Island-hopping in Indonesia is not only a buzzword among travelers — it’s an authentic way to discover one of the world’s most varied and affordable countries. With more than 17,000 islands studded across its large geography, Indonesia provides active volcanoes and coral reefs as well as peaceful fishing towns and colorful local markets.
Most tourists think that island hopping has to be expensive or that it involves taking private tours, but the reality is, it is possible to visit several islands without going broke. Due to cheap transportation via public ferries, budget airlines, and cheap accommodation, you can travel between islands in comfort without overspending on a daily basis.
Whether you’re a lone backpacker, an economy-strapped couple, or simply someone wishing to see more for less, island-hopping in Indonesia provides variety and bang for your buck. From Bali to the Gili Islands, Nusa Penida to Komodo, there are infinite routes that merge dramatic scenery, indigenous culture, and affordability.
In this guide, we will tell you where Best Places to Travel in Indonesia for affordable island-hopping, with route recommendations, travel information, and money-saving tips so you can get the most out of your trip.
Best Places to Travel in Indonesia for Cost-Effective Island Hopping
Indonesia is one of the best Southeast Asian nations for travelers looking to visit multiple islands without breaking the bank. With more than 17,000 islands, the nation has a vast array of destinations that range from coral reefs and tropical beaches to mountains and local villages. What Indonesia is particularly appealing to frugal travelers is that cheap domestic flights, public ferries, local lodgings, and cheap food are available. Island-hopping need not break the bank here.
With some research and advance planning, you can see three or more islands on a limited budget and not miss out on the rich nature and cultural experiences for which the country is famous. Here’s how you can island-hop in Indonesia without breaking the bank by opting for specific routes of islands that are famous for their affordability and ease of travel.
Bali to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan
This is one of the simplest and most affordable island-hopping routes in Indonesia. Begin in Bali, and one can take a high-speed boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida, which is just 30 to 45 minutes by sea. Tickets for boats will typically cost IDR 150,000 to 175,000 for one way, which is $10 to $12 USD. When you get to Nusa Penida, you can hire a scooter for about IDR 70,000 a day, with access to the whole island.
The roads are bad in some places, but if you drive slowly, most sites are accessible. Budget-friendly accommodations are readily available, with numerous guesthouses and homestays having rooms available for IDR 120,000 to 150,000 a night. Local restaurants known as warungs offer meals such as nasi goreng or mie ayam for less than IDR 25,000.
Travelers from Nusa Penida can catch a short boat trip to Nusa Lembongan. These local boats operate frequently and cost around IDR 60,000 or less. On Nusa Lembongan, most travel by renting scooters once more to get around. A tiny bridge joins Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, so the same motorbike can be employed to travel to both islands.
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are smaller and less crowded than Nusa Penida but still provide nice beaches and attractions such as the Blue Lagoon and Dream Beach. Combined, these three islands provide a complete island-hopping experience with little travel expense and a laid-back environment.
Bali to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Lombok
A second budget-friendly island-hopping option departs from Bali and goes to the Gili Islands and Lombok. Travelers can depart from Padang Bai in East Bali on a quick boat to the island of Gili Trawangan. Prices range between IDR 200,000 and 250,000 depending on the time of year and the operator.
Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three islands of the Gili Islands and has a variety of accommodations ranging from hostels to tiny seaside bungalows. Beds in dormitories are available for about IDR 100,000 a night, and meals at nearby warungs cost between IDR 20,000 to 35,000 per meal.
From Gili Trawangan, it’s possible to ride a small public boat to Gili Air or Gili Meno. These island-hopping fares cost around IDR 40,000. Gili Air is less party-oriented than Gili Trawangan and offers excellent snorkeling spots just off the beach. Once finished with the Gili Islands, travelers can take a public boat to Bangsal Harbor in Lombok for about IDR 20,000.
Lombok is larger and offers more variety in landscapes, from beaches to waterfalls and even mountain trekking if you’re interested in climbing Mount Rinjani. Motorbike rentals in Lombok are cheaper than in Bali, usually around IDR 50,000 per day. Guesthouses and homestays are readily found, and most are around IDR 80,000 to 120,000 per night.
