21 Travel Tips for Solo Travel in Indonesia

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Indonesia is an incredible island nation that boasts some of world’s most beautiful tropical landscapes, and it’s one of my favorite places I’ve ever traveled solo!

In fact, there are literally thousands of beautiful Indonesian islands for travelers to explore – 17,000+ to be exact! That coupled with the country’s diverse culture, sandy beaches, and sunny weather, are sure to astonish you and leave you wanting more!

As someone who had been dreaming of visiting Indonesia for years, I didn’t let the fact that I couldn’t find a travel buddy to deter me. I took the leap and traveled solo to Indonesia during my summer vacation as an English teacher in Korea, and I’m so glad I did. As my first solo country in Asia, I was able to see first-hand the beauty of Jakarta, Bali, and Nusa Penida – it was a freeing experience.

Now I’m here to shed light on how you can travel solo to Indonesia yourself with some helpful tips!

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Solo Female Travel in Indonesia

On my solo adventure to Indonesia, I traveled to Jakarta, Bali, and Nusa Penida and didn’t have any trouble as a solo woman.

Especially in Bali – solo female travel in Bali is a literal breeze and insanely easy. There are so many other expats in Bali making it all too easy to meet other people to hang out with, and it’s a very touristy area so there are resources there to help you if you ever are in need. If it’s your first experience traveling solo as a woman in Asia, Bali is a great gateway destination.

Jakarta is the capital city that gets a bad rep for not being a super great place to visit. It’s big and it’s loud, and compared to Bali, I can see why many tourists opt to skip it. BUT – I actually really loved the one day in Jakarta I had, and again never felt uncomfortable traveling solo as a woman.

As with anywhere and anytime women travel alone, just follow the key solo female travel safety tips and you’ll be fine. Don’t go out too late alone at night, be care with drugs and alcohol, try to make friends, and if you can get a SIM card it offers a of peace of mind.

Read more: Best Instagram Spots in Bali

7 Best Places to Visit for Solo Travel in Indonesia

1. Bali

Bali is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Indonesia, and a popular backpacking destination for solo travelers. It’s best known for lush rice terraces, pristine beaches, and sacred temples.

Before booking a trip to Bali, it’s important to carefully research the various places to stay in Bali. Some of the most popular places to stay in Bali include Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Ubud.

However, thanks to the many noteworthy things to do in Ubud and social vibes in Canggu, many choose one of these two to base themselves for their Bali adventures.

Best hostel in Bali: Puri Garden (Ubud) & Lushy Hostel (Canggu)

Best resort in Bali: AYANA Resort Bali (Kuta), Hanging Gardens of Bali (Ubud)

2. Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia’s largest city, gets a bad rep and is one of those places people either love or hate. I decided to spend one day in Jakarta while on my way to Bali and overall enjoyed it. But just know that it is a classic megacity and is a bit gritty.

However, I was glad I had a chance to see another side of Indonesia beyond Bali. As it is a city, I recommend solo travelers to take standard safety precautions like avoiding going out at night alone.

Best hostel in Jakarta: Capsule Hotel Jakarta

Best hotel in Jakarta: DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta

3. East Nusa Tenggara

East Nusa Tenggara is an Indonesian province comprising diverse islands, including Flores and Komodo, known for stunning landscapes and marine life. Some of the best things to do is explore Komodo National Park, home to Komodo dragons, indulge in world-class diving, see the pink beach, and hike to the famous lookout on Padar.

The best way to get to East Nusa Tenggara is to fly from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo, the largest city. It’s the best place to base yourself and take a speed boat to whichever island you plan to visit first.

Best hostel in Labuan Bajo: Seaesta Komodo

Best resort in Labuan Bajo: Sudamala Resort

4. Nusa Islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan

The Nusa islands are located southeast of Bali, Indonesia, renowned for its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. Its most famous landmark is Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida, a unique and rugged bit of coast that those brave enough can hike down the steep cliffside to reach.

