Destination Indonesia

How to Travel in Indonesia?

Planes

The domestic flight network is under rapid growth and as schedules increase, Destination Asia will be able to take advantage of this growth to give you the best available options for your travel in Indonesia. Besides the national carrier Garuda Indonesia, there are a number of other carriers running an assortment of aircraft. Bear in mind that Indonesia is a very ‘long’ country, so you may be surprised by some flight distances (and cost of certain flights).

Automobiles

Indonesia can be a challenging country to navigate by roads which are often winding around coastal or mountainous terrain. Local knowledge is an important factor in getting around, as street signs are often inconsistent (or simply non existent!). Destination Asia uses the very best in guides, drivers and vehicles in order to give you an insight that only we can offer. We have no trouble searching the islands, beaches, temples, rice paddies and mountains for the hidden secrets that make this country so beautiful. You will however notice a lot of motorbikes, and driving which will differ somewhat from ‘back home’. Embrace the experience for as Shakespeare wrote, ‘there is method in the madness’! For those wanting to rent vehicles, a valid International driving license and a sense of adventure is a must.

Boats

If you really want to explore the archipelago, sooner or later you will have to board one of the many varieties of boat that ply the waters of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands. Regular ferries connect all major islands and can generally accommodate vehicles, although the time taken to do this, along with costs, generally tend to favour the cheap domestic airlines. Small outrigger style boats can often be rented from local fishermen to island hop, explore hidden coves or simply spend time out on the water (check out the boat before you rent it and keep in mind what safety equipment you would like to have with you). Of course, tourist boats are also available in the more frequented areas and widely across Bali. Benoa in southern Bali has a variety of larger high speed catamarans and sailing boats which visit nearby island such as Nusa Lembongan. For trips further afield, live-aboard sailing boats are great for diving and the best way to cruise to the home of the prehistoric Komodo dragons – in Komodo Island.

Becak, Bajaj and Dokar

Becak (three wheeled rickshaws) and Bajaj (three wheeled motorized vehicles similar to the Tuk Tuk of Thailand) are not found in Bali, but remain enigmatic means of traveling across many Javanese cities, especially Jakarta.

Becak are a particularly pleasant way to return to your hotel after strolling the night markets of Yogyakarta.

Bajaj on the other hand (pronounced ‘Bajai’) are a symbol of the nation’s capital and common along its roadways.

Dokar and their slightly larger cousins to Andong, can be found throughout the archipelago, including Bali, and are especially prevalent around local market places.

The Dokar is a horse drawn cart which is more often than not very brightly decorated with plastic flowers anything that is bright and shiny! The horses share more in common with western ponies and the cart fits two to three people comfortably (don’t be surprised if the owner tries to fit more though).

For Dokar, Becak and Bajaj, expect to bargain as there is no fixed pricing. If you are staying in the Tuban area near Kuta, the Dokar is a nice way to get back to your hotel from the Kuta Markets.