Summary Section:
Opportunities in Indonesia are endless. With over 17,000 islands (yes, not just Bali), Indonesia offers limitless backpacking adventures.
Highlights include trekking volcanoes like Bromo, Ijen, and Rinjani, world-class surf in Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa, and pristine diving in Raja Ampat and Flores.
Indonesia boasts some of the globe's most unique wildlife, with experiences ranging from seeing orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra to the iconic Komodo dragons.
Culturally, Bali’s Hindu traditions, Yogyakarta’s Borobudur and Prambanan temples, and diverse local customs will broaden your horizons beyond your wildest expectations.
Hidden gems like Karimunjawa, the Banda Islands, and Lake Toba offer off-the-beaten-path escapes.
Travellers can eat cheaply at warungs or indulge in one of the world’s most criminally underrated cuisines and divine seafood.
Indonesia backpacking budgets vary from $15/day shoestring style to $150/day flashpacker luxury.
Indonesia is best visited between April–October (dry season) and is safe to travel if you respect local laws and customs.
Backpacking Indonesia in 2025: [Volcanoes, Island Life, Surfing and Komodo Dragons]
Welcome to Indonesia!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
INTRO (198)
Backpacking in Indonesia changed my life. It’s one of those countries you rock up to without a plan and end up staying longer than you ever intended. You don’t always know what you’re looking for until it finds you here.
There’s something about Indonesia that gets under your skin. Something raw and honest that makes you feel more connected to the world around you. It’s not just the wildlife and people but the beaches, jungles, reefs and volcanoes. It’s the way everything feels alive.
Made up of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is easy to travel for beginners and vast and deep for hardcore explorers. Each island is gifted with a unique landscape, culture and way of life. People here speak different languages, eat different foods and see the world in different ways.
Most people stick to Bali, but the more you explore Indonesia, the more you realise how huge and limitless this place truly is. From surfing epic waves and diving vibrant reefs to trekking up active volcanoes and exploring hidden waterfalls, there’s something here for every kind of adventurer.
OUTLANDERS, you can choose your own path in Indonesia, and I’m here to show you mine. Let’s do this.
Mount Bromo, East Java
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
What’s Inside This Indonesia Travel Guide? (149 words)
Well, you’re getting insider info from someone who has spent over six months in the country. I can help you decide where to go, what to bring, and how to do it all. Alone.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect from this Indonesia travel guide:
Why It Belongs on Your Bucket List (Travel Inspiration)
Epic Nature (Volcanoes, Waves, Reefs and Insane Landscapes)
All Things Culture (Temples, Ancient Traditions and Artful Displays)
Hidden Gems (Underrated and lesser-known spots)
The Food Scene (Warungs, Fancy Eats and more)
Roadtrips, Travel Routes and Itineraries (For each type of traveller).
Daily Travel Budget in Indonesia (Backpacker vs Flashpacker)
Travel Tips, Etiquette & Local Hacks
What NOT to Do In Indonesia
My Take on Indonesia (Writer’s Note)
FAQs About Backpacking in Indonesia
I’m sharing advice from my own experience and the wisdom of locals and other travellers I met on the road. Ok, let’s get a taste of that feeling of freedom. This guide has you covered.
Indonesia, I’m coming for you!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Let’s Talk Indonesia – Why It Belongs on Your Bucket List (165 words)
Indonesia is one of those countries you just HAVE to visit. You know, just like one of those countries that universally sits in seasoned backpackers' top tens?
Why? Because Indonesia is wild. It’s vast and it’s alive.
Here’s a snippet of what you can expect from your Indonesian adventures…
• Climbing volcanoes, stargazing and watching the sunrise from the summit.
• Scuba diving stunning reefs without breaking your budget.
• Seeing wild Orangutans and Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat.
• Learning to surf or chasing barrels at world-class breaks.
• Hidden islands, spicy food, local traditions, the chaos of Bali and more!
Bucket list fish :)
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Indonesia is the perfect place to exercise choose-your-own-adventure energy. Options are limitless, and opportunities are endless.
This is not the place for a cookie-cutter trip. It’s a place for freedom and a place to write your own stories.
Does this sound like your vibe? If not, no hard feelings. This guide is for travellers, not tourists, so try to keep up!