The Nusas are easy enough to reach by taking a speed boat transfer from Bali’s Sanur Beach.

Read more: Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida

Best hostel in Nusa Penida: Nuansa Penida Hostel

Best resort in Nusa Penida: BB Resort Villa and Spa

5. Raja Ampat Islands

The Raja Ampat Islands are located in the northwest of Papua, Indonesia, and are renowned for their stunning biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs. Many are attracted by the stunning beaches, jungle islands, and exceptional diving.

To reach Raja Ampat Islands, travelers typically fly to Sorong Airport in West Papua, Indonesia, and then take a ferry or speedboat to the archipelago. It does require a bit of a journey as these islands are quite remote, but stunning.

Best resort in Raja Ampat Islands: Methos Homestay

6. Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are located near the northwest coast of Lombok Island. There are three small islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—and they are best known for their white sandy beaches and quieter atmosphere.

To get to the Gili Islands, you can take a fast boat or ferry from Bali, specifically from the ports of Padang Bai or Serangan. Alternatively, you can also travel from Lombok, as the islands are located near its northwest coast.

Best hostel in Gili Islands: Begadang (Gili Air), The Rabbit Tree (Gili Meno), M Box (Gili Trawangan)

Best resort in Gili Islands: Hani Hideaway (Gili Air), Meno House (Gili Meno, Pearl of Trawangan (Gili Trawangan)

7. Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is one of the big cities located on the island of Java, about 1.5 hour flight from Bali. Yogyakarta is home to the famous Borobudur temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, that is not only exceptionally beautiful but offers incredible views of surrounding mountains.

Other things to do in Yogyakarta is to soak up the beauty of rice paddy farms, soak up the beauty of its other temples, and enjoy the local food.

Best hostel in Yogyakarta: Snooze Hostel
Best resort in Yogyakarta: The Phoenix Hotel 

21 of the Best Indonesia Travel Tips for Solo Female Travelers

1. Stay in a hostel.

One of the best tips for solo travelers is to stay in a hostel. They allow you to meet other travelers during your time, which for me is one of the main perks of traveling alone! Not only that, but hostels are a great way to save money on travel and extend a budget.

Airbnbs also are a great choice especially when searching for a place to stay in Bali. You can usually find a luxurious and beautiful place for an affordable price.

Read more: Best Hostel Essentials for Your Packing List

2. Download offline maps on your phone.

One of the first things I do when traveling to a new place is download an offline map of the area I’ll be exploring. Google Maps and Maps.me are two great applications that let you do so. It’s immensely helpful to have this information at your fingertips when without WiFi, especially for someone who is as prone to getting lost as I am!

3. Drink bottled water.

It’s not recommended to drink from the tap in Indonesia so make sure you stock up on bottled water while traveling around the country. My favorite thing to do is purchase a large 2+ gallon jug of water and refill my reusable bottle throughout the trip. Indonesia can get hot so take care to stay hydrated!

4. Use Blue Bird taxis.

Blue Bird taxis are the safest and most recommended taxi company to use in Indonesia – including Bali, Lombok. Jakarta and more. The price is set by a meter so there’s no need to worry about being ripped off. Blue Bird also has an app that lets you pay with credit card and order a taxi to your current location from your phone. If you chose to pay the driver directly, they only accept cash.

Be wary of taxis that look very similar to Blue Bird – a lot of them do! When you arrive at CGK airport in Jakarta you should see a line of people. You’ll need to take a number from a touchscreen kiosk and wait in line for the next available taxi. This same service isn’t at the Bali airport, but you can order a ride from the app once you land.

5. Consider picking up a SIM card.

I’m a huge fan of having a SIM card wherever I travel solo because I love the flexibility and peace of mind it gives me.

So in Indonesia I picked up a Telkomsel SIM card with 7 GB of data at a small shop in Canggu, Bali for 150,000 rupiah or about $11 (in 2017). If you can help it, avoid buying a SIM card at the airport as the prices are much, much higher than the street price.

