indonesia travel money

Money in Indonesia: A Tourist Guide to ATMs, Cards and Exchange

So you’re traveling to Indonesia and wonder if you can use your foreign bank card or easily exchange money. The quick answer to both is a resounding yes!

Foreign cards work in Indonesia to both pay and withdraw cash from an ATM. Moreover, fees are minimal or zero: I have never had to pay a fee to withdraw money with my Revolut card .

You will also have no trouble exchanging your foreign currency for millions of rupiahs. Yes, millions!

It’s time for the details, so let me tell you all about money in Indonesia as a tourist! I have spent over 6 months (and counting) in Java and Bali, so I know the details, tips, and tricks!

Currency in Indonesia

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah with code IDR.

Indonesia is one of those countries where you instantly become a millionaire the first time you exchange money. Look at all those zeros! They appeared after the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 and even though there are plans to remove the zeros, for now, they stay.

The Rupiah has been somewhat stable since then. One million IDR ( called “one juta” by Indonesians ) is around 65$. Please check the current rate though – these change daily of course.

The banknotes in circulation are of denominations 1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000, and 100.000 IDR.

Coins still exist even though their value is quite low. There are 100, 200, 500, and 1.000 IDR coins. You may find a 50 IDR coin (0.003 USD) on the ground but nobody ever uses it. Keep it as a souvenir.

Indonesian Money Vocabulary

Some money vocabulary you will need when coming to Indonesia:

• Money: Uang;
• Pay: Bayar;
• Card: Kartu;
• Hundred: Ratus
• Thousand: Ribu;
• One hundred thousand : Seratus Ribu;
• Million: Juta.
• Delapan : 8;
• Sembilan : 9;
• Sepuluh : 10.

Can you use you use your card in Indonesia?

Yes, you can use your foreign card to pay while in Indonesia.

In bigger supermarkets, hotels, some bars, and shinier restaurants, you will have no trouble paying on a POS terminal using your international bank card.

Forget about using your card in small warung-style restaurants, street food vendors, family-owned guesthouses, most museums, and bus transportation.

Convenience stores like Alfamart and Indomaret are a gray area. They have POS terminals but only accept domestic cards. I’ve still managed to pay with my foreign card a few times though. However. when I prompt the cashier to at least try, they usually refuse. Go figure.

Indonesia is quickly transitioning towards digital money and cashless payments. Many have started using GoPay to quickly scan a QR code and pay.

Also called QRIS ( QR Indonesian Standard ), you as a foreigner can use it by setting up a GoJek account and depositing some money. Then it’s just a matter of paying by scanning the QR code.

It is not necessary to set it up to ‘survive’ in Indonesia. After 8+ months here, I have yet to use it for anything else but booking train tickets on the Commuter Lines.

Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro are accepted on most POS terminals. American Express cards are accepted only in very high-end resorts and hotels.

ATMs in Indonesia

There is no shortage of ATMs all across Indonesia. I feel there may even be way too many, really!

Then again, I remember I spend most of my time on Java where the population density is one of the largest in the world. Of course, people need access to their money.

You as a tourist can use all these ATMs too! Unless you’re somewhere in the jungles of Borneo or Sumatra, I bet there’s an ATM just around the corner where you can withdraw cash.

None of the ATMs in Indonesia charge a withdrawal fee!

This means it doesn’t matter that much which bank’s ATM you use to withdraw cash. Some of the most popular banks are:

• Bank Syariah Indonesia
• Permata Bank

All ATMs will certainly accept Visa and Mastercard. Some ATMs may also accept Maestro cards. Almost no ATMs accept American Express though.

The withdrawal limit on ATMs varies between 1 million and 3 million IDR (65 to 190 USD). Since there are no withdrawal fees, it doesn’t matter if you withdraw twice or even 3 times in a row, as long as your bank doesn’t charge for every single withdrawal.

The highest withdrawal limit is on the ATMs of Cimb Niaga, Permata Bank, and HSBC- 3 million IDR (~190$).

BCA will let you withdraw up to 2.5 million IDR. The limit at BNI is usually 2 million IDR and Mandiri only lets you withdraw 1.25 million IDR.

On most ATMs you will see a number written/pasted on the front – either 50.000 or 100.000. This is the denomination of banknotes that the ATM dispenses. If you don’t want your wallet to burst, opt for the bigger banknotes.

Moreover, if the ATM has both denominations, you will be able to choose which one you want on the screen. If it only has the sticker for 50.000 IDR, it probably also has a lower withdrawal limit.

Remember: Always choose to be charged in the local (IDR) currency for ATM withdrawals! NEVER accept currency conversion!

Your bank will convert automatically at a much better rate than the ATM and save you a ton of money!

Withdrawal Fees

None of the ATMs in Indonesia charge a withdrawal fee on their end.

This doesn’t mean your bank doesn’t charge an “access” or “foreign currency withdrawal” fee. Check with your bank first.

I can confirm that Revolut does NOT charge for withdrawals ( up to a limit depending on your plan ). For over 8 months in Indonesia, I have not paid a single dime in transaction or withdrawal fees using Revolut.

ATMs that dispense USD

There are no ATMs that dispense USD in Indonesia.

To obtain greenbacks, you have to withdraw Rupiah and then exchange to USD in an office.

What currency to bring to Indonesia

Coming to Indonesia as a tourist and want to have tangible currency? Bring one of the most traded ones – US dollar, Euro, GBP, or AUD.

The most popular foreign currencies that are traded and exchangeable in Indonesia are:

• Australian dollar
• British Pounds
• Canadian dollars
• New Zealand dollars
• Swiss Francs
• Japanese Yen
• Chinese Yuan
• Indian Rupee

Some exchange bureaus may offer better rates for higher denomination banknotes. In general, 50 and 100 USD notes are seen as “better” and may yield a slightly higher rate.

It’s a similar thing with Euro banknotes, except that 200 and 500 euro notes may be outright rejected in some places due to fear of fakes. This is quite rare though.

Make sure your banknotes are crisp and new. Exchange bureaus abroad are notoriously picky when it comes to foreign currency banknotes. Not as picky as in Cambodia though .

Currency Exchange in Indonesia

In this section, I will share with you all there is to know about exchanging money in Indonesia.

Exchanging at an Authorized Money Changer

Go to Google Maps and search for an Authorized Money Changer . That’s how exchange bureaus are branded. They usually have the rates on a digital display board.

Mind these points:

• Bring your passport with you. A picture of the passport is usually enough too;
• Your foreign currency banknotes must be clean, crisp, and have no signs of wear or tear;
• Most banks’ opening times are 09:00 to 17:00, closed on the weekends;
• You can exchange money at the airport, but will face a little worse exchange rate;
• The more foreigners that frequent the location, the poorer the exchange rate.

Exchanging Rupiah back to any foreign currency is quite easy too. The money changer will not ask any additional questions.

How much cash to bring to Indonesia?

As with many things in life – it depends. Since using your card to obtain cash in Indonesia is pretty easy, you don’t need to bring as much foreign currency inside the country.

My advice is to have at least 200$ just in case something goes wrong with your bank cards and you need emergency cash until you sort it out.

When I went to Indonesia I had less than that stashed away. In all my months of being here, I have not exchanged any money as withdrawing with my Revolut Card has been free and easy. On the contrary – I exchanged rupiah for USD once for my trip to Timor Leste !

On the other hand, if you’re wondering how much money you need to travel to Indonesia, you can check out my backpacker’s budget report for Indonesia .

Example Prices

The following price ranges are from 2024 in Indonesian Rupiah. 10.000 IDR is roughly 0.65 IDR. You can expect a 5-10% increase in 2024.

More touristy places in Bali charge more. Check this article about Prices in Bali .

• Cappuccino in a cafe: 15 – 35k
• Nasi Goreng: 12 – 25k
• Mie Ayam: 8 – 15k
• Fresh fruit juice: 5 – 15k
• Indonesian street snacks : 1 – 10k
• Indonesian desserts : 3 – 15k
• Bottled water (0.5L): 3 – 5k
• Dinner in a fancier restaurant: 40 – 100k
• Museums: 10 – 100k
• Mt. Bromo : 220k – 320k
• Madakaripura : 45k;
• Kawah Ijen : 100-150k;
• Borobudur : 375 – 455k
• Prambanan : 375k
• Dieng Plateau : 10 – 200k
• Motorcycle rental: 70 – 150k (per day)
• 1 liter fuel: 10-12k
• Budget hostel : 50 – 120k
• Mid-range hotel ; 120 – 350k

Bargaining is incredibly common in Indonesia. Locals haggle all the time.

You can haggle even if the price is already displayed but only at smaller markets.

Don’t bargain for street food prices.

In Bali, especially in more touristic areas, expect to pay more than locals no matter what. Knowing that a good rule of thumb is to counter the first offer with 50% of it and then meet the vendor in the middle.

Tipping is not customary in Indonesia.

Registered restaurants will add 10% to the bill. Street food vendors will not.

If you think the service was good, your tip will be appreciated, although it may get refused at first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s answer some of the internet’s ( and most certainly your ) most burning questions about money in Indonesia.

What is the ATM withdrawal limit in Indonesia?

The maximum withdrawal limit on ATMs in Indonesia is between 1.000.000 IDR (65$) and 3.000.000 IDR (190$). Look for the ATMS of Cimb Niaga, Pertama Bank, and HSBC for the highest withdrawals.

BRI, BCA, BNI, and Mandiri Bank offer between 1.250.000 IDR and 2.500.000 IDR per single withdrawal.

Since there are no ATM access fees in Indonesia, it shouldn’t matter if you withdraw once or 2-3 times.

Where to exchange money in Indonesia?

Only exchange money at Authorized Money Changers.

If you want the best rates, avoid the airport or the main backpacker/tourist areas.

Can you use US dollars in Indonesia?

You cannot use US dollars to pay for things in Indonesia. However, the US dollar is easily exchangable for the local Indonesian Rupiah.

Can you use Revolut in Indonesia?

Yes, Revolut cards work in Indonesia. Both VISA and Mastercard work. Similar fintech apps like Wise, Monese, and Curve also work there.

If you’re traveling to Java and don’t know which places to visit, I’m your guy. Check out my 2-week Java itinerary for an overview of Indonesia’s most populous island.

Or maybe you’re stuck applying for the Indonesian eVOA ? This damn glitchy Molina website… Check out the linked step-by-step guide on how to apply and fix common issues.

If you are going to other Southeast Asian countries, you may want to read my money guides for them too:

• Tourist Guide to Money in Timor Leste
• Tourist Guide to Money in Vietnam
• Tourist Guide to Money in Thailand
• Tourist Guide to Money in Cambodia
• Tourist Guide to Money in Laos

Thanks for all this useful information!

CIMB niaga ATM will allow at least 3M IDR withdrawal

Thank you, updated with latest info on the street 🙂

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The Cost of Travel in Indonesia

How much does it cost to travel in Indonesia?

In this guide, we'll share the cost of traveling to Indonesia, look at Indonesia hotel prices and accommodation budgets, share our best tips for finding low-cost hotels and good local restaurants.

We'll also help you choose a daily budget, covering transportation costs, accommodation cost and good ways to find cheaper options.

Table of Contents

Indonesia Visa Information

How to get cheap flights in indonesia, cost of accommodation, sample accommodation budget in thailand, on the cheap, upscale budget, affordable flashpacker, food & drink, going out / drinking, cost of indonesia attractions, total daily costs, intro to indonesia travel cost.

Indonesia is a vast country in Southeast Asia consisting of a massive archipelago of over 17,000 islands.

Each island offers a great natural environment and a diversity of cultures, traditions, and ethnic groups.

In a country where you can relax on pristine islands, see orangutans in the wild , climb volcanoes, and visit ancient historical sites, the cost of travel in Indonesia ensures it will continue to be a good deal for the budget traveler.

Indonesia uses the Rupiah (IDR) currency. The exchange rate with the US dollars is $1 = 14,443 IDR (June 2022).

Things are changing as the government tries to increase tourism in the country. It's now easier to get a paid tourist visa.

Currently, citizens of most countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, can get a 30 day-extendable stamp free of charge or pay $35 for a “Visa on Arrival,” which can be extended by 30 days if you wish.

Once you land, you will choose either the “Visa Free” line, or the “Visa on Arrival” line, depending on what you want.

Need itinerary ideas? Check out these adventurous Indonesia trips

Cost of Transportation

As a chain of islands, Indonesia sometimes presents a challenge when it comes to transportation.

For traveling from major island to island, there is a choice of ferry or flight. Indonesian-style buses navigate the streets, but the roads are often in poor condition.

Discount airlines operating in Indonesia can save you tons of time moving around the country.

We recommend using  Skyscanner to search for the best flights. Here are a few examples of what a domestic flight costs in Indonesia. 

• Jakarta to Bali (Denpasar): from $44
• Jakarta to Komodo Island: from $71
• Bali to Komodo Island: from $33
• Bali to Yogyakarta: from $41

Download the Skyscanner app to find all the great deals on airfare for Indonesia and beyond – iOS  or Android .

Sample Costs 

Trying to get from Medan in north Sumatra to Jakarta on the island of Java, there was a bus and ferry combination or taking a flight.

The journey by road would have taken four days, and domestic flights last about two hours. With only a one-month visa for Indonesia, I scooped up an Air Asia flight for $52 (736,000 IDR).

Check on Skyscanner  as Indonesia has domestic airlines that cost about $50 or less between Jakarta and Medan and about $40 from Jakarta to Bali .

Trains on Java

On the island of Java, the train is a great transportation option. Economy class overnight train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta cost me $8 (113,000 IDR). I also took the train from Yogyakarta to Surabaya for $5 (65,000 IDR).

Buses and Other Overland Options

If the train is not available, the bus is the only option left. Taking buses often can help you keep the cost of travel in Indonesia down, especially in rural areas.

I took a nice 12-hour bus from Cemoro Lawang ( Mount Bromo ) to Probolinggo, Java, and across a ferry to Denpasar, Bali, at an average cost of $12 (165,000 IDR).

Within cities, there is the possibility of taking local buses, tuk-tuks, rickshaws or renting a motorcycle or car. At Lake Toba, I rented a motorcycle for a day for about $7 (99,000 IDR), including gas.

In Bali, a few friends and I rented a micro Suzuki SUV that cost $23 (325,000 IDR) for 24 hours. It's a good idea to do this because you can go anywhere on your own time.

The good news is that foreign visitors and digital nomads don't need much money to find an affordable place to stay at a popular destination. Accommodation, in general, is quite reasonable, if not outright cheap!

Hostels are more like guest houses; it's often easier to find double rooms than dorm beds.

Some double rooms come en-suite, while others have communal bathroom facilities.

Guesthouses in the major cities or tourist areas, like Jakarta or Bali , have inflated room prices, but prices are still reasonable.

As an example, along with a friend, I paid $4 (57,000 IDR), $1.90 each for a double room in the city of Medan, Sumatra, but on the beautiful shores of Lake Toba , we only paid $2 (30,000 IDR) for a double room.

It almost seemed outrageous when the cheapest guesthouse we could find in Jakarta was $5 (75,000 IDR) per night, but you realize it's not too much when split by two people.

Accommodation prices in Bali and the popular tourist-oriented islands of Indonesia are generally slightly more pricey.

Rooms with air conditioning can cost around $8 – $15 (113,000 – 213,000 IDR) per night.

How To Find the Best Accommodation Deals in Indonesia

All the popular hotel and hostel search sites (Booking.com, Agoda, Hostelworld , etc.) have many accommodation options in Indonesia. We recommend you start your search with Hotels Combined .

Hotels Combined is a meta-aggregator. It compares the other main booking sites to find the best price, then lets you book with that site (like (Booking.com, Agoda, etc.).

As it doesn't include Hostelworld , you need to check that site separately.

How Much Can You Save Using HotelsCombined?

We get down to specific prices in our Sample Indonesia Accommodation Budget below, where we give an estimate of the savings you can expect by using HotelsCombined.

By our estimate, a 2-week trip through Indonesia will cost you between $95 and $331, depending on your travel style (cheap vs. on a budget vs. flashpacker).

If we assume using HotelsCombined will save you about 15% on your accommodation, that's a savings of $16 – $57. And that kind of savings can go a long way in Indonesia).

We think that's worth it for less than five minutes of effort!

To give you an idea of how your style of travel and accommodation will impact the cost of your trip, we've priced out different Indonesia hostel and hotel options for a 16-day Indonesia itinerary:

• 3 Nights in Bali
• 2 Nights Surabaya
• 2 Nights Yogyakarta
• 3 Nights Jakarta
• 1 Nights Medan
• 3 Nights Lake Toba
• 1 Night Jakarta (before outbound flight)

We priced this out based on three different travel styles:

• “On the Cheap” (dorms beds as cheap as possible)
• “Upscale Budget” (bunks in 'boutique-style hostels)
• “Affordable Flashpacker” (private rooms in boutique and luxury hostels or 3-star level hotels)

Of course, prices are based on the time of writing and will vary depending on the season and how far in advance you book, etc.

3 Nights in Bali – ($9 – $24) The cheapest place in Bali is undoubtedly Ubud, where a bunk can be had for about $3 (45,000 IDR) per night at a well-liked place like Hostel Rama Sita.

Kuta is known for its parties and wild nightlife and is closer to the airport. If this is your style, stay at CX Hostel Kuta Raya for about $8 (115,000 IDR) per night or Camp Hostel Bali for $5 (71,000 IDR) a night.

2 Nights Surabaya – ($10 – $18) The Hostel Surabaya has bunks in mixed dorms for about $9 (130,000 IDR) per night.

On the uber-cheap, Da Rifi Hostel has bunks for about $8 (115,000 IDR) per night, but we could find a deal on Hotels Combined for about $5 (71,000 IDR) including breakfast.

2 Nights Yogyakarta – ($10) A bunk in a mixed dorm at Rumah Panjaitan goes for about $5 (71,000 IDR) per night, breakfast included, well located, and highly rated.

3 Nights Jakarta – ($21 – $24) We found deals in Jakarta for bunks starting at about $7 (100,000 IDR) a night at Teduh Hostel Kota Tua  and $8 (114,000 IDR) a night at Wonderloft Hostel .

1 Night Medan – ($7) Probably just a night after flying from Jakarta on your way to the Lake Toba region, so head to Pondok Wisata Angel Guest House with bunks starting at about $7 (100,000 IDR) per night.

3 Nights Lake Toba – ($18) You can find a room at Laster Jony's for about $6 (85,000 IDR) a night for a budget double room with a private bathroom. It's located on Samosir Island on the lake, and past guests have raved about the location.

1 Night Jakarta – ($14) you can stay at the same place you did on the way through, or you can spend a bit more and stay closer to the airport, check out RedDoorz and get a room for about $14 (200,000 IDR).

