cost of travelling indonesia

The Cost of Travel in Indonesia

How much does it cost to travel in Indonesia?

In this guide, we'll share the cost of traveling to Indonesia, look at Indonesia hotel prices and accommodation budgets, share our best tips for finding low-cost hotels and good local restaurants.

We'll also help you choose a daily budget, covering transportation costs, accommodation cost and good ways to find cheaper options.

Table of Contents

Indonesia Visa Information

How to get cheap flights in indonesia, cost of accommodation, sample accommodation budget in thailand, on the cheap, upscale budget, affordable flashpacker, food & drink, going out / drinking, cost of indonesia attractions, total daily costs, intro to indonesia travel cost.

Indonesia is a vast country in Southeast Asia consisting of a massive archipelago of over 17,000 islands.

Each island offers a great natural environment and a diversity of cultures, traditions, and ethnic groups.

In a country where you can relax on pristine islands, see orangutans in the wild , climb volcanoes, and visit ancient historical sites, the cost of travel in Indonesia ensures it will continue to be a good deal for the budget traveler.

Indonesia uses the Rupiah (IDR) currency. The exchange rate with the US dollars is $1 = 14,443 IDR (June 2022).

Things are changing as the government tries to increase tourism in the country. It's now easier to get a paid tourist visa.

Currently, citizens of most countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, can get a 30 day-extendable stamp free of charge or pay $35 for a “Visa on Arrival,” which can be extended by 30 days if you wish.

Once you land, you will choose either the “Visa Free” line, or the “Visa on Arrival” line, depending on what you want.

Need itinerary ideas? Check out these adventurous Indonesia trips

Cost of Transportation

As a chain of islands, Indonesia sometimes presents a challenge when it comes to transportation.

For traveling from major island to island, there is a choice of ferry or flight. Indonesian-style buses navigate the streets, but the roads are often in poor condition.

Discount airlines operating in Indonesia can save you tons of time moving around the country.

We recommend using  Skyscanner to search for the best flights. Here are a few examples of what a domestic flight costs in Indonesia. 

• Jakarta to Bali (Denpasar): from $44
• Jakarta to Komodo Island: from $71
• Bali to Komodo Island: from $33
• Bali to Yogyakarta: from $41

Download the Skyscanner app to find all the great deals on airfare for Indonesia and beyond – iOS  or Android .

Sample Costs 

Trying to get from Medan in north Sumatra to Jakarta on the island of Java, there was a bus and ferry combination or taking a flight.

The journey by road would have taken four days, and domestic flights last about two hours. With only a one-month visa for Indonesia, I scooped up an Air Asia flight for $52 (736,000 IDR).

Check on Skyscanner  as Indonesia has domestic airlines that cost about $50 or less between Jakarta and Medan and about $40 from Jakarta to Bali .

Trains on Java

On the island of Java, the train is a great transportation option. Economy class overnight train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta cost me $8 (113,000 IDR). I also took the train from Yogyakarta to Surabaya for $5 (65,000 IDR).

Buses and Other Overland Options

If the train is not available, the bus is the only option left. Taking buses often can help you keep the cost of travel in Indonesia down, especially in rural areas.

I took a nice 12-hour bus from Cemoro Lawang ( Mount Bromo ) to Probolinggo, Java, and across a ferry to Denpasar, Bali, at an average cost of $12 (165,000 IDR).

Within cities, there is the possibility of taking local buses, tuk-tuks, rickshaws or renting a motorcycle or car. At Lake Toba, I rented a motorcycle for a day for about $7 (99,000 IDR), including gas.

In Bali, a few friends and I rented a micro Suzuki SUV that cost $23 (325,000 IDR) for 24 hours. It's a good idea to do this because you can go anywhere on your own time.

The good news is that foreign visitors and digital nomads don't need much money to find an affordable place to stay at a popular destination. Accommodation, in general, is quite reasonable, if not outright cheap!

Hostels are more like guest houses; it's often easier to find double rooms than dorm beds.

Some double rooms come en-suite, while others have communal bathroom facilities.

Guesthouses in the major cities or tourist areas, like Jakarta or Bali , have inflated room prices, but prices are still reasonable.

As an example, along with a friend, I paid $4 (57,000 IDR), $1.90 each for a double room in the city of Medan, Sumatra, but on the beautiful shores of Lake Toba , we only paid $2 (30,000 IDR) for a double room.

It almost seemed outrageous when the cheapest guesthouse we could find in Jakarta was $5 (75,000 IDR) per night, but you realize it's not too much when split by two people.

Accommodation prices in Bali and the popular tourist-oriented islands of Indonesia are generally slightly more pricey.

Rooms with air conditioning can cost around $8 – $15 (113,000 – 213,000 IDR) per night.

How To Find the Best Accommodation Deals in Indonesia

All the popular hotel and hostel search sites (Booking.com, Agoda, Hostelworld , etc.) have many accommodation options in Indonesia. We recommend you start your search with Hotels Combined .

Hotels Combined is a meta-aggregator. It compares the other main booking sites to find the best price, then lets you book with that site (like (Booking.com, Agoda, etc.).

As it doesn't include Hostelworld , you need to check that site separately.

How Much Can You Save Using HotelsCombined?

We get down to specific prices in our Sample Indonesia Accommodation Budget below, where we give an estimate of the savings you can expect by using HotelsCombined.

By our estimate, a 2-week trip through Indonesia will cost you between $95 and $331, depending on your travel style (cheap vs. on a budget vs. flashpacker).

If we assume using HotelsCombined will save you about 15% on your accommodation, that's a savings of $16 – $57. And that kind of savings can go a long way in Indonesia).

We think that's worth it for less than five minutes of effort!

To give you an idea of how your style of travel and accommodation will impact the cost of your trip, we've priced out different Indonesia hostel and hotel options for a 16-day Indonesia itinerary:

• 3 Nights in Bali
• 2 Nights Surabaya
• 2 Nights Yogyakarta
• 3 Nights Jakarta
• 1 Nights Medan
• 3 Nights Lake Toba
• 1 Night Jakarta (before outbound flight)

We priced this out based on three different travel styles:

• “On the Cheap” (dorms beds as cheap as possible)
• “Upscale Budget” (bunks in 'boutique-style hostels)
• “Affordable Flashpacker” (private rooms in boutique and luxury hostels or 3-star level hotels)

Of course, prices are based on the time of writing and will vary depending on the season and how far in advance you book, etc.

3 Nights in Bali – ($9 – $24) The cheapest place in Bali is undoubtedly Ubud, where a bunk can be had for about $3 (45,000 IDR) per night at a well-liked place like Hostel Rama Sita.

Kuta is known for its parties and wild nightlife and is closer to the airport. If this is your style, stay at CX Hostel Kuta Raya for about $8 (115,000 IDR) per night or Camp Hostel Bali for $5 (71,000 IDR) a night.

2 Nights Surabaya – ($10 – $18) The Hostel Surabaya has bunks in mixed dorms for about $9 (130,000 IDR) per night.

On the uber-cheap, Da Rifi Hostel has bunks for about $8 (115,000 IDR) per night, but we could find a deal on Hotels Combined for about $5 (71,000 IDR) including breakfast.

2 Nights Yogyakarta – ($10) A bunk in a mixed dorm at Rumah Panjaitan goes for about $5 (71,000 IDR) per night, breakfast included, well located, and highly rated.

3 Nights Jakarta – ($21 – $24) We found deals in Jakarta for bunks starting at about $7 (100,000 IDR) a night at Teduh Hostel Kota Tua  and $8 (114,000 IDR) a night at Wonderloft Hostel .

1 Night Medan – ($7) Probably just a night after flying from Jakarta on your way to the Lake Toba region, so head to Pondok Wisata Angel Guest House with bunks starting at about $7 (100,000 IDR) per night.

3 Nights Lake Toba – ($18) You can find a room at Laster Jony's for about $6 (85,000 IDR) a night for a budget double room with a private bathroom. It's located on Samosir Island on the lake, and past guests have raved about the location.

1 Night Jakarta – ($14) you can stay at the same place you did on the way through, or you can spend a bit more and stay closer to the airport, check out RedDoorz and get a room for about $14 (200,000 IDR).

Total ‘On the Cheap' budget for 15 nights in Indonesia: $94.50 – $114.50US

If you're looking to stretch your budget and keep the cost of travel in Indonesia down, then staying in backpacker-type places is the way to go.

3 Nights in Bali – ($18 – $30) A night in a mixed dorm at a beautiful place like Bread and Jam goes for about $9 (126,000 IDR) per night, or head to Canggu Surf Hostel for about $10 (140,000 IDR) per night.

2 Nights Surabaya – ($16 – $19) Ikiru to Live Hotel is well rated and has 3-bed dorms for $10 (140,000 IDR) a night, or a more traditional hostel dorm can be had at Krowi Inn from about $8 (71,000 IDR) per bunk, per night.

2 Nights Yogyakarta – ($14) Find a quiet place like MashBrow , which is more of a budget hotel than a hostel.

It's away from the center but closer to the temples and has motorbikes for rent. Rooms for about $7 (100,000 IDR) a night.

If you want to be in the city center, try a place like Bunk Bed and Breakfast for about $7 per bunk per night.

3 Nights Jakarta – ($24) A bunk or a capsule can be had at the Packer Lodge  or Six Degrees . Both are highly rated, for about $8 (115,000 IDR) per night.

Jakarta is massive, so play around with Hotels Combined because there are deals depending on your dates.

1 Night Medan – ($8) A decent night can be had at K77 Guest House for about $8 (115,000 IDR) per night. Lot's of local spots nearby for food and drinks.

3 Nights Lake Toba – ($24 – $45) Nothing beats Laster Jony's for price and atmosphere, and they have multiple room options. A deluxe double can be had for $8 (115,000 IDR) a night.

If you are looking for serenity and nature, Toba Cats Garden may be your place, $10 (140,000 IDR) per night.

Check out Tuk Tuk Sarapan for $15 (210,000 IDR) per night if you want a little more atmosphere.

1 Night Jakarta – ($20) D'Prima Hotel Airport has rooms for about $20 (280,000 IDR), but we could find better on Hotels Combined .

Free airport shuttle, toiletries, a/c, bottled water, and a coffee and pastry in the morning to get you on your way.

Total ‘Upscale Budget' for 15 nights in Indonesia: $124 – $160

3 Nights in Bali – ($51 – $57) If you're heading to Ubud, Indraprastha Ubud Home Stay has private rooms from $17 (241,000 IDR) per night.

Mote Surfstay in Canggu is a top choice if you're heading there for $18 (255,000 IDR) per night, or if you're staying near Kuta, Bread & Jam has private rooms (it's still a top/bottom bunk) for $19 (269,000 IDR).

2 Nights Surabaya – ($36 – $40) As with the upscale budget options above, Krowi Inn and Ikiru to Live Hotel are the best options, depending on your dates, Hotels Combined has both with private rooms from $18 – $20 (255,000 to 280,000 IDR) per night, and it includes breakfast.

2 Nights Yogyakarta – ($18 – 24) The highly-rated OstiC House has privates from $18 (255,000 IDR) per night with breakfast included. For a bit extra ($24 or 340,000 IDR), Jogja Dreams Bed and Breakfast has very high reviews on multiple sites.

Family run, clean, peaceful, comfortable, and located in a quiet neighborhood but still close to the center. And, of course, breakfast is included.

3 Nights Jakarta – ($51) Get a private room at Wonderloft Hostel for $17 (241,000 IDR) a night. There is a small supermarket on-site, shared kitchen and breakfast are included.

This hostel gets sparkling reviews. Past guests loved the vibe and felt safe in the clean and modern facility, plus the staff was excellent. There are lots of games, and loads of restaurants and shopping nearby.

1 Night Medan – ($19 – $25) Many travelers stay the night in Medan before heading out to Lake Toba in the morning.

If that's the case for you, Grand Sakura Hotel for about $25 (354,000 IDR) a night, is very close to the train station, where the Rail Link train from the airport arrives.

As with the upscale budget options, K77 will suit your purpose as well; privates there from about $19 (269,000 IDR) per night.

3 Nights Lake Toba – ($60 – $105) Cottages a little away from the town can be had a Mas Cottages for about $20 (283,000 IDR) per night.

Closer to the town, Samosir Villa has a nice pool, and breakfast is included for about $35 (496,000 IDR) a night.

1 Night Jakarta – ($25 – $29) D'Prima is a good option here. Also, POP! Hotel Airport is a super cool-looking place. $29 (411,000 IDR) gets you a basic double room with breakfast (a bit less if you don't want or don't have time for breakfast).

This is where Hotels Combined was the best way to research hotels, as we found great deals at higher-end hotels in and around the airport for about the same price, but it depends on your dates, of course.

Total ‘Affordable Flashpacker’ for 15 nights in Indonesia: $260 – $331

Street food in Indonesia is of great value. Local food in simple single-plate meals or noodles costs anywhere from $0.50 – $1.75 (7,500 – 23,000 IDR). 

A giant plate of food with assorted side dishes (nasi campur) costs $1.75 – $2.50 (23,000 – 35,000 IDR).

Eating street-style fulfilling meals like entire grilled fish and fancier dishes can cost $3 – $4 (45,000 – 59,500 IDR) per person.

You don't need to spend much money on a decent meal. An Indonesian sit-down local restaurant is priced in the $2 – $6 (31,000 – 85,500 IDR) realm for a single person.

If you eat at more Western-style food chains or fancier restaurants, meals can cost $6 – $11 (85,500 – 156,000 IDR).

A large 1.5-liter bottle of water goes for $0.25 – $0.75 (5,000 – 10,000 IDR).

Concerning the cost of living and eating in Indonesia, drinking and going out are relatively expensive.

Local beer such as Bintang, at cheap convenience stores, costs $1.50 – $2.50 (18,000 – 35,000 IDR).

At bars or clubs, drinks can go for $2.50 – $6 (35,000 – 85,000 IDR).

Some upper-class nightclubs that cater to tourists charge a cover.

• Full-Day Jungle and Orangutan Trek from Bukit Lawang $95
• Half-Day Jungle and Orangutan Trek from Bukit Lawang $70

Java Highlights

• Jakarta National Monument Entrance – $1 (15,000 IDR) (5,000 IDR to enter the grounds + 10,000 IDR to go up to the viewing platform)
• Indonesia National Museum – $0.75 (10,000 IDR) (non-Indonesian price)
• Borobudur Temple Entrance – $25 adult, discounts for children (354,000 IDR)
• Prambanan Temple Entrance – $25, adult, discounts for children (354,000 IDR)
• Mt. Bromo Park Entrance – $16 (207,500 IDR) weekdays, $23 (307,500 IDR) weekends 

Bali Highlights

• Tanah Lot Temple – $5 (70,000 IDR)
• Mt. Batur – $2 (30,000 IDR)
• Elephant Temple – $1 (15,000 IDR)

Want to bundle some meals, accommodation, and tours? Book one of these G Adventures trips!

For my entire month of traveling in Indonesia, I spent about $18 (255,000 IDR) per day .

This included a plane flight, a lot of transportation, food, and all the attractions I wanted to see, including the expensive orangutan trek.

I did save a bit of money by not drinking often and by Couchsurfing for about one-third of the time. 

If you stay somewhere with air conditioning and party often, the cost of travel in Indonesia is around $25 – $30 per day .

If you go super tight on the budget, you can get by in Indonesia for even $15 per day .

Do you want to see the islands of Indonesia but can't be bothered with all the planning it requires?

Consider a small-group tour with G Adventures:

Classic Bali & Lombok is a 14-day trip featuring beaches, islands, and volcanos.

Java, Bali, & Lombok is a more extended 22-day trip, including epic stops at Yogyakarta and Mt. Bromo on Java before hitting the smaller islands of Bali, Lombok, and Gili Trawangan.

Last Updated on June 17, 2022 by Daniel Lovell

Mark was raised in central Africa before migrating back to the U.S. for University. After graduating, he decided to continue traveling the world. On Migrationology , he shares the cultural side of travel from a slow-paced local perspective that often revolves around his love for eating all forms of food. Join him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @migrationology .

Tuesday 18th of September 2018

Thank you for the tips!

I generally avoid ATM because of the fees and the unfavourable rate at the exchange offices. But I also got fake notes at small exchange offices unfortunately… The ones at the airport are the most reliable but not with the best rate.

To change cash, there is a new mobile application Fairswap. Broadly, we can exchange & convert cash currency in real-time by meeting with each other at a pre-agreed location. Could be a good way to find some foreign currency before travelling or get rid of some leftover after holidays.

Wednesday 19th of April 2017

It would depend how you define "Best" here. Java and Bali are very very different places and if you want to get to see a little bit from Java before you get to Bali then the obvious way is to go by Train (I don't recommend buses as it would take you a week to get to Bali then with pauses). Search all the cities that come between and see which once you want to make a stop at (every city offers something different, look for what interests you the most) and do it that way. The only drawback here is that it takes too long. If you want to be there within few hours then obviously flying. Hope that helps :)

Wednesday 12th of April 2017

Yes, it's possible to do this. You can also pay for a visa on arrival and extend this one time for another month when you are already in Indonesia. You can't do this with the free visa on arrival though so make sure you get the right one the first time around and it will save you the expensive trip.

Friday 13th of January 2017

How to go to bali from jakarta which is best means

Tuesday 27th of December 2016

hi. i am a backpacker along with my wife...i am planning for visiting indonesia for a week only...so please give me a cheap and best itinerary...pls help me...i am from bangalore,india

• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Indonesia Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Indonesia?

• How much does a one-week trip to Indonesia cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Indonesia cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Indonesia cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Indonesia

Visitors to Indonesia usually spend between $21 and $180 per day on average for one person and $42 to $360 for two people. While this is a wide range, the average daily cost averages $59 (Rp951,714) per person. This average includes sightseeing, hotel, food, and local transportation expenses from other travelers. Your individual travel expenses may vary based on travel style and the locations visited, but if you plan wisely while visiting the most popular destinations, such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali, then you'll likely spend somewhere in this price range while on your trip. Further down we have a breakdown of expenses by category, as well as a comparison of independent travel versus guided tour prices.

If you're planning an Independent trip to Indonesia, budget travelers should plan to spend around $21 (Rp340,600) per day for their trip. This average includes hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and activities. If you're on a mid-range budget, plan for around $59 (Rp951,714) a day which covers the cost of typical hotels, normal restaurants, and a variety of popular attractions. Luxury travelers should allow for $180 (Rp2,922,592) a day, which would cover higher-end hotels, nicer restaurants, and more private tour options. All of these price ranges are based on our extensive travel cost data for Indonesia from other travelers, along with hotel and tour data from travel companies.

How much does a one week trip to Indonesia cost?

Most visitors spend between $147 and $1,259 for a one week trip to Indonesia, with the average being $410. This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to visit one, two, or maybe three locations in Indonesia, depending on how in-depth you want to make your visit. Some of the most popular places to visit are Jakarta , Yogyakarta , and Bali .

How much does a two week trip to Indonesia cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $293 and $2,518 for your trip to Indonesia. The average price for a two week trip is $820. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Mount Bromo, Gili Trawangan, and Bandung.

How much does a one month trip to Indonesia cost?

When embarking on a month-long trip to Indonesia, expenses can range from $629 to $5,395, with an average cost falling around $1,757. For those fortunate enough to have a full month, considering a vacation rental with a kitchen for at least a portion of your stay can help save money with meals. Backpackers often opt for hostels due to their affordability and the added benefit of a social vibe.

Hostel Prices in Indonesia

With more than 300 hostels in Indonesia, the average price is $9 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Indonesia not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Indonesia here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Indonesia.

• $12 for a dorm bed at The Farm Hostel in Canggu more details
• $30 for a dorm bed at Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel in Ubud more details
• $4 for a dorm bed at Laura's Backpacker 523 in Yogyakarta more details

Hotel Prices in Indonesia

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Indonesia. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Indonesia .

Purana Boutique Resort

Kosenda hotel.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Indonesia?

Organized tours are an easy and convenient way to visit Indonesia. All of the details are handled by travel experts, and during the trip you'll benefit from the knowledge of an expert guide.

Traveling independently offers freedom and flexibility that is hard to find on an organized tour.

Many travelers appreciate the convenience and ease that an organized tour offers. Many tours provide transportation and expert guides that help you enjoy your trip.

Alternatively, you'll enjoy freedom and flexibility with independent travel that is difficult to find with an organized tour.

Comparing Trip Costs in Indonesia

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Indonesia?

Organized tours typically average around $159 per day and provide the convenience of an all-inclusive package with one comprehensive payment. On the other hand, independent trips usually average around $59 (Rp951,714) per day and involve individual payments for accommodations, local transportation, meals, and sightseeing. Both organized tours and independent trips have their own unique challenges and benefits, so it's crucial to thoroughly understand the aspects of each to make a fair comparison. For a detailed analysis of tour prices in Indonesia, check out our comprehensive guide on tour prices in Indonesia here .

Here are a few sample tours in Indonesia:

• Essence of Indonesia, Private tour ($2,366) 15 days, 14 destinations more details
• Bali MTB Explorer : Mountain Biking Tour 8D7N ($1,650) 8 days, 6 destinations more details
• 6 Day Komodo Kayak Insight ($1,950) 6 days, 5 destinations more details
• 13 Days Find modern Singapore, charming Malaysia, rural Indonesia (private guide & driver） ($5,999) 13 days, 3 destinations more details

More for Indonesia

If you're planning a trip to Indonesia, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Our travel budget after backpacking in Indonesia for one month

1 month travelling from Lombok to Java passing by the Gilis and Bali: how much did we spend? Find our detailed numbers about this backpacking trip.

Last Update: 16/01/2024 0 COMMENT

After a 1-month trip to Indonesia , it’s time to reveal the travel budget! This first stay in this country of a thousand colors and flavors was enchanting, and the experiences were many. Are you closing this last chapter with us?

