Planning a trip to Indonesia? You're in for a treat! From the beautiful beaches of Bali to the bustling streets of Jakarta, there's so much to see and do. But one of the most common questions we hear at Crown Currency Exchange is, "How much spending money do I need for Indonesia?" Well, let's break it down for you.
How Much Spending Money Do I Need for Indonesia?
The amount of spending money you'll need can vary widely depending on your travel style. Are you a shoestring backpacker, a mid-range explorer, or a luxury-loving high roller? Let's dive into each category:
Budget Travellers
For those who are all about making the most out of a tight budget, you can get by on about ₹1,000,000 a day. This includes a cosy bed in a vibrant hostel where you'll meet fellow wanderers from around the globe. Your meals will be a delicious exploration of Indonesian street food - think Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Satay (grilled meat skewers), and Mie Ayam (chicken noodle soup).
For getting around, rent a bike and feel the wind in your hair as you explore the city streets or rural landscapes. As for activities, Indonesia is a playground for the budget-conscious. Lounge on world-class beaches, hike up stunning mountains, or simply lose yourself in the bustling local markets – all for free!
Mid-range Travellers
If you prefer a balance between cost and comfort, consider a budget of around ₹2,000,000 per day. This allows you to upgrade to private accommodations in a budget hotel or a private room in a high-end hostel. You'll find many options with amenities like air conditioning, hot showers, and even swimming pools.
Instead of street food every meal, you can indulge in dinner at a local restaurant, savouring dishes like Beef Rendang or fresh seafood. For transport, consider a scooter rental for more speed and convenience. And don't forget to treat yourself to some self-care, like a traditional Balinese massage or a yoga class. If you're into marine life, you might even squeeze in a budget-friendly dive.
Luxury Travellers
If you're someone who doesn't mind splurging for premium comforts and experiences, a daily budget starting of ₹4,000,000+ will serve you well. With this, you can stay in a luxury hotel or a private villa, complete with top-notch facilities and impeccable service. Get around in style and comfort with private car rentals or even chauffeured services.
When it comes to fine dining, you can enjoy the best of Indonesian cuisine at high-end restaurants or international fare at gourmet establishments. For activities, the world is your oyster. Charter a private boat for island hopping, take a helicopter tour over the stunning landscapes or dive in some of the world's best diving spots with top-of-the-line equipment. Remember, when it comes to luxury travel in Indonesia, the only limit is your imagination!
What Goes into a Travel Budget?
Alright, let's break down how to budget for your Indonesian adventure. Here are the key elements you'll want to consider:
- Accommodation: Whether it's a budget hostel, a mid-range hotel, or a luxury resort, where you lay your head at night is a big part of your budget. Remember, location and amenities can significantly influence cost.
- Food: From street eats to fancy feasts, plan for three meals a day plus any snacks or drinks. Indonesian local food is delicious and usually quite affordable, but if you're craving Western dishes, prices can be higher.
- Transport: Getting around is another factor to consider. Public transport like buses and trains are super affordable, but taxis, private drivers, or scooter rentals will add a bit more to your daily spending.
- Activities: Exploring all that Indonesia has to offer can range from free (like lounging on a beach) to pricier options like guided tours or adventure activities. It's all about what experiences are worth splurging on for you!
What is the Cost of Accommodation in Indonesia?
Where you stay in Indonesia will depend on both your travel style and budget.
- Budget Travellers: Budget travellers can find shared dorms for as low as ₹200,000 a night
- Mid-range Travellers: Mid-range options like private rooms in hostels or budget hotels start at around ₹400,000 per night.
- Luxury Travellers: Luxury seekers have plenty of choices, with prices ranging from ₹1,000,000 for private villas to well over ₹3 million per night for five-star suites.
Different accommodation options:
- Hostel Dorms: You can snag a bed in a dorm room for as low as ₹100,000, but most spots hover around ₹120,000. Many even throw in free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
- Private Double Rooms: If you're craving a bit more privacy, double rooms start at around ₹300,000.
