Indonesia

 Respecting Indonesian culture involves understanding and appreciating the country's rich traditions, customs, and social norms. As travelers, we have an important responsibility to respect the cultures of others. By doing so, we can also learn and become better travelers and people.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas, and consider wearing batik for special occasions. This may not always be easy due to the extremely hot temperatures in Southeast Asia, but always make sure to do so when visiting places of religious significance especially. As always, make sure to remove your shows when entering religious buildings as well.

Respect local customs and traditions by enthusiastically participating in ceremonies and festivals when invited, and by offering gifts with your right hand or both hands. Not only is this respectful, but it's what travel is all about, learning from others who share a different way of life than your own.

The cost of traveling in Indonesia can vary widely depending on your travel style, preferences, and the specific regions you plan to visit. Indonesia is a diverse country with various islands, each offering unique experiences and costs. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs for various aspects of travel in Indonesia:

• Street Food/Local Restaurants: Street food and local restaurants are very affordable. You can get a meal for as low as $2 to $5, especially if you eat where the locals eat.
• Mid-range Restaurants: Dining in mid-range restaurants can cost between $5 to $15 per person, offering a variety of cuisines.
• Fine Dining: Fine dining restaurants in luxury resorts or high-end areas can be more expensive, with meals costing $20 and up per person.

• Cultural and Historical Sites: Entrance fees to temples, museums, and cultural sites vary but are generally affordable, ranging from $1 to $10 or more.
• Adventure Activities: Activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, and island hopping tours can range from $20 to $100 or more, depending on the location and the type of activity.
• Wildlife and Nature Tours: Tours to see wildlife or explore national parks can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the duration and activities included.

 At the center of Merdeka Square stands the 132 m (433 ft) monolith symbolizing Indonesia's struggle for independence. Opened to the public in 1975, this monument has become a popular destination for those visiting Jakarta. You can even take a spectacular view of Jakarta using the lift to the memorial's observation deck at the height of 115 m, accessed through the monument's southern gate. Viewing the moment is free, but it will cost around USD 1.00 to visit the observation deck.

Observation Deck Hours:

Daytime:

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday

Evening:

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Tuesday-Thursday

7:00 PM - Midnight Friday-Sunday

Ticket Price:

15,000 RP or around USD 1.00

In Jakarta's Old Town, you will find street performers, five museums, restaurants, shopping, and more. This location has become a popular destination for tourists looking to learn about Jakarta and experience its culture. The Old Town Square is where you will find a high concentration of street performers and street vendors.

At night this area comes alive as people look to avoid the mid-day sun while enjoying the energy of this area. Those who like starting their day in the morning can head here early to catch a nice cup of coffee before exploring the city. There are stalls where you can enjoy a variety of street foods, which is a favorite activity for many visiting Southeast Asia. has a lot to offer, so there is something for everyone.

The National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta is a must-visit for anyone wanting to dive into the country’s rich culture and history. With over 190,000 artifacts spanning prehistoric to modern times, it offers a fascinating look into Indonesia’s diverse heritage. Don't miss this cultural gem before exploring more of the archipelago. 

Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Entrance Fee: 10,000 RP (USD $0.63 as of 11/2024)

 If you are looking for a closer beach than you would find on the Thousand Islands, then Ancol Beach is your best option. Located north of central Jakarta, Ancol Beach is a slim stretch of sand along Jakarta Bay, part of Ancol recreation park. There is an amusement park nearby and plenty of resorts to stay at, depending on your budget.

Unfortunately, this isn't one of the cleanest beaches you will visit in Indonesia, but it is an excellent place to snap a few photos and enjoy some outdoor time while in Jakarta. The traffic makes walking around Jakarta quite tricky, so it is ideal for walking and enjoying some light exercise. As I mentioned, this is part of a larger resort area, so there is plenty of other stuff to do that is nearby. 

Another drawback to going to this beach is that you have to pay a small fee since it falls under the umbrella of the Ancol Dreamland area, so you have to pay an entrance fee. This entrance fee allows you to explore the shoreline but doesn't cover the actual theme park.  

Entrance Fee:  IDR 25.000 IDR (USD 1.60)

Hours: 24 hours daily

Borobudur, built in the 9th century, is a breathtaking archeological wonder and the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It is without a doubt an impressive structure.

Perched above the jungle, this towering temple offers an incredible spot to watch the sunrise. While many opt for a day tour from Yogyakarta, renting a scooter for a scenic jungle ride is an unforgettable way to get there.

Borobudur’s design is strikingly unique, resembling a pyramid with multiple tiers. At the summit, you’ll find a massive bell-shaped dome surrounded by 70 smaller stupas, each housing Buddha statues visible through diamond-shaped openings.

