Indonesia

Touring

1333km

  • +200km (commuting Bali)
  • +535km (car)
  • +1117km (bus)
  • +0km (train)
  • +34,5km (boat)
  • +0km (plane)
  • 1 flag
  • 3 punctures

Introduction

Indonesia was the first country being part of Asia I’ve been to. I’ve heard several negative things about it, not necessary about Bali, but about Java and Sumatra. Australians told me “be careful, there is lots of Muslims there”. Yes of course there is but who said they are bad people? Television? this is crap. People are very friendly, welcoming. They smile most of the time. They want to learn from us. The language is not so difficult to learn which makes contact a bit easier when they don’t speak english. The only things that repel me are pollution and rubbish. Their mind is not focused on ecology at all. I met a bunch of students who were working on solutions but 95% of the people don’t care at all. At least, this is the experience I had and each one is different.

Visa

You can get to Indonesia using the VOA (Visa On Arrival) which cost about US$35 (AUD$51) for one month. Here are all the countries that are eligible. In my case, which is not the same in the previous link, I’ve been able to extend my VOA for another month and an extra AUD$75. I was certainly lucky to meet the right person. I don’t know if it’s a common thing in Bali. Any overstay under 60 days will cost you US$20 per day so don’t be late!

Food

The food in Indonesia (talking about Bali, Java and Sumatra only) is very nice. There is mainly rice (nasi) and noodles (mee), fish or chicken. The food can be spicy sometimes but people would ask you first. In two months, I’ve spent on average AUD$4 per day in food. In Bali, I’ve spent a bit more but later on I’ve stayed with some people on the way and the food was offered. Mainly it’s cheap :-)

Accommodation

I’m not the best example to talk about accommodation because I sleep outside, in the bush most of the time. During the first 10 days in bali, I was travelling with my family so we stayed in Hotels. A room with 2 beds cost us between AUD$12 and AUD$25 per night. For this price, most of this tiny hotels had a swimming pool, the service was great and the hotel in general wonderful, but still expensive compare sleeping in the bush ;-). Along the way, it was quite easy to find a spot where I could set up my hammock for the night. Several times, I’ve slept in people’s houses which makes this experience even more rich. I’ve never felt unsafe at all and at anytime.

Transports

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