Taking the flight from India to Indonesia was a bit awkward for me. You ask me why? Because I was the only solo traveller on the entire flight! I am not kidding. The air hostess told me that all the other passengers were either newlywed couples or groups. I could easily trust her since Bali is one of the favourite honeymoon destinations among Indians. Moreover, you can enjoy a lavish vacation in that province by not spending a fortune. That’s why travel groups (mostly friends) travel there. But honestly, I don’t mind travelling on my own to one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Why should couples have all the fun!!
Bali–it’s not a place; it’s magic! And its people are super-awesome. They are friendly and very welcoming. They will go out of their way to help you. A blessing when you are travelling solo, right? Hands down, Bali has secured a place in my list of favourites. But my journey didn’t end there. I travelled further to explore Jakarta, one of the most underrated cities in the travel blogging world. Well, I managed to find a soft spot for the capital city.
Affectionately known as ‘The Emerald of the Equator’, Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands from South East Asia to Oceania. You are just spoilt for choices! The country will undoubtedly amaze you with a million things.
Let’s get to it!
Top Attractions in Indonesia
1. Bali Swing
Entry ticket: Rp. 3,50,000 (INR 1900)
‘Touching the sky’ was long due on my bucket list, and I finally ticked it off in Indonesia when I went to Bali Swing. Soaring high above the lush green rice fields and the river made me feel like I was touching the sky. With so many swings available in Bali, I chose to go to the original one, which is also considered the best. Located in Ubud, the pictures captured here are super gorgeous. I can promise you that!
Like me, this place is perfect for you if you are also seeking the freedom, adrenaline rush, and the thrill of swinging high above the trees. There are various swings at different heights, and all of them offer a spectacular view overlooking the river and tropical greenery.
2. Ubud Monkey Forest
Entry ticket: Rp. 80,000 (INR 450)
Over three years ago, a monkey bit me. That too, on my birthday! Since then, I have developed an intense fear of monkeys. But when I learned about this sanctuary where over 1000 Balinese long-tailed macaques surround you, I thought maybe it’s an excellent opportunity to overcome my phobia. So, I went there and to say the least, I loved this place! I let the monkeys come near me and sit on my shoulder (I still don’t know how I did that). The best part is that I got the famous ‘Monkey Selfie’ here with the help of the forest staff.
If you are a nature enthusiast, then include this unique place in your itinerary because, along with being around monkeys, you can also see 186 species of trees in 12.5 hectares of forest.
Also read: Live Tax Free In Indonesia With This New Digital Nomad Visa
3. Tegenungan Waterfall
Entry ticket: Rp. 20,000 (INR 100)
Offering a picturesque view in a hidden space of Bali, this waterfall is a must-see when you are in Indonesia. This treasure is located within a tropical jungle, and thus, you are surrounded by lush greenery from all directions. Cascading from a height of nearly 25 meters, this mighty waterfall is a breathtaking sight to behold. There is a wide pond at the bottom where you can swim or just dip your feet. I went there in the evening and got lucky enough to witness such a beautiful sunset!
4. Tegallalang Rice Terrace
When I thought it couldn’t get any better, Bali surprised me with this UNESCO world heritage site, the greenest part of Bali. This rice terrace is a series of beautifully arranged paddies that follows the traditional Balinese irrigation system. The valley offers outstanding vistas over the surrounding green landscape.
The first thing I did the moment I arrived there was savouring the view from the top of the height. Then I decided to hike down the elevation for which I had to cross a small stream first. While climbing down and exploring the area further, I could find many incredible spots for taking pictures. After all, Tegallalang Rice Field is counted among Ubud’s three most stunning terraced landscapes!
Also read: 5 Most-Famous Places In Indonesia For First Time Visitors
5. Scuba Diving
Charges for 2 dives (Rp. 18,50,000) plus rental camera (Rp. 5,00,000): Rp. 23,50,000 (INR 12,400)
The marine life of Bali is the best I have ever witnessed! When in Bali, scuba diving is something that you should not miss at any cost. I did two dives in Padangbai– a small coastal town in eastern Bali. I booked my dives with Scuba Duba Doo Dive Center, a PADI 5-star facility. I went to a depth of 55 feet and was underwater for over 1 hour. Apart from spotting sting ray, tiger fish, clownfish (Nemo), starfish, oriental sweetlips, trumpetfish, and so much more, I was amazed by the corals. Never have I ever witnessed such colourful underwater life! The corals were so bright and colourful, that they looked artificial. How can something be so damn gorgeous!
No words or pictures could ever justify how my diving experience was. This is something that you have to feel on your own if you want to transport yourself to another world and see magic. Thank me later!
6. Beachwalk
It is a chic open-air mall with popular international chain stores, restaurants, and a central garden. If you are in Kuta, then check it out. One store that you should visit is Candylicious. It is a big colourful room filled with innumerable candies and a myriad of cute stuff like notepads, fridge magnets, bags, and stationery.
Also read: Indonesia Changes Capital To Nusantara From Jakarta; Here’s The Reason
7. Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua)
I didn’t limit my trip to Bali only and kept a couple of days to explore Jakarta as well. I fell in love with Kota Tua (also known as Old Town). It’s a cute little place in the ‘J-Town’ that gives European vibes. I was spellbound by the old colonial buildings, museums, open-air cafes, Dutch architecture, people dressed up in attractive costumes (with whom you can get a picture), kids riding bright-coloured bicycles and wearing hot pink flowery hats, artists, and yes, extremely friendly cats!
The best part was that the ‘Working Class Festival’ was going on when I went there, and the entire place was in full swing. I always get lucky when I am travelling!
How Much Did My Solo Trip To Indonesia Cost?
Accommodations
INR 2,000 per night at these 4-star properties in Bali and Jakarta:
- AlamKulkul Boutique Resort
- Grand Tjokro Jakarta
Flights
INR 20,000 for a total of three flights
Scuba diving
INR 12,400
Entry tickets
INR 2,500
After including conveyance, food, shopping, etc., I spent around INR 50,000 on this luxury trip. Not bad, huh!
Here’s a glimpse of my Indonesia solo trip:
I hope this Indonesia travel guide will help you in planning a wonderful escapade to these islands.
Happy travelling!