Explored Indonesia for 2 Weeks: How I Only Charged My Camera Once

I only visited Bromo, Lombok, and Komodo, but my journey also took me to Seminyak, Kuta, Lembongan, Penida, Gili A and T, Ubud, and Lovina. You could say I explored many of the major attractions in Indonesia, and I’m excited to share some of my insights.

[One] Summary: Indonesia is perfect for a leisurely vacation. You can spend two or three days in one spot before heading to the next, or you might choose a luxurious seaside resort and extend your stay. The key is to travel light and avoid overplanning—there’s no need to be a commando on your holiday.

Regarding the cities: It’s important to remember that Indonesia is a developing country. Even Denpasar, the most prosperous area in Bali, feels like a fourth-tier city. The infrastructure is basic, and traffic congestion is a significant issue, with roads often jam-packed.

[Two] About luggage: Most travelers here opt for backpacks. I’ve seen people bare-chested or in swimsuits, lugging large backpacks, and no one bats an eye. This is especially practical when you find yourself walking along the beach or wading through water.

[Three] About hotels: I stayed in accommodations ranging from $100 to $200 per night. Hotels in this price range typically don’t provide disposable toiletries, so it’s wise to bring your own. The rooms were clean and well-maintained, and most had swimming pools. While I didn’t use a filter, the water was clear and odorless, making it perfectly enjoyable.

[Four] About tourism business people: This aspect can significantly impact your travel experience. As soon as you step off the dock, you’ll be surrounded by eager vendors, which can be overwhelming. Sometimes, they collude to set fixed prices, leaving you with no room for negotiation. Honest vendors are a pleasure, but dealing with dishonest ones can be frustrating.

They often start with exorbitant prices, so it’s helpful to check reviews and prices on platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) to get a better idea. Always haggle, and you’ll likely get a fairer deal.

[Five] About prices: It’s all relative, but I found them to be slightly high. (I have receipts if you’d like to see them.) An interesting observation: I bought the same drink at three different stores, and each charged a different price. The 15K store was at the dock, the 5K store seemed to cater to locals, and another small store charged 10K. When I mentioned the 5K price, the vendor mumbled about a mistake and adjusted the price to 5K.

[Six] About food: During the first few days, I was cautious about what I ate and drank, fearing a bout of diarrhea. However, as I grew more comfortable, I began to indulge in local street food. Surprisingly, it was quite safe; at worst, I experienced a bit of discomfort, but I always had stomach medicine on hand just in case.

As for the taste, I developed a real fondness for Indonesian cuisine. The packets of pickles I brought from home remained mostly untouched. The main culinary options were Indonesian and Western, which, while delicious, still fell a few notches below the exquisite flavors of Chinese cuisine.

[Seven] About the route: My journey took me through a scenic and varied path: landing in Denpasar, I ventured to Lembongan, then Penida, followed by Gili, Ubud, Lovina, back to Ubud, and finally returned to Denpasar before flying to Surabaya. From there, I explored a volcano and eventually flew out from Surabaya.

The only backtrack was from Ubud to Lovina and back to Ubud, as I couldn’t find a direct boat from Gili to Lovina. Relying solely on public transportation can be challenging, so I opted to rent a motorcycle. When that wasn’t feasible, I turned to roadside travel agencies to arrange a car or join a tour group (they also sell boat tickets).

Always remember to haggle for the best prices!