Indonesia on a budget

Cheapest months to go

Peak is May, June, July, August, September. The weeks either side of that window usually carry most of the weather with much less of the price.

Getting around for less

Realistic options in Indonesia:

• Domestic flights are the practical way to move between island groups and are frequent and inexpensive
• Fast boats link Bali with the Nusa islands, the Gilis and Lombok — sea conditions can cancel them
• Java has a good long-distance train network between Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya
• Scooters, ride-hailing apps and private drivers with a car dominate short-distance travel on Bali and Lombok
• Ferries connect neighbouring islands cheaply but slowly; allow buffer days around boat legs

Where to base yourself

Fewer bases means fewer paid transfers. Bali, Yogyakarta, Komodo & Flores cover a lot between them.