Exploring Indonesia: Island-Hopping Adventure Guide

Indonesia is a country made up of thousands of islands, so getting around can be challenging. Thankfully, there are many ways to travel between islands, including flights, boats, ferries, and trains.

Flights are a quick way to get between islands, with budget options available. However, Indonesia's domestic carriers have a questionable safety record. For a more scenic journey, you can opt for a boat or ferry. The primary sea transport operator, Pelni, connects hundreds of coastal cities, while ferries run between neighbouring islands like Sumatra and Java, Java and Bali, and Bali and Lombok.

If you want to avoid sea travel altogether, trains are a comfortable and reliable option, especially in Java. Buses are also an option, although they tend to be slow and cramped. For shorter distances, you can use taxis or ride-sharing apps like Grab and Go-Jek.

So, while getting around Indonesia may require some planning, there are plenty of options to choose from, allowing you to explore this fascinating archipelago.

Flying between islands

Indonesia is an archipelago of tens of thousands of islands scattered over 5000km (3100mi) from east to west. In recent years, the Indonesian government has made travelling between these islands much easier. Airplanes have replaced boats, and highways have been built to reach remote areas.

Flying is now the most popular way to travel between islands. Low-cost carriers have made flying affordable for almost everyone. Budget-conscious travellers usually opt for airlines like Citilink, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air. Those who value punctuality and reliability tend to choose the national airline, Garuda Indonesia. Airfare prices vary depending on the distance, frequency, and airline standards. From Jakarta, you can find flights to Bali for as low as US$35, while a one-way ticket to Papua can cost around US$350.

The Indonesian government has also been constructing new airports in tourist destinations that were previously hard to reach, such as Labuan Bajo (the gateway to the Komodo Islands), Silangit (for Lake Toba), and Toraja. Most flights to Maluku or Papua transit in Makassar, the aviation hub for eastern Indonesia.

If you're looking to island-hop in Indonesia, flying is a convenient and time-saving option. It can be affordable, especially if you opt for budget airlines. However, for a more scenic and traditional experience, you might consider travelling by boat or train, where possible.

Taking a boat

Indonesia is an archipelago of tens of thousands of islands scattered some 5,000km from east to west. As such, boats are a common mode of transport between islands.

The primary sea transport operator is Pelni, a government-owned company that connects hundreds of coastal cities across the country. Tickets from Jakarta to Papua can be as low as $70, but the journey takes seven days. Pelni ferries tend to carry up to 5,000 passengers and have six classes of accommodation, ranging from simple bench-style seating to private cabins with double beds, washrooms, air-conditioning, and large luggage lockers. It is recommended to book early to reserve seats, especially during holiday times or religious periods such as Ramadan.

If you prefer shorter, more reliable boat trips, ferry crossings between islands are a good option. The classic island-hopping route is to travel overland through Java, then cross to Bali, Lombok, and all the way eastward to the Komodo Islands. Ferries are the number one transport method for travel between Indonesian islands, with a vast network servicing different destinations. Smaller distances are usually covered by simple wooden boats, while longer distances between islands are typically served by larger ferries with cabins for overnight stays.

In more visited areas, you'll find tourist boat services, which offer faster boat services for a higher price. Local boats, on the other hand, are super cheap. For example, you can travel from Bali to Lombok for a couple of dollars, and from Lombok to the Gili Islands for less than $1.

To find the best deals on boat services in Indonesia, it is recommended to use a booking platform such as 12Go Asia.

In addition to ferries and tourist boats, there are also scheduled private passenger boats and charter boats available for travel between Indonesian islands. Private passenger boats tend to have a patchier safety record and can often be dangerously overcrowded, so it is recommended to book cabin accommodation in advance. Charter boats are often essential for reaching remote areas, such as the small boat that takes you out to sea to board a larger boat, or the vessels that carry you up jungle rivers.

When chartering a boat, it is important to perform basic safety checks. Check for water tightness, the condition of the outboard motor, and the presence of life jackets and a working, two-way radio. It is also crucial to take weather conditions into account, especially during the rainy season, and to be prepared to delay or cut short your trip if necessary.

Renting a car

Requirements and Documents:

To rent a car in Indonesia, you'll need a few documents, including a valid driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Remember that Indonesia drives on the left side of the road, so be prepared for that if you're coming from a country that drives on the right. Additionally, the minimum age to rent a car is 23 years old, and your license should be at least one year old with no major discrepancies.

Choosing the Right Vehicle:

When choosing a car, consider the size of your group and the duration of your trip. For example, a small car like the Toyota Agya is perfect for two people with minimal luggage. It's easy to navigate in traffic and cities, but keep in mind that it might not be suitable for off-road adventures. If you plan to explore unpaved roads, consider an SUV, which can handle different surfaces and offers 4x4 capabilities.

