What budget for activities and outings Indonesia?
Various tourist sites and museums offer discounts for students, senior citizens and children. National parks such as Komodo and Bunaken have entrance fees, plus additional costs for activities such as diving. Boat trips to the Gili Islands, Komodo and other destinations vary in price, depending on the type of boat, meals included and length of stay. As for cultural visits, temples are modestly priced at around Rp 20,000. Museums, meanwhile, charge around Rp10,000 for entry, but beware, tickets for major tourist sites like Borobudur and Prambanan can quickly put a dent in your budget (Rp652,500 for the two temples combined).
Mountain hikes generally cost 1,000,000 Rp per person. For extended multi-night trips, rates start from Rp 2,000,000 per person. Take, for example, a 4-day, 3-night, all-inclusive trip to Mount Ijen and Bromo, which fetches Rp 4 million for two people. A definite investment, but one that offers breathtaking views to boot.
Finally, surfing lessons are usually priced at Rp 500,000 for half a day, including board hire, instruction, transport and snacks.
Most globetrotters to Indonesia are drawn to the pleasures of the sea, whether it's riding the waves, exploring the seabed with a mask and snorkel, or indulging in scuba diving.
Diving. When it comes to diving, Indonesia is home to some of the best sites on the planet. Alor in Nusa Tenggara, the Togian Islands, Flores or Pulau Bunaken in Sulawesi, and for the more adventurous, Raja Ampat in Papua, are dream sites for deep-sea enthusiasts. In Bali, the best-value dive sites are Tulamben and Amed, where you can explore the Liberty wreck in calm, shallow waters. Tulamben and Pemuteran offer good, easy conditions for learning to dive or taking your advanced course. Cenderawasih Bay offers a breathtaking spectacle of whale sharks all year round, although most cruises prefer to venture there between April and October. Muck diving is gaining in popularity and it seems that all over Indonesia, it boasts excellent dive sites. A number of highly professional agencies (some with French-speaking staff) are well established, and some even have offices in the Indonesian capital. Although high-end resorts offer diving centers, adventure is often to be found in the open sea, with cruises starting from around 700,000 Rp per day. Generally, you can make up to 4 dives a day. A typical day starts at 7 a.m. and ends at sunset or on a night dive. You have around 3 hours between dives at your convenience. Make sure you bring all your personal equipment (except tanks, weights and weight belts): swimsuit, flip-flops, towel, toiletries, T-shirts, shorts and sunscreen.
Surfing. Surfing is a huge success in Indonesia, and the country is full of great spots for wave-hunters. Bali and Lombok are home to the most popular breaks, especially for young surfers from Australia and Europe, but all Indonesian coasts are potentially affordable, from the northern tip of Sumatra (especially Pulau Weh) to Nusa Tenggara and the farthest reaches of Timor. The best time to surf is generally between April and October, but each region has its own seasonal conditions. Other destinations such as G-Land (Grajagan) on Java, Krui in southern Sumatra, Sumba, the Mentawai Islands and Lhoknga in Aceh are just as extraordinary. Websites such as surfindonesia.com, baliwaves.com and perfectwavetravel.com provide useful information for enthusiasts.
Hiking. Inland, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in spellbinding hikes, whether climbing volcanoes, observing wildlife in national parks or cycling through lush countryside. Volcanoes such as Bali's Gunung Batur and Java's Gunung Bromo and Gunung Merapi are popular choices. Lombok's Gunung Rinjani and Sumatra's Gunung Sinabung are more challenging. Sumatra's Gunung Leuser National Park, the largest in Southeast Asia, is also home to the famous orangutan at Bukit Lawang. In some remote regions (Kalimantan, Papua), this is the only way to reach minority ethnic groups or observe endangered animal species. Make sure you have the right equipment and are in impeccable physical condition!
Rafting. Rafting is available on the Bali side of the island, with options such as the Ayung and Telaga Waja rivers. It's also accessible in West Java, with rivers such as the Progo, Pekalen and Elo. For thrill-seekers, there's the Gunung Leuser National Park on the island of Sumatra, and the Asahan River in North Sumatra province. There are also some interesting rivers to explore in Kalimantan and Sulawesi. In general, the best time for rafting is during the dry season, which generally runs from May to September.
