Updated 2016
Indonesia is one of those places that is always a great value for travelers with Euros in their pockets, and it’s a country that defies every attempt to put it neatly into a box. Hence, we’ve added it to our Top 10 Value Destinations for Euro Travelers for 2016. Don’t wait!
Why you should add Indonesia to your Indie/RTW trip
- Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world with over 18,000 islands scattered throughout the Indian Ocean and various seas.
- The island nation is almost entirely coastal and tropical, making it a vacationer’s dream.
- Unlike many other warm, sunny places, the cost of experiencing Indonesia’s islands in the sun has not caught up with the destination’s popularity.
- Indonesia has over 230 million residents (yes, you read that right) and, thanks to that population density, Indonesia remains an inexpensive place to visit.
- Lounge on the beach and take part in a myriad of water activities.
- Travel by boat from island to island, finding the one that’s just right for you.
- If you tire of the water and beach, explore the plethora of active volcanoes dotting the archipelago.
Indie travel tips for Indonesia
- Capital Jakarta is Indonesia’s most powerful and populated city and is the cultural capital of Indonesia
- Bali is its most popular with tourists and has the best beaches.
- There many other urban centers to see in this overpopulated island paradise, but you’ll find nowhere more representative of the rest of the whole than Jakarta and Bali.
- Besides beaches, Indonesia also has the world’s second largest rainforest and other natural wonders. If you have time after getting your fill of the local culture and customs, explore the attractions around you.
- Did you know Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world? Come prepared with proper clothing and be aware of cultural differences.
- Travel is not always easy in Indonesia, so bring your patience and an open mind along with you.
- Don’t be put off by the aggressive touts in parts of Bali and Jakarta – there are plenty of wonderful, smiling, friendly people throughout the rest of the country.
- Temporarily escape the heat and travel to the highlands.
Read: Attending a Local Funeral: A Day in a Life of a Longterm Traveler
Transportation
Flights to Bali and Jakarta arrive every day from many locations around the world. The more expensive your ticket, the more likely your flight is to be on time and to make it all the way to its destination.
Read: A Lesson in Balinese Cooking: Bali, Indonesia.
Accommodation
Indonesia lives and breathes tourism in Jakarta and Bali, you won’t have any problem finding a room in some of the nicest luxury resorts on the planet, or for those on a tighter budget, a hostel. There is also accommodation outside of the tourist centers, but the quality is a toss up.