Epic Nature in Indonesia You Can’t Miss (OUTLANDERS TOP PICKS) (200 words)
Alright OUTLANDERS, I’m going to be straight up with you… Indonesia’s nature is top-tier. It’s arguably the most beautiful country on the planet.
Blue fire spitting volcanoes, giant waterfalls, lush jungle, coconut tree forests, wild creatures you’ve never even heard of, peeling waves, thriving reefs and sunsets that shut you up. This country’s got it all.
No words needed…
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
You won’t struggle to find pockets of beauty throughout Indonesia. But if you want some hard-hitting, backpacker-approved nature adventures, I’ve got a few recommendations for you.
Mount Ijen, Mount Bromo and Mount Rinjani are my top three volcanoes. The Ijen blue flame is otherworldly, Bromo’s landscape feels like Mars and the Rinjani summit trek is as brutal as it is rewarding.
If the ocean is calling, get yourself to Raja Ampat or Flores. The reefs here are untouched, and the diving and snorkelling are sensational.
And if you’re into wildlife, Indonesia is overflowing. Go track orangutans in Sumatra, meet the strange jungle creatures of Borneo and stare down Komodo Dragons on (you guessed it) Komodo Island.
Indonesia is way too massive and way too gorgeous to put into so few words; whatever you choose to explore will be awesome, so go do it!
Best Culture in Indonesia (Where Culture Comes Alive) (195 words)
The culture in Indonesia isn’t something you seek out with a backpack and a map. It hits your senses hard and becomes a sacred part of your everyday life. It’s vibrant, loud and alive in ways that sneak up on you.
Bali, known as the Island of the Gods, is the best place to feel this. The island is mostly Hindu and packed with temples, monkeys and winding backroads. Everywhere you go, the air smells of canang sari, the daily offerings burning incense. Festivals like Nyepi and Galungan burst with colour and history, turning the island into a living story.
Jungle book type sh*t
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Yogyakarta is home to some of the world’s most impressive 9th-century temples. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Borobudur, a massive Buddhist monument, and Prambanan, a sprawling Hindu temple complex. These ruins give us a glimpse into the stories of Java’s past and its deep religious roots
Across Indonesia’s some 17,000 other islands, you’ll find warm, honest and curious people. Their cultures are shaped by centuries of history, from mountain tribes with ancient rituals to coastal communities living off the sea. Different languages, customs and stories. All rooted in respect for nature and tradition.
Hidden Gems in Indonesia (Insider and Underrated Spots) (217 words)
Indonesia is far bigger than Bali and Java. There are islands, lakes, and villages where you can escape the crowds, lose yourself in nature, and meet locals who make you feel at home. Here are some backpacker-approved hidden gems.
• Karimunjawa Islands: Tiny islands off northern Java, perfect for snorkelling and hanging out on empty white-sand beaches. Ideal for anyone chasing paradise without spending a fortune.
• Banda Islands: Volcanic, fragrant with spices, and seriously overlooked. Think turquoise waters, historic forts, and diving with hardly any other tourists around.
• Lake Toba (Sumatra): The largest volcanic lake in the world. Stay in Tuktuk village, hire a motorbike, and explore the hills and waterfalls nearby. Peaceful, epic, and endlessly photogenic.
• Belitung: Hidden beaches, giant granite boulders, and quiet fishing villages. One of those places you stumble across and never want to leave.
• Sumbawa: INSANE surf, rivers, volcano treks. Raw Indonesia, off the beaten path, perfect for anyone seeking adventure.
• Alor: Remote, colourful, and full of genuine local culture. Excellent for diving and feeling like the only person on the island.
Slices of paradise wherever you look.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Top tip: Indonesia is GIANT and full of hidden gems, and some gems are best kept hidden and off the internet… Get out on the road and speak to locals to find the best-kept secrets.
The Food Scene in Indonesia: Warungs and Fresh Seafood (225 words)
Ok, OUTLANDERS, for the best Indonesian food, you’ve just got to go full traditional. You want to find a really good warung!
A warung (or waroeng) is traditionally a small, family-owned shop or stall. Most warungs are restaurants, cafés, or other types of eateries.
The best way to find good food in Indonesia is to ask locals or fellow travellers for advice. Word of mouth is very much alive here, and while Google reviews can be helpful, your best strategy is to peer into different warungs and pick the ones packed with the most locals!
