Backpacking Indonesia Travel Guide

 

Indonesia is a land of contrasts. With such unique cultures and landscapes, each island has its own history and traditions. Honestly, with so much to do and see in Indonesia, it’s difficult to narrow down an itinerary for backpacking Indonesia, which is why I’m here to help! This backpacking Indonesia travel guide is for frugal travelers who want to get the most out of their trip.

 

With over 17,000 islands to choose from, Indonesia is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Located in Southeast Asia on both sides of the equator, there’s no way to cram all of Indonesia’s best into one trip. Hence, if you’re planning on going backpacking in Indonesia it’s best to choose a couple of regions and explore them thoroughly. The country is home to more than a hundred of ethnic groups, while some islands still have their nature as it was a millennium ago.

 

In this epic guide you will find the cost of travel in Indonesia, backpacking Indonesia routes, and general travel tips for this budget-friendly country so you can get around in Indonesia like a pro.

 

I bet you’re going to need it – the country is vast! And I mean it!

 

But no matter what you want to do, whether it’s getting involved in the cultural activities in Bandung, exploring Yogyakarta, visiting the archeological sites of Kraton Ratu Boko and Prambanan – this guide is built for you.

 

Let’s dive right in!

Where to Go Backpacking in Indonesia

I think you’ll agree with me when I say, Bali has been country’s main tourist magnet for decades. However, there’s so much more to Indonesia than this one most famous island. Bali is rightfully famous for captivating cultural scene, every kind of natural beauty, artistic vibe and incredible accommodation options. Everyone should visit Bali at least one, but backpacking Indonesia is all about getting out there and exploring the other islands.

 

As I said, Indonesia is vast, so there’s no shortage of things to do in Indonesia. From exploring Jakarta’s eclectic neighborhood to walking through tropical rainforests to catching a glimpse of the Komodo dragons, Indonesia has a lot to offer.

 

It’s nearly impossible see it all in one trip. So it’s best to view your first trip to Indonesia as exactly that. Trust me, you’ll be planning your next one before it’s even over. With thousands of islands to choose from, you can spend your lifetime in Indonesia and never see it all. With only two weeks to spare you can see a good cross-section of Indonesia. However, seeing the best of the countryside will require some careful planning and might prove to be quite intensive.

 

Below you’ll find some of Indonesia’s best places to visit if you only have one month (or less).

Travel Guide to Backpacking Indonesia

1 Month Backpacking Indonesia Itinerary

Here’s how to spend one month in Indonesia. This well-researched backpacking itinerary will take you through stunning natural beauty of Sumatra, stunning rice terraces and temples in Bali, and pedestrian-friendly Gili Islands. If you have less than 1 month for backpacking Indonesia, the itinerary below can also serve you well, pick and choose your favorite areas. Although, that may be easier said than done!

 

Backpacking Sumatra (5 Days)

Sumatra is the big island that is nowhere near as crowded as Bali. The island is filled with primal rainforests, epic waterfalls, volcanic peaks, and giant lakes. If you’re coming from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, it takes about an hour and a half to get to the city of Medan. This means that even though Sumatra is a bit off the beaten path, it’s still easily accessible.

 

The adventurous Sumatra itineraries usually include the tiny village of Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra. This is an ecotourism hub where jungle treks give you a chance to catch a glimpse of the forest’s famous residents, the semi-wild orangutans. Then, you may want to take an optional side-trip to the island called Pulau Weh, then go to Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic caldera lake. You can plan to stick around for a while in the middle of it on the Samosir island. Bukittinggi, Padang, Mt. Kerinci, Harau Valley and the Mentawai Islands are other places that are worth your attention.

 

Backpacking Java (5 Days)

With over 140 million residents, Java is Indonesia’s main island and home of its capital city, Jakarta. Some backpackers craft an alternative itinerary and start in Jakarta because Indonesia’s bustling capital deserves a couple of days solely to feel the city vibe.

