20-Day Epic Budget Backpacking Route in Indonesia
Indonesia is a vast archipelago offering some of the most diverse landscapes and cultures on the planet. For the budget traveler, it remains one of the most affordable destinations globally, where you can live well on street food, stay in vibrant hostels, and traverse islands using an extensive network of trains and buses.
This 20-day route focuses on the islands of Java and Bali, the heart of the country's history and natural beauty. You will start in the bustling capital of Jakarta, wind through the cultural capital of Yogyakarta, witness the smoking craters of East Java, and conclude in the tropical paradise of Bali, all while keeping your spending ultra-lean.
Day 1: Jakarta, Indonesia - Arrival & Local Flavors
Arrive at Soekarno-Hatta Airport
Clear customs and take the DAMRI bus to Gambir Station. It is the cheapest way to reach the city center compared to private taxis.
Check into Jalan Jaksa Area
Drop your bags at a budget hostel in the Jalan Jaksa area, the historic backpacker hub of Jakarta where affordable dorms are plentiful.
Street Food Dinner at Jalan Sabang
Walk to nearby Jalan Sabang. Join the locals for Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or Sate Ayam (chicken skewers) for less than $2.
Monas Night View
Walk to the National Monument (Monas). The park surrounding the monument is free and offers a great atmosphere for people-watching.
Day 2: Jakarta, Indonesia - Historic Batavia
Kota Tua Exploration
Take the TransJakarta bus to the Old Town (Kota Tua). Explore Fatahillah Square and admire the Dutch colonial architecture for free.
Sunda Kelapa Harbor
Walk or take a short bike-taxi ride to the old port. Watch traditional wooden schooners (Pinisi) being loaded by hand.
Istiqlal Mosque
Visit Southeast Asia's largest mosque. It's free to enter for tourists (modest dress required), and the architecture is breathtaking.
Glodok Night Market
Explore Jakarta's Chinatown (Glodok). It's a sensory overload of sights and smells with incredibly cheap snacks.
Day 3: Jakarta, Indonesia - Urban Transit & Culture
National Museum of Indonesia
Visit the museum for a small fee to understand the vast history of the archipelago before you head deeper into Java.
Lunch at a Warung
Find a local 'Warung Tegal' (Warteg) where you can point at various dishes to create a massive plate of food for under $1.50.
Sarinah Department Store
Visit the oldest mall in Indonesia to see local handicrafts. The rooftop area often has free live music in the evenings.
Prepare for Travel
Visit a local minimart (Indomaret/Alfamart) to stock up on cheap snacks and water for tomorrow's train journey.
Day 4: Bandung, Indonesia - The Paris of Java
Train to Bandung
Board the Argo Parahyangan train from Gambir Station. The 3-hour journey offers stunning views of rice paddies and mountains.
Braga Street Walk
Check into your Bandung hostel and walk down Jalan Braga, a street filled with colonial heritage and trendy, affordable cafes.
Gedung Sate
Visit the exterior of this iconic administrative building. The surrounding gardens are perfect for a free afternoon stroll.
Sudirman Street Day & Night Market
Indulge in Bandung's famous street food scene, known for unique snacks like Batagor and Siomay.
Day 5: Bandung, Indonesia - Volcanic Craters
Tangkuban Perahu
Take a local 'Angkot' (minibus) toward this active volcano. It's one of the few places where you can hike right up to the rim of a crater.
Ciater Hot Springs
Relax in the natural thermal waters nearby. It's a great way to soothe muscles after a morning of hiking.
Floating Market Lembang
Explore this colorful market where vendors sell food from boats. The entry fee is low and usually includes a free drink.
Dago Night Views
Head to the Dago area for a panoramic view of Bandung's city lights while enjoying a cheap cup of local coffee.
Day 6: Bandung, Indonesia - Tea Plantations
Cukul Tea Sunrise Point
Take a ride to the Pangalengan area. Walking through the rolling green hills of the tea plantations is free and incredibly peaceful.
Situ Cileunca
Visit this beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. It's a popular local spot for a budget picnic lunch.
Saung Angklung Udjo
Watch a traditional bamboo music performance. It's a great way to experience Sundanese culture without breaking the bank.
Shopping at Cihampelas
Walk through the 'Jeans Street' for some of the cheapest clothing prices in Indonesia, even if you're just window shopping.
Day 7: Yogyakarta, Indonesia - The Long Haul East
Train to Yogyakarta
Take the Malabar or Lodaya train. This is a long 7-8 hour journey, so bring a book and enjoy the changing landscape of Central Java.
