Tips for buying plane tickets to the Indonesia for first-time visitors

With 16,000 large and small islands, Indonesia - the Land of thousand islands - is an unmissable tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Sumatra, Java or Bali are surely very familiar names on the tourist map. The following article by HoaBinh Airlines will share with you travel experiences in Indonesia along with tips to help you get cheap plane tickets.

Overview of Indonesia

Located in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is distinguished by its more than 16,000 islands, both large and small. This country has a unique geographical position, situated between Asia and Oceania. Indonesia shares land borders with Malaysia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.

Indonesia is renowned for its numerous attractive tourist destinations. The island of Bali is a prime example. The capital city, Jakarta, is a major economic and cultural center, offering visitors a blend of modernity and tradition.

Indonesia's tourism industry is increasingly flourishing, drawing a large number of tourists from around the world, including from Vietnam. The richness of its culture, natural landscapes and unique cuisine are the factors that make Indonesia an ideal destination for your next trip.

Travel to Indonesia

Flights from Vietnam to Indonesia

Indonesia has more than 673 airports. Some of the airports where international flights typically land include:

• Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in the capital city, Jakarta.
• Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in the tourist city of Bali.
• Juanda International Airport (SUB) in the city of Surabaya.
• Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in the city of Medan.
• Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in the city of Makassar.

Departure	Destination	Transit	Airlines	Flight duration	Reference ticket price
Hanoi	Soekarno Hatta (CGK) International Airport	Bangkok (DMK)	Air Asia	14h30m	8.500.000 VND
	Soekarno Hatta (CGK) International Airport	Kuala Lumpur (KUL)	Malindo Air	9h30m	9.500.000 VND
	Ngurah Rai (DPS) International Airport	Bangkok (BKK)	Thai Airways	17h10m	8.500.000 VND
Ho Chi Minh City	Soekarno Hatta (CGK) International Airport	Singapore (SIN)	Jetstar Airways	17h30m	9.000.000 VND
	Sultan Hasanuddin (UPG) International Airport	Singapore (SIN) and Jakarta (CGK)	Garuda Indonesia	12h30m	9.500.000 VND
	Ngurah Rai (DPS) International Airport	Kuala Lumpur (KUL)	Malaysia Airlines	12h10m	9.000.000 VND
Danang	Soekarno Hatta (CGK) International Airport	Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)	Vietnam Airlines	7h30m	8.500.000 VND
	Soekarno Hatta (CGK) International Airport	Kuala Lumpur (KUL)	Air Asia	19h10m	6.000.000 VND
	Soekarno Hatta (CGK) International Airport	Bangkok (BKK)	Bangkok Airways	22h55m	11.000.000 VND

How to travel from Soekarno Hatta International Airport to the capital Jakarta center

Train

Traveling by train is an effective way to avoid traffic congestion. To travel by train from Soekarno Hatta Airport, you need to go to the Soekarno Hatta Airport Rail Link, located between Terminals 1 and 2. If you're heading to downtown Jakarta, it's best to get off at BNI City Station. The journey takes about 41 minutes and a ticket costs 70,000 IDR (approximately 109,000 VND).

For the latest schedule and to book tickets online, you can visit the Railink website. There are 80 daily trips between the airport and downtown, providing you with flexible options for your travel.

Soekarno Hatta Airport Rail Link

Taxi

Taxis are a convenient means of transportation between Jakarta airport (Soekarno Hatta) and the city center, but you may still worry about getting stuck in traffic. Here are some taxi options at Soekarno Hatta airport:

• Blue Bird Taxis
• Silver Bird Taxi
• Express Taxis
• Borobudur
• Diamond
• Primajasa
• Green Line Taksi
• Gamya
• Gading

Additionally, you might consider using the Grab ride-hailing service. This is a good option and is permitted to operate at Jakarta airport, unlike some other airports in Indonesia such as Bali. To use Grab, you can book a ride through the app using the airport's wifi or your mobile data if you've purchased a SIM card at the airport. Grab cars picking up passengers at the airport must have a special GrabCar Airport sticker. The fare typically ranges around 150,000 IDR (approximately 233,000 VND).

