With over 13,000 islands, Indonesia has something unique to offer everyone. From the cool white sands and raucous volcanoes of Bali to the vibrant capital city of Jakarta to the untouched lands of Sumatra, you can always find something different here. Indonesia is home to a vast array of indigenous animals, too (including the Komodo dragon!). With extremely inexpensive local food and reasonably-priced accommodation, it’s no wonder Indonesia is a popular destination among so many travelers. I hope you use this guide to plan an excellent trip there (though one visit is certainly not enough!). Be sure to visit some of the lesser known areas in the country and just not stick to Bali and Lombok! Indonesia is really diverse!
Indonesia
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Indonesia
1. Relax in Bali
2. Dive in the Gili Islands
3. Amaze yourself in Borobudur
4. See Komodo dragons
5. Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park
Other Things to See and Do
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1. Explore Hindi Prambanan
This is the crowning glory of Hindu temples and was built in the 10th century. At 150ft, the main temple is actually taller than Borobudur. This is an architecturally impressive site, so chances are you’ll spend more time taking pictures than you will take admiring the ancient statues. Don’t forget to put down the camera and enjoy the view with your own eyes. Admission is around 240,000 IDR for foreign adults, and 120,000 IDR for children.
2. Jakarta
Indonesia’s capital is a large, bustling city with a population of over 10 million. For a moment of calm, people-watch from one of the cafes overlooking Fatahillah Square in the Old Batavia, the Dutch quarter, where you can take in the historic architecture. In terms of nightlife and eateries, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Jakarta.
3. Snorkel or dive in Bunaken
The Bunaken National Marine park is where you’ll want to go if diving or snorkeling is your thing. These deep waters offer fantastic visibility and some of the world’s most biodiverse marine life. Keep an eye out for tuna, sharks, rays, turtles, and sea snakes. Entry to the marine park is 50,000 IDR per person, though children under 10 enter free.
4. Have a spa day
When you are in a place like this, it only seems right to treat your body to some probably much needed, deep pampering treatments. Getting a massage is basically a given, but why not do it on a beach. Body wraps, facials, manicures, and pedicures are also a nice bonus. Prices will vary but expect to pay at least 270,000 IDR.
5. Broaden your taste buds
With such a mass amount of islands composing Indonesia, there is a huge number of different cuisines to try. Don’t get stuck eating the same thing over and over again. Javanese, Sundanese, Padang, and Balinese food are just a few different preparations to get excited about.
6. Visit Yogyakarta
Known as Yogya for short, this city is considered to be the main tourist city of Java. There is an interesting blend of old customs with modern living here and a certain artistic and intellectual presence hangs in the air. There are a number of restaurants, clubs, shopping areas, historical sights, and museums to check out.
7. Shop in Denpasar
This is the capital of Bali and essentially the central spot of development and financial growth on the island for the past two decades. It is heavily populated and there are a number of shops to see as well as an arts center and the Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali.
8. See the orangutans in Sumatra
A mysterious and very human creature, the orangutan finds its habitat on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. A visit to see these primates is a moving experience. And, given the rapid deforestation and fires in the area, you probably want to do this sooner rather than later as these animals are gravely endangered.
9. Explore village life in Kalibaru
Kalibaru is a small village on the southeastern side of Java. It’s quiet, secluded, and a great place to tour a local cacao plantation or one of the many other types of plantations in the area on your way to or from Bali.
10. Bogor Botanical Gardens
65km outside of hectic Jakarta, lie the Bogor Botanical Gardens. With over 200 acres of land and 15,000 species of plants and trees, the gardens are a lovely spot in which to lose yourself for a couple of hours. Admission is around 13,000 IDR.
Typical Costs
Food – Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 10,000 IDR. For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 14,000 IDR. For a meal at a mid-range restaurant for a nicer meal, drinks, and table service, expect to pay as much as 80,000 IDR. Western food is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 125,000 IDR for a meal and drink. Fast food will cost around 45,000 IDR. A beer at the bar will cost around 30,000 IDR while a week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300,000-400,000 IDR. (However, food in the country is very cheap and I would encourage you to eat out as often as possible as kitchens are hard to come by!
Transportation – For traveling between islands, ferries cost around 7,000 IDR (and up) for a ticket from East Java to West Bali, and the rates go up from there for other routes. An eight-hour journey on a bus costs around 70,000 IDR. Overnight buses will start at around 130,000 IDR. Flights to and from the country are incredibly cheap, with one-way tickets to Singapore costing as little as 250,000 IDR. A one-way ticket to Australia starts at 500,000 IDR.
Activities – Attractions are not hugely expensive. You’ll pay around 220,000 IDR for entrance into Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park and the same for Bunaken. Borobudur costs 275,000 IDR. The famous Mt. Batur hike is between 500,000-900,000 IDR.
Suggested daily budget
400,000-670,000 / 30-50 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out at the cheap markets and street stalls, keeping your drinking down, not taking expensive tours, and using local transportation. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect your number to be on the higher (or far above it).)
Money Saving Tips
- Eat on the street – You can pick up tasty local fare for under 10,000 IDR. Street side snacks, soups, and noodles will keep your wallet fat and your belly full! Markets are your best bet for finding seriously cheap food.
- Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value in Indonesia. Bargain with sellers as most of the time the price they’ve quoted will not be the price you’ll pay if you bargain!
My Must Have Guides For Traveling to Indonesia
How to Get Free Flights
This book shows you how to take money out of the travel equation and and master the points and miles game. It will show you how to easily collect and redeem travel points for free airfare and accommodation so you can get you out of your house faster, cheaper, and in comfort.
Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel
Kristin Addis writes the solo female travel column for this website and her detailed guide addresses all the concerns women have about traveling and gives the specific advice and tips you need to conquer the world and stay safe.
How to Teach English Overseas
This book will teach you everything you need to know about landing your dream job and features interviews with dozens of teachers, recruiters, detailed information on the top teaching destinations, sample resumes, advice on nailing your interview, and much more.
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day
My New York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach how to master the art of travel so that, no matter how long you want to travel for, you’ll save money, get off the beaten path, and have a more local, richer travel experience.
Articles About Indonesia
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