Looking back on our trip to Indonesia

The transport budget in indonesia, accommodation budget in indonesia, food cost in indonesia, the sightseeing budget, the activities budget in indonesia, a few figures, 1 month in indonesia: our review.

We took this trip in 2014, but the article was completely revised and updated in May 2023. We have updated the prices, as the cost of living in Indonesia has increased, especially accommodation and activities. As a result, our travel budget would be higher today, by +20-25% approximately . If you have any additional information that might be relevant, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!

Indonesia was the last Southeast Asian country on our round-the-world trip, and it’s definitely one we’d like to return to! We enjoyed heavenly beaches, discovered a little more about Muslim and Hindu culture, climbed many volcanoes and probably witnessed the most beautiful sunrises of our trip!

Indonesia is also about surfing, climbing coconut palms and getting soaked in an Indonesian thunderstorm. We sum up this epic trip in pictures!

Budget for a 1-month trip to Indonesia

As usual, we’re revealing all our figures! So you can get an idea of the budget for a trip to Indonesia. We spent 29 days there for a total cost of 1 298,5 euros for 2 (plane tickets excluded). This corresponds to an average budget of 22,4 euros per day per person .

Note: this budget will be roughly the same if you plan your trip only to Bali or Lombok, Java, etc. Prices are relatively identical if you watch your spending!

Here are our detailed figures:

Generally speaking, Indonesia is a cheap place to travel for backpackers, especially when it comes to accommodation and food. On the other hand, it’s also a country with a lot to offer in terms of activities, and these can quickly add up. Let’s take a look at each item of expenditure to understand the budget required for a trip to Indonesia .

If you’re backpacking through Java or Sumatra , take the train ! It’s often cheaper than the bus, and you’ll get there faster! Note that travel times on the roads tend to be higher than those indicated, due to the sometimes chaotic traffic.

Beware of scams , whether at the bus stations or the ports on the various islands. Whether you’re looking for a taxi or a ferry ticket, you’ll come across some very insistent touts… In every article about our trip to Indonesia, you’ll find tips on how to avoid them as much as possible. Their stratagems can be quite clever!

• Taxi from the airport to Kuta Lombok : 84 000 rupiahs.
• Average cost for a motorbike rental : 90 000 rupiahs for 24 hours.
• Average cost of a liter of gas: 12 000 rupiahs.
• Crossing from Kuta Lombok to Gili Air : 20 000 rupiahs each.
• Crossing from Gili Air to Bali : 215 000 rupiahs each.
• Bus from Ubung to Ubud : 4400 rupiahs per ticket.
• Bus from Denpasar to Gilimanuk port: 50 000 rupiahs per person.
• Ferry from Gilimanuk to Ketapang : 6500 rupiahs per ticket.
• Train from Probolinggo to Yogyakarta : 95 000 rupiahs per person.
• Night train from Yogyakarta to Jakarta : 185 000 rupiahs per person.
• Number of night buses : 1. It’s not much, but this trip counts for at least double, given what happened to us! For those who missed the horror bus episode, take a look at the video!
• Minimum number of scares on Indonesian roads with our scooter or in the back of locals: 128.
• Number of scares leading to an accident : 0. Phew!

Whether you want to travel by bus, train, or even by boat from Bali to Lombok or across any of Indonesia’s islands, we advise you to check and compare on 12go , but also Tiket and Easybook . For shorter journeys, the best option is to take a bemo, the local minibus, or rent a motorbike locally.

This article contains affiliate links to partner sites. When you use our links to book accommodation, a car, or an activity, you don’t pay anything extra, but we get a small commission. This helps us to offer you free, independent, and ad-free content. Thank you for your support!

Depending on the island and the city, hotel prices vary considerably. For example, in Cemoro Lawang, to see Mount Bromo , it’s impossible to find a hotel for less than 200 000 rupiahs a night, while the quality of the cheapest rooms leaves much to be desired…

• Average cost for a double room : 175 000 rupiahs.
• Our most expensive night : 700 000 a night in Munduk . But for this price, we had a magnificent room with a swimming pool in the middle of rice fields.
• Our cheapest night : 150 000 rupiahs in Gili Air.

During our trip to Indonesia, we never booked our hotels and guesthouses in advance. We always found something when we got there, but that was in low season. If you’re traveling in the dry season , or if you simply prefer not to have to look for accommodation when you arrive, we recommend you book your accommodation on Booking , or Hostelworld if you’re backpacking!

Indonesian food is like that of the rest of Southeast Asia: tasty and cheap , especially street food! In smaller towns, you’ll easily find warungs, small local restaurants offering dishes at unbeatable prices! As breakfast is generally included in the room rate, our food bill was reduced by around 1-2 euros per day.

• Average cost of a street food meal, like nasi goreng or mi goreng : 10 000 rupiahs.
• A meal for 2 in a small local restaurant: 65 000 rupiahs (2 courses and a large bottle of water).
• Meal for 2 in a more touristic restaurant : from 120 000 rupiahs.
• 1,5 l water bottle in a supermarket: 5000 rupiahs.
• A bottle of Coke in a supermarket: 10 000 rupiahs.
• Average price of a beer in a bar: 40 000 rupiahs!

As you can see, alcohol is very expensive – more expensive than an average meal at a small street stall! This is mainly because Indonesia is a Muslim country, and alcohol is not part of the culture. What’s more, all alcoholic beverages are heavily taxed by the government.

As a result, it’s also an expense that can quickly add up. We were wise… 2-3 beers over the whole trip to Indonesia and no hard liquor, that’s reasonable, isn’t it?

In our backpacker budget, we spent 41,8 euros, which was the sum of all our admissions to temples and museums.

• Entrance to the Monkey Forest in Ubud , on Bali island: 80 000 rupiahs each.
• Museum of Balinese Art in Ubud : 85 000 rupiahs par personne.
• Average entrance fee for temples : 20 000 rupiahs.
• Combined ticket for Borobudur and Prambanan : 652 500 rupiahs.

On the other hand, you’ll surely have noticed that the activities bill is rather steep. 463 euros is the amount we spent on our various treks to Indonesia’s volcanoes ( Mount Rinjani , Mount Batur , Kawah Ijen and Mount Bromo ), as well as a surfing course in Kuta Lombok and a bit of snorkeling , among other things!

So if we take out the activities , our budget for a trip to Indonesia came to less than 14,5 euros per day per person for accommodation, food, transport and entrance to temples and museums! So Indonesia can be an extremely cheap country! But of course, it can get more expensive if you decide to go hiking, diving, or other extreme sports!

• 3-day, 2-night trek on Mount Rinjani on Lombok island: 200 $ per person (admission, camping gear, guide and food included).
• Surfing lessons in Kuta Lombok : 500 000 rupiahs per person for 4 hours of lessons (board rental, teacher, transport and snacks included).
• Trek to Mount Batur : 400 000 rupiahs for 2 people.
• 4-day, 3-night stay with miners to visit Ijen and Bromo : 3,5 million rupiahs for 2 people, all-inclusive.

• An Indonesian visa costs 500 000 rupiahs.
• Average price of laundry : 12 000 rupiahs per kilo.
• Number of volcanoes climbed at night by headlamp: 3 for Fabienne and 4 for Benoit, who climbed Rinjani alone.
• Number of days it took the airline to deliver Fabienne’s lost backpack on Gili Air: 4.
• Approximate number of falls during our first surf lesson: 43.
• Price in euros charged by a doctor for auscultation and antibiotics for Fabienne’s skin infection: 75. Suffice to say, it’s a good scam! But our travel insurance covered the costs. As a result, this sum is not included in the budget presented above.

As you may have guessed, Indonesia was a real favorite after our trip through Southeast Asia! After China, it’s definitely the second country of our trip around the world to which we fully intend to return to discover a little more!

The island of Lombok really charmed us, and we’ll definitely be coming back to put our backpacks down. But for our next Indonesian adventure, we’re also dreaming of going a little further afield! Flores , Sumbawa , Sulawesi , Borneo and so much more! At the same time, with over 17 000 islands, we’ve still got some work to do to explore the whole of Indonesia!

Do you have a favorite Indonesian island to share with us?

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About Fabienne

I'm the female part of the pair. A little stubborn, spontaneous and passionate about the digital world and the tourism industry, I am also the one addicted to numbers and practical information in our couple. I carefully keep all our travel budgets . Then we are reassured, sometimes I drop my Excels sheets for a nice hike! With the well-deserved artesanal beer at the end... of course!

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Indonesia Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the world’s largest island country. Home to over 261 million people, it boasts stunning landscapes, incredible beaches, amazing food, and affordable prices.

While most people just visit Bali, backpacking further afield in the country is an underrated activity. With so much on offer, it can take months to see everything because there is just so much to see and do here: hectic and chaotic cityscapes, cool white sand beaches, and violent volcanoes. Indonesia has it all.

And it’s easy to visit Indonesia on a budget too. It’s extremely inexpensive and your money goes far here.

While most travelers fly to Bali and visit the Gili Islands or head to Lombok, I encourage you to try to get to the less touristy destinations and off the beaten path. Find dragons in Flores, go hiking, see the historic ruins of Java, and go to Sumatra. You’ll find even cheaper prices and far fewer crowds once you escape the digital nomad hub of Bali.

This Indonesia travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this island paradise!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Indonesia

Click Here for Destination Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in indonesia.

1. Relax in Bali

Bali is probably the most famous of Indonesia’s islands. Although often crowded with travelers, there is no escaping the fact that this place is beautiful. Try some surfing at Bingin Beach or visit the Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple, which is truly stunning to behold. Make sure you see some traditional Balinese dancing in Ubud too. You can also join a yoga retreat pretty much anywhere on the island and cooking classes are also plentiful and make for a great souvenir.

2. Dive in the Gili Islands

For a true sense of an island paradise, head to the Gili Islands . There are excellent (and cheap) scuba and snorkel facilities as well as great nightlife on Gili Trawangan. These islands are super popular with backpackers thanks to their super cheap accommodation and food, party scene, and stunning beaches for lazing around all day.

3. Admire Borobudur

Borobudur is a the world’s biggest Buddhist temple complex, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries. With 2,672 reliefs meant to highlight Buddhist teachings, it’s made from blocks of volcanic rock. Each level is supposed to describe the stages of life. It is said you can’t move on to the top until you discover the meaning of each relief. Admission for foreign adults is around 380,000 IDR.

4. See Komodo dragons

The subject of more nature documentaries than any other lizard, the Komodo dragon is a force to be reckoned with. Komodo National Park, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is the only place to see the world’s largest lizard in the wild, which grows up to 10 feet long and weighs over 135 kilograms (300 pounds). Admission is 150,000 IDR during the week, with prices rising to 250,000 IDR on Sundays and holidays (just note that there are additional fees for other activities including ranger fees, hiking fees, diving fees, and so on). The only way to really visit Komodo National Park is on a tour since the islands are over an hour away from Labuan Bajo port on Flores Island.

5. Visit Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park covers a total of 800 square kilometers (308 square miles) at the center of East Java and is the largest volcanic region in the province. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life from the top of Mount Bromo or Mount Semeru. The easiest way to get here is from Probolinggo, through the village of Ngadisari. Although it doesn’t take long to get to the summit (around 45 minutes up a sandy slope) and access to the trail is free, a number of tour operators run guided trips through the park, which includes transport to and from the park.

Other Things to See and Do in Indonesia

1. explore hindi prambanan.

There are 244 temples at this 9th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the central compound being the main attraction. There are eight minor temples and eight major temples here, with the tallest being 45 meters (150 feet) — which is actually taller than Borobudur. Located in Yogyakarta, there’s a lot to see, so schedule a full day here (it’s the second-largest temple complex in Southeast Asia, after Angkor Wat). Admission is around 380,000 IDR.

2. Wander Jakarta

Indonesia’s capital is a large, bustling city with a population of over 10 million. You could easily spend a few days here as there is a lot to see. Admire Istana Merdeka, the presidential palace (visitors are not allowed inside); see the Monas Tower, a symbol of Indonesia’s independence; check out Ancol Beach; visit the National Museum, and go shopping at the Jalan Surabaya Flea Market. 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 as you take in the local pace of life.

3. Snorkel or dive in Bunaken

The Bunaken National Marine Park is located in the Bay of Manado and it’s where you 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, sea snakes, and more. Entry to the marine park is 50,000 IDR per person, though children under 10 enter free.

4. Broaden your taste buds

Indonesia is home to 17,000 islands and over 260 million people. The country is brimming with diverse cultures, traditions, and beliefs. If you want some idea of how diverse this place is, there are over 700 languages spoken here! This diversity is very much reflected in the food. Javanese, Sundanese, Padang, and Balinese food are just some of your options. Hit the markets, participate in cooking classes, or take food tours to get a taste of what the country has to offer. Your tastebuds will thank you!

5. Visit Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is Indonesia’s cultural hub and is a much less industrial city compared to Jakarta. There is an interesting blend of old customs with modern living here (the region still has a sultan/monarchy). It’s a hip place filled with street art, galleries, cafes, great nightlife, and a strong arts community. Yogyakarta is also a good jumping-off point for exploring the popular and picturesque Borobudur and Prambanan sites.

6. See the orangutans in Sumatra

A mysterious and rare primate, 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. If you go, make sure you’re traveling with an eco-friendly tour company. Reputable companies don’t let you get in close contact with the animals, as the risk of disease is too high. Even a common cold can knock out a baby orangutan. Nevertheless, seeing these majestic animals is an amazing and life-changing experience. Week-long guided treks cost around 20,000,000 IDR per person.

7. Experience 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 one of the many plantations (cacao, coffee, dragon fruit, rubber, and spices, among others) in the area on your way to or from Bali. It’s not as well-visited as many other places in Indonesia, meaning you can escape the crowds and get a chance to experience what local life is really like. You can stay here after a trip to Mount Bromo, or just visit on a day trip.

8. See the Bogor Botanical Gardens

Located 65 kilometers (40 miles) outside of Jakarta, the Bogor Botanical Gardens have 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 with a book and some snacks. Admission is around 26,000 IDR. There is a commuter train between Bogor and Jakarta with a stop right next to the gardens.

9. See the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls

These are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, and yet not many people make the trek here. They’re located about 90 minutes from Ubud, and then you have to hike through a banana plantation to reach the falls. It’s worth it as there are several sets of falls to explore. Just make sure to bring your swimsuit!

10. Explore the megaliths in Bada Valley

Near Lore Lindu National Park are 400 ancient stone megaliths scattered around the hills. No one really knows the origins of these structures, but they’re thought to be over 5,000 years old. No settlement remains or tools were ever found in the area. It’s best to hire a local guide here as the megaliths are not easy to find.

11. Visit the House of Danar Hadi

The House of Danar Hadi in Surakarta (Central Java) is considered one of the world’s best batik museums, with a handpicked selection of favorites from the owner’s collection of 11,000 pieces (batik is a cloth-dyeing method from Java). You have to take a tour to see it all, but it’s worth it. There are lots of antique and royal items on display. They also have batik demonstrations showcasing how these detailed pieces are made. Admission is 35,000 IDR.

12. See the lakes in Kelimutu National Park

Kelimutu National Park, on the island of Flores, is renowned for its tri-colored crater lakes. The crater lakes have continuously changed color over the years, likely due to the mineral makeup in the water. Sometimes they’re green, black, brown, red, blue, etc. The lakes are very sacred among the locals, who believe that they’re the final resting spots of departed souls. Moni is the closest town to the lakes; from there you can take public transportation to the park. Admission to the park is 150,000 IDR.

  For more information on specific destinations in Indonesia, check out these guides:

• Bali Travel Guide
• Gili Islands Travel Guide

Indonesia Travel Costs

Accommodation – A bed in a dorm hostel dorm can cost as little as 55,000 IDR but most places are closer to 100,000 IDR. For a private double room, prices start around 175,000 IDR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hostels offer self-catering facilities and free breakfast.

Most budget hotels begin at 300,000 IDR per night for a double room that usually includes free Wi-Fi and breakfast. For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 400,000 IDR per night.

Airbnb is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from around 300,000 IDR per night. For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 400,000 IDR per night. Book early, however, or prices can double.

If you’re booking through Booking.com, keep in mind that many of the listings are actually homestays and private residences.

Since hostels and homestays are so cheap, camping is not very common unless you’re on a guided trek.

Food – Food in Indonesia is heavily influenced by a number of cultures, most notably Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures. Lots of dishes have a rice (nasi) or noodle (mie) base and, in some cases, that’s the whole dish, such as with nasi ayam (chicken rice). Be sure to try the Balinese take on satay (where the meat is minced and wrapped on skewers) and babi guling , a delicious suckling pig that is roasted for hours. Another popular choice is oxtail soup. Be mindful that the food here can be a little spicy.

The food here is extremely cheap by Western standards, with street food costing under 10,000 IDR. It’s also delicious in part because much of it is based on fresh spices and herbs. Expect rice and noodle-based dishes such as nasi goreng (stir-fried rice with chicken, egg, and vegetables) and mie goreng (a spicy fried noodle dish with garlic, onion, meat, egg, and vegetables) as well as gado gado (comprising of steamed vegetables, tofu, tempeh, sometimes egg, and peanut sauce), and lots of satay.

For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, expect to pay around 25,000 IDR. For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with table service, prices start at 125,000 IDR per person. Western food is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at under 100,000 IDR for a meal. For the cheapest food and a fun experience, head to the night markets.

Fast food like Mcdonald’s costs around 50,000 IDR for a combo meal. A beer at the bar costs around 30,000 IDR.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs between 450,000-500,000 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!

Backpacking Indonesia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 425,000 IDR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat some street food, cook some meals, rent a bicycle to get around, and do mostly free activities like hiking and enjoying the beach. If you plan on drinking, add another 30,000-60,000 IDR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 1,100,000 IDR per day, you can eat out at more restaurants, stay in a budget hotel or a private hostel room, rent a scooter to get around, drink more, enjoy some massages, and go diving.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,350,000 IDR or more per day, you can stay at a nicer hotel or villa, take taxis or private minivans to get around, eat Western food, drink more, and do any adventure activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury, however. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in IDR.

Indonesia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Indonesia is super affordable, it’s also easy to splash out here (especially in Bali). To help you save money, here are some specific ways you can keep your spending down while you’re here:

• Eat on the street – You can pick up tasty local fare for under 10,000 IDR. Street-side snacks, soups, and noodles are super affordable and super tasty.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value in Indonesia. Bargain with sellers as most of the time the prices they quote aren’t the prices you end up paying if you bargain!
• Drink cheap – Save money on alcohol by heading to the local happy hours (or just buying your drinks at a local store instead of the bar). This is the cheapest way to drink!
• Book online in advance – If you’re planning on hitting up some of Indonesia’s most popular destinations, such as Bali, it’s actually cheaper to book your accommodations (and sometimes tours) online in advance rather than showing up and trying to strike a deal.
• Pay bus attendants directly – When you’re taking an intercity bus, don’t purchase a ticket from a ticket window. It’s cheaper to pay directly on the bus.
• Rent a bike – In many places, such as Bali and Gili, you can easily get around on two wheels. Rent a bike for as little as 40,000 IDR per day. It’s a great way to get around on the cheap.
• Take taxis – Taxis are essential for getting around in some parts of Indonesia, and they can be cheap. Just make sure the driver puts the meter on before you depart (or agree on a price before you get in).
• Bring a filtered water bottle – Indonesia has a ton of plastic waste. It has so much that a lot of it just gets burned. You’ll see — and smell — it during your visit. Bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save both money and the environment. I personally like Lifestraw .

Where to Stay in Indonesia

Looking for a place to stay during your trip? Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Indonesia:

• PADI Backpackers House (Ubud)
• Kememai Hostel (Ubud)
• Warung Coco Hostel (Kuta)
• Tribal Bali (Canggu)
• Gili Beach Bum (Gili Trawangan)
• My Mate’s Place (Gili Trawangan)
• Wonderloft Hostel (Jakarta)

How to Get Around Indonesia

Public transportation – Public buses aren’t really used for city transport except on Java. There’s an extensive network in Jakarta, known as the Transjakarta Busway. Fares cost 3,500-9,000 IDR for any destination in the network. You have to pay with a card that costs 40,000 IDR (it comes with a 20,000 IDR credit) from station ticketing offices.

Otherwise, most people get around by becak , a three-wheeled pedal or motor-powered cart. You should negotiate your fare before you get in; ask your hotel/hostel staff for up-to-date price estimates.

Taxis are also affordable, and they’re metered in major cities. Bluebird Taxis is available in most places, and they’re the most dependable company for metered taxis and English-speaking drivers. There’s a smartphone app that makes it really easy to order taxis. The starting rate is around 7,500 IDR and then 5,300 IDR per kilometer.

Grab (an Uber offspring) is a household name in Southeast Asia. It is convenient but sometimes costs even more than a taxi. Gojek is a similar option. Be forewarned: if you order a Grab or Gojek, you might wind up on the back of a motorbike.

Ferry – For traveling between islands, ferries start around 15,000 IDR for a ticket from East Java to West Bali, and the rates go up from there for other routes. Bali to the Gili Islands is 175,000 IDR (one way) on a speedboat.

While it’s not necessary to book in advance it’s a good idea to do so during peak season or on more popular routes. You can buy tickets on the ferry company’s website or via a ticket agent like 12go.asia.

Bus – Buses are the main way for locals and tourists to get around Indonesia. It’s a good idea to book your long-distance tickets in advance, especially if you want an air-conditioned ride. You can buy a ticket from a travel agent, or visit the bus terminal. Your accommodation may also be able to arrange your transportation.

A 12-hour journey on a bus costs around 170,000 IDR. A short journey, like the one from Kuta Beach to Ubud, is less than 80,000 IDR and takes one hour.

If your ride is a shorter one, you might end up on a bemos (mini-bus). In this case, negotiate your fare beforehand.