If you're short on time and want to avoid traffic, taking the train from the airport to the city center is an efficient alternative. The Railink train service connects Soekarno Hatta airport directly to Jakarta's city center station, saving you time and avoiding frequent traffic congestion.

Bus

DAMRI Bus is a transportation company offering affordable bus services between Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and Gambir Station in the city center. You can easily spot the green or white DAMRI buses parked outside the arrival halls of each of the three terminals at the airport.

Details of DAMRI Bus Service:

• Operating hours: The buses run daily from 05:00 to 00:00.
• Ticket price: The fare is 40,000 IDR (approximately 62,000 VND).
• Where to buy tickets: You can purchase tickets at the terminal before boarding the bus.

Using the DAMRI bus is a cost-effective and convenient option for traveling between the airport and central Jakarta.

DAMRI Bus

How to travel from Ngurah Rai International Airport to the center of Bali City

Taxi

You can call a taxi from one of the official taxi counters at the airport. Alternatively, you can step outside the airport lobby to catch a taxi. These taxi drivers do not use meters, so you will need to negotiate the fare with them. Depending on the location of your hotel or destination, the fares will vary:

• The fare from the airport to Kuta is approximately 50,000 IDR (around 78,000 VND).
• The fare from the airport to Ubud town is approximately 150,000 IDR (around 234,000 VND).

Bus

From Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to the central areas of Bali, travelers can use two main bus routes: Koridor II and Koridor VIII. The bus pick-up point is conveniently located at the airport's arrivals terminal, making it easy for passengers who have just landed. The buses run at a frequency of every 15 minutes, ensuring that passengers do not have to wait long for their ride.

The fare for each trip is 7,500 IDR, which is approximately 11,000 VND (around 0.50 USD). This cost is very reasonable and economical compared to other transportation options such as taxis or private shuttles. These bus routes not only help passengers save money but also provide a safe and convenient travel experience around the popular island.

In addition to serving the route from the airport to the central areas, Koridor II and Koridor VIII also connect to various other destinations across the island. This makes it easy for travelers to explore Bali without worrying about transportation. These bus routes are an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy their vacation conveniently and affordably.

Ideal time to travel to Indonesia

Indonesia is situated along the equator, giving it an equatorial tropical climate that is influenced by the ocean, making it hot and humid. Additionally, the monsoon winds result in two distinct seasons: the dry season from May to October and the rainy season from November to April.

Generally, Indonesia enjoys a relatively moderate climate. The average temperature in coastal plains is around 28°C, in inland areas it is about 26°C, and in the high mountainous regions, it is approximately 23°C. The temperature remains fairly consistent throughout the year, allowing visitors to travel to Indonesia at any time, each season offering its unique charm.

However, the best time to visit Indonesia is from April to October when the weather is cooler and there is less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring. January and February tend to experience heavy rains. Additionally, September is a month filled with vibrant festivals in Indonesia. If you plan to visit during this time, it’s advisable to book your tickets early, but be mindful that it is also a busy tourist period.

Ideal time to travel to Indonesia

Best places to visit in Indonesia

Jakarta

Jakarta, the capital and largest city of Indonesia, is renowned for its unique blend of modernity and tradition. One of the must-visit destinations is the National Monument (Monumen Nasional), the national symbol of Indonesia. Situated in the center of Merdeka Square, Monas is a 132-meter tall tower with a golden-tipped pinnacle, offering visitors panoramic views of the city from its top. The historic Old Town (Kota Tua) is another fascinating attraction, once the center of commerce during the Dutch colonial period. It features quaint European-style buildings, historical museums like the Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah), and cobblestone streets.

