INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the world’s largest island country and home to over 261 million people.
With extremely inexpensive local food and reasonably-priced accommodation, it’s no wonder Indonesia is a popular destination among so many travelers.
Backpacking Indonesia can take months to do because there is just so much to see and do here: hectic and chaotic cityscapes, cool white sand beaches, and violent volcanoes. Most backpackers spend two or three months traveling around Indonesia trying to see as much as possible.
But, even if you aren’t going to backpack Indonesia, you can still see plenty when you visit here.
And it’s easy to visit Indonesia on a budget too. It’s extremely inexpensive (even Bali when you get out of the tourist centers).
Having stopover in myriad places in Indonesia is what makes this country a wonderful place to visit. The beauty of scenic natural landscapes blended with various unique culture of its people. Enjoy the untouched beaches, mountains, lakes, and many more pleasing destinations as well as the magnificent city skylines throughout the country. And when you decide to see them all, a visit won’t be enough to embrace the wonders of Indonesia.
Use this Indonesia travel guide to plan an excellent trip there, learn what to see and do, how to save money, costs, and everything you need to know.
Indonesia Travel Costs
A bed in a dorm hostel dorm costs from 101,570 IDR ($7 USD), but smaller dorms average around 145,100 IDR ($10 USD). For a private double, prices start around 200,000 IDR ($14 USD).
Most budget hotels begin at 200,000 IDR ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast. For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 400,000 IDR ($28 USD) per night. Airbnb is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 145,100 IDR ($10 USD) per night. For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 400,000 IDR ($28 USD) per night.
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 trek.
Food – Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 10,000 IDR ($0.70 USD). For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 14,000 IDR ($1 USD). For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 80,000 IDR ($6 USD). Western food is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 125,000 IDR ($9 USD) for a meal and drink.
Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 45,000 IDR ($3.20 USD). A beer at the bar will cost around 30,000 IDR ($2.10 USD) while a week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300,000-400,000 IDR ($21-28 USD). 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!