- Budget Hotels: If you want to step up your comfort game without breaking the bank, budget hotels start at ₹350,000 per night for a double room. They usually include free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
- Three-Star Hotels: For a three-star experience, prices start at ₹400,000 per night.
- Airbnb: It's pretty popular around here. Private rooms start from around ₹350,000 per night. For an entire apartment, you're looking at a minimum of ₹500,000 per night.
Our money-saving tips for accommodation costs:
- Book Early: Prices can skyrocket if you wait until the last minute, especially with Airbnb. So make sure to book early!
- Check the Listings: When using platforms like Booking.com, remember that many listings are actually homestays and private residences. This can be a great way to save some extra cash and live like a local.
- Skip Camping: With hostels and homestays being so affordable, camping isn't very common unless you're on a guided trek. So save on gear and enjoy the comfort of a roof over your head!
What is the Cost of Food in Indonesia?
Now, when it comes to Indonesian cuisine, your taste buds will surely be in for a treat. This place is like a culinary melting pot with influences from Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures.
Here's the rundown:
- Street Food: You can't beat the street food here – it's a wallet-friendly feast for the senses! For less than ₹15,000, you can enjoy nasi ayam (chicken rice) or mie goreng (spicy fried noodles). Just remember, Indonesian chefs aren't shy with the chilli, so brace your taste buds! Also, be careful about where you buy — some stalls may not have the best hygiene standards.
- Local Restaurants: Want to sit down and enjoy the local ambience? A meal in a local restaurant will set you back around ₹30,000 on average price. Try the babi guling, a succulent pig roasted for hours - trust us, it's worth every rupiah. Just slow down and check first if they sanitise their utensils and use quality ingredients.
- Mid-range Restaurants: If you fancy a bit more comfort, mid-range restaurants with table service start at around ₹150,000 per person. Here, you can indulge in dishes like oxtail soup and gado gado, a delightful mix of steamed veggies, tofu, tempeh, and peanut sauce.
- Western Food: Missing home? Western food is readily available but comes with a higher price tag, usually under ₹120,000 for a meal. Still, it's nice to have that cheeseburger fix now and then, right?
- Night Markets: For the best bang for your buck and a vibrant experience, hit the night markets. It's not just about the food; it's about the atmosphere, the hustle and bustle, the smells and sights, and the pure joy of street-side dining.
- Fast Food: Got a craving for a Big Mac? A combo meal at McDonald's is around ₹100,000. And if you fancy a beer to wash it all down, expect to pay about ₹50,000 at a bar.
- Groceries: Planning to cook? A week's worth of groceries will cost you between ₹600,000 and ₹700,000. But honestly, with the tantalizing food options on every corner, why would you want to stay in and cook?
Our money-saving tips for food costs
- Eat Local: Stick to local dishes and street food. They're not only cheaper but also provide a more authentic experience. And as always, make sure to check the hygiene standards of any place you eat.
- Plan Your Meals: Knowing what you’ll eat ahead of time can help you avoid pricey tourist traps and choose more budget-friendly options.
- Shop Smart: If you opt to cook, pay attention to prices and consider shopping at local markets for fresh and affordable ingredients.
What is the Cost of Transport in Indonesia?
Let's talk about the many ways you can get around in Indonesia and how much its average daily cost breakdown is.
- Public Buses: Mainly found on Java, including Jakarta's Transjakarta Busway. Fares range from ₹3,000 to ₹8,500 per ride. You'll need a card that costs ₹35,000 and comes with ₹15,000 credit.
- Becak: These are three-wheeled carts, either pedal or motor-powered. Generally, the fare is cheap - starting at around ₹15,000.
- Taxis: Metered taxis are available in major cities, with Bluebird Taxis being the most reliable option. Starting rate is around ₹7,000 plus ₹400 per 100 metres.
- Ride-hailing Apps: Grab and Gojek are popular in Southeast Asia. They're convenient but sometimes pricier than taxis. Just be aware, you might end up on the back of a motorbike!
- Ferry: For island hopping, ferries start at ₹9,650 for East Java to West Bali. Speedboat from Bali to Gili Islands is around ₹398,000 to ₹750,000 one way.
