Indonesia’s sprawl lies across South East Asia on the equator between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It’s archipelago consists of over 17000 islands and it’s name derives from Greek for Indian islands. It’s capital city Jakarta is based on it’s largest on the North-West coast of the island Java.
With over 10 million residents, it makes for a vibrant and varied City with it’s historic mix of cultures. These include Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian, European and Javanese.
It’s multicultural influences are exhibited throughout from its architecture, language and varied cuisine. The old town of Kota Tua, houses many 17th century colonial style Dutch structures. These have now been transformed into museums, cafes and art galleries.
Temple – Indonesia
It’s most popular islands of Bali, Lombok and the Gili islands attract many visitors especially from Australia. It’s close proximity and reasonable prices has been attracting backpackers since the 1970’s and has seen it’s popularity grow to a now internationally renown resort. Accommodation varies from backpacker hostels to the higher end tourists for the luxury end of the market.
Obviously this has seen prices rising steadily and is now one of the highest in South-East Asia. It can still be done on a budget, and food and drink are still reasonably priced.
Kuta beach entrance – Bali – Indonesia
Accommodation
If you’re heading into Bali, you will arrive at Ngurah Rai Airport. Kuta beach is located around 4 km’s and a 15 minute taxi journey costing approximately 3-4 pounds. It’s resort is set along the beaches of Pantai Kuta, and follows through to Legian and further afield to double-six beach at Seminyak.
There are plenty of options for accommodation available in these areas, so best to check out www.booking.com & www.agoda.com and see whats available in your budget range.
Gili Trawangan Indonesia
Getting Around
Wherever you end up staying, you will be able to hail a taxi and Bluebird seem the most reasonable especially in Bali. For onward travel and excursions there are numerous travel agents in all resorts that you will able to arrange. Be it from Boats to the Gili islands, Nusa Lembongan to local tours and treks.
We paid £20 per couple for a full day touring around the island, and taking in sites around Mount Batur, and the Luwak coffee farm (the most expensive coffee in the world). We also visited the Tegalang rice terraces and also Ubud and the monkey forest.
Tegalang rice terraces Bali Indonesia
If you’re in Bali and thinking of a trip to the Gili islands, then you can organise tickets and transfers from most locations, with Padang Bai and Sanur being the most popular. There are various departure times every day.
Be sure to get your best bartering hat on and poker face to negotiate a reasonable fare for your passage to the islands. The price should be about £10 – £12 pounds so check out at least 3-4 different agents to get a feel for the current prices.
Padang Bai harbour North-East Bali Indonesia
Onward travels
The below post links are to some of the most popular destinations and tours in Indonesia – Check them out to find your ideal getaway
Mount Batur Kintamani Bali Indonesia
Travel Insurance
Remember to have appropriate travel insurance to cover all eventualities on your travels. We use World Nomads insurance for all our adventures. Follow the link below for a quote.