Total ‘On the Cheap' budget for 15 nights in Indonesia: $94.50 – $114.50US

If you're looking to stretch your budget and keep the cost of travel in Indonesia down, then staying in backpacker-type places is the way to go.

3 Nights in Bali – ($18 – $30) A night in a mixed dorm at a beautiful place like Bread and Jam goes for about $9 (126,000 IDR) per night, or head to Canggu Surf Hostel for about $10 (140,000 IDR) per night.

2 Nights Surabaya – ($16 – $19) Ikiru to Live Hotel is well rated and has 3-bed dorms for $10 (140,000 IDR) a night, or a more traditional hostel dorm can be had at Krowi Inn from about $8 (71,000 IDR) per bunk, per night.

2 Nights Yogyakarta – ($14) Find a quiet place like MashBrow , which is more of a budget hotel than a hostel.

It's away from the center but closer to the temples and has motorbikes for rent. Rooms for about $7 (100,000 IDR) a night.

If you want to be in the city center, try a place like Bunk Bed and Breakfast for about $7 per bunk per night.

3 Nights Jakarta – ($24) A bunk or a capsule can be had at the Packer Lodge  or Six Degrees . Both are highly rated, for about $8 (115,000 IDR) per night.

Jakarta is massive, so play around with Hotels Combined because there are deals depending on your dates.

1 Night Medan – ($8) A decent night can be had at K77 Guest House for about $8 (115,000 IDR) per night. Lot's of local spots nearby for food and drinks.

3 Nights Lake Toba – ($24 – $45) Nothing beats Laster Jony's for price and atmosphere, and they have multiple room options. A deluxe double can be had for $8 (115,000 IDR) a night.

If you are looking for serenity and nature, Toba Cats Garden may be your place, $10 (140,000 IDR) per night.

Check out Tuk Tuk Sarapan for $15 (210,000 IDR) per night if you want a little more atmosphere.

1 Night Jakarta – ($20) D'Prima Hotel Airport has rooms for about $20 (280,000 IDR), but we could find better on Hotels Combined .

Free airport shuttle, toiletries, a/c, bottled water, and a coffee and pastry in the morning to get you on your way.

Total ‘Upscale Budget' for 15 nights in Indonesia: $124 – $160

3 Nights in Bali – ($51 – $57) If you're heading to Ubud, Indraprastha Ubud Home Stay has private rooms from $17 (241,000 IDR) per night.

Mote Surfstay in Canggu is a top choice if you're heading there for $18 (255,000 IDR) per night, or if you're staying near Kuta, Bread & Jam has private rooms (it's still a top/bottom bunk) for $19 (269,000 IDR).

2 Nights Surabaya – ($36 – $40) As with the upscale budget options above, Krowi Inn and Ikiru to Live Hotel are the best options, depending on your dates, Hotels Combined has both with private rooms from $18 – $20 (255,000 to 280,000 IDR) per night, and it includes breakfast.

2 Nights Yogyakarta – ($18 – 24) The highly-rated OstiC House has privates from $18 (255,000 IDR) per night with breakfast included. For a bit extra ($24 or 340,000 IDR), Jogja Dreams Bed and Breakfast has very high reviews on multiple sites.

Family run, clean, peaceful, comfortable, and located in a quiet neighborhood but still close to the center. And, of course, breakfast is included.

3 Nights Jakarta – ($51) Get a private room at Wonderloft Hostel for $17 (241,000 IDR) a night. There is a small supermarket on-site, shared kitchen and breakfast are included.

This hostel gets sparkling reviews. Past guests loved the vibe and felt safe in the clean and modern facility, plus the staff was excellent. There are lots of games, and loads of restaurants and shopping nearby.

1 Night Medan – ($19 – $25) Many travelers stay the night in Medan before heading out to Lake Toba in the morning.

If that's the case for you, Grand Sakura Hotel for about $25 (354,000 IDR) a night, is very close to the train station, where the Rail Link train from the airport arrives.

As with the upscale budget options, K77 will suit your purpose as well; privates there from about $19 (269,000 IDR) per night.

3 Nights Lake Toba – ($60 – $105) Cottages a little away from the town can be had a Mas Cottages for about $20 (283,000 IDR) per night.

Closer to the town, Samosir Villa has a nice pool, and breakfast is included for about $35 (496,000 IDR) a night.

1 Night Jakarta – ($25 – $29) D'Prima is a good option here. Also, POP! Hotel Airport is a super cool-looking place. $29 (411,000 IDR) gets you a basic double room with breakfast (a bit less if you don't want or don't have time for breakfast).

This is where Hotels Combined was the best way to research hotels, as we found great deals at higher-end hotels in and around the airport for about the same price, but it depends on your dates, of course.

Total ‘Affordable Flashpacker’ for 15 nights in Indonesia: $260 – $331

Street food in Indonesia is of great value. Local food in simple single-plate meals or noodles costs anywhere from $0.50 – $1.75 (7,500 – 23,000 IDR). 

A giant plate of food with assorted side dishes (nasi campur) costs $1.75 – $2.50 (23,000 – 35,000 IDR).

Eating street-style fulfilling meals like entire grilled fish and fancier dishes can cost $3 – $4 (45,000 – 59,500 IDR) per person.

You don't need to spend much money on a decent meal. An Indonesian sit-down local restaurant is priced in the $2 – $6 (31,000 – 85,500 IDR) realm for a single person.

If you eat at more Western-style food chains or fancier restaurants, meals can cost $6 – $11 (85,500 – 156,000 IDR).

A large 1.5-liter bottle of water goes for $0.25 – $0.75 (5,000 – 10,000 IDR).

Concerning the cost of living and eating in Indonesia, drinking and going out are relatively expensive.

Local beer such as Bintang, at cheap convenience stores, costs $1.50 – $2.50 (18,000 – 35,000 IDR).

At bars or clubs, drinks can go for $2.50 – $6 (35,000 – 85,000 IDR).

Some upper-class nightclubs that cater to tourists charge a cover.

• Full-Day Jungle and Orangutan Trek from Bukit Lawang $95
• Half-Day Jungle and Orangutan Trek from Bukit Lawang $70

Java Highlights

• Jakarta National Monument Entrance – $1 (15,000 IDR) (5,000 IDR to enter the grounds + 10,000 IDR to go up to the viewing platform)
• Indonesia National Museum – $0.75 (10,000 IDR) (non-Indonesian price)
• Borobudur Temple Entrance – $25 adult, discounts for children (354,000 IDR)
• Prambanan Temple Entrance – $25, adult, discounts for children (354,000 IDR)
• Mt. Bromo Park Entrance – $16 (207,500 IDR) weekdays, $23 (307,500 IDR) weekends 

Bali Highlights

• Tanah Lot Temple – $5 (70,000 IDR)
• Mt. Batur – $2 (30,000 IDR)
• Elephant Temple – $1 (15,000 IDR)

Want to bundle some meals, accommodation, and tours? Book one of these G Adventures trips!

For my entire month of traveling in Indonesia, I spent about $18 (255,000 IDR) per day .

This included a plane flight, a lot of transportation, food, and all the attractions I wanted to see, including the expensive orangutan trek.

I did save a bit of money by not drinking often and by Couchsurfing for about one-third of the time. 

If you stay somewhere with air conditioning and party often, the cost of travel in Indonesia is around $25 – $30 per day .

If you go super tight on the budget, you can get by in Indonesia for even $15 per day .

Do you want to see the islands of Indonesia but can't be bothered with all the planning it requires?

Consider a small-group tour with G Adventures:

Classic Bali & Lombok is a 14-day trip featuring beaches, islands, and volcanos.

Java, Bali, & Lombok is a more extended 22-day trip, including epic stops at Yogyakarta and Mt. Bromo on Java before hitting the smaller islands of Bali, Lombok, and Gili Trawangan.

Last Updated on June 17, 2022 by Daniel Lovell

Mark was raised in central Africa before migrating back to the U.S. for University. After graduating, he decided to continue traveling the world. On Migrationology , he shares the cultural side of travel from a slow-paced local perspective that often revolves around his love for eating all forms of food. Join him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @migrationology .

Tuesday 18th of September 2018

Thank you for the tips!

I generally avoid ATM because of the fees and the unfavourable rate at the exchange offices. But I also got fake notes at small exchange offices unfortunately… The ones at the airport are the most reliable but not with the best rate.

To change cash, there is a new mobile application Fairswap. Broadly, we can exchange & convert cash currency in real-time by meeting with each other at a pre-agreed location. Could be a good way to find some foreign currency before travelling or get rid of some leftover after holidays.

Wednesday 19th of April 2017

It would depend how you define "Best" here. Java and Bali are very very different places and if you want to get to see a little bit from Java before you get to Bali then the obvious way is to go by Train (I don't recommend buses as it would take you a week to get to Bali then with pauses). Search all the cities that come between and see which once you want to make a stop at (every city offers something different, look for what interests you the most) and do it that way. The only drawback here is that it takes too long. If you want to be there within few hours then obviously flying. Hope that helps :)

Wednesday 12th of April 2017

Yes, it's possible to do this. You can also pay for a visa on arrival and extend this one time for another month when you are already in Indonesia. You can't do this with the free visa on arrival though so make sure you get the right one the first time around and it will save you the expensive trip.

Friday 13th of January 2017

How to go to bali from jakarta which is best means

Tuesday 27th of December 2016

hi. i am a backpacker along with my wife...i am planning for visiting indonesia for a week only...so please give me a cheap and best itinerary...pls help me...i am from bangalore,india

• Travel Money: How much to budget for your Indonesian adventure?

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First of all: what currency is used in indonesia, travel cost assumptions, how much did it cost us to explore indonesia, map of accommodation, points of interest, eateries and transport, how much to budget for accommodation in indonesia, luggage storage and washroom use, how much to budget for dining and groceries in indonesia, how much to budget for transportation in indonesia, what we did, train travel, boat travel, rental vehicles, how much to budget for experiences in indonesia, mt rinjani trek, komodo island one-day tour, private day tour in flores, what other costs should you budget for when planning a trip to indonesia, tourist visa, tourist taxes and levies, communication, travel insurance, what else is worth knowing, should i tip in indonesia, how much cash do you need in indonesia, have you explored indonesia recently, author: paul ryken.

Indonesia is known to be a more budget-friendly holiday destination, even considering the cost of flying there. But how affordable is it when you stay longer than the customary one to two weeks and explore the country beyond Bali? We recently travelled around the islands of Indonesia for two months, trying different foods , learning about the country’s rich cultural tapestry, climbing mountains , and travelling by plane, train, (mini)bus, boat, car and scooter. In this article, we share our actual travel cost and key learnings – to help you explore the country affordably and responsibly.

This list for women and men was created as a result of more than seven years of full-time travel around the world in all seasons with only carry-on luggage. This is the packing list we have used as we embark on our adventures into 2024.

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For those of you who’ve never been to Indonesia : The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah. The official currency code is IDR, though you may also find it abbreviated to Rp . It was formally introduced as the national currency in 1950, a year after Indonesia gained independence.

During your travels, you might come across

• Coins in denominations of IDR50/100/200/500/1,000, though during our time in Indonesia , we only ever saw the 500 and 1,000 coins (perhaps unsurprisingly, because even IDR1,000 were only about USD0.065-USD0.066 when we visited).
• Bank notes in denominations of IDR1,000/2,000/5,000/10,000/20,000/50,000/100,000.

Since 2010, the federal government has been debating whether to redenominate and remove the last three 000s, but this idea/plan has not (yet) eventuated.

Ever wanted to be a billionaire? Come to Indonesia , where less than USD70 makes you one

When reading this article, please keep the following in mind:

• Our travel costs are based upon a couple travelling together.
• We are independent travellers, researching and organising our own itinerary using our go-to travel planning tools .
• Accommodation: We usually stay in self-catered accommodation (homestays, locally owned guesthouses, hostels and short-term rentals) - in our own room with (preferably) our own bathroom, though the kitchen may be shared.
• Dining and Groceries: We have at least two meals a day at home . We like to eat out once a day to every few days (and prefer locally owned restaurants and small eateries away from the tourist hotspots).
• Transportation: We walk a lot, and wherever possible, we travel by public transport . Only occasionally do we hire a vehicle.
• Experiences: Many of the activities we do are free of charge or cost very little. When we pay for attractions or activities , we are selective as our funds are limited (just like everyone elses).
• In addition to above expense categories, we include in our total daily costs our mail scanning and forwarding service , mobile phone plans and travel insurance - though only for the period we are in the country.
• We use a multi-currency personal account with Wise to manage our currencies XE to transfer money as required.
• Not included are the costs for entry or exit transportation into/out of the country.

Considering the above assumptions, we spent on average IDR819,697/USD54.19 per person per day.

Below is the summary table of the Accommodation, Groceries and Dining, Transportation, Experiences and Miscellaneous expenses we incurred for the 59 full nights we stayed in Indonesia , exploring the main islands of Java, Lombok, Flores and Bali (and a few smaller ones).

Below is a map of the recommended accommodation, points of interest, eateries and transport terminals/stops mentioned in this article.

During our two months in Indonesia , our accommodation costs averaged IDR262,905/USD16.56 per room per night. We stayed mostly in locally owned guesthouses and homestays, where we would have our own bedroom and bathroom.

The table lists ALL accommodations we stayed at, including places we wouldn’t choose to stay again (a * marks those we’d be happy to return to). The accommodations all provided free Wi-Fi (some faster than others) and most provided air-conditioning. Where provided, breakfast is included in the below price.

Our most expensive accommodation was at Kristal Garden in Sekotong, Lombok – at IDR382,199/USD25.23 per night for a modern, clean, airconditioned, stand-alone bungalow, with (shared) swimming pool and breakfast, only 500 metres from Kemos Beach where the boats departed for the Secret Gillis.

Our most expensive accommodation was 500 metres from the beach (and a boat ride away from this tranquil spot) in the south-west of Lombok

At just IDR169,894/USD11.21 per night, our most affordable accommodation was a stay at Mysha Guest House in Tetebatu, Lombok – for a semi-detached bamboo bungalow without aircon (at 400 metres above sea level, a fan was more than sufficient) but including breakfast (and a lovely host family).

Our most affordable accommodation was a guesthouse on the southern slopes of Mt Rinjani, also in Lombok

Our accommodation cost bucket also includes the costs of utilities (including laundry, luggage storage and washroom use). 

Over the two months in Indonesia , we used laundromats/laundry services nine times, costing us an average of IDR62,389/USD4.12 per use:

• At IDR160,000/USD10.56, our most expensive laundry service was MaeMae Laundry [ Google Maps location ] in Ubud, Bali when we needed an express laundry service (in a very touristy area) before leaving the country that very same night.
• Our cheapest service was at M.Ricky Laundry [ Google Maps location ] in the non-touristy Kraton district of Yogyakarta , where we paid IDR19,000/USD1.25 (also for same-day service).

Only once in Indonesia did we need to store our travel packs for any period (and pay for washroom use). Before boarding the Yogyakarta to Malang midnight train, we left our travel packs at Shower & Locker [ Google Maps location ] while we explored the downtown area of Yogyakarta. When we returned, we had a shower there as well. We paid

• IDR90,000/USD5.94 for a locker large enough to fit both our travel packs (up to 12 hours), and
• IDR80,000/USD5.28 for two super-clean bathrooms (which we could use for up to 45 minutes) – each equipped with a shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet.

We paid for the lockers in cash and the showers by credit card.

Shower & Locker offers the opportunity to explore Malioboro luggage-free and have a refreshing shower at the end of a hot and humid day

Unlike our recent trip to Japan , almost none of the accommodations we stayed in had kitchen facilities to allow us to cook a meal or even prepare a basic breakfast. We therefore ate out a lot more than we normally would. 85% of our dining and groceries expenses went towards dining out or having food prepared for us at our accommodation.

Our daily costs for Dining and Groceries in Indonesia averaged IDR144,337/USD9.53 per person, with our most expensive dining experience costing IDR328,949/USD21.71 per person for a delicious dinner (and drinks) at The Blaze [ Google Maps location ] in Canggu, Bali with my son Matt (who happened to holiday in the area). Our most affordable dining experience was a meal from a street food cart near the airport in Labuan Bajo, Flores for IDR7,500/USD0.50 per person.

Our dining costs ranged from USD0.50 for street food on Flores to USD22 for a restaurant meal (and drinks) in touristy Canggu, Bali

Below is a list of standard grocery items (averaged across several islands and grocery shop sizes).

While 66% of all air travellers enter Indonesia via Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on the island of Java, New Zealand and Australian travellers tend to fly into I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali. The latter is serviced by a whopping 41 airlines – among them Garuda Indonesia , the national carrier (which ranked 30th in the World Airline Awards 2023 List ) and its low-cost off-spring Citilink (in 94th position).

Coming from Sydney , Australia , we flew into I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport Denpasar (DPS) – on Jetstar with a flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes. The price for the flight is not included in our Indonesia travel costs as everyone travels from different places.

Given Indonesia is an archipelago with some 18,000 islands spread further than the full width of the United States or Australia , it’s hard to avoid flying domestically (particularly if you want to see more than Bali and/or Java and have limited time). We took five internal flights, all requiring our (usual) carry-on travel packs to be checked in due to 7kg weight limitations for cabin baggage. All payments were made by credit card.

Before we book any flight (domestic or international), we always consider our carbon footprint and give preference to lower carbon alternatives where feasible.

Domestic flights and boats/ferries are your main transport options to travel between the many islands of Indonesia

When we started our research on Indonesia , we soon learned that the islands of Java and Sumatra had a (reasonably) reliable rail network, operated by Kereta Api Indonesia (or short KAI), the national carrier. The entire rail network spans just over 7,000km.

On Java, the network stretches the whole island – from Merak in Banten Province in the West (for the ferry to Sumatra) to Ketapang in East Java (for the ferry to Bali), linking all the major cities in between, including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Solo, Malang and Surabaya.

While the train operator’s website is www.kai.id , we weren’t able to purchase tickets there (nor on the KAI app) using our Australian credit cards. Instead, we either purchased tickets in person at the train station or through the Tiket website .

Wherever you buy your tickets: Be aware that train capacity in Indonesia is limited (based on the number of seats available). Thus, we recommend that you purchase your tickets (well) in advance (or risk being stranded – from a few hours to a few days). Another benefit: The further in advance you book the cheaper are the tickets.

We travelled with KAI twice:

• First, we took the Malabar overnight train from Yogyakarta to Malang . We booked our tickets 23 days before departure via the Tiket website at a cost of IDR406,000/USD26.80 per person (including the booking fee).
• A few days later, we took the early morning Tumapel train from Malang to Waru (Surabaya) for IDR2,000/USD0.13 per person (purchased in person at Malang Station the day before), and then the DAMRI bus from Terminal Bungurasih (a 10-minute walk from Waru Station) to Juanda International Airport, Surabaya (SUB).

