarta will outnumber tourists on most days... and the museums, botanical garden, markets, universities, commercial areas etc. are perfect as an introduction to the country. It also has transport connections to get everywhere else.

Many people come to Jakarta because it is where many international flights land not because of its tourist attractions. If you look here, on TT, most people are asking how to get out of there quickly. OP, you seem to have a bit of time so it might be a good place but you should look at your overall itinery before deciding on details about where to start. Jakarta is certainly not most people's choice though they may end up starting there because of the airline. People also go through Bangkok, Kaula Lumpur and Singapore as the entry to South East Asia before going to their prefered entry point into Indonesia. You are looking at a five month trip so you need to consider your visa situation carefully. One thing to do might be to leave by one point and return by another, transiting through a foreign country and getting a new visa (or exemption) on the way.

Paul

I am originally Indonesian.
My suggestion you start from Bali.
Then go to java Island. In Banyuwangi there will be Pulau Merah beach which not much turist and standart waves to surf. I am sure you will love this place..
Any more Question about Indonesia, you can privately message me.

Thank you everyone for your helpful responses!

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