Train – In Indonesia, the cities of Java are well linked by train, including Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Probolinggo (for Mount Bromo), and Banyuwangi (the ferry terminal for Bali). Economy class from Jakarta to Surabaya takes 10.5 hours and costs about 190,000 IDR, while an 8-hour executive class trip can cost from 620,000 IDR. Surabaya to Probolinggo (for Mount Bromo) takes 2-3 hours and costs 27,000 IDR for economy or 240,000 IDR for executive class. Surabaya to Banyuwangi (for Bali) takes 6-7 hours and costs as little as 56,000 IDR for economy or 235,000 IDR for executive class. You can reserve your tickets at tiket.com.

Flying – Garuda Indonesia is the country’s main airline offering international service as well as domestic flights. Lion Air and AirAsia also offer plenty of domestic routes, although Lion Air’s safety record is spotty and I wouldn’t advise traveling with them.

Flights between Jakarta and Bali start around 900,000 IDR each way, while Jakarta to Lombok starts around 1,200,000 IDR. Lombok to Bali is around 1,100,000 IDR. However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel and is only recommended if you have limited time.

When to Go to Indonesia

Indonesia has just two seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Dry season lasts from May to September while the rainy season occurs from October to April. The average daily temperature year-round is 28°C (80°F).

Overall, the best time of year to visit is between May and September when it’s dry and sunny. It’s still pleasant to visit during the rainy season, however, as rainfall usually comes as fast and intense downpours that only last a few hours.

The Nusa Tenggara region is more affected by the wet season which may sometimes result in flooding. The wet season may also be a problem if you’re looking to get off the beaten track in Indonesia, as muddy roads can sometimes keep you from getting around.

In Bali and Kalimantan, the extremes between seasons aren’t drastic. The dry season is the best time to climb the volcanoes, and the best time to dive is from April to September. (If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!)

How to Stay Safe in Indonesia

Indonesia is a safe place to backpack and travel. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Indonesia. It’s most common on public transit as it’s easy for thieves to grab your wallet or purse when you’re distracted by all the chaos around you. Staying alert and securing your valuables is the best way to prevent petty theft.

Credit card fraud is also common in Indonesia. To avoid this, it’s always best to pay with cash when possible. To avoid getting your information stolen at an ATM, enter a reputable bank to withdraw money from there.

There are a lot of small scams around the island and you can read about how to avoid these common travel scams here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here but the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). The country is big and, while generally safe, there are certain spots you’ll want to stay more vigilant in. There are countless solo female travel blogs out there that can give you specific information on how to stay safe.

Earthquakes are common in Indonesia, owing to its location on the Ring of Fire (it experiences more earthquakes than any other country). Make sure you know where your exits are during an emergency. Also, download an offline map and languages translation pack in case you need it during an emergency situation where you don’t have mobile data/Wi-Fi.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Indonesia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Indonesia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Indonesia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

A Visitor’s Guide to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Kuta Beach: The Worst Place in Bali

How to Visit Borobudur in Indonesia

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Cost of a Trip to Indonesia & the Cheapest Time to Visit Indonesia

The average price of a 7-day trip to Indonesia is $947 for a solo traveler, $1,626 for a couple, and $854 for a family of 4 . Indonesia hotels range from $24 to $154 per night with an average of $45, while most vacation rentals will cost $50 to $420 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Indonesia (from all airports) are between $1,251 and $1,749 per person for economy flights and $3,928 to $5,492 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $25 to $52 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Indonesia

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Indonesia and stay in a Indonesia hotel:

• January 8th to April 1st
• August 20th to December 9th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Indonesia is usually late November to early December .

Average Indonesia Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Indonesia for a week is $956-$2,356 ($137-$337 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $25 to $52 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $583 to $1,530 for economy

Lodging : $33 to $47 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $63 to $77 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Indonesia for a week is $1,714-$4,251 ($245-$607 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $50 to $104 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,166 to $3,061 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Indonesia for a week is $3,442-$8,275 ($492-$1,182 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $101 to $209 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,333 to $6,122 for economy

Lodging : $67 to $94 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $95 to $115 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Indonesia

How cheap can you make a vacation to Indonesia? The cheapest trip to Indonesia is about $114 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 28% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $16 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $21.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Indonesia for a week is $800-$2,101 ($114-$300 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $13 to $25 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $21 to $24 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $37 to $66 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Indonesia for a week is $1,467-$3,807 ($210-$544 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $25 to $50 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Indonesia for a week is $2,929-$7,429 ($418-$1,061 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $50 to $101 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $41 to $48 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $55 to $100 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very easy to travel to Indonesia cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Indonesia Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Indonesia.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Indonesia for a week is $2,255-$9,562 ($322-$1,366 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $50 to $105 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,449 to $3,865 for first class

Lodging : $76 to $154 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $412 to $827 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Indonesia for a week is $4,054-$14,155 ($579-$2,022 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $100 to $209 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,898 to $7,730 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Indonesia for a week is $8,116-$25,796 ($1,159-$3,685 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $201 to $419 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $5,797 to $15,459 for first class

Lodging : $152 to $308 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $615 to $1,234 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Indonesia Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Indonesia is much lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Indonesia due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Indonesia Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Indonesia hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Indonesia.

Flight Costs to Indonesia

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,749 average in early to mid July to a low of $1,251 in late November to early December. Median flight price is $680. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Indonesia our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Wednesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Wednesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Indonesia, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $498, so you can easily save about 40% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Indonesia can easily cost $189 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $13 per person. Private tours can cost $379 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Indonesia Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Karimunjawa Islands, Indonesia
• Jepara, Indonesia
• Kudus, Indonesia
• Demak, Indonesia
• Pati, Indonesia
• Pekalongan, Indonesia
• Semarang, Indonesia
• Kedungwuni, Indonesia
• Pemalang, Indonesia
• Taman, Indonesia

Indonesia Travel Cost – How Much to Budget

Indonesia is one of the most engaging and most visited countries in Southeast Asia and with good reason! As well as a whole host of attractions and gorgeous natural scenery, the Indonesia travel cost per day makes this an affordable place to spend a holiday in this part of the world.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Indonesia is relatively cheap as prices are low compared to many other countries in Southeast Asia. One thing you may find is that prices differ somewhat depending on where you are, and tend to be higher in tourist hubs in places such as Bali. Even then, you can still get away with a relatively small daily budget if you are prepared to go for cheaper options during your stay in Indonesia which will greatly reduce your overall Indonesia travel cost.

Prices in Indonesia

Prices in Indonesia are fairly low when you compare them to other countries in Southeast Asia like Myanmar, and some in particular such as transport offer you the best options if you want to reduce the cost of travel to the region. Some of the basic price breakdowns are as follows:

Transport in Indonesia

Public transport in Indonesia is one of the cheapest ways to travel and travellers will find that they have a huge number of different options available to them. If you are in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, the you can travel around the city using the Transjakarta Busway which is also called the Bus Rapid Transit and has flat rate fares from IDR 2,000 at off peak times, rising to IDR 3,500 at peak times.

Another option is Jakarta and also all over Indonesia is an angkot which is a small mini-bus that operates like an informal bus and has a number of routes over different cities with tickets costing from IDR 2,000 for a short journey. Angkot routes however can be difficult to navigate and you need to pay the driver directly making ticketing non-existent and fare confusing.

A much easier way to get around however is to take a taxi and there are a number of different kinds available depending on where you are. The main taxi service in Indonesia however is the Blue Bird Group or Blue Bird Taxis who offer a 24 hour service and have fares that start at IDR 7,500 with an additional IDR 400 per 100 meters.

Other options that are now rising in popularity in Indonesia include Gojek and Grabcar which are car and motorbike services that use an app and have a base rate of between IDR 10,000 - 15,000 and an additional IDR 3,500-4,500 depending on which service you use and the time of day you are traveling. These often work out cheaper than taxis however and wait times are usually less, making them a great new addition to Indonesian transport services.

Many travellers also opt to rent their own car in Indonesia which usually comes with a driver and you can usually get one at main airports for around IDR 300,000 per day excluding petrol which is usually around IDR 100,000 for a full day. If you are going to travel around a range of attractions and are traveling as part of a group then this can be one of the most cost effective ways of getting around in Indonesia.

Indonesia is a huge country made up of some 17,000 islands, so if you are short of time then one of the best ways to get around is to fly domestically . Fortunately, due to low cost carriers like Air Asia Indonesia and Lion Air, domestic tickets are affordable and you can get a ticket for a short trip, such as flying between Bali and neighbouring Lombok for as little as IDR 500,000. If you want to fly a longer distance then you can expect to pay between IDR 100,000,000 to IDR 200,000,000 for a ticket, although as this saves on travel time this is often one of the cheapest ways to get around.

The other way to move around Indonesia if you want to cover long distances is to take a long haul bus and this is truly the cheapest way to get around. Many of the buses however travel overnight and can be dirty and uncomfortable, and so even though they are cheap, they are not necessarily the most pleasant way to get around. For a long journey between islands, for example from Sumatra to Java, you can expect to pay around IDR 150,000 although the journey can take upwards of 20 hours depending on where you want to go.

Food Prices

When it comes to Indonesia travel costs you can usually save money on food as prices are low and shouldn’t take too much out of your daily budget. If you eat local food then you can get a meal of rice with several side dishes at a nasi padang restaurant for around IDR 30,000. A meal of fried noodles called mee goreng or fried rice called nasi goreng can cost anything from IDR 10,000 to 20,000 depending on where you buy it, but prices can rise dramatically if you eat in Western style restaurants. In Bali for example you can find all-you-can-eat buffets in Western chain hotels that cost around IDR 1,000,000 including drinks, so how much you want to spend on food in Indonesia depends very much on your preferences and your daily budget.

One thing to note is that Indonesia has a 150% tax on imported alcohol which means that wine and spirits are very expensive. You can however get a bottle of the local beer, Bintang, for around IDR 20,000.

Cost of an Indonesian tourist visa

The new rules mean that Indonesian tourist visas on arrival to Indonesia are now free of charge. They cannot however, be extended, so if you plan to spend longer than 30 days in Indonesia then you will need to opt for a paid tourist visa which costs USD 30 and can be extended for another 30 days, giving two months in the country.

Hotel Prices

There are a huge number of accommodation options in Indonesia from simple guesthouses to five star hotels, so how much you want to spend on accommodation during your trip depends on your own personal preferences and daily budget. If you want to keep your Indonesia travel cost low then you can opt for something like a guesthouse or homestay where it is still possible to find rooms for as low as USD 10 per night if you opt for a dorm room in a hostel or similar. If you want to stay in a hotel then you can find many spots around the country for around USD 30, and prices can then go up to hundreds of dollars if you choose luxury accommodation in somewhere like Bali.

Dual Pricing

One thing to note when looking at prices in Indonesia is that dual pricing often comes into effect. This means that attractions may have two different prices for locals and foreigners, and the foreign price often comes with a steep mark up. One example of this is the access to the orang utan feeding platform at Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra which is IDR 10,000 for locals and IDR 200,000 for foreign visitors.

Indonesia travel cost per day:

As a general rule, you need to budget about USD 30 per day in Indonesia as part of your overall Indonesia travel cost. This allows for some flexibility, and if you can increase your budget to around USD 40 per day then this allows you to stay in reasonably nice accommodation and also leaves room for some beers at the end of the day.

Travel budgeting for Indonesia:

• Accommodation: USD 20- 40 per night
• Food: Meal for one in a local restaurant with a drink IDR 30,000
• Drinks – local beer: IDR 20,000
• Bottle of water: IDR 5,000
• Taxis: Around USD 30,000 to IDR 50,000 depending on the distance.
• Airport taxis: Usually a fixed price depending on the airport and the distance but usually around IDR 150,000.
• Souvenirs: Anything from IDR 30,000 upwards.
• Admission to national parks: Around IDR 200,000.
• Long haul bus journey: Around IDR 150,000 depending on the exact route and length of the journey.
• Domestic flights: Anywhere between IDR 500,000 to 2,000,000.

On the whole, you get more bang for your buck in Indonesia than in many other countries in Southeast Asia, which is why many people choose to base themselves here for a longer period of time. The cost of living in Indonesia is very cheap compared to other places, and as long as you manage your Indonesia travel costs then you can enjoy a mid range travel experience without having to break the bank. If you stay and eat locally, then you won’t need to spend more than around USD 30 per day, and can even spend less if you are prepared to cut a few corners and eschew luxury items such as alcohol.

• Travel Money: How much to budget for your Indonesian adventure?

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First of all: what currency is used in indonesia, travel cost assumptions, how much did it cost us to explore indonesia, map of accommodation, points of interest, eateries and transport, how much to budget for accommodation in indonesia, luggage storage and washroom use, how much to budget for dining and groceries in indonesia, how much to budget for transportation in indonesia, what we did, train travel, boat travel, rental vehicles, how much to budget for experiences in indonesia, mt rinjani trek, komodo island one-day tour, private day tour in flores, what other costs should you budget for when planning a trip to indonesia, tourist visa, tourist taxes and levies, communication, travel insurance, travel safely: download your free risk register, what else is worth knowing, should i tip in indonesia, how much cash do you need in indonesia, have you explored indonesia recently, author: paul ryken.

Indonesia is known to be a more budget-friendly holiday destination, even considering the cost of flying there. But how affordable is it when you stay longer than the customary one to two weeks and explore the country beyond Bali? We recently travelled around the islands of Indonesia for two months, trying different foods , learning about the country’s rich cultural tapestry, climbing mountains , and travelling by plane, train , bus , ferry , car and scooter. In this article, we share our actual travel cost and key learnings – to help you explore the country affordably and responsibly.

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For those of you who’ve never been to Indonesia : The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah. The official currency code is IDR, though you may also find it abbreviated to Rp . It was formally introduced as the national currency in 1950, a year after Indonesia gained independence.

During your travels, you might come across

• Coins in denominations of IDR50/100/200/500/1,000, though during our time in Indonesia , we only ever saw the 500 and 1,000 coins (perhaps unsurprisingly, because even IDR1,000 were only about USD0.065-USD0.066 when we visited).
• Bank notes in denominations of IDR1,000/2,000/5,000/10,000/20,000/50,000/100,000.

Since 2010, the federal government has been debating whether to redenominate and remove the last three 000s, but this idea/plan has not (yet) eventuated.

Ever wanted to be a billionaire? Come to Indonesia , where less than USD70 makes you one

When reading this article, please keep the following in mind:

• Our travel costs are based upon a couple travelling together.
• We are independent travellers, researching and organising our own itinerary using our go-to travel planning tools .
• Accommodation: We usually stay in self-catered accommodation (homestays, locally owned guesthouses, hostels and short-term rentals) - in our own room with (preferably) our own bathroom, though the kitchen may be shared.
• Dining and Groceries: We have at least two meals a day at home . We like to eat out once a day to every few days (and prefer locally owned restaurants and small eateries away from the tourist hotspots).
• Transportation: We walk a lot, and wherever possible, we travel by public transport . Only occasionally do we hire a vehicle.
• Experiences: Many of the activities we do are free of charge or cost very little. When we pay for attractions or activities , we are selective as our funds are limited (just like everyone elses).
• In addition to above expense categories, we include in our total daily costs our mail scanning and forwarding service , mobile phone plans and travel insurance - though only for the period we are in the country.
• We use a multi-currency personal account with Wise to manage our currencies XE to transfer money as required.
• Not included are the costs for entry or exit transportation into/out of the country.

Considering the above assumptions, we spent on average IDR819,697/USD54.19 per person per day.

Below is the summary table of the Accommodation, Groceries and Dining, Transportation, Experiences and Miscellaneous expenses we incurred for the 59 full nights we stayed in Indonesia , exploring the main islands of Java, Lombok, Flores and Bali (and a few smaller ones).

Below is a map of the recommended accommodation, points of interest, eateries and transport terminals/stops mentioned in this article.

During our two months in Indonesia , our accommodation costs averaged IDR262,905/USD16.56 per room per night. We stayed mostly in locally owned guesthouses and homestays, where we would have our own bedroom and bathroom.

The table lists ALL accommodations we stayed at, including places we wouldn’t choose to stay again. The accommodations all provided free Wi-Fi (some faster than others) and most provided air-conditioning. Where provided, breakfast is included in the below price.

Our most expensive accommodation was at Kristal Garden in Sekotong, Lombok – at IDR382,199/USD25.23 per night for a modern, clean, airconditioned, stand-alone bungalow, with (shared) swimming pool and breakfast, only 500 metres from Kemos Beach where the boats departed for the Secret Gillis.

Our most expensive accommodation was 500 metres from the beach (and a boat ride away from this tranquil spot) in the south-west of Lombok

At just IDR169,894/USD11.21 per night, our most affordable accommodation was a stay at Mysha Guest House in Tetebatu, Lombok – for a semi-detached bamboo bungalow without aircon (at 400 metres above sea level, a fan was more than sufficient) but including breakfast (and a lovely host family).

Our most affordable accommodation was a guesthouse on the southern slopes of Mt Rinjani, also in Lombok

Our accommodation cost bucket also includes the costs of utilities (including laundry, luggage storage and washroom use). 

Over the two months in Indonesia , we used laundromats/laundry services nine times, costing us an average of IDR62,389/USD4.12 per use:

• At IDR160,000/USD10.56, our most expensive laundry service was MaeMae Laundry [ Google Maps location ] in Ubud, Bali when we needed an express laundry service (in a very touristy area) before leaving the country that very same night.
• Our cheapest service was at M.Ricky Laundry [ Google Maps location ] in the non-touristy Kraton district of Yogyakarta , where we paid IDR19,000/USD1.25 (also for same-day service).

Only once in Indonesia did we need to store our travel packs for any period (and pay for washroom use). Before boarding the Yogyakarta to Malang midnight train, we left our travel packs at Shower & Locker [ Google Maps location ] while we explored the downtown area of Yogyakarta. When we returned, we had a shower there as well. We paid

• IDR90,000/USD5.94 for a locker large enough to fit both our travel packs (up to 12 hours), and
• IDR80,000/USD5.28 for two super-clean bathrooms (which we could use for up to 45 minutes) – each equipped with a shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet.

We paid for the lockers in cash and the showers by credit card.

Our dining costs ranged from USD0.50 for street food on Flores to USD22 for a restaurant meal (and drinks) in touristy Canggu, Bali

Below is a list of standard grocery items (averaged across several islands and grocery shop sizes).

While 66% of all air travellers enter Indonesia via Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on the island of Java, New Zealand and Australian travellers tend to fly into I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali. The latter is serviced by a whopping 41 airlines – among them Garuda Indonesia , the national carrier (which ranked 30th in the World Airline Awards 2023 List ) and its low-cost off-spring Citilink (in 94th position).

Coming from Sydney , Australia , we flew into I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport Denpasar (DPS) – on Jetstar with a flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes. The price for the flight is not included in our Indonesia travel costs as everyone travels from different places.

Given Indonesia is an archipelago with some 18,000 islands spread further than the full width of the United States or Australia , it’s hard to avoid flying domestically (particularly if you want to see more than Bali and/or Java and have limited time). We took five internal flights, all requiring our (usual) carry-on travel packs to be checked in due to 7kg weight limitations for cabin baggage. All payments were made by credit card.

Before we book any flight (domestic or international), we always consider our carbon footprint and give preference to lower carbon alternatives where feasible.

Domestic flights and boats/ferries are your main transport options to travel between the many islands of Indonesia

When we started our research on Indonesia , we soon learned that the islands of Java and Sumatra had a (reasonably) reliable rail network, operated by Kereta Api Indonesia (or short KAI), the national carrier. The entire rail network spans just over 7,000km.

On Java, the network stretches the whole island – from Merak in Banten Province in the West (for the ferry to Sumatra) to Ketapang in East Java (for the ferry to Bali), linking all the major cities in between, including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Solo, Malang and Surabaya.

While the train operator’s website is www.kai.id , we weren’t able to purchase tickets there (nor on the KAI app) using our Australian credit cards. Instead, we either purchased tickets in person at the train station or through the Tiket website .

Wherever you buy your tickets: Be aware that train capacity in Indonesia is limited (based on the number of seats available). Thus, we recommend that you purchase your tickets (well) in advance (or risk being stranded – from a few hours to a few days). Another benefit: The further in advance you book the cheaper are the tickets.

We travelled with KAI twice:

• First, we took the Malabar overnight train from Yogyakarta to Malang . We booked our tickets 23 days before departure via the Tiket website at a cost of IDR406,000/USD26.80 per person (including the booking fee).
• A few days later, we took the early morning Tumapel train from Malang to Waru (Surabaya) for IDR2,000/USD0.13 per person (purchased in person at Malang Station the day before), and then the DAMRI bus from Terminal Bungurasih (a 10-minute walk from Waru Station) to Juanda International Airport, Surabaya (SUB).

And speaking of which: DAMRI is an Indonesian state-owned bus operator with set schedules, clean vehicles and friendly drivers. Finding the schedule and booking tickets though was a whole mission in itself – the (Indonesian-only) website directs passengers to the DAMRI app, which is not accessible to non-Indonesian mobile phone users (at least, it wasn’t when we travelled).

We used DAMRI a total of six times (on Java and Lombok):

• Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) to the city centre – at a cost of IDR80,000/USD5.28 per person,
• Yogyakarta city centre to Borobudur (and back) – at IDR20,000/USD1.32 per person per trip,
• Wonokitri to Malang – at IDR35,000/USD2.31 per person,
• Terminal Bungurasih to Juanda International Airport, Surabaya (SUB) at a cost of IDR35,000/USD2.31 per person, and
• Lombok International Airport (LOP) to Mataram – at IDR35,000/USD2.31 per person.

Most of the time, we just turned up at the bus stop and were able to buy our tickets on the spot. However, in one instance (from Malang to Wonokitri), the minibus was booked out (and the next one was not scheduled for another 12 hours). Thus, to not miss out again on our return journey, we asked our host in Wonokitri to book the tickets for us via the DAMRI app.