And speaking of which: DAMRI is an Indonesian state-owned bus operator with set schedules, clean vehicles and friendly drivers. Finding the schedule and booking tickets though was a whole mission in itself – the (Indonesian-only) website directs passengers to the DAMRI app, which is not accessible to non-Indonesian mobile phone users (at least, it wasn’t when we travelled).

We used DAMRI a total of six times (on Java and Lombok):

• Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) to the city centre – at a cost of IDR80,000/USD5.28 per person,
• Yogyakarta city centre to Borobudur (and back) – at IDR20,000/USD1.32 per person per trip,
• Wonokitri to Malang – at IDR35,000/USD2.31 per person,
• Terminal Bungurasih to Juanda International Airport, Surabaya (SUB) at a cost of IDR35,000/USD2.31 per person, and
• Lombok International Airport (LOP) to Mataram – at IDR35,000/USD2.31 per person.

Most of the time, we just turned up at the bus stop and were able to buy our tickets on the spot. However, in one instance (from Malang to Wonokitri), the minibus was booked out (and the next one was not scheduled for another 12 hours). Thus, to not miss out again on our return journey, we asked our host in Wonokitri to book the tickets for us via the DAMRI app.

Apart from DAMRI , we also used local buses in Yogyakarta – at a cost of IDR3,600/USD0.24 per person per trip.

DAMRI was our prefered bus operator in Indonesia with set schedules, super-affordable fares, clean vehicles and friendly drivers

Being an archipelago, you are bound to use a boat at some point when travelling around Indonesia . Some islands are connected by large (multi-storey) ferries, others by regular speed boats and others again by water taxis.

We took a boat a total of six times – twice on day excursions (on Lombok and Flores) and four times to cross from island to island:

• Private water taxi from Tembowong Harbour to Gili Gede Ferry Terminal – at IDR200,000/USD13.20 for both of us including luggage
• Speed boat from Gili Gede to Buyuk Harbour, Nusa Penida with Gili Getaway – at IDR900,000/USD59.40 per person
• Public ferry from Toya Pakeh Harbour, Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan – at IDR50,000/USD3.30 per person
• Speed boat from Mushroom Bay, Nusa Lembongan to Sanur, Bali with Dream Beach Express – at IDR160,000/USD10.56 per person.

Island crossings, especially between Lombok, the Nusas and Bali, and between Flores and the islands of the Komodo National Park are surprisingly bumpy (even on a calm day). So, if you get seasick easily, take tablets to make the ride more comfortable.

Being a country made up of islands, you are bound to use a boat at some point when travelling around Indonesia

Gojek and Grab are the Indonesian equivalents of Uber. Both rideshare apps are also among the few apps that work with a non-Indonesian mobile device. You can download the Grab app (available for Apple and Android phones), add your credit card details (don’t worry, we found it to be secure and easier than trying to pay in cash) and then proceed to book your ride (you can even order a take-out meal delivered to your doorsteps). Gojek works the same way, but we didn’t end up using them.

We usually walk or use public transport. As you can see from the table below though, we used rideshares a few times in Indonesia :

Our most expensive ride overall was a Bluebird Taxi from Tetebatu to Sekotong (though not on a per-kilometre basis). Travel between the two destinations would have required taking multiple (mini)buses (with no guarantee that we would arrive the same day). It was easy to install the Bluebird app on our Android mobile phones (there’s an Apple version too ), and the ride was significantly cheaper than a private transfer (you are charged based on the taxi meter). Bluebird Taxis on Lombok only serve major towns/longer distances. So, if you booked a taxi via the app and didn’t hear from the driver before your ride, chances are you’ve got no ride (as happened to us once).

Our most expensive ride on a per kilometre basis was the 3.5km ride from our Prambanan accommodation to the Ramayana Ballet Prambanan . Though, that was our own fault: We hadn’t set up our credit card in the Grab app before we jumped in the car (and couldn’t add it during the ride when we realised we only had a 50,000 Rupiah note). Of course, the driver didn’t have change (one of the frequent scams in Indonesia and in fact, around the world).

Our cheapest ride (on a per kilometre basis) was sharing a car with two locals on the island of Flores (more on that below).

Gojek and Grab are the most common rideshare options in Indonesia - you can even order food to be delivered to your doorsteps

Of course, you can also hire cars and scooters in Indonesia . To be able to do so, you are (officially) required to provide both your country’s driver’s licence AND an International Driving Permit (IDP). While many rental shops may not ask you for your licence/s, it will become an issue if you are pulled over by the police or are involved in a vehicle accident and need to claim against your travel insurance policy .

And speaking of insurance: Rental vehicles in Indonesia don’t usually have insurance, thus if you are involved in an accident, repair/replacement costs are all on you/your travel insurance .

Given the volume of traffic in the major cities and how Indonesians drive, hiring a car (without a driver) is not advisable unless you are an experienced driver (in predominately Asian countries). Likewise, if you plan to rent a scooter, you should be very confident in your abilities – tourists who don’t ride confidently are a risk to themselves and other road users.

We rented a scooter five times – with Paul as the driver and Sandra as the passenger – at an average daily cost of IDR102,222/USD6.75.

Hire a scooter only if you are a confident rider (especially on busier islands like Bali or Java)

The scooters rarely came with much petrol in the tank, and you are generally not required to return them with much. In total, we paid IDR228,000/USD15.05 for petrol. Depending on whether we were in a bigger city/town or a small village, the price fluctuated – for reference: on Bali, we paid IDR11,234/USD0.74 per litre (IDR42,523/USD2.81 per US Gallon).

There were times when we needed to park our scooter and walk to where we needed to go. Parking at scooter parks with attendants present averaged out to cost IDR4,857/USD0.32 each time.

Twice we rented bicycles:

• Our accommodation at Griyo Jagalan in Borobudur, Java rented their bicycles for IDR25,000/USD1.65 per day, and
• Sandra hired a bike for IDR60,000/USD3.96 per day from Nusa Lembongan Cycle Hire.

If you're not a confident scooter rider, hiring a bicycle might be an alternative where public transport options are limited

While many overseas tourists never see more than the tourist hot spots in Bali, each Indonesian island is unique and worth visiting. From hiking/trekking and diving/snorkelling to a plethora of cultural and culinary experiences , there is a ton to do in Indonesia (for all budgets).

Many tourist attractions in Indonesia cost more for foreigners than for the country’s citizens (sometimes a lot more), and very few experiences accept payment by credit card.

All our experiences added up to IDR21,569,216/USD1,423.57 for the two of us – on average, IDR250,805/USD15.77 per person per experience or IDR185,942/USD12.27 per person per day.

With so many experiences on offer, we only list those below that we would do again and/or are happy to recommend.

As expected, our most expensive experience (by far) was our private, multi-day Mt Rinjani Trek  – at IDR5,041,500/USD332.74 per person. But boy, was it worth it. The memory will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Hiking Mt Rinjani over 3 days/2 nights was our most expensive but also one of our favourite experiences in Indonesia

While we booked our Mt Rinjani Trek months in advance, we arrived in Labuan Bajo – the entry point to the Komodo National Park [ Google Maps location ] – without booking an excursion to the famous park. We wanted to speak with tour operators on the ground and understand how sustainable their tours were before making a booking. Like most visitors to Labuan Bajo, we tried to observe the amazing creatures of the park (from Komodo Dragons to turtles and manta rays) in their natural habitat. Still, we also wanted to do it with an operator whose values were aligned with ours .

After speaking to a few, we chose Red Whale Dive Centre [ Official website , Google Maps location ]. We opted for a one-day tour rather than staying on a boat for multiple days to experience the same destinations at a slower pace. The one-day tour cost us IDR1,486,250/USD98.09 per person (plus National Park entry fees of IDR300,000/USD19.80 each). We also paid IDR400,000/USD26.40 to hire a GoPro for the day (which we wouldn’t do again).

You can read more about our Komodo Island experience with the Red Whale Dive Centre .

Komodo National Park is not only worthwhile visiting for the famous Dragons - it's also home to turtles, manta rays and other sea creatures

Another very worthwhile experience was enlisting a private guide for a day on the island of Flores.

We met local guide and musician Ryan Soi Radjo by chance (when looking for a ride to Bajawa in a bar in Moni). While his stories made our long, windy trip much more interesting, his music provided a beautiful soundtrack to our journey. So, enlisting Ryan for a full-day tour the next morning was a no-brainer.

Turning up as promised with two scooters (and a fellow guide friend on his day off), the four of us visited the traditional villages of Tololela [ Google Maps location ] and Bela [ Google Maps location ] (home to the Ngada people, including Ryan’s family), swam in the Malanage Hot Spring [ Google Maps location ] and watched the sunset in the presence of majestic Mt Inerie from the Wolobobo viewpoint [ Google Maps location ].

The full-day tour cost us IDR475,000/USD31.35 per person. Would we recommend it? Absolutely – another experience that will stay with us forever. We also knew the money we spent on guide fees, tips and food during the day would help support the local community.

If you want to hire Ryan for a private tour, contact him on WhatsApp .

Visiting traditional villages and learning more about the Ngada people from a local guide was one of many memorable experiences on the island of Flores

We travelled to Indonesia on our New Zealand (Paul) and Australian passports (Sandra) and booked our 30-day electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) online via the official visa website . This also allowed us to process the 30-day extension online (saving us a trip and lengthy wait at a physical Immigration Office). The 30-day eVOA cost us IDR519,500/USD34.29 per person (and the same again for the extension).

Since July 2019, tourists have to pay an Entrance Fee when visiting Nusa Penida – in our case, that was of IDR25,000/USD1.65 per person. The entrance fee is charged whether you’re a day visitor or stay on the island for a few days and collected in cash upon arrival on the island as you get off the boat. Since July 2023, it is also mandatory to pay an additional Retribution Tax if you dive, snorkel or swim in the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area .

In February 2024, Bali also introduced an International Tourist Levy, requiring foreign visitors to pay IDR150,000/USD9.90 per person per visit. We recommend you pay the Bali Tourist Levy via the official Bali Government website before arrival.

Tourists visiting Nusa Penida are charged an entrance fee (and a retribution fee if they swim, snorkel or dive in the Marine Protection Area)

As usual, Paul did all the research on data SIM cards for our phones. So, he knew there would be plenty of options when we landed at Denpasar Airport. We ended up paying IDR450,000/USD29.70 each for a physical SIM card from Telkomsel, including 51GB of data for 30 days. After installing the Telkomsel app, we could add IDR100,000/USD6.60 to the account and purchase additional data packs as needed/after the initial 30 days – which we did three times.

Using the Wi-Fi at our accommodation where sufficient and (tethering off) our mobile phones elsewhere, our communication costs during our 60 days in Indonesia averaged IDR10,345/USD0.68 per person per day. We paid for all the SIM card transactions by credit card.

If you want to buy a SIM card as a tourist (whether in Indonesia , Morocco or elsewhere), proof of ID is required (and a copy might be taken at the point of sale).

If you require mobile data in Indonesia , you can purchase a physical SIM card upon arrival at Denpasar Airport (as you walk out after collecting your luggage)

We never travel overseas without travel insurance . Key factors we assess when deciding which travel insurance to buy are:

• Medical cover: This should be a no-brainer given the costs of medical treatments in many countries and the expenses incurred in the case of repatriation/medical evacuation - the more is included the better. Be aware though that pre-existing conditions (PECs) need to be declared upon purchasing the insurance to be covered under the policy (and may incur a loading/extra premium).
• Personal effects cover: If you are like us and travel and work on the road, the cover for valuable items such as laptops and phones may also be important, as would be the total benefit paid if all your luggage was lost or stolen. If the limits for unspecified items don't cover the replacement cost of your valuables, you may want to specify them (and pay a loading/extra premium).
• Activities covered: Many insurers specifically exclude certain activities (including volunteering). Others charge a loading/extra premium for certain activities (including hiking above 3,000 metres, skiing, zip-lining, cave tubing - all activities we have done travelling). Best are policies that don't mention any activities specifically/don't have a blanket exclusion of adventure activities.

As with any other insurance , reading the fine print before you buy is critical.

For this trip, we went with a Cover-More Travel Insurance Single Trip Policy , covering two people for 60 days in Indonesia and costing us AUD1,683 – equating to IDR146,504/USD9.67 per person per day.

We never travel overseas without travel insurance - you just never know, and the cost of getting sick can add up quickly

I am from New Zealand , and the custom of tipping for services is foreign to me. The service provided would have to be outstanding for me to warrant a tip. That said, I feel a stronger desire to tip in developing countries.

Tipping is not a MUST in Indonesia but is appreciated where staff may not be well rewarded, such as in restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and serviced apartments, spas and massage salons. We would also add a small tip to the Grab ride fee when we felt that the driver did a good job.

Restaurants/bars in touristy areas may automatically add a tip/service charge to your bill. So, always check the menu before you enter (or at least check your bill/invoice before you pay).

In short: A lot. Almost 80% of all our transactions were cash (only 20% of the businesses we frequented accepted credit cards). We prefer to use our credit cards when paying for transactions, so it meant we had to withdraw money more often or take the risk of having greater amounts of cash on us when travelling.

And speaking of ATM withdrawals : ATMs in Indonesia dispense IDR50,000 or IDR100,000 notes (sometimes, there is a sticker on the machine to indicate which ones). Most ATMs allow a maximum withdrawal per transaction of IDR1,250,000 (IDR50,000 note machines) or IDR3,000,000 (IDR100,000 note machines), with a total maximum withdrawal amount of IDR6,000,000 per day. In Indonesia , we used Maybank, Bank Mandiri and CIMB ATMs – none of which charged ATM withdrawal fees using our Australian Bankwest debit card or Wise card.

Do you have any questions I haven’t answered? Please let me know. I’m happy to help.

The Cost of Travel in Indonesia: My 2023 Budget Breakdown

You haven’t lived until you’ve traveled to Indonesia. 

Known as the land of over 1800 islands, this wonderful country has so much to offer its visitors. You can have any type of vacation in Indonesia, whether you want to spend some time on one of the many beaches in Bali, experience a chaotic city like Jakarta or roam through the jungles of Sumatra.

I was gifted with spending a whole month in this glorious country, and since I have returned home, I haven’t been able to stop raving about it. I backpacked through the island of Java for two weeks before taking a ferry to Bali for ten days and then finished my trip on Gili Trawangan. Most travelers who visit Indonesia will visit Bali and leave it there, but let me tell you, this vast country has parts you have never even heard of waiting to be discovered.

Indonesia is a very cheap country to travel to, especially when you get outside of Bali. You’ll meet so many travelers along the way who have been spending months exploring Indonesia because it’s so affordable.

Over the month-long trip, I stayed in a mix between hostels and guesthouses and only used public transport to get around. I found Bali to be the most expensive stop on my trip, and even at that, it was nowhere near western European prices. Plus, Bali is a big enough island, so once you leave the likes of Canggu, the price of everything drops.

Indonesia has its own currency, the Indonesia Rupiah (IDR). Cash is widely used throughout the whole country, so be sure to have some on you at all times. In Bali, cards are more widely accepted than in other islands. I always ensured I had some hidden away somewhere just in case I ever found myself in a situation where I needed it.

The weather in Indonesia varies. Between April and October is the best time to visit because the rainy season has passed. This is by far the busiest time to go there. The prices of everything go up, you’ll see a lot more tourists, and availability for buses and ferries can be hit or miss.

Indonesian food is delicious. When you try your first nasi goreng, you’ll never be able to eat fried rice in another country again. The country’s cuisine varies from region to region, and even if you find a dish you like in, say, Yogyakarta, it might taste different in Indonesian Borneo. 

I found getting around Indonesia to be pretty straightforward. It wasn’t always the most comfortable experience, but I arrived safely wherever I went, which was all I cared about. Java has a brilliant train line that stops in a lot of the main cities. Local buses are readily available and can bring you just about anywhere. If you can ride a moped, they’re easy to rent and give you more access to the place you’re visiting.

In this post, I’m going to fill you in on all of the costs of my trip through Indonesia so you can start planning the holiday of a lifetime.

The Cost Of Accommodation In Indonesia

When it comes to accommodation in Indonesia, you get your money’s worth. Even if you’re traveling on a budget, you can still stay in guest houses most of the time. There are various options for you to splash your cash on too. A fancy villa with a pool in Ubud only cost me $66 for one night, and that’s still a bargain compared to what you’d pay somewhere in the USA.

How To Save Money On Accommodation When Traveling In Indonesia

If you’re not too fussed about spending too much on accommodation, plenty of cheap or free options are available that you’ll love.

Would you like to get a taste of local life? Sign up for Couchsurfing to chat with people that live in the cities you’re visiting and request to stay with them for a couple of days. Some hosts will let you stay on their sofa, and others may have a spare bedroom. It’s free to use and has a review system to see guests’ thoughts about their hosts.

Another way of finding a free space to stay is housesitting . This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, though, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting.

These days, travelers are searching for more than just tourist attractions. They want to experience local life in the countries they’re traveling to. WWOOFing is one way to do this. It’s a platform that gives people the opportunity to volunteer for organic projects like eco retreats in Denpasar or family farm work in Surabaya .

Hostels In Indonesia

Next up, we’re going to talk about hostels.

Hostels aren’t as widespread in Indonesia as in other Southeast Asian countries. Yeah, they’re in all the touristy spots, but hostels can become scarce once you start going off the tourist trail. Surprisingly, hostels often cost more than guesthouses. I found this was the case in Canggu and Ubud. Even if they are pricier in certain places, they can be worth it, especially if you’re a solo traveler looking to meet new people.

• I loved my stay at the Wonderloft Hostel in Jakarta. A bed in an 8-person dorm is priced at $7 per person, and a budget twin room is only $16 a night. It’s a very social hostel, and they even hold Netflix parties in the evenings.
• Were you thinking about stopping by Yogyakarta? The Wonderloft Hostel there is even better than the one in Jakarta. It’s almost like a five-star hotel with a Jacuzzi outside. Single beds in a dorm cost $6 per person, and a private double room with a garden view is only $20.
• Stay in the middle of nature at WW Backpackers in Ubud . This hostel is right in the middle of a forest but only a short walk away from the center. A bed in a 10-person dorm is only $7 per night. Sadly, there are no private rooms available.
• The Farm Hostel is where you must stay when you’re in Canggu. It’s pretty chilled out, and the common areas always have people mingling. A bed in a dorm is reasonably priced at $13, and breakfast comes with your booking.
• A more relaxing hostel option in Gili Trawangan is Gili Pirates . The beach is only a two-minute walk, and there’s a lovely pool that you can swim in when the sun is shining. A single bed in a dorm costs $9 a night, and a private double room is $29.

Staying in a hostel in Indonesia is cheaper than a mid-range hotel and will help you cut back on costs. Dorm prices usually range between $6 and $13 a night, whereas private rooms range between $16 and $20. Privates are an excellent option if you’re traveling with somebody but still want to socialize with others.

