Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended for Indonesia travelers. Consider Hepatitis B and Japanese Encephalitis if you’re planning extended stays or rural visits. Rabies is optional but wise if you’ll be around animals. Ensure routine vaccines (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) are up-to-date. Malaria prophylaxis varies by region, so check local areas. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Indonesia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for IndonesiaCulture & Customs
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes when entering homes or temples. Use your right hand for eating and giving or receiving items. Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised outside urban areas. Women should be prepared for some male attention, particularly in rural spots, but a firm, polite decline usually suffices. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Indonesia.
- Nasi Goreng: Indonesia’s take on fried rice, usually made with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), shallots, garlic, and sometimes shrimp or chicken. Often topped with a fried egg. It’s a staple comfort food and a go-to meal for locals and travelers alike.
- Rendang: A slow-cooked beef dish simmered in coconut milk and spices. Originally from West Sumatra, it’s known for its rich, spicy flavor. Rendang is often served on special occasions and is considered a dish of pride due to the time and effort it requires.
- Sate: Skewered and grilled meat, typically served with a thick peanut sauce. It’s a street food favorite, with variations found across the country, each region adding its twist to the marinade and sauce.
- Gado-Gado: A salad of slightly boiled vegetables and hard-boiled eggs, served with peanut sauce dressing. Often described as Indonesia’s salad, it’s a healthier option that’s both filling and flavorful.
- Soto: A traditional soup mainly composed of broth, meat, and vegetables. With numerous regional variations, it’s a dish that showcases the diversity of Indonesian flavors. Soto Ayam (chicken) is particularly popular.
- Bakso: Meatballs served in a beef broth, often with noodles or rice vermicelli. A favorite street food, it’s loved for its warm, comforting nature, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Tap water in Indonesia isn’t safe to drink for tourists, and most locals don’t drink it straight either. Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any stomach issues. You’ll find bottled water easily available and cheap at most shops.
The main language in Indonesia is
Bahasa Indonesia. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Bahasa Indonesia skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Indonesia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Indonesia,
English proficiency varies significantly by region and demographic. In major cities like Jakarta and Bali, you’ll find a higher number of English speakers, especially among younger people, professionals, and those in the tourism sector. Many hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions offer English-speaking staff, making it easier for travelers to navigate.
However, in rural areas and smaller towns, English may be less commonly spoken. Locals might understand basic phrases, but communication can be challenging without some knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia, the national language. Learning a few key phrases in Bahasa can enhance your experience and help bridge any language gaps.
Overall, while English is not universally spoken, you can generally find enough English speakers in tourist hotspots to get by. Being patient and using gestures can also help in situations where language barriers arise.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Indonesia is IDR (Rp).
ATMs: You’ll find ATMs in most towns and cities in Indonesia, but they’re not as common in rural areas or on some smaller islands. Always have a backup plan if you’re heading off the beaten path. Make sure your card is activated for international use, and inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any awkward blocks.
Carry Cash: It’s smart to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases, local markets, and in places where card machines are nonexistent. Indonesian Rupiah can fluctuate, so keep an eye on the exchange rate before you go. Big cities are card-friendly, but cash is king in rural areas.
Dollars or Euros: U.S. Dollars and Euros are widely accepted for exchange, but they’re not used for transactions. Keep them crisp and in good condition; locals can be picky about the state of your bills. Don’t rely on them too much, though; always have Rupiah for day-to-day expenses.
Card Acceptance: Major cities and tourist hotspots will accept credit cards, but always have cash as a backup. Small vendors rarely accept cards, and outside tourist zones, cash is your best bet. Visa and Mastercard are most commonly accepted — Amex, not so much.
Exchange Tips: Stick to legitimate exchange counters — avoid street exchangers no matter how tempting the rate seems. Airports are convenient, but the rates are often less favorable. In towns, reputable money changers will have clear signage and usually offer better rates than banks.
Tipping in Indonesia isn’t obligatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is common if a service charge isn’t included. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, rounding up the fare or giving small amounts like IDR 5,000-10,000 is considered generous.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.