However, today I recommend downloading the Airalo app and picking up an eSIM for Indonesia. It’s an easy way to stay connected and to top up your data if you need more. You can grab 1GB staring at $5.50 up to 20GB for $40, and increments in between.

Get $3 for your first Airalo eSIM card with my referral link. If you’re looking to disconnect during your time, here are some helpful tips for traveling without a SIM card.

6. Anticipate the unexpected.

If there is one lesson I learned from my travels in SE Asia, it’s that you can’t control or anticipate everything. Cancellations, missed transportation, weather changes, anything goes. As a control freak this was a stressful experience for me!

Eventually I began to love the go with the flow attitude, and I learned the importance of having a loose itinerary. I extended my stay in certain areas and shortened my stay at others because I didn’t really know what I wanted until I was there and saw it for myself!

Having booked my accommodation through booking.com, it was easy to change my plans and take advantage of the free cancellation services they offer. Try to book with places that let you cancel up to 24 hours before without a cancellation fee for ultimate flexibility.

7. Rent a scooter.

Scooters rule the road in Indonesia and getting around the country is much faster when you join in on the terrifying fun! Technically you need an international driving license along with your license from home, but never once was I asked for it when renting or driving. People tend to turn a blind eye to the rules, but it’s important to understand that this is the law.

If you want to abide by the rules, you can obtain a tourist driver’s license from some local police stations in Indonesia.

One last thing, please promise me you’ll protect your noodle and wear a helmet at all times! And real shoes! I personally got into a minor scooter accident and having those safety precautions as back up could have been extremely necessary. The law does also state that you must wear a helmet – although this seems to be another thing that local police let slide. Just protect your noodle folks!

8. Drive on the left.

If you do decide to join the masses and hop on a scooter of your own, prepare to drive on the left side of the road!

9. Respect the local traditions and beliefs.

The Indonesian population is quite religiously diverse. On Java, the majority of people are Muslim while in Bali the majority are Hindu. Keep this in mind as you travel through Indonesia and be sure to check what the local customs are for each island you intend to visit.

In Bali, you should keep an eye out for the small religious offerings placed on the ground and all around, and avoid disturbing them. You’ll also need to wear a sarong and (sometimes) a hip scarf to enter temples. And for my ladies, you’re not allowed to enter temples while menstruating.

10. Travel light + pack only the essentials.

Indonesia and the rest of SE Asia offers so many amazing travel experiences that you’ll most likely be hopping from place to place fairly frequently. Traveling light will only make this process easier. It will also give you the room to purchase the extremely affordable souvenirs you’re inevitably going to want! I learned this lesson the hard way from being too prepared and overpacking. 

Don’t forget to bring your travel adapter! Indonesia uses the ‘C’ type or European-style two-pin round plugs.

Read more: Best Travel Essentials For Women

11. Bring travel soap to clean up and keep fresh.

This may be a tip more geared towards backpackers, but consider bringing travel soap to keep your clothes and bag fresh and clean! In Bali I found I was doing a lot of beach and active activities, which left me with stinky, wet clothes to carry the rest of my trip! Nobody likes a stinky bag.  

12. Carry cash and carry small denominations.

Smaller merchants and local markets prefer cash and in small denominations when you make a purchase. I had no problem taking cash out from the local ATMs with my American debit card so it was super convenient to grab more when needed!

Most hostels and popular restaurants do take card, but be sure to check beforehand if you’re cashless. Cabs seemed to only accept cash.

13. Pack earplugs and an eye mask.

Usually, I have no issue sleeping in any environment – loud or well-lit, it doesn’t matter. But in Bali, the roosters and motorbikes wake up early. Without fail they will let you know around 5 am that they are ready to start the day. Not to mention the riff-raff you’re bound to encounter sleeping in a budget-friendly hostel!

If you need your beauty sleep, come with some earplugs and an eye mask to avoid the few grumpy mornings I had myself! It’s my ultimate travel and hostel tip!