 

Arguably the most popular trip on Java is hiking Mount Bromo, and Kawah Ijen. There are plenty of tour guides and travel agents that offer tour packages to Mt. Bromo, it’s much more fun and rewarding to do on your own. Experiencing Mount Bromo without a tour is definitely a highlight of any backpacking Indonesia trip.

 

solo backpacking indonesia

 

The next hike you can take on your way to the east of Java is Kawah Ijen. This one brings you down into the crater at Kawah Ijen to witness the magical blue flames and the impressive sulfur miners hard at work. The toxic blue-green lake It truly is a challenging hike.

 

While traveling across Java, don’t miss out on spending a few days in Yogyakarta. This is the cultural and artistic heart of the country and is a fascinating place to visit. Here you can visit Kraton Palace and Taman Sari water castle, enjoy the nightly performance at the Ramayana Ballet, and shop for some fly batik shirts.

 

Within just an hour outside of town, you can visit the breathtaking temple complexes of Borobudur and Prambanan. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and great spots to catch a picturesque sunrise.

 

Backpacking Bali (5 Days)

If you’re seeking spiritual growth, there may be no better place on earth to find it than in this island paradise sprinkled with art and yoga retreats throughout the valleys, and one of the biggest hippie vibes in Indonesia. Bali has been drawing in tourists by the thousands for decades now, who flock here for culture, cuisine, art, and nature. This makes for an interesting mix of surfers, foodies, gap year travelers, digital nomads, honeymooners, and party-goers.

 

Although Bali is much smaller than its western counterparts, the island has many different environments. Here you’ll find world-famous beaches, beautiful rice paddies, several lakes, and a couple of active volcanoes.

 

Some choose to bounce around and stay in a few places, while others prefer to base in one town and take day trips from there. Ubud and Canggu are the most popular towns that so many folks from around the world call home.

 

Canggu is actually of the best places to base yourself in Bali. This relaxing beach town just north of Seminyak has been gaining in popularity in recent years, especially amongst digital nomad community. Canggu still attracts smaller crowds, while accommodation, yoga, dining options are pretty much endless.

 

To get a good feel of Bali and the best parts of what it has to offer, make sure you get out of that beach lounger. There are, in fact, many options for backpackers one can easily spend one month travelling through some of the most beautiful parts of Bali.

 

Need some ideas? Go surfing down in Uluwatu, Bingin, Impossibles, and Padang Padang, align your chakras in Ubud, dive in Amed, party in Seminyak, or simply practice yoga.

 

Backpacking Lombok (6 Days)

While you really can’t miss Bali on your backpacking trip around Indonesia, exploring some of Bali’s neighbors is well worth the effort. Lombok is only a 2,5-hour boat ride away from Bali. This incredible island is a popular choice mostly to Gili Islands, a group of three islands that have long been a backpacker favorite. The enchanting string of three tiny islands off the coast of Lombok is completely free of motorized vehicles and home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites in Southeast Asia.

 

The biggest island, Gili Trawangan, is known as the party island. It sees an interesting mix of visitors, ranging from backpackers to couples on holiday, to luxury tourists. Gili Trawangan is known as the party island, Gili Meno is the least developed, and Gili Air is a nice mixture of the two because it has more life than Meno but not as much a Trawangan. To get between the islands there is a fleet of boats, so you visit all three in just a few days and see for yourself which one you like the best.

 

Lombok boasts the second highest volcano in Indonesia which you can climb. A volcano that you can hike up to as part of many multi-day trekking tours should be high on your list when backpacking Indonesia. It usually takes from 2 to 5 days to complete the trek depending on whether or not you want to get to the summit and how quickly you want to move.

 

Backpacking Flores (5 Days)

The name of this island originates from Portuguese and means “Flowers”. The island of Flores is the only place in the region where a majority of the people are Catholic, meaning you’ll see a church in most villages rather than temples or mosques. A comparatively small number of tourists make it further east than Bali or Lombok, so the East Nusa Tenggara (Flores) stayed relatively untouched. The island, however, gets increasingly better known for its up to three-meter long poisonous lizards. But it has so much more to offer than just the Komodo Dragons.

