Things to do in Indonesia

3 destinations in Indonesia, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Indonesia

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Bali: Flying to Bali in low season (November and early December, or February through March) can be 20-35% cheaper than peak July-August and Christmas periods. Midweek departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) on flexible dates typically shave another 10-15% off fares.
Jakarta: Flying to Jakarta is cheapest in the dry-season shoulder months of May-June and September-October, with fares roughly 20-30% lower than the peak Christmas/New Year window. Avoid school holiday weeks in June-July and late December when both flights and hotels spike significantly.
Ubud: The cheapest months to fly to Bali are April-May and September-October, shoulder periods between dry-season peak and Australian school holidays, where fares can run 25-40% lower than July-August peak. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) shaves another 10-15% off regional and international fares.

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Bali: Seminyak or Kuta Beach World-famous surf, free sunsets, and a lively beach scene with no entry fee
Bali: Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud A scenic hilltop trail through jungle and rice fields, one of Bali's best free walks
Jakarta: Car-Free Sunday on Sudirman Every Sunday morning the city's main highway closes to cars, locals jog, skate, and sell food along kilometers of open road.
Jakarta: Sunda Kelapa Harbor Watch enormous traditional Bugis schooners being loaded and unloaded at Jakarta's ancient working port, an atmospheric slice of living history.
Ubud: Walk Campuhan Ridge A peaceful hilltop trail through jungle and rice fields with zero crowds at dawn
Ubud: Explore Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) Ancient 9th-century rock-carved cave sanctuary with moss-covered fountains

Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka, Ubud in Bali, Babi guling (suckling pig rice plate) Plates $3-5
Warung Mak Beng, Sanur in Bali, Fried fish with soup, rice, and sides, a legendary Bali institution Plates $4-6
Warung Nasi Ampera in Jakarta, Nasi Padang with rendang, gulai, and sambal Plates $1-2
Kwetiaw Sapi 78 (Hayam Wuruk) in Jakarta, Kwetiaw sapi kuah, silky flat rice noodles in rich beef broth Plates $2-4
Warung Ibu Oka in Ubud, Babi guling (Balinese suckling pig rice plate) Plates $3-5
Warung Biah Biah in Ubud, Nasi campur with local vegetable dishes Plates $2-4