Last year, I visited Indonesia for the first time, travelling around Bali and Lombok on a tour with Wanderlands Travel. And while I wish I could go back and do it all again, there are some things I would do differently, or perhaps, more wisely.
From an Indo first-timer, here are some things I wish I’d known before, and what I’ll keep in mind for my second time around.
What’s the weather like in Bali and Lombok?
As the saying goes, there’s not much you can do about the weather. However, when planning your trip to Indonesia, it’s good to know what season you’re gonna get – because it may just be multiple in one day.
I visited Indonesia during the wet season and, while I have no regrets, it did mean there were some activities I couldn’t do. For instance, I wasn’t able to stroll through the rice fields in Ubud on account of the flooding. However, I did get to swim in the rain and witness the beauty of a tropical rainstorm.
The dry season is between April and October and the wet season is between November and March. But all year round, Indonesia has some absolute gems to explore and experience.
Cash is King when travelling around Bali
For those who have grown accustomed to the “click, tap, pay” method, you’re gonna have to dig out that ol’ thing called a wallet.
Many spots in Indonesia only accept cash as a payment method (bye-bye Apple pay), so it’s good to have some on you at all times. Don’t fret! There’s an ATM on most streets so it’s easy enough to stack up.
Grab a fan
As a British-born, frizzy-haired, constantly-sweaty girl, I found Indonesia hot. And when making the most of Indonesia’s offerings, you’re bound to perspire a tad. In my case, I was dripping waterfalls.
So, keeping my TMI confession in mind, a fan is a must. I nabbed a US$1 handheld fan from a nearby vendor and it was not only a life-saver but a cute outfit accessory.
Bye-bye Uber, here’s how you get around Bali
If you rely on services like Uber and Lyft in your hometown, you’re gonna have to add another app to your screen. People use Gojek and Grab to order rides in Indonesia, but there’s one small difference to your go-to taxi services. The most popular form of travel is motorbikes.
Similarly to Uber or Lyft, a driver will pick you up from your location and take you where you want to go. They also can deliver food, medicine and groceries to your door. And if you need more space for your luggage, cars are available too.
No H2O
For those travelling from countries where tap water is safe to drink, here’s a reminder that, in Indonesia, it is not. So to be safe, stick to bottled water.
What’s more, make sure when ordering ice that it is store-bought ice, not homemade with tap water. How to know the difference? Store bought ice often has a large hole in the middle, making it distinguishable from ice made in an ice tray.
The menu may look different to the bill
The amount of times I went to a restaurant, thinking I’d lucked out on cheap prices, only to remember that most Indonesian restaurants charge government tax and service charge on top, adding up to an extra 20% onto your bill.
Usually the menu will state the percentage that will be added on to your bill, but when you’re a few wines deep and hungry, you may miss the note.
If you’re wanting to avoid extra charges, dine at local warungs. They are Indonesian-owned restaurants that offer authentic local food – without the markup on the bill.
These are my top tips you need to know before visiting Indonesia, I hope they serve you well! Interested in travelling around Bali and Lombok yourself? This is the tour I did with Wanderlands Travel!
– Author: Megan Watts