 

The town of Labuan Bajo is situated in the most western point of the island Flores and builds the gate to Komodo National Park. Due to that, Labuan Bajo is most frequently the launching point of the Flores trip.

 

backpacking indonesia blog

 

If you’re looking for some day trips from Labuan Bajo (Komodo NP, for instance), you can book one from tour operators near the Flores boat pier. While this trip can be a bit pricey, it’s one worth splurging on. The Komodo National Park consists of the islands Rinca, Komodo and Padar.

 

Boats depart from Labuan Bajo’s harbor multiple times per day and options usually range from one-day trips to longer excursions with two or three nights on the boat. Most boats will get you Komodo NP with snorkeling at Manta Point as well as Pink Beach, Rinca island and Palau Padar. It’s not necessary to book a trip in advance. Just pop into a few agencies on your way to the harbor to compare prices and quality.

 

Backpacking Sulawesi (4 Days)

Sulawesi is the fourth largest Indonesian island, which is usually referred to as the tropical heart of global biodiversity. The flora and fauna of Sulawesi make this lesser-known destination an incredible place to visit. If you’re adventurous enough to go off the beaten path then Sulawesi is worth a closer look.

 

The calm waters surrounding Sulawesi attract scuba diving enthusiasts from around the world. Like Raja Ampat Islands, Sulawesi has one of the most beautiful coral environments in the world. Bunaken Island in the bay of Manado in northern Sulawesi boasts an incredible marine life. To reach the island you can hop on a ferry from the Harbour Marina port and take a 40-minute boat ride. The translucent waters of the Bunaken National Park provide wonderful snorkeling opportunities too.

 

Obviously, the island sees fewer crowds (if any) than Java and Sumatra, however, there are a lot of things to do in Sulawesi. You would need a few months to truly explore the island. The highlight of any trip to Sulawesi is the elaborate funeral rituals and burial grounds of the Toraja.

 

It’s a bit creepy seeing dead embalmed in living trees and mummified dead bodies in everyday houses. Definitely not for the faint-hearted. The rituals are carried out in June, July, and August. The Tongkonan houses and the delicious highland coffee are the two other reasons to visit Sulawesi at least once!

Indonesia Entry Requirements for Backpackers

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival, and have at least two blank pages for entry into Indonesia. This is a mandatory requirement, and border agents may deny entry to travelers for failure to comply with this rule.

 

If you are visiting Indonesia as a tourist and staying for 30 days or less, you do not need a visa. Visa-free travel is available to citizens of 169 countries, including the United States and the UK – here’s a complete list.

 

If you’d like to spend more than one month backpacking Indonesia, you ask for a visa-on-arrival rather than the visa-free entry. This type of visa can be extended for another 30 days for a fee of $35 and doing so may require a few trips to an immigration office.

How to Travel in Indonesia

If you’re planning on traveling by boat and air between the Indonesian islands, it makes sense to set aside a portion of the budget for transportation costs. Domestic flights are actually quite cheap and offer good value for money for traveling long distances.

 

In tourist hotspots, you should have no problem finding local boat services and long-distance bus services. If you’re planning on popping over to a nearby island, your cheapest bet is to take a public ferry, since speedboats are inexpensive and run frequently between adjacent islands. It takes about 2 hours to travel by speedboat from Bali to Lombok, while you should expect to spend 4 hours when traveling on a local ferry and 30 minutes when flying. Ferry ride would obviously be the cheapest option.

 

backpacking indonesia budget

 

Keep in mind, some voyages could take much longer because of adverse weather conditions or delays.

 

You’ll find that public transportation in Indonesia is much cheaper than hailing a cab. While transportation systems depend on the particular island, tourist-friendly cities like Jakarta offer a variety of transportation options.

