Essential Tips for Women Traveling in Indonesia

Indonesia is a breathtaking destination, offering diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unique experiences. For women travelers, the country is generally safe and welcoming, but being prepared and informed will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips tailored for women exploring this beautiful archipelago:

1. Respect the Local Culture

• Dress Modestly: Especially in rural areas or places of worship, covering your shoulders and knees is a sign of respect. Carry a lightweight scarf or sarong for versatility. Most of the time I wore active wear like yoga pants and shorts with crop tops, while some other tourists wore similar outfits, I always felt a bit like the locals were judging me and my outfits for showing too much skin, if this doesn’t bother you than wear what you are comfortable in, but I do wish I had covered up a little more to avoid feeling I like I was disrespecting the local culture especially in the more rural areas. Many temples also would not allow you to enter unless your shoulders and knees were covered, so keep that in mind while traveling around Indonesia. 

• Learn Basic Phrases: A few words in Bahasa Indonesia like terima kasih (thank you) or permisi (excuse me) go a long way.

• I learned a few words while I was in Indonesia, and you could tell that the locals really enjoyed it when you would ask questions and showed you were interested in learning their language, they would eagerly teach you words with big grins on their faces, so don’t be afraid to ask how to say things in Bahasa. 

• 
  

• Be Mindful of Customs: Avoid public displays of affection, and always ask permission before taking photos of locals.

2. Stay Safe

• Solo Travel Precautions: Indonesia is generally safe for solo female travelers, but stay vigilant in crowded areas like markets or tourist hubs to avoid pickpocketing.

• Trust Your Instincts: Politely decline offers that seem overly pushy or too good to be true. Locals will get in your face and persistently try to sell you things like transportation, don’t give in to their pressure, they are just looking to make as much money from tourists. Stay firm with your decision to decline and keep walking past them, if you engage in conversation they will keep at it. A few times I found myself having to completely ignore their existence after having saying “no thank you” as they continued to follow behind or get in front of me to prevent me from moving on. If you continue to show no interest they will eventually leave you alone, but it can get a bit frustrating and slightly annoying. 

• Local Transportation: Choose reliable ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek over unlicensed taxis. For longer distances, opt for reputable bus or ferry operators.

3. Health and Hygiene

• Stay Hydrated: Always drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues. NEVER drink out of the tap. use water bottles when wetting your toothbrushes and rinsing your mouth, and try not the swallow water while in the shower, you'll regret it later. I would suggest bringing antidiarrheal medication either prescription or over the counter because as much as you try to avoid getting the dreaded " Bali Belly" its not entirely unavoidable you never know exactly where your food is coming from and the precautions taken to make it, so just be prepared incase you do happen to catch it.

  
  
  
  

• Carry Essentials: Pack hand sanitizer, biodegradable wipes, and tissues—many public restrooms lack toilet paper. Most of the restrooms I encountered were dirty with just a hole in the ground you would squat over. The first time I walked in and saw one of these types of toilets I was baffled. Wasn’t entirely sure what to do, but didn’t take long to figure out what I was looking at. There was usually a big bucket of water sitting next to the toilet holes that you would ladle water out and into the toilet when it was time to flush. I never really felt clean after using the restrooms around Indonesia and made the mistake of not having my own toilet paper or wipes when we were traveling around Bali which made things a little uncomfortable at times. So make sure you are prepared. 

• Menstrual Care: Bring your preferred supplies, as tampons may not be widely available in rural areas.

• Vaccinations and Medicine: Ensure you’re up-to-date on recommended vaccines, and carry a small first-aid kit, including mosquito repellent with DEET.

4. Dress for Adventure

• Practical Footwear: Lightweight sneakers or hiking sandals are perfect for exploring temples, jungles, or beaches.

• Swimwear Etiquette: Bikinis are fine at tourist beaches but pack a cover-up for walking through villages or eating at local cafes.

5. Money Matters

• Cash is King: Keep small denominations for local markets and street food vendors, as many don’t accept cards.

• ATMs: Use ATMs at banks and avoid standalone machines to reduce the risk of card skimming.

• Negotiate Prices: Haggling is common in markets, but do so politely and with a smile.

6. Navigating Transportation

• Motorbike Rentals: Many travelers use motorbikes to get around, but ensure you’re confident in your skills and always wear a helmet. Riding around on Motorbikes was my least favorite thing in Indonesia, mainly because I am the biggest chicken when it comes to two wheeled transportation. They are the easiest and cheapest way to get around Indonesia, but make sure you know what you are doing. Some of the roads are unpaved and can get a bit tricky navigating over. There are minimal road rules as well, so traffic can get a bit chaotic as motorbikes and cars alike weave around each other in a race to get from one spot to another. Also make sure you inspect the bike if you decide to rent one. Often times the owners of the motor bike rentals don't inspect their bikes throughly which can lead to problems you don't want to have to deal with in bad or difficult terrain. One of the bikes we had rented had very worn down tread and a tire that kept going flat on us, the radiator also fell out while going over some bumpy terrain which made the ride even less fun for me.

• Island Hopping: Ferries and speedboats connect many islands, but check weather conditions, especially during the rainy season.

• Flights: Domestic flights are affordable and save time for longer distances like Bali to Sumatra.

7. Social and Online Safety

• Stay Connected: Buy a local SIM card for reliable internet and use it for maps, ride-hailing, and communication.

• Emergency Contacts: Save the local embassy number and Indonesia’s emergency services (112) in your phone.

8. Sustainable Travel

• Reduce Plastic Use: Bring a reusable water bottle and tote bag.

• Eco-Friendly Activities: Choose tours and accommodations that support conservation and local communities.

• Avoid Animal Tourism: Opt for wildlife sanctuaries like orangutan rehabilitation centers over attractions offering elephant rides or animal shows.

9. Top Experiences for Women Travelers

• Cultural Immersion: Take a traditional cooking class or join a batik-making workshop.

• Relaxation: Indulge in Balinese spa treatments or a yoga retreat.

• Adventure: Trek through the jungles of Sumatra, climb Mount Bromo, or dive in Raja Ampat.

10. Embrace the Adventure

• Be Open-Minded: Indonesian culture is diverse and rich, so embrace differences and be curious.

• Go with the Flow: Delays or unexpected changes are common—stay flexible and enjoy the journey.

Final Tip: Always smile—it’s the universal language in Indonesia and will open doors to unforgettable connections and experiences.