When to Go to Indonesia?
The best time to visit Indonesia is from May to September, which falls during the dry season. During this period, the weather is generally more predictable, and you can expect clear blue skies, making it ideal for exploring mountains and enjoying the beaches. If you're interested in diving, it is also recommended to travel during this time, as the sea tends to be calmer compared to the off-season.
Daily Budget
This place is quite affordable compared to all the other countries in the world. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to spend around $25 - $45 USD per day per person, which should include accommodation and three meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Indonesia?
The availability of WIFI may vary depending on the region you are traveling in. While traveling in Bali and Lombok, I relied on WIFI without any issues. However, in more remote and mountainous regions like Java and Flores, purchasing a local SIM card for reliable internet access is advisable.
Personally, I used the Telkomsel SIMpati card and found it to work well in 99% of the places mentioned in the itinerary (except while on a cruise). If you are interested in obtaining a SIM card, you can find more information about data and SIM cards in Indonesia here.
Tips: To stay connected with your loved ones at home, make sure to have a VPN service like NordVPN installed before traveling so that you can bypass any local Internet censorship you might encounter while in Indonesia.
What to Pack for Indonesia?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Indonesia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Indonesia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
How to Get to Indonesia?
For this itinerary, flying into Jakarta is recommended as a starting point for traveling by land through Java all the way to Flores. To find the best flight options and the fastest route to Indonesia, I personally recommend using either Skyscanner or Expedia.
How to Get Around Indonesia?
Traveling within Indonesia, despite consisting of many islands, has become considerably easier due to the influx of tourists in recent years. Various transportation options are available, depending on the distance and location to which you are traveling.
For short distances, you can rent a motorbike to travel at your own pace or hire an o-jek (motorbike taxi) for the day. You can use ride-hailing services like Grab in some areas like Java, Bali, and Lombok. Alternatively, metered taxis, such as Blue Bird, are also available but be prepared to negotiate the fare with regular taxis.
For long-distance travel, the options vary depending on the region, as follows:
How to Get Around on Java
On Java, taking a train is recommended for its reliability, speed, comfort, and affordability. With the suggested itinerary, you can travel by train from Jakarta to all the listed destinations, including Banyuwangi. Train tickets can be booked online through websites like Tiket.com. For more information on train travel in Indonesia, you can refer to the Seat61 guide.
How to Get Around on Bali
Bali has limited public transportation options for tourists. You can use Grab taxis or hire a driver for the day through your hotel or local tour agencies. However, be aware of the taxi mafia in Bali, especially in the city center. It is recommended to be discreet when using Grab services to avoid confrontation. Renting a scooter or exploring the area on foot is also an option, particularly in one specific area like Ubud.
How to Get Around on Lombok
Buses are the most affordable option for traveling around Lombok and can be easily flagged down. Renting a scooter is a convenient way to visit attractions in the area. Grab and Blue Bird taxis are also available on the island.
How to Get Around on Flores
In Flores, buses are the main mode of transportation for traveling around the island. Gunung Mas is a reliable bus service that can be booked through guesthouses or hotels. Bemos (minibuses) are another option, as are shared taxis where you share a Toyota Kijang with locals and split the cost. For shorter distances, renting a scooter or hiring an o-jek for the day is a convenient alternative.