If you eat everything, try a buffet-style warung or order Nasi Campur (white rice with a mix of sides). If you want some Indonesian classics, I recommend Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Soto Ayam (chicken soup), Rendang (a type of slow-cooked dry beef stew), Satay (with peanut sauce), Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce), and Sambal (WARNING – spicy chilli!).
A proper old-school warung set up!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Fancy eateries and seriously high-quality seafood are also easy to find in Indonesia’s tourist hotspots, especially in Bali. Some of the fresh tuna, mahi-mahi and other fish caught here make for sensational sushi, poke bowls, and other seafood dishes.
I also want to give a shout-out to the extraordinary fresh tropical fruit available across Indonesia. If, like me, you’re a fruit addict, make sure you try mangosteens, mangos, papaya, dragon fruit, and snakefruit.
The Best Nightlife in Indonesia (Where the Party’s At) (173 words)
Indonesia is mostly Muslim (except Hindu-majority Bali). The kind of nightlife you are most likely thinking of is not encouraged here. Drinking happens, but if you are yearning for some WILD nights… well, Indonesia probably isn’t the place for you (try Thailand).
As you may be aware, Bali is being ‘ruined’ by overdevelopment, overtourism and unconscious investments. I will be the first one to stand up for the locals and righteousness, BUT one undeniable side effect of this issue is some damn good beach parties.
Partying in Bali is fun. Booze is cheap, nights are late, and there will be lots of laughter. Just make sure you get a taxi home (Grab or GoJek) - DO NOT drink and drive in Bali.
Bintang and a sunset = sensational
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Canggu is the first spot that comes to mind here, then Uluwatu. The obvious shouts are FINNS Beach Club in Canggu and Single Fin in Uluwatu. If you want to go for something weird and artsy, Ubud is probably your best bet, and Kuta Lombok (not Bali) is great for live bands.
(H2) Roadtrips, Travel Routes and Itineraries in Indonesia (183 words)
One of the best things you can do in Indonesia is rent a scooter and take off with no plan. Just you and the open road. Scooters > Plans, that kinda vibe (just make sure you have a helmet on, please).
As far as recommendations go, let's start in Sumatra, shall we? Samosir Island is an inhabited island situated inside Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. Exploring Samosir Island and completing the surrounding Lake Toba loop (120-130km/1-2 days) is 100% one of Indonesia’s greatest road trips - one for the bucket list.
Wear a helmet!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Other cool road trip ideas:
• The Flores Coastal (390 km, 1-2 days): Labuan Bajo to Maumere with jungle roads and open sea.
• Sumbawa Surf Scoot (150-200 km, 1 day): Empty waves. Empty Beaches. All to yourself.
• Java Volcano Circuit (300-350 km, 3-5 days): Bromo to Ijen through volcanic highlands and crater rims.
• West Bali Loop (200-250 km, 2-3 days): Rice fields, jungle tracks and raw coastline.
• Nusa Penida Ring (60-70 km, 1 day): Rickety island roads with cliff faces staring into the big blue.
Daily Travel Budget in Indonesia (The Breakdown) (375 words)
Backpacking in Indonesia can be as ridiculously cheap. Whether you’re sleeping in bamboo shacks or sipping cocktails in beach clubs, this country stretches your money further than most. The sweet spot for most backpackers sits somewhere in the middle.
Indonesian Rupiah
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Shoestring Survival
If you're a real coin stretcher, you can make it work. Expect to sleep in basic dorms, eat fried rice twice a day and share scooters with other brokies. It’s raw, it's rough, and it’s good fun. Expect to spend $15 to $25 per day if you’re strict and disciplined.
Mid-Range Sweet Spot
This is where most of us backpackers find our rhythm. Nice dorms or private rooms with fans or aircon, a mix of warung meals and Western indulgence and enough left over for a few bintangs (beers). You’ll rent your own scooter and maybe splurge on a surf lesson or waterfall trip every now and then. A steady budget of $35 to $50 a day keeps you cruising in comfort.
Fancy Flashpacker
Private villas, private tours, ocean views and proper holiday mode. You’ll eat well, sleep better and feel like royalty. It’s still cheaper than living at home but the spending adds up fast. If you’re rolling in it, make sure to respect local businesses, choose where you spend your cash wisely and allow $70 to $150 a day.
