Thinking of holidaying in Asia? We have scribbled recently for India as the amazing low budget holiday destination. It really is true: you can enjoy low budget and luxury all rolled into one. Especially for families, because traveling abroad isn't always possible due to rising prices.
Traveling to India, despite the distance from Europe or the US, is doable. What is also doable, is a low budget holiday to one of Indonesia's tropical Islands. The trick to saving money when holidaying anywhere, obviously, is to think about where you eat. The great thing about southeast Asia is there are many street vendors selling freshly prepared food. Often it is cooked as you wait and it's very cheap. In most cases a few US dollars per snack or meal, per person.
Pro Tip: Eat in a restaurant and you'll pay as much as twice again. Don't snub the street vendors therefore simply because "they're on the street". They're licensed and they adhere to hygiene, health and safety regulations because it's their only livelihood. Save money and eat as you are strolling. It's very convenient too.
We have 5 very different holiday experiences lined up for you. Continue reading on to discover where else you can enjoy a very reasonably costed holiday to Indonesia other than Bali. Because there is far more to this huge archipelago than just Bali itself. And Indonesia is very affordable, you can have a very enjoyable Christmas and New Year: pleasant climate despite a few downpours, it's all happening with an average 90°F.
The first item on the list obviously is Bali. It's an amazing Island, the culture and beaches are stunning. It's the number one destination for foreign tourists to Indonesia. It's cheap but crowded and if you can put up with the crowds, it'll be a great holiday for you and your family.
There are many great water sports and activities to keep the children, and adults, entertained and happy. Away from the beaches there are many:
And so much more. You can go camping for two nights at the summit of an active volcano. How incredible would that be? You will have no problem picking up a day trip or tour itinerary that's cheap, ensuring you enjoy your time on the Island.
Accommodation too is affordable and despite not being ultra luxurious, the service is decent enough, as are your rooms, on a budget. And don't be disenchanted believing all hotels are high-rise concrete blocks because they're not. There are hotels and resorts in the jungles, they're truly amazing and affordable. We highly recommend you try a jungle swing and it's perfectly normal to let out a scream as you sail through the air.
The best place to base your holiday from, in our experience, on Bali is Ubud Town, for the sheer pleasure of the traditional Balinese huts that idyllically blend in with the surrounding jungle canopy. Waking up early in the morning to the sunrise and looking out into the jungle, listening to the birdsongs is priceless.
Like Bali, Lombok Island is less frequented and less crowded. Still the same amazing experience as Bali, just less noisy and disruptive to your peace and quiet. In fact, many holidaymakers spending time in Lombok, on returning to Bali say Lombok is the better of the two. If you are after a little more peace then do consider Lombok, and use Bali's international airport simply to fly in and fly out.
Fast (speed) boats go back and forth daily and it's easy to charter your own, either to Island hop or for a full 8-hour day. The public ferry is slower, but a whole lot cheaper, keep a note. There are several advantages of choosing Lombok:
But fewer water-based sports and activities on the beaches (on Lombok), and the transport infrastructure is more developed on Bali.
The best place we recommend you find a bolt hole on Lombok is Senggigi on the north side of the Island. Purely for the wide choice of accommodation type and the affordability. There are some amazing resorts in the area, with great beaches and it's beautifully scenic. Perfect for chilling out and relaxing.
Bali is more expensive than Java, but Sumatra is cheaper compared to Java. So, what has Java got to offer the holidaymaker that Bali and Lombok have not? Lots. For the low down on Java, look at the east of the Island. Our east Java travel guide gives you three reasons why to holiday there.
One of the greatest, most revered Buddhist monuments in the world, the complex dates as far back to the 8th century. To reflect on the importance ― the significance ― you must realize the only comparable in the world is either Bagan in Myanmar or Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It's the world's largest Buddha temple, which says enough. Located roughly 42km northwest of Yogyakarta City, it should be possible to get there within an hour by car (or private taxi).
The UNESCO World Heritage site must be on your holiday bucket list to spend a half day learning more about this amazing piece of Java culture. The multiple levels, or terraces each take you higher still, giving you incredible views of the horizon, with the jungle below. For the best possible experience, take a guided tour because your guide will explain everything there is to know. Highly recommended.
