Indonesia has become one of the most attractive destinations for budget travelers, entering the top ten budget destinations for 2025 according to WorldVisualized.
The WorldVisualized ranking not only lists countries with the lowest daily budget—it highlights destinations where you can get the most impressions for a reasonable price. It is based on a combination of affordable prices, developed infrastructure, tourist appeal, visa simplicity, and a high "price-experience" ratio. This list includes countries that are easy to travel to, comfortable to explore, and pleasantly surprising.
Indonesia is not only known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and unique nature but also for affordable accommodation, food, and transport. The list also includes Taiwan, India, South Africa, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, Romania, and Hungary.
Over 17,000 islands in Indonesia offer a vast diversity. The country has everything from dive spots and untouched jungles to megacities with skyscrapers and modern shopping malls. Furthermore, many destinations remain accessible even for travelers on a modest budget. You can travel between islands by ferries and buses, which are much cheaper than flights.
If you dream of exotic experiences without overspending, Indonesia is the perfect choice:
1. Bali – A spiritual paradise and beach retreat.
Many guesthouses, inexpensive street food (nasi goreng from $1), free beaches.
What to visit:
- Ubud – Yoga retreats, Tegallalang rice terraces.
- Kuta and Seminyak – Surfing, nightlife.
- Nusa Dua - Beaches and souvenirs.
2. Java – Volcanoes, temples, and cultural life.
Affordable train tickets, a well-developed network of intercity buses, inexpensive market food (satay from $0.5), budget hostels.
What to visit:
- Borobudur – The largest Buddhist temple complex.
- Mount Bromo – Sunrises over "lunar" landscapes.
- Yogyakarta – The center of Javanese culture.
3. Lombok – “Bali without the crowds”
Prices here are lower than in Bali, with cheap transport (motorbike rental from $5/day).
What to visit:
- Senggigi and Tanjung Aan beaches – White sand and turquoise water.
- Gili Islands – A paradise for divers (snorkeling with turtles!).
- Sendang Gile Waterfall – Jungles and bathing in cool waters.
- Mount Rinjani - An exciting mountain hike and breathtaking views.
4. Flores and Komodo – See the famous dragons and pink beaches.
Shuttle boats between islands for only $10-20, camping instead of hotels.
What to visit:
- Komodo National Park – Giant lizards in the wild.
- Pink Beach – A beach with pink sand.
- Mount Kelimutu – Three colored lakes.
5. Sulawesi – Exotic and diving.
Few tourists, guesthouses for $5-10/night.
What to visit:
- Tana Toraja – Unique funeral traditions and rock tombs.
- Bunaken – One of the best dive spots in the world.
6. Raja Ampat – A diver's paradise.
Local boats instead of expensive tours, camping.
What to visit:
- Diving and snorkeling – 75% of the world's coral species!
- Waigeo Island – Hidden lagoons and paradise birds.
Indonesia is a country of contrasts, where you can travel, spending only $20-30 a day if you choose local transport, street food, and budget guesthouses.
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