Apart from DAMRI , we also used local buses in Yogyakarta – at a cost of IDR3,600/USD0.24 per person per trip.

DAMRI was our prefered bus operator in Indonesia with set schedules, super-affordable fares, clean vehicles and friendly drivers

Being an archipelago, you are bound to use a boat at some point when travelling around Indonesia . Some islands are connected by large (multi-storey) ferries, others by regular speed boats and others again by water taxis.

We took a boat a total of six times – twice on day excursions (on Lombok and Flores) and four times to cross from island to island:

• Private water taxi from Tembowong Harbour to Gili Gede Ferry Terminal – at IDR200,000/USD13.20 for both of us including luggage
• Speed boat from Gili Gede to Buyuk Harbour, Nusa Penida with Gili Getaway – at IDR900,000/USD59.40 per person
• Public ferry from Toya Pakeh Harbour, Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan – at IDR50,000/USD3.30 per person
• Speed boat from Mushroom Bay, Nusa Lembongan to Sanur, Bali with Dream Beach Express – at IDR160,000/USD10.56 per person.

Island crossings, especially between Lombok, the Nusas and Bali, and between Flores and the islands of the Komodo National Park are surprisingly bumpy (even on a calm day). So, if you get seasick easily, take tablets to make the ride more comfortable.

Being a country made up of islands, you are bound to use a boat at some point when travelling around Indonesia

Gojek and Grab are the Indonesian equivalents of Uber. Both rideshare apps are also among the few apps that work with a non-Indonesian mobile device. You can download the Grab app (available for Apple and Android phones), add your credit card details (don’t worry, we found it to be secure and easier than trying to pay in cash) and then proceed to book your ride (you can even order a take-out meal delivered to your doorsteps). Gojek works the same way, but we didn’t end up using them.

We usually walk or use public transport. As you can see from the table below though, we used rideshares a few times in Indonesia :

Our most expensive ride overall was a Bluebird Taxi from Tetebatu to Sekotong (though not on a per-kilometre basis). Travel between the two destinations would have required taking multiple (mini)buses (with no guarantee that we would arrive the same day). It was easy to install the Bluebird app on our Android mobile phones (there’s an Apple version too ), and the ride was significantly cheaper than a private transfer (you are charged based on the taxi meter). Bluebird Taxis on Lombok only serve major towns/longer distances. So, if you booked a taxi via the app and didn’t hear from the driver before your ride, chances are you’ve got no ride (as happened to us once).

Our most expensive ride on a per kilometre basis was the 3.5km ride from our Prambanan accommodation to the Ramayana Ballet Prambanan . Though, that was our own fault: We hadn’t set up our credit card in the Grab app before we jumped in the car (and couldn’t add it during the ride when we realised we only had a 50,000 Rupiah note). Of course, the driver didn’t have change (one of the frequent scams in Indonesia and in fact, around the world).

Our cheapest ride (on a per kilometre basis) was sharing a car with two locals on the island of Flores (more on that below).

Gojek and Grab are the most common rideshare options in Indonesia - you can even order food to be delivered to your doorsteps

Of course, you can also hire cars and scooters in Indonesia . To be able to do so, you are (officially) required to provide both your country’s driver’s licence AND an International Driving Permit (IDP). While many rental shops may not ask you for your licence/s, it will become an issue if you are pulled over by the police or are involved in a vehicle accident and need to claim against your travel insurance policy .

And speaking of insurance: Rental vehicles in Indonesia don’t usually have insurance, thus if you are involved in an accident, repair/replacement costs are all on you/your travel insurance.

Given the volume of traffic in the major cities and how Indonesians drive, hiring a car (without a driver) is not advisable unless you are an experienced driver (in predominately Asian countries). Likewise, if you plan to rent a scooter, you should be very confident in your abilities – tourists who don’t ride confidently are a risk to themselves and other road users.

We rented a scooter five times – with Paul as the driver and Sandra as the passenger – at an average daily cost of IDR102,222/USD6.75.

Hire a scooter only if you are a confident rider (especially on busier islands like Bali or Java)

The scooters rarely came with much petrol in the tank, and you are generally not required to return them with much. In total, we paid IDR228,000/USD15.05 for petrol. Depending on whether we were in a bigger city/town or a small village, the price fluctuated – for reference: on Bali, we paid IDR11,234/USD0.74 per litre (IDR42,523/USD2.81 per US Gallon).

There were times when we needed to park our scooter and walk to where we needed to go. Parking at scooter parks with attendants present averaged out to cost IDR4,857/USD0.32 each time.

Twice we rented bicycles:

• Our accommodation at Griyo Jagalan in Borobudur, Java rented their bicycles for IDR25,000/USD1.65 per day, and
• Sandra hired a bike for IDR60,000/USD3.96 per day from Nusa Lembongan Cycle Hire.

If you're not a confident scooter rider, hiring a bicycle might be an alternative where public transport options are limited

While many overseas tourists never see more than the tourist hot spots in Bali, each Indonesian island is unique and worth visiting. From hiking/trekking and diving/snorkelling to a plethora of cultural and culinary experiences , there is a ton to do in Indonesia (for all budgets).

Many tourist attractions in Indonesia cost more for foreigners than for the country’s citizens (sometimes a lot more), and very few experiences accept payment by credit card.

All our experiences added up to IDR21,569,216/USD1,423.57 for the two of us – on average, IDR250,805/USD15.77 per person per experience or IDR185,942/USD12.27 per person per day.

With so many experiences on offer, we only list those below that we would do again and/or are happy to recommend.

As expected, our most expensive experience (by far) was our private, multi-day Mt Rinjani Trek  – at IDR5,041,500/USD332.74 per person. But boy, was it worth it. The memory will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Hiking Mt Rinjani over 3 days/2 nights was our most expensive but also one of our favourite experiences in Indonesia

While we booked our Mt Rinjani Trek months in advance, we arrived in Labuan Bajo – the entry point to the Komodo Island National Park [ Google Maps location ] – without booking an excursion to the famous park. We wanted to speak with tour operators on the ground and understand how sustainable their tours were before making a booking. Like most visitors to Labuan Bajo, we wanted to observe the amazing creatures of the park (from Komodo Dragons to turtles and manta rays) in their natural habitat, but we also wanted to do it with an operator whose values were aligned with ours .

After speaking to a few, we chose Red Whale Dive Centre [ Official website , Google Maps location ] and opted for a one-day tour rather than staying on a boat for multiple days to experience the same destinations at a slower pace. The one-day tour cost us IDR1,486,250/USD98.09 per person (plus National Park entry fees of IDR300,000/USD19.80 each). We also paid IDR400,000/USD26.40 to hire a GoPro for the day (which we wouldn’t do again).

You can read more about our Komodo Island experience with Red Whale Dive Centre in our in-depth review.

Komodo National Park is not only worthwhile visiting for the famous Dragons - it's also home to turtles, manta rays and other sea creatures

Another very worthwhile experience was enlisting a private guide for a day on the island of Flores.

We met local guide and musician Ryan Soi Radjo by chance (when looking for a ride to Bajawa in a bar in Moni). While his stories made our long, windy trip much more interesting, his music provided a beautiful soundtrack to our journey. So, enlisting Ryan for a full-day tour the next morning was a no-brainer.

Turning up as promised with two scooters (and a fellow guide friend on his day off), the four of us visited the traditional villages of Tololela [ Google Maps location ] and Bela [ Google Maps location ] (home to the Ngada people, including Ryan’s family), swam in the Malanage Hot Spring [ Google Maps location ] and watched the sunset in the presence of majestic Mt Inerie from the Wolobobo viewpoint [ Google Maps location ].

The full-day tour cost us IDR475,000/USD31.35 per person. Would we recommend it? Absolutely – another experience that will stay with us forever. We also knew the money we spent on guide fees, tips and food during the day would help support the local community.

If you want to hire Ryan for a private tour, contact him on WhatsApp .

Visiting traditional villages and learning more about the Ngada people from a local guide was one of many memorable experiences on the island of Flores

We travelled to Indonesia on our New Zealand (Paul) and Australian passports (Sandra) and booked our 30-day electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) online via the official visa website . This also allowed us to process the 30-day extension online (saving us a trip and lengthy wait at a physical Immigration Office). The 30-day eVOA cost us IDR519,500/USD34.29 per person (and the same again for the extension).

Since July 2019, tourists have to pay an Entrance Fee when visiting Nusa Penida – in our case, that was of IDR25,000/USD1.65 per person. The entrance fee is charged whether you’re a day visitor or stay on the island for a few days and collected in cash upon arrival on the island as you get off the boat. Since July 2023, it is also mandatory to pay an additional Retribution Tax if you dive, snorkel or swim in the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area .

In February 2024, Bali also introduced an International Tourist Levy, requiring foreign visitors to pay IDR150,000/USD9.90 per person per visit. We recommend you pay the Bali Tourist Levy via the official Bali Government website before arrival.

Tourists visiting Nusa Penida are charged an entrance fee (and a retribution fee if they swim, snorkel or dive in the Marine Protection Area)

As usual, Paul did all the research on data SIM cards for our phones. So, he knew there would be plenty of options when we landed at Denpasar Airport. We ended up paying IDR450,000/USD29.70 each for a physical SIM card from Telkomsel, including 51GB of data for 30 days. After installing the Telkomsel app, we could add IDR100,000/USD6.60 to the account and purchase additional data packs as needed/after the initial 30 days – which we did three times.

Using the Wi-Fi at our accommodation where sufficient and (tethering off) our mobile phones elsewhere, our communication costs during our 60 days in Indonesia averaged IDR10,345/USD0.68 per person per day. We paid for all the SIM card transactions by credit card.

If you want to buy a SIM card as a tourist (whether in Indonesia , Morocco or elsewhere), proof of ID is required (and a copy might be taken at the point of sale).

If you require mobile data in Indonesia , you can purchase a physical SIM card upon arrival at Denpasar Airport (as you walk out after collecting your luggage)

We never travel overseas without travel insurance. Key factors we assess when deciding which travel insurance to buy are:

• Medical cover: This should be a no-brainer given the costs of medical treatments in many countries and the expenses incurred in the case of repatriation/medical evacuation - the more is included the better. Be aware though that pre-existing conditions (PECs) need to be declared upon purchasing the insurance to be covered under the policy (and may incur a loading/extra premium).
• Personal effects cover: If you are like us and travel and work on the road, the cover for valuable items such as laptops and phones may also be important, as would be the total benefit paid if all your luggage was lost or stolen. If the limits for unspecified items don't cover the replacement cost of your valuables, you may want to specify them (and pay a loading/extra premium).
• Activities covered: Many insurers specifically exclude certain activities (including volunteering). Others charge a loading/extra premium for certain activities (including hiking above 3,000 metres, skiing, zip-lining, cave tubing - all activities we have done travelling). Best are policies that don't mention any activities specifically/don't have a blanket exclusion of adventure activities.

As with any other insurance , reading the fine print before you buy is critical.

For this trip, we went with a Cover-More Travel Insurance Single Trip Policy , covering two people for 60 days in Indonesia and costing us AUD1,683 – equating to IDR146,504/USD9.67 per person per day.

We never travel overseas without travel insurance - you just never know, and the cost of getting sick can add up quickly

Worried about travel risks? Our Travel Risk Register helps you identify, prevent, and manage over thirty potential issues. Get your free copy by entering your First Name and Email below. Stay safe and travel with confidence!

I am from New Zealand , and the custom of tipping for services is foreign to me. The service provided would have to be outstanding for me to warrant a tip. That said, I feel a stronger desire to tip in developing countries.

Tipping is not a MUST in Indonesia but is appreciated where staff may not be well rewarded, such as in restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and serviced apartments, spas and massage salons. We would also add a small tip to the Grab ride fee when we felt that the driver did a good job.

Restaurants/bars in touristy areas may automatically add a tip/service charge to your bill. So, always check the menu before you enter (or at least check your bill/invoice before you pay).

In short: A lot. Almost 80% of all our transactions were cash (only 20% of the businesses we frequented accepted credit cards). We prefer to use our credit cards when paying for transactions, so it meant we had to withdraw money more often or take the risk of having greater amounts of cash on us when travelling.

And speaking of ATM withdrawals : ATMs in Indonesia dispense IDR50,000 or IDR100,000 notes (sometimes, there is a sticker on the machine to indicate which ones). Most ATMs allow a maximum withdrawal per transaction of IDR1,250,000 (IDR50,000 note machines) or IDR3,000,000 (IDR100,000 note machines), with a total maximum withdrawal amount of IDR6,000,000 per day. In Indonesia , we used Maybank, Bank Mandiri and CIMB ATMs – none of which charged ATM withdrawal fees using our Australian Bankwest debit card or Wise card.

Do you have any questions I haven’t answered about the cost to explore Indonesia ? Please let me know. I’m happy to help.

And before you go: If you liked my article and found it helpful, I would appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and family via the Share buttons below. Even better: Leave a short review on Trustpilot or Google , which would help us further build our online reputation as a (trustworthy and helpful) travel and lifestyle blog.

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Discover the Ins and Outs of Trip to Indonesia Cost in 2024

by Trip.com

August 1, 2023

Planning a trip to Indonesia? Wondering about the trip to Indonesia cost? Look no further! In this article, we'll provide you with all the essential information you need to know about the cost of traveling in this beautiful country. Our main purpose is to give you the best tips for saving money without sacrificing quality. From finding affordable hotels and delicious local food to exploring the country's breathtaking attractions, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover how you can make the most of your trip to Indonesia without breaking the bank!

When it comes to the cost of a trip to Indonesia, it's important to consider various factors. For a round-trip ticket, flights to the country can range from $500 to $1500, depending on the season and airline. Accommodation costs vary as well, with budget hotels or hostels starting from as low as $10 per night, while luxury hotels can go up to $300 or more. As for transportation, Indonesia has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including subways and trains. A one-way ticket on these modes of transport can cost anywhere from $0.50 to $5.

Now, let's talk about food! Indonesia offers a wide range of dining options to suit every budget. If you're looking to save money, budget restaurants can provide delicious meals for as little as $2 per person. On the other hand, mid-range restaurants offer a more diverse menu and can cost around $10 to $15 per person.

For budget travelers, it's possible to spend as little as $30 to $50 per day in Indonesia, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. However, if you prefer a bit more comfort and are willing to splurge on certain experiences, a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day. It's important to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you. By being mindful of your expenses and making smart choices, you can have an amazing trip to Indonesia without breaking the bank!

• How much does it cost for 2 nights and 3 days when traveling to Indonesia?

Planning a trip to Indonesia but unsure about the cost? Well, fret not! We've got you covered. The cost of a 2-night, 3-day trip to Indonesia can vary depending on various factors such as your travel style, choice of accommodation, transportation, and activities. Here's a rough estimate of the cost for a budget traveler:

Flights: Let's start with the most significant expense - flights. The cost of a round-trip ticket to Indonesia from major cities around the world can range anywhere from $500 to $1500, depending on the season and availability.

Accommodation: When it comes to finding a place to stay, budget hotels in Indonesia can be quite affordable. You can expect to spend around $20 to $50 per night, which means a total cost of $40 to $100 for 2 nights.

Transportation: Getting around in Indonesia is relatively inexpensive. A one-way subway or train ticket can cost you around $1 to $5, depending on the distance. So, for 3 days of transportation, you can expect to spend approximately $6 to $30.

Food and drinks: Now, let's talk about satisfying your taste buds. Eating at budget restaurants in Indonesia can cost you around $3 to $10 per meal. However, if you're up for some street food or convenience store meals, you can save even more. As for drinks, prices can vary depending on the type and location, but expect to spend around $1 to $3 per drink. Overall, you can budget around $30 to $90 for food and drinks for 3 days.

Sightseeing and activities: Indonesia is a treasure trove of attractions. Some popular ones, like beaches and temples, may be free or have a small entrance fee of around $1 to $5 per person. However, if you're looking for more immersive experiences or adventure activities, the cost can go up to $20 to $50 per person. So, for 3 days of sightseeing and activities, you can expect to spend approximately $10 to $150.

So, to sum it all up, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $600 to $1500 for a 2-night & 3-day trip to Indonesia. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on your travel style, activities, and other expenses. Now that you have an idea of the cost, it's time to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Indonesia!

• How much does it cost for flights when traveling to Indonesia?

Planning a trip to Indonesia? One of the first things you'll need to consider is the cost of flights. The price can vary depending on several factors, including your departure location, the time of year you plan to travel, the airline you choose, and the availability of tickets.

When it comes to booking flights to Indonesia, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, we can give you a general range of the cost in US dollars for both one-way and round-trip tickets from major cities around the world.

Let's start with the departure location. If you're flying from a major city like New York, London, or Sydney, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a one-way ticket to Indonesia. Of course, this price can fluctuate depending on the time of year and the airline you choose.

For round-trip tickets, the cost can range from $1000 to $3000, again depending on the factors mentioned earlier. Keep in mind that prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons, such as holidays or school breaks.

Now, let's talk about the different classes of tickets. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, you can find economy class tickets starting from around $500 for a one-way trip and $1000 for a round-trip. However, if you prefer a more luxurious experience, business class tickets can range from $2000 to $5000 for a one-way trip and $4000 to $8000 for a round-trip.

It's important to note that these prices are just estimates and can vary depending on the specific details of your trip. To get the most accurate information, we recommend checking with different airlines and travel agencies to compare prices and find the best deal for your journey to Indonesia.

So, if you're dreaming of exploring the beautiful beaches of Bali or diving into the rich culture of Jakarta, start planning your trip now and keep an eye on flight prices. With a little research and flexibility, you can find a flight that fits your budget and makes your Indonesian adventure a reality!

• How much does it cost for hotels when traveling to Indonesia?

Planning a trip to Indonesia? One of the key aspects to consider is the cost of hotels. The price you pay for accommodation can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, season, and the type of accommodation you are looking for. Let's delve into the details and get a better understanding of the hotel costs in this beautiful country.

When it comes to hotels in Indonesia, the prices can differ significantly based on the city or town you choose to stay in. Major cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Yogyakarta tend to have higher hotel rates compared to smaller cities or rural areas. This is mainly due to the higher demand and popularity of these destinations.

In major cities like Jakarta, the cost of a mid-range hotel room can range from approximately $50 to $100 per night. If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, expect to pay anywhere between $150 to $300 per night for a luxury hotel room.

On the other hand, in smaller towns and cities, the hotel prices are generally more affordable. You can find mid-range hotel rooms for around $30 to $70 per night, while luxury hotel rooms can range from $100 to $200 per night.

It's important to note that these price ranges are just estimates and can vary depending on the specific hotel, season, and availability. It's always a good idea to check with different hotels and compare prices to find the best deal that suits your budget and preferences.

So, whether you're planning a visit to the bustling streets of Jakarta or the serene beaches of Bali, make sure to consider the cost of hotels in your travel budget. By doing so, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay without breaking the bank.

• How much does it cost for food when traveling to Indonesia?

When planning a trip to Indonesia, it's essential to consider the cost of food and dining. The prices can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of food, the restaurant's location, and the level of formality or luxury.

Let's take a look at some general price ranges in US dollars per meal for different food options in Indonesia. Please note that these are approximate prices and can vary depending on the specific establishment.

Street food or fast food: $1 - $3

Casual dining or local restaurants: $3 - $8

Mid-range restaurants: $8 - $15

High-end or luxury restaurants: $15 and above

Apart from dining out, there are also other affordable options for food in Indonesia. Convenience stores and supermarkets offer a wide range of snacks, drinks, and ready-to-eat meals at reasonable prices. This can be a great option for travelers on a budget or those looking for a quick bite.

When it comes to tipping, it's important to note that it is not customary in Indonesia. However, some higher-end restaurants may include a service charge in the bill. If you receive exceptional service and wish to show your appreciation, you can leave a small tip, but it is not expected.

So, when planning your trip to Indonesia, make sure to consider the cost of food and explore the various options available to suit your budget and preferences.

• How much does it cost for souvenirs when traveling to Indonesia?

Well, let me tell you, the cost of souvenirs in this vibrant country can vary widely depending on what you're looking for, where you're shopping, and the quality of the item. It's like a treasure hunt, really! You never know what you might find. From traditional batik clothing to intricately carved wooden masks, Indonesia offers a plethora of unique and culturally rich souvenirs. And the best part? You can bring a piece of this enchanting land back home with you without breaking the bank. Let's dive into some examples, shall we?

First up, we have the ever-popular sarong. These colorful and versatile pieces of fabric can be found in markets all over Indonesia, and they usually range in price from $5 to $15. Perfect for a beach day or a stylish wrap, sarongs are a must-have souvenir. Next, we have the famous Balinese wood carvings. These intricate masterpieces can be found in various sizes and designs, with prices starting from $20 and going up to $100 or more, depending on the intricacy of the carving. If you're a fan of jewelry, you're in luck! Indonesia is known for its stunning silver jewelry, and you can find beautiful rings, necklaces, and bracelets starting from $10 and going up to $50 or more, depending on the design and quality. Lastly, we can't forget about the aromatic and exotic spices that Indonesia is famous for. Whether it's a pack of fragrant cloves or a jar of rich and flavorful nutmeg, these spices can be purchased for as little as $2 and go up to $10, depending on the quantity and rarity.

Now, when it comes to shopping for souvenirs in Indonesia, it's important to know that many souvenir shops in tourist areas have fixed prices. However, if you're feeling adventurous and want to try your hand at bargaining, head over to flea markets or antique shops. Here, you might have some room for negotiation and score yourself a great deal. So, don't be shy to haggle a bit and embrace the local shopping culture. After all, it's all part of the experience!

• How much does it cost for transportation when traveling to Indonesia?