This trip provides you with four unique island experiences without going over budget. Getting around is easy, accommodation is inexpensive, and eating is always a low cost along the trip.
Flores to Komodo National Park, Rinca, and Padar Island
For those looking to travel a little further back and yet have affordable costs, the Flores route is a good choice. Labuan Bajo, in west Flores, is the primary hub for journeys to Komodo National Park. Bali-to-Labuan Bajo flights range from IDR 450,000 to 700,000 based on season and airline.
While in Labuan Bajo, travelers may opt for shared boat tours to Komodo Island, Rinca, and Padar. These daylong excursions will cost around IDR 400,000 to IDR 700,000, complete with lunch and snorkeling equipment.
Komodo and Rinca are renowned for having a population of Komodo dragons, the world’s largest existing lizards. Padar Island is noted for having a panoramic view that would only require a 30-minute trek to access. These tours have a high cost-to-value ratio since you get to go through several islands, experience wildlife, and get breathtaking views within one day.
Labuan Bajo accommodation varies from simple homestays that cost IDR 120,000 to hostels costing about IDR 80,000 per night. Food is bit pricier compared to Bali or Lombok but still reasonable, with local dishes costing around IDR 30,000 to IDR 40,000.
While the cost of the flight is an extra expenditure, once you are in Flores, everything is affordable. You can visit several islands in one day on a group tour without having to rent private boats, which makes this route suitable for budget-tight travelers who want something exceptional.
Sumatra to Pulau Weh (Sabang)
Northern Sumatra is less frequented than Lombok or Bali, but it is a great value destination for budget travelers who are seeking a off-the-beaten-path experience. One can fly or take a bus from Medan to Banda Aceh, then ride a ferry to Pulau Weh, or Sabang. The ferry ticket is around IDR 60,000 and is approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Pulau Weh is quiet and small, loved by divers and snorkelers due to its coral reefs and clear waters.
Lodging is very cheap, with beachfront bungalows and homestays ranging from IDR 80,000 to 120,000 per night. Meals are also affordable, with the local favorites such as nasi gurih and mie Aceh less than IDR 25,000.
Diving and snorkeling packages are significantly lower than at more commercialised locations, making Pulau Weh a good choice for affordable underwater exploration. Scooter rentals cost approximately IDR 60,000 to 70,000 per day and can be utilized to ride around to various beaches and villages on the island.
Because of its affordability and limited tourist crowds, Pulau Weh is a good choice for travelers who want a quiet break while still staying on budget and hopping to a new island.
Makassar to Selayar Islands and Takabonerate Atoll
For more experienced and adventurous travelers, South Sulawesi offers another low-cost island-hopping route. Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, is well-connected by domestic flights. From there, visitors can travel to Selayar Island either by road and ferry or short domestic flight.
Selayar ferries run regularly and are extremely cheap, costing less than IDR 100,000. Selayar is a big island with peaceful beaches, local villages, and access to the Takabonerate Atoll, the third-largest atoll globally.
To get to Takabonerate, group boat trips are available from Selayar ranging from IDR 500,000 to 800,000 based on the group size and duration of the trip. These trips have breaks for snorkeling, swimming, and excursion to small islands within the atoll.
Lodging in Selayar is simple but affordable, with most guesthouses charging IDR 100,000 to 150,000 per day. Food is comparable to the other rural areas of Indonesia and is available for IDR 20,000 to 30,000.
This path is more isolated, and not everywhere takes cards, so it’s wise to bring enough cash. Nevertheless, for travelers who desire to discover new territories and eschew tourist locales, this is one of the most affordable means of seeing Indonesia’s off-the-beaten-path islands.
Money-Saving Tips for Island Hopping
To remain on a low budget while traveling from island to island, reserve local flights two to three weeks ahead. Fares are much higher during the peak season of July, August, and December. Avoid extra baggage charges with budget airlines by using only carry-on bags. Lightweight travel also simplifies taking the ferries and island transportation.