Arrive in Jogja
Walk from the station to the Sosrowijayan area, the primary budget traveler district located right next to the train station.
Dinner at Malioboro
Eat at a 'Lesehan'—where you sit on mats on the sidewalk. Try the local specialty, Gudeg (jackfruit stew), for about $1.50.
Alun-Alun Kidul
Visit the southern square to see the brightly lit neon cars and try the blindfolded walk between the twin banyan trees for free.
Day 8: Yogyakarta, Indonesia - Ancient Wonders
Borobudur Sunrise Area
While the temple entry is pricey, you can hike Setumbu Hill nearby for a fraction of the cost to see the temple emerging from the morning mist.
Mendut Temple
Visit this smaller, older temple nearby. The entry fee is negligible and it houses a magnificent 3-meter tall Buddha statue.
Silverware District Kotagede
Wander through the narrow alleys of the historic silver district. Many workshops allow you to watch the artisans for free.
Beringharjo Market
The oldest market in Jogja. It's the best place to buy cheap batik and try traditional snacks like Bakpia.
Day 9: Yogyakarta, Indonesia - Hindu Heritage
Prambanan Temple Complex
Take the TransJogja 1A bus (the cheapest way) to this massive 9th-century Hindu temple complex.
Sewu Temple
Walk to the northern end of the Prambanan park to see Sewu Temple. It’s often ignored by crowds and is included in your Prambanan ticket.
Ratu Boko Sunset
Head to the plateau of Ratu Boko for one of the most stunning sunsets in Java, overlooking the Prambanan valley.
Ramayana Ballet (Optional)
Watch the performance at the open-air theater. If on a strict budget, you can often hear the music and see glimpses from outside the park.
Day 10: Yogyakarta, Indonesia - Sultans & Spices
The Kraton (Sultan's Palace)
Explore the spiritual heart of the city. Entry is very cheap and includes access to traditional dance performances held mid-morning.
Taman Sari Water Castle
Visit the former royal garden of the Sultanate. The underground mosque (Sumur Gumuling) nearby is a must-see for photographers.
Prawirotaman Street
Stroll through the 'second' backpacker district. It's a great place to find affordable travel agencies for your upcoming Bromo trip.
Angkringan Coffee
Try 'Kopi Joss' (charcoal coffee) at a roadside Angkringan stall—a uniquely Jogja experience for less than $0.50.
Day 11: Yogyakarta, Indonesia - Beach Escape
Parangtritis Beach
Take a local bus from Giwangan station to this southern beach. The sand dunes (Gumuk Pasir) nearby are unique to this region.
Fresh Seafood Lunch
Eat at the local stalls where fishermen bring their catch. It's significantly cheaper than any seafood in the city center.
Parangkusumo Sand Dunes
Walk through the dunes. It's a free and surreal landscape that feels more like the Middle East than Indonesia.
Packing for East Java
Organize your gear. The next few days involve cooler temperatures and early mornings as you move toward the volcanoes.
Day 12: Surabaya, Indonesia - Gateway to the East
Train to Surabaya
Board the Sancaka train to Surabaya Gubeng. The 4-hour trip is efficient and comfortable in Economy class.
House of Sampoerna
Visit this free museum located in a Dutch colonial building to see how traditional clove cigarettes are rolled by hand.
Heroic Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)
A symbol of the city's resistance during the independence war. The surrounding park is a great free spot to relax.
Suramadu Bridge Night View
Take a local bus to the waterfront to see the longest bridge in Indonesia lit up at night.
Day 13: Mount Bromo, Indonesia - The Sea of Sand
Bromo Sunrise Trek
Instead of a private Jeep, you can hike from the village of Cemoro Lawang to the Seruni Point lookout for free.
Crossing the Sand Sea
Walk across the 'Lautan Pasir' to the base of the Bromo crater. It's a 45-minute walk that saves you the cost of a horse ride.
Luhur Poten Temple
Observe the Hindu temple at the base of the volcano, which serves the local Tenggerese people.
Rest in Cemoro Lawang
Enjoy the cool mountain air. Accommodations here are basic 'homestays' which are perfect for a backpacker budget.
Day 14: Banyuwangi, Indonesia - Moving to the Edge
Bus to Banyuwangi
Take a public bus from Probolinggo to Banyuwangi. This is the easternmost tip of Java and the gateway to Bali.