Don’t miss this awe-inspiring landmark when visiting Indonesia—it’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Hours: Daily 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Entrance Fee: IDR 350,000 or (USD $21.96 as of 12/2024)

Some refer to Taman Sari as the "Water Castle." Its name means "beautiful flower garden. However, it is now showing its age but still maintaining its charm. This complex was formerly the site of a royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. There is still water in the bathing areas that give it its name, and with the heat of Indonesia beating down you, it may tempt some to jump in for a swim; I was. 

My favorite part of this complex is the Gumuling Well which is part of the Sumur Gumuling building (an underground mosque), where four staircases meet in what I think is the most iconic image of this destination. Looking back at the staircase photo, it reminds me of the stairs from the Netflix show Squid Games. 

Taman Sari is straightforward to get to by walking or biking from most places in town. There are also plenty of locals selling trinkets and refreshments nearby. 

Hours: Daily 9 AM - 3 PM 

Entrance Fee: Rp 15,000 or USD 1.01 (August 2022)

Jalan Malioboro has a lot of energy, which is one of the reasons that I love it. This long shopping street stands in one of the most tourist-concentrated districts of the city. Both sides contain small street stalls, restaurants, and larger shops. The food is excellent! In addition to the smaller shops, indoor malls are also on both sides of the street. 

I loved the smaller outdoor stalls, which are great places to pick up my favorite tourist trinkets. Since I had been traveling for a long time, I did not purchase much at the many street stalls I had visited in Southeast Asia. Indonesia was my last stop for this trip, so I made a reasonable effort to start buying small items to remember my trip. 

Hours: Always open

For more information, click here. 

 Reference:

$ Usually under USD 5.00

$$ Usually USD 5.00-10.00

$$$ Usually over USD 10.00

$ Laura's Backpacker 523 - This affordable adults-only accommodation offers a comfortable stay for very reasonable prices.

Extra Perks: Free breakfast, garden, terrace, A/C

Located Near:  Adipura Monument Park, Batik Museum

$$ Rumah Rosa Homestay - This comfortable homestay offers budget double rooms for under $10.00.

Extra Perks: towels provided, bicycle rentals available

Located Near: Alun Alun Kidul,  Taman Sari Water Castle 

$$$  Oyo 244 Griya Cemara Homestay - With an excellent 8.8 out of 10 it is hard to go wrong with this beautiful homestay.

Extra Perks: A/C, in-room TVs

Located Near: Less than a mile from  Adisutjipto International Airport 

There is something about watching a sunrise in Southeast Asia with a cup of coffee. It is usually a time to digest the adventure that you are having from where you have been to where you are going. When you pair a gorgeous sunrise with phenomenal scenery, you create a special moment that will usually end up in a special place in your memory bank. The morning that I visited Mount Bromo was just such an occasion. 

You will find the easiest way to witness a sunrise is by taking a tour. I would also recommend doing this because it is much more convenient for this distance from Probolinggo than going by scooter. You can easily set up a tour through your accommodation. My tour package included the sunrise and a ride to the foot of the volcano. From there, I hiked to the top of Mount Bromo, which offered another exciting adventure. Regardless of the tour company that you choose, viewing Mount Bromo is bound to provide a memory that you won't soon forget.  

The long-tailed Macaques drive the curious traveler to the Ubud Monkey Forest. These curious creatures have made this forest their home, and this area is vital for their conservation. There are over 900 of them living in the area, and they roam freely among the three temples built in the 14th century during Pejeng Dynasty. Make sure to watch out, as they won't be shy about grabbing food from you, and feeding the monkeys is prohibited to conserve natural behavior of the monkeys. 

The monkeys are a massive draw to travelers, but this is also a sacred site for locals. This area represents the coexistence between humans and nature for the Balinese people. It is an integral part of their heritage, so respecting the area should be a top priority for those who visit. 

You will not regret visiting this unique and entertaining destination during your time in Bali. Observing these playful creatures among the gorgeous jungle and ancient temples is a wonderful experience. There is also cultural entertainment and music provided by the local Balinese. 

To learn more about the Ubud Monkey Forest, visit here

Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Entrance Fee: 

Weekday

Adult: IDR 80.000 (USD 5.13 as of 10/22) Child 60.000 IDR (USD 3.85 as of 10/22)

Weekend

Adult: IDR 100.000 (USD 6.41 as of 10/22) Child IDR 80.000 (USD 5.13 as of 10/22)

 The Ulun Beratan Temple is an iconic and beautiful 12-story Hindu temple in Bali built in the 17th century by king Mengwi. The temple sits on a small island just off the shore of Lake Beratan, the second largest lake in Bali, so some call it "the floating temple." A mountainous region surrounds the temple, which adds to the beauty of this temple complex.