Take public ferries or share boats rather than private charters, which can be up to ten times as expensive. In most places, a local ferry and a tourist speedboat differ by only 30 minutes of journey time but greatly in price. For eating, select small local eateries or warungs which are frequented by the locals — these serve the most genuine food at the cheapest price.
Steer clear of tourist areas when selecting accommodations. For instance, accommodation in the northern region of Bali or Lombok is 30–50% less expensive than accommodation in the south. Opt for homestays or guesthouses rather than hotels. In addition to being more affordable, they also offer greater cultural immersion and local tips.
Exploring Raja Ampat on a Budget
Raja Ampat tends to be viewed as an expensive diving destination, but it can be explored in this isolated part of West Papua for cheap if one plans ahead. The process begins with a flight to Sorong, usually through Makassar or Jakarta.
From Sorong, you cross over to Waisai, Raja Ampat’s capital, using a public ferry costing approximately IDR 100,000 for around 2 hours. Once in Waisai, there are a number of budget homestays with cheap rooms for IDR 250,000–350,000 per night and generally three meals a day. These homestays are part of indigenous community-run networks and are frequently situated right by the beach or on stilts over the water.
While Raja Ampat is said to be a costly diving resort area, shore snorkeling in many places is just as good. Certain islands, such as Kri and Gam, have lively coral reefs on the beach. To travel between islands, tourists can take group boat transfers arranged by homestays, which saves transport costs to a large extent.
Diving in Raja Ampat is more costly than in other locations in Indonesia, but snorkeling excursions are less expensive and still yield high marine biodiversity. If you’re selective about activities and prioritize budget homestays over resorts, Raja Ampat can be added to your island-hopping route without breaking your budget.
Kalimantan and the Derawan Islands
The Derawan Archipelago, located off the coast of East Kalimantan, is another cost-effective island-hopping destination. To reach Derawan, travelers typically fly to Berau, then take a taxi or minibus to Tanjung Batu, followed by a 30-minute boat ride to Derawan Island.
Ferry transfers are about IDR 100,000 to IDR 150,000 depending on the number of people. Derawan Island proper is famous for its blue waters and sea turtles, and it’s simple to get basic beachfront accommodation or bungalows from IDR 150,000 per day.
Derawan is also a jumping-off point for other islands nearby such as Kakaban, Maratua, and Sangalaki. Kakaban boasts a strange jellyfish lake where you can swim freely amidst non-stinging jellyfish. Group boat tours to surrounding islands typically cost IDR 300,000–400,000 per individual for a whole day.
If you’re in a group, costs can be even less. Food at Derawan is basic but affordable, with rice-based meals and seafood for IDR 25,000–40,000. Motorbikes and bicycles can be rented to get around Derawan proper, while island-hopping is primarily conducted through group boats.
This off-the-beaten-path route provides great snorkeling, minimal tourist traffic, and low prices versus more popular island destinations.
Conclusion
Indonesia is a huge and ethnically diverse nation consisting of thousands of islands, each with unique experiences for budget-conscious travelers. From the sand-white beaches of Gili Islands to the undisturbed sea life of Raja Ampat, there are simply so many chances for price-efficient island hopping if you plan ahead.
Affordable public ferries and low-fare airlines allow easy island connections, while the homestays and warungs that locals offer are inexpensive meals and accommodations without the loss of authenticity. Snorkeling in Flores, visiting the volcanic terrain of Java, or just lazing about in Karimunjawa, each place has something unique to offer without breaking the bank.
The secret to being budget-conscious is flexibility—go during the off-season, opt for local instead of luxury, and share transport whenever you can. Indonesia treats adventurous and open-minded visitors with natural splendor, cultural diversity, and friendly hospitality around every corner. It’s one of the only locations in the world where you can island-hop for weeks and weeks without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ve explained how to explore some of the Best Places to Travel in Indonesia affordably, with tips on where to go, how to get around, and how to make the most of your trip without overspending.
