When you are about to make your next trip, the question that may come to your mind first is, “What are the best things to do in Indonesia?” I wondered the same when I originally came to the country nearly fifteen years ago. Since that time, each trip taught me something new about the beauty, culture, and good people that make this country so unique.
Indonesian tourism has increased over time; more airports have been built, and islands are now more accessible. Nevertheless, the same soul of the country exists, i.e., its people, its food and its landscapes. There is no dearth of memorable moments, whether it is the beaches in Bali and the temples in Yogyakarta or tours around Komodo Island and Raja Ampat diving. My personal experience during the Indonesia travel journey in this blog helps you to identify the best things to do in Indonesia in a way that you can be confident that you will have an enjoyable experience.
My 15 Years of Indonesia Travel Experience
I still remember my first Indonesia trip almost fifteen years ago. At the time, the airports were smaller, Wi-Fi was a rarity, and I had to carry paper maps to navigate through Bali and Yogyakarta. Nowadays, it is quite a different situation. Tourism in Indonesia has become one of the simplest and most enjoyable experiences, and after years I have realized how effective certain things are, how to avoid certain things, and how much cash you really have in your pocket when you start planning. Cost of Traveling in Indonesia
Budget and Daily Expenses
Flights when you travel to Indonesia from South Asia are not too costly if booked early, and once you land, food and transport are affordable compared to many other countries.
Hotels and Food
You can find a decent hotel in Bali or Jakarta at less than $30 a night and local warungs at less than $3 a meal. By staying with the budget airlines when travelling around the islands and by not paying an exorbitant fee on tours, you can afford flights, accommodation, meals, and even some diving or trekking without wasting money. Guesthouses and homestays are usually the best deal when a person is looking to find cheap hotels in Bali, Indonesia
Real-Life Experience
One time I spent a whole month in Yogyakarta and spent approximately 900 dollars, including renting a motorbike, visiting Borobudur Temple twice, and going out to eat every day. Indonesia budget travel tips are simple to abide by and extremely beneficial to the traveler who eats out at street food in the daytime and has the luxury of splurging on the diving trip every now and then.
The Most Popular Things in Indonesia
Why Bali Tops the List
Initially, I believed that the most favored tourism was Bali travel—the beaches, temples, and nightlife. No doubt, things to do in Bali are endless, from surfing to temple visits to shopping.
Beyond Bali
Then, after seeing Komodo Island tours, diving in Raja Ampat, and climbing Mount Rinjani in Lombok Island travel, I realized the real star of Indonesia is its variety.
My Personal Favourite Moments
What I myself remember most vividly is not on Bali at all, but sitting at the rim of Mount Bromo at sunrise, the clouds going orange, or a boat made of wood circumnavigating the Raja Ampat islands, where you see the water is so clear that you can see the fish on deck. These hidden adventures show the best beaches in Indonesia and also the country’s untouched beauty.
Bali vs The Rest of Indonesia
Why People Stop at Bali
Many travelers think once they’ve seen Bali, they’ve “done” Indonesia. But after fifteen years, I can say that Indonesia’s cultural travel and natural diversity go far beyond one island.
Exploring Other Islands
In Sumatra, I met orangutans in the wild. In Kalimantan, I spent nights on a riverboat watching fireflies above the forest. In Sulawesi, I attended a Toraja funeral ceremony. Such experiences provided me with an understanding of Indonesian cultural travel and the traditions that make this country a unique one.
My Advice
To be comfortable and at ease, you need nothing more than Bali travel guide tips. However, should you desire something deeper, then a trip to the temples in Yogyakarta, Jakarta travel tips, or a trip on an Indonesian backpacking route will have you see the real core of the country.
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Memorable Travel Experiences
Unique Encounters
In fifteen years, one of the lessons I have learned is that Indonesia punishes closed-mindedness. After I had joined a band of fishermen on Flores, whom I invited to join the evening catch on the beach. I saw some hidden street art on another occasion in Jakarta when a student took me to see it beneath a bridge.
Balancing Budget and Luxury
If you stick to tourist bars in Bali, you’ll burn money fast. But if you learn a few words of Bahasa Indonesia and eat like locals, you can stretch your budget. Indonesian honeymoon destinations such as Bali, Lombok, and Raja Ampat are the best places that couples can find that have the ideal combination of romance and adventure. To food enthusiasts, traveling to Indonesia is associated with night markets, street vendors, and hot sambal.
