Indonesia is the largest archipelago on the planet and the travel options are immense. In this first trip we will visit the islands of Java, Bali, Gili and Lombok. Each one of them is totally different and wonderful, although they have common links there are big differences.
Balinese offering
Java
Is the most populated island and even though the majority of its population is Muslim, animist, Buddhist and Hindu influences coexist, its people are more open than in other countries with a Muslim majority. Big cities, monuments, temples and spectacular nature.
Bali
Rice terraces, volcanoes, temples, beach, surfing, sunsets... Bali is a small paradise. Of marked Hindu character it is an island very opened to the tourism. Everything is delicate, harmonious, spiritual.
Gili
Are three small islands with cerulean waters, white sand and coconut trees. Each island is different, Trawangan has more atmosphere and cheaper prices, Gili Meno is the quietest and has a saltwater lake inside and Gili Air has better beaches and is the closest to Lombok. All three are very well connected from both Bali and Lombok by boat, either speedboat or public boat (it performs the services as if it were a bus). It is recommended to take front because at nightfall not all access to accommodation, especially the nearest town of Trawangan has no street lighting. In spite of the western atmosphere that is breathed its inhabitants are of majority Muslim.
Lombok
Like the Gili and other islands it belongs to Nusa Tenggara, of Muslim majority its people are very pleasant, although it is certain that they are more distrusted than in other zones like Bali or Java. The island is spectacular, impressive mountains, magnificent white sand beaches, jungle, rice fields... and the imposing Gunung Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia.
Gamelan
Visa
Spanish citizens from 2015 do not need a visa for stays of less than 30 days. If you are going to stay longer you can get the On Arrival visa at the airport.
Money
The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah IDR. There are ATMs in all major towns.
In the Gili Islands there are only ATMs in Traganwan.
Language
The main language is Indonesian or Bahasa although it is very easy to communicate in English. Useful words: hello halo, thank you terima kasih, goodbye selamat tinggal, warung restaurant(forgive the lack of accents and characters).
Ijen
Transportation
Internal planes are a fast and often inexpensive way to get around. The boats are usually slow but the ferries between islands are very cheap if the journeys are not long, although everything depends on the island you want to visit.
In Java public buses are slow and the distances are very long so tourist vans work quite well and are cheap. The roads are not in very good condition and the driving is quite reckless (overtaking on the verge...). The train in Java is also a good option.
In Bali we moved by public bus, but we also hired a car with driver, we were 5 and it was very economical.
The Gili do not have internal transport except for the horse carriage, although you can always rent a bike, between islands there are boats that act as public buses.
In Lombok we took a taxi and rented motorbikes (it is not advisable to use the motorbikes at night, there have been robberies).
Ferry
Accommodation
It is not necessary to book the accommodation in advance unless you are going in high season. Almost all of them include breakfast and many of them have a swimming pool.
We recommend you especially the accommodation of Bali in Ubud Sania's House, nevertheless Hostel Duta Garden Guest House in Yogyakarta and Yuli's Homestay in Kuta Lombok, are excellent and are well communicated.
Family in Yogyakarta
Health
Before starting your trip contact the international disease service, they will inform you if any vaccine is necessary and what health precautions you should take. As it is such a big country, everything will depend on the area you want to visit.
Don't forget a first aid kit with the essentials: medicines, betadine, antibiotic ointment, syringes, flint, bandages, band-aids, scissors, water pills, mosquito repellent, sun cream.
One of the essential elements in any of these islands, especially Gili and Lombok is the front, the public lighting is practically non-existent.
Safety
Before you travel it is convenient to have a travel insurance, not only for health but also for civil responsibility. In general the islands that we visit of Indonesia are quite sure, that yes, it is necessary to have the habitual precautions in any part of the world.
Gili Islands
Gastronomy
The food is delicious no matter where you go, our recommendations are always to enjoy the local food and drink. Nasi goreng and mee goreng are the star dishes of the country and you can find them in any corner, but also the gado gado, pisang goreng...as well as fruits, yogurts, smoothies... The Bintang beer is very tasty and economical.
Connectivity
Free internet and wifi connection is scarce except for the accommodations.
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