The entire Island is one huge adventure waiting to be discovered. The volcanic, rugged nature has created something magical for you, leaving us to suggest either Yogyakarta City or Bandung City. It's our recommendation were you to favor Java then choose an airline flying you direct to Jakarta's international airport. No need to waste time transferring from Bali's airport.
One of the cheapest Islands for a holiday throughout the thousands of Islands of Indonesia. What there is to discover on this Island is the world's largest volcanic lake, Lake Toba and an amazing, beautiful camping experience for those who love the great outdoors.
When mentioning the "great outdoors" thoughts immediately turn to adventure, wildlife and rugged, wild volcanic landscapes. And that's exactly what you can expect from the moment you land at Minangkabau International Airport. Once settled into your hotel in Padang City you will be eager to explore the Island. Thoughts too, may cross your mind of capturing sights of the elusive Sumatra Tiger. Were that not enough, the Islands' many national parks also harbor elephants and orangutans.
Once a Dutch port, it now services the west side of Sumatra. You can see exuberant architecture from the mid-1600's of the colonial past for one thing, and another are the museums showcase local Minangkabau artefacts from west Sumatra. Because of the large port, it's a trading hub for many goods the Dutch would ship to elsewhere in Asia and Europe: rubber, cinnamon, coffee and tea to name a few of the commodities.
Padang is also world famous for its cuisine, being very spicy with coconut being a main ingredient in many curry dishes.
Our recommendation is Padang City. Failing that, anywhere on Belitung Island would be our second choice. Simply because:
Those of you looking for a laidback holiday with breathtaking views of the sea and outrageous sunsets, head for this Island immediately. Rather thankfully, Jakarta has its own international airport: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, perfect for those wishing to bypass Bali.
Although thought of as being exclusive, luxurious and costly it can still be affordable. It is said to be "expensive", and it is ― by Indonesian standards, that's true. But as a foreigner coming for a holiday, that may not be the case for you. Certainly, a far more affordable choice than Raja Ampat anyway.
The Island is part of a larger Riau archipelago which belongs to Indonesia, and not a location much touted about. So why go? The Island is famous for being exotic, exclusive and extremely luxurious:
There is a lot of Javanese and Dutch colonial influence present to this day, creating an incredible cultural experience for those coming to the Island. And you sense that with Senggarang and Sebung villages with their influence from China. Incidentally the Island is within the South China Sea, do expect many ancient Chinese temples.
If you were so lucky to stay in a resort here, even just for a day or two, that would contribute so much more to your tropical paradise dream holiday.
The best option actually, is from Singapore believe it or not. It's far easier from Singapore by ferry (from the Tanah Merah Terminal), the journey takes at most 90 minutes most days.
Telaga Punggur Terminal is the main ferry terminal on Bintan Island, and where you arrive from Singapore. From your perspective, holidaying in Indonesia you can fly into Bintan Island on a domestic flight from Jakarta. On arrival to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport you can take a bus or private taxi to your hotel or resort.
The best time for a holiday to Indonesia regards cheaper flights and accommodation is between October through to March the following year. That's the low season, and the rainy season. It is worth pointing out that a) the rain isn't constant, there are long breaks in between and b) temperatures only go as low as mid-80's Fahrenheit (about 29° Celsius), with plenty of sunshine.
Nothing to stop you escaping to Indonesia for your Christmas and New Year and get some great bargains too. And there are far fewer crowds to jostle and nudge your way through.
You are a little more appreciative just how much the inhabited, developed Islands of Indonesia can give you. Not every holiday to the tropics must be expensive, or out of your reach. Neither must staying within a budget mean you are staying in a bad location or ill-equipped hotel or resort.
When deciding to holiday in southeast Asia on a tight budget, do consider Indonesia for your holiday. It's arguable that Thailand is cheaper than Indonesia ― it is, but not by enough to make any difference in our opinion. What it boils down to is where your cultural interest lies.
If you want romance, then head to Lombok, and it's neighboring Gili Islands. There are other Islands too, off the coast of Bali ideal for romantic holiday breaks. And there are dozens of really gorgeous Indonesian beaches, remember.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.