The average cost of a bed in a hostel per night is $6.

Where To Stay When Traveling In Indonesia

For anyone who doesn’t want to sacrifice their comfort, I have a list of the best-reviewed hotels and guesthouses in Indonesia that are worth the extra bit of money. I stayed at a few guesthouses and hotels during my trip because they were so cheap, so I found it hard to resist. It’s not every day you get to wake up to an infinity pool overlooking a lush green rice terrace.

Most of my time travel planning goes into choosing accommodation. When I’m paying for somewhere to stay, I want to know I will be comfortable, safe, and close to everything, so I don’t have to take a taxi when I want to eat out.

How do I always find the best accommodation? When I log on to Booking.com, instead of scrolling through the “top picks” suggestions they have given me, I click “best reviewed” instead. At least then, I know past travelers like myself have stayed there and enjoyed their experience.

Thankfully, you won’t have to do that when you book accommodation in Indonesia because I have done everything for you. Here are my top picks.

Jakarta: Loewys Home Tanjung Duren Jakarta Barat – $33 a night for a queen room with a balcony. Whoever plans on traveling through Java typically starts their journey in the bustling capital of Jakarta. Get over your jet lag at this gorgeous guesthouse with the most welcoming staff and polished white look. 

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, equipped with a flat-screen TV and bathtub to spend your time unwinding. Loewys Home is embedded between central and west Jakarta and is only 1.9 kilometers from the Central Mall.

Yogyakarta: Palem Kipas Homestay – $27 a night for a double room with a balcony. The staff at this homestay is what makes it so special. The owner is incredibly helpful, adding to the chill atmosphere, and will provide you with so much information about Yogyakarta. 

It’s situated in an adorable residential area with the Palace of Yogyakarta only a few blocks away. The ample beds are extremely snug and can be difficult to leave in the mornings. There’s no better place to stay when you’re in Yogyakarta!

Ubud: Sabana Ubud – $58 a night for a deluxe room with a queen bed and balcony. Ubud takes trendy accommodation to a whole new level. Sabana Ubud is a class example of this. The beautiful boutique hotel offers guests an outdoor swimming pool, a tranquil garden, and a bar where you can enjoy a nightcap. The rooms are fully air-conditioned and have charming views that you won’t be able to get enough of. Take a trip to the famous monkey rainforest that’s only an 18-minute walk away.

Canggu: D-Anyar Stay and Surf Canggu – $52 for a double or twin room with a private bathroom. This cute homestay is the perfect location if you’re a lover of the beach and want to try your hand at surfing. You have access to an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and free Wi-Fi at this peaceful spot. 

If you’d like to book surfing lessons or onward travel arrangements, the staff at the front desk will be more than happy to help you out. When booking accommodation in Canggu, it can be such a challenge because there are so many options to choose from. You won’t be disappointed when you spend a night at D-Anyar Stay and Surf Canggu. 

Gili Trawangan: Lost Paradise Gili – $38 for a one-bedroom standard bungalow. Live it up island style at Lost Paradise Gili. This is one of the top-rated places to stay in Gili Trawangan for a low price. With an excellent location close to South West Beach and Sunset Point, alluring, stylish rooms with modern touches, and tasty food served from the bar, all that you need to have a fabulous stay is waiting for you. 

The hosts, Kiting and Darsen, are only one call away if you need help. Be sure to avail yourself of the complimentary breakfast every morning. Sometimes free breakfast can be hit or miss, but here it was delicious.

The average cost of a mid-range per hotel/homestay per night is $27 a night.

The Cost Of Transportation In Indonesia

Indonesia is a massive country with a decent public transportation system. Getting around is mostly easy but sometimes requires some help from a local. That’s when you should utilize your hosts, as they’ll know how to get you where you want to be for the lowest price.

On my travels to Indonesia, I used trains, buses, and boats to get around. And boy, was it an adventure. Some of the things you’ll see on a local bus are interesting, to say the least. It’s all a part of the experience, right?

Low-cost airlines give you access to all corners of Indonesia cheaply. Indonesian Air Asia, Lion Air, and Citilink are the more known ones and operate frequently. These are great for anyone on a tight schedule who wants to fit in as much as possible. A one-way flight from Jakarta to Denpasar in Bali can cost as little as $53.79, saving you from taking a 26-hour bus journey.

Buses in Indonesia are the cheapest way to get around. They run 24/7 around the clock, which provides you with flexibility. You have so many bus companies to choose from, some more luxurious than others. Personally, I used the Agra Mas bus company. 

They have an extensive network, and you can rely on them compared to other privately owned companies. Their buses are comfortable with modern features like sockets and central multimedia, and the drivers don’t drive like they’re in Mario Kart.

When booking your bus and train tickets in Indonesia, use Traveloka. It finds you the cheapest tickets and saves you the hassle of having to bargain with merchants. The language barrier in Java can sometimes be challenging, so Traveloka cuts out that stress.

Here’s a list of some popular bus journeys you could take while in Indonesia and their prices.

• Jakarta to Yogyakarta with Agra Mas – $17.54
• Yogyakarta to Bandung with Daltrans Travel – $19.86
• Yogyakarta to Malang with Malang Indah – $13.24
• Jakarta to Bali Denpasar with Kramat Djati Jakarta – $38.39
• Malang to Bali Denpasar with Mtrans – $19.47

Some of these journeys are quite long, like Jakarta to Denpasar is over 24 hours. Don’t forget to bring something to entertain yourself.

I suggest using trains in Indonesia when you can. As I stated before, the island of Java has a fully functional train line operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia that stops by many of the island’s top destinations, including Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung, and Malang. If you want to get to Bali from Java by train, the last stop you can get off at is Ketapang. From there, you’ll have to take a 45-minute ferry over to the island.

Please take a look at the price of these train journeys to compare them with buses. Also, factor in convenience before making your decision.

• Jakarta to Yogyakarta – $21.50
• Yogyakarta to Bandung – $21.50
• Yogyakarta to Malang – $15.22

If you have already been to Southeast Asia before, you’ll know that tuk-tuks are a handy way of getting around. Tuk-tuks are motorized versions of rickshaws that compete with taxi drivers for your hard-earned cash. 

You’ll see the drivers relaxing in the vehicle at the side of the road when they’re not driving, sometimes even sleeping. You’ll often hear them whistle when you walk past. They’ll know you’re a foreigner and chance their arm to get a sale. If you ever use a tuk-tuk, negotiate a price with the driver before you depart, so they don’t try to scam you. Better to be safe than sorry.

Avoid using taxis in Indonesia; instead, use applications like Grab or Gojek that follow the same concept as Uber. All you have to do is tap in where you want to go, and the driver will be with you in minutes. Rides are very affordable, and if you opt to go with a motorbike cheaper, they’re half the price again — a great way to save money.

When traveling between islands, you can take ferries. You can book tickets online through websites like 12Go Asia or from travel agencies wherever you are. The benefit of booking online is that you can see the reviews. 

It’s important to note that boat safety in Indonesia is a controversial topic. The safety standards aren’t like in the western world, and accidents are a regular occurrence. Read reviews of companies before you book a journey with them. 

I had a situation from Gili Trawangan back to Bali where the speed boat (not so modern) I was on almost capsized in high waves. The crew was acting recklessly, and a part of the wall started to come through mid-journey. It was a frightening ordeal altogether. 

Unfortunately, I don’t have the name of the company because I booked it from a stall at the side of the road.

The average cost of transportation per day in Indonesia is $15.

Cost Of Food In Indonesia

Indonesian food is a blend of influences from countries worldwide, including Eastern Asia and the Middle East. Before we look at some flavourful Indonesian dishes, we need to remember that because the country is so big, the cuisine is so diverse.

Even if you’re on a budget, it’s cheaper to eat out than buy food and cook it at an Airbnb. Street food is inexpensive. A portion of fried rice (nasi goreng) and chicken satay will only set you back $1.50, or some soto ayam, a broth-based soup that’s just $1.20. 

I loved Indonesian street food and ate it more often than not. It’s great for the budget and tastes terrific. Diving into it can be difficult if you’re not used to eating from street stalls, but trust me, once you have your first dish, you’ll never go back.

Breakfast in Indonesia can be heavy. Typically, it consists of rice and some meat, usually chicken, and costs, on average, between $1 and $3. Don’t feel rude if you can’t stomach a Bubur Ayam at 7 am. In the big cities, you’ll be able to find western food available for breakfast as a backup plan. 

Standard Indonesian breakfasts:

• Gudeg (unripe jackfruit cooked with coconut milk) – $1 to $2
• Kupat tahu (rice cake and tofu in peanut sauce) – $1.50 to $3
• Nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) – $0.8 to $2

You’ll notice a running trend in Indonesia; meat is in pretty much everything, so brace yourselves. I ate a lot of chicken satay at lunchtime. It was so hard to resist walking past a street food vendor putting on a fresh batch and the smell hitting me in the face.

Standard Indonesian lunches:

• Bakso (meatball noodle soup) – $2
• Rawson (a nutty beef stew) – $2 to $3
• Ayam goreng (fried chicken) – $1.50 to $3

For dinner, I sampled a variety of different dishes, but my favorite was beef rendang. It’s a slow-cooked beef that’s cooked in several spices and coconut milk. You can’t leave Indonesia without trying it. Other mouthwatering dishes that you should try include ikan bakar and gado.

Standard Indonesian dinners:

• Nasi uduk – (boiled rice cooked in coconut milk) – $2 to $3
• Ayam taliwang – (roast chicken) – $3 to $4
• Mie -(spicy curry noodle) – $2 to $3

Alcohol isn’t as big in Indonesia as in other Southeast Asian countries. Yes, you can still purchase it, but a good proportion of Indonesians don’t drink alcohol at all. Why is that? 

Well, Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country and is home to the largest population of Muslims in the world, so that explains it. Because of this, alcohol is quite highly-priced compared to other countries in the region. 

Expect to pay $3 for a large bottle of Bintang, Indonesia’s famous beer. It’s so good; you need to try it when you’re there. For a spirit and a mixer, the price is usually $5. Local wine is cheap but not that great in taste. A glass will cost $3, and for a higher quality imported wine, it will cost between $5 and $10.

Food budgets for different types of travelers

It will cost you more to cook and eat local food in your apartment. Supermarkets are costly, so if you wanted to do it, you’d have to go to a local market. When you’re shopping for one person, it’s better to eat from street food stalls because they’re so affordable. But if you’re adamant, that’s how you want to do things, expect to spend $10 per day.

Some travelers aren’t into street food, and that’s perfectly fine. I found international restaurants almost everywhere I visited in Indonesia. You won’t go hungry. If this is you, set aside $20 to $25 daily for your meals.

Non-drinkers who want to stick with street food will only spend $5 to $6 a day. Or if you eat at international eateries without a beer in the evenings, $17 will be fine.

The average cost of food per day is $6 for a budget traveler and $17 for a mid-range traveler.

The Cost Of Activities In Indonesia

Indonesia offers something for every traveler. Enjoy thrilling hikes to active volcanos, boat trips to islands with komodo dragons, and days out spotting wild orangutans.

For a real hit of adrenaline, take a climb to see Mount Ijen, an active volcano famous for its large turquoise-blue acidic lake and blue flames that stay lit due to the sulfur emitted from the earth, forming sulfur dioxide gas. You’ll have to wear a gas mask if you want to get right up to the gas. It’s fascinating to see. 

A tour from Bali will cost $147.94, which includes everything, from entrance tickets to transport. I did the tour from Malang before making my way to Bali, and it cost me only $80 through my hostel.

Hop on a four-day boat trip to see Indonesia’s island inhabited by Komodo Dragons. Trek through forests, sail around breathtaking islands and get some snaps of the drags on in the wild. The excursion costs $865 for an all-inclusive four-day tour. Yes, it’s pricey, but for what you get, it’s well worth the splash. 

Fancy getting up close and personal with some orangutans? Head off on a day trip to Mount Leuser National Park in Sumatra, home to Indonesia’s famous Orangutan Care Center. A local ranger will take you on an adventure through the Sumatran rainforests to see the great apes with your own eyes. A full-day tour is priced at $140. With your booking, you get return transport, permits for the area, and lunch.

Swimming with Manta Rays on a day trip from Bali to Nusa Penida was incredible. I visited Crystal Bay, Manta Bay, and Mangrove Point and snorkeled in deep blue Indonesian waters, spotting Manta Rays. There are many tours you can take that have different itineraries, but I’d recommend you do this one for $70 if you really want to get the most out of your time.

If you’re interested in seeing some authentic Indonesian temples, check out Borobudur in Yogyakarta. I took a half-day sunrise tour to see this unbelievable Buddhist temple. It’s the largest one in the world. Wait until you see how big it is. You’ll be blown away. 

The tour cost me $40, including return transport from my accommodation and a local guide, but an entrance fee of $25 had to be paid when I arrived. You could possibly do this on your own for cheaper if you’re confident enough to drive a moped in Yogyakarta’s hectic traffic.

Other must-have experiences in Indonesia:

• Get up early to see a sunrise at Mount Bromo
• Spend some time with monkeys at the Monkey Forest in Ubud
• Watch a native Balinese fire dance show in Uluawatu

The average cost of activities per day is $25.

Total Expenses Per Day When Traveling To Indonesia

I have covered every cost you could possibly have when traveling to Indonesia. Now let me show you how much you’re going to spend every day on travel expenses so you know how much to budget for your trip.

• Accommodation – $6 (budget traveler) or $27 (mid-range traveler) per night
• Transportation – $15 per day
• Food – $6 per day (budget traveler) or $17 (mid-range traveler)
• Activities – $25 per day

Total expenses for each day: $52 (budget traveler) or $84 (mid-range traveler).

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Meet Lauren Juliff

• Travel Planning Guide

Indonesia Travel Budget - Visit Indonesia on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Indonesia Costs

• Is Indonesia Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Indonesia cost?
• Indonesia On-Your-Own Itineraries
• Mount Bromo
• Gili Trawangan
• Indonesia Hotel Prices
• Indonesia Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Hotels for One Week in Indonesia
• Best Beach Hotels in Indonesia
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Indonesia
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Indonesia
• Best Cheap Hotels in Indonesia
• Best Party Hotels in Indonesia
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Indonesia
• Best Hotels for One Night in Indonesia
• Best Business Hotels in Indonesia
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Indonesia
• Best Luxury Hotels in Indonesia
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Indonesia
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Indonesia
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Indonesia
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Indonesia Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Indonesia
• The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia
• The Best Historical Tours in Indonesia
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Indonesia
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Indonesia
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Indonesia
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Indonesia
• The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia
• The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia
• The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Indonesia
• The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Indonesia
• The Best White Water Rafting Tours in Indonesia
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Indonesia
• The Best Cultural Tours in Indonesia
• The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Indonesia
• The Tours for Animal Lovers in Indonesia
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia
• The Best Religious Tours in Indonesia
• The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Indonesia
• The Best Honeymoon Tours in Indonesia
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Indonesia
• The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia
• How much does it cost to travel to Indonesia? (Average Daily Cost)
• Indonesia trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Indonesia?

Is indonesia expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Indonesia?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Indonesia?

You should plan to spend around $60 (Rp952,247) per day on your vacation in Indonesia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $16 (Rp253,030) on meals
• $8.89 (Rp142,011) on local transportation
• $62 (Rp990,703) on hotels

A one week trip to Indonesia for two people costs, on average, $835 (Rp13,331,453) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 60 Rp 952,247
• One Week Per person $ 417 Rp 6,665,726
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 835 Rp 13,331,453
• One Month Per person $ 1,789 Rp 28,567,399
• One Week For a couple $ 835 Rp 13,331,453
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 1,670 Rp 26,662,906
• One Month For a couple $ 3,578 Rp 57,134,798

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Indonesia cost?

A one week trip to Indonesia usually costs around $417 (Rp6,665,726) for one person and $835 (Rp13,331,453) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Indonesia on average costs around $835 (Rp13,331,453) for one person and $1,670 (Rp26,662,906) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Indonesia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Indonesia on average costs around $1,789 (Rp28,567,399) for one person and $3,578 (Rp57,134,798) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Indonesia is $157 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Best Java & Bali Experience, Private Tour 20 Days - 14 Destinations $ 3,200
• Tailor-Made Indonesia Highlights Trip, Daily Departure 12 Days - 9 Destinations $ 4,697

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Indonesia is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability . If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Asia, Indonesia is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Myanmar or Vietnam.

For more details, see Is Indonesia Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Indonesia?

The average Indonesia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Indonesia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Indonesia

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Indonesia is $31 (Rp495,351). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Indonesia is $62 (Rp990,703). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 31 Rp 495,351
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 62 Rp 990,703

Hotel Prices in Indonesia

Looking for a hotel in Indonesia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Indonesia based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $49. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Scallywags Anyar Estate Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 149
• Four On Drupadi Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 104

Local Transportation Budget in Indonesia

The cost of a taxi ride in Indonesia is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $8.89 (Rp142,011) per person, per day, on local transportation in Indonesia.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 8.89 Rp 142,011

Recommended Services

• All Inclusive: Ubud River Rafting with Lunch and Transfers Viator $ 25
• The Bali Airport Transfer To Munduk Area Viator $ 59

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Indonesia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Indonesia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Taxi to Station Rp 17,500
• Motorbike Rental Rp 50,000

Food Budget in Indonesia

While meal prices in Indonesia can vary, the average cost of food in Indonesia is $16 (Rp253,030) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Indonesia should cost around $6.34 (Rp101,212) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Indonesia is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 16 Rp 253,030

Recommended

• PRIVATE Balinese Cooking Class in a Traditional Family Home Viator $ 78
• Balinese Farm Cooking Class by Pemulan Bali Viator $ 38

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Indonesia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Indonesia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Dinner Rp 12,000
• Dinner Rp 44,000
• Lunch for 2 Rp 144,000
• Dinner for 2 Rp 158,000
• Lunch for Two Rp 130,000
• Coffee Rp 20,000
• Lunch for Two Rp 219,450
• Bali Cafe for Two Rp 433,000

Entertainment Budget in Indonesia

Entertainment and activities in Indonesia typically cost an average of $9.69 (Rp154,739) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 9.69 Rp 154,739

Recommended Activities

• Ubud Tour - Ubud Highlight - Private Tour All inclusive Viator $ 83
• Balinese Life Style Tour Viator $ 80

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Indonesia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Indonesia, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Cooking School Rp 450,000
• Snorkelling Trip Rp 200,000
• Spa for Two Rp 870,000

Tips and Handouts Budget in Indonesia

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Indonesia is $4.29 (Rp68,555) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Indonesia is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 4.29 Rp 68,555

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Indonesia

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Indonesia is $6.95 (Rp111,013), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 6.95 Rp 111,013

Alcohol Budget in Indonesia

The average person spends about $4.87 (Rp77,776) on alcoholic beverages in Indonesia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 4.87 Rp 77,776
• Bali: Wine Tasting Factory Tours with Optional Sightseeing Get Your Guide $ 47

Water Budget in Indonesia

On average, people spend $1.18 (Rp18,890) on bottled water in Indonesia per day. The public water in Indonesia is not usually considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 1.18 Rp 18,890

Related Articles

Indonesia on a budget.