Planning a trip to Indonesia? One of the important factors to consider is the cost of transportation. Whether you're exploring the bustling city of Jakarta or venturing into the beautiful landscapes of Bali, understanding the expenses involved in getting around is essential. In this article, we'll break down the cost of transportation in Indonesia, giving you an idea of what to expect.

The cost of transportation in Indonesia varies depending on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled. Let's take a closer look at some of the popular options:

Indonesia has an extensive railway network, making trains a convenient and affordable mode of transportation. The cost of train tickets can range from $5 to $30, depending on the distance and class of travel.

In major cities like Jakarta, subway systems provide a reliable way to navigate through the urban jungle. The average cost of a subway ride is around $0.50 to $1, depending on the distance traveled.

Buses are a common mode of transportation in Indonesia, offering both short and long-distance travel options. The cost of bus tickets can range from $1 to $20, depending on the distance and the type of bus.

Taxis are readily available in most cities and offer a convenient way to get around. The cost of a taxi ride starts at around $1, with an additional charge per kilometer. It's always a good idea to negotiate the fare or use a metered taxi to avoid any surprises.

If you prefer the freedom of exploring at your own pace, renting a car is a popular option. Rental car prices can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the duration of the rental. On average, expect to pay around $20 to $50 per day.

It's worth noting that Indonesia also offers transportation passes and discount tickets for visitors. These passes can be a great value if you plan to do a lot of traveling in a short period. For example, the Jakarta City Card provides unlimited access to public transportation for a certain duration at a discounted price.

In conclusion, the cost of transportation in Indonesia varies depending on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled. From trains and subways to buses and taxis, there are plenty of options to suit every budget. Consider utilizing transportation passes or discount tickets if you plan on exploring extensively. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Indonesia!

• How much does it cost for sightseeing when traveling to Indonesia?

Planning a trip to Indonesia? One of the key factors to consider is the cost of sightseeing. The expenses can vary widely depending on the location, attraction, and activity you choose. To help you budget your trip effectively, we've compiled a list of popular tourist attractions and their cost ranges in US dollars.

Indonesia is a country that offers a plethora of breathtaking sights and experiences. From stunning beaches to ancient temples, there is something for everyone. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential costs involved to make the most of your trip.

Here are some popular tourist attractions in Indonesia and their approximate cost ranges:

• Borobudur Temple: Entrance fees range from $20 to $25.
• Mount Bromo: A sunrise tour can cost around $30 to $40.
• Ubud Monkey Forest: Admission fee is approximately $5.
• Komodo National Park: Entrance fees range from $10 to $15.
• Gili Islands: Boat transfers can cost between $10 and $20.
• Uluwatu Temple: Entrance fee is around $2 to $3.
• Tanjung Puting National Park: A guided tour can cost approximately $100 to $150.
• Raja Ampat Islands: Snorkeling and diving tours range from $50 to $100.

While these attractions offer incredible experiences, it's worth noting that there are also numerous free or low-cost sightseeing options in Indonesia. You can explore the vibrant local markets, visit traditional villages, or take leisurely walks along the picturesque rice terraces. These activities allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture without breaking the bank.

So, whether you're on a tight budget or willing to splurge on once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Indonesia has something for everyone. Plan your trip wisely, consider the costs, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in this beautiful country.

• How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication when traveling to Indonesia?

When planning a trip to Indonesia, it's essential to consider the cost of Wi-Fi and communication to stay connected while exploring this vibrant country. There are various options available, each with its own price range in US dollars. One option is to rent a Wi-Fi router, which allows you to have internet access wherever you go. The cost of renting a Wi-Fi router can vary depending on the rental company and the plan you choose. Another option is to purchase a SIM card, which provides you with a local phone number and data plan. The cost of a SIM card will depend on the data plan and provider you select. Additionally, there are free Wi-Fi hotspots available in certain locations throughout Indonesia. It's worth noting that some hotels and accommodations offer complimentary Wi-Fi for their guests, so be sure to check before booking. To make your trip even more budget-friendly, there are smartphone apps like "Wi-Fi Finder" and "Free Wi-Fi Map" that provide access to free Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. The cost of Wi-Fi in Indonesia can vary depending on the method of access and the data plan you choose. However, with the multitude of options available, travelers can easily stay connected during their time in Indonesia.

• How much does it cost for visa when traveling to Indonesia?

Planning a trip to Indonesia? Well, let's talk about the cost of visas and passports. We all know that traveling to a foreign country requires some paperwork, and Indonesia is no exception. So, how much does it cost to get a visa for Indonesia? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. The cost of a visa application can vary depending on your country of citizenship and the type of passport application you need. For example, if you are from the United States, the cost for a tourist visa ranges from $50 to $100, while a business visa can cost anywhere from $150 to $250. However, if you are lucky enough to be from one of the visa-free access countries, like Malaysia or Singapore, you won't have to worry about any visa fees at all.

It's important to note that visa application fees can also vary depending on the country you are applying from. Additionally, some countries may require additional fees for visa applications or other travel documents. To make sure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's always a good idea to check with your local embassy or consulate. They will be able to provide you with the specific requirements and fees for your country of citizenship. So, before you embark on your Indonesian adventure, make sure you have all your paperwork in order and know exactly what to expect in terms of visa costs.

• How much does it cost for insurance when traveling to Indonesia?

The cost of insurance for a trip to Indonesia can vary depending on several factors. These factors include your age, the length of your trip, the type of coverage you require, and the insurance provider you choose. To give you a general idea, here are some guidelines for travel insurance costs:

For a single trip, the cost range of travel insurance can be anywhere from $50 to $200. This range is influenced by the duration of your trip and the level of coverage you opt for. It's important to note that the cost may increase if you have pre-existing medical conditions or if you plan on participating in high-risk activities such as extreme sports.

If you are a frequent traveler, an annual travel insurance policy might be more suitable for you. The cost range for an annual policy can vary between $200 and $600. This type of policy provides coverage for multiple trips within a year, making it a cost-effective option for those who travel frequently.

For comprehensive coverage that includes medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage loss, the cost range can be higher. Depending on the duration of your trip and the level of coverage, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500.

It's important to compare travel insurance policies from different providers to find the coverage that best meets your needs and budget. Take the time to read the policy details carefully and understand what is and isn't covered, as well as any deductibles or exclusions. Additionally, some credit cards and travel booking sites offer travel insurance as a benefit or add-on, so be sure to explore those options as well.

Comparing policies and understanding the coverage is crucial to ensure you have the right protection during your trip to Indonesia. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry!

• How much does it cost for family, couples or single when traveling to Indonesia?

The cost of traveling to the country can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the length of the trip, the type of accommodation, the level of luxury, the activities planned, and the number of travelers. Here's the lowdown on the estimated costs for a trip to the country:

Airfare: The cost of airfare to the country can be a real game-changer. It all depends on where you're flying from and when you're planning to go. Round-trip tickets from the United States to Indonesia can range anywhere from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars per person.

Accommodation: Finding a place to rest your head can be a real head-scratcher. If you're on a tight budget, you can expect to pay around $10 to $30 per night for a budget hotel or hostel. For those who prefer a bit more comfort, mid-range hotels can set you back around $50 to $100 per night, while luxury hotels and ryokans can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 per night.

Food and drink: Let's talk about the real meat and potatoes of any trip - the food! If you're looking to fill your belly without emptying your wallet, a budget meal at a local restaurant can cost you around $2 to $5 per person. If you're feeling a bit more fancy, a mid-range meal can set you back around $10 to $20 per person.

Transportation: Getting around in Indonesia can be a real adventure. A single metro or train ticket can cost you around $0.50 to $1, while a long-distance bullet train ticket can set you back around $10 to $20. Don't forget about taxis and car rentals, as they can also add to your transportation costs.

Overall, the cost of traveling to Indonesia can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per person, depending on your travel style and preferences. Whether you're traveling with your family, your significant other, or flying solo, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $5000 for a trip to Indonesia. So start saving those pennies and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

• Methods to Save Money When Traveling to Indonesia

Planning a trip to Indonesia can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to keep an eye on your budget to ensure a stress-free experience. With a little bit of research and some clever strategies, you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. Here are a few tried-and-true methods to save money when traveling to Indonesia.

First and foremost, consider traveling during the off-peak season. This will not only help you avoid the crowds but also save you a significant amount of money on flights and accommodations. Additionally, booking your flights and accommodations well in advance can often lead to substantial discounts. Keep an eye out for special promotions and deals offered by airlines and hotels to further reduce your trip to Indonesia cost.

Another way to save money is by opting for local transportation instead of expensive taxis or private transfers. Public buses, trains, and even motorbike taxis (known as "ojeks") are not only more affordable but also provide an authentic local experience. Just be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand to avoid any surprises.

When it comes to dining, explore local street food stalls and small eateries rather than fancy restaurants. Not only will you get to savor the authentic flavors of Indonesia, but you'll also save a significant amount of money. Don't be afraid to try the local delicacies, such as nasi goreng or satay, as they are not only delicious but also budget-friendly.

Lastly, consider staying in budget accommodations such as guesthouses or homestays instead of luxury hotels. These options not only offer a more immersive cultural experience but are also much more affordable. Additionally, you can save money by booking accommodations that include breakfast or have access to a communal kitchen, allowing you to prepare some meals yourself.

By following these methods, you can enjoy a memorable trip to Indonesia without burning a hole in your pocket. Remember to plan ahead, explore local options, and embrace the unique experiences that this beautiful country has to offer. Happy travels!

• Tips for Traveling to Indonesia

Indonesia, a captivating archipelago with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for many travelers. Whether you are an adventurous soul seeking thrilling experiences or a culture enthusiast eager to explore ancient temples, Indonesia has it all. To make the most of your journey, here are eight essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Embrace the diversity: Indonesia is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. Immerse yourself in the local customs and interact with the friendly locals to truly appreciate the country's rich heritage.

2. Pack smartly: As you prepare for your Indonesian escapade, remember to pack light and include essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Don't forget to bring a sarong, as it will come in handy when visiting temples and mosques.

3. Sample the local cuisine: Indonesian cuisine is a tantalizing fusion of flavors, blending spices and fresh ingredients. Don't miss the chance to savor mouthwatering dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice) or rendang (spicy meat stew) from street food stalls or local warungs (small restaurants).

4. Explore beyond Bali: While Bali is undeniably breathtaking, Indonesia has so much more to offer. Venture beyond the popular tourist spots and discover hidden gems like the pristine beaches of Lombok, the orangutan-filled jungles of Borneo, or the awe-inspiring temples of Yogyakarta.

5. Respect local customs: Indonesians are known for their warm hospitality, and it's important to reciprocate that respect. Familiarize yourself with local customs, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home or covering your shoulders when visiting religious sites.

6. Stay hydrated: With its tropical climate, Indonesia can get scorching hot. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and carrying a reusable water bottle with you. Remember, staying hydrated is key to enjoying your adventures to the fullest.

7. Bargain wisely: Bargaining is a common practice in Indonesian markets and street stalls. However, be mindful of fair prices and avoid haggling excessively. Strike a balance between getting a good deal and supporting local businesses.

8. Be cautious with street food: Indonesian street food is incredibly tempting, but it's essential to prioritize your health. Choose stalls that have a high turnover of customers and ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly. Trust your instincts and indulge in the flavors responsibly.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

Trip to Indonesia Cost in 2024

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How Much Does a Bali Trip Cost? (Prices for 2024/2025)

When considering a Bali trip, you may want to know how much it would cost. Is it expensive?

Here is a breakdown of how much it costs for flights, hotels, transportation, sightseeing, food, and activities.

Is Bali Expensive?

• Typical Costs for 1 Day, 1 Week, and 1 Month
• Cost of International Flights to Bali
• Cost of Eating and Drinking
• The Cost of Transportation
• Cost of Attractions/Activities
• Tips for Saving Money

Bali is not an expensive destination compared to other vacation spots in Southeast Asia .

• A private customized tour of the main attractions/activities in the south costs around US$120/person/day (2–4 people)*
• A private volcano and hot spring tour or a rainforest discovery tour costs around US$200/person/day (2–4 people)*

* Private guide, car, and driver, attraction tickets, activities, and lunch included

It is a cost-effective island for a tour partly because most of the best beaches, surfing beaches, scenic terraced rice fields, and sightseeing landmarks are in the central and eastern parts of the island within about an hour from the airport and main hotel locations by private vehicle at times of low traffic, so transportation costs and trip lengths are kept low.

Some of the best snorkeling/diving areas are also within this 1-hour driving radius . Some others of the best beaches, diving areas, terraced fields and waterfalls/sightseeing/hiking areas are in the northern and eastern parts of Bali within an hour and half to two hours travel time from the airport.

Moreover, Bali can suit all kinds of budgets, from economical to luxury . However, Bali is an expat enclave and has heavy tourism. So, this drives the prices up, but in the off season (November to March except during the major holidays), you can get better prices. 

With Asia Highlights , you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure ( detail⇒ ).

Get to know more details about  the cheapest time to visit Bali >>>

Typical Costs for 1 Week in Bali

Prices are going up, but Bali remains very good value compared to Western countries.

• For a comfortable private tour (2–4 people) : About 160–220 USD per day per person is typical with private guide, 4- or 5-star hotels, nice meals, and private transfers included. For this standard of vacation in the US, the average price is 500+ USD.

The typical cost for a person for a week in Bali is from 1,000 USD.

For more on planning a week's holiday, see How to Plan a Trip to Bali .

Comparison with Thailand

Similar to Bali, Thailand is also affordable for all budget levels. 2–3 plane journeys are generally needed for a classic Thailand tour from north to south (Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket or Koh Samui), which makes traveling in Thailand slightly costlier than in Bali by 20–30 USD per person per day. A 10-Day Private Classic Thailand Tour costs around 2,000 USD per person.

Check the sample itineraries of Bali for 10 days .

The Cost of International Flights to Bali

The only international airport in Bali is Denpasar International Airport (DPS). The cheapest months to visit are October to March (rainy season). Airline prices from the middle of December to early January are high for the Christmas and New Year season. The most expensive months are from April to September, especially the Easter vacation period and summer holiday season (June to August).

Airline Ticket Prices from Major Cities to Bali (round trip):

• New York , United States: From 1,500 USD . Flying to Bali from New York requires at least one stopover.
• Sydney , Australia: From 800 USD. Flying out of Sydney can be non-stop.
• London , England: From 900 USD. Flying out of London requires at least one stop.

For more on seasonal differences in Bali travel, see Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Bali .

Cost of Accommodations in Bali

Here are the approximate costs for a standard 2-person room in Bali for 2024. This is for reference only (prices fluctuate quickly due to various uncertainties related to changes in the epidemic situation):

* Low season : November to March except for around Christmas and New Year

* High season : April to September, Christmas and New Year season

During the busy months/weeks, we recommend you plan and book your accommodations well in advance.

Hotels are included in our itineraries and we can generally secure favorable prices. We recommend suitable hotels based on your budget, preferred location, room specification (e.g. no-smoking), and other requirements. Feel free to contact us .

The Cost of Eating and Drinking in Bali

• Budget : A meal in a cheap local-style restaurant can be as low as 25,000 IDR (1.70 USD or 1.70 EUR).
• Mid-range : A mid-range restaurant meal for two people with three courses costs about 21 USD or 21 EUR.

The Cost of Transportation in Bali

• Taxi: The price of a taxi in Bali depends on several factors. The taxi starting price is about 0.47 USD (7,000 IDR). For each additional 1 km you have to pay about 0.50 USD (7,500 IDR).

Traveling around Bali is usually by taxi or private transfer. It generally takes no more than 2 hours of driving from Ubud in central Bali to the most southerly beaches.

Public buses and scoooter/bike hire are obviously a lot less efficient, convenient, and comfortable. While you could save most of your transport costs, it would mean less time at the attractions and hence less value-for-money on your tour time, so we don't recommend them generally.

The Cost of Attractions/Activities in Bali

Beaches : Public beaches are free, but you may need to pay to enter a private beach. See Best Beaches in Bali: How to Choose the Right One for Your Trip .

Rice terraces : The less popular rice terraces are generally free to visit. The most popular ones such as Jatiluwih and Tegallalang have entrance fees of about 4 or 5 dollars for tourists. The ticket sales help locls to cultivate the land and build concrete paths for better access to the rice fields.

Tips for Saving Money in Bali

• Traveling during shoulder/low season (November to March helps to reduce airfare and touring costs substantially.
• Use bicycle/scooter hire. Take the public buses. Share taxi rides with others.
• The biggest tourist areas around Denpasar, on the southern and southeastern coasts, and around Ubud are the most expensive touring areas. For lower prices, you can go to the north coast, and the least expensive and least touristy area is western Bali.
• Eat at small, local, inexpensive restaurants called warungs for authentic and cheap Balinese food.
• Shop at fresh food markets for fruits and vegetables instead of supermarkets.

Touring Bali with Asia Highlights

All our tours linked above can be adjusted as much as you like. We aim to create your ideal itinerary based on your interests, group size, budget, and other requirements. Contact us for inquiries.

Get some inspiration from our Bali tours to create memories together in one of the world's best honeymoon and family vacation destinations.

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Welcome traveler!

We're Andre & Lisa, adventurers and experienced budget travelers.

We have over two decades of travel experience and  since 2018 have led a full-time nomadic lifestyle.

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INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Country Introduction

Indonesia lies along the equator in the area between the Indian- and Pacific Oceans north of Australia. Comprising of 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. Situated on the western rim of the Ring of Fire, Indonesia has more than 400 volcanoes, of which 130 are considered active, as well as many more undersea volcanoes.

With so many islands, each one more beautiful than the other, Indonesia is a whole lot more than just the popular island of Bali. We have only scratched the surface, but urge you to try and visit at least one other island to start to experience the diversity that Indonesia has to offer. 

Our first time in Indonesia was a month spent visiting the islands of Java, Bali, Gili-Air, and Gili-T during 2016 and another month revisiting Bali, the Gili Islands, and this time Lombok during 2019 and we will definitely be back for more!

⬇️ REGIONAL GUIDES ⬇️

Travel guide.

⬇️ COUNTRY GUIDE ⬇️

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, consisting of over 17,000 islands. It is home to the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard, which can be found on five Indonesian islands.

Three of the world's ten largest islands are part of Indonesia: Borneo, Papua/New Guinea, and Sumatra. Indonesia also sits on the Pacific " Ring of Fire ," with over 400 active volcanoes and frequent seismic activity.

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Current conversion rate here .

Electricity:  230V AC electricity. Power outlets are both round two-prong sockets (type C and type F). Be sure to carry a universal travel adaptor so you can still use all your electronic devices. If you are from a country with 110V as a standard be aware that you will need a voltage converter.

Safety:  Most parts of Indonesia are very safe to travel in. Indonesia is susceptible to many forms of natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is a common issue, especially in public crowded places like bus and train stations, so keep your belongings close. Always make use of official taxi services such as Blue Bird rather than hailing a taxi from the street as there are many tax-related scams, where taxi drivers drive off before you get a chance to take your luggage. In areas where the party scene is big, drink spiking is a common problem. Political events such as elections are often times of violent and messy demonstrations that you should avoid. We would suggest checking out World Nomads  or SafetyWing , for travel insurance as they have the best coverage for active travellers.

Language:  The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian, which is spoken in the vast majority of the country. With more than 700 living languages spoken across Indonesia, English is also widely spoken, particularly in the more touristy areas. Even though English is less common in some more remote areas, it’s easy enough to get by in most of Indonesia.

Public Holdays

Indonesia celebrates a variety of public holidays, reflecting its cultural diversity and religious pluralism. 

Notable holidays include International  Labor Day  on May 1, Ascension Day of Jesus Christ  on May 9, and  Independence Day  on August 17. 

Additionally, religious holidays such as Idul Adha  and Maulid Nabi Muhammad  are observed, alongside Hindu festivals like Diwali . The concept of 'cuti bersama' or joint holidays is also practiced, extending certain public holidays to create long weekends, encouraging domestic tourism and family time.

Business openings and work schedules may be significantly affected by Waisak Day (Visakaha Day), Chinese New Year, and Christian and Islamic holidays and festivals.

Being a diverse country, multicultural Indonesia celebrates a vast range of religious holidays and festivals. Many of these are however limited to small areas, for instance, the Hindu festivals of Bali.

Independence / National Day - Indonesia’s biggest national festival is celebrated on the 17th of August. Usually, there will be a grand parade in the capital city, Jakarta.

Ramadan & Idul Fitri - The most significant season of the year is the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. For 30 days, devout Muslims refrain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. People get up early to stuff themselves before sunrise (sahur), go to work late, and take off early to get back home in time to breakfast (buka puasa) at sunset. During this time it is polite to refrain from eating or drinking in public. Many restaurants close during the day. During Ramadan, all forms of nightlife close by midnight or stay closed entirely. The month of Ramadan ends with the two days of Idul Fitri (also known as Lebaran). Almost the entire country takes a week or two off to head back home to visit family in a ritual known locally as mudik, meaning going home. This is the one time of the year when Jakarta has no traffic jams, but the rest of the country does, with all forms of transport packed to the brim. All government offices, including embassies, and many businesses close for a week or two, and travelling around Indonesia is best avoided during this time.

Nyepi - Nyepi directly translates to “Day of Silence”. This is the Balinese / Saka New Year, and although the date changes every year, it is generally in March. This is a day of fasting and meditation and you will find everything closed in Bali on this day. Over the preceding days, you will see people of Bali scrubbing clean statues, while ceremonies and various other rituals are held.

Kesodo / Kasada Ceremony - Hundreds of thousands of Tenggerese gather at the active crater of Mount Bromo, in East Java, during the month of August in order to ask for blessings and another year free of volcanic eruptions. They will present offerings of rice, fruits, vegetables, animals, and other local produce to the God of the Mountain.