 

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The Kereta Api Indonesia commuter rail is crowded but cheap (it costs about $0.25) and the Trans Jakarta busway is inexpensive and frequent. Expect the work schedule to be quite unpredictable though. Both systems offer air conditioning and female-only rail carriages.

 

It’s pretty easy to find motorbike rentals in most popular areas, at pretty affordable rates—often less than $20 a day.

 

On most of the islands, there will be local buses to get you pretty much anywhere. On Bali, you can travel with Kura Kura bus that has its buses running between some of the most popular towns. It’s comfortable and much more affordable than taking a taxi. On most of the other islands, the bus will be the best option for getting between cities and towns. Consider using Grab and GoJek as great alternatives to taxis!

Indonesia Travel Guide to Getting Around

Because of the fact that Indonesia consists of many islands, the easiest way to get from region to region is via plane. This usually involves flying on a propeller plane since traveling by boats, buses, and Bemos may take a very long time. Getting around Indonesian islands can be quite complicated and getting anywhere quick takes a lot of effort.

 

On most islands, buses, boats, and rickshaws are the way to get around, unless you know how to ride a motorbike. If you do know, a good recommendation is to rent your own scooter for a day and drive around to all the attractions in the area. For short distances, you can also hire an ojek (ride-sharing motorcycle taxi) for a day and they will drive you around. For traveling within big cities in Java, and on Bali and Lombok you can use Grab.

 

indonesia itinerary 1 month

 

When travelling long distances, your options will depend on which region you are in as they vary from island to island. There are trains, buses, bemos (small little-converted buses) and ferries.

 

Train travel in Java is a reliable, fast, comfortable and affordable way to get from A to B. If you follow this one month backpacking Indonesia itinerary, you can take the train from Jakarta and make your way down to Yogyakarta or Surabaya so no need to rough it out on buses. Ticket are available online making it one of the best ways to travel around Java.

Best Time of Year to Backpack Indonesia

Generally speaking, the best time to backpack Indonesia is from May to September which is during the dry season. Expect the weather to be more predictable and you are likely to experience clear blue skies making it perfect weather for trekking and scuba diving.

 

But don’t limit yourself to these months. Think about it, the rainy season just bear witness to some quick downpours that get everything wet for a few hours and then welcome the sun back in quite often.

 

It’s entirely up to you, but as someone who loves getting off the beaten track, traveling during the shoulder season (between April and June and September and October) would be a good time to visit as well.

 

Read Next: The Ultimate Travel Guide to El Nido, Palawan

 

In fact, I traveled for three weeks in February on Java, and overall, I had great weather. While I was able to trek Bromo and Ijen, it’s mostly a matter of luck.

 

It’s also worth repeating that Indonesia is a massive sprawl of islands, and as such has various different climates and weather cycles across its ALL islands. I have been sat dry on one island before watching thunder and rain happening on the neighboring one. Round the year you will get somewhat of a constant temperature of 28-30°C in all of its islands. Hence, the best time to visit really comes down to what you want to see as well as the particular island you plan to explore.

Backpacker Accommodation in Indonesia

Accommodation, in general, is quite affordable, so you can find decent options on pretty much any island or in big city in Indonesia for less than $10. That said, accommodation really depends on the region. You’re obviously going to have far more choices on Bali than you will on Sulawesi, for example. On Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, and Flores, you have plenty of choices for guesthouses and hostels.

 

I found that double rooms are usually better than the dorms. Some double rooms come en-suite, while others have shared bathroom facilities. Guesthouses in tourist hotspots, like Jakarta or Bali, and the popular tourist-oriented islands, have inflated room prices but prices are still affordable. For example, hostels can range from anything between $4 and $15 per night for a dorm bed.

 

Be sure to check whether the hostel you are staying in offers breakfast lunch included at that rate. If you want to make your trip a little bit more special, go for a slightly higher cost. Keep in mind, some hostels next to the beach will have daily shuttles to the city if they are far away.