It is roughly 50 kilometers north of Denpasar, so if you are staying there, you will have to hire a driver, take a tour, or rent a scooter. There is plenty to see along the way, so try and leave as early as possible to avoid the crowds and have enough time to make the trip enjoyable. 

Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR (USD 3.22 as of 10/2022)

Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

. One of Bali's most iconic and photographed destinations, "Heaven's Gate," is at Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang or Lempuyang Temple in Eastern Bali. It has become a favorite for those looking for the perfect Instagram shot. In that respect, it may be one of the most Instagramed shots in Southeast Asia. Since the temple and gate are located on the slope of Mount Lempuyang, taking photos toward the gate provides an infinity pool type of perspective that gives Heaven's gate its name. 

There is more to enjoy here than simply going for the gram. I wonder why you rarely see a shot of Lempuyang Temple from through the front gate. This incredible 11th-century temple is a gem in its own right. I understand it is important to get some amazing trip photos to share on social media. Still, I don't miss the adventure of travel by focusing so much on trying to get a perfect shot on your journey that you miss out on the most important thing: having a great experience and creating memories. 

Getting there: It is a two-hour drive if you stay in Denpasar or the surrounding area. For this, booking a tour from there may be the easiest option. You can also rent a scooter or car and make the trip outside of a guided tour. Once there, you must climb over 1,700 steps to reach Heaven's Gate on the slope of Mount Lempuyang. 

Hours: Daily 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Entrance Fee: There is a parking fee if you bring your rented vehicle. The temple does not charge an entrance fee, but you may be asked to donate.

Additional Information: Click here

 Tanah Lot is a captivating fusion of natural beauty and cultural significance, nestled on Bali's southwest coast. The name Tanah Lot means "Land in the Sea," and it's a Hindu temple perched on an offshore rock formation. The temple is called Pura Tanah Lot, and it stands as a spiritual haven and pilgrimage site dedicated to the sea gods. This iconic site has been shaped by centuries of oceanic embrace and holds deep cultural roots. It's guarded by revered sea snakes and hosts Balinese religious ceremonies.  

Accessible via a scenic land bridge, Tanah Lot offers a unique experience during low tide, unveiling the temple's base and rugged surroundings. The journey to Tanah Lot is as enchanting as the destination itself. Visitors can traverse the rocky terrain and immerse themselves in the island's vibrant cultural traditions. As the sun sets, Tanah Lot becomes a canvas for breathtaking hues, casting a magical spell on all who witness this natural spectacle.

 It's important to keep in mind some practical considerations when visiting Tanah Lot. To respect the temple's sanctity, visitors should dress modestly and be aware of ongoing religious ceremonies. Despite its popularity, Tanah Lot's charm remains intact, providing photographers and travelers with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to capture Bali's beauty - a perfect blend of nature's wonders and spiritual resonance. In essence, Tanah Lot is not just a tourist attraction, but a journey into the heart of Balinese mystique, where culture and nature come together in perfect harmony. 

Location:  Tanah Lot is located on the southwest coast of Bali, Indonesia. Specifically, it is in the Tabanan Regency, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of the popular tourist areas of Kuta and Seminyak.  

Transportation:  Visitors can easily reach Tanah Lot by various means of transportation, including taxis, scooters, or as part of guided tours exploring the island. 

 Bali is an amazing place that's often referred to as the Island of the Gods. It's a top travel destination for people around the world who want to experience a beautiful natural environment, a rich cultural heritage, and top-notch hospitality. People who are looking for luxury accommodations will be blown away by the amazing hotels and resorts that are available in Bali, each one offering amazing levels of opulence and style. 

What to know:  The average cost of a luxury hotel in Bali can vary depending on the location, amenities, and time of year. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $800 or more per night for a luxury hotel in Bali. However, it's important to note that there are also many affordable luxury options available, especially if you're willing to travel during the off-season or book well in advance. Additionally, many luxury hotels in Bali offer package deals and discounts that can help to lower the overall cost of your stay.

For the backpacker: For some backpackers, the price of luxury accommodations in Bali may be more than their budget will allow. Don't let this stop you from visiting this exquisite island. There are plenty of great options for the budget traveler as well. 

Visit Komodo Island, one of Indonesia’s unique treasures, to see the world’s largest lizards in their natural habitat. These incredible creatures, found only on a few Indonesian islands, are a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. From their sharp claws to their powerful jaws, Komodo dragons are as fascinating as they are formidable.

Join a guided tour with expert rangers who ensure your safety while sharing insights about these ancient predators and their ecosystem. Walk the trails, spot dragons up close, and learn about their behaviors and adaptations. It’s an awe-inspiring experience that takes you into a world like no other.

Park Entrance Fee (Includes boat trip fee, park entrance fee, trekking fee, and other miscellaneous fees): IDR 1,355,000 (USD 86.29 as of 10/2023)

To learn more about Komodo National Park, click here