Unforgettable Trip to Indonesia: Discover Why It Left Me Speechless!

🌋A 3-day, 2-night adventure to the twin volcanoes in Surabaya was originally priced at 700 RMB per person for a group of six. However, due to an Indonesian holiday, the cost temporarily increased by 200 RMB. Despite this, it remained an incredible bargain! At the start, we were brimming with energy as we tackled Mount Bromo, opting not to ride horses.

We managed to haggle the price down to 50k, which felt like a steal. The following day, we set our sights on Mount Ijen. Initially, the local “Lamborghini” (a quirky name for the local transportation) demanded 1000k for a round trip, but we decided to pass. Climbing up was manageable, but the descent to witness the mesmerizing blue fire proved to be the most challenging part, with treacherous terrain making every step a test of balance and endurance.

After snapping photos at the famous internet tree, we decided to experience the “Lamborghini” on our way down, eventually settling on 200k after some intense negotiations.

🏖Following our volcanic escapades, we headed to Lovina to chase dolphins. We found a boat by the seaside and chartered it directly, paying 60k per person (about 30 RMB). Adding snorkeling to the mix would have bumped the price up to 100k per person, still incredibly affordable. In Nusa Penida, we chartered a car upon arrival, focusing on visiting Diamond Beach and Angel’s Billabong.

The bargaining process was intense, and we finally agreed on 650k. While we felt we could have pushed for a lower price, we didn’t want to waste any more time. (A friend rented a motorcycle in Nusa Penida for 70k per day, but it’s extremely dangerous and not recommended.) On our final day in Bali, we rented a motorcycle to explore the cliff road, which had excellent conditions, though the road was bustling with other motorcycles.

⛵️We booked a 2-day, 1-night liveaboard to Komodo for 1300 RMB per person, plus a 400k entrance fee. This package included a half-day tour and a full-day tour, albeit with two fewer stops than a speedboat full-day tour. The food on the boat was a delightful surprise, truly delicious. Most of the passengers were foreigners, and the captain communicated in English, leaving us a bit bewildered at times.

If possible, chartering a boat or finding others to share the cost would be the most cost-effective option. While a liveaboard is not as comfortable as a hotel stay, it’s a unique and unforgettable experience that I highly recommend trying at least once.

Summary: Indonesia is a breathtaking and thrilling destination! For capturing its beauty, a drone is a must-have.