 

Don’t forget to make that inquiry before making a reservation! However, the only time when you actually need reservation is when you’re visiting Bali over Christmas and New Year’s, as this is an incredibly busy time. For the most part, find accommodation on arrival.

Where to Stay in Indonesia

Below are a few of my favorite hostels and budget accommodation options when backpacking Indonesia:

Bali Bobo Hostel, Bali
In Da Lodge, Bali
Six Degrees, Jakarta
Gili Klapa Hostel, Lombok
Ndalem Mantrigawen, Yogyakarta
POP! Hotel Denpasar, Bali
Dragon Dive Komodo Hostel, Labuan Bajo

Backpacking Indonesia Travel Guide

Tips to Save Money on Your Trip to Indonesia

To make your trip last longer and save money while backpacking Indonesia I recommend sticking to this simple and easy guide to budget and adventure travel:

 

Compare Prices

Indonesia can be incredibly affordable but you have to know where to look. In popular tourist destinations like Kuta in Bali, you will find restaurants charging upwards of $7 for a dish and $4,30 for a large Bintang beer. However, if you walk around for a while and explore some less crowded side streets you will discover more budget-friendly options for $1,4 for a meal and $2 for a large Bintang.

 

The point is, you shouldn’t settle for the first thing that comes your way. Prices vary around the country so it usually takes some time to get a feel for what is acceptable and what is overpriced.

 

Unfortunately, average prices are very dependant on the region. Less popular cities such as Surabaya are cheaper while small islands tend to be more expensive.

 

Comparing prices is also important for services such as renting scooter, snorkelling equipment and surfboard rentals as well as taking random taxis.

 

Keep in mind, if a seller refuses to negotiate their prices, the next might give you the same scuba diving set for half the price. The differences are extreme.

 

how to get around indonesia

 

Eat Local Food

In busy tourist areas, there are plenty of restaurants offering mediocre versions of Western food. But I don’t think that is what you’re after when backpacking Indonesia. You don’t want to waste a bunch of money on tasteless hamburger because there are Warungs.

 

Warungs tend to be the family-run, smaller eateries that offer good value and a relaxed vibe. They offer affordable local food with limited seating. You’ll be able to find Warungs all across Indonesia and they can be your best bet for finding cheap food.

 

Depending on where in Indonesia you are you should be able to find a meal for $0,80 – $1,85. If you’re backpacking through Indonesia on a shoestring budget your best friends will always be Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Mie Goreng (fried noodles). You’ll find them pretty much everywhere. As well as street food stalls offering food locals (choose only those serving locals because they are generally the safest option).

 

Bargain, Haggle and Negotiate

In Indonesia, prices are rarely fixed. Outside of official stores haggling is normal and expected. In fact, haggling is like a game, but it can also be an art. The seller throws out a price, which is usually too high. You should expect this because they assume you will suggest a significantly lower price, a price you more than willing to pay.

 

The seller then throws out another price that is much higher than the one you suggested but lower than their initial offering. You then take that price to try to lower it again. And this goes on-and-on until the both of you meet a mutual agreement.

 

Pro Tip: Set a price in your mind before you start. Never start the bargaining process without a set price in your mind. That said, you’ll get a much better deal when you buy multiple items or rent something for a longer time. For example, if you’re buying souvenirs, renting a scooter for a week or booking multiple tours you can get a much better price. Research on this subject before hitting the market or ask other travelers to find out what they are paying.

Foods to Try on Your Backpacking Trip to Indonesia

The streets of Indonesian cities are filled with a a delectable array of cuisines to try. However, only local cuisine tells stories about the country’s customs and history. There’s no shortage of great local eateries, the captivating aromas from the street hawker stalls are like a magnet for all the foodies out there. From the famed Indonesian fried rice to different soups, here’s a breakdown of a few must-try dishes in Indonesia:

 

Nasi Goreng

Arguably the most ubiquitous dish in Indonesia made with sweet soy sauce topped with an egg, some crispy fish crackers, and a small side salad. Some places serve this with a few skewers of chicken satay or fried chicken.