Rental Companies and Costs:

You can find various rental car companies in Indonesia, such as Jayamahe Easy Ride, Avis, Eazyrent, and TRAC Astra. The cost of renting a car varies, but on average, it's around $64 per day. You can find cheaper options, with some companies offering rates as low as $28 per day. Booking in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, is recommended to ensure availability and secure the best rates.

Driving in Indonesia:

Driving in Indonesia, especially in busy areas like Java, can be quite challenging. Be prepared for varying road conditions, from smooth highways to bumpy rural roads. Indonesian drivers may not follow international driving rules, so you must be experienced, confident, and patient. Buses often have priority, and passing them is not recommended. Always keep an eye on your surroundings, as there will be many motorcycles and scooters.

Border Crossing:

If you plan to drive across the border into neighbouring Malaysia, make sure to speak to your rental company first. You will need to pay a surcharge for a cross-border policy to ensure your car is insured in both countries. Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of Malaysia before making the trip.

Additional Tips:

• Book your rental car at least 6 days in advance to get a below-average price.
• Intermediate rental cars tend to be cheaper than other types.
• Gas stations are mostly found in major towns and cities, so fill up before venturing to remote areas.
• Speed limits are in kilometres: 50 km/h in towns and cities, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways.
• Always wear a seatbelt and ensure that children are seated in suitable child seats.

Using a ridesharing app

Indonesia is an archipelago of tens of thousands of islands scattered over 5000km. As such, travelling between them can be challenging. However, ridesharing apps have become an everyday lifestyle in urban areas, making it easier to get around.

The two biggest ridesharing apps in Indonesia are Grab and Go-Jek. Both apps offer similar services and prices. Grab has a 62% market share in Indonesia and is beloved by its users. It offers an easy way to pay via mobile wallets or cashless payment options. Go-Jek is a super-app that provides on-demand transport and lifestyle services such as food delivery, payments, and more. It stands out from Grab because it offers an array of other convenient everyday solutions besides ride-sharing.

Another ridesharing app available in Indonesia is Uber. However, it does not operate in Indonesia due to regulatory constraints. Lyft has also expanded its services to Indonesia, but it remains exclusive within local borders only.

There are also alternative ridesharing companies such as OjongSP, Catimor Drivers, and ForBoden Ridesharing Bali, which offer travellers affordable prices from all major starting points around the islands.

When using ridesharing apps in Indonesia, it is important to be aware of potential scams and overcharging. It is recommended to always check multiple apps to get the best fares and to double-check the fare estimate to avoid being overcharged. Prepaying is also a good option, as it often results in cheaper prices. Additionally, using a translation app or knowing some basic Indonesian phrases can be helpful when communicating with drivers who may not speak English.

Taking a train

Indonesia is an archipelago of tens of thousands of islands, so travelling by train is not always possible. However, the island of Java has an excellent train system, which is the best way to get around the island.

Java by Train

Java's train network connects all the main cities, including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, Surabaya, Probolinggo (for Mt Bromo) and Ketapang (for the ferry to Bali). The trains are cheap, comfortable, air-conditioned, punctual and fast. The views from the train window are a highlight, with mystical Javanese volcanoes and lush rice paddies.

Classes

There are four classes: Luxury, Eksekutif, Bisnis and Ekonomi. Luxury and Eksekutif are the most popular with tourists. Eksekutif has reclining seats and powerful air-conditioning. Bisnis has non-reclining padded seats and Ekonomi has non-reclining padded seats, usually arranged in face-to-face bays of four or six.

Tickets

Tickets can be booked online in advance through the KAI website or at www.bookaway.com, or in person at the station. It is also possible to buy tickets at Indomaret convenience stores. Tickets can be booked up to a month in advance.

Prices

Prices vary, with cheaper fares if you pre-book. An example one-way fare in Eksekutif class from Jakarta to Yogyakarta is 490,000 rupiah. Children under three travel for free.

Luggage

Luggage goes on overhead racks or behind the rearmost seats. There is a 20kg luggage allowance, and any excess baggage can be paid for at the departures gate.

Onboard Services

All long-distance trains have a catering car with a counter selling tea, coffee, soft drinks, crisps and microwavable meals. A trolley service also comes through the train.

Routes

The following routes are possible by train:

• Jakarta to Bandung
• Jakarta to Yogyakarta or Solo
• Yogyakarta to Solo
• Bandung to Yogyakarta, Solo, Surabaya
• Surabaya to Probolinggo or Ketapang (for Bali)
• Jakarta to Semarang or Surabaya
• Surabaya to Ketapang (for Bali)
• Java to Bali via train and ferry
• Java to Sumatra via train and ferry

Frequently asked questions