Climbing. To get the most out of exploring the country's cliffs, we recommend teaming up with local climbers. The YouTube channel Climbing Partner offers a wealth of information on routes, otherwise theCrag.com is the main source of information, covering most areas of Java in varying levels of detail. The websites 27crags.com and wikiloc.com are other important resources. It is strongly recommended to plan your climbs during the dry season. It is important to note that sport climbing has not reached the same level of development here as in other countries, and that infrastructure and safety standards may vary from site to site. It's vital to be familiar with the site you're going to climb and to find out about current conditions.
MOUNTAIN BIKING. Outdoor sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, whether on mountain trails, the rim of a volcanic crater, forest tracks or specially prepared areas.
Yoga and well-being. Bali is often considered a sanctuary for yoga and wellness enthusiasts, attracting visitors from all over the world in search of inner peace, relaxation and revitalization. The island is home to many renowned yoga centers, offering a variety of styles, from Hatha to Vinyasa to Kundalini. Places like Ubud are particularly famous for their world-class yoga studios and teachers. Here, a multitude of yoga retreats are offered in delightful surroundings, often surrounded by rice paddies or close to beaches. Luxury spas and wellness centers are also abundant in the region, offering a full range of traditional Balinese treatments, massages, body treatments and meditation sessions. Several establishments offer holistic retreats focused on healing and integral well-being.
Department stores and shopping malls offer a variety of shopping options, from international brands to local products. Clothing, home furnishings and decor boutiques offer a range of choices, with traditional markets offering unique finds at negotiable prices. Hundreds of stalls await you, offering antiques, handicrafts, food and clothing at rock-bottom prices. However, large shopping centers, particularly in developed urban areas, can charge prices equivalent to those you'd find in Europe.
Indonesia'simport tax is a flat rate of 7.5% on all taxable goods. In addition, a value-added tax (VAT) of 10% applies to all imported goods. This means that the total import tax for a taxable good is 17.5%. Value-added tax (VAT) is generally included in posted prices. To be eligible for a VAT refund, the minimum value must be Rp 500,000, and the goods transported must have been purchased within one month of leaving the customs territory. International visitors may benefit from an exemption from departure tax, provided their stay does not exceed 60 days. It is advisable to keep receipts for goods purchased to facilitate the tax-free procedure, although this is not as widespread as elsewhere. To claim your refund at the airport from the Direction Générale des Impôts agent, make sure you present goods purchased with the "VAT refund for tourists" label, showing your passport, the goods purchased and your plane ticket. You must also have a valid tax invoice attached to your payment receipts. You will then receive the refund in cash or by transfer to your bank account.
The cost of an evening out in Jakarta or Bali can vary considerably depending on the venues you choose and your personal preferences. Here's a rough breakdown of the costs you may encounter:
Drinks: Beer prices in bars and clubs range from Rp 35,000 to Rp 100,000 per bottle, while cocktails cost between Rp 100,000 and Rp 200,000.
Catering: Many nightlife venues offer food, at prices ranging from Rp 50,000 to Rp 150,000 for appetizers or small plates.
Transportation: Taxis or ride-sharing apps such as Grab and Gojek are common means of transport in Jakarta. A short trip can cost around Rp 30,000, while longer trips can cost Rp 100,000 or more.
Entrance fees: Some high-end nightclubs may charge an entrance fee, usually between 150,000 and 300,000 Rp, which often includes a free drink. Table reservations at large nightclubs range from Rp 200,000 to Rp 5 million. Rental of a karaoke room starts at around Rp 100,000.
What budget to eat Indonesia?
There are all kinds of dining options, from warungs to international restaurants.
Warungs are small, informal and inexpensive restaurants serving a variety of Indonesian dishes, including rice and noodle dishes, soups and snacks. They consist of a few tables and benches bounded by hanging canvas, planks or bamboo. The cuisine can be insipid or sublime. It is served on a plate with cutlery (fork and spoon). The warung is a meeting place, where you eat, nibble, drink hot coffee or tea, chat, speculate, tell stories - in short, the warung is an inimitable social place. Prices are very reasonable.
The kaki lima ("five feet") are street vendors who pass through the streets of the kampungs. They each have their own distinctive music (gong, horn), song or shout, so you can recognize them from home. Don't hesitate to stop them! They offer delicious culinary specialties. The best: putus (a steamed dessert made with rice paste and grated coconut) and bapaos (soft, light steamed buns stuffed with various ingredients such as pork, chicken, beef and vegetables).
Rumah makan are hard-built warungs with real walls, or small, generally unpretentious restaurants. You'll recognize them by the front displaying the different animals cooked: duck, fish, chicken, shrimp, with their names... You point to or try to pronounce the one you think is the most delicious, and the price is calculated (usually under Rp 20,000, even if you've got a big appetite). This will be the most convenient way for you to eat, unless you're part of a package tour where meals in (usually international) restaurants are scheduled in advance.
In Jakarta, home to a large number of expatriates working in international business, restaurants offer a gastronomic range similar to that of any major capital. Traditional Indonesian, Indian, Thai, sometimes French and Japanese cuisine - in short, expertise from all over the world. American fast-food is also well established: Mac Do and Kentucky Fried Chicken are fashionable and a must for young Indonesians, while trendy Westerners of course settle down at the warung. International hotels offer sumptuous buffets at reasonable prices.
Every tourist destination has its share of Western or Westernized restaurants, with a generally very classic menu: from pizza to sushi to hamburgers. Near the ocean, don't resist the excellent seafood specialties; generally, you can choose your fish or lobster, as well as the way it's cooked: fried, grilled, in soup. The Dutch left behind pastries, bread and confectionery. Warungs and small street stalls offer affordable meals, often between 10,000 and 30,000 Rp. For mid-range restaurants, prices generally oscillate between Rp 50,000 and Rp 200,000 per person. Upscale establishments, especially in tourist areas, can charge in excess of Rp 200,000. In hotels and seaside resorts, meals can be more expensive, sometimes reaching over Rp 300,000 per person.
The average cost of a cup of coffee can vary according to location and type of establishment. In major cities such as Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya, the price of a cup of coffee in a café or restaurant can range from 20,000 to 30,000 Rp. From a street vendor or small café, the price can drop to as little as 10,000.
As for beer, prices vary depending on the brand. Local beer is generally the cheapest, ranging from Rp20,000 to Rp30,000 per bottle or can, while local microbrews tend to be a little more expensive. On the beach or in a restaurant, prices can vary between 45,000 and 80,000 Rp. If you opt for imported beer, the cost is around Rp 95,000 per bottle. It's worth noting that cans are often more expensive than bottles, and restaurants don't usually offer cask beer at a more affordable rate.
As for spirits, Bali seems to offer better prices than Jakarta, thanks to the presence of local distilleries. Cocktails can cost between 80,000 and 150,000 Rp. As for spirits, prices range from 100,000 to 250,000 Rp per glass, depending on brand and variety. Spirits and wine are not sold in grocery stores because a more expensive license is required. The cheapest local vodka or whisky in Bali costs around Rp 65,000 for 350 ml (or Rp 90,000 for 500 ml). Good wine costs from Rp 250,000 a bottle. Local arak is probably the cheapest alcohol, provided you visit one of the villages where it is traditionally made.
What is the budget for accommodation Indonesia?
You'll find absolutely everything in Indonesia, and value for money in the tourist areas is excellent. Take Bali, for example: you can stay in a lovely hotel with traditional architecture, swimming pool and air conditioning, plus a beautiful tropical jungle garden, for less than €30... In Jakarta, everything is a little more expensive for the same quality. On the other hand, when you leave the tourist areas, the choice is much more limited, even if new structures have opened recently. When there's nothing, you can ask the village chief for hospitality. And if there's no village, the first house you come to may welcome you.
To simplify your payments throughout your stay, cash payments in either Indonesian rupiah or US dollars are widely accepted. International credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, are generally accepted in luxury hotels, resorts and high-end establishments. Some tourist sites also offer online payment via secure platforms such as PayPal. In some cases, bank transfers can be accepted for reservations and advance payments.
Good and cheap. In tourist areas, you can find accommodation for under Rp 350,000 (although the trend is towards inflation). Count on less than Rp 200,000 for a clean room with private bathroom and fan in a simple hotel that can be pretty; at this price, however, a swimming pool is rare. The same hotels sometimes offer air-conditioning at double the price. Outside the main tourist circuits, quality declines very quickly and, for the same price, you generally get a room of much more dubious cleanliness, and, by way of bathroom, a more or less well-appointed shower room with mandi (water basin with ladle for washing) and, sometimes, Turkish toilets (which turn out to be much more hygienic than their comparses when the general standard is low). The least expensive rooms will generally not have a private bathroom; everyone uses the same shower room. In any case, as a general rule, always carry an Emergency Toilet Paper (ETP). The most affordable accommodation options are losmens, which generally provide single rooms with hard beds or bolsters, often run by families.
Comfort and charm. Here too, there's a huge disparity depending on where you are. In Bali or Yogyakarta, hotels in this category, at less than 1,000,000 Rp, are generally excellent. They offer all the comforts of the West (clean bathrooms, large rooms, television, air conditioning), with a small swimming pool, tasteful decor, tropical garden or park... All for the price of a very basic hotel in France. On the other hand, outside the major international circuits, hotels do not suffer from any competition that would push them to equip themselves with the "extras" that attract customers, generally Indonesian customers who do not have the same habits. While cleanliness is unquestionable, the buildings are generally cold and motel-like, and the bathrooms are also Indonesian. There are a few exceptions, however, such as the Harris chain.
Luxury. This is the type of hotel that will be the same just about everywhere! In the tourist areas, you'll find all the big international names: Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Novotel, Sheraton, Hilton... As well as some very fine Indonesian establishments, less standardized, but just as charming, if not (very often) more authentic. There's no limit to prices, which can reach new heights (over Rp 15,000,000 for a heavenly room); service and restaurant charges (21% extra) are in line with the size of the customer's wallet, and are comparable to Western prices. These hotels generally offer a host of services and activities, impeccable service and a dream setting - at prices affordable to a wider clientele than those who usually frequent palaces in Europe: in low season, the price of some luxury hotels starts at 1,200,000 Rp. Be aware that your bill may increase considerably if you choose to dine in the hotel restaurant at lunchtime and in the evening, or if you take part in additional activities such as spa sessions or sea excursions.
Finally, Airbnb offers a considerable variety of luxury villas. Opting to rent a villa can prove more economical than booking hotel rooms, especially for groups. High-end establishments display their prices in dollars, often preferring foreigners to pay in that currency, although they also accept payment by card or in Indonesian rupiah. As a rule, they add a service and tax surcharge, usually ranging from 10 to 22%, to your bill. Always allow a little extra for comfort in case of unforeseen circumstances or fatigue.
Travel budget Indonesia and cost of living
Budget
When you choose Indonesia as your vacation destination and decide to go there without using a travel agency, the biggest expense is the plane ticket. And even if prices have tended to rise in recent years, particularly in Jakarta and Bali, you'll have a very inexpensive stay... When you're in touristy areas or big cities, you quickly forget that Indonesia is still a developing country. The malls of Jakarta and the luxury hotels of the big cities will advertise very cheap food and drinks: "Gosh, it's only a few euros! In a small warung next door, the juice is just as good, the dish just as hearty, but without the glitz, and it won't cost more than 20,000 Rp.
Cost of living
In Indonesia, the government counts 20% of the population as poor, but this figure is not in line with international standards. Two-thirds of the population live on less than $2 a day. Keep this figure in mind if you don't want to shock Indonesians, who don't understand why a family's monthly salary can be spent on one meal; or why a tourist, who is inevitably wealthy by national standards, will haggle over the price of a taxi-bike(becak) for 2,000 Rp less... In short, even if you often feel like you're being ripped off, you can't forget that 17,000 rupees is only one euro.
Tips, haggling and taxes
In stores and boutiques, hotels and restaurants, taxes are always included in the price. Apart from that, things get complicated. The Indonesian equivalent of VAT is set at 21% of the price; in restaurants, service is generally included, but not always; so if you see a 10% added to your bill, it's service. Hard to know in advance... As for tips, service is generally included in the bill. But a tip is always appreciated. Leave change in cabs. It won't make much difference to your budget anyway!
A meal in a restaurant: less than Rp 20,000 in a small street restaurant(warung); between Rp 40,000 and Rp 100,000 in a medium-sized restaurant for tourists.
A night in a small budget hotel (losmen) : around 150,000 Rp for a double room.
A night in a luxury hotel: from 1,200,000 Rp.
Breakfast: Rp 20,000/30,000 for basic, Rp 40,000/50,000 for continental.
A local beer in a bar (0.62 l): Rp 40,000.
A soda on the street: 10,000 Rp.
A pair of flip-flops: from Rp 20,000, depending on your negotiating skills.
Snorkelingmask and snorkel rental: Rp 20,000.
Short-distance local transport (ojek, becak, bajaj...): Rp 12,000.
Scooter rental: from 70,000 Rp per day.