At A Glance

• Most people take at least one flight while they're in Indonesia. Be prepared for scheduling delays as there are many. The safety records of some airlines are sub par so it is best to stick with companies such as Garuda and Air Asia, which are run within international standards. Adam Air, Lion Air and Mandala have all experienced fatal crashes in the last few years. Still, flying is more comfortable and safer than driving in most of Indonesia.
• If you choose to travel by ferry you will have five different classes which you can choose from. First class offers cabins with two beds each, second class has four beds per cabin, third class has six beds and fourth class is dormitory style. Both first and second classes have shared washrooms. Ekonomi class is also an option but it is recommended you bring a mat and arrive early. Also watch out for pickpockets.
• Scuba diving in Indonesia is excellent. Some of the best places to go for diving include Bunaken in Northern Sulawesi, Wakatobi in South East Sulawesi and Raja Ampat in Papua. There are plenty of diving opportunities in Bali, but these are generally mediocre at best. If you're an avid scuba diving you will do better to head elsewhere.
• Many people enjoy going to spas in Indonesia. There really are options for every budget. The most low cost options are generally housed in small huts and are simple facilities. If you're looking for the most extravagant spas then head for the five star hotels, although these are anything but cheap.
• ATMs are very prevalent in most touristy areas and all major cities. Do plan ahead however as many ATMs have incredibly low withdrawal limits (about US$55 per day). It's also trickier to find ATMs if you're traveling into more rural areas that aren't popular with tourists. In these cases it is best to carry money with you.

Top Tourist Attractions

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Welcome to indonesia.

Sink your feet and your heart into the warm sand and lush forests of Indonesia. Whether you seek the thrills of Jakarta’s theme parks, want to explore the mountains of Java, or soak up heavenly sun at Bali’s Kuta beach, you’ll always be relaxing to the max or adventuring to the extreme.

3 stars –  You’ll be able to find an ATM in Indonesia, but they won’t jump out at you. Monkeys might, and gorgeous sceneries definitely will, but not money machines. Sorry.

Tip a little in Bali, otherwise there’s no expectation

Phone and Internet access

Many places, like convenience stores,  can offer free Wi-Fi

Even with cheap travel and food, you’ll be spending millions (but that ain’t so bad in rupiahs).

Coffee:  AU$2.40 (regular cappuccino) Water:  AU$0.70 (330mL bottle) Beer :  AU$4.80 (330mL imported bottle) Food:   AU$2.30 (local takeaway) Taxi:  AU$20 (Jakarta airport – city) Big Mac:  AU$3.40 (cheap Macca’s!)

Daily budget

Budget:  Around AU$80/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket   snacks and entry to a museum in Jakarta) Moderate: Around AU$150/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket   snacks and breakfast at Bali Zoo) Luxury:  Around AU$200/day (2x restaurant meals,   supermarket snacks and a quad bike tour in Bali)

Safety rating

2.5/5 stars -  Theft is quite common for tourists, unfortunately (keep an eye on those monkeys again). So make sure you secure your travel money and keep your belongings close and locked away.

Travel Money Trivia

Silver tongue ‘Rupiah’ is based on the Sanskrit word for wrought silver: ‘Rupya’. Be a millionaire The rupiah has declined in value over the years, hence your overflowing travel wallet. Living room money The 1,000 rupiah note features a lovely fishing boat and a volcano. So spend it or frame it. Costly coin The 25 and 50 rupiah coin were discontinued as the material cost exceeded their value. Shared  birthdays In 1945, Indonesia declared independence and started the rupiah.

Let's talk money

Carrying around millions in rupiahs can be a little confusing (and daunting). However, many places only accept cash. Just remember that the 100,000 rupiah note is around 10 bucks. Pay with cash for a better price

• Stick to authorised money exchangers 
• ^ others are likely to try ripping you off
• Prices are set higher to be haggled lower 
• Keep your money safe from card trick scams
• If your hotel has a buffet breakfast, EAT UP
• Zip-up travel wallets have more space for rupiahs
• Tipping is fine, just don’t be scammed to tip
• Buy bottled water and ask for no ice in your drinks

Tanah Lot   After you tan a lot, why not visit Tanah Lot? This island temple is a beautiful space offering an unbeatable sunset view Sacred Monkey  Forest Sanctuary   When you’re done monkeying around in Bali, see the actual monkeys in action. Borobudur    Borobudur borrows Buddha’s face (say that 10 times…) for over 500 statues, making it the world’s largest Buddhist temple. White river rafting    Find adventure on the Ayung River as you conquer fast waters and discover hidden waterfalls. Bali surfing    Bali is famous for its surf, with its consistent barrels and perfect coast views. Stick to the popular Kuta beach, or find a quieter current.

Get the best deal on your foreign exchange today & take off with more spending money. Order online 24/7 or visit one of our 130+ stores.

Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication. Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation.

Why Travel Money

Travel Money Guide: Indonesia

Get from the beach bar to surfie havens with the right access to your holiday money..

In this guide

Compare travel money options for Indonesia

Travel card, credit card, or debit cards, how much rupiah do i need to bring to the indonesia, exchange rate history (aud to idr), how the different travel money products work in indonesia, a guide to indonesian banknotes and coins, find cash and atms in indonesia, get travel insurance quotes for your holiday in indonesia.

Travel Money Cards

Whether it's Bali, Lombok or any of the 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia, you'll need to figure out the best way to access your money.

If you're sticking to a swanky resort in a built-up area like Bali, you'll be fine with a no-fee debit or credit card and access to some cash for any smaller purchases along the way, like souvenirs and quick meals. If you're doing it loval style in a villa or heading off the beaten track, then having more Indonesian Rupiah available in cash is a must.

• Travel Credit Cards
• Travel Debit Cards
• Prepaid Travel Money Cards

What's in this Indonesia travel money guide?

A quick summary of travel money options for indonesia.

• Stephanie’s trip to Bali
• A guide to Indonesia Rupiah: banknotes and coins
• Finding cash and ATMs in Indonesia
• Find travel insurance for Indonesia

Whether you're on a quick business trip or taking a holiday, it's good to have an at least a couple of ways to access your money. There are currently no travel cards which allow you to load Indonesian rupiah. Compare travel credit cards and debit cards to take to Indonesia instead.

Choose a mix that suits your needs: for example a debit card for regular spending with a credit card for emergencies, or Indonesian currency supplemented by a debit card. Whatever mix you decide on, you want to have enough Indonesian currency in your pockets when travelling through Indonesia — even if it's enough for the first couple of days.

You're going to need to pay for a visa when you arrive in Indonesia. In places such as Denpasar airport, you have to pay cash, so make sure you have sufficient funds.

This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.

*Prices are approximate and are subject to change.

*Exchange rates are accurate as of 3 September 2017

Today's exchange rate AUD to IDR

Using prepaid travel cards

If you're looking at taking a travel money card to Indonesia, think again. There are no travel money cards on the market that allow you to load and spend in Indonesian rupiah. Having said that, there are a couple of travel cards which may be suitable to take to Indonesia, including the CommBank Travel Money Card . One drawback, however, is that the CBA card charges the Visa or Mastercard currency conversion fee, plus 4.5%.

These cards should only really be considered if Indonesia is the first leg of your international holiday. The CommBank Travel Money Card offers up to 13 different international currencies and can be used all over the world. Furthermore, the Commonwealth Bank have a large number of ATMs and branches in Bali and Indonesia where you can use your CBA travel, debit or credit card and avoid the international ATM fee. However, due to the lack of support for Indonesian rupiah, the exchange rate margin when you load the card with funds and the fee structure, there are cheaper products to use in Indonesia than a travel card.

Travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fee

A credit card can be useful when travelling overseas – especially when it comes to big ticket items you may want to pay off over a couple of months, or hotel check-in where a deposit is required. Credit cards also give you access to emergency cash if you need it, and some credit cards have handy benefits like complimentary travel insurance when you charge the cost of your travel ticket to your account.

However, credit cards can be expensive, especially when it comes withdrawing cash at an ATM. Interest is charged straight away and you'll pay a cash advance fee. You may be able to avoid this keeping a positive balance on your card — each credit card issuer has different rules for keeping a positive balance. Read the FAQs section of our travel money page for more information.

Taking a debit card in Indonesia

Most debit cards on the market charge a 2-3% fee when you make a purchase outside of Australia. In fact, there's only one debit card available at the moment which waives the currency conversion fee: the Citibank Plus Transaction Account.

Using traveller's cheques

Traveller's cheques may not be as popular today as they used to be but they still offer some important advantages over other forms of travel money. When travelling to Indonesia, traveller's cheques have the added security of needing ID to be cashed. Plus, if they get lost or stolen, they can be replaced in a few days. There will also be a fee for purchasing and cashing traveller's cheques, so check these out too.

Stephanie's Bali Beach Holiday

• CommBank Travel Money Card
• Commonwealth Bank Low Rate Credit Card
• Commonwealth Bank Smart Access Mastercard Debit Card

Why did you take these cards with you?

Stephanie says she already had a CommBank Travel Money Card from her last holiday with a little money left on it. She withdrew the remaining funds from this card from a Commonwealth Bank ATM in Bali and saved on ATM withdrawal fees. She didn't bother reloading this card even though there is no reload charge from the Commonwealth Bank.

She used the Commonwealth Bank Smart Access Mastercard Debit Card once the money from her travel card ran out. Even though she was paying a little more for the currency conversion fee, she only used her card a couple of times to withdraw cash from CBA ATMs and her debit card offered a slightly better rate than her travel card.

Stephanie had her CommBank credit card as a backup and only used it a couple of times on her trip — she paid the remaining balance of her hotel bill and shouted her friends to dinner one night. he paid it off when she got back to Australia (within the 55 day interest free period) and didn't incur any interest charges.

Did you withdraw from ATMs?

Stephanie says she withdrew from Commonwealth Bank ATMs around the Kuta area. When she used her travel card, she only paid a few dollars each time. When she used her debit card to withdraw cash, a currency conversion fee was applied to her transaction.

Were there any places where you had trouble using any of your cards?

Stephanie mainly used cash in Bali. The times she did pay with her card, she was at an upmarket restaurant and major hotel chain.

What's your recommendation for the best form of travel money to take to Indonesia?

Stephanie says one of her friends used the Citibank Plus Transaction Account, and she says she'll get this account next time she travels overseas. Citibank waives the international ATM fee and currency conversion fee and there's no monthly charge to keep the account.

What are your travel money tips for Bali?

She says do your shopping in the morning. The people who sell things at the markets in Bali will give you a better price in the morning compared to in the afternoon.

Card acceptance

You will be able to use your existing ATM card in most places where merchants display the same logo as the one on your card. Mastercard and Visa have wide acceptance in Bali.

Cheap ATM withdrawals in Indonesia

• Westpac. Westpac Group cardholders (Westpac, St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne) can avoid the international ATM withdrawal fee by using CIMB ATMs throughout Indonesia. The local ATM operator fee may still apply. You can read more about Westpac's International ATM Alliance here.
• Commonwealth Bank. CommBank have a presence throughout Indonesia — you can find a concentration of CBA ATMs around Bali, especially Kuta. You can avoid ATM withdrawal fees using CommBank products at these ATMs.
• Citibank. You can make free ATM withdrawals using the Citibank Plus Transaction Account at Citibank ATMs in Indonesia. Citibank have an ATM in Kuta.

Indonesia has proved to be a dangerous destination for Australian travellers. From the dreaded Bali belly to contaminated alcohol, there are many risks lurking just below the surface. This is why travel insurance is so important. Travel insurance can cover:

• Cancellations
• Repatriation
• Lost Deposits
• Additional accommodation
• Personal liability
• Emergency dental and medical

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Indonesia is a favourite for holidaymakers from Australia. Bali is an especially popular spot for Aussies, it is virtually impossible to walk down a beach in Bali without hearing that distinctive Aussie twang. Do your research and save on paying unnecessary fees to your bank.

• Read about travel money for Singapore
• Find out how to take money to Fiji
• Compare all your travel money options here

Jacob Joseph

Jacob Joseph was a writer and video journalist for Finder.

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4 Responses

Hi I am about to head to Bali and I can’t decided on what to do about money. I am getting all different advice. I have CommBank MasterCard debit and ANZ visa debt… do I just use them to withdraw cash in Bali or use a prepaid multi-currency cash passport

Thanks for your comment.

The ‘best’ option will always depend on your unique financial situation, your travel budget and spending habits.

If you use a Commonwealth Bank Debit MasterCard, you will be charged overseas currency conversion fees and foreign ATM withdrawal fees. These fees vary depending on the ATM you use, so I have emailed you a copy of the product disclosure statement for further information. Also, the ANZ Visa Debit card unlimited ATM withdrawal offer does not apply to overseas withdrawals.

If you are looking to access your own funds overseas, a prepaid travel money card can be a valuable way to load funds on your card, transfer them to a foreign currency and access your funds overseas without the temptation of a line of credit. Unfortunately, not many Australian travel money cards support Indonesian Rupiah, so you might want to look out for a card that does not charge currency conversion fees. This way you can load your card with Australian Dollars and you won’t incur a fee when they’re transferred to Indonesian Rupiah while you’re travelling.

For example, the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card is one of few travel money cards that doesn’t charge currency conversion fees on either supported or unsupported currencies.

Please ensure to read through the relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions of the card to ensure that you got everything covered before you travel.

I hope this has helped.

I have a multi currency travel card with Aus dollars on it only. Can the currency be converted into Indonesian currency when I use the card? Or do I have to do something in Australia 1st.

Thank you for your comment.

The Multi-currency Cash Passport does not currently support the Indonesian rupiah.

Although you can make payments using the Australian Dollars loaded on your card, you will incur a currency conversion fee of 5.95% plus the MasterCard® rate each time you complete a transaction in Indonesian rupiah.

I hope this has helped answer your question.

Thanks, Sally

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Compare Indonesian rupiah travel money rates

Get the best Indonesian rupiah exchange rate by comparing travel money deals from the UK's top foreign exchange providers

Best Indonesian rupiah exchange rate

If you're travelling to Indonesia, it's important to shop around and compare currency suppliers to maximise your chances of getting a good deal. We can help you to find the best Indonesian rupiah exchange rate by comparing a wide range of UK travel money suppliers who have Indonesian rupiahs in stock and ready to order online now. Our comparisons automatically factor in all costs and commission, so all you need to do is tell us how much you want to spend and we'll show you the top suppliers who fit the bill.

Compare before you buy

Some of the best travel money deals are only available when you buy online. By using a comparison site, you're more likely to see the full range of deals on offer and get the best rate.

Order online

Always place your order online, even if you plan to collect your currency in person. Most supermarkets and high street currency suppliers offer better exchange rates if you order online beforehand.

Combine orders

If you're travelling with others, consider placing one large currency order instead of buying individually. Many currency suppliers offer enhanced rates that improve as you order more.

The best Indonesian rupiah exchange rate right now is 19132 from Travel FX . This is based on a comparison of 16 currency suppliers and assumes you were buying £750 worth of Indonesian rupiahs for home delivery.

The best Indonesian rupiah exchange rates are usually offered by online travel money companies who have lower operating costs than traditional 'bricks and mortar' stores, and can therefore offer better currency deals than their high street counterparts.

For supermarkets and companies who sell travel money online and on the high street, it's generally cheaper to place your order online and collect it from the store rather than turning up out of the blue and ordering over the counter. Many stores set their 'walk-in' exchange rates lower than their online rates because they can. By ordering online you're guaranteed to get the online rate and you can collect your order from the store as usual.

Indonesian rupiah rate trend

Over the past 30 days, the Indonesian rupiah rate is up 0.52% from 19132 on 12 Apr to 19231 today. This means one pound will buy more Indonesian rupiahs today than it would have a month ago. Right now, £750 is worth approximately Rp 14,423,250.00 which is Rp 74 more than you'd have got on 12 Apr.

These are the average Indonesian rupiah rates taken from our panel of UK travel money providers at the end of each day. You can explore this further on our British pound to Indonesian rupiah currency chart .

Timing is key if you want to maximise your Indonesian rupiahs, but the best time to buy will depend on the current market conditions and your personal travel plans.

If you have a fixed travel date, you should start to monitor the Indonesian rupiah rates as soon as possible in the period leading up to your departure so that you've got time to buy when the rate is looking favourable. For example, if the Indonesian rupiah rate has been steadily increasing over several weeks or months, it could be a good time to buy while the rate is high.

Some people prefer to buy half of their Indonesian rupiahs as soon as they've booked their holiday, and the remaining half just before they depart. This can be a good way of maximising your holiday money if the exchange rate continues to rise after you've bought, but will also help to minimise your losses if the rate drops.

You could also consider signing up to our newsletter and we'll email the latest rates to you each month.

If you need your Indonesian rupiahs sooner and don't have time to wait for the rates to improve, you can still save money by comparing rates from a range of different providers before you buy. Online travel money suppliers usually have better Indonesian rupiah rates than high street exchanges, but supermarkets are a good compromise if you want to collect your currency in person and still get a decent rate. Just remember to buy or reserve your Indonesian rupiahs first before you collect them from the store so you benefit from the supplier's better online rate.

Indonesian rupiah banknotes and coins

One Indonesian rupiah (Rp) can theoretically be subdivided into 100 sen, although sen are no longer in circulation due to their low value and the smallest unit of currency you're likely to come across is the Rp 500 coin.

There are seven denominations of Indonesian rupiah banknotes in frequent circulation: Rp 1000, Rp 2000, Rp 5000, Rp 10000, Rp 20000, Rp 50000 and Rp 100000; and two frequently-used denominations of coins: Rp 500 and Rp 1000.

The name 'rupiah' is derived from 'rupya' which is the Sanskrit word for silver. The name was first used to denote a coin introduced by a 16th century ruler in Northern India.

There's no evidence to suggest that you'll get a better deal if you buy your Indonesian rupiahs in Indonesia. While there may be better exchange rates available in some locations, your options for shopping around may be limited once you arrive, and there's no guarantee the exchange rates will be any better than they are in the UK.

Exchange rates aside, here are some other reasons to avoid buying your Indonesian rupiahs in Indonesia:

• You may have to pay commission or other hidden fees to a currency exchange that you wouldn't have paid in the UK
• Your bank may charge you a foreign transaction fee if you use it to buy Indonesian rupiahs when you're abroad
• It can be harder to spot scammers and fraudulent currency exchanges in Indonesia

Lastly, it can be handy to have some cash on you when you arrive at your destination so you can pay for any immediate expenses like food, transport and tips. You don't want to be searching for the nearest currency exchange when you've just landed and you're desperate for a cup of tea - or a cocktail!

