By Samirah Hasan
These days, the economy is getting weak so people prefer to travel in low budget and Indonesia is one of the favourite options by students.
Indonesia is also close by Malaysia. In fact, Indonesia is now the world’s third most populous and the largest archipelagic of 17,508 islands, located between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Indeed, Indonesia has a lot of beautiful beaches around, no wonder this brings tourists to visit Indonesia.
Based on my experience, Indonesia is the right option for you guys who need low budget travel. Why?? Once I went to three places in Indonesia which were my great experience ever because they are not only such beautiful places but I could have a great experience by being a backpacker.
As we all know students do not have much money and all we need is a perfect break after our hectic days in the university. It is a getaway which can help us unwind and release our stress. You dont have to travel far away from Malaysia and spend so much money as Indonesia has many exciting destinations to discover.
Here is a list of places in Indonesia for low budget travel.
Weh Island or Sabang, Aceh     Â
Embraced by vivid and healthy coral reefs, Weh Island, commonly known to local population as “Sabang”, it is naturally untouched despite its small size and convenient access. Its location is at the westernmost island of the Indonesian archipelago. It is 45 minutes away by fast regular ship or two hours by ferry from mainland, Banda Aceh to Gapang Beach Weh Island. While in Sabang minibuses are available, motorcycles and three-wheeled pedicab or becak are there to explore this island and you can bargain the price as I did.
Snorkeling in Weh Island is a common recreational activity. The instructors gladly escort you with a variety of free dive or snorkel to explore the underwater universe like the fabled Sea Garden in Rubiah Island. You’ll find many delightful sea creatures, most notably manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles and a variety of fish as I had experienced.
Sabang is the capital city of Weh Island, thus I explored the town as well, and I wanted to take a picture of a sign bearing “Indonesia Nol Kilometer” (Zero Kilometer of Indonesia). Water Front Resort was also interesting because I could see the diversified marine life.
To explore Sabang and the beaches, nothing is more enjoyable than walking on foot, although taxis are also available. For shopping enthusiasts, try visiting traditional markets to get fresh tropical fruits and snacks. Many other fascinating points of interest include a waterfall, volcanoes and hot springs. Generally, I spent for this trip less than RM500 for 4 days 3 nights, the flight tickets, souvenirs and snorkeling tours were also included.
Karimun Jawa, Jepara, Central Java
Travellers to Central Java do not need to go far to enjoy marine life, above and below the sea. The Karimun Jawa archipelago, located in the Java Sea, north of the capital city of Semarang, has everything to offer divers and backpackers who enjoy trekking and snorkelling along a pristine beach. The Karimun Jawa National Park is one amongst seven marine national parks in Indonesia. You will be surrounded by natural beauty, so that you wish that you could stay there forever as I wished.
Snorkelling is a definite activity you must do. The coral reefs are excellent to capture with your underwater camera. The fringing reefs are among those patch reefs and barrier reefs. The colourful fish glide in large groups above the black corals and organ pipe corals, the two protected biota in Karimun Jawa.
In other parts of the islands, surfing is possible, as well as sailing, water skiing, swimming, camping, and bird watching. Also, trekking through the villages in Karimun Jawa is an alternative. The track is not limited to this height. Trekking through the forest and finding yourself gazing on the 27 islands dotting the Java Sea is an extraordinary experience.
For more information, the flights to Semarang are available from anywhere including Kuala Lumpur. The ferries serve the islands three times a week, either from Jepara or also Semarang. The best time to visit the Park is between April to October.
Besides, the local snappers are known to be the best grilled fish on the table. Some say that parrot fish is the must try. They will offer fresh fish for your lunch or dinner. Overall, it was the best experience I have ever had; the budget is very cheap RM200 only for whole trip 4 days 3 nights excluding the flight tickets.
Mount Bromo
Indonesia has the most volcanoes of any country in the world – some 76 are historically active; significant volcanic activity occurs especially in Java. Mount Bromo is a part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park that covers a massive area of 800 square kilometres.
While it may be small when measured against other volcanoes in Indonesia, the magnificent Mt. Bromo will not disappoint with its spectacular views and dramatic landscapes. At 2392 metres tall, Mt. Bromo is not among the tallest of Indonesias mountains but its stunning beauty lies in its incredible setting.
From a vantage point, tourists from all around the world come to see the sunrise over Mt. Bromo. From this spot the vista is magnificent. All you will hear is the click of cameras as visitors snap their cameras hoping to capture the incredible scene of Mt. Bromo in the foreground with Mt. Semeru smoking in the distance and the sun shining brightly, quickly rising in the sky and there are ponies to take you across the sand sea to the bottom of the steep stairs that leads to the crater.
The eerie landscape has spurned countless legends and myths. Mt. Bromo has particular significance for the Tengger people who believe that this was the site where a brave prince sacrificed his life for his family. The people here appease the Gods once a year during the annual Kasada festival (usually in September-November) where the local Tenggerese come to Mt. Bromo making offerings of vegetables and chickens and money are thrown into the crater of the volcano.
To reach Mt. Bromo, you can fly to Juanda international airport in Surabaya. From there, continue your journey to Mt. Bromo by booking with a travel agent, or by bus Surabaya-Mount Bromo route. The journey will take two to three hours. It is best for you to leave Surabaya at 23:00-24:00 in order to arrive in time for sunrise. If you forget to bring food, the restaurants near Mt. Bromo open from 3 am. They generally provide various types of Indonesian traditional dishes such as ketoprak, fried rice, rujak cingur, Bandrek, etc.
Being one of the lucky backpackers who could travel to magnificent places in Indonesia was my best experience; Indonesia really has many potential places to visit with low budget. It is convenient especially for students. However, do not forget to bring a map with you as we all know that Indonesia’s public transport is quite complicated, besides many Indonesians are also not that fluent in English.
But then you also have to learn some Indonesian words and understand the language to interact with local people. Well, happy holiday guys! ***