The Ultimate Guide to Pure Independent Travel in Indonesia: Solve All Your Travel Problems Easily

Hello everyone, I’m Xiaoga, and today I’m bringing you a 13-day, 12-night comprehensive independent travel guide to Indonesia
How exactly should one travel in Indonesia How many days should you spend there How should the time be arranged The route is too complicated Should you go on an independent trip or join a tour group
This guide will answer all these questions for you.

First, let’s talk about the cost of this trip (including round-trip airfare)
Visa: 255
Major transportation: 628
Airfare: Ho Chi Minh City – Bali 486
Jakarta – Singapore 142
Total: 628
Major land transportation: 566
Telkomsel SIM card: 69
Accommodation: 534
Scenic spot tickets (related items): 185
City transportation: 217
Food: 603
Pre-trip preparation: 133
Unexpected losses: 162
Total: 3352
Itinerary: (Ijin volcano is closed )
Arrive in Bali, stay in Kuta, can visit Kuta bars at night
Rent a motorcycle, go to Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Uluwatu
Tanah Lot, Ubud Palace, Ubud Market (motorcycle trip)
Take a boat to Nusa Penida (if arriving early, can go to Angel’s Billabong)
Snorkeling West Line (Angel’s Billabong)
East Line (Diamond Beach)
Take a boat back to Bali, change vehicles and head to Lovina
Dolphin watching in Lovina (return to the hotel for a nap, take a boat to Gili port, rest at a hotel near the port)
Take a train from the station next to Gili port to Malang, rent a motorcycle in advance, prepare to go to Bromo volcano at dawn
Bromo volcano, take a train to Yogyakarta in the afternoon
Those who only want to visit the volcano and Bali can now take a train to Surabaya, then fly out of Indonesia directly from Surabaya
Prambanan (Borobudur), go to Malioboro Street and Yogyakarta Monument at night
Yogyakarta Palace, take a train to Jakarta
Jakarta Cathedral, Merdeka Square, Mosque, fly out of Indonesia
How to solve pre-trip issues
Visa: Recommend applying online (Fliggy, Ctrip), e-visa allows smooth entry, visa on arrival requires queuing and is more expensive
SIM card: Do not buy at the airport, if traveling alone, buy a day’s data package first, then search for Gra PARI telkomsel and get it directly.

For multiple people, one person can buy a data card on Taobao (cannot buy a SIM card online
Currency exchange: Do not exchange currency at the airport (the rate is really low), there are many exchange points in Bali (exchange rate is around 2150), you can also withdraw cash with a bank card (2130-2200
注意事项 Accommodation: Use Agoda or Booking, I booked everything through Agoda
Notes: Many places in Indonesia require riding a motorcycle, for groups, you can also hire a car.

If riding a motorcycle, pay attention to safety
Independent travel or group tour
Domestic tours are more expensive, but problems are solved more promptly.

However, the efficiency of sightseeing is significantly higher when well-planned. Independent travel, while offering flexibility, often results in more time spent on the road, navigating through areas that may not be motorcycle-friendly, and requires a constant focus on safety.

Many attractions, especially those off the beaten path, offer a unique and immersive travel experience with fewer tourists around, allowing for a more intimate connection with the local culture and environment.

Stay tuned, as I will be sharing detailed guides for various destinations across Indonesia, packed with insider tips and must-see spots!