Choosing the right payment method

Sending money to a company you might not have heard of before can be unsettling. We routinely check all the companies that feature in our comparisons to make sure they meet our strict listing criteria, but it's still worth knowing how your money is protected in the unlikely event a company goes bust and you don't receive your order.

Bank transfer

Your money is not protected if you pay by bank transfer. If the company goes bust and you've paid by bank transfer, it's unlikely you'll get your money back. For this reason, we recommend you pay by debit or credit card wherever possible because they offer more financial protection.

Debit cards are the most popular payment method and they offer some financial protection. If you pay by debit card and the company goes bust, you can instruct your bank to make a chargeback request to recover your money from the company's bank. This isn't a legal right, and a refund isn't guaranteed, but if you make a chargeback request your bank is obliged to try and recover your money.

Credit card

Credit cards offer full financial protection, and your money is protected by law under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Section 75 states that your card issuer must refund you in full if you don't receive your order. Be aware that many credit cards charge a cash advance fee (typically around 3%) for buying currency, so you may have to weigh up the benefits of full financial protection with the extra cost of using a credit card.

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Buy Indonesian rupiah online

Our currency calculator is a quick and easy way to check our latest foreign currency exchange rates.

What do I need to bring to collect my foreign currency?

Why buy Indonesian rupiah from M&S Bank?

If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, we offer a number of benefits when you buy Indonesian rupiah from M&S Bank.

• Our stores are open 7 days a week †
• Buy Indonesian rupiah online and collect from your local Bureau de Change
• Exchange any leftover currency when you return using our buy back service

Click and Collect Indonesian rupiah

IDR Indonesian rupiah exchange rate

The exchange rate may differ depending on the day you order your currency.

Find today’s Indonesian rupiah exchange rate here. Or use our Indonesian rupiah converter  to see how much you could get for your pound.

How to sell back Indonesian rupiah

Do you have left over Indonesian rupiah from your recent trip? We can buy back foreign currency from you.

How to order Indonesian rupiah

Our online and in-store services make ordering your Indonesian rupiah simple:

• Order your Indonesian rupiah online with our Click & Collect currency service. Choose your collection date and collect from your local Bureau de Change.
• Or visit your local Bureau de Change to buy Indonesian rupiah * . You can find our Bureaux de Change in M&S stores nationwide. Many are open seven days a week late into the evening, so you can buy your Indonesian rupiah at a time that suits you.

Countries that accept Indonesian rupiah

The Indonesian rupiah is accepted everywhere throughout Indonesia. The US dollar (USD) is the official currency of the neighbouring island region of East Timor (Timor-Leste) but the Indonesian rupiah (IDR) may be accepted, but you should make sure you have enough of the correct local currency to cover your purchases.

Why visit Indonesia?

Indonesia is a country of islands – over 17,000 of them in fact. From the pristine beaches of Bali to the volcanic mountains in Java, Indonesia is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

With such diversity there’s so many places in Indonesia to choose from if you’re thinking of planning a trip. There’s the lush tropical forests of Sumatra, the quiet Gili Islands, or the vibrant bustling city metropolis of Jakarta to explore.

If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, our online currency converter can be useful when you need to plan how far your money will get you.

Indonesian rupiah facts and history

The currency code for the Indonesian rupiah is IDR. Locally, you’ll see prices written using the abbreviation Rp.

The word ‘Rupiah’ actually comes from the name of the Indian currency, the Rupee. In Hindustani, it means ‘silver’.

Indonesian currency comes in the following denominations of bank note:

You can buy Indonesian rupiah online using our Click & Collect service.

Frequently asked questions

Can i use my bank card in indonesia.

Yes. ATMs are easily accessible in most of the tourist areas. Many larger outlets will accept card payments, although it’s a good idea to also carry some cash in the local Indonesian currency for smaller purchases.

How expensive is Indonesia?

Because of the scale and diversity of Indonesia, prices can vary enormously between the very popular tourist areas and those hidden spots off the beaten track. Generally speaking, the Indonesian exchange rate is favourable, and you can expect to pay less than you would in the UK for food, drinks and transport.

As an example, in Bali, you might expect to pay:

• 4100.65 Rp for a bottle of water
• 29449.20 Rp for a coffee
• 165,000 Rp for a three course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant

Check our currency converter to see the latest exchange rates for Indonesian rupiah.

Can you use other currencies in Indonesia?

The only official currency of Indonesia is the rupiah. In some larger tourist destinations or bigger hotels, you may have the option to pay in US dollars. However, check the exchange rate before agreeing to this, as it usually won’t be the cheapest way to pay.

Do you need a visa to visit Indonesia?

If you’re travelling to Indonesia for a holiday, you can either apply for an e-visa online before you travel, or on arrival in the country. It will cost 500,000 Rp to apply on arrival, so if you choose this route it’s a good idea to order some rupiahs to bring with you before you travel.

The visa will allow you to stay for up to 30 days, and can be extended once for a further 30 days if needed. You might be asked to show proof of your onwards travel to immigration officials, so make sure you have this booked before attempting to enter the country.

You should always research the most up to date visa guidelines before planning a trip.

Should you tip in Indonesia?

Tipping is normal in Indonesia, and you can expect to add on around 10-15% of your bill if you’re happy with the service for meals or drinks. For higher end hotels or luxury resorts, you might also want to tip a range of staff, including housekeeping, porters, spa attendants or concierges.

It’s normal to tip in cash in rupiahs. Having some cash to hand in the Indonesian currency can mean you’re fully prepared for situations where tipping is expected, like taxis or transfers.

What languages are spoken in Indonesia?

The official language of Indonesia is the Indonesian language. However, it’s estimated that there are around 700 different languages spoken throughout the various islands and regions of the country altogether.

The two main secondary regional languages spoken are Javanese and Sundanese. They have around 98 million and 48 million native speakers respectively.

What is the latest government travel advice for Indonesia?

When you’re planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to check online for the latest government travel advisory for Indonesia as things can change quite quickly.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice on risks involved with travel to an area.

It’s worth checking the details of your travel insurance policy to make sure you’re covered in case anything goes wrong before or during your trip.

What is the average cost of a Bali holiday?

Bali is a popular holiday destination and once you get there, your money can go further than you’d think. Of course, the cost of a holiday to Bali depends entirely on what type of trip you’re looking for. A budget backpacking trip, staying in hostels and sampling the local street food is going to set you back far less than relaxing at a luxury spa resort.

You could expect to pay around 150,000 Rp for a bed in a hostel. A private villa might start from around 757,000 Rp while pushing the boat out for a 5-star hotel could be upwards of 2million Rp.

Don’t forget to factor in extras like day trips, guided tours and travel costs to fully make the most of your time – whether its surfing in Sumatra or hiking volcanoes in Java.

When is the best time of year to visit Indonesia?

July and August tend to be the busiest times of year in Bali and Lombok. You can expect a lively nightlife scene, and busier beaches at this time of year. The same is true over the Christmas period too, when escaping the gloom of winter makes the warmer temperatures of Indonesia so appealing.

The tropical climate does mean Indonesia has a rainy season. If you’re planning on visiting places in Indonesia from December to March, you might want to pack your umbrella, as tropical downpours are common.

If you’re ready to hit the beaches of Bali, check the Indonesian exchange rate and order your Bali currency online using our travel money Click and Collect service.

Important documents

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Other popular currencies

If you are planning a future holiday or a trip that takes in multiple destinations, these other currencies may be useful:

*Subject to availability

† Subject to store opening hours

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Planning to explore the islands of Indonesia like Bali or Java? Buy your Indonesian Rupiah ahead of time and be ready to start your adventure as soon as you land.

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Buy Indonesian Rupiah online and collect from selected Tesco stores

Get set for your holiday while you do your weekly shop, by collecting your indonesian rupiah from your chosen store..

If you’re planning a boat trip in Borneo or a beach holiday in Bali, why not give Click & Collect a try?

Simply place your order online, choose a date to collect your Indonesian Rupiah then head along to your selected Tesco Travel Money bureau or customer service desk. Look forward to exploring the unspoilt shorelines of the Lombok and Gili Islands or check out the amazing temples of Java, without having to worry about exchanging currency while you're there.

Buy before you fly

Benefits of planning ahead.

Know that as soon as you arrive in Indonesia, you’ll have the cash you need for all those little essentials. Whether it’s a taxi from the airport or the chance to try tasty specialties like Nasi Goreng, Satay and Sambal, having Indonesian Rupiah on hand makes things simple.

You also won’t need to worry about finding an ATM or facing any additional withdrawal charges while you’re away. Buying your Indonesian Rupiah before you go also means you’ll know what exchange rate you’re getting, which is handy because when you withdraw cash abroad, you’ll be subject to changing exchange rates.

Get your currency when it’s convenient for you

You can use Click & Collect to arrange a time to pick up your Indonesian Rupiah as part of your weekly shop, either from a Tesco Travel Money bureau or customer service desks. You can also use our home delivery service, which is free for online orders of £500 or more.

Exchange rates can change throughout the day and may vary depending on whether you buy in-store, online, or over the phone.

Some common questions about the Indonesian Rupiah

The Indonesian Rupiah is the official currency of Indonesia. It’s issued by the Central Bank of the Republic of Indonesia and is commonly abbreviated to Rp.

The Rupiah became Indonesia’s official currency in 1946, replacing the Indonesian Dutch East Indies guilder. After high inflation in the 1950s, Indonesia introduced a new Rupiah in 1965 and that’s the version still used today.

Rupiah notes come in 1000Rp, 2000Rp, 5000Rp, 10.000Rp, 20.000Rp, 50.000Rp and 100.000Rp.

Coins come in 50Rp, 100Rp, 200Rp, 500Rp and 1000Rp.

Indonesia is the largest island country in the world and is home to more than 17,000 islands – and the Indonesian Rupiah is used on all of them. Indonesia is the only country that uses the Rupiah as its official currency, but it’s also used unofficially in neighbouring country Timor-Leste.

You don’t have to tip while you’re in Indonesia, but you might want to, especially in the bigger cities. Around 10% is considered a decent tip and you may want to also add in any small coins you have. If you want to tip and there’s no bill to guide you, then between 20.000 and 50.000Rp is a good rule of thumb.

In some of the most popular tourist spots, such as Bali or Jakarta, western-style restaurants may add a 10% service charge to your bills so it’s always worth checking.

Looking for a different currency?

We sell over 50 currencies. Order online for home delivery or collect from selected Tesco stores.

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Buying foreign currency using a credit or debit card.

No matter how you purchase your travel money, whether it be in store, online or over the phone, you will not be charged any card handling fee by us. However, regardless of your card type, your card provider may apply fees, e.g. cash advance fees or other fees, so please check with them before you purchase your travel money.

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You can cancel a Click & Collect order any time prior to collection. We'll refund you with the full Sterling amount that you paid for your order, unless you cancel less than 24 hours before your collection date, in which case we'll charge a £10 late cancellation fee.

We are unable to refund any fees charged by your card issuer, so please contact them if you have any further queries.

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3 Weeks in Indonesia Itinerary

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Indonesia is a country between Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Pacific and Indian oceans. Amazingly, it is the world’s largest island country and archipelagic state, as well as the 14th largest country in the world by land mass.

Over the past few years, Indonesia has been one of the most popular beach destinations in Southeast Asia. I’ve been to Indonesia twice, and I can tell you confidently that I have not explored all its islands yet.

Indonesia has over 17,000 islands and is surrounded by various bodies of water , it boasts a myriad of scenic and serene islands and beaches. Indonesia is a tropical country offering stunning beaches, surfing spots, yoga retreats , and cool active volcanoes.

You’ll also find one of the biggest islands in the world here, Borneo, which has extensive biodiversity when it comes to plants, animals, and culture. And we’re just getting started. Read on to discover what else you’re going to find if you spend 3 weeks in Indonesia.

RELATED POST: Best beaches for a summer vacation

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO INDONESIA

Indonesia can be hard to navigate due to its geographic appearance. It can also be confusing to decide when is the best time to visit. But the travel tips below will help you plan a 3-week itinerary for Indonesia.

ALSO CHECK: 3 weeks in the Philippines or 3 Weeks in Thailand

When is the best time to go to Indonesia

The summer season in Indonesia is from June to August, which is also the peak season and the best time to visit. The rainy season is from December to March, these are the months you should really avoid.

Although a majorly Muslim country, the Christmas season (December) can get very busy in Indonesia due to foreign visitors visiting during this month. If you plan to come here at that time, book your accommodations at least 6 months in advance.

Are 3 weeks enough for Indonesia

Indonesia has lots of islands, although the main attractions are located on the bigger islands where domestic flights are frequent and affordable.

Spending 3 weeks in Indonesia gives you plenty of time to explore its cities, hike its active volcanoes, and catch some waves on the surfing islands. But stick to seeing 4-5 citie s to ensure that you’re not wasting your time travelling from one city to another.

Average cost of 20 days in Indonesia

On average, a single traveller could spend around $1,200 for a 3-week trip in Indonesia . This includes a stay in a private room at a mid-range hotel, eating out for food, and booking tours.

If you’re a b ackpacker, you can do this trip for $900. You will be staying in hostels, dining on street food, and choosing more affordable tours.

Of course, for those interested in a luxury adventure in Indonesia, $2,400 is a great budget plan. Sleep in five-star resorts, try out high-end restaurants and book luxurious tours.

These budgets are for individual people. If you are travelling as a couple of two friends, you can share the private room and save a bit on accommodation. Food, hotel, and transportation are not expensive in Indonesia. You’ll most likely spend more on booking domestic flights, but still on the affordable side.

These numbers don’t include your flight to and from Indonesia, travel insurance, and travel gear. But you can check this Bali holiday budget breakdown to better understand the cost.

What to pack

Packing for 3 weeks in Indonesia depends on the activities you plan to do. For example,e if you want to do some serious hiking, make sure to bring proper hiking shoes or boots. If you want to spend more time surfing or on the beach, bring 3-4 swimwear.

Those planning to visit temples have to dress properly before entering sacred places. Check our packing list for a summer vacation .

How to get around

To get around Indonesia, the modes of transportation available are taxis, car rentals , trains, planes, and buses. Since it is an island, it relies heavily on ferries and water taxis for transportation. The fastest option would be to fly but this is only advisable for far-flung islands.

The most affordable and convenient option is to ride the bus . If you opt to admire the rural scenery then boarding the train is the perfect option for you, although it’s primarily available in Java. A car rental is also a great option.

Language and currency

The language that is most spoken in Indonesia is called Bahasa Indonesia, followed by Javanese. Some useful words/phrases that tourists could use when in Indonesia include 

• selamat Pagi – good morning
• selamat sore – good evening
• selamat malam – good night
• Permisi pak – excuse me sir
• permisi bu – excuse me ma’am
• sampai jumpa – goodbye
• terima kasih – thank you

Indonesia’s official currency is Rupiah . Cash is still the most widely used mode of payment, especially in remote locations. In Bali, Visa and Mastercard are commonly used. 

Passengers in the ASEAN region can enjoy a visa-free period of 30 days. That includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor Leste.

Prior to 2023, most nationalities can enjoy a 30-day visa-free when travelling to Indonesia. However, since mid-2023, the government has removed almost 150+ countries from the visa-free list . Now, you must apply for an evisa (e-VOA) or pay for a visa on arrival, both are valid for 30 days.

Getting one online will save you time from filling out the information, waiting in line, waiting in the payment queue, and lining up for a stamp right after you land.

If you apply for an eVOA before your arrival, you must go straight to the immigration officer and show your eVOA. The processing time of eVOA is around 5 days, you can also do an express. If you’re out of time, go for a visa on arrival instead.

Package tours

You can also book a package tour for 3 weeks in Indonesia if you want to avoid the hassle of planning and arranging multiple hotels, transport, and tours. In this way, you can relax and enjoy your vacation a lot more.

I recommend the 15 days so you have around 5 days to do anything that you want or see a place that the tour has missed.

Other travel tips

When you are planning your 20 days in Indonesia, these travel sites and tools will help you arrange your hotels, flights, car rental, and even book cooking classes and find suitable travel insurance. These sites will help you plan everything in one sitting and ensure that you will have an amazing vacation.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN INDONESIA

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN INDONESIA ITINERARY

If you’re planning to stay for 3-weeks in Indonesia, the most recommended places to visit are Jakarta, Mount Bromo, Mount Ijen, Yogyakarta, Bali, and Lombok.

Jakarta is a dynamic city filled with art spaces that house contemporary artworks by local and international artists. It also has old colonial buildings which are repurposed as cafes and museums, it’s basically one of those cities where historical and modern architecture mesh.

Yogyakarta is the only Indonesian region to still be ruled by a monarchy, you could personally visit some of the royalty’s residences. It also has tons of five-star hotels here that are cheaper compared to Bali, if you want to pamper yourself, this is the perfect place to do so.

Bali is a must-visit not only for those who want to see temples but also for adventurous souls . Some of the activities that you could do there besides surfing include cliff jumping, sliding down natural and man-made waterslides, hiking, and diving.

Day-to-day overview

• Day 1 : Arrive in Jakarta. Get transferred from the airport to your hotel . Find a local sim card with data and get local currency.
• Day 2 to 3 : Explore Jakarta and plan a day trip to Bandung.
• Day 4 : Travel from Jakarta to Yogyakarta by bus , plane , or train .
• Day 5 to 7 : Sightseeing around Yogyakarta.
• Day 8 : Travel from Yogyakarta to Mount Bromo (Malang) by train .
• Day 8 to 10 : Hike Mount Bromo.
• Day 11 : Travel to Ijen (Banyuwangi) via train .
• Day 12 to 14: Hike Ijen Crater
• Day 15 : Travel from Ijen/Banyuwangi to Bali by plane .
• Day 16 to 20 : Enjoy Bali Island and Lombok.

Jakarta and Bandung for 3 days

Jakarta is a concrete jungle that depicts an energetic landscape that turns into a stunning night skyline. It has many rooftop cafes where you could have a romantic dinner with a special someone or a night out with your friends.

It also is a melting pot of people of various cultures, so you’ll get to try out their foods and learn more about their history.

Aside from historical and modern structures, Jakarta have islands as well, which is perfect for those who want to experience Jakarta’s tropical side. Jakarta is an awesome place to start because a lot of international flights from Oceania, Europe, and even the Americas land in Jakarta or Bali.

You can take a day trip to Badung for a full day, depending on how much time you have, instead of spending a night in Bandung. The travel time between the two cities is around 3 to 4 hours by car or by bus .

