Last updated on 15-Aug-2025CONTENT– Formalities/ Travel Itineraries / Places To See / Basics / Accommodation / Getting Around / Food / Cultural Sense & Safety / Shopping / Budget
Indonesia is a pack of surprises. From turquoise beaches and exotic islands to active volcanoes and dense forests, Indonesia has a wide range of experiences to offer to adventurous travellers and tourists. While many like to relax in the beaches of Bali and other islands, some looking for more excitement can explore the dense forests of Sumatra or trek to active volcanoes like Mt Bromo or Mt Ijen in east Java. At the moment, this guide will capture only the attractions in Bali and Java islands. So, let us get started!
Formalities
Indians can avail the visa on arrival facility while entering Indonesia. However, to speed up the process and avoid long queues it is advisable to avail an e-visa through their official site. You need to enter the necessary details, upload the required documents and pay the visa fee. You will need following documents -
1. Onward/return ticket
2. Digital copy of a passport size photo
3. A copy of your passport
4. Address of the location you will be staying at in Indonesia (You can provide the address of the first accommodation you have booked).
Please ensure to also fill in the customs declaration form online before arriving. A barcode will be generated for easy scanning and airport exit upon arrival. Alternatively, this can be done at the airport.
Entry points on all major airports are made very easy for visitors from most countries who have either e-visa or Visa on arrival options. There are automatic scanning and immigration process for passport holders of some countries.
Travel Itineraries
Indonesia is an archipelago with over 17000 islands. The main islands are Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, New Guinea. The most visited island here is Bali. For the moment, this Travel guide to Indonesia will cover only Java, Bali and Gili Island which are the most popular destinations in the country. Here are some travel options -
7 Days – Only Bali or only Java
15-17 Days – Bali - Gili Island - Java
Places to See
Here is a list of places to visit based on islands. For more details, follow the links provided.
Bali
The southern beach towns - Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Cangoo, Nusa penida
Tanah Lot - A beautiful island by the sea, with an ancient temple.
Ubud and around Ubud - From palaces to temples, waterfalls to forests and treks, Ubud is a must-visit. Rent a scooter and explore the vicinity. Ensure to watch a dance drama performed in Ubud palace.
Denpasar - The major town in Bali. Visit ancient temples and try local cuisine.
Gili Islands
A group of three tiny islands - Gili Trawanagan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.
Java
Mount Ijen - Trek to Ijen crater to see the famous blue fire.
Mount Bromo - Do a sunrise trek here to view a breath-taking landscape.
Malang - Explore the rainbow houses and small cafes of this nice little town.
Tumpak sewu waterfall - A collection of several waterfalls.
Yogyakarta - Visit the ancient temples of Prambanan and Borobudur.
Jakarta - Indonesia's capital city and a hub that connects various parts of the country.
The Basics
As soon as you exit the airport terminal, you will be welcomed by a series of money exchange booths. Exchange only around 10-20$ here as the exchange rate is very poor at the airport. You will find several money exchange offices in the islands you visit.
As soon as you pass these booths, you arrive at the next set that sells SIM cards. I bought Telkomsel SIM and it worked perfectly. Make sure to get a sim with enough data that you will need for navigating around the country.
Outside Bali airport, follow the sign board leading up to Grab or Gojek kiosks. Here you can register yourself on the app and make your first cab booking. The pick up point is at the kiosk. There are officials to help you with the process.
Accommodation
Indonesia is a Traveller friendly country. There are plenty of home stays and hostels in all major places of tourist attractions. Here is a list of places I have stayed in and would recommend.
Legian - The Island Bali (Very Good)
Ubud - Ubud Tropical, WW Backpackers
Gili Trawangan - Broken Compass (Very Good)
Denpasar - Wijaya Hostel
Banyuwangi - Ijen backpacker (Excellent service - Ijen Tours)
Probolinggo - Dhika Adventure
Cemorolawang - Oryza Villa
Malang - Snooze Malang, Shelter Hostel Malang, MADOR Malang Dorm Hostel
Yogyakarta - The Packer Lodge (Perfect location)
Jakarta - The Packer Lodge
Tanah Lot, Bali
Getting Around
The public transport system in Indonesia is amazing. To travel from one city to another, make use of the trains and buses which connect all major towns and cities in the country. There are plenty of ferries that ply between islands too. You can book your trains using a credit card through Traveloka app. For buses, walk to the nearest bus station in the town you are in and hop on to the one of the many buses plying to your destination.
To travel around a given city or town, make use of Grab/Gojek bike or car services. It is quick and affordable.
If you wish to explore beyond town limits, then rent a scooter. There are plenty of scooter rental shops all around the country.
