Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to travel to Indonesia for the very first time. Even though I had been wanting to visit this country for a while, the whole trip just happened very spontaneously based on some personal changes in my life. I wanted to wait before writing this blog post, because when I came back from Indonesia I was pretty euphoric, and I had a major post-travel blues which to be honest hasn’t completely gone. Now that two months have passed, I was able to summarise my full itinerary in a travel guide in which I share all the things I preferred.

What is included in this guide?

7 days in Java

This long journey started on the island of Java. I went there solo, as my sister couldn’t join me earlier on this trip. I’m getting used to travelling solo now, and must admit I really like it. It’s a good way to find some inner peace, and do things at your own pace. It also forces you to talk to strangers and meet new people which I think is awesome.

2 days in Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a small island that is part of Bali. It’s where you’ll find the most beautiful beaches of Bali in my opinion: these include KelingKing, Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach.

2 days in the Gilis

The Gili islands are well-known for their party reputation, but is this the only thing to do there? The answer is no. In fact, Gili Trawangan has lots of bars, but Gili Meno and Gili Air are much more quiet, and offer kilometers of white sand beaches.

2 days in Flores

Have you ever heard of the Komodo dragons, these giant lizards that sometimes eat each other? Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Well, those really exist, and they can only be found on a few islands that are part of the Komodo National Park in Flores. Don’t worry, they won’t harm you. There’s also lots of other things to see when you travel there.

8 days in Bali

Last but not least, the main island of Bali has so many things to offer that 8 days is actually pretty short to fully enjoy it. Chances are that after this trip, you’ll be craving to go back, and that’s totally fine!

Is it expensive to travel to Indonesia?

The answer is: it depends. First of all, chances are your flight is going to be the most expensive thing to buy. For instance, from Europe you can find deals for about €800, but expect to pay a little bit more than that. Now the good news is that once you get there, everything else is really cheap. Java is very cheap, Komodo, Nusa Penida and the Gilis too. Bali tends to be a little more expensive, especially in the Canggu area. Your budget will depend on how fancy you want to travel. You can find accommodations for as low as €10 ($15-20) a night, and as high as €1000+ euros a night.

Is it safe for a girl to travel to Indonesia on her own?

Yes! Absolutely. Like anywhere else, always be careful, but I felt safe the whole time. Just be careful with your bags, especially when travelling (ie. scooter, taxis, etc.) People all around Indonesia are wonderful, and they will go above and beyond to help you. You will also meet people along the way, whether they are locals or tourists, so you’ll never really be by yourself.

What’s the best place to visit if I only have 2 weeks?

Bali and Nusa Penida, definitely. Now a lot of people are saying it has changed over the years. I’m sure it has, but a good trip always depends on how you plan it. I personally adored Bali, but I did a lot of research prior to my stay, and woke up very early every morning to avoid crowds.

What’s the thing you disliked the most about Indonesia?

Without any hesitation: traffic. It’s a real pain. Always make sure you plan enough time to get from point A to point B, because it will take longer than what your GPS is saying. Be patient. Another thing that was shocking is the amount of plastic pollution, but unfortunately this isn’t specific to Indonesia, it’s more of a global problem.

What are some typical foods to try?

Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng, which are respectively fried rice and fried noodles. I would also suggest indulging in fresh fruits and smoothie bowls. Oh, and Bali is heaven on earth for vegan people. You’ll find vegan restaurants everywhere.

Would you go back?

Anytime. This trip has changed the way I look at things, and has helped me grow so much, plus there are so many places I didn’t get the chance to visit.