Things to do in Jakarta

• Visit Jakarta’s top spots with a local guide – check the tour price
• Day trip to Bandung
• Istiqlal Mosque
• Ciater Hot Spring – combine a day trip with a volcano day hike
• Merdeka Square
• Thousand Islands
• Day trip to Kawah Putih – join a group tour
• Ancol Dreamland Themepark
• Ragunan Zoo
• Setu Babakan
• Basuki Abdullah Museum
• Book a full-day tour in Bandung

Accommodations in Jakarta

• Affordable: Wonderloft Hostel or Sleepy Raccoon Hostel
• Mid-range: Ashley Tanah Abang or Juno Tanah Abang
• Luxury: The Hermitage or Four Seasons Hotel

Yogyakarta for 3 days

Yogyakarta is well-known for its cultural heritage and traditional arts. It is recognized as Indonesia’s cultural hub and the country’s batik capital.

Batik is an ancient fabric wax-resist dyeing tradition in Java Indonesia . Aside from that, it is also famous for nasi gudeg , which is a must-try Javanese dish.

To reach Yogyakarta, if you’re coming from Java, the modes of transportation include train, plane, bus, and driving. The most recommended option is to board the train with a travel time of more than 7 hours.

The cheapest option is to ride a bus , but it would take approximately 10 hours. Flying would be the fastest, 1 hour.

Things to do in Yogyakarta

• Borobudur Temple – enjoy a sunrise visit with stops at Merapi Volcano and Prambanan or do the sunrise from Setumbu Hill
• The Taman Sari
• Merapi Volcano
• Kalibiru National Park
• Setumbu Hill
• Tour the Royal Route – you can do it on a bicycle
• Sewu Temple
• Plaosan Temple
• Candi Lumbung
• Ullen Sentalu Museum
• Pinus Pengger
• Book a food walking tour and learn about Indonesian cuisine
• Jomblang Cave
• Timang Beach
• Overnight trip to Mount Bromo from Yogyakarta – look at the itinerary

Accommodations in Yogyakarta

• Affordable: Puri Pangeran Hotel or Omah Pathok
• Mid-range: Hotel Neo by Aston or Ayaartta Hotel
• Luxury: Marriott Hotel or Novotel Suites or Melia Purosani

Mount Bromo for 4 days

3 weeks in Indonesia must include hiking, but not any typical hiking. During your vacation here, you must hike an active volcano. Mount Bromo is a must-visit for people who want to see an active volcano and other breathtaking views without much hiking.

Aside from that, the place is easy to access, and it offers affordable packages compared to other volcano excursions.

Aside from the volcano itself, Mount Bromo Tours is also famous for Tumpak Sewu Waterfall and Ijen Crater. To get to Mount Bromo from Yogyakarta, you could board the train which would take 4 hours of travel time towards Malang, or ride the plane to Surabay a and then get picked up by your chosen travel agency’s shuttle.

Hiking just Mount Bromo would take you only 45 minutes one way . However, it would take you three days to hike Mount Bromo if you choose a combined tour with Ijen Crater (which is the most advisable tour package).

Things to do in Mount Bromo and around

• Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour is the most popular, but you can also for a 2-day 1-night trip
• Luhur Poten Temple
• Mount Penanjakan
• Savannah Hill
• Ngadas Village
• House of Sampoerna
• Cheng Hoo Mosque
• Heroes Monument
• Ria Kenjeran Beach

Accommodations in Mount Bromo

• Affordable: Smart Tlogomas or Shinta Guesthouse
• Mid-range: Royal Orchids Garden Hotel or Ascent Premiere Hotel
• Luxury: Plantaran Bromo or Hotel Tugu Malang

COMBO HIKES / TOURS

Ijen Crater for 3 days

Mount Ijen is well-known for its blue fire , which can only be seen here and in Iceland. It is also home to the world’s largest acid lake, and you can experience great sunrises here because you’ll be able to witness the sky in different hues.

Hiking just Mount Ijen would only take almost 2 hours, but some packages offer 2-day hikes wherein you can hike both Ijen Crater and Mount Bromo.

Banyuwangi is a popular base for those who want to hike Mount Ijen because you can rent a 4×4 jeep and arrive at Ijen in 1.5 hours.

Things to do in Mount Ijen or Banyuwangi

• Ijen Crater sunrise hike
• Mount Ijen Blue Fire Trekking tour
• Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater 3-day tour
• Sukamade Beach
• Meru Betiri National Park
• Jagir Waterfall
• Jawatan Benculuk
• Overnight trip to Ijen Crater from Bali – look at the price

Accommodations in Banyuwangi

• Affordable: Mango Tree Homestay or Mocca Guest House
• Mid-range: Aston Hotel or Ketapang Indah Hotel
• Luxury: Ijen Resort and Villas or Illira Hotel

Bali and Lombok for 7 days

If you’re going to stay for 20 days in Indonesia, it is imperative to stay in Bali and Lombok for at least a week. Bali is so popular that many visitors forget that it’s not a country, but an island in East Java. Bali is well-known for its idyllic beaches, captivating cultural scene, and local delicacies.

However, there’s more to Bali than meets the eye. It is a safe haven of some sort, not only physically but even mentally and spiritually. Bali is known as a surfing spot, but there’s more to it than that. You can also go temple hopping or hike through Bali’s best waterfalls .

3 weeks in Indonesia is incomplete without visiting Bali and Lombok – the two most sought-after destinations in the country in the last decade.

You can reach Bali by boat if you come from Banyuwangi and then by bus, taxi, or minivan. The boat goes every half an hour and takes around 40 minutes. From the ferry, you can take a minivan, which is about a 2 hr and 30-minute drive or a taxi.

Flying is also an option but usually requires a connection, so the travel time will not be much faster than by ferry and bus anyway.

Bali actually has a bit of everything and is suitable for everyone because, in Denpasar, there are tons of surfing spots and backpacker trails, perfect for adrenaline junkies. We also have an itinerary for 20 days in Bali .

Meanwhile, Ubud, which is north of Denpasar, is more suitable for laid-back people who want to unwind and reflect. It is well-known for the abundance of yoga retreats that you can find there.

If you have more time, I recommend you book a 4-day trip to the famous Komodo Island to see the magnificent Komodo dragons.

If you take a speed boat , you can do a day trip to Lombok from Bali or fly . But if you have the time, maybe you can spend a few nights in Lombok.

Things to do in Denpasar

• Nusa Penida Tour – book a private boat for snorkeling and see Manta Rays or compare the price with this similar tour
• Gate of Heaven
• Bali Snorkeling Tour – snorkelling at Blue Lagoon Beach
• Sign up for a surfing beginner’s class
• Tanah Lot – best to visit with a tour guide
• Taman Festival
• Waterbom Waterpark – get a single-day pass
• Sanur Beach
• Mount Batur – do a sunrise hike and visit a natural hot spring
• Bali Wake Park
• Instagram Tour – join a tour of Bali’s Instagrammable spots
• Bahra Sandhi Monument
• Go white water wafting – check the price or rafting with an ATV ride

Things to do in Ubud

• Book a package tour – visiting Ubud’s top spots or compare to this tour or an All-inclusive Ubud day tour or maybe this tour instead with the famous Jungle Swing or an ATV tour or a monkey tour with rice terraces
• Campuhan ridge walk
• Museum Puri Lukisan
• Pura Taman Saraswati
• Jungle Swing
• Gianyar Night Market
• Rice Paddies
• Monkey Forest
• Attend a yoga class at Yoga Barn
• Watch a Legong dance performance
• Agung Rai Museum of Art – join Batik making class or silver jewellery making class

Things to do in Lombok/Gili

• Explore Lombok via a full day tour
• Kuta Beach, Senggigi Beach, and Pink Beach
• Tetebatu – go to a waterfall and monkey forest
• Rice terraces of Lombok
• Party on Gili Trawangan
• Lingsar Temple and the Mayura Temple
• Mount Rinjani and the Sendang Gile Waterfall (hiking) – 3 days and 2 nights tour or 2 days and 1 night tour
• Cooking classes and Food tour
• Yoga and Meditation class
• Tiu Kelep Waterfall (white rafting)
• Lombok Elephant Park (rescued elephants)
• Traditional village of Sade (Sasak people)
• Air Kalak Hotsprings
• Go Snorkelling – read this snorkelling tour reviews or this half-day tour
• Kuta Lombok Beach
• Sekotong Islands
• Book a one-way transfer from Bali to Lombok or Gili

Accommodations in Denpansar (Canggu)

• Affordable: The Tipsy Gypsy Hostel or Serenity Eco Guesthouse
• Mid-range: The Calmtree Bungalows or D’djabu Villas
• Luxury: Regali Villa or Blossom Exco Luxe Villas

Accommodations in Ubud

• Affordable: Kamar Suci House or Dijumahrai Homestay
• Mid-range: Goya Boutique Resort or Alamdini Resort
• Luxury: Beehouse Dijiwa or Villa Kayu Lama

Accommodations in Lombok

• Affordable: The Pondok or Indah Homestay
• Mid-range: Gili Teak Beach Front Resor t or Vila Ombak
• Luxury: Batatu Villas or Nero North

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN INDONESIA ITINERARY

Indonesia has 17,000 islands, so you definitely wouldn’t run out of new islands to visit. In fact, if one plans to visit all of the islands, one would spend 49 years doing it if one visits one island per day.

Aside from that, Indonesia is one of the world’s biggest tea producers, so you can experience sipping tea straight from the source at a plantation!

Besides nature-related activities, you could also soak up cultural heritage through a plethora of temples and shrines that they have here. Pair it with various classes that they offer and you’ll certainly experience maximum cultural immersion.

Planning a vacation for 3 weeks in Indonesia shouldn’t be too overwhelming, it should be exciting and a warm-up to your well-deserved holiday. I hope this article helped you write your own travel itinerary .

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Southeast Asia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 27, 2023

Backpackers have been traveling through Southeast Asia since the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a well-worn trail around the region.

Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and to the temples of Angkor Wat. It then winds back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai islands before moving down to Malaysia and Singapore.

There are a few variations to the trail, but this is what it mostly covers.

I’ve been visiting this region since 2004 and spent years living in Thailand . I love backpacking Southeast Asia and have written extensively about it as I know it like the back of my hand.

It’s an especially great region for new travelers because it’s easy to travel around, it’s safe, and there are lots of other travelers you can meet. But it’s also perfect for veteran travelers too as there are tons of off-the-beaten-path destinations that the standard backpacker trail doesn’t cover.

In short, Southeast Asia has something for every traveler — and every budget.

This Southeast Asia travel guide will help you travel the region like a pro, ensuring you save money and make the most of your time in this fun, gorgeous, and lively corner of the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Southeast Asia

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in southeast asia.

1. Admire Angkor Wat

One of the greatest human creations in history, the Angkor Wat temple complex is best explored over the course of a few days. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by the Khmer Empire and absolutely enormous. Temples to visit include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple which has 216 gigantic stone face carvings, and Ta Prohm. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. A one-day pass is $37 USD, while a 1-week pass is $72 USD. If you’re here for multiple days, be sure to hire a driver and see some of the more out of the way ruins away from the main temple complex (and the crowds).

2. Explore Bangkok

Bangkok is the hub of travel activity in Southeast Asia. You can get anywhere you want from here. Though I hated it at first, the more I’ve spent time here the more I love it. Bangkok is like an onion whose many layers need to be peeled back. Some things not to miss include the spectacular Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market and Asiatique, and a canal trip on the Chao Phraya River. This is a city for foodies and wild nightlife.

3. Relax on some tropical islands

No visit to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to at least one of the thousands of tropical islands in the region. My top five include the Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), and Boracay (Philippines). Lombok Island (Indonesia) has a chill vibe with unspoiled, perfect “desert island” beaches. There’s so many islands to visit. Be sure to add at least one to your trip. The country guides will have more information for you.

4. See Ha Long Bay

Sailing trips to this island-filled bay with stunning emerald waters, limestone formations, and marine life give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Tours from Hanoi start at around $110 USD for two-day trips and increase from there. I love the colorful grottoes, hanging stalactites, and stalagmites of Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), Fairy Cave (Tien Ong), and Heaven Palace (Thien Cung). Make sure you go with a reputable company though as some of the cheaper boats are less than ideal. If you’d rather just visit for one day, day trips from Hanoi cost $55 USD.

5. Wander Kuala Lumpur

Other things to see and do in southeast asia, 1. go jungle trekking.

This region of the world is covered in amazing jungles with diverse wildlife, plentiful camping opportunities, and cool waterfalls. The best jungle treks are found in northern Thailand, Western Laos, and Malaysian Borneo (the latter are also the hardest and most intense). Some of my favorites include Danum Valley (Borneo) for its incredible wildlife; Ratanakiri (Cambodia) for its pristine wilderness and thousand-year-old trees; and Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Vietnam). Costs vary but jungle trekking generally costs $30-50 USD per day.

2. Attend the Full Moon Party

The biggest one-night party in the world welcomes up to 30,000 people with a party that stretches until dawn. Cover yourself in glow paint, grab a bucket of booze, and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand. As the name would suggest, the party is on the night of the full moon. If you miss it, there’s always the half-moon party, quarter-moon party, and black-moon party. Really, every night is a party on Ko Phangan . Just avoid the flaming jump rope that occurs — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

3. Learn to dive

There are many great dive sites around the region for those interested in underwater exploration. You can learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home too. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipadan (Malaysia), as well as Gili Islands (Indonesia) and Coron, Palawan (The Philippines). A typical diving course is completed in three days. A PADI course typically runs $275 USD in Thailand, including three nights’ accommodation, though at smaller schools you can often negotiate down to $250 USD. Day trips for certified divers start at $165 USD. For information on Ko Tao, check out this blog post .

4. Eat street food in Singapore

Singapore is a foodie’s heaven. Try the hawker stalls of Singapore as well as Little India and Chinatown for some of the best and cheapest food in Asia. If you’re looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, eat at Singapore’s famed restaurants during lunch when restaurants offer discounts, making them a great deal. You’ll also find the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants here (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hawker Chan), offering world-class meals for just a couple of bucks!

5. Overload on temples

You can’t turn a corner without seeing a Buddhist temple in this part of the world. You’ll get temple overload at some point but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple. There are so many places with high concentrations of ornate and beautiful temples. Check out Chiang Mai’s Wat Doi Suthep Temple and hike up the 300 steps to the golden Chedi that’s 600 years old!; Bagan’s Shwesandaw Pagoda from the 11th century with its stunning golden dome; Angkor Wat’s Ta Prohm is covered in iconic vines and enveloped in ancient jungle roots; Hue’s colorful Thien Mu Pagoda is perched atop a lush green embankment; Hoi An’s Quan Cong Temple with incredible Chinese architecture with hand-carved beauty and skill, and Luang Prabang’s Vat Xieng Thong with its golden, canopied roof. Most are free to enter, however, dress codes are enforced (you need to have your shoulders and legs covered).

6. Dive Sipadan

Located off Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. If you have your dive certificate, make sure you venture out here. I absolutely love this area because it’s teeming with live turtles, diverse cave systems, sharks, dolphins, colorful coral, bright fish, and everything in between. Not a lot of people make it to this part of Malaysia, but it’s worth it to go the extra mile and make your way off the tourist trail a bit. Don’t miss Barracuda Point and The Drop-Off. Keep in mind that only 176 permits to dive at the island are issued each day, costing 140 MYR per person. The resorts on the neighboring islands each get a specific number of permits per day and require divers to stay with them for a few days. So you’ll need to stay at those resorts and dive into the surrounding areas before they can get you a Sipadan permit.

7. Fall in love with Bali

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, and its famous Kuta beach is known for its wild parties and surfing ( though I think it’s overrated ). However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. If you’re a thrill seeker, hike up to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, for a breathtaking sunrise. Paragliding and white water rafting are also super popular here, as is surfing (it’s an affordable place to learn if you’ve never done it). There are also lots of hot springs to enjoy, the Ubud Monkey Forest (a popular temple and nature reserve home to hundreds of monkeys), and numerous places to scuba dive, including the Liberty wreck and Manta Point.

8. Take in Ho Chi Minh City

Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teeming mass of people and cars work together, but it does. Highlights here include touring the tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s, taking in the view from the Saigon Skydeck, eating your way through the street food scene, and seeing the city’s numerous temples.

9. Admire the sunrise over an Indonesian Volcano

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. Don’t miss out on getting a photo of the smoldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life. If you’re there in mid-August, you’ll be just in time to see Upacara Kasada, the traditional Hindu ritual of the Tenggerese, a Javanese tribe of the region.

10. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best parks in Thailand, with incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. Visit for semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife, walking paths, and breathtaking sunsets. Park entrance costs around $6 USD while full-day guided tours are $95 USD. I highly recommend spending at least one night here to get the full experience.

11. Visit Kampot

Most people come to Kampot to enjoy the scenic riverside views, as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. Since you can explore easily enough on foot or by bicycle, Kampot is a great place to slow down and relax. There’s not much to do here but have lazy days by the river, chill, and eat (don’t miss the famous Rusty Keyhole for BBQ!). Don’t miss the pepper farms, as this region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free.

12. Take a cooking class

Food from this region is as varied as the countries themselves and learning how to cook a few dishes is a great souvenir of your time here. Even if you don’t plan to cook back home, you can still spend a day making and eating scrumptious food. Most big cities have cooking schools offering classes of 2-6 hours, often including a trip to the local market beforehand to select ingredients. I absolutely love cooking classes and urge you to take one at least once. They are a fun experience!

13. Take a food tour

If you’d rather eat instead of cook, taking a food tour is a fun way to gain insight into the region’s amazing noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while learning about the history and culture behind the cuisine. Most major cities in Southeast Asia offer food tours. These include tours around local markets, street stalls, and tours to locally-owned restaurants and cafes where you can sample the local cuisine and connect with a local chef. If you’re nervous about street food, this is a great way to try some in a controlled setting. Tours usually last 2-4 hours and include multiple stops and several different dishes, with prices costing $40-75 USD per person.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

While riding an elephant is on many a Southeast Asia bucket list, once you know how much the animals suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about taking one. An even better way to interact with elephants is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in Thailand. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will understand why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs $70 USD.

15. See The Killing Fields

A visit to Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for an educational and memorable experience. Over 3 million people were killed by Pol Pot’s regime, including countless women and children. I recommend getting a guide so you can really understand what you’re seeing as you explore the area. Also, this horrific tragedy took place less than 50 years ago and is still very present so please be respectful as a visitor.  The site is located 10 miles from Phnom Penh. Half-day guided tours start at $66 USD.

16. Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol

If you’re in the Philippines, check out the Donsol Whale Shark Interactive Ecosystem Project because there are not many experiences quite as adrenaline-inducing as swimming with a whale shark for the first time in crystal waters. These incredible creatures are around 45 feet (14 meters) long and yet incredibly gentle and curious. I loved floating at the surface being able to look below and see them slowly swim below me. Get some people together and rent a boat for a half day, explore the area, and go ‘shark-seeing’ for a good cause.  

