9 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Indonesia

9 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Indonesia

Indonesia blew me away— not just because of its landscapes or diving. It’s a massive, complex, wild, and beautiful country made up of more than 17,000 islands, each with its own culture and vibe. I spent 5 months traveling around the country and could easily spend many months more. Based on my experience, here’s a quick cheat sheet before your trip.

Here are 9 things you should know before heading to Indonesia:

1. Indonesia Is Way More Than Just Bali

Bali is just one tiny slice of this country. Sure, it’s got great food, yoga, and surf—but if you stop there, you’re missing out. Trek with orangutans in Sumatra, dive with manta rays in Komodo, ride motorbikes through rice fields in Sumbawa, or explore the epic coral of Raja Ampat. Each island has its own language, religion, and culture. Indonesia isn’t just a destination—it’s a whole planet’s worth of experiences.

2. You Need a Visa (and Proof of Onward Travel)

U.S. citizens need a passport with 6 months' validity. You get a 30-day visa on arrival for $33 that you can renew for an additional 30 days, but the drawback is you must renew this visa in-person. If you apply online beforehand, you get 60 days for $65, and you won’t have to find an immigration office to renew your visa in person —worth it. Both visas you'll need to show proof of onward travel.

3. Cash Is King Outside Tourist Hubs

You can use a credit card in places like Bali, but as soon as you venture beyond, it's all Indonesian rupiah (IDR). I stuck to BNI ATMs, which I found to be reliable and let you take out 2.5 million Indonesian rupiah, or IDR, ($150 USD) per withdrawal with minimal fees. It’s common for ATMs to run out of cash, and some areas won’t have many ATMs. Some places will allow a bank transfer through Wise or Paypal.

4. Motorbikes Are the Best Way to Get Around

In most places, renting a motorbike is the fastest and most fun way to explore. It’s cheap, gives you freedom, and makes you feel like a local. But in Bali? Hard no. The traffic is nuts. Not comfortable on a motorbike? No problem, hiring a driver is super affordable and easy to arrange through guesthouses. Much better than a taxi because you can prearrange prices. Most drivers won’t speak English so I recommend downloading Bahasa on Google Translate so you can communicate. Also, Grab and Gojek (like Uber) operate in some areas in Indonesia. You order a ride (either car or motorbike) through the app and pay with card or cash, and prices are predetermined when you book the ride.

5. Fly, don’t Ferry

Indonesia is huge—don’t try to ferry your way across the country. Domestic flights are cheap and frequent. Lionair and AirAsia are bare bones but reliable. Garuda is pricier but has the best reputation. Be flexible and expect delays, but they’ll get you there.

6. Warungs = Best Local Food

Warungs are local restaurants where you get a full plate for about $2. The food’s usually buffet-style and can sit out for hours, so if you’re concerned about food safety (which you should be), stick to vegetarian options. Typical dishes include nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles)—you’ll see them everywhere. If you hate spice, ask for it without sambal.

7. The Diving Is Next-Level

Indonesia has some of the best diving in the world. Period.

• Komodo for wild currents and pelagics
• Raja Ampat for biodiversity overload
• Lembeh for the best macro life
• Gili Islands or Nusa Penida for turtles, mantas, and beginner-friendly sites

Liveaboards are worth it, especially in Raja. You can find budget options like Scuba Republic that are surprisingly affordable and fun. Book last-minute on Liveaboards.com for deals.

8. The Culture and Religion Change from Island to Island

Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority country in the world, but you’ll find Hinduism in Bali, Christianity in parts of Sulawesi, and Indigenous animist traditions in other parts of Sulawesi and West Papua. Dress modestly outside tourist zones, learn a few local phrases, and be respectful—especially during religious events or prayer times.

9. Expect the Unexpected

Indonesia doesn’t always run on a schedule. Boats leave late. Roads flood. Wi-Fi disappears. Things break. And yet, these moments usually lead to the best stories. Be flexible, laugh often, and don’t over-plan. That’s the real beauty of Indonesia—just when you think you know what’s coming, it surprises you.

Final Thoughts:
Indonesia is magic. It’s raw, real, challenging, and unforgettable. Don’t just “do Bali.” Take the detour. Get dirty. Try street food. Dive the wild reefs. Talk to locals. Let the country unfold for you—one volcano, reef, and warung at a time.

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