Indonesia

Indonesia rewards travellers who slow down and choose a focused route. The country stretches across thousands of islands, so trying to combine Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Flores in one short trip can mean spending more time in transit than exploring. For a first visit, pair Bali with Yogyakarta for Borobudur, Prambanan, and lively Javanese culture, or add Labuan Bajo for a boat trip through Komodo National Park. Java’s rail network makes routes between Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya relatively straightforward, while domestic flights and ferries connect more distant islands. Build in buffer time: weather, traffic, and boat schedules can change plans. Hello’s trip planning tools are useful for grouping flights, hotels, temple visits, and island transfers into one itinerary. Before departure, check entry requirements, park rules, and any local tourism contributions that apply to your destination.

Transport varies dramatically by island. In Jakarta, use the MRT, commuter rail, and TransJakarta, but remember that many urban services require stored-value cards or app-based tickets rather than cash. In Bali and Yogyakarta, ride-hailing apps are practical for short journeys, while hired cars with drivers work well for full-day sightseeing. Scooters offer freedom in quieter areas, but only ride if you are experienced, wear a helmet, and have the legally required licence and insurance. Never assume a rental includes adequate coverage. Long-distance travel may involve a mix of trains, flights, and ferries: Bali to Lombok is commonly served by fast boats, while Komodo excursions depart from Labuan Bajo and usually require an organised boat trip. Keep some flexibility around ferry crossings and arrive early for airports and ports. With reliable data, maps, translations, and booking confirmations are easier to manage; Hello eSIM can be bought and activated before landing so you stay connected without roaming charges.

Indonesian food changes from region to region, so treat every island as a new menu. Start with nasi goreng, mie goreng, and gado-gado, then seek out local specialities: Balinese babi guling, Padang’s rich rendang and sambal, Yogyakarta’s sweet gudeg, and Sulawesi’s boldly spiced dishes. Street food is often excellent and inexpensive, but choose busy stalls with a high turnover of ingredients. If you are sensitive to chilli, learn the words tidak pedas—not spicy—and ask about sambal separately. Drink bottled or filtered water, and be cautious with ice outside established restaurants. Food markets are ideal for tasting small portions, while warungs offer filling meals at modest prices. Keep small rupiah notes handy for stalls and local cafés. Travelling with friends? Hello’s expense splitting feature can make it easier to divide shared meals, drivers, and boat trips, while budget tracking lets you monitor daily spending in Indonesian rupiah.

The Indonesian rupiah is the country’s official currency, written as Rp. Cards are common in hotels, malls, and established restaurants, but cash remains essential for markets, small warungs, ferries, parking, and rural areas. Withdraw or exchange money through reputable banks and authorised changers, and check every note and total carefully. When paying by card, select rupiah rather than a converted home-currency amount when prompted. Dress modestly at temples and mosques, cover shoulders and knees where requested, and remove shoes before entering homes or sacred spaces. In Bali, avoid stepping on canang sari, the small daily offerings placed on pavements and doorways. Ask before photographing ceremonies or people, and never touch someone’s head. Respect wildlife rules around Komodo dragons, coral reefs, and marine parks—keep your distance and do not feed animals. Learning a few words such as terima kasih (thank you) and permisi (excuse me) is warmly appreciated.