Food
Here are some of the vegetarian food options I tried and absolutely loved.
Main Course
Nasi Pecel (With Peyek) - This is my favourite dish from Indoensia. Nasi means rice. It is served with moong sprouts and steamed vegetables and a delicious peanut based sauce called pecel. It can be eaten along with some crispy Peyek.
Gado Gado - An Indonesian vegetarian dish made of steamed vegetables, fried tofu, fried tempeh and tasty peanut sauce called Pecel.
Ketoprak - This is same as Nasi Pecel but is served with rice cakes instead of boiled rice, thus giving it a chewiness.
Lalpan - This is a rice plate served with various fried items and steamed vegetables or meat. It is served with a special spicy sauce called Sambal Terasi. Some people add shrimp paste to this sauce but upon request you can get is made without that.
Nasi Goreng - Vegetarian fried rice.
Snacks
Kue Lumpang - Steamed rice cakes with Pandan leaf flavour. Coconut palm sugar syrup and grated coconut is sometimes added over it
Tippet Tahu - Fried tofu, rice cakes and sprouts dipped in sweet-tasty peanut sauce.
Pisang Goreng - Banana fritters.
Tempe Goreng - Fried Tempeh, an absolutely delcious side dish.
Tahu Gejrot - Fried tofu dipped in a sweet and spicy sauce made of baby onions, chilly and palm sugar syrup.
Dessert
Ampyang - Roasted peanut, ginger and coconut palm sugar.
Mini Terang Bulan - This round cake comes with various toppings.
Bakpia Pathok - These are baked sweet dishes made of soft dough stuffed with sweetened moong dal paste. This is mostly found in Yogyakarta.
Rujak Es Karim - Ice cream served with raw fruits.
Drinks
Es Dawet - A drink made of coconut water and Cendol - green coloured jelly made of rice.
Tender coconut - Make sure to have plenty of tender coconut water here as they are humungous in size and less expensive.
Cultural Sense & Safety
Indonesia has a mixed culture. The hindus of Bali are extremely religious and therefore they have many restrictions while entering a temple. Make sure to know them before entering. You are expected to wear tradtional dress like Sarong while entering a temple. The rest of Indonesian population is majorly muslim. It is required to dress modestly in most part of the country. There are not many restrictions to travellers and tourists though. Bali and the neighbouring islands are much more open to travellers and tourists of all types. As mentioned, take care of your dressing while entering temples and mosques.
You will witness a lot of temple and other religious acitvities in Bali. It is interesting to view these cultural aspects of the country.
Most Indonesians are peaceful and friendly. It is perfectly safe to travel here and the economy depends on tourism. But by nature, Indonesians are kind and will go out of their way to help you. They mind their own business and the travellers are mostly undisturbed.
What to buy & Where?
Batik paintings - If you are into collecting art, then you must buy the famous Batik painings. Yogyakarta would be a good place to look for them.
Coffee - Buy some local coffee or Civet coffee for less price.
Coconut palm sugar - Most of the dishes in Indoensia are made with coconut palm sugar. Specially, if you wish to make Pecel upon return, it would be good to carry some back with you.
Fruits - Do not forget to buy fruits near the volcanoes you visit. The volcanic soil is rich in minerals and the farm produces around the region is very good. As you descend Mt Ijen you will find locals selling delicious fresh fruits at the base.
Ampyang - These sweets are made of peanuts and palm sugar with flavour of galangal. Make sure to buy them in Yogyakarta or Malang.
Bakpia Pathok - Make sure to buy some of these in Yogyakarta. I was not able to find it anywhere else.
Budget & Travel Tips
An approximate daily expense is listed below.
*Accommodation is Single dorm bed for Backpacker and private room for two in case of mid-range and luxury.
*Transport is based on average train fare. Bargain - You have to bargain for everything here - From scooter rentals to souvenirs. The rates for tourists are always much higher.
Use Grab or Gojek - To travel around a city, make use of Grab or Gokej - bike or car service they offer. It is convinient and affordable.
Exchange money only in town - Make sure to exchange money only in towns. Exchange rates at the airport is poor.
Use public transport - Java has a robust public transport system with railway lines and highways running all across the island. Trains and buses are cheaper options to travel than taxi. It is easy to book a ticket online.
Rent a scooter - If you would like to explore the entire country on your own and save expenses on transport between major cities, then you can rent a scooter and drive around the island. This will certainly work out cheaper than public transport and taxi services.
Eat at local places - There are all kinds of cuisines available in Indonesia, specially in Bali. However, if you want to taste authentic food and at the same time save money, then try local food. Move away form the main road and explore the cross roads to find places where locals eat.
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