  For a ton more information, visit my country specific travel guides for more detailed information on each place:

• Cambodia Travel Guide
• Indonesia Travel Guide
• Laos Travel Guide
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Thailand Travel Guide
• Vietnam Travel Guide

Southeast Asia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Southeast Asia is really cheap, making it the perfect place to travel if you are on a budget. Hostels are plentiful, as are budget guesthouses and hotels. It’s also very cheap to splash out here if you’re in need of some luxury.

Generally, you can find hostel dorm rooms for as little as $6-8 USD in Cambodia and $3-6 USD in Laos. In Thailand, 4-6-bed dorm rooms are $8-12 USD, while in Vietnam you can expect to pay $5-7 USD. In Indonesia, prices range between $5-10 USD for a 4-6-bed dorm room. Expect to pay at least $15-20 per night for a private room with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels, free breakfast is common, and many hostels even have pools. In more remote areas, hot water isn’t common so make sure to check in advance if that’s an issue for you.

Simple guesthouses or bungalows throughout Southeast Asia generally cost $12-20 USD per night for a basic room with a fan (sometimes air conditioning) and hot water. If you want something nicer that includes a more comfortable bed and a TV, expect to pay $25-35 USD per night.

For backpackers, budgeting around $10 USD per night for accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a higher-end hotel room with more amenities, expect to pay $20-50 USD per night for a room. Anything over that is luxury territory.

Camping is available in certain areas, usually for just a few dollars per night for a basic tent plot without electricity. However, this is about the same price as hostels so it’s not really any cheaper.

Food – While each country’s cuisine varies, overall, Southeast Asian food is aromatic, spicy, and flavorful. Typical spices and herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, noodle dishes, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Southeast Asian food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas.

While traveling Southeast Asia, street food is the most popular food and cheapest option. On average, these meals cost $1-5 USD. You find these stalls throughout this region lining most streets and every market. They are ubiquitous in the region. In Singapore, street food (from “hawker stands” as they’re known there) costs around $4-5 USD for a meal. Even if you go into small local restaurants, the price doesn’t increase that much.

Food that costs $2 USD at a street stall generally only costs $4-6 USD at a local restaurant. If you went into a restaurant in Thailand, you’d pay around $3-4 USD for a pad Thai that would have cost $1-2 USD on the street.

In Cambodia, street food is around $1-2 USD, while restaurants charge around $3-5 USD for a dish like amok (a coconut milk dish) or luc lac (pepper gravy beef).

Western meals, including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches usually cost around $7-10 USD. But these generally aren’t that great. If you want something that actually tastes as it does back home, expect to spend at least $10-12 USD for your meal.

While cheap, alcohol can take a bite out of your budget if you’re not careful. Those $1-2 USD beers add up! Wine and cocktails are more expensive, generally around $3-5 USD. A cappuccino is typically around $2 USD. Bottled water is plentiful and costs less than $1 USD.

There’s a growing cutting-edge foodie scene in the region and, if you want to splurge, you can do so on some really good meals. Big cities like Bangkok, KL, and Singapore, all have world-class Michelin star restaurants as well some incredible fusion restaurants.

Since dining out is so cheap in the region, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. Additionally, a general lack of kitchens in most hostels and hotels makes it difficult to cook even if you wanted to. If you do purchase your own groceries, expect to spend around $25 USD per week for basic groceries like local produce, rice, and some meat (while avoiding expensive imported items like cheese and wine).

Backpacking Southeast Asia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of $45 USD per day, you can stay in hostel dorms, eat out at local markets and street stalls, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities, minimize paid activities, and use public transportation to get around. You’re not going to be able to splash out but you’ll be able to live the typical backpacker experience without really stressing over expenses.

On a mid-range budget of $85 USD per day, you can stay in budget hotels or private hostel rooms, eat more restaurant meals, do more paid activities like cooking classes, take some taxis, and enjoy a few more drinks. You won’t live large, but you won’t be missing out either.

On an upscale budget of $150 USD or more per day, you can stay in nicer hotels with more amenities, eat out as much as you want, do more paid tours including private tours, hire a driver, fly between destinations, and basically do whatever you want. The sky is the limit with this kind of budget!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Backpacking Southeast Asia is cheap. There’s little opportunity to spend a lot of money since everything is already so inexpensive unless you intentionally are trying to splash out on fancy meals and high end hotels. The two reasons why most travelers end up overspending is that they eat a lot of Western food and drink way too much. If you want to save money while traveling in this part of the world, cut down on your drinking and skip the Western food. While country guides have more specific ways to save money, here are some general ways to save money in Southeast Asia:

• Stay with a local – Accommodation is cheap in Southeast Asia but nothing’s cheaper than free! Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. You’ll also meet great people who can show you around and share their insider tips and advice.
• Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple spots or tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. I’ve met some great friends over the years doing this and highly recommend it.
• Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you’ll be able to negotiate a lower price as you’ll find companies are often offering the same tour and competing. Anything you see online is more expensive than you need to pay!
• Eat on the street – The street food is the best food. The food is the best and cheapest you’ll find. It’s a great way to try new foods and get to chat with locals as well. This is where locals eat so if you want insight into local culture, good food, and savings, eat the street food. Look for where locals are eating to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers as most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. It’s important not to convert it in your head to your own currency because it will usually sound cheap even though you might still be getting ripped off. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!
• Minimize your drinking – Drinks really add up. Even with cheap drinks, if you’re not aware, you’ll end up spending more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you want to drink, head to the supermarkets, drink at the hostel, or check out the local happy hours.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia since you can’t usually drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Southeast Asia

I’ve been traveling Southeast Asia since 2005 and have stayed in hundreds of places. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Southeast Asia:

• The Siem Reap Pub Hostel (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville)
• Monkey Republic (Sihanoukville)
• Onederz Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)
• Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh)
• The Magic Sponge (Kampot)
• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Sa Sa Lao (Luang Prabang)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Traveller Bunker Hostel (Cameron Highlands)
• De’Native Guest House (Cameron Highlands)
• Kitez Hotel & Bunks (Kuala Lumpur)
• Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)
• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel (Penang)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• The Royal Guest House (Chiang Mai)
• Green Leaf (Khao Yai)
• Lonely Beach Resort (Ko Chang)
• The Sanctuary (Koh Phangan)
• Na-Tub Hostel (Koh Phangan)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel
• The Scarlet
• Under the Coconut Tree Guesthouse (Hoi An)
• Fuse Beachside (Hoi An)
• Pretty Backpackers House (Da Lat)
• Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel (Hanoi)
• Luxury Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• City Backpackers Hostel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Southeast Asia

Public transportation – Public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars, with Singapore and Malaysia offering the most comprehensive public transportation systems. In Thailand, local buses cost around $0.25 USD per trip, while the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $0.50-1.50 USD per trip. In Cambodia, a bus ticket in Phnom Penh costs just $0.40 USD per ride.

Major cities generally have subway systems but mostly you’ll be using the bus or shared taxis to get around.

Tuk-tuks (small, shared taxis with no meter) are available around much of the region and require a bit of haggling. They usually have 3-6 seats and generally cost more than public transportation but are faster. To find a reputable driver, ask your accommodation as they usually know someone. Tuk-tuk drivers can often be hired for the day for a discounted rate (this is what a lot of people do to visit the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, for example).

Taxi – Taxis in the region are generally safe, though it’s not uncommon to have to haggle. Scams to rip you off aren’t uncommon either, so always ask your accommodation to call you a taxi whenever possible so you know you’ll get a reputable company.

In Singapore and Indonesia, taxi drivers do put on the meter. In Bangkok, you can get taxi drivers to use the meter, but if you’re hailing one in a tourist area, he might try to avoid using it. In Vietnam, the meter is sometimes rigged, but if you can get a reputable company like Mai Linh, you won’t have any problems.

Ridesharing – Grab, DiDi, and Gojek are Asia’s answer to Uber. They work the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi, though drivers are a bit unreliable as the practice is not as widespread here as in other parts of the world.

Just keep in mind that some drivers are driving motorcycles so be sure to double check what kind of vehicle is picking you up if you don’t want to ride on the back of one.

Bus – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Buses costs vary between $5-25 USD for a 5-6 hour journey. Overnight buses cost $20-35 USD depending on distance (they often have reclining seats so you can get a decent sleep).

You can check ticket prices and book tickets for all the different bus companies across Southeast Asia at 12go.asia.

Train – Train service is limited in the region and not something to really consider when you travel Southeast Asia. You can take a train up and down the coast of Vietnam and there’s some limited scenic rails in Malaysia. Thailand is the only country that has an extensive train system that lets you travel all its regions (and onward to Singapore) from Bangkok.

The train prices in Southeast Asia are determined by distance and class. Night trains with sleeper cars are more expensive than day trains. The night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes twelve hours and costs $27 USD for a sleeper seat. However, that same train during the day is $8-9 USD. In Vietnam, trains run up and down the coast and cost $60 USD from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying – The cost of flying around Southeast Asia has come down in recent years due to the rise of low-cost airlines. Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand , and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam . Lion Air serves Indonesia , but its safety record is really spotty and I personally would not fly them. If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia.

Just make sure that the airport these budget airlines fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Also, keep in mind that you usually must pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

All in all, I only recommend flying if you are pressed for time or find a super cheap deal. Otherwise, stick to the bus.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia is safe, though popularity of the practice varies by country (it’s more common in Malaysia, but not so much in Cambodia). Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and food. Also, make sure the people picking you up understand you’re hitchhiking and not flagging down a taxi.

Hitchwiki is a great resource for hitchhiking tips.

Car rental I don’t recommend renting a car in Southeast Asia. Rental cars are expensive ($40 USD per day or more) and the roads here are in poor shape. I would never drive around the region.

When to Go to Southeast Asia

The best time of year to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April when temperatures are milder (though temperatures vary drastically by region). It may be mild in Thailand in January and hot in Malaysia but in Northern Vietnam, it’s cold! Also, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the rainy season. In some cases it won’t make a big difference but definitely does if it’s a beach trip.

In Indonesia, the best time to visit is April to October. Temperatures average 24-30ºC (75-86ºF), and the weather is mostly dry. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates. December to February is the rainy season.

In Malaysia, January-March and June-September are the best time to visit, as these months have the lowest average rainfall. It is still hot and humid during this time though. The rainy season is from October to December. Singapore’s climate/weather is much like Malaysia’s.

In Vietnam, the weather varies by region. In Central Vietnam (including Hoi An and Nha Trang), January-May is the best time to visit because it is dry and the temperatures average 21-30°C (70-86°F). June to August is also a decent time to visit. If you want to stick around Hanoi, March to April is great, or October to December (for mildest temperatures). The rainy season is May-September.

Thailand has three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest. It’s always warm, though the weather is nicest between November and February (which is also peak tourist season). Bangkok is “coolest” and driest during this time (but still averaging a hot 29°C/85°F each day). April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season is June-October. The gulf islands get pretty rainy from August to December.

The dry season in Cambodia is from November-May and the cool season is from November-February (and when most people visit). Temperatures during this time are still high, but humidity is lower. Laos has the same cool season as Cambodia, with the dry season running from November-April.

In the Philippines, it’s mostly warm all year long with an average daily high of 26°C (80°F). There are rainy and dry seasons and temperatures are hot and dry from March-May and cooler December-February. The best time to visit is between January-April when it’s less humid. Monsoon Season is July-October.

For more information on when to go to places, visit the specific country guides.

How to Stay Safe in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime is super, duper rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Southeast Asia, especially around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your valuables out of reach on public transportation and in crowds just to be safe. Never leave your valuables unattended while at the beach and always keep a hold of your purse/bag when out and about as bag snatching is common.

That said, outside touristy areas, theft is really rare. Heck, it’s pretty rare in touristy areas too! But a little vigilance goes a long way and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are some common scams around that you’ll want to be aware of, such as the motorbike scam. This involves a bike rental company trying to charge you for damage to the bike that you didn’t cause. To avoid this, always take photos of your rental before you leave so you can protect yourself from baseless claims.

Another common scam involves a tuk-tuk driver taking you somewhere you didn’t want to go in hopes you’ll buy something from the shop/restaurant he dropped you off at (he gets a commission if you do). Simply refuse to buy anything and demand to go back to where you were — or find another driver.

For other common travel scams, read this post about major travel scams to avoid in the region .

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking around alone at night just to be safe. It’s always a good idea to carry some extra cash to get home in a taxi if you need to. Additionally, always keep an eye on your drink at the bar and never accept drinks from strangers. Be sensible when it comes to dating while traveling and meeting people in public places. As I’m not a woman, please check out some solo female travel blogs to get the best insight.

Overall, the people who get in trouble here tend to be involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those two things and you should be fine. Keep in mind that it’s not always obvious how old someone is or if they’re a sex worker so be mindful when getting involved in romantic interactions. Also, penalties for drug use in this region are stiff so even if you’re here to party, skip the drugs.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Southeast Asia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Southeast Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

5 LGBTQ Travel Tips for Asia

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Backpacking Cambodia: 3 Suggested Itineraries for Your Trip

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• Where To Stay
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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

GOBankingRates

10 Travel ‘Dupe’ Destinations That Will Save You Money on Your Next Trip

Posted: December 12, 2023 | Last updated: December 12, 2023

Amid high inflation, the trend of searching for "dupes" -- duplicates of higher-end items -- has risen in popularity. This extends to everything from beauty products to designer goods to even vacation destinations . "Dupe" destinations can save travelers big money versus vacationing in a hotspot.

See: 8 Tips to Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy Be Aware: Don't Buy Airline Tickets at This Time of Day

"In 2024, Americans are more likely to choose hidden-gem destinations over tried-and-true tourist hotspots for their vacations," Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands, told CNBC .

If you're planning ahead for travel in the new year, consider one of these travel "dupe" destinations to save serious cash .

Instead of Bali, Indonesia, Visit Lombok, Indonesia

Travelers looking for beautiful beaches and stunning natural surroundings have flocked to Bali -- but this destination can get very expensive.

"Most people travel to Bali when visiting Indonesia [at] an average of $1,000 for a week's trip," said Alexandra Dubakova, travel expert and head of marketing at FreeTour.com . "Lombok is a great alternative that offers the same vibrant culture, attractive beaches and hiking trails, and [it] costs around $600 for a week's visit."

More: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024 I'm a Luxury Travel Agent: 10 Destinations My Wealthy Clients Are Booking for 2024

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Instead of New York, Visit Montreal

Those looking for a city destination should skip NYC and head farther north.

"Visiting New York City comes with a hefty price -- $2,500 for a week's trip," Dubakova said. "Montreal offers a rich history, a great food scene and vibrant city life for almost half the price -- $1,500."

Check Out: 14 Affordable Christmas Getaways Under $100 a Day

Instead of Paris, Visit Lisbon, Portugal

When you think of romantic European destinations, Paris is likely top of mind -- but it's far from the only option.

"Paris, the City of Love, is a great choice but [it's] expensive," Dubakova said. "It costs around $2,000 to visit Pairs for a week, [while] Lisbon costs $1,200 and offers the same romantic aura and architectural beauty."

Instead of Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Visit Zanzibar, Tanzania

Planning a honeymoon for 2024? Consider Zanzibar for an affordable destination.

"Bora Bora is renowned for its luxurious overwater bungalows and stunning blue waters," said Jim Campbell, CEO of Honeymoons.com . "Zanzibar offers a similar paradise with beautiful beaches, rich cultural history and exotic wildlife. The cost of a trip to Zanzibar can be up to 50% less than a trip to Bora Bora, making it an excellent choice for a romantic and adventurous honeymoon."

Instead of Venice, Italy, Visit Ljubljana, Slovenia

Avoid the crowds -- and the hefty price tags -- by opting for Ljubljana over Venice.

"Venice is famous for its canals, historic architecture and romantic ambiance. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, offers a similar charm with its picturesque waterways, vibrant cultural scene and less crowded streets," Campbell said. "Traveling to Ljubljana instead of Venice can save you about 30-40% on accommodation and dining."

Instead of The Maldives, Visit Palawan, Philippines

If an island getaway is calling your name, consider booking a trip to Palawan.

"The Maldives is known for its stunning islands and luxury resorts. Palawan provides a similar tropical paradise with breathtaking lagoons, rich marine life and more affordable accommodation options," Campbell said. "Choosing Palawan over the Maldives can result in savings of about 40-50%."

Good To Know: 9 American Travel Brands to Stay Away From

Instead of Santorini, Greece, Visit Puglia, Italy

Puglia is one Italian destination that isn't yet overrun by tourists, so you can still book an affordable trip here. Conversely, Santorini has become increasingly pricey.

"Santorini is famous for its iconic white buildings and beautiful sunsets. Puglia offers a comparable Mediterranean charm with its beautiful coastlines, historic villages and delicious cuisine," Campbell said. "A [vacation] in Puglia can be up to 35% cheaper than one in Santorini."

Instead of Dubrovnik, Croatia, Visit Cavtat, Croatia

If Croatia is on your travel list, consider booking a trip to Cavtat over the more popular Dubrovnik.

"Though not as publicized as Dubrovnik, Cavtat is an excellent alternative to this now overpriced Croatian destination," said Danielle Rudic, director of marketing at Travelive , a luxury destination management company. "You can find both four- and five-star properties, great traditional taverns [and a] more traditional feel, and you will not have to elbow through rivers of tourists holding a selfie-stick as you would in Dubrovnik."

Hotels in Cavtat are $150 to $300 cheaper per night, and Dubrovnik is just a 20-minute drive away. "This price difference is also noticeable in restaurants and bars," Rudic said. "On average, you can expect to pay 30% less."

Instead of Kyoto, Japan, Visit Hoi An, Vietnam

Kyoto is a popular Asian destination, but you'll find much better prices elsewhere.

"Kyoto is famous for its historic temples, gardens and traditional teahouses. However, a trip here can be quite costly, with hotels averaging $120 per night and meals around $30 per person," said Augustinas Milaknis, head of PR at Ratepunk , a travel booking app.

"Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam, is a delightful alternative with its well-preserved Ancient Town, lantern-lit streets and rich history," he said. "Accommodations in Hoi An can be as low as $50 per night, and a delicious meal can cost around $15 per person."

Instead of Napa, California, Visit Sonoma, California

Even though these two wine country destinations are located close by, the prices can be worlds apart.

"They're comparable due to them literally being right next door to each other and offering many of the same amenities," said Jared Benoff, founder of Vacationeeze , a family-owned travel agency.

"You have to look a little closer to see some key differences between the two charming regions," he said. "For example, the Bardessono in Yountville, Napa will be approximately $1,500 per night while the Madrona, recently named one of the best in the world by Travel + Leisure, will be about $690 per night. People visiting Sonoma will also find generally more affordable wine-tasting fees and dining options."

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