Boom Beach
A black sand beach with views of the Bali strait. It's a popular local hang-out spot with no entry fee.
Early Dinner & Sleep
Eat early and rest; if you choose to hike Ijen Crater, you will need to wake up at midnight.
Optional Ijen Hike
While not for everyone, the hike to see the Blue Flame of Ijen is a world-class experience if your budget allows for the entry fee.
Day 15: Ubud, Bali - Crossing the Strait
Ferry to Bali
Take the public ferry from Ketapang (Java) to Gilimanuk (Bali). It runs 24/7 and costs less than $1.
Bemo to Ubud
From Gilimanuk, take a local bus or shared van (Bemo) to Ubud. It's a scenic but long drive through the Balinese countryside.
Ubud Market Evening
Check into your hostel and walk through the Ubud Art Market as it winds down; prices for snacks often drop at sunset.
Budget Balinese Feast
Find a 'Warung Muslim' or 'Warung Makan' for cheap, authentic Balinese food away from the main tourist streets.
Day 16: Ubud, Bali - Rice Fields & Temples
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Go early to beat the crowds and the heat. While there are donation points, walking the upper paths is very affordable.
Tirta Empul Temple
Visit this holy water temple. You can observe the purification rituals for a small entrance fee.
Gunung Kawi
Walk down the 300+ steps to see the ancient royal tombs carved directly into the cliff face.
Saraswati Temple
Visit the 'Lotus Temple' in central Ubud. The exterior and the lotus ponds are free to admire.
Day 17: Ubud, Bali - Nature & Culture
Sacred Monkey Forest
Walk through the jungle and see the long-tailed macaques. Keep your belongings secure!
Lunch at Gianyar Night Market
Take a short ride to this market for some of the cheapest Babi Guling (roast pig) in Bali.
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Explore this archaeological site featuring a menacing-faced cave carved in the 9th century.
Ubud Royal Palace Dance
Watch the Legong dance at the palace. It’s one of the most accessible cultural performances for tourists.
Day 18: Ubud, Bali - The Ridge Walk
Campuhan Ridge Walk
This is a free, beautiful walk through the lush river valley. It's the best way to see Ubud's natural beauty without spending a cent.
Neka Art Museum
If you have room in the budget, this museum offers the best insight into how Balinese art has evolved over decades.
Explore Penestanan Village
Walk through this quiet artist village. It's much calmer than central Ubud and has many affordable small warungs.
Yoga Class
Many hostels in Ubud offer free or 'donation-based' yoga sessions. Check the bulletin boards!
Day 19: Canggu, Bali - Surf & Sunsets
Travel to Canggu
Take a shared shuttle bus from Ubud to Canggu. It's the hub for younger travelers and surf culture.
Echo Beach
Watch the surfers tackle the famous breaks. The beach is free to access and great for walking.
Batu Bolong Street
Window shop at the local boutiques or find a cheap 'Nasi Campur' at a local warung like Varuna.
Sunset at Old Man's
While drinks can be pricey, the atmosphere at sunset is free and iconic for the Canggu experience.
Day 20: Canggu, Bali - Final Waves & Departure
Tanah Lot Temple
Ride a scooter early to this offshore temple. It’s one of Bali's most photographed spots and is best seen before the tour buses arrive.
Souvenir Shopping at Love Anchor
Pick up some last-minute gifts at this bazaar. Remember to haggle for the best prices.
Beach Relaxing
Spend your final hours soaking up the sun on Berawa Beach before heading to the airport.
Departure from Ngurah Rai
Take a Grab car to the airport. Ensure you leave early as Bali traffic can be unpredictable.
Best Time to Visit Indonesia
The best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. This is the ideal time for trekking volcanoes and enjoying the beaches of Bali. The wet season (October to April) brings heavy tropical rain, which can occasionally disrupt ferry schedules and make hiking trails slippery, though it is the best time for those seeking even lower prices and fewer crowds.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Cash is king in Indonesia, especially at street food stalls (warungs) and local markets. While ATMs are widespread in cities like Jakarta and Ubud, always carry enough cash when heading to remote areas like Mount Bromo. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Getting Around Indonesia
For intercity travel on Java, the train system is excellent, reliable, and affordable. Use the 'Economy' or 'Business' classes for the best balance of cost and comfort. For shorter distances, 'Angkots' (minibuses) are the cheapest option. In Bali, where there are no trains, renting a scooter or using ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek is the most budget-friendly way to move around.