Waisak - This special day is in commemoration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha and is observed sometime during the full moon of May / June. While the whole of Indonesia is decorated very beautifully, in Borobudur (the largest Buddhist monument in the world) the day will be celebrated by thousands of monks and pilgrims.

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SEASONS AT A GLANCE

Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists. 

Peak Season

Shoulder Season

Off Peak Season

BEST TIME TO VISIT INDONESIA

Best time to visit

Straddling the Equator, Indonesia is a warm-weather destination. Although there are theoretically two seasons, namely the rainy season and the dry season, the dry season is far from dry, it just rains a little less! The air is pretty much always warm and humid. For most of the country (including Java and Bali), the dry season is April / May to September / October, while the wet season is October / November to March / April.

The best months for diving off the coast of Bali, Lombok, or the Komodo National Park are April to September, and you should try to avoid the rough seas particularly in January & February.

In the highlands, temperatures will, of course, be cooler, and the mountain peaks of Papua (some above 5 000m altitudes) can even be snow-covered. If you plan to climb one of Indonesia's many volcanoes, such as Mt Bromo on Java, Mt Rinjani in Lombok, or Tana Toraja in Sulawesi, then the dry season is recommended, and also remember to bring a jacket as temperatures are much cooler.

May to September is thus usually the best time to visit Indonesia for mostly dry and sunny days.

REGIONAL EXCEPTIONS :

Nusa Tenggara, Lombok, Flores, Komodo National Park, Sumba

West Papua & Raja Ampat

The Moluccas

BEST TIME FOR:

Snow Sports

While Indonesia is predominantly a tropical country, it does offer a unique opportunity for snow sports at the Cartenz Pyramid in Papua. 

This area is home to the Carstensz Glacier, where snow can be found at the highest mountain peaks. Although it's not a traditional destination for snow sports, this rare occurrence of snow in a tropical region provides a special experience for enthusiasts looking to ski or snowboard in an unusual and exotic location.

Hiking and trekking

Indonesia offers a plethora of hiking experiences, from the misty Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls in East Java to the iconic Mount Rinjani in Lombok. Adventurers can traverse through diverse landscapes, including untouched rainforests, volcanic terrains, and picturesque rice paddies. 

For those seeking a challenge, the ascent of Raya Hill presents the most elevation gain, promising breathtaking views as a reward for the strenuous climb. 

With trails suitable for casual walks to multi-day treks, Indonesia's hiking trails cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Indonesia's dry season is from roughly from April to October, but always be prepared for some rain!

Best Beaches

Indonesia is an idyllic beach destination and it's always hot enough for the beach. Just note that from November to April can be very wet! You will enjoy much better beach weather from May to September. 

Among the top picks of incredible beaches is Pantai Jelenga in Sumbawa, known for its world-class surf breaks and tranquil waters ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding. Bali's Suluban Beach is another gem, perfect for those looking to combine natural beauty with cultural experiences, such as the nearby Pura Luhur Ulu Watu temple. For a more unusual beach experience, Pink Beach in Komodo stands out with its distinctive pink sands, offering a picturesque setting especially at dawn or dusk. 

With over 17,500 islands, Indonesia's beaches cater to every preference, from serene white sands to vibrant coral reefs and lively seaside parties. Exploring these beaches is a journey through diverse landscapes and cultures, each with its own story to tell.

While you can enjoy excellent surf somewhere in Indonesia all year round, the best time for consistent swell is the dry months from April to October. 

Indonesia is renowned for its excellent surfing opportunities, with Bali often hailed as a surfer's paradise. The country's vast coastline offers a variety of waves suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. 

Places like Kuta Beach in Bali and the Mentawai Islands are famous for their consistent waves and beautiful scenery. Surf schools and camps are abundant, providing lessons and guidance for those looking to improve their skills or catch their first wave. 

With its warm waters and tropical climate, Indonesia remains a top destination for surf enthusiasts around the globe.

Indonesia, with its vast archipelago, offers some of the most exciting kitesurfing experiences in the world. Jeneponto in South Sulawesi is renowned for its strong and consistent trade winds from April to October, making it an ideal destination for kitesurfers of all levels.

Bali and Lombok are also popular, offering a blend of beautiful landscapes and reliable winds during the dry season from May to September.

Sanur in Bali is ideal for beginners due to its flat water and onshore winds, while Nusa Dua offers a mix of conditions suitable for various levels of experience. For the more adventurous and experienced kitesurfers, Canggu presents a challenging environment with its offshore winds and reef breaks.

Each location provides unique experiences against the backdrop of Bali's stunning landscapes, ensuring every kitesurfer finds their perfect ride.

For more details on kite surfing in Indonesia expand this section!

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INDONESIA TRAVEL COSTS

Travel Cost Section

VALUE RANK:

Traveling to Indonesia can be quite affordable, especially when compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia. On average, a one-week trip to Indonesia might cost around $415 for one person, which includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Indonesia is considered to be in the top 25% of affordable countries worldwide, with costs comparable to Vietnam or Cambodia . The expenses can vary depending on your travel style and the regions you visit, with popular areas like Bali or Jakarta being more expensive than less frequented locations.

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Travel tips for indonesia.

Respect Local Customs and Culture : Indonesia is a diverse country with various cultures and traditions. Be respectful of local customs, dress modestly, and learn a few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia to show appreciation for the local culture.

Watch Out for Scams : Like any tourist destination, Indonesia has its share of scams. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers, unauthorized tour guides, and inflated prices. Always negotiate prices before purchasing goods or services.

Health and Safety Precautions : Take necessary health precautions such as getting vaccinated before traveling and carrying any required medications. Be cautious of street food hygiene and drink bottled water. Also, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas to avoid theft.

Explore Beyond Tourist Hotspots : While Bali is a popular destination, Indonesia has much more to offer. Consider exploring lesser-known islands like Lombok, Komodo, or Raja Ampat for a more authentic experience.

Bargain with Vendors : Bargaining is a common practice in Indonesia, especially in markets and street stalls. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices but do so respectfully. A good rule of thumb is to start with half of the quoted price and work your way up from there.

Respect Nature : Indonesia is home to diverse ecosystems and stunning natural attractions. Practice responsible tourism by respecting wildlife, refraining from littering, and following designated trails when hiking.

Connect with Locals : One of the best ways to experience Indonesia is by connecting with locals. Whether through homestays, cultural experiences, or simply striking up a conversation, interacting with locals can offer valuable insights into the country's culture and way of life.

By following these tips, you can have a safe, enjoyable, and culturally enriching experience while traveling in Indonesia.

HOW TO GET AROUND INDONESIA

We have a number of blog posts on getting around Indonesia available here . Here are some common modes of local transport you can expect to find in different parts of the country:

Bemos and Angkot : These are minivans or minibuses commonly used for short-distance travel within cities and towns. Bemos are more common in Java, while Angkot (short for "Angkutan Kota") are prevalent in cities like Bandung and Jakarta. They operate on set routes and pick up passengers along the way.

Ojek : Ojeks are motorcycle taxis popular for short trips within cities. They're convenient for navigating through traffic, especially in congested urban areas. You can find ojeks waiting at street corners or hail them through ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab.

Taxis : Metered taxis are available in major cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya. Blue Bird Group is a reputable taxi company known for its reliability and use of meters. Always make sure the meter is turned on at the beginning of your ride to avoid disputes over fares.

Ride-Hailing Apps : Ride-hailing services like Gojek and Grab are widely used in Indonesia. In addition to motorcycle taxis (ojeks), they offer car rides, food delivery, and other services. These apps are convenient for getting around cities and even for intercity travel in some areas.

Becak and Dokar : Becaks are pedal-powered trishaws commonly found in cities and towns across Indonesia, while dokars are similar but pulled by horses. They're mainly used for short trips within local neighbourhoods or tourist areas. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

Buses : Public buses are available for longer journeys between cities and towns. They vary in comfort and quality, with options ranging from basic economy buses to more luxurious coach services. Some popular routes have air-conditioned buses with reserved seating, while others may be more crowded and less comfortable.

Bajaj : Bajajs are three-wheeled vehicles similar to auto-rickshaws found in India. They're mainly found in Jakarta and are used for short trips within the city. Negotiate the fare before boarding, as they usually don't have meters.

Ferries and Boats : Indonesia is an archipelago, so ferries and boats are essential for traveling between islands. Depending on the distance, you can choose from public ferries, fast boats, or private boat charters.

We advise checking bus, boat and train schedules ahead of time using BookAway  or 12Go website . Skyscanner.com  or Kiwi.com  are handy tools for finding great flight deals.

Travel Tips Section

REGIONS & HIGHLIGHTS OF INDONESIA

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world and offers everything from relaxing on white-sand beaches, scuba diving in crystal clear warm waters, or surfing the waves to climbing and peering into active volcanoes, or just experiencing the diverse cultures and traditions across the many islands and regions.

Sumatra is known for its strong cultural identity, with major ethnics such as Batak, Malay, and Minang, and minor ones such as Mentawai and Kubu. Sumatra, an island of incredible natural richness and cultural heritage, is the only place on Earth where tigers, elephants, rhinos, and orangutans coexist. It boasts the forest with the greatest vascular plant diversity of any lowland forest studied, highlighting its ecological significance. However, it faces challenges such as having one of the world's highest deforestation rates. The island's name itself has a story, derived from 'Samudra,' meaning ocean, reflecting its maritime history and importance. Be sure to visit Kerinci Seblat National Park to see wild tigers and elephants as well as the monstrous rafflesia flowers. Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world and well worth seeing.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SUMATRA:

Medan : Known as the culinary capital of Indonesia, Medan offers a rich cultural experience with attractions like the Sultan's Palace Maimoon and the grand mosque, Mesjid Raya.

Lake Toba : The largest crater lake in the world, Lake Toba is a natural wonder resulting from a massive volcanic eruption, offering opportunities for swimming and boat rides.

Bukit Lawang : A gateway to the dense rainforests of Sumatra, home to the endangered orangutans and a popular spot for jungle trekking.

Berastagi : Famous for its two active volcanoes, Sibayak and Sinabung, Berastagi is a haven for hikers and those seeking hot springs.

Padang : The heartland of the Minangkabau culture, known for its matriarchal society and delicious Nasi Padang cuisine.

Banda Aceh : A city with a poignant history, it's the closest major city to the 2004 tsunami's epicenter, now rebuilt with sites like the Tsunami Museum.

The Mentawai Islands : Renowned for their surf breaks and indigenous culture, these remote islands offer an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Gunung Sibayak : A dormant volcano in Berastagi, which visitors can climb for stunning views.

Sipiso-Piso Waterfall : One of the tallest waterfalls in Asia, located near Lake Toba.

Belitung Island : A remote paradise known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.

Weh Island : Offers excellent snorkelling opportunities with rich marine life.

Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo, is a land of rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It's home to the Dayak tribes, known for their vibrant culture and traditional dances like the Manasai, which celebrates joy and gratitude towards nature. The island's diverse ecosystem includes rainforests, mountains, and endangered species such as the orangutans, found in Tanjung Puting National Park. Kalimantan's name, derived from Sanskrit, reflects its hot and humid tropical climate, meaning " burning weather island ". This fascinating region is also set to host Indonesia's new capital city, Nusantara, showcasing its growing significance within the country.

HIGHLIGHTS OF KALIMANTAN

Tanjung Puting National Park : A renowned conservation area that offers a unique opportunity to see orangutans in their natural habitat.

Derawan Islands : Known for their stunning underwater life, including sea turtles and diverse coral reefs.

Martapura : Often referred to as the 'Land of Diamonds', this town is famous for its traditional diamond mining.

Samarinda's Islamic Cente r: Features an ornate mosque and an observation tower providing panoramic views of the city.

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Pontianak : A modern architectural marvel that replaced an earlier church built in 1908.

Pasar Terapung Lok Baintan : Experience the authentic floating market life on the Martapura River.

KWPLH Sun Bear Conservation Center : A center dedicated to the conservation of sun bears and educating visitors about the plight of Kalimantan's wildlife.

Goa Beloyot : An adventurous site featuring a limestone cave set above the forest, accessible from Merabu village.

Cempaka Diamond Fields : Witness traditional diamond mining methods where miners use water cannons to blast sediment in search of diamonds.

Cultural Heritage : Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Dayak communities and their traditional longhouses deep within the rainforest.

Biodiversity : Kalimantan's rainforests are home to a vast array of flora and fauna, offering incredible biodiversity for nature enthusiasts.

Greatly underestimated, Java is a fantastic island to visit and has some incredible cultural treasures. Java is not only the world's most populous island but also a place of immense cultural and natural richness. It boasts over 30 active and inactive volcanoes, including the majestic Mount Bromo, offering breathtaking views and adventurous trekking experiences. Java's vibrant cities, such as Jakarta, Bandung, and Yogyakarta, are hubs of cultural diversity, reflecting a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles.

Not to be missed are Borobudur  which is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world and the equally impressive Hindu ruins of Prambanan . Although not as easy to reach, Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park contains some of the scariest volcanic scenery on the planet and claims to be one of the best locations in the world to see the sunrise! One-day Bromo sunrise tours  from Surabaya are easy to book but if you have more time a 3-day tour  taking in both Ijen and Bromo might provide for a more relaxed experience.

We went DIY to see Bromo - read about our experience at Mount Bromo  here and make up your own mind. Yet another jewel of nature, Ijen Crater  in East Java, with its famous blue sulphur flames is well worth the midnight wake-up and steep hike - but it is probably easier to do with as part of a group.

HIGHLIGHTS OF JAVA

Jakarta : The bustling capital city, offering a blend of cultures, cuisines, and architecture.

Yogyakarta : Known as the cultural heart of Java, with attractions like the Ramayana Ballet and batik workshops.

Borobudur Temple : The world's largest Buddhist temple, dating back to the 9th century.

Prambanan Temple : A breathtaking Hindu temple complex, best viewed at sunset.

Mount Bromo : An active volcano within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, known for its stunning views.

Ijen Crater : Famous for its electric-blue flames and sulphur mining.

Bandung : A city renowned for its Dutch colonial architecture and vibrant street life.

Ujung Kulon National Park : A natural reserve home to the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros.

Bali, often referred to as the Island of the Gods , is a province of Indonesia and a major tourist destination known for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music.

The Balinese culture is a mix of Balinese Hindu-Buddhist religion and Balinese customs. It is perhaps most well-known for its dance and drama, which are also among the most diverse and sophisticated in Indonesia. The island is also home to the world's most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak, and the sacred Monkey Forest of Ubud, which is inhabited by a band of grey long-tailed macaques.

Not just rich in culture and natural beauty, Bali also has a unique culinary heritage, where traditional meals are taken seriously, often involving a variety of spices, blended with the fresh vegetables, meat, and fish. A visit to Bali promises an unforgettable amalgamation of cultural and sensory experiences.

See our dedicated BALI TRAVEL PAGE here .

HIGHLIGHTS OF BALI

Pura Tanah Lot : An iconic temple set on a rocky islet, known for its stunning seaside views and cultural significance.

Mount Batur : Offers a trekking experience to see the sunrise from atop an active volcano.

Uluwatu Temple : A beautiful sea temple that offers panoramic views and cultural performances.

Ubud Monkey Forest : A natural forest sanctuary that is home to a troop of grey long-tailed macaques.

Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces : Known for their scenic beauty and traditional Balinese irrigation system.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan : A picturesque water temple that sits on the shores of Lake Bratan.

Seminyak Shopping : Offers a variety of high-end shops, restaurants, and bars.

Nusa Dua Beach : Renowned for its golden sand, clear waters, and luxurious resorts.

Besakih Temple : Known as the 'Mother Temple' of Bali, it is the largest and holiest temple of the Hindu religion in Bali.

The Nusa Islands : A trio of islands known for their stunning cliffs, clear waters, and marine life.

Kuta Beach : A popular tourist destination known for its lively atmosphere and great surf conditions.

Lempuyang Temple Complex : Offers an ancient pilgrimage site with a series of temples along a mountain slope.

The Sidemen Valley : Features lush landscapes, traditional villages, and opportunities for trekking.

Sekumpul Waterfall : Considered one of Bali's most beautiful waterfalls, with a natural pool for swimming.

Tirta Empul Temple : A Hindu Balinese water temple famous for its holy spring water.

Waterbom Bali : A world-class waterpark that provides fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Sulawesi, an island in Indonesia, is a place of remarkable biodiversity and cultural heritage. It's part of Wallacea, a zone of deep-water oceans that has fostered a unique mix of both Indomalayan and Australasian species.

Makassar, the island's largest city, offers historical sites like Fort Rotterdam and the beautiful Losari Beach. For nature enthusiasts, the Wakatobi Islands provide some of the best diving experiences with their clear waters and abundant marine life. The highlands of Tana Toraja present a unique cultural landscape, famous for their traditional houses and elaborate funeral ceremonies. The Bunaken National Marine Park is a must-visit for its rich biodiversity, especially for those keen on snorkelling and diving.

The island is also known for its distinctive social customs, such as the elaborate funeral ceremonies of the Toraja people. Moreover, Sulawesi's geography is as diverse as its culture, with four peninsulas separated by three gulfs, creating a landmass that is both rugged and beautiful.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SULAWESI

Makassar : Known as the gateway to Sulawesi, this capital city of South Sulawesi is famous for its historical Fort Rotterdam and the picturesque Losari Beach.

Wakatobi Islands : A diver's paradise, these islands offer some of the best diving spots in Indonesia with remarkable marine biodiversity.

Tana Toraja : A highland region renowned for its unique culture, traditional Tongkonan houses, and elaborate funeral ceremonies.

Bunaken : Located off the coast of Manado, Bunaken is celebrated for its marine national park with exceptional biodiversity and wall diving opportunities.

Togean Islands : Offering a serene escape, these islands are known for their beautiful coral reefs and a laid-back, untouched natural environment.

Tangkoko National Park : A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, this park is home to unique species like the Celebes crested macaque and the spectral tarsier.

Lembeh Strait : The world's best muck diving destination, providing a unique underwater experience with its diverse and unusual marine life.

NUSA TENGARA

Nusa Tenggara, a captivating archipelago in Indonesia, is known for its diverse landscape that ranges from lush jungle in the north to arid savannah in the south and east. It's home to the famous Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards, which are found only in this unique region.

The islands also boast stunning pink-sand beaches and vibrant underwater worlds, making it a haven for divers and adventurers alike. With more than 500 islands, including Sumba, Flores, and Timor, Nusa Tenggara offers a rich tapestry of culture, nature, and history waiting to be explored.

HIGHLIGHTS OF NUSA TENGGARA

Kelimutu National Park : Home to the tri-colored volcanic lakes that change colours due to mineral and gas interactions.

Komodo National Park : A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for the Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards.

Weekuri Lagoon : A stunning saltwater lake on Sumba Island, known for its clear waters and picturesque setting.

Pantai Mawun : A beautiful half-moon bay with white sand and crystal-clear waters, located in South Lombok.

Pantai Koka : A double bay with white sands and a serene atmosphere, situated on Flores Island.

Spider Web Rice Fields : Unique rice paddies that resemble spider webs, located near Ruteng on Flores Island.

Pura Lingsar : This large temple compound in Lombok is a significant site of worship blending Balinese Hinduism and Wektu Telu Islam.

Air Terjun Oehala : A refreshing waterfall in West Timor, offering a scenic spot for relaxation and picnics.

The Maluku Islands, historically known as the Spice Islands, are an enchanting archipelago in eastern Indonesia. These islands were the only place on Earth where the coveted spices of nutmeg, mace, and cloves were originally found, igniting European colonial interests in the 16th century.

The region's rich and diverse history is marked by a unique blend of cultures and a tumultuous past, including the Spice War and the Maluku Riots. Today, Maluku's landscape is dotted with mountainous terrain and active volcanoes, and its lush rainforests and spice-laden plantations continue to thrive in the islands' wet climate.

HIGHLIGHTS OF MALUKU

Ambon City : Known for its Dutch colonial history, Ambon City is a developed area in Maluku with historical sites like Benteng Victoria fort. It's also home to beautiful mosques such as Mesjid Al Fatah and Mesjid Jame.

Pulau Seram : Despite its name meaning 'scary' in Indonesian, Pulau Seram offers a serene experience with attractions like the Sangar Budaya Seram Museum and the picturesque bay of Teluk Sawai. Ora Beach is notable for its traditional stilt bungalows.

Tanimbar Islands : These islands are part of a remote archipelago offering a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, including pristine beaches and clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Historic Landmarks : Maluku is dotted with historic landmarks from the spice-trade era and World War II, which are significant for history enthusiasts.

Diving and Marine Life : The region is renowned for its exceptional diving spots, with diverse marine topography and abundant marine life.

National Parks : Maluku's national parks are less frequented, offering untouched natural landscapes and wildlife.

Papua, Indonesia, is a land of stunning contrasts and immense biodiversity. It's home to the majestic Puncak Jaya, the highest mountain peak in Indonesia, and a variety of unique wildlife, including tree kangaroos and the world's largest butterflies. The region's rich cultural tapestry is woven from hundreds of indigenous ethnic groups, each with its own language and customs. Despite its natural wealth, Papua remains one of the least developed areas in Indonesia, presenting a complex blend of challenges and opportunities.

Unlike the rest of Indonesia, visiting Papua requires considerable planning, a lot of money, and a tolerance for extremely challenging conditions! If you happen to possess all of the above, then Baliem Valley has superb trekking into the lands of the Lani, Dani, and Yali tribes. Lorentz National Park is the single largest national park anywhere in Southeast Asia and has a permanent glacier.

HIGHLIGHTS OF PAPUA

Raja Ampat : Known for its stunning islands and premier diving spots with a rich variety of marine life and coral species.

Goa Jepang : A historical site with a network of caves used by Japanese soldiers during World War II, now open for exploration.

Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park : A marine park with diverse ecosystems, offering opportunities for snorkelling and witnessing the vibrant underwater life.