Why I Keep Returning to Indonesia
Ever-Changing Country
Indonesian tourism also changes with time. Roads improve, flights connect new islands, and tourism grows.
Local Kindness
The warm welcome is something that remains the same. One day I lost my wallet in Lombok, and a cafe owner stored it. These gestures of kindness remain longer than any beach or temple.
A Lifelong Journey
I have been travelling to Indonesia for over fifteen years and have come to learn that there is no way to complete the study in a single trip. It is a nation to which you come back and back.
Whether you’re looking for hidden places in Indonesia, a 10-day itinerary for Indonesia, or just tips on the best time to visit Indonesia, you’ll find something new each time. For first-timers, Bali may be enough. For seasoned travelers, Indonesia travel blog stories prove it becomes a lifelong journey.
Best Time to Visit Indonesia
Over the years, I’ve travelled to Indonesia in every season. The country is warm all year, but the experience changes with the weather.
Dry Season (April to October)
This is my favorite time. The skies remain clear, ideal for climbing volcanoes such as Mount Bromo or diving in Raja Ampat. I recall having strolled over the rice fields in Ubud, Bali, with the sun shining and the lack of rain to intervene.
Wet Season (November to March)
The forests become greener, and it pours more. I went to Yogyakarta in December, and despite it raining every afternoon, the mornings were quite clear and sunny, suitable for going to see the temples. The number of visitors reduces the cost of hotels, and for budget travelers, this season can really be the best.
Food Experiences in Indonesia
Street Food in Jakarta
The earliest thing I can remember is how I was sitting on a plastic stool in Jakarta and was eating nasi goreng (fried rice) cooked on a hot wok on the street. Garlic and soy sauce were filling the air with their smell. It was under $2, but the flavor remained with me over years.
Seafood in Lombok
On Lombok I accompanied local fishermen who roasted fresh fish on the beach. We used our hands to eat and dipped it in spicy sambal. It was plain food, but following a tedious day trekking along the mountainous Rinjani, it was a feast.
Traditional Meals in Yogyakarta
During one of the visits to Yogyakarta, I was invited to a father’s place to eat gudeg, which is sweet jackfruit curry with rice and chicken. I sat and shared with them on the floor, and they shared stories about their city. The lesson of that meal is that food in Indonesia is not only about the taste but also about being shared and about culture.
Conclusion
I have travelled for over fifteen years, and I have to admit that the list of the best things to do in Indonesia is never really exhausted. Every visit brings something new, such as visiting Bali beaches, touring the ancient temples of Yogyakarta, taking part in a Komodo Island tour, or diving underwater on Raja Ampat.
Indonesian tourism is on the permanent rise, but the core of the nation is its people, food, and traditions. A Bali travel guide can suffice in the case of first-time visitors, but to get a little more, a visit to some hidden islands and an Indonesia travel blog such as this one will provide the reader with an idea as to how varied and accommodating the country is.
Regardless of your budget, your route, or the style of travelling, there are too many unforgettable things to do in Indonesia. And as for me, you also might be in a state of coming back and coming back; this country will continuously tell you another story.
What do you consider as the best things to do in Indonesia?
Among the best activities you can do in Indonesia, there is spending time on the beaches of Bali, visiting the temples of Yogyakarta, a Komodo Island tour, Raja Ampat diving, and hiking the volcanoes such as Mount Bromo and Mount Rinjani.
When is it better to visit Indonesia?
Indonesia is peaceful all year round, however, the best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season between April and October, when the weather is always sunny and suitable for outdoor activities. November to March is the wet season, which is cheaper and less packed, hence best suited to the budget traveller.
Is Indonesia a low-cost destination?
Yes, Indonesia travel is very affordable. In Bali you can get cheap accommodation, dine in local warungs for just a few dollars, and use low-cost airlines to do island hopping. By making wise decisions, you will be able to experience high-end activities without having to spend much money.
So which one is the best island to visit: Bali or Lombok?
You are likely to find Bali travel more appealing for its nightlife, temples, and accessibility compared to Lombok island travel, which has quieter beaches, trekking at Mount Rinjani, and a more relaxed environment. Both are worth visiting depending on your style of travel.
Do I require a visa to travel to Indonesia?
The majority of travellers will need a visa for Indonesia. A Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available to many countries, and in other cases, the visa must be applied for ahead of time. Before travelling to Indonesia, always ensure you have checked the current Indonesia travel visa requirements