Indonesia is a popular destination for Singaporean students looking to travel on a budget. Here are some tips on how to travel Indonesia on a budget for holiday:
1. Choose budget-friendly destinations: The most common location in Indonesia for Singaporeans will definitely be Bali. You can stay in a villa or higher end hotels for really affordable prices by booking through AirBnB and Agoda or Booking.com. However, you can explore alternative options such as Lombok, Yogyakarta and Bandung, which are less crowded and their natural beauty are unspoiled by tourism. Bali will be a little more expensive due to its popularity to tourists. These destinations are known for their natural beauty, sandy beaches, cultural heritage, and affordable prices.
2. Plan in advance: Plan your itinerary well in advance to avoid last-minute expenses. Do your own research on budget airlines, accommodation and transport options beforehand. Ideally, you should book flights at least three months in advance and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays as airlines tend to release the lowest prices on these days. Budget airlines include Jetstar, AirAsia and Scoot but remember to use incognito mode when researching for deals as websites tend to track your searches and may increase prices. Also use Google Flights or Skyscanner to search for alternative airlines. Google Flights even has a notification option to notify you when there are changes to the fares you are eyeing.
3. Accommodation options: Stay in budget-friendly accommodation options such as hostels or budget hotels on Booking.com/Agoda. You can also consider staying in guesthouses or homestays to get a local experience at a lower cost. If you are more adventurous, you may consider co-living options or dormitories to save on costs even more. If you are travelling with friends, you may also like to get an AirBnB where you can live relatively luxuriously on a budget in an apartment or villa, do check out the reviews for all accommodations beforehand though!
4. Food options: Eat at local eateries and street vendors for cheaper meals (Do make sure that they are hygienic or at the very least know where to find medical help if necessary!). Indonesian cuisine is known for being flavorful and budget-friendly. Some popular dishes to try include Nasi Goreng, Satay, and Gado Gado.
5. Public transportation: Use local public transportation such as buses, trains, and trishaws to get around the city. It is cheaper than taking taxis or hiring private cars. You may also opt to use ride haling services such as Grab, Uber and Gojek, etc. where you can get a ride at an affordable price.
6. Bargain: Bargain whenever possible, especially in markets and street vendors. Many street vendors expect customers to bargain and have an initial inflated price for that purpose. A good guide would be to bargain for a 20 - 50% discount.
7. Explore nature: Indonesia is home to some of the world's most beautiful natural wonders such as beaches, mountains, and waterfalls. Most of them are free to access or come at a minimal entrance fee. You can take advantage of free hikes, walking and cycling tours and explore nature on your own. You can consider hiking up Mount Batur in Bali to catch the sunrise!
6. Free attractions: There are many free attractions in Indonesia that you can explore such as temples, museums, and art galleries. Some popular free attractions include the Borobudur Temple, the National Museum of Indonesia, and the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.
7. Travel in groups: Consider traveling with a group of friends to split costs on transport and accommodation. Many tours and experiences offer discounts for group bookings. It is also much safer to be traveling in groups and having friends to depend on if you need help!
8. Be mindful of scams/crimes: Be cautious of scams and overcharging by taxi drivers or street vendors. Always negotiate prices before agreeing to any service or product. It's always good to have an idea of the local currency and be able to convert prices in Singapore dollars. You can also use Revolut/Youtrip cards to help you convert currencies easily on the spot and also withdraw money overseas. Also, be cautious and careful of where you leave your valuables and belongings.
You may consider buying a anti-theft bag where it is much harder for thieves to access your items by cutting the bag open. There are many cases of expensive items being stolen from AirBnBs as well such as Louis Vuitton handbags These crimes are on the rise, so you may want to consider traveling light and not bringing expensive items with you. If you decide to buy them overseas, find a place to store them securely in the place you are staying, whether it be in a safe or behind a lock.
[Bonus!] Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is an important point to consider when traveling overseas as you are not familiar to the country you are visiting. If you decide to engage in riskier activities such as water rafting, bungee jumping, skydiving, etc., you should buy travel insurance in case of emergencies and injuries. Even if you aren't engaging in these activities, travel insurance provides a peace of mind. You can find affordable plans on NTUC Income and Singlife to cover your trip!
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