Backpacking costs Indonesia are one of the biggest reasons travelers choose this incredible country for their next adventure. Indonesia has thousands of islands, nice beaches, volcanic landscapes and even cities with colorful life that cannot be forgotten without a huge travel budget. No matter how much you expect to spend in Bali surfing, up the volcanoes in Java, or on the Gili Islands or the Komodo National Park, it can be a lot easier to know how much money you will need.
The positive thing is that Indonesia can be quite cheap. It is still possible to get to see some of the most popular sites in Southeast Asia with the help of local food, comfortable hostels, and affordable transportation. Naturally, your overall expenditure will depend on your destination and the mode of transport, however, when you plan wisely, then you will be able to maximize your funds.
This budgeting guide will also de-budget accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and daily costs to build an accurate Indonesian backpacking budget.
Table of Contents
How Much Does Backpacking Indonesia Cost Per Day?
Indonesia is good with a variety of budgets. A person in the hostel and consuming food mostly made in the country will have one spending way less than another person who will opt to enjoy themselves in the privacy of his or her rooms and has the advantage of domestic flights.
There is an approximate of $25 to 35 that a budget backpacker can spend per day. This typically comes with a bed in a hostel, some local food, transportation, and a single low-cost event.
Local travelers that seek a bit of comfort will usually pay between 40 and 60 dollars a day. This makes it possible to have private guesthouses, infrequent restaurant visits, and structured tours.
Boutique hotels, speedier transport and higher-end experiences can cost as much as $80 and more each day, but still consider good when compared to many Western nations.
Your location is also noticed as well. The more popular tourist attractions like Bali, Komodo and the Gili Islands are more expensive as compared to other parts of Java/Sumatra/Sulawesi.
Accommodation, Food, and Transportation Costs
The next cost that tends to go through your pocket is accommodation, which is typically second-largest after transportation accommodation is very cheap in Indonesia.
Hostels are the most affordable. Beds and rooms in dormitories will typically fall under the range of 6-15 USD each night, and this will depend on the season and area. Most of them have free Wi-Fi, breakfast, swimming pools, or social spaces where a backpacker can encounter the other travellers.
One of the best low-cost options in Indonesia is in the case of private guesthouses. Most of these tend to be charged between 15 and 30 dollars a night, with many having air conditioning, their own showerrooms and breakfast.
Budget hotels typically range between 25 and 50, which means that you can have comfortable rooms without adding astronomical costs to your general travel expenses.
Among the easiest things to save money is the food.
Local warungs offer freshly cooked foods at an average of $1.50 to $4. Foods that are enjoyed are Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Satay and Soto Ayam.
Cafes can be found which is why small cafes can cost between $3 and $7, whereas restaurants which target tourists will cause an average of $8 to 15 per meal.
Local markets offer fresh fruit at very low prices and are a great snack between activities.
The distance of transportation varies.
Scooter rental is very popular with scooters being rented daily and in Bali, they are not uncommon and cost between 5 to 8 dollars per day. It normally drops to weekly rentals at a lower rate.
Local buses are still one of the cheapest means to get to the cities and towns. Short distance travel can be as cheap as less than a dollar and long-range travel can be less than ten dollars.
In Lucknow, due to the ride-hail applications such as Grab or Gojek, a short ride is actually cheap and convenient.
When transferring between islands that are far apart, domestic flights are needed. Single month tickets in the low cost airlines often accept low fares of between $30 to $80 in advance.
Another cheap method of travelling between the islands is through ferries, where most of these routes are just a few dollars.
Island-by-Island Budget Breakdown
The travel experiences on the islands of Indonesia are never similar and your spending will vary according to which country you want to go to.
Bali is the most popular destination of the country. Budget travelers will spend an average of around 30-45 USD per day. Renting an accommodation is more expensive than in most other areas however cheap food and scooter rents offset costs.
Java is among the best of the best. Backpackers are able to easily travel at between $20 and 30 every day and tour destinations like Yogyakarta, Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater.
The Gili Islands are somewhat pricier as almost all things come by boat. They usually charge around 35 to 50 a day, in the high tourist seasons.
Lombok offers beautiful beaches and hiking, as well as, is a little cheaper than Bali. Many backpackers can live within their budget, that is, spending between 25 and 35 a day.
