INDONESIA
HOW TO TRAVEL TO INDONESIA
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
How To Travel To Indonesia – Complete Guide
From booking flights and visas to choosing islands, getting around, staying safe, and making the most of Bali, Java, Sumatra, Flores, Raja Ampat and beyond – this step-by-step guide covers everything you need to plan an epic Indonesia trip in 2026.
8 Steps to Travel to Indonesia Like a Pro
1. Book Flights & Choose Your Entry Point
Main gateways (2026): Ngurah Rai (Denpasar – Bali DPS), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta CGK), Juanda (Surabaya SUB), Ngurah Rai remains most popular for tourists.
Best deals: Search 3–6 months ahead. Direct from Europe/Middle East (Emirates, Qatar, Turkish), from Australia (Jetstar, AirAsia, Virgin), from USA (via Tokyo/Seoul/Singapore).
Multi-city hack: Fly into Bali, out of Labuan Bajo (Komodo) or Manado (Sulawesi) or vice versa – often cheaper than open-jaw.
Budget airlines: AirAsia, Scoot, Lion Air, Batik Air – book early for best fares.
Arrival tip: Have onward/return ticket ready (immigration can ask).
2. Sort Your Visa Before or On Arrival
Visa on Arrival (VoA): 30 days (extendable once for 30 more) – IDR 500,000 (~USD 32) cash/card at airport. Most Western nationalities eligible.
e-VoA: Apply online 3–14 days before (molina.imigrasi.go.id or official app) – same price, faster lane at airport.
60-day visa: B211A tourist visa (apply through agent or online) – good if planning longer stay or island-hopping.
Visa-free: ASEAN + several countries get 30 days (no extension).
Requirements: Passport valid 6+ months, return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation sometimes asked.
3. Get a Local SIM Card Immediately
Best provider 2026: Telkomsel – widest coverage (including remote islands), Tourist SIM packages 25–150 GB.
Where to buy: Airport kiosks (Denpasar, Jakarta), 7-Eleven, Alfamart, official stores. Passport required for registration.
Prices: IDR 150,000–350,000 for 30–90 days with plenty of data + calls.
eSIM option: Airalo, Holafly, Nomad – convenient if your phone supports eSIM.
Why it matters: Google Maps, Gojek/Grab, WhatsApp, booking ferries/flights – all need data in Indonesia.
4. Handle Money & ATMs Wisely
Best ATMs: BCA, Mandiri, BRI – lowest foreign card fees (IDR 25,000–50,000 per withdrawal). Max limit usually IDR 2.5–5 million.
Cash strategy: Withdraw large amounts once or twice – many warungs, temples, ferries, markets are cash-only.
Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted in tourist areas/hotels; use no-foreign-fee card (Wise, Revolut, Capital One).
Money changers: Avoid street/unofficial – use licensed (airport rates ok, better in Kuta/Ubud legitimate shops).
Digital: GoPay, OVO, Dana popular – link foreign card or top up with cash.
5. Renting Scooters & Getting Around
International Driving Permit (IDP): Legally required (even for 50cc scooters) – get before leaving home.
Rental cost: IDR 60,000–120,000/day (includes helmet). Full-day cheaper than hourly.
Safety: Always wear helmet, never ride at night in rural areas, avoid carrying valuables, buy insurance that covers scooters.
Alternatives: Gojek/Grab (cheaper & safer than driving yourself), Blue Bird taxi (metered), Klook private driver day trips.
Island hopping: Fast boats (Gili, Nusa Penida), ferries (Java–Bali), domestic flights (Bali–Labuan Bajo, Bali–Manado).
6. Where to Stay – Booking Strategy
First trip: Start in Bali (Ubud 3–5 nights, Seminyak/Canggu 3–5, Nusa Penida 2–3, Gili T 3–4).
Booking platforms: Booking.com, Agoda (often cheaper in SEA), Airbnb (villas), Klook (last-minute deals).
Price ranges 2026: Hostel dorm IDR 100–250k, guesthouse IDR 250–600k, boutique hotel/villa IDR 800k–2M+.
Best areas: Ubud (culture/rice fields), Canggu (surf/hip vibe), Nusa Dua (luxury/resorts), Sidemen (quiet rice terraces), Gili T (party/beach), Labuan Bajo (Komodo access).
Tip: Book first 3–4 nights only – then decide on the ground where to extend.
7. Packing Essentials for Indonesia
Clothing: Lightweight quick-dry clothes, sarong/scarf (temples), modest cover-ups (shoulders/knees), swimwear, flip-flops + closed shoes (hiking/volcanoes).
Health: DEET mosquito repellent, Imodium, rehydration salts, reef-safe sunscreen, motion sickness pills (fast boats), basic first-aid.
Tech: Power bank, universal adapter (Type C/F), waterproof phone case, e-reader, noise-cancelling earbuds (long flights/ferries).
Documents: Passport photocopy + digital copy, travel insurance proof, e-VoA screenshot, IDP, credit cards + USD cash backup.
Other: Reusable water bottle, dry bag (boat trips), small daypack, quick-dry towel.
8. Safety, Scams & Respectful Travel
Common scams: Overpriced taxis at airport (use Blue Bird/Grab), fake police asking for passport/money, “closed temple” then expensive guide.
Safety: Riptides very real (Bali south coast), scooter accidents frequent, petty theft in crowds – use hotel safe, don’t flash valuables.
Cultural respect: Dress modestly at temples, never step on canang sari offerings, ask before photographing people, learn “Terima kasih” & “Maaf”.
Health: Drink bottled/boiled water, use hand sanitizer, malaria risk low in Bali/Java tourist areas but present in Papua/Sumatra jungles.
Insurance: Must cover scooters, adventure activities (diving, volcanoes), medical evacuation.