At a glance
Indonesia is very cheap: a warung meal is $1–3 and a capsule hotel / hostel bed $5–10. But Jakarta is traffic and chaos; many travellers say “cross Jakarta off the list and spend your time in Bali”.
Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple (UNESCO). The foreigner climbing ticket is about $27 (IDR 455,000); entry is timed with an hourly quota, and a guide and special “upanat” sandals are required. A sunrise or sunset ticket is about $60. There are 504 Buddha statues; follow the reliefs clockwise.
Around Bali and Ubud, the touristy rice terraces can charge $12–18 (IDR 200–300k) for entry and activity packages. The free terraces, where farmers actually work, are far more authentic. Homes are usually courtyard compounds shared by 4–5 families, each with a small temple. There are no pavements, motorbikes pass close, and it is hot and humid.
Food is very different: sticky rice at every meal, and bread is pricey and scarce. Be careful about hygiene. People are friendly and warm; the Grab app is a lifesaver (cars and motorbikes). Petrol is even sold at roadside stalls.
Route
Main stops from the videos.
Day one & chaos
Heavy traffic, capsule hotels, the National Monument (Monas), a mosque and a cathedral. Getting used to the food and hygiene can be tough. Grab is a must.
The world’s largest Buddhist temple
Near Yogyakarta. Timed entry, upanat sandals, 504 Buddhas, mandala layout. Impressive even in the rain. Climbing ticket ~$27.
Rice terraces & real life
Skip the touristy terraces; free village fields are prettier. Family courtyards, house temples, heat and humidity.
The side nobody shows
Everyday life beyond tourism, roads without pavements, dogs, friendly but poor areas. Be ready for monsoon rain.
Transport, accommodation and food
The Grab app
Car and motorbike. Very cheap (short ride $1–3). Download it. Few buses.
Scooters everywhere
Everyone has a bike. Petrol is sold at roadside stalls. Daily rental $4–7.
Cheap stays
Capsule hotel / hostel bed $5–10. Good options in Bali too.
Food
Very cheap but the flavours are different. Sticky rice at every meal. Bread is expensive. Mind hygiene.
Visa and entry
A 30-day visa on arrival costs $35 (IDR 500,000) and can be extended once. Fill in the free All Indonesia e-arrival card before you fly. Be careful with cameras at passport control.
Monsoon
Rain can be sudden and heavy. Locals can often predict when it will fall.
What to see
Borobudur
UNESCO site, 2 million stone blocks, 504 Buddha statues. Walk clockwise. Upanat sandals are provided.
Ubud rice terraces
Choose the free terraces where farmers work over the paid tourist spots.
Balinese homes
Courtyard family compounds, a small temple in every home. Real village life.
National Monument (Monas)
A 132 m independence monument in Jakarta, with a park and artificial lake in the city centre.
Mosque & cathedral
Side by side in Jakarta. Mind the dress code (entering the mosque can be difficult).
Dog warning
If attacked, don’t run: stay calm and hold your ground. There is a real-experience video.
Indonesia travel budget and prices (USD)
All prices are approximate US dollars.
🧾 Entry, visa and transport
| Visa on arrival (VOA, 30 days) | ~$35 |
| Bali tourist levy (per person, once) | ~$10 |
| All Indonesia e-arrival card | Free |
| Borobudur climbing ticket (foreigner) | ~$27 |
| Grab, short ride | $1–3 |
| Scooter rental (day) | $4–7 |
🛏️ Accommodation and food
| Capsule hotel / hostel bed | $5–10 |
| Warung / street food (meal) | $1–3 |
| Restaurant meal | $4–10 |
Prices can change; check official fees on official sites before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Indonesia and how much is it?
Many nationalities, including Turkish citizens, can get a visa on arrival (VOA): about $35 (IDR 500,000), valid 30 days and extendable once for 30 more. An e-VOA can also be applied for in advance. You must also complete the free All Indonesia e-arrival card before arriving. Verify the rules on the official immigration site before you travel.
What is the Bali tourist levy?
All foreign tourists visiting Bali pay a one-time levy of IDR 150,000 (about $10). You can pay in advance at lovebali.baliprov.go.id and get a QR code.
How much is a Borobudur ticket?
The foreigner climbing ticket is about $27 (IDR 455,000). Entry is timed with quotas; special upanat sandals and a guide are required. A sunrise or sunset ticket is about $60. Book on the official site ahead of time in high season.
How do you get around Indonesia?
Grab (car and motorbike) is the cheapest way; a short ride is $1–3. Everyone has a motorbike and scooters rent for $4–7 a day. Buses are few and pavements poor; watch out for motorbikes.
Is Indonesia cheap?
Yes. A warung meal is $1–3 and a capsule hotel / hostel bed $5–10. But food culture is different, bread is expensive and you need to mind hygiene.
Should I spend time in Jakarta?
Jakarta is traffic and chaos; many travellers keep it short and spend their time in Bali. For Borobudur head to the Yogyakarta area.
Is it paid to enter the rice terraces in Ubud?
Touristy terraces can charge $12–18 (IDR 200–300k) for entry and activity packages. Free terraces where farmers work are far more authentic.
Photos
Practical warnings
Rupiah (Rp)
Local currency. Carry small notes. Prices in this guide are given in dollars.
Hygiene
Check how the kitchen looks. Oily food and heavy sauces are common and can upset your stomach.
Airport
Taking out a camera at passport control can cause trouble. Be careful.
Rain
Sudden downpours in monsoon season. An umbrella or raincoat is a must.
No pavements
Pavements are poor in Bali and many places. Watch out for motorbikes.
People
Warm and friendly. The minimum wage is low; life outside tourism is hard.
Videos
The whole Indonesia series (7 videos, in Turkish).
Chaos, temples and rice
Jakarta can be tough, but Borobudur and the real Bali are unforgettable. Download Grab, mind hygiene and stay away from tourist traps.
Carry rupiah, use Grab and give Bali some time.
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