Visitors can also explore Jalan Surabaya Flea Market, known for its bustling atmosphere and diverse array of antique items, handicrafts, and artworks. Additionally, Jakarta offers various other attractions such as Ancol Dreamland Park, Jakarta Cathedral, and modern shopping districts like Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia Mall. The juxtaposition of tradition and modernity makes Jakarta uniquely appealing to both domestic and international tourists.

Jakarta

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta (also known as Yogya) is truly a cultural and historical gem of Java people, with unique cultural heritage and architecture. Borobudur and Prambanan, iconic temples representing religious reverence and architectural art of the nation, play significant roles in Indonesia's history and culture.

Batik fabric, an important cultural symbol of Indonesia, also particularly thrives in Yogyakarta, making the city a crucial center for traditional arts and crafts.

In addition to famous tourist spots like the Water Castle in the western Kraton, the Ngayogyakarta Palace (Jogja Palace), the Yogya Kembali Monument, and the vibrant Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta has many other beautiful aspects and destinations to explore, from local markets to remote rural temples in the surrounding countryside. This creates a diverse and colorful travel experience for visitors.

Medan

The city you're describing is Medan, located in the western part of Indonesia on the island of Sumatra. Famous for the vast Lake Toba, Medan boasts a picturesque landscape with its mountains and lakes creating a serene and romantic scenery. Other notable attractions include the beautiful village of Berastagi in the Karo Highlands, the Sri Mariamman Temple with its intricate Hindu sculptures, the fascinating two-color waterfall of Sibolangit at the foot of Mount Sibayak, and the culinary district of Merdeka.

Medan City

Surabaya

Surabaya is a city rich in history and culture, where the symbols of the shark and crocodile reflect the strength and resilience of its people. Famous tourist spots like Grahadi Castle, Masjid Al Akbar, Ciputra Water Park, Surabaya Zoo, and the Bromo volcano offer unique experiences for visitors.

Bali

Bali is an excellent destination for travelers looking to experience the diversity of Indonesia's nature and culture. The blue sea, white sand beaches, lush green forests, and majestic mountains create a beautiful tapestry in Bali.

Beaches like Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak are known for their stunning beauty and are ideal for relaxation and lively parties. Tanah Lot Temple is a religious icon and an interesting destination for those wanting to learn about Bali's history and culture. Jimbaran Bay is famous for its beachside dinners featuring delicious fresh seafood.

Additionally, small islands like Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are popular destinations for travelers seeking tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of main Bali and to enjoy peaceful, pristine nature. Lombok is also a great choice if you want to explore more of Indonesia's natural beauty.

With its diverse landscapes and activities, Bali is truly an unmissable destination for anyone who loves travel and exploration.

Travel to Bali

Tips for booking flights to Indonesia

- Monitor flight booking websites and apps: Use websites and apps like Skyscanner, Expedia, Kayak, or the official apps of airlines to track prices and receive notifications about promotional offers.

- Sign up for email alerts: Subscribe to email newsletters from airlines and travel websites to stay informed about special promotions and discounts.

- Follow on social media: Follow the social media pages of airlines and travel websites to get the latest updates on deals and discounts.

- Use discount codes and special offers: Look for discount codes and special offers when booking flights. Websites like VoucherCodes or HotDeal can provide discount codes for flights.

- Book during midweek: Generally, booking flights during the middle of the week (from Monday to Thursday) can help you find cheaper fares.

- Be flexible with your travel dates: If possible, be flexible with your travel dates to increase your chances of finding cheaper flights.

- Combine trips: Consider combining your trip with promotional offers from airlines or travel websites to save on costs.

Make sure to carefully check the terms and conditions of the tickets before booking to avoid any potential issues. Have a great and budget-friendly trip!

If you need assistance with booking tickets or advice on finding cheap flights to Indonesia, don't hesitate to contact HoaBinh Airlines via the hotline (+84) 939 311 911 - (+84) 913 311 911.