Indonesia Travel Tips for First-Timers: Culture, Etiquette, Transport, and Safety

If Indonesia is your first stop in Southeast Asia, welcome — you’re about to enter a world where beaches look unreal, strangers greet you like friends, and “spicy” can mean anything from mild to “questioning your life choices.”
This guide gives you all the essential “I wish someone told me this earlier” info — culture, etiquette, transport, safety, and small details that make your trip smoother.

Think of it as your smart, stylish cheat sheet to Indonesia.

 

 

Why Indonesia Is Easier to Travel Than You Think

Indonesia looks huge (because it is), but traveling here isn’t complicated once you understand the basics:

• Friendly locals
• A culture that appreciates courtesy
• Clear tourist infrastructure in major areas
• Endless natural beauty
• Affordable prices for most travelers

Whether you’re heading to Bali, Java, Lombok, Sumatra, or beyond — these universal tips apply everywhere.

 

 

1. Understanding Indonesian Culture (The Warmth Is Real)

Indonesia is built on hospitality and respect. People are gentle, polite, and appreciate visitors who try to do the same.

What to expect:

✔ People may smile at you for no reason — it’s friendliness
✔ Locals genuinely appreciate a few Indonesian phrases
✔ Modesty is respected (especially outside Bali)
✔ Personal space is smaller than in Western cultures
✔ People remove shoes before entering homes or some indoor places

Useful Indonesian phrases:

• Terima kasih — thank you
• Permisi — excuse me
• Tolong — please/help
• Nggak pedas ya — not spicy please

A tiny effort goes a long way.

 

 

2. Etiquette: What’s Polite (and What’s Not)

Indonesians absolutely notice polite behavior, but they also notice rude behavior — even when they don’t say anything.

Do:

✔ Use your right hand to give/receive items
✔ Dress respectfully when visiting temples or villages
✔ Smile when greeting people
✔ Ask before taking photos of locals
✔ Bargain at markets — politely, not aggressively

Don’t:

✘ Touch someone’s head (it’s considered sacred in many regions)
✘ Raise your voice (you’ll get nowhere)
✘ Wear swimwear away from beaches/pools
✘ Enter temples with exposed shoulders/knees

Small adjustments = huge respect.

 

 

3. Transportation: How to Move Around Like a Local

Indonesia’s transport system varies by region, but here’s the beginner-friendly version:

 

 

Ride-hailing apps (your new best friends)

Grab and Gojek are the easiest way to get around.
You can book:
✔ motorbike taxis
✔ cars
✔ deliveries
✔ even massages (yes, really)

Tip:
Motorbikes are faster in traffic but can feel adventurous — choose based on comfort.

 

 

Private car with driver (for comfort & safety)

This is often the best option in Bali, Jogja, Lombok, and remote areas.

Why it’s worth it:

• No parking stress
• Flexible schedule
• Safer for unfamiliar roads
• Works for full-day trips like Bromo, temples, rice terraces
• Affordable compared to Western countries

 

 

Trains (Java only)

Clean, comfortable, and great for long distances.
Example: Jakarta ⇄ Bandung, Jogja ⇄ Surabaya.

 

 

Domestic flights

Indonesia is huge — sometimes flying is the smartest move.
Use flights for islands like Flores, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi.

 

 

4. Money & Payments (Important!)

Indonesia is half-cash, half-cashless.

Card-friendly:

✔ Malls
✔ Hotels
✔ Many restaurants
✔ Convenience stores

Cash-necessary:

✔ Local markets
✔ Small warungs (street food)
✔ Taxis without apps
✔ Rural areas
✔ Certain temples or attractions

Tip:
ATMs are everywhere — withdraw in IDR, not foreign currency.

 

 

5. Safety: Indonesia Is Safe — With Normal Precautions

Indonesia is generally safe, even for solo travelers.
But like anywhere, be smart:

Stay safe by:

✔ Keeping bags zipped in crowded areas
✔ Avoiding unlicensed taxis
✔ Using hotel safes for passports
✔ Not driving scooters if you’re inexperienced
✔ Checking weather before sea/boat trips
✔ Drinking bottled water only

Scams?

They exist, but are mild:
– Overpricing
– “Tourist rates”
– Taxi without meter

Nothing aggressive — just keep awareness.

 

 

6. Food & Hygiene Tips (So You Actually Enjoy Your Trip)

Indonesian food is delicious, but your stomach may not agree on Day 1.
Here’s how to avoid trouble:

✔ Choose warungs with lots of customers (fresh food)
✔ Don’t drink tap water
✔ Ask for “not spicy” if unsure
✔ Use hand sanitizer in rural areas
✔ Try street food — but pick clean, busy vendors

If you have a sensitive stomach:
– bring charcoal pills or probiotics
– avoid ice from street vendors

 

 

7. What to Wear (This Matters More Than You Think)

Indonesia is tropical — humidity is real.

Best clothing:

✔ Light, breathable fabrics
✔ Long skirt/pants for temples
✔ Swimwear for beaches (only at beaches)
✔ Comfortable shoes

Avoid:

✘ Very revealing clothes in non-tourist areas
✘ Heavy denim (you’ll melt)

 

 

8. Weather: Do Not Underestimate the SeasonsDry season (April–October):

Best time to visit: sunny, ideal for beaches and volcanoes.

Rainy season (November–March):

Still good — just expect afternoon rain.
But avoid certain activities if storms are expected (e.g., open-sea boat trips).

 

 

9. Internet & SIM Cards

Indonesia’s SIM cards are cheap and fast.

Best options:
– Telkomsel (strongest coverage)
– XL Axiata
– Indosat

Pickup at airport or convenience stores.

 

 

10. Bonus: The Little Things Locals Notice

These are small but powerful:

✔ Saying “permisi” when passing someone
✔ Taking your shoes off at someone's house
✔ Smiling before asking anything
✔ Letting older people go first
✔ Being patient — Indonesians value calm behavior

You’ll blend in beautifully.

 

 

Final Travel Tip: Make It Seamless

If you want a smooth, safe, fully planned Indonesia trip — from airport pickup to hidden gems — our private tours take care of everything, so you can simply enjoy the journey.

➡️ Message us to plan your Indonesia itinerary or explore our Private Tours across Java and beyond.