14. Interact with the locals.

Indonesians are such friendly people! Everywhere I went, folks greeted me with genuine smiles and happy hellos. Don’t be shy to interact and have a conversation. It will definitely brighten your day!

15. Enjoy the fresh and locally sourced food.

Indonesian food is very cheap and very delicious. Fresh fruit, curry dishes, fried rice and noodles, and more! For authentic and affordable Indonesian fare, visit a warung, small family owned restaurant, and dine with the locals!

You should only eat cooked fruits and veggies or produce that you can peel yourself to avoid stomach complications. I never once had a problem, but for the sensitive stomachs out there it’s important to know.

16. Know what the tipping expectation is.  

Indonesia is a diverse country made up of 17,000 islands and subcultures, so depending where you are traveling, there are different tipping expectations to keep in mind.

In Jakarta, people will expect a tip for their services. There isn’t the same 15% standard we know in America, but a 10,000 or 20,000 rupiah tip should be enough – possibly more for higher priced services.

In Bali most restaurants include a service charge on the bill, so it isn’t required to give an additional tip when dining out. For spa treatments, offering a tip to your masseuse or treatment provider is definitely the polite thing to do and I also offered small tips to my taxi drivers for their service. 

17. Learn some survival phrases.

The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian, but in some places like Bali, locals may speak both Indonesian and a second language. Try to learn a few survival phrases for your trip if you can. It can be super helpful!

​

Welcome – Selamat datang
Hello – Halo
Thank you – Terima kasih
Yes – Ya
No – Tidak
Do you speak English? – Anda bisa bicara bahasa inggris?
Sorry/excuse me – Maff
Excuse me/pardon me – Permisi
Where is the toilet? – Di mana kamar toilet?
Help! – Tolong!
Where? – Di mana?
How much/many? – Berapa

18. Prepare for squat toilets and don’t forget the tissues.

I think this is just a good general rule for travel. Toilets in Indonesia were missing toilet paper and soap 90% of the time in the less touristy areas. In Jakarta, I actually had a hard time finding public bathrooms, so take advantage when you have one easily accessible!

19. Carry two wallets.

Another tip I’d read online before coming was to carry two wallets. One to hold for potential bribes or theft and the other to safeguard in a difficult place to find/reach. I honestly never had a single issue and never once felt remotely threatened or at risk, but it’s something to consider.

20. Avoid drugs, or anything illegal at all costs.

Countries in Southeast Asia have a reputation for being a party paradise filled with magic pizza and special brownies. Indonesia is NOT like other SE Asian countries in this regard and illegal drugs are taken very seriously here.

You could be sentenced to severe punishment if caught with drugs and possibly even the death penalty for smuggling. If you haven’t heard of the Bali Nine, take a moment to read about it to give you a better idea of how seriously the Indonesian government takes drug offenses. This article over at Trip Savvy does a great job breaking down the Indonesian drug laws.

21. Check your visa obligations.

Citizens from 169 countries are eligible for a free tourist visa valid for thirty days. Indonesia also offers a free visa-on-arrival to citizens of 61 countries – including the United States – so no need to apply for one ahead of time! This visa is also valid for 30 days and can be extended an additional 30 days if needed.

For more information, you can read what countries are eligible for what visa and all of the requirements here.

Bonus Travel Tips for Indonesia

Come prepared with the best things to do and best travel guides.

Indonesia is an insanely popular travel destination for so many reasons. From their amazing hiking and volcanic landscapes, the amazing beaches and the crazy cool cycling in Indonesia, there is something for all adventure seekers.

Headed to Bali? Check out my top Instagram Spots for Bali to learn the ins and outs of the best things to do in this beach paradise.

There you have it my friends! My top travel tips for Indonesia. This country definitely captured a little piece of my heart and I know one day very soon I’ll be back to see what more wonderful Indonesia has to offer.

Do you have any other important travel tips for Indonesia to share? Comment below!