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Indonesia is on almost everyone’s bucket list especially because of Bali! I was no different, except when I visited in 2019 I was most keen to spend most of my time on Lombok where I had heard so many amazing things about the island and its natural beauty! I ended up spending a month total in Indonesia. I started in Bali where I stayed for 10 days or so, then headed to Lombok, where I had a side trip to a surf spot on neighbor island Sumbawa, and then spent the rest of my time exploring Lombok before heading to Jakarta to fly out. Unfortunately, I did spend a lot of my time in Indonesia very sick (for various reasons) so my travels were slowed down, BUT I did still explore quite a lot! I sunbathed on pristine beaches, got my open water scuba diving license in some of the most lively waters in the world, learned to drive a motorbike, sat on the edge of cliffs, and search for the most beautiful waterfalls! So despite the sick days, my trip to Indonesia is fond in my memories, and instead of checking the country off my list I find myself longing to go back and explore more!
Indonesia is on almost everyone’s bucket list especially because of Bali! I was no different, except I was most keen to spend most of my time on Lombok where I had heard so many amazing things about the island and its natural beauty! I ended up spending a month total in Indonesia. I started in Bali where I stayed for 10 days or so, then headed to Lombok, where I had a side trip to a surf spot on neighbor island Sumbawa, and then spent the rest of my time exploring Lombok before heading to Jakarta to fly out. Unfortunately, I did spend a lot of my time in Indonesia very sick (for various reasons) so my travels were slowed down, BUT I did still explore quite a lot! I sunbathed on pristine beaches, got my open water scuba diving license in some of the most lively waters in the world, learned to drive a motorbike, sat on the edge of cliffs, and search for the most beautiful waterfalls! So despite the sick days, my trip to Indonesia is fond in my memories, and instead of checking the country off my list I find myself longing to go back and explore more!
Over the years as pictures of the curved spine of Kelingking Beach have gone viral online, Nusa Penida has become a main attraction to visiting Indonesia. Here you will find less Western restaurants, ...
Kuta is on the southern coast of Lombok and is popular for surfing, the beautiful beaches, and the social life. A trip here is really whatever you want it to be; whether you’re looking to party, hav...
The official language is Indonesian, but only 7% of the population uses it as their first language. Other languages such as Javanese are more widely spoken and actually over 300 different languages are spoken throughout the whole country! About 21% of the country speaks English, and in tourist hubs such as Bali it is widely spoken.
Indonesian Rupiah
SYMBOL: Rp
ABBREVIATION: IDR
CONVERSION: The currency rate is subject to change but typically $1 USD ~ 14,100 Rp. It can be confusing at first because Indonesia uses such big numbers, so it’s not uncommon to see something like a meal as 100,000 Rp which sounds like so much to people from countries using small number currencies.
Indonesia uses plug types C and F with voltage 230V and standard frequency 50Hz; this voltage is higher than in the U.S. As a standard rule of thumb, I suggest traveling with a plug adapter with a voltage converter.
U.S. citizens can travel without a visa to Indonesia if staying for less than 30 days with no extensions available. If you think you’ll be in Indonesia longer, you must pay $35 USD for visa on arrival for 30 days, and then extend your visa for another 30 days for an additional $35 USD. Visa information is subject to changes so double check here.
To check health advisories and what vaccinations are needed and what precautions to take for Indonesia, check the CDC website.
Because I did get sick several times in Indonesia, I suggest bringing antibiotics, electrolytes and DiaResQ in case this happens to you, as well.
Indonesia is a massive country consisting of thousands of islands, therefore traveling to one island versus another may be two completely different experiences. Sometimes the U.S. travel advisory will mention “civil unrest” and that is typically in parts of Indonesia most people do not travel to. The most traveled places such as Bali, Lombok, Java, Komoda Island, etc. are very safe in my opinion. However, like anywhere there are some tips you should follow!
The rideshare apps used in Indonesia are GRAB and Gojek. Keep in mind, in some areas they are frowned upon and therefore unavailable because they are seen to mess with locals’ money. There is also taxis, such as Blue Bird.
Having a private driver is extremely common in Indonesia. Many men in Indonesia are not necessarily employed by a company, they are self employed and drive tourists anywhere they like, some locals have even taken it upon themselves to create custom tours. They are usually found by the driver himself making an offer to you, or word of mouth from other travelers. This is how I got around initially before learning how to drive a motorbike. It’s also a great way to support locals as a share of your money does not go to a larger company.
Renting a motorbike is an incredibly popular way to get around in Indonesia, but its also a popular way to get hurt! Driving in this country can be extremely hectic in some areas so practice caution.
The rideshare apps used in Indonesia are GRAB and Gojek. Keep in mind, in some areas they are frowned upon and therefore unavailable because they are seen to mess with locals’ money. There is also taxis, such as Blue Bird.
Having a private driver is extremely common in Indonesia. Many men in Indonesia are not necessarily employed by a company, they are self employed and drive tourists anywhere they like, some locals have even taken it upon themselves to create custom tours. They are usually found by the driver himself making an offer to you, or word of mouth from other travelers. This is how I got around initially before learning how to drive a motorbike. It’s also a great way to support locals as a share doesn’t go to a bigger company.
Renting a motorbike is an incredibly popular way to get around in Indonesia, but it is also a popular way to get hurt! Driving in this country can be extremely hectic in some areas, so practice caution.
May – September is the best time to visit Indonesia, however it can be visited during off season as well! Often times rain will not last long and you’ll find cheaper prices.
May – September is the best time to visit Indonesia, however it can be visited during off season as well! Often times rain will not last long and you’ll find cheaper prices.
Accommodation costs can vary in Indonesia depending on the area you’re staying. But typically a hostel dorm bed is $5-15 USD per night, many on the higher end of the spectrum. A private room in a homestay, hotel or Aibnb could be anywhere from $15 – 50 USD per night, and renting an entire villa or apartment $50-300 USD per night.
Food from warungs (a locally run food place) can be only a few dollars and as few as $1 USD. Food from typical restaurants is around $5 USD, but going to the more western/high end restaurants can be $6-12 USD.
Flights between islands vary in price, but a a flight between Bali and Lombok is typically $20 USD.
Ferries and speedboats vary in price; a speedboat from Bai – Lombok is $16-25 USD while a speedboat to Nusa Penida is about $7 -12 USD.
A private driver in a car can vary in price, typically starting at $4-7 USD for a one way trip somewhere and $20 – 35 USD for all day touring.
Renting a motorbike in Indonesia can be from $5-7 USD.
As a budget backpacker, I would budget at least $40 per day in Indonesia. If you plan on splurging more especially in Bali, then you will need more. It’s also possible to spend less if one tries.
As a solo traveler, I would say I spent much more in Indonesia than a pair of people would because there was no public transportation therefore I had to pay for a private driver on my own many times.
International credit cards may be accepted in parts of touristy areas in Bali at higher end restaurants. Otherwise, paying in cash is required, especially for drivers, local warungs, hostels, and remote areas. If traveling to a more remote area or smaller island, it’s a good idea to bring enough cash in case the ATM there does not work.
