Indonesia is a popular stop on a backpacker’s tour of Southeast Asia. Although traveling in Indonesia is still relatively affordable, places like Bali are becoming more expensive as they see increases in tourism and build more infrastructure to support visitors. Here’s where to go in Indonesia this spring to avoid crowds and keep costs down.
10 Ubud, Bali
Yoga practice in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Bali can still be an affordable stop on a backpacking adventure, but travelers should avoid staying in the popular digital nomad town of Canggu. Instead, book accommodation in the magical city of Ubud, surrounded by lush greenery and full of incredible holistic experiences.
9 Senggigi, Lombok
View from a pool in Lombok, Indonesia
As Bali sees a tourism boom, travelers who want lower prices can choose a different island like Lombok to explore. Senggigi is located on the northwest side of Lombok and remains cost-effective. There are plenty of accommodation options to book, including hostels, eco-lodges, homestays, and boutique hotels. Senggigi is a gorgeous area with beaches and resorts, perfect for relaxing in the sunshine.
8 Seminyak, Bali
Beach sunset in Seminyak, Bali
Another destination within Bali that travelers can go to find affordable accommodation this spring is Seminyak. Rather than staying in Uluwatu to be near a beach, Seminyak is a little less well-known and offers slightly lower prices. Staying at Inada Losmen is affordable, and travelers are just minutes from the beach. This is a great place for people who want to do Bali on a budget.
7 Jakarta, Java
Bikes in traffic, Jakarta, Indonesia
Most travelers arriving in Indonesia will need to transit through Jakarta to catch a connecting flight to their next destination. Fortunately, backpackers can find budget hostels, luxury hotels, and everything in between in this city. To keep costs low, save on the connecting flight by simply exploring the city of Jakarta on the island of Java. There are museums, mosques, and theme parks to visit in the city.
6 Kuta Town, Lombok
Landscape in Kuta, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara
Kuta Town is located on the south side of Lombok and is a top-tier destination for travelers who want to go surfing or enjoy some of Indonesia’s best beaches. Kuta Town has some budget-friendly hostels and homestays, helping visitors enjoy the beauty of the island on a shoestring budget.
5 Lovina Beach, Bali
Boat in the water by Lovina Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Lovina Beach is an underrated place to visit on the Indonesian island of Bali. Because it’s not as popular as Canggu or Uluwatu, it’s more affordable and just as beautiful. For a beachfront villa in Indonesia, this is the place to be.
4 Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Java
Hiker at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java, Indonesia
Beyond beaches, Indonesia is famous for its volcanoes and mountains. These impressive landscapes can be seen in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in the southern part of Java. Staying in Malang is an affordable option that positions travelers just under an hour’s drive from the National Park entrance.
3 Lake Toba, North Sumatra
Town on Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Just west of Malaysia, travelers can find Lake Toba on the island of Sumatra. North Sumatra is a lesser visited part of Indonesia (compared to Bali or Lombok), meaning prices remain low for international tourists. Staying in Balige in the Lake Toba region promises breathtaking scenery and comfort.
2 Sanur, Bali
Sunset in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
Southeast of Denpasar, where the international airport is, is Sanur, Bali. Sanur is a beach paradise that most people never visit while on the island, overlooking it in favor of Canggu and Uluwatu. Sanur has gorgeous white sand beaches and a lively night market called the Pasar Sindu Night Market.
1 Yogyakarta, Java
Former Colonial Fortress, Vredeburg Museum Yogyakarta
Travelers arriving in Jakarta who plan to stay on the island of Java can easily add Yogyakarta to their itinerary on a budget. There are cheap, 1-hour flights from Jakarta to Yogyakarta and an 8-hour train option connecting the two cities. Yogyakarta has a different atmosphere from Jakarta, so it’s worth visiting. The city is a cultural hub with performing arts shows, markets selling traditional crafts, and live music.
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