- Bus: Main mode of transport for locals and tourists. An 8-hour journey from Jakarta to Surabaya costs around ₹352,000. Shorter trips, like Kuta Beach to Ubud, cost less than ₹92,000.
- Train: Well-connected in Java. Economy class from Jakarta to Surabaya costs about ₹255,000; executive class starts from ₹670,000.
- Flights: Domestic flights are offered by Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and AirAsia. A direct flight from Jakarta to Bali start at around ₹814,000 each way.
Our money-saving tips for transportation costs:
- Public Transport: Use public buses or trains whenever possible. They're affordable and give you a taste of local life.
- Negotiate Rates: Always negotiate rates for Becaks and short bus rides. Don't be afraid to haggle!
- Plan Ahead: For long-distance travel, book your tickets in advance to secure the best prices, especially during peak seasons.
What is the Cost of Activities in Indonesia?
Fun stuff? Activities! Indonesia is a playground for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. Here's a taste of what's on offer:
- Surfing in Bali: Grab a board for your Bali trip and ride the waves for as little as ₹50,000 per hour. And if you wipe out, at least the water's warm!
- Temple Hopping in Yogyakarta: Explore ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan for around ₹400,000. It's like stepping back in time, minus the dinosaurs.
- Diving in Raja Ampat: This underwater paradise will cost you about ₹1,500,000 for a full-day trip. But can you really put a price on swimming with manta rays?
- Trekking Mount Bromo: Strap on your hiking boots and conquer this active volcano for around ₹350,000. Just remember, it's not the climb up that'll get you, it's the sulphur smell!
- Visiting Orangutans in Borneo: For about ₹700,000, you can hang out with these orange furballs. Just don't challenge them to an arm wrestling match; they're stronger than they look!
- Chilling at a Beach Club in Seminyak: If you're looking for a day of relaxation with a side of people-watching, head to one of the trendy beach clubs in Seminyak. With a day pass generally costing around ₹150,000, you can lounge by the pool, sip on a cocktail, and soak up the Bali vibes.
- Beach Lounging in Lombok: Beaches are free, but renting a sunbed might set you back about ₹25,000. Don't forget the sunscreen!
- Scuba Diving in the Gili Islands: The underwater world of Indonesia is a sight to behold. With crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life, scuba diving here is a must-do. For a fun dive, expect to pay around ₹400,000.
- Rice Terrace Trekking in Ubud: Walking through these lush fields is free, but a guided tour costs around ₹200,000.
- Komodo Dragon Tour: Come face-to-face with these prehistoric beasts for about ₹1,000,000. Just remember to keep your fingers away from their mouths!
Other Expenses to Consider for the Trip
So you've got your basics covered: accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Let's chat about a few other things that might sneak into your budget:
- Travel Insurance: You might think, "Nah, I won't need it," but trust us on this one. It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Prices vary depending on coverage, so make sure to shop around.
- Souvenirs and Shopping: Whether it's a handcrafted batik sarong or a funky wooden mask, there's a good chance you'll want to bring back a piece of Indonesia with you. So, set aside some cash for those must-have mementos.
- Tipping: While it's not obligatory in Indonesia, tipping for good service is always appreciated. Keep some small change handy for those moments – it won't break the bank, but it'll make someone's day.
- Internet and Data: Sure, many places offer free Wi-Fi, but if you're planning to be on the move or in more remote areas, consider getting a local SIM card. It's usually pretty cheap and will save you from any unexpected data roaming charges.
- Visa and Exit Fees: Depending on your nationality, you might need to pay for a visa on arrival or an exit fee when leaving the country. It's not a massive expense, but it's definitely something to factor into your budget.
Most Cost-Effective Way to Take Rupiah to Indonesia
The most cost-effective way to carry money to Indonesia is to combine a mix of cash and cards. It's always handy to have some local currency, the Indonesian Rupiah, for small purchases and places that don't accept cards.
While ATMs from major banks are widely available, they can have high fees, so consider exchanging some Australian dollars for Indonesian Rupiah before you leave Australia at Crown Currency Exchange. Learn more about buying IDR from us here.
Find your nearest Crown Currency location here.