Baliem Valley : Offers cultural encounters with local tribes, trekking adventures, and the chance to join traditional festivals.

Birdwatching : Papua is home to the exotic bird-of-paradise, among other rare species, making it a prime location for bird enthusiasts.

Tribal Art : Discover ancient cave paintings and traditional tribal art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Untouched Rainforests : Vast expanses of pristine rainforest, providing habitat for diverse wildlife and offering unique trekking experiences.

Lombok is a popular island region just to the east of Bali and includes the tiny laidback Gili Islands which many people visit directly from Bali. The island is known for its unique blend of cultures and breathtaking natural beauty.

The island's name, which means 'chili' in the local language, reflects its spicy cuisine. Lombok is also home to the indigenous Sasak people, who are divided into two main groups: Wektu Lima, who are orthodox Sunni Muslims, and Wektu Telu, who practice a blend of Islam, Hinduism, and animism.

The island's landscape is dominated by Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, offering adventurous treks and stunning views. Lombok's weaving villages, such as Puyung, are renowned for their traditional textiles, which are cherished family heirlooms passed down through generations.

See our dedicated LOMBOK TRAVEL PAGE here .

HIGHLIGHTS OF LOMBOK

Mount Rinjani : An active volcano that offers challenging treks and stunning views of a crater lake.

Gili Islands : A group of small islands with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life for snorkelling and diving.

Tiu Kelep Waterfall : A scenic waterfall located in lush jungle, perfect for a refreshing swim after a trek.

Sasak Culture : Explore the traditional Sasak villages to experience the local culture and architecture.

Surfing in Kuta : Kuta Beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions and less crowded than its Balinese counterpart.

Pura Lingsar : This unique temple reflects the island's blend of Hindu and Islamic Waktu Telu cultures.

Sembalun Valley : A peaceful valley with picturesque scenery, ideal for hiking and enjoying the rural atmosphere.

Narmada Park : A historical park with a water palace, reflecting the Hindu influence on the island's culture.

Diving in Sekotong : The lesser-known diving spots in Sekotong offer a chance to explore untouched coral reefs.

Lombok Culinary Tour : Savor the local cuisine, including dishes like Ayam

Sights and Highlights section

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN INDONESIA

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Exploring Indonesia for the first time is an exhilarating experience! With its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, there's so much to see and do. Here's a suggested itinerary for a 1, 2, and 3-week trip:

1-WEEK ITINERARY FOR INDONESIA:

Day 1-2: Jakarta

Explore Jakarta's historical sites like the National Monument (Monas) and the Old Town (Kota Tua).

Visit museums such as the National Museum or the Jakarta History Museum.

Enjoy local cuisine at street food stalls or dine at traditional Indonesian restaurants.

Day 3-5: Yogyakarta

Visit the majestic Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the ancient Hindu temple complex of Prambanan.

Take a tour of the Sultan's Palace (Kraton) and learn about Javanese culture.

Wander around Malioboro Street for shopping and local snacks.

Day 6-7: Bali

Fly to Bali and spend your remaining days relaxing on its beautiful beaches.

Visit cultural landmarks like Uluwatu Temple or Tanah Lot Temple.

Enjoy water sports like surfing or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.

Experience Bali's vibrant nightlife in areas like Seminyak or Kuta.

2-WEEK ITINERARY FOR INDONESIA:

Follow the 1-week itinerary, then add:

Day 8-10: Ubud, Bali

Explore the cultural heart of Bali in Ubud.

Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Take a cooking class to learn traditional Balinese cuisine.

Discover nearby attractions like Tegalalang Rice Terraces and Tirta Empul Temple.

Day 11-12: Gili Islands

Take a boat from Bali to the Gili Islands.

Relax on the pristine beaches and enjoy snorkeling or diving in the turquoise waters.

Experience the laid-back island vibes and vibrant nightlife.

3-WEEK ITINERARY FOR INDONESIA:

Follow the 2-week itinerary, then add:

Day 13-15: Komodo National Park

Fly to Labuan Bajo and embark on a boat tour to Komodo National Park.

Encounter Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards, in their natural habitat.

Snorkel or dive in the park's pristine waters teeming with marine life.

Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from viewpoints like Padar Island.

Day 16-18: Raja Ampat

Fly to Sorong and take a boat to Raja Ampat, a paradise for divers and nature lovers.

Explore the rich underwater biodiversity through diving or snorkelling.

Visit picturesque islands and hidden lagoons.

Experience local culture by interacting with the friendly Papuan people.

Day 19-21: Lombok and the Surrounding Islands

Take a short flight from Bali to Lombok.

Explore Lombok's beautiful beaches, like Tanjung Aan and Kuta Beach.

Visit the traditional Sasak villages and learn about their unique culture.

Take a boat trip to nearby islands like the Gili Islands or Sumbawa for more beach relaxation and adventure activities.

WHAT TO EAT IN INDONESIA

What To Eat Paragraph

The 6 000 inhabited islands making up Indonesia offer such a vast variety of regional dishes that the "Indonesian cuisine" is more an umbrella term than anything specific. Javanese cuisine consists of an array of simply seasoned dishes, with predominant flavourings of peanuts, chillies and sugar. Due to the majority of Indonesians being Muslim, most of its dishes are considered Halal, with a few exceptions and pork products predominantly only found in Bali. Vegetarians are also better catered for than in most other countries.

Keep an eye out for the following must-try foods:

Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) - Essentially just wok stir-fried rice with a host of salty seasonings, this simple hot and freshly cooked popular street food is both cheap and delicious. Be sure to ask for “Nasi Goreng Special” if you want a fried egg added to the dish!

Balinese Babi Guling (Roast Suckling Pig) - Bali, with its mostly Hindu population, has a unique variety of pork dishes. Babi Guling is flavoured with herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, shallots, and chillies. The pig is roasted until crispy and you’ll have to set out eat this dish before it sells out!

Sate Ayam (Chicken Satay) - The meat is marinated in sweet kecap manis  soy sauce, before being grilled on an extremely hot charcoal fire. This means that the meat cooks quickly, leaving it juicy but also giving it a smoky flavour.

Sate Padang (Padang Satay) - Originally from Padang, on the west coast of Sumatra, Sate Padang skewers consist of a mix of meat, including beef, beef tongue, and offal. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices before being grilled over flaming hot charcoal. The skewers are then served over sliced up compressed rice cake (ketupat) and covered in a thick brown sauce and sprinkled with crispy shallots.

Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish) - Typically the fish is butterfly cut and rubbed in a sambal marinade before being grilled quickly over a very hot charcoal fire. This leaves the fish incredibly tasty and tender and it is usually served with either kecap manis or a variety of different sambal chilli sauces and rice.

Bebek Goreng (Fried Duck) - This deep-fried duck is the equivalent of well known deep-fried chicken. They are often very small, can be a little greasy and salty but are also rich in flavour. Served with rice, a few raw herbs like lemon basil and some sambal chilli sauce.

Bakso (Indonesian Meatballs) - A very popular street food dish, the minced meat is mixed with some tapioca starch which gives them their serious bouncy texture. Bakso will either be served with noodles and soup or dry with soup on the side.

Nasi Uduk (Coconut Rice) - Known as nasi lemak in Malaysia, this fragrant and slightly sweet rice is cooked with coconut milk and cardamom. Popular for breakfast, it is often eaten with omelette and fried chicken.

Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice) - Nasi campur literally just means mixed rice, and in Jakarta, it refers to rice with a variety of Chinese meats like char siu, pork belly, roast chicken, or egg, all served with a sweet tangy sauce.

Bubur Ayam (Chicken Congee) - Chicken congee, or rice porridge, is one of the very common street food dishes in Indonesia. The rice is cooked so it’s thick and hearty and while it can be prepared with an assortment of toppings, chicken is one of the most popular.

Beef Rendang - Rendang is a dish that originates in the western part of Sumatra from the Minangkabau people. There are two main variations of rendang, the supposed original version that’s quite dry with all the spices coated onto the meat, and the other that has more of a curry gravy sauce. Redang makes use of spices like cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and dry chillies, garlic, shallots are the essential ingredient is desiccated coconut, which gives the rendang curry a grainy texture.

Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles) - Indonesian Mie Goreng is usually prepared with yellow noodles, stir-fried in a hot wok with plenty of oil, garlic, egg, and a combination of extra ingredients that can include cabbage, tomatoes, kailan, onions, and any choice of meat. Also a very popular street food dish.

Gorengan (Deep Fried Snacks) - Gorengan refers to street food stalls that serve all kinds of deep-fried snacks. This can include Pisang Goreng (deep-fried bananas), fried stuffed tofu, bakwan (veggie batter fritters), fried cassava, fried breadfruit, and many more. Our favourite is Pisang Goreng.

Martabak Manis (Sweet Pancakes) - These sweet waffle-like pancakes are smothered in butter, sugar, peanuts, chocolate, or a variety of other fillings of choice. Simply delicious!

Durian (King of Fruits) - Considered the King of Fruits in Indonesia, you'll find an abundance of fresh durian, as well as many different durian treats, like durian cake, durian ice cream, and durian, flavoured shaved ice.

LGBTQ IN INDONESIA

WHERE TO STAY IN INDONESIA

From $4 hostels to $100 hotels, Indonesia has a huge variety of accommodation options. Bali has the best variety, as tourism is at its highest here. Competition can be fierce and if your dates are flexible and you can stay for a longer period there are plenty of bargains to be had. During May / June 2016 we spent 4 weeks in Java, Bali and the Gili Islands and ended up spending an average of only $26 per night for some really lovely places, all private double en-suite and mostly with a swimming pool.

For a first-time visit to Indonesia, choosing the right area or region to stay in depends on your interests, whether you're seeking cultural experiences, natural wonders, or beach relaxation.

Check our regional guides for detailed accommodation options for Indonesia⬇️

WHERE TO STAY IN BALI:

Bali is one of Indonesia's most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture, offering a diverse range of experiences. Explore attractions like Ubud Monkey Forest, Tanah Lot Temple, and Uluwatu Cliff.

Budget : Ibis Styles Bali Legian : Situated in Legian, Ibis Styles Bali Legian provides affordable accommodations with colorful and stylish designs. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, rooftop bar, and complimentary breakfast.

Mid-range : Grand Inna Kuta : Located on Kuta Beach, Grand Inna Kuta provides mid-range accommodations with direct beach access. Guests appreciate its spacious rooms, beautiful gardens, and multiple swimming pools.

Luxury : The St. Regis Bali Resort : situated in Nusa Dua, The St. Regis Bali Resort offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking ocean views. Guests can stay in opulent suites, enjoy personalized butler service, relax at the resort's private beach, and dine at the award-winning restaurants.

Tip : Consider visiting Bali during the shoulder seasons (April to June and September to November) for better rates on accommodations and fewer crowds.

WHERE TO STAY IN YOGYAKARTA:

Yogyakarta is the cultural heart of Java, known for its rich history, ancient temples, and traditional arts, offering insights into Indonesian heritage.

Explore attractions like Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, and the Sultan's Palace.

Budget : Adhisthana Hotel Yogyakarta : Adhisthana Hotel Yogyakarta offers budget-friendly accommodations with a traditional Javanese ambiance. Guests appreciate its central location, comfortable rooms, and friendly staff.

Mid-range : Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel : Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel offers mid-range accommodations in the Prawirotaman area, known for its vibrant atmosphere and artsy vibe. Guests appreciate its stylish rooms, tranquil courtyard, and rooftop swimming pool.

Luxury : The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection : The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta offers luxurious accommodations in a historic colonial building. Guests can stay in elegant rooms and suites, relax at the hotel's swimming pool and spa, and dine at the award-winning restaurant.

Tip : Consider purchasing combination tickets for multiple attractions in Yogyakarta for better value and hire a local guide for insightful tours of temples and cultural sites.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE KOMODO NATIONAL PARK:

Komodo National Park, located in Indonesia, is a remote and stunning destination known for its unique wildlife and pristine landscapes. As such, accommodation options within the park itself are limited. However, nearby towns and islands offer a range of options to suit various budgets and preferences. Here are some suggestions:

Budget : Labuan Bajo , the gateway town to Komodo National Park, offers several budget-friendly accommodations such as guesthouses, hostels, and homestays. Examples include Gardena Hotel , Bajo Nature Backpackers, and La Boheme Bajo.

Mid-range : Consider places like Luwansa Beach Resort, Jayakarta Suites Komodo-Flores, or Plataran Komodo Beach Resort .

Luxury : For luxury experiences, there are upscale resorts and hotels in Labuan Bajo. Some notable options include A yana Komodo Resort , Komodo Resort & Diving Club, and Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa .

Tip : Book boat tours and activities in Komodo National Park in advance and consider visiting during the dry season (April to October) for better weather and optimal diving conditions.

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FLIGHTS Find a cheap flight by using  Sky scanner  or  Momondo . These are our favorite  flight search engines. They index other travel websites and airlines across the globe to easily find you the best deal.

ACCOMMODATION

Booking.com is our number one resource for researching and booking accommodation. In addition to Booking.com , we have found  Agoda.com to consistently returns the cheapest rates in Southeast Asia. For longer stays, find unique homes worldwide on Holiday Swap , the most affordable travel platform that allows you to book homes anytime, anywhere in only a few clicks.

TRANSPORT ​

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Budget for a trip to Indonesia

Last update : 04/05/2024

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A few years ago, my wife and I decided to travel to South Asia for an indefinite period. During our stay in Asia, Indonesia was an unmissable country in our eyes. However, we had decided not to go to Bali, to avoid mass tourism, and we rather focused on the islands of Sumatra and Sulawesi, two destinations still considered as being off the beaten track. In the same line as the other “budget articles in Asia”, I’ll present you here everything you need to know for your travel budget in Indonesia .

Prices may have changed slightly over the past few years, but from what I’ve seen, it’s almost similar to what I’ve experienced in 2019. To avoid any endless debate, I point out that we were on a Southeast Asian tour, as backpackers, with a small budget of 15€/day per person – an amount we finally never reached during this whole trip.

This article is the first one about Indonesia. Others will follow about places I was lucky enough to see, especially on the island of Sumatra for one month. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to visit Sulawesi, as I got sick and was flown back to France at the end of our trip.

Regarding the tourist visa in Indonesia in 2021, if you stay less than 30 days, you are exempt. You can then extend your stay for another 30 days. For those preparing a trip to the area, you might as well be interested in knowing which budget plan for a trip to Laos , right?

To organize your stay in the country, I think there are five main points allowing to evaluate the budget:

• Budget to go to Indonesia
• Cost of accommodation in Indonesia
• Budget for transportation between the Indonesian islands
• Budget to eat in Indonesia
• Leisure budget in Indonesia

At the end of the article, I’ll try, as always, to give you some budget details for 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month or more in Indonesia. I will also tell you what I personally spent during the month I was there. These numbers are quite realistic for backpackers or around-the-world travelers.

They are not absolute truths of course, but rather orders of ideas. I try to give as much detail as possible in this article so it will help you see things clearer. I must admit that Indonesia is one of the countries where we spent the least money. Traveling there really doesn’t cost much, which is perfect if you are on a budget and can get by for a pittance. As a reminder, the currency of the country is the Indonesian rupiah (or ruphia – Rps). 1€ is about 15000 Rps.

How to go to Indonesia? The transport budget!

Unlike its neighbors (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia mainly), it is quite possible to enter the country through a large number of airports. Why is that? Quite simple because Indonesia is composed of more than 16000 islands… all these possibilities of discovery leave us dreamy honestly, right?

Two main airports are the most-used gateways when traveling to Indonesia : Jakarta (CGKI, Java Island) and Denpasar (DPSI: Bali Island). Obviously, these are the two most affordable airports if you want to find cheap flights. From the US, it will cost between 500 and 700$ for a flight from the main cities, which is more or less the same prices when flying from major European cities.

Some pictures of Indonesia to make you feel like you’re already on vacation!

How much to spend on accommodation when traveling in Indonesia?

I’m going to get things straight right away: you probably won’t break the bank sleeping in Indonesia. I mean, again, it always depends on how you travel and your notion of comfort. For those who don’t feel comfortable not booking anything in advance and deciding on the spot (what I do like!), you can of course look on the usual sites, like Booking.

About prices, they seem to vary quite a bit between the islands. Obviously, you will pay more for your guesthouse or homestay in Bali than you’ll do in Sumatra. The prices announced below are based on what I have seen in Sumatra or Java, for example. With a slight increase in prices in recent years, and if you want to go to Bali or Lombok, I think you will have to raise prices a little to get a more topical idea.

For those who are looking for nice accommodations for your trip to Indonesia, here are some personal recommendations.

Host @ Volcano A beautiful establishment away from the tourist crowds, at the foot of Mount Batur.

Triangle House Perfect for a homestay in atypical wooden houses!

Bali Jungle Camping A unique experience of camping on the island in the middle of the jungle!

Ekas Surf Resort A beautiful resort in a dream setting, right by the beach!

Tetebatu Sama Sama Bungalows Cute little bungalows at the foot of Mount Rinjani.

Pipes Hostel A cute little hotel offering dormitory and rooms by the beach!

When I was in Indonesia, in a whole month, I never slept at more than 60000 Rps a night for two, that is to say about 5€. Clearly, we don’t break the bank there, do we? In most cases, we slept at 50000 Rps/night (3,8€). Even in some tourist areas of Sumatra, prices were even lower.

At this price, you get a simple but clean room with a fan, enough for a backpacking trip. It seems that prices are a bit higher in the tourist spots of the country, but if you do a bit of research, you can find guesthouses for 6 to 8€ a night (around 100000 Rps) even in Bali!

For those who are looking for nice accommodations, you will be spoilt for choices in all the islands of the country…

Budget of transportation between and on the islands in Indonesia

If you are planning a trip to the country, you should already be tearing your hair out to know which islands you are going to visit! There are so many that choices will have to be made, mainly according to how long you’ll stay there, your desires, if you like tourists, and your budget, to a lesser extent.

Let’s start with a quick point about the means of transportation on the islands. No matter which islands you are going to visit in Indonesia, the transportation remains more or less the same, that’s to say the great classics: bus, minibus, train, scooter, ferry, plane, cab, etc. I didn’t have the opportunity to test all of them during my month in Sumatra, but I still took many of them.

The transportation options are endless when traveling to Indonesia!

Getting around by plane

Even if some airlines serving the islands are blacklisted, that’s a fact, the plane is still the safest way to travel (like anywhere in the world for that matter). Of course, disasters do happen, but compared to the risks of bus or boat accidents in the country, it is a good plan.

Very good point moreover: traveling in Indonesia by plane on domestic flights is really not expensive, and you can find flights for 25/30€ between islands without worries. Here are some prices to give you an idea, one way:

• Jakarta (Java Island) to Medan or Padang (Sumatra Island): from 50€
• Jakarta to Denpasar (Bali Island): from 40€
• Jakarta to Banjarmasin (South Borneo Island): from 60€
• Jakarta to Makassar (Sulawesi Island): from 50€
• Jakarta to Sumbawa: from 80€

To make it simple, from the island of Java, you can easily go to many other islands in Indonesia for 50€ one way. If you are looking for the best rates for internal flights in Indonesia, it is right here .

Moving by boat

Of course, those who are saving money or plan short trips between close islands, the boat is a very good solution. You will find all kinds of boats: fisherman, speedboat, ferry, etc.

I only had the opportunity to take a boat once, since I stayed only on the island of Sumatra for the whole month. I also got some price ideas for you!

• Parapat to Tuk Tuk (on Lake Toba, Sumatra): 10000 Rps/person,
• Public ferry from Bengsal (Lombok Island) to Gili Trawangan: 12000 Rps per person (10 000 Rps for Gili Air),
• Crossing from Java to Bali (with car): about 156 000 Rps
• Speed Boat from Ubud (Bali) to Gili Air: 250 000 Rps,
• Ferry from Gilimanuk to Ketapang: 6500 Rps / person

Getting around by car

This is also an option in the country. You can either rent a car with a driver (between 250 000 and 300 000 Rps/8h) or rent a car and drive all by yourself. Between us, I am not convinced that it is really interesting, both financially and for meeting people in the local transport. You can for example book a rental car that you’ll pick up directly at the airport via this car rental comparator .

You will often use it to go to the airport, for example. Prices are never fixed, and you should ask other travelers around you for price ideas in the areas where you are. A cab ride in a tourist area is around 50,000 Rps.

Once again, as often in the country, prices are a bit according to whether they like how you look and they vary quite a bit depending on which island you’re on. In 2019, the price of gasoline is about 8500 Rps/Liter. As an example, here is what I paid for:

• One day around Berastagi (Sumatra): 100 000 Rps (gasoline included)
• One day on the island of Samosir (Lake Toba): 80 000 Rps (gasoline included)
• One day on Bali: between 50 000 and 60 000 Rps (in 2017-2018).

Needless to say, be careful when driving a scooter as there are a lot of accidents, and the Indonesian traffic rules are pretty different from the French ones, aren’t they?

They are mini-buses and local buses very present everywhere in the country. As a general rule, a short trip costs about 5000 Rps/person. Some price ideas from my side in Sumatra:

• Medan to Bukit Lawang Bus Station: 6000 Rps/person,
• Bus station from Medan to Bukit Lawang (80 Km / 2h): 20 000 Rps/person,
• Bukit Lawang to Berastagi (2h): 15 000 Rps/person,
• Kabanjhe to Siantar (2.5h / 95km): 250,000 Rps/person.

Impossible not to take a bemo during a trip to Indonesia!

