What You Need to Know Before Your Solo Trip to Indonesia
Made up of 17000 islands, Indonesia has been skyrocketing as a solo-travel destination. And, honestly, it’s not hard to see why! With rice terraces, beaches, wild habitats, active volcanoes, ancient temples, and six cultural and four natural UNESCO sites, Indonesia is one fascinating archipelago.
In fact, it’s almost overwhelming to see how diverse Indonesia is. But that’s the best part – as soon as you touch down, you will be in awe of how Indonesia remains true to its culture, rich past, and natural habitats to date. To help you embrace Indonesia – Bali and beyond, here’s an overview of everything you need to know before your solo trip to Indonesia.
Things to do in Indonesia
- Visit the Komodo National Park to encounter and walk with the Komodo dragons.
- Spend time with Sumatran elephants at Way Kambas.
- Climb one of the incredible active volcanoes in East Java – Mount Bromo.
- Admire the ancient architecture of the UNESCO-preserved Borobudur temple.
- Explore the pristine beaches of Bali like Suluban Beach, Nyang Nyang Beach, Padang Padang Beach, etc. for hidden treasures.
- Watch Kecak dance at Uluwatu temple on a cliff top during sunset overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- Swing over the Tegallalang Rice Terraces near Ubud.
- Take a deep dive at Raja Ampat and experience the underwater wonders.
- Immerse yourself in the traditional Tana Toraja village in the south of Sulawesi Island.
- Escape to the remote Gili Trawangan, a relaxing tropical paradise.
- Witness the panoramic beauty of Lake Toba.
- Indulge in local delights and treat your taste buds to Nasi Goreng, Rendang, and Mie Ayam.
Travel Expenses: What to Budget
- Accommodation – If you are on a budget, staying at hostels and budget-friendly hotels is your best bet. In Indonesia, a bed in a dormitory will charge you around $7-$16, whereas a mid-range room costs around $30 – $50.
- Food – If you want to taste authentic meals, step into a local warung – a small eatery or café. Every eatery is different and serves delectable delicacies. Even a buffet here will cost you $0.50 – $4. And, if you opt for a meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay $3.5 – $10.
- Transport – While buses between the islands take long hours, it is the cheapest way to travel around Indonesia. Generally, a bus ride costs around $10 – $20. But, if you are short on time, domestic flights are also available at a range of $30 – $100. Besides, you can also use Uber alternatives like Gojek for affordable rides around the country.
Recommended Daily Budget
Overall, the average budget in Indonesia for a solo traveller on a budget is approx. $15 – $35 per day. In case, you are on a mid-range budget, you can expect to pay from $40 to $80 per day.
However, if you love luxury, you can easily spend around $100 + per day.
Proven and Tested Money-Saving Tricks!
- Book a hostel or a guesthouse in advance.
- Rent a motorbike.
- Use public transportation to travel your way around Indonesia.
- Always negotiate for a better price – bargain your way out.
- Opt for low-cost activities like free beaches and temples.
- Attend free local festivals to immerse yourself in Indonesian culture.
- Eat at local warungs to eat cheap and savour Indonesian cuisine.
- Instead of international roaming services, use a local SIM card.
In a Nutshell, What Awaits You in Indonesia?
Whether you’re a lazy – luxury traveller or a budget – adventure seeker, travelling in Indonesia solo will be your most cherished memories of solo travel. After all, it is a country full of surprises.
From diving into the coral world, hiking on trails of active volcanoes, and engaging with different tribes and cultures to tasting Indonesian cuisine and mingling with the locals – Indonesia is a box full of treasures for you to discover!
Bali is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations out there. Many female solo travellers visit Bali because of this...
