Want to know the top tips for Indonesia travel? This post is a simple, yet detailed guide telling you everything you need to know about this gorgeous country!
Having travelled around Indonesia myself, I am sharing with you everything I wish I had known before visiting!
This post tells you about Indonesia’s hidden gems, the best hikes in Indonesia, how to get around Indonesia, the best Indonesian Islands to visit, and more!
This is the Ultimate Indonesia Travel Guide!
Best Indonesian Islands to Visit
Bali
Bali is possibly the top tourist island of Indonesia. With incredible hikes, easy transportation, and lots of traditional temples, it’s obvious to see why it is so popular.
If you are looking for an island that is tourist-friendly, easy to navigate and lots to do then Bali might be for you!
However, due to its popularity, Bali has become more tourist-centred in parts. In popular areas such as Caangu and Kuta, it can be busy, overcrowded, and lacking in as much authenticity.
If you are looking for a more authentic Indonesian experience, I recommend visiting other islands such as Lombok or Java.
Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are a collection of three tiny islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. They are so small that there are no cars on the island, so you can get around on bikes, walking, or horse and cart (the horses aren’t treated very well so I would suggest walking or cycling).
I would describe the islands like this:
Gili Trawangan: visited by lots of backpackers! Prepare for nights out, beach days, and lots of diving!
Gili Meno: The honeymoon destination. Lots of couples visit and is a lot more relaxed than Gili T.
Gili Air: Somewhere between the two. If you are looking for a more low-key backpacking destination, Gili Meno is for you!
Lombok
Lombok is a gorgeous Indonesian Island with incredible hikes, waterfalls, and a variety of different areas to visit.
I would describe Lombok as a less touristy version of Bali. The scenery is near untouched, the locals are the kindest people I have ever met and the stories you will get from this island are enough to last a lifetime!
Lombok is my favourite island in Indonesia, with Tetebatu (a village in East Lombok) being possibly my favourite place in the world. I can’t recommend this incredible island more!
Java
Java is an Indonesian island with secluded villages, green landscapes, and some of the most gorgeous hikes around!
With so many interesting places to explore, it’s one of the best islands to check out if you love finding hidden gems and want a more authentic, local experience.
Sumatra
Sumatra is a wild and beautiful island in Indonesia, full of dense rainforests, peaceful beaches, and incredible wildlife.
It’s perfect for adventure lovers, whether you’re trekking through jungles to spot orangutans, or relaxing by volcanic lakes. If you’re into nature and want to explore somewhere off the beaten path, Sumatra is definitely one to visit!
Komodo Islands
The Komodo Islands are a must-see in Indonesia, famous for their giant Komodo dragons and gorgeous landscapes.
Beyond the incredible wildlife, you’ll find crystal-clear waters, amazing snorkelling, and beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect spot for adventure and nature lovers looking to explore somewhere truly unique!
Getting Around Indonesia: Transport
Boats and Ferries
If you are wanting to travel between islands in Indonesia, boats and ferries are the way to go!
Public ferries between Bali, Lombok, and the Gili islands are affordable and pretty comfortable.
You might be talked into a private ferry by the locals, but the public ferry never let me down!
To book boats and ferries, you can either go online, or visit the port; either is fine, so just do whatever fits best within your itinerary.
Taxi Services: Indonesia travel apps to download
If you want to get around islands such as Bali and Lombok easily, download both Grab and Gojek.
These apps are the Indonesian equivalent of Uber. You can get bikes or cars to go to any destination on the island for a cheap price. I never had any issues with this at all and it is so much safer than renting a bike yourself – the drivers do this all day every day!
Locals Bikes / cars
I also asked locals for a lift quite frequently in both Bali and Lombok.
I found the locals in Indonesia to be the most friendly people I had ever met. They were always more than willing to help me get somewhere, or if they couldn’t take me, they would know someone who could!
Renting Scooters in Bali: Indonesia travel tip!
Be very careful when renting scooters, particularly in Bali.
If you do not have an international driver’s licence, you can be fined around £400 (I met someone that this happened to). Not to mention the incredibly dangerous and busy roads.
Bali roads are no joke. There are so many cars and bikes driving incredibly fast, and if you are not confident, you might come out with a ‘Bali tattoo’ (a large scar on your body from falling off or having a crash).
Best Hikes in Indonesia
Indonesia has so many incredible hikes across all of its islands, but here are some of the most iconic hikes across the islands of Bali, Lombok, and Java.
Mt Batur
Mt Batur is an active volcano that makes the perfect sunrise hike!
The beginner-friendly hike boasts beautiful views and is easy to find a tour to take you (lots of hostels organise trips up this volcano).
Mt Rinjani
One of the most challenging hikes in Indonesia is Mt Rinjani. Located in Lombok, this active volcano is 3,726m tall, making hikes to both summits multiple days long.
You can either do a two-day hike to the second summit, or a three-day hike to the top summit; both hikes are challenging but have the most incredible views from the top.
You will typically reach the summit for sunrise and hike down or to a new location the second day of your adventure.
Mt Ijen
Mt Ijen is located in Java and is famous for its stunning blue fire and a beautiful turquoise crater lake in the centre.
The challenging hike will take you around part of the lake, where you can take in the panoramic views.
Mt Bromo
Mt Bromo is another popular hike located in Java. It has some of the most incredible views of all the hikes in Indonesia and is definitely not one to be missed,
The climb isn’t as challenging as others, and with the beautiful sunrise views, it is one of the best hiking experiences in Java.
Indonesia Travel Tips
Accommodation
I would recommend booking accommodation either via the hotel/hostel website, on Booking.com (this is quite popular in Bali and Lombok), or Hostelworld.
Homestays are also an incredible way to experience a more authentic trip. I booked my homestay in Tetebatu, Lombok on Booking.com and I couldn’t recommend it more!
I stayed in an Indonesian family’s bungalow at the base of Mt Rinjani and had an incredible time. If you want to check it out, I have linked the Girang Rinjani Bungalows!
Accommodation in Indonesia is very cheap (compared to Western prices) and the locals are so generous! I recommend leaving a tip where you can because they give so much and deserve something back for their kindness.
Ask the locals!
If you are struggling, looking for recommendations, or just wanting to know more about the culture in Indonesia, ask the locals!
They are some of the kindest people I have ever met, and each person I spoke to had an incredible story to share.
They helped me in every situation possible. From helping me find ferry ports to offering home remedies for illnesses, and even driving my friends and me over an hour to buy hiking gear for our unprepared Mt. Rinjani adventure, the locals were always more than happy to help.
Bring cash
It’s a good idea to bring cash when traveling to Indonesia, especially if you’re heading to more remote areas. While major cities have ATMs, they can be scarce in smaller towns or villages.
Many places, like local markets, small shops, and some guesthouses, only accept cash, so having this on hand will help you avoid any hassle on your trip.
Be open-minded with Indonesia travel
Travelling around Indonesia can be one of the most incredible adventures if you are open-minded and willing to be spontaneous.
By following fellow travellers’ and locals’ recommendations, you are sure to have the most incredible experience with memories you couldn’t have even imagined.
My best memories are the ones I couldn’t plan, and almost always involved the people I met that day. If you are willing to say yes to new things and explore off the beaten path, Indonesia will give you memories to last a lifetime.
This post was all about Indonesia Travel!
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