There should be further planning done on Komodo National Park, since boat tours are making the park more expensive. Tour days can cost many travelers between $60 and $120, yet the adventure of viewing Komodo dragons and seeing widespread sightseeing points can easily make these events to be among the best in the journey.
Sumatra is one of the places that every traveller loves to have as an adventure destination and yet affordable to the travellers in Indonesia. There is often a wide range of cheap exploring orangutans in Bukit Lawang, an adventure trip around Lake Toba and a trip through local villages, and it is usually much cheaper than some tourist destinations.
Sulawesi can provide diving, new culture discovery and scenic beauty at a relatively affordable price considering that the independent traveler takes additional time to get to the island.
Activities That Fit Every Budget
The most enjoyable aspect of traveling in Indonesia is that numerous memorable moments are affordable.
All-almost free beach days. On the islands of Bali, Lombok and others, there are numerous beaches where a small entrance fee is paid and a traveler can spend hours of their free time relaxing without having to pay a lot of money.
Another great value is volcano hikes. The Ijen, Mount Bromo or Mount Batur guided sunrise hikes typically range between $20 and $50 depending on the tour package to do.
Snorkeling tours can cost between 10-30 dollars, particularly in Gili Islands and Nusa Penida.
Scuba diving is more expensive, yet remains cheap when compared to lots of countries. A single dive typically charges around between 30-50, and certification courses are an excellent benefit to tourists who plan to take several diving trips.
Visit to temples are cheap. Some famous temples such as Borobudur and Prambanan have costs on entry which are charged differently to international visitors but some of the smaller temples in Indonesia are as little as few dollars.
The local cooking lessons, visits to waterfalls, cultural shows and market tour are also a great experience and will not strain your travelling budget so much.
Money-Saving Tips for Backpacking Indonesia
By booking in advance, you are able to keep the costs within check during your trip.
Shoulder season travel can also save on accommodation costs and help one to escape the largest tourist crowds. The weather a few months before or after peak season is often pleasant and is at better rates.
The early booking of domestic flights can save a lot of money particularly when flying longer distances between islands.
Grab and Gojek fare is in most instances less expensive and more transparent than haggling with taxi fares.
Another readily available budget savvy activity is to eat where locals dine. Besides dishing affordable food, warungs have more authentic Indonesian food that many travelers find to be better than tourist restaurants.
The cost of boats tours will be lowered when shared by other traveling people, especially in Komodo National Park.
The need to carry cash arises since not all smaller shops, local restaurants and destinations in rural areas accept cards. Simultaneously, it is possible to save banking expenses by using ATMs that have a lower withdrawal fee.
Also aiding in money and plastic waste reduction, filling up a reusable water bottle, where possible, also contributes to conserving money.
Not spending any extra money a day on imported coffee, alcohol and high priced tourist cafes will show an appreciable difference in a few weeks of travelling.
Final Thought
Backpacking costs Indonesia remain among the most attractive in Southeast Asia, making it possible to experience incredible landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures without spending a fortune. Whether it comes to lounging on the tropical beaches or climbing volcanoes, visiting ancient temples, or meeting welcoming locals, the country has immensely good value to independent travelers.
Well thought-out transportation decisions and local meals can make your budget go a lot further, as well as a realistic daily budget. From 2 weeks to months of travelling around the islands, you can enjoy the amazing diversity Indonesia has, even staying within your budget as long as you plan about your trip.
FAQs
How much does backpacking Indonesia cost per day?
Most budget travelers spend between $25 and $35 per day, including accommodation, local food, transportation, and basic activities.
Is Indonesia cheaper than Thailand for backpackers?
Many parts of Indonesia are slightly cheaper than Thailand, especially outside major tourist areas like Bali.
How much should I budget for two weeks in Indonesia?
A comfortable budget backpacking trip for two weeks usually costs around $350 to $500, excluding international flights.
Is Bali expensive for backpackers?
Bali is one of Indonesia’s more expensive destinations, but backpackers can still travel comfortably on $30 to $45 per day.
What is the cheapest way to travel between Indonesian islands?
Ferries are generally the cheapest option, while budget airlines offer affordable flights for longer distances if booked early.
Can I use credit cards everywhere in Indonesia?
Credit cards work in many hotels and larger restaurants, but carrying cash is essential for local shops, markets, and rural areas.