Cycling in Indonesia, Java, Bali, Lombok
and further in Nusa Tenggara
Indonesia is still much ignored by travelers on bicycle. Cycling in
Indonesia is considered by many people as impossible. I disagree. However,
there are some things you need to know before getting a bicycle and fly to
Indonesia. For some travelers this is not a big issue. You get your bike, go
to the airport and fly to either Jakarta at Java or Denpasar at Bali and
start the journey.
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and why you shouldn’t even think about going on a bike
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Bicycle secrets
For others it is a major step in life. My first Asian journey was a Big Step.
After that, it became easier. So, what do you need to know about cycling in
Indonesia?
First of all, Indonesia is a tropical country. This means you need to be
aware of the heat. The traffic on ongoing roads can be troublesome, especially
at Java. But the benefits of riding a bicycle in Indonesia are plenty. You will
find places you have not even dreamed off because they're not on the main travel
route.
Prambanan complex, Central Java, photo from 1992 - in 2010, it looks
different, see my Prambanan page
Indonesia is an amazing country with an amazing array of things to see.
It has a very long history. It doesn't matter if you prefer to see the
cultural or natural aspects of Indonesia, both are plentiful, beautiful, if
not spectacular.
Organized bicycle tours
No time to organize your bicycle journey in Indonesia? Join a bicycle
tour in Indonesia. No worries about visa, hotels, or even the route to take.
Just get your bicycle and join. Here are the details about the bicycle
journeys in Indonesia we can offer
Organized bicycle journeys in Indonesia
Where to start?
But what if you do not want an organized tour? Most travelers arrive either
in Jakarta or at Bali. Here many travelers
can get a visa on arrival (non extendable) for 30 days. It costs US $25. See
our Indonesian visa page for details.
Jakarta (Java) and Denpasar (Bali) are excellent assessable from many
international destinations. Here you can get a visa on arrival too.
Central Java, Mount Merapi, which I couldn't climb at the time due to too
much activity
What to bring?
Bring as little as possible when talking in terms of clothing. Only if
you intend to climb volcanoes, you want some warmer clothes but you will be
able to buy some in the bigger cities and at Bali.
When you bring your bicycle, you will want to bring spare materials. In
Jakarta and Denpasar you may get spare parts but further it will be difficult.
However, the Indonesians are clever in solving problems and find usually a way
to help you out.
People at Flores
Maps
Bring your own, it might be difficult to get some.
View at Bali, from the ferry from Lombok
What to see
Indonesia is an amazing country. There is so much to see, I can't even
begin to explain. Obvious highlights could include the Borobudur, Prambanan
Complex, Mount Merabu, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Malang, Dieng Plateau,
to mention only a few on Java alone. Bali, Lombok, the island of Nusa
Tenggara, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Sumba, Irian Jaya, Kalimantan, all have much to
offer and all islands are different. To give you an idea... At Java there
are 5 languages spoken while at Sulawesi there are 80 languages known. You
can spend a lifetime in Indonesia.
Best place to start is a guidebook before leaving. I think the Lonely Planets
are a good introduction.
Here is more about islands in Indonesia:
Here are recommendations for hotels
Visa for Indonesia
For many travelers obtaining a visa is easy. Just fly in and get a visa
at the airport. But to be on the safe side, have a look here to sort out
what exactly you need.
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