How to Travel Indonesia Cheaply

Indonesia is a dream destination for travelers, and the best part? You can experience its magic without draining your wallet. From lush rice terraces and turquoise beaches to ancient temples and buzzing street markets, the archipelago is packed with beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. And yes, it’s incredibly affordable.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to explore Indonesia on a budget, covering cheap eats, must-see beaches, iconic temples, sample itineraries, fun activities, and helpful tools to book your trip smarter.

Use this guide to find the best places to eat, stay, and explore—plus book your flights, travel insurance, SIM cards, and more.

Why Indonesia is a Budget Traveler’s Dream

With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers more than just Bali. It’s a treasure trove of budget-friendly experiences.

• Currency exchange rates favor many travelers.

• You can easily live on $25–$40 per day, including food, accommodation, and transport.

• Local guesthouses, homestays, and hostels are everywhere, many offering dorm beds for $6–$12 a night.

• Domestic flights and ferries are cheap, making island hopping accessible.

• The people? Warm, friendly, and always ready to help.

Travel Tip:
Book cheap domestic flights on Trip.com or Skyscanner for the best rates between islands.

Eating Cheap in Indonesia: Food You Can’t Miss

Indonesian food is flavor-packed, filling, and famously cheap. Most meals cost between $1 and $3 USD, and you’ll never go hungry.

Must-Try Street Foods:

• Nasi Goreng – Indonesia’s take on fried rice, often served with egg or chicken.

• Satay – Skewered grilled meat with a rich peanut sauce.

• Mie Goreng – Stir-fried noodles loaded with spices and vegetables.

• Gado-Gado – A refreshing mix of veggies, tofu, and peanut dressing.

Where to Eat on a Budget:

• Warungs (local eateries): Great meals at local prices.

• Night Markets: Try snacks, grilled meats, and fresh juices.

• Bakso Carts: Spicy meatball soup is found everywhere.

Travel Tip:
Use a local eSIM or physical SIM to find the best food spots with Google Maps. Grab one before your trip at Airalo or Yesim.

Beaches That Don’t Cost a Fortune

Indonesia has some of the best beaches in the world, and many are free or cheap to enjoy.

Budget-Friendly Beach Spots:

• Nusa Penida – A ferry ride from Bali, this island features cliffs and crystal-clear water. Kelingking Beach is a standout.

• Gili Air & Gili Meno – Quieter than Gili Trawangan, perfect for chill island life.

• Pink Beach (Komodo Island) – Known for its naturally pink sand. Reachable via a budget tour from Labuan Bajo.

• Kuta Beach (Lombok) – Not to be confused with Bali’s Kuta. This one's peaceful and clean.

Travel Tip:
Find beachside stays on Booking.com or Hostelworld for under $20/night. Many listings include free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

Visiting Temples Without the Tourist Price Tag

Indonesia’s temples are spiritual places that often cost just a few dollars—or nothing at all.

Temples to Visit:

• Borobudur (Yogyakarta): Entry around $25. Sunrise tours can be found cheaper via local agents.

• Prambanan Temple: Also near Yogyakarta. Stunning Hindu architecture.

• Pura Tirta Empul (Bali): Known for water purification rituals.

• Pura Lempuyang: Often referred to as “The Gates of Heaven.” Donation-based entry.

Travel Tip:
Get affordable travel insurance before visiting major sites like Borobudur or Komodo. Use World Nomad or Travelex for budget-friendly, flexible plans.

Sample Budget Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Indonesia

Here's a smart 2-week route that includes culture, nature, and beaches—all on a tight budget.

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

Days 1–3: Yogyakarta
Explore Borobudur, Prambanan, and local food spots.
Budget: $25–30/day

Days 4–7: Bali (Ubud & Uluwatu)
See temples, rice terraces, and waterfalls.
Budget: $30–40/day

Days 8–10: Nusa Penida
Cliff hikes and beach days. Ferry from Bali is about $6.
Budget: $30/day

Days 11–14: Gili Islands or Komodo
Snorkeling, laid-back beach life.
Budget: $35/day

Total Estimate:
Around $420 for two weeks, excluding your international flight.

Travel Tip:
Compare international flight deals to Bali or Jakarta using Skyscanner or Expedia. Set alerts for price drops.

Travel Tips to Save Even More

• Use Grab or Gojek for cheap, app-based rides.

• Stay in hostels with shared kitchens to cook your own meals.

• Buy a local SIM card (Telkomsel is great) at the airport or online ahead of time.

• Travel during shoulder seasons (May–June or September–October).

• Bring a refillable filtered water bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles.

Budget-Friendly Activities: Yoga, Diving & More

Indonesia offers unique experiences that don’t require a luxury budget.

Yoga in Bali

Studios like The Yoga Barn in Ubud offer drop-in classes for $8–$10.
Day retreats, including meals, start at around $25.

Cooking Classes

Join a small-group class to learn dishes like satay and sambal.
Prices range from $15–$25, and often include a local market tour.
Look for classes on Viator or GetYourGuide.

Snorkeling & Diving

Gili Islands are diving hot spots, with beginner dives from $25.
Snorkel rentals are as low as $2–$5/day.

Best Budget Hostels in Bali, Yogyakarta & Gili Islands

Bali (Ubud): In Da Lodge

Dorms from $10/night.
Relaxed, social, pool access.

Yogyakarta: The Capsule Malioboro

Dorms from $6–$8/night.
Central, clean, and includes coffee.

Gili Trawangan: My Mate’s Place

Dorms from $9/night.
Lively hostel with group activities, beach nearby.

Travel Tip:
Book early using Booking.com or Hotels.com to lock in lower prices, especially during peak travel months.

Final Thoughts: Big Experiences on a Small Budget

Indonesia proves you don’t need a big budget to have big adventures. Whether you're hiking to a mountaintop temple, swimming with sea turtles, or eating street food under the stars, this country offers unforgettable moments for a fraction of the cost of other destinations.

Plan smart, travel light, and take advantage of all the affordable tools available—from cheap flights and hostels to local eSIMs and budget-friendly insurance.

Bookmark this guide, share it with your travel crew, and start planning your next affordable adventure in Indonesia.

How to Travel Indonesia Cheaply: Food, Beaches, Temples & More

Looking to explore Indonesia without spending a fortune? This guide breaks down everything from $2 meals and free beaches to budget-friendly temples, hostels, and a 2-week itinerary. Travel smart, spend less, and see more of Indonesia.

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About the Author
Hi, I’m Jason—an avid traveler with a passion for discovering new places, cultures, and perspectives. Born and raised in the United States, I now call the Philippines home as I continue to explore the world, one destination at a time. My travel journey has taken me across vibrant cities and serene landscapes in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Okinawa, Canada, and Mexico (to name a few). Through this blog, I share real-world travel insights, budget tips, and stories to help you explore smarter and deeper—no matter where your passport takes you.