 

Mie Goreng

Stir-fried noodles come with veggies and chicken usually. But can also have pork or tofu-it’s really up to you.

 

indonesia travel itinerary

Gado-Gado

A salad made up of eggs, stir-fried vegetables, fried tofu or tempeh coated with a thick peanut sauce for protein. It is typically eaten with some krupuk shrimp crackers. A great choice for vegetarians.

 

Beef Rendang

This type of cooking is made from a mixture of coconut milk cooked in with lots of spices, giving it that rich and spicy flavor. It is often made with tender beef but you can also find other ingredients such as chicken, mutton, or goat.

 

Sate (Indonesian satay)

These little meat skewers widely available at street food stalls. They usually come in two varieties – chicken and goat. Juicy meat on sticks, dripping with mouthwatering peanut sauce and sambal chili sauce.

 

Looking for travel advice and tips for your next adventure in Southeast Asia? Check out my Southeast Asia Travel Guide.

Tips for Backpacking Indonesia

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is very important in Indonesia. Because you’re going to spend a lot of time outside in the heat, you’ll need to bring a reusable bottle. Tap water in Indonesia is not suitable for drinking. Using a reusable bottle can help cut down on plastic use. Many cafes and restaurants, especially in popular tourist areas, have filtered water that you can use to refill your bottles, either for free or for a very small fee.

 

Carry Small Cash

Besides the convenience, you get when carrying small cash, it also makes sense to hide the big bills and only keep smaller banknotes in your pocket. Why? Imagine you get stopped by a policeman on your rented motorcycle and he asks you for every possible document that doesn’t even exist. Pretend that it is the only money you have and they will let you go. Also, be especially aware of pickpockets on buses or bemos and in busy places like Bandung and Jakarta.

 

Respect Local Customs and Traditions

Remember, Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country (with the exception of Bali). The general rule is not to dress skimpy and cover up as much as the locals do when you’re out and about. Always obey the local law and use your common sense. Each year, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims should eat only at night and fast for the rest of the day, among other rules. The exact date depends on the lunar calendar but is usually around May and June.

 

What is Your Baggage Allowance?

If you’re flying budget airlines around Indonesia, I recommend that you look into baggage limits and know exactly how much weight you are allowed for your carry-on. While budget airlines in Indonesia are notorious for tacking on hidden fees, you may want to pre-purchase more check-in baggage weight allowance than you think you need. Keep in mind, additional luggage fees tend to be much higher at the check-in counter.

How Much Does Backpacking Indonesia Cost?

Indonesia is a vast, beautiful country and hence flying can your best choice. Especially when you are going from one island to the other.

You can get a flight ticket for as low as $50 if booked 1-2 weeks in advance. On average, boat rides cost less than $5 for a 4-5 hr long transfer from Bali to Lombok. For a motorbike rental, they charge approx $6-7 per day. A tank fill up will set you back a few bucks more.

 

Once again, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good time in Indonesia. How much you spend depends on where you go and what your style is. If you’re planning on visiting multiple islands, your biggest expense will most definitely be transportation. All of those flights, local buses, ferries, motorbike rentals, and Grab and Uber rides eventually add up.

 

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Take my advice. Do a bit of research to figure out the average costs before planning a trip that covers several islands. You’ll definitely save a lot by spending the majority of your time on one or two islands with a rented motorbike. As I said, rent a motorbike for longer periods of time to get discounts. Expect to pay around $5 a day for a motorbike.

 

Basically, if you stick to one or two islands, get around by bus, stay at hostels, and eat at local warungs, you can definitely pull off backpacking Indonesia on around $25-$30 a day. Those looking to see and do a bit more, stay in nicer hotels and add some adventure activities like diving or trekking may want to budget more like $60-$75 a day.