Purchase | Shoestring | Mid-Range | Flashpacker |
Dorm bed (per night) | $4–7 | $10–20 | $30+ |
Warung meal | $1–2 | $2–4 | $5+ |
Western meal | $2–4 | $5–10 | $10–20 |
Scooter rental (daily) | $2–6 | $6–8 | $10+ |
Transport (boats, taxis etc) | $2–5 | $5–15 | $20+ |
Surfboard rental (daily) | $4–6 | $7–10 | $15+ |
Beer and drinks | $1–2 | $2–3 | $4–6 |
Activities (entrance fees, tours) | $1–5 | $5–20 | $30–100+ |
Daily spend estimate | $15–25 | $35–50 | $70–150 |
This Indonesian backpacking budget is a guide, guys. Always budget an extra bit of cash for emergencies and unexpected events. Oh, and remember OUTLANDERS, cash is king!
Travel Tips, Etiquette & Local Hacks
If you want to travel like a pro in Indonesia, here are the essentials.
• Always carry a sarong for temple visits, it shows respect and keeps you out of trouble.
• Helmets are mandatory on scooters, so never skip them. (Wear a t-shirt too, please).
• Learn a few basic words in Bahasa, it goes a long way with locals.
• Download Grab and GoJek apps for easy rides and food delivery.
• Keep waste to a minimum; the locals will respect it. Always have a small cash stash for emergencies or remote areas.
Helmets ON!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
FAQs About Indonesia (150 words)
Here are some frequently asked questions about backpacking in Indonesia (I get a lot).
Is Indonesia Safe?
Yes, Indonesia IS safe to travel. In fact, over 10,000 international tourists visit Indonesia safely each year.
Backpacking in Indonesia is very beginner-friendly and you should not have any worries about your safety if you follow basic safety precautions.
When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
In general, April to October is the aim if you are after the best weather. It’s dry and not too humid or hot yet. If you are looking forward to a wet season with big waves and cheap prices head here from November to March.
Rippable waves are everywhere in Indo!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Where should I stay in Indonesia?
Hostels are the best places to stay on a budget. Hop onto HOSTELWORLD and search for the best ones in your area.
Booking.com is the best place to find Indonesia’s best hotels, and Airbnb is fab for finding gorgeous and tucked-away escapes.
What Should I NOT Do in Indonesia?
DO NOT do drugs in Indonesia. There are very strict laws here and there is a zero tolerance policy. It’s not worth the risk.
It’s also wise to avoid drinking tap water, driving illegally (without a valid license), dressing modestly in most areas that aren’t the beach and public displays of affection (PDA) are also frowned upon.
Do I need a visa to visit Indonesia?
Yes, you do need a visa to visit Indonesia, but tourists from many countries, such as the UK, India and Australia will be eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA). This initial 30-day VOA is easily extendable for a further 30 days. Make sure to check your country’s relevant government site for up-to-date information.
What is the best way to get around Indonesia?
I use Grab and GoJek as my lifts (either in a car or on the back of a bike). Vehicle hire in Indonesia is accessible and easy. Many tourists rent scooters and drive themselves around.
I recommend that, unless you are a confident (and legal) biker, you hire a bike driver or a taxi driver split the costs amongst friends. The roads in Indonesia can be CRAZY.
Komodo Island is stunning.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Final Thoughts on Indonesia (50 words)
It can feel overwhelming when planning a backpacking trip in Indonesia, but the best piece of advice I can give you is to just send it. The locals will look after you, and your journey will present itself to you, one step at a time. Get out there and see for yourself!
More Adventures Nearby (Where to Go Next?) (50 words)
Backpacking Thailand
Backpacking Sri Lanka
Backpacking Vietnam
Written by JOE MIDDLEHURST - middlehurstjoe@gmail.com
Joe has spent nearly three years backpacking 40+ countries, once travelling from North to South America without flying. A storyteller and nature lover with a BSc in Environmental Science, he knows Europe, SE Asia, Australia, and Central America inside out. When he’s not writing, he’s surfing, fishing, freediving, or cheering on Manchester United.
Want a travel plan that actually fits you? Book a 1:1 consultation at middlehurstjoe@gmail.com for personalised routes, budgets, and hidden gems to design your perfect adventure.
See you on the road!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst