🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Indonesia
✈️ Flying to Indonesia
Main International Airports
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) - Bali - Most tourists arrive here. 13km south of Denpasar, serves Bali and surrounding islands. Modern, well-connected, handles millions of tourists annually.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) - Jakarta - Indonesia's main international hub, largest airport in Southeast Asia. 20km from Jakarta city center. Gateway for Java travel.
Other International Airports:
- Juanda International Airport (SUB) - Surabaya - East Java gateway, access to Mt. Bromo
- Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) - New airport serving cultural capital, Borobudur access
- Komodo Airport (LBJ) - Labuan Bajo - Gateway to Komodo National Park, growing international routes
💡 Insider Tip
Flying directly to Bali (DPS) is usually cheapest and most convenient for most tourists. Jakarta is larger but less tourist-friendly for first-timers.
🚗 From Bali Airport to Tourist Areas
Pre-Paid Taxi (Safest Option)
Official airport taxis with fixed prices. Counter inside arrivals hall. Pay upfront, get receipt. To Kuta: 75,000 IDR, Seminyak: 125,000 IDR, Ubud: 350,000 IDR ($5-22).
Gojek/Grab (Cheapest)
Ride-hailing apps. Download before arrival. To Seminyak around 60,000-80,000 IDR ($4-5). Pickup area outside main terminal. Check app for instructions.
Hotel Transfer
Many hotels offer pickup service. Book ahead. Usually costs more than taxi but convenient after long flight with luggage.
⚠️ Warning
Avoid unmarked taxis at Bali airport—aggressive overcharging is common. Use official pre-paid taxis or Gojek/Grab only.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Two visa options for most tourists:
1. Visa-Free Entry: 30 days, NOT extendable. Free. For 169+ countries including US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada. Cannot be extended—you must leave after 30 days.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA): $35 USD, 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days (total 60 days). Buy at airport arrival before immigration. Pay cash USD or IDR, or credit card at some airports.
Choose VOA if: You might want to stay longer than 30 days. Choose Visa-Free if: You're definitely leaving within 30 days and want to save $35.
Check latest visa requirements →🚗 Getting Around Indonesia
Domestic Flights (Essential!)
Indonesia is HUGE—5,000km wide. Domestic flights are cheap and essential. Garuda Indonesia (most reliable), Lion Air (budget), Batik Air, AirAsia. Bali to Jakarta $40-80, Bali to Labuan Bajo (Komodo) $80-150. Book via Traveloka app or airline websites.
Gojek & Grab (Life-Savers)
Ride-hailing apps are essential. Gojek and Grab work like Uber. Also order food, send packages, pay bills. Download both before arrival. Works in Bali, Jakarta, major cities. Cash or card payment.
Scooter Rental
Very common in Bali. 50,000-100,000 IDR/day ($3-6). International license technically required (rarely checked). Traffic is chaotic—drive defensively. Helmet mandatory. Insurance usually not included—ride carefully.
⚠️ Scooter Safety
Bali's roads are dangerous. Accidents are extremely common. Many tourists end up in hospitals. If you're not confident riding in chaotic traffic, use Gojek/Grab instead.
Ferries & Fast Boats
Between islands: Bali-Lombok-Gili Islands. Fast boats 1.5-3 hours, around 400,000-600,000 IDR ($25-38). Book through hotels or Gili Getaway, BlueWater Express. Can be rough seas—take seasickness meds.
💰 Money & Costs in Indonesia
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Get used to lots of zeros! 10,000 IDR ≈ $0.60 USD. Most tourists struggle at first. Use XE Currency app.
Daily Costs (Realistic Bali Prices)
- Budget: 200,000-400,000 IDR/day ($12-25) - hostels, warungs, local transport
- Mid-range: 500,000-1,000,000 IDR/day ($30-60) - decent hotels, mix of restaurants, some tours
- Luxury: 1,500,000+ IDR/day ($90+) - resorts, fine dining, private tours
Typical Prices
- Nasi goreng at warung: 15,000-30,000 IDR ($1-2)
- Restaurant meal (tourist area): 100,000-250,000 IDR ($6-15)
- Bintang beer: 50,000-80,000 IDR ($3-5) in tourist areas
- Massage (1 hour): 100,000-200,000 IDR ($6-12)
- Gojek ride (5km): 10,000-30,000 IDR ($1-2)
- Temple entry: 50,000-150,000 IDR ($3-9)
💡 Money Tips
ATMs charge high fees (50,000-100,000 IDR = $3-6 per withdrawal). Withdraw max amount each time. Credit cards accepted in tourist areas but cash needed for small shops, warungs, markets.
🚌 Local Transportation
In Bali
Gojek/Grab: Essential. Download both apps. Gojek also has GoCar for car rides.
Scooter: Freedom but risky. Traffic is chaos. Helmet mandatory.
Private driver: Hire for day trips. Around 500,000-700,000 IDR ($30-45) for 8-10 hours. Hotels arrange or ask at accommodation.
Bemos: Local minibuses. Cheap (5,000-20,000 IDR) but crowded, confusing routes, rare in tourist areas.
In Java
Trains: Decent service between major cities. Jakarta-Yogyakarta, Jakarta-Surabaya. Book via Traveloka or station. Economy to executive class.
Buses: Everywhere but can be very slow. AC buses better. Night buses for long distances.