That’s not what I personally did on Sumatra, but it seems that many travelers do take the train, especially on the island of Java. You should know that there are 3 classes of transport: economy, business, and executive. It is a means of transport I appreciated the few times I took it in Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Laos). It allows you to be with the locals and to meet people, all this for a cheap price. For more info, you can check this bible about train travel. Count for example:

• 50000 Rps/person from Probolingo to Yogyakarta.
• 150000 Rps/person (economical) from Jakarta to Yogyakarta

Food budget for a stay in Indonesia

Just as in all Southeast Asia, you will not break the bank on food in Indonesia! Some other examples of prices from my month there:

• A local dish (Mi Goreng or Nasi Goreng) in the street: 10000 Rps (sometimes 15000),
• A plate of white rice: 3000 Rps,
• A packet of cakes: 5000 to 7000 Rps,
• A soup in the street: 10000 Rps,
• A 1 L bottle of water: 2500 to 4000 Rps,
• A local beer at the supermarket: 10000 to 15000 Rps,
• A menu at Mac Do: 45000 Rps,
• A Pepsi/Coca: 6000 Rps

I’ll talk about it later on in my budget for my trip in Indonesia, but clearly, you will not spend much. In touristic restaurants, prices can be multiplied by 2 or even 3 compared to the street food. Concretely, you won’t necessarily eat better, you’ll pay more, and you’ll only be with tourists, sounds tempting?

Spending on leisure activities when traveling in Indonesia

Regarding activities, everything will depend on your way of traveling and of seeing things. The more time goes by, the less I think paid activities are necessary to make a good stay. I will naturally say the opposite and privilege meetings, places off the beaten track, taking time, etc.

Nevertheless, when on a trip or on vacation often, many people would want to do and see as many things as possible. Here are some examples of prices for leisure/activities:

• Average price of a temple entrance: 15000 to 20000 Rps/person,
• The Monkey Forest in Bali: 80000 Rps/person,
• Trek to Mount Ranjani on the island of Lombok: negotiate between 1,000,000 and 1,500,000 Rps/person for the 3 days.
• Half day in Bukit Lawang National Park to see the Orangutang: 750 000 Rps

For those who rather plan their activities in advance for their vacation, I recommend looking at this great website that compares activities and finds the best prices for you!

In particular, you can find the activities:

• Of the island of Bali ,
• Of the island of Lombok ,
• In the city of Jakarta .

Have a good vacation!

Just between us, I’m making a brief personal aside, but you really don’t have to go on organized tours to enjoy the idyllic setting in front of you! You will find on all the small islands (and the big ones too, for that matter) ways to have a nice trip for cheap. From what I could have seen of Indonesia, here are some ideas:

• Enjoy the heavenly white sand beaches and coral reefs around; just by snorkeling, you can see the beauty of the endemic fauna and flora. The underwater world in Indonesia is breathtaking! A little idleness in turquoise waters never killed anyone, right?
• Discover the beauties of the rainforest. I remember spending a lot of time in this lush vegetation near Bukit Lawang. It’s pretty crazy what you can see, if you take the time to look carefully!
• Go talk with the population, for example in a local restaurant: it is frankly something I more and more do and you learn so many things…
• Rent a scooter and discover the surroundings of the island where you are, especially the rural areas. Whether it is in the Moluccas, Komodo, Sulawesi or around the Toraja country, there is always something to see without going through a local agency. I often made the most beautiful encounters and discoveries being alone with a scooter: rice fields, hiking in an active volcano, sunrise on a splendid valley… There are many beautiful sites without any tourist that you can access all by yourself!

My budget to travel in Indonesia

Here are the figures of my month spent in Indonesia, on the island of Sumatra. Prices may have possibly changed a bit since a few years, especially in the tourist sites where prices can be much higher. A few worth noting points to understand the numbers:

• We were on a tour of Southeast Asia, on a budget, based on 15€/day/person,
• We traveled the country as a couple, which can sometimes reduce the bill,
• We ate in the street or in the small local restaurant (we avoided all the tourist restaurants),
• The only tourist activity over the month was the entrance of the Bukit Lawang national park,
• We tended to negotiate the accommodation and transportation prices when it was possible.

Here is the summary of the figures for the 34 days spent in Indonesia, for two people, on average.

Accommodations : 105000 Rps per night (or 7,70€) -> we blew the budget in nice hotels for our last days as we were sick and about to go home

Transportation : 20465 Rps (or 1,5€)  

Food : 84726 Rps (or 6,22€)

Miscellaneous : 54000 Rps (or 3,89€)

In total, for the 34 days spent in Indonesia , we spent 656€, that is to say approximately 19,30€ for 2 people per day .

In the end, making a cheap trip in Indonesia is really easy. It is even cheaper than Thailand, Laos or Cambodia. These figures are consistent with the ones I could find on the net. As a general rule, I saw between 17 and 20€ per day for 2 people for Indonesia, in economic mode.

What is the budget for a 2-weeks, 3-weeks or 1-month trip in Indonesia?

As usual in this type of article, I try to give you some advice on the conceivable expenses for a trip to Indonesia. I mean, only to guide you, because it is very difficult to give you precise figures. There are too many factors to take into account when calculating a budget, and as many ways to travel. Depending on your way of seeing things and staying in the country, you will be able to travel economically or not.

I will distinguish 3 categories of people: the economical ones, the ones who are a bit wider, and the ones who are really wide! For backpackers, I go with the basis for my trip in Southeast Asia , that is to say about 19€/day for two people. For the others, I would say 30€ and 40€ per day.

Here are some ideas:

For budget travelers , you can count on 700€ for a month in the country for two people, for expenses on site. If you can find a plane ticket for 400/450€ from where you live, you can get by for about 1500€ for the month, for two. This is most economical way, but still realistic according to my own experience and what I have seen.

For those who want to take a little margin (30€/day), plan about 2000€ for a month in Indonesia, for 2 people. With 2500€ for the whole month, you truly have a very large budget to visit the country, in my view.

If you don’t have a full month in the country and plan to go there for a shorter period of time, you can plan about 150€ per week in economy mode for two people, and 250 to 300€ to really be zen.

Life is really cheap over there and you will be able to travel for a pittance if you want to. For the others, who are more into “vacation in nice hotels” mode, you can obviously treat yourself for much less money than in France too, but you will obviously explode the figures presented in the article.

That’s it, I’m coming to the end of this article on the budget for a trip to Indonesia . I hope that you are now well aware of the possible expenses. Don’t get too hung up on the budget in a country like Indonesia, especially if you’re on a world trip (you’ll be going into much more expensive areas!). If you are planning to travel in the area, the article on Cambodia travel budget will surely be useful!

Enjoy the country, it is such a beautiful place, a real little paradise for me!

Have a good trip.

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Cost of Traveling to Bali

How much does it cost to visit bali, budget | mid-range | affordable luxury | luxury & ultra luxury, bali holiday – always great value for money.

Affordability is sometimes the most influential factor in selecting an overseas destination. That’ s why the topic of how much does it cost to visit Bali is often asked.

Everything is available. Street food for USD 1 and fine dinging for USD100+. You can stay for USD 10 per night in a decent room, or spend a few thousand dollars in one of the ultra luxury resorts, or spend even more in a villa estate. 

Most common questions:

• “Bali travel cost”
• “Average expenses for a trip to Bali?”
• “Bali trip budget and expenses?”
• “How much money for a week in Bali?”
• “Bali vacation cost per person?”
• “Cost of traveling to Bali for two weeks?”
• “Bali travel expenses and tips?”
• “Budget-friendly Bali trip itinerary?”
• “Accommodation and food costs in Bali?”

Costs when Traveling on a Budget & Backpacking

Accommodation prices – traveling on a budget & backpacking in bali (average usd 10-25 per night).

For as little as US$10-15 you may get a room at a guest house, homestay, Losmen, or tiny hotel with no stars. It is possible to find even cheaper lodgings with bunk beds. If you’d like a private room with a bathroom and air conditioning, though, you may locate a good hotel for less than US$20 a night. Young  backpackers and budget travelers still flock to Bali, and they tend to head to the southern areas (Kuta, Bukit, and Canggu) and in the east (Padangbai) because of the abundance of cheap hotels and eateries there.

In general, a backpacker should be able to get by for  USD$35 a day , which covers bare-bones lodging, three meals at US$3 each, and a few drinks. You may rent a scooter for around US$4 per day. However, the cost of alcoholic beverages and social gatherings would quickly deplete any such funds.

Don’t expect to be able to rent a villa for these prices. 

Rooms are usually priced per room and not per person, unless you choose a dorm or bunk-bed.

Food & Drinks Budget & Backpacking (Average USD 1-3 per meal)

All across Bali, you’ll find traditional warungs (small eateries), ocal restaurants, often displaying the food where you can choose a selection of different meat, fish and vegetable dishes. It’s good, and it’s also very fresh.

The street food carts (kaki lima) are serving amazing food. such as the famous Soto, meat ball soup, Nasi Goreng,, Martabak, Fried Fish, and of course Sate.

The sanitation standards might not be always “up to par”. But in general one can say, that food is fresh, particularly if you choose vendors that you see are busy. It’s simple to see whether the food, is up to your standards since they’re all out in the open.

This is also where the majority of the locals go to eat during their lunch periods and after work. All Indonesians, including the Balinese, have an insatiable appetite. They like spending time together eating at nice restaurants.

You can get a softdrink at these places for USD 0.6 to 1. Fresh coconot should be USD 1 to 1.5.

Costs when Traveling on a “mid-range” budget

Mid-range accommodation prices – (average usd 30-60 per night per room).

The vast majority of Bali’s hotels are moderately priced 3-star establishments . Traditionally, these hotels have been on the smaller side and run by families. Meanwhile, up to 100-room hotels from major chains like Swissbel and Accor and local brands like Grandmas and Aston are entering the market. As more domestic and Chinese visitors come, these businesses will thrive and expand.

These hotels have been thoroughly inspected for cleanliness and comfort, and they often provide a good breakfast at a low price. Most of them are located somewhat farther from the shore, making the use of a scooter or a lengthy walk to the beach necessary.

Depending on the location, you might get a small private villa for that price, particularly if you share a 2 or 3 bedroom villa with more people. The paying 40-60USD per room is enough to get a nice place already.

Mid-Range (Average USD 3-7 per meal)

In this category, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of eateries across Bali. The majority of visitors as well as an increasing number of middle class Balinese eat there. These locations might also even be locally run”warung” but a little bit more geared to serve also foreigners and cost a little bit more, than the warung, that are mostly frequented by the local population.

But there are plenty of restaurants that offer you a decent meal at that price level, 

Middle-range restaurants may be slightly more costly in tourist hot spots such as Canggu and Seminyak for example. Additionally, the costs in the hotel’s restaurants are generally 50–100% higher than stand-alone restaurants in the neighborhood. 

Costs for Affordable Luxury Traveling in Bali

Accommodation cost – affordable luxury (average usd 70-150 per night).

Depending on the location and proximity to the beach, this category ranges from three up to even five stars. Since also these hotels often provide different room categories, you could get very different experiences and pay different prices in the same hotel. This segment is often booked by families and individual travelers (single, couples and groups) who have grown out of their backpacker phase.

Expect well-appointed rooms, at least one restaurant, pool, nice gardens, good location, excellent service, tasty breakfast, and spacious rooms.

At that price range, when you travel with 4 or more people, you can get already very nice serviced villas & vacation rentals with private pools.

Affordable Luxury in restaurants (Average USD 10–25 per meal)

Numerous restaurants in this category are found in 4 to even 5 star resorts and hotels. They mostly serve also cocktails and have a more extensive wine lists. 

Imported Alcohol is generally quite expensive because of import taxes. But a decent glass of French or Italian wine might cost you USD 6 – 10.

Costs for Luxury & Ultra Luxury Traveling in Bali

Accommodation cost: luxury & high-end (average usd 150-350 per night – the sky is the limit in certain ultra luxury and villa resorts).

One of a kind, unmatched excellence. When compared to other popular tourist destinations, Bali’s luxury offerings are surprisingly affordable. It’s no exaggeration to say that Bali is home to some of the top hotels in Asia, if not the world. The island’s warm friendliness permeates every aspect of the service, and the island’s artistic and cultural traditions inform the design of the accommodations.

Bali is home to facilities from some of the most prestigious hotel groups in the world, and these establishments do not disappoint in terms of beauty or quality. Balinese and regional firms have built and overseen a number of world-class hotels and resorts.

More helpful information and price ranges to plan your Bali Holiday

Cost of drinks & alcohol in bali.

Water and soft drinks are inexpensive. Beer and juices are acceptable. Wine and liquor may be rather pricey (due to local taxes). Green juices and smoothies are becoming a little more pricey. Soft drink costs at regular restaurants aren’t all that much more than they are in convenience stores. However, many hotels with stars still mark up significantly. In a convenience store, a 1.5-liter bottle of water will run you about 50 cents.

Generally speaking, imported beers are always much more expensive than  domestic beers  like Corona or San Miguel beer versus Bintang beer.

Average price at a bar or restaurant, *excluding hotels:

• Soft Drinks such as coke, sprite (Average US75¢-$1 per bottle)
• Beer (Average US$2-4 per bottle)
• Local wine (Average US$3-5 per glass)
• Imported wine (Average US$5-10 per glass)
• Cocktails (Average US$5-10 per glass)
• Spirits (Average US$4-10 per glass)
• Expensive Imported Whiskeys, Tequilas, Vodkas, Cognacs etc can cost up to USD 30 per drink 

Transportation Cost in Bali

Depending on where you stay and how far you need to travel to get to the beach, shops or restaurants, the transportation costs per day can, of course, vary quite a bit. Choosing the location for your accommodation and therefore the method of transportation should be your main concern when planning your holiday since Bali is not very “pedestrian-friendly” due to lack of sidewalks, the heat and far distances.

Bicycle Rental (Average US$2-4 per day)

Not very common but a good way to get around in Ubud, Canggu and the more remote areas

Scooter/ Motorbikes Rental (Average US$ 5-7 per day)

Rent a scooter including helmet per day. Countless rental places all over Bali. Usually, without any insurance!

Premium and properly serviced Scooters/ Motorbikes (Average US$ 10-25 per day)

Special scooter with a bigger seat and large compartment to keep your belongings safe. Lexi, NMax, PCX, or Vespa with insurance, well maintained with drop and pick-up service to your hotel.

Best and most reliable Scooter Rental Service in Bali

Scooter Taxi/ Ojek (Average US$ 3-5/ trip) ( not via apps)

Managed by the local community, these guys hang around mostly during evenings and night near the pubs and clubs since many areas ban the app-driven transportation services like Go-Jek, Grab, Uber, etc. You can recognize them wearing a west with a number on it (some of them don’t). You would have to bargain with them, but they usually charge something between per trip if it’s not too far.

App driven scooter taxis (Average US$1-3 per trip)  are significantly cheaper. Most visitors use those services twice a day

APPS: GOJEK & GRAB

Hiring a car with driver half and full day (Average US$20-60)

It is the most convenient way if you wish to explore the island and go for day trips. 8-10 hours rental, including gasoline and driver, will cost you anything between US$40-60, depending on the condition of the car. The driver is registered, pays insurance and taxes etc.

Rent your Car with Driver here online

Taxi cars (Average ca. US$5-10 per trip, 20-30 minutes)

The cars that are managed by the local communities (you can’t miss them, since they continuously say “transport, transport”) charge roughly twice what the standard taxi and app-driven services would charge. Bluebird, Grabcar, Go-car (from Go-Jek app) are not expensive. An average trip from Seminyak to Kuta would cost you roughly USD seven if you use those taxi services.

Good to know when renting a hotel room in Bali

Usually in Bali, you pay for the hotel room and not per person. Single rooms rarely exist. Therefore traveling as a couple costs almost as much as traveling solo, excluding the breakfast of course. Expect to pay during mid and low season 30%-50% less for rooms and villas than during high season (Easter Holidays, July until mid September, Christmas and New Years, Chinese New Years and end of Ramadan – Idul Fitri).

One of the most important determinants of hotel and resort prices is location. In Bali, it is common for businesses (particularly accommodation and restaurants) to add up to 22% (11% VAT and 5-11% service charge) to the bill. Because wages in Indonesia are relatively low, service charges are usually distributed equally among staff members. Make sue the hotel and villas quote you the price including all extra fees.

Costs for Private Villas in Bali

In Bali, the private villa market has expanded dramatically in the last five years. Hundreds of properties have appeared on the market; some are run professionally, while others are not. These properties come in all sizes and shapes, and the most important factor is location.

The main difference between staying in a hotel and staying in a villa is that you can get villas with up to 8 bedrooms, which is sometimes like renting your own small hotel with staff. If you are traveling in a group or with a family, renting a luxury villa is often less expensive per room per night than renting a few hotel rooms, making this segment appealing if you are traveling with friends or family.

Private villas are difficult to categorize, but you might be surprised at how affordable a luxurious holiday can be. Those properties are almost never near the beach or restaurants, requiring some form of transportation. However, there are many well-located villas in Seminyak, Kerobokan, and Canggu.

Some villas have a minimum stay, especially during peak season, and websites like Airbnb charge a cleaning or booking fee. Several villa management companies offer villas, but you can also find those properties on OTAs such as booking.com, airbnb.com, and so on.

Average Prices for Villas:

A private one-bedroom villa with a small pool starts at US$100-150. While true luxury is likely to start around US$200 per night – per room available.

These villas are fully serviced and equipped with all amenities. The more luxurious ones include a chef and a team to look after you during the day. The more rooms a villa has, the less it costs per night per room. We recommend that you look through the listings and get inspired.

The most luxurious, with 6-8 bedrooms, can cost up to USD3,000-4,000 per night. But then you get a gym, a game room, incredible pool, amazing food, and possibly even a private tennis court, as well as your own chauffeur and car.

As everywhere else in the world…this depends 😉

The bigger villas (four to seven bedrooms) are often rented out for weddings. Bali is a popular destination for weddings, and there are a number of organizers that can handle all the details so that the newlyweds and their guests may have the perfect ceremony and reception.

More about Weddings and Wedding Planners

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Bali - the estimated travel expenses for food, public transport, attractions entrance and accommodation., how much does a trip to bali cost.

Currency in Bali is Indonesian Rupiah

Bali prices guide., if you are travelling alone to bali, depending on your expectations, you will pay for an overnight stay from 7.20 usd (117,000 idr) for a hostel to 265 usd (4,298,000 idr) for a luxury hotel., the other daily costs you have to pay when travelling to bali are:.

• Food 9.00 USD (145,000 IDR)
• Meals in restaurants 2.70 USD (43,000 IDR)
• Bottled water 0.65 USD (10,000 IDR)
• Local transportation 1.10 USD (17,000 IDR)
• Entrance tickets 9.30 USD (149,000 IDR)
• Alcoholic beverages 8.60 USD (139,000 IDR)

As you can see - a stay for a few days in Bali can cost 90 USD (1,463,000 IDR) or 1,000 USD (17,460,000 IDR) , depending on whether you are a frugal tourist or you are planning to spend a luxurious holiday in Bali.

How much Indonesian Rupiah should I have for one week in Bali?

If you want to spend a week in Bali the cost of your stay will be:

• 211 USD (3,415,000 IDR) - a cheap stay for 7 days in Bali
• 313 USD (5,066,000 IDR) - a budget travel for 7 days in Bali
• 559 USD (9,048,000 IDR) for a one week of comfortable stay in Bali
• 2,500 USD (40,741,000 IDR) for a week of luxury holidays in Bali

How much money do I need per day to stay in Bali?

If you are travelling alone to Bali, 30 USD a day should be enough. If you choose a hotel for your stay in Bali, the price will rise to 45 USD. A couple will have to pay around 80 USD for one day in Bali. A family with two children should have 130 USD for one day stay in Bali.

How to visit Bali on a low budget? How to travel Bali cheaply? How to save money while travelling in Bali?

In order not to exceed reasonable expenses during a trip to Bali, which we estimate at 45 USD (723,000 IDR) for a one day, you must comply with the following rules:

• Choose to stay in a hostel (7.20 USD (117,000 IDR) ) or in a cheap hotel (19 USD (305,000 IDR) ).
• Use public transport. The price for a one-way ticket is 0.27 USD (4,400 IDR) and for a monthly pass 8.30 USD (134,000 IDR) .
• Make your own breakfast and own dinner. Daily shopping cost in the shop is around 9.00 USD (145,000 IDR) in Bali.
• Choose restaurants outside the city centre and close to tourist attractions. Meal in a cheap restaurant cost around 2.60 USD (41,000 IDR) in Bali. McMeal at McDonalds (or equivalent meal in other fastfood restaurant) costs approximately 4.00 USD (65,000 IDR) .

Car-related costs are mainly fuel, road tolls and parking fees. Of course, the price depends on the purpose of the journey and energy efficiency of a vehicle.

In Bali, you will pay for the fuel accordingly:

• Petrol price in Bali is around: 0.85 USD (13,000 IDR)
• Diesel fuel price in Bali is around: 0.81 USD (13,000 IDR)
• 1kg sausage: 17 USD (275,000 IDR)
• 0,5 kg bread: 1.70 USD (26,000 IDR)
• 10 eggs: 1.60 USD (26,000 IDR)
• 1kg cheese: 10 USD (170,000 IDR)
• 1 liter milk: 1.80 USD (28,000 IDR)
• 1 kg apples: 2.90 USD (47,000 IDR)
• Bottle of local beer (0,5 liter): 3.10 USD (50,000 IDR)

Car rental prices in Bali

• What is the average price for a car rental in Bali?
• How much does it typically cost to rent a car in Bali?
• Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week in Bali?

What is most famous in Bali? How much does an average entrance to travel attractions in Bali cost?

The most important tourist attractions in bali that we recommend:, on warmer days, we recommend walking in parks in bali. below is a list of the largest and most interesting parks in bali. parks in bali:, how much does dinner cost in restaurants of different cuisines in bali, bali - prices in restaurants, alcohol prices in bali, bali - whisky prices comparison, bali - rum prices comparison, bali - gin prices comparison, view map of hotels and accommodation.

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Mathew Stephens

- travel writer and city explorer (29 years old, zodiac sign: sagittarius).

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