Indonesia

Indonesia rewards travellers who resist trying to see everything at once. The archipelago stretches from Sumatra to Papua, so choose one or two regions and leave room for delays, detours, and slow mornings. A classic first trip might combine Bali, with its temples and beaches; Java, for Yogyakarta’s Borobudur and Prambanan; or Flores, for Komodo National Park and its dramatic islands. Use Hello’s trip-planning tools to organize flights, ferries, hotels, and day tours in one itinerary, especially when crossing water or changing islands. Build in a buffer before international flights: weather, volcanic activity, and sea conditions can affect schedules. Pack light, breathable clothing, a rain layer, reef-safe sunscreen, and a sarong or cover-up for temples and ceremonies. Download offline maps and save accommodation details before travelling to remote areas. An eSIM from Hello can be bought and activated before landing, helping you arrange airport transfers, check ferry updates, and translate menus without relying on expensive roaming.

Transport in Indonesia is an adventure in itself. In cities, use official taxi apps or reputable metered taxis, and allow extra time for Jakarta’s traffic. Yogyakarta is easy to explore by walking, cycling, or hiring a driver for temple excursions, while Bali works well with a driver for full-day routes or a scooter only if you are properly licensed and genuinely confident in local traffic. Ferries connect islands such as Bali and Lombok, but schedules can change with weather; book through established operators and arrive early. Domestic flights are often the practical choice for longer distances, though baggage rules vary between airlines. On Bali, avoid packing too many distant sights into one day—Ubud, Uluwatu, and the north coast are separated by congested roads. Keep a small day bag with water, a power bank, and motion-sickness tablets for winding roads and boat trips. With Hello connectivity active on arrival, ride-hailing, navigation, and airline notifications remain accessible even during last-minute changes.

Indonesian food is wonderfully regional, so every island offers new flavours. Try nasi goreng and mie goreng for familiar staples, then look for local specialities: Balinese babi guling, West Sumatran rendang, Central Javanese gudeg, and Sulawesi’s richly spiced coto Makassar. Street stalls and warungs often serve the most memorable meals. Start with busy spots where food turns over quickly, and mention your tolerance for chilli—pedas can mean seriously hot. Vegetarian travellers will find excellent options such as gado-gado, tempeh, tofu, and vegetable curries, but ask about shrimp paste or fish sauce if avoiding animal products. Drink bottled or filtered water, and use it when brushing your teeth in places where tap water is not treated for visitors. Keep small notes for markets and casual eateries, while restaurants and hotels commonly accept cards. Hello’s budget-tracking feature can record meals in rupiah, making it easier to spot how much you are spending on snacks, coffee, and tours. If travelling with friends, use expense splitting to settle shared meals without awkward calculations.

Indonesia is culturally diverse, and respectful behaviour makes every encounter warmer. Dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques, and villages; carry a sarong and cover shoulders and knees where requested. Remove shoes before entering homes or certain religious spaces, use your right hand when giving or receiving items, and ask before photographing people or ceremonies. In Bali, never step over offerings placed on pavements, and avoid touching anyone’s head. The local currency is the Indonesian rupiah (Rp). Cash remains essential for small shops, parking, market purchases, rural transport, and entrance fees, while cards are more common in established hotels and restaurants. Check notes carefully and count change before leaving, particularly in busy tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in cities but less dependable on small islands, so carry a sensible reserve without displaying large amounts. Tipping is not mandatory, though rounding up or leaving a modest amount for excellent service is appreciated. Hello’s spending tracker lets you monitor costs in rupiah, and its expense-splitting feature is useful when sharing drivers, villas, boat charters, or group dinners.