The long weekend beckons, and my family will be making a short trip to Batam on Saturday! Like any good and hardworking traveler, I did my fair share of research even though Batam is so nearby to us. If you are planning a short trip to Indonesia as well, here are some money-saving tips that you may find useful!
1. Take the Ferry!
Indonesia is huge and there are many different places we can travel to for holidays. If you are on a tight budget and want to keep your travel costs as low as possible, opt for destinations that you can reach by ferry rather than flight. Batam is one such destination and there are ferries you can hop on at Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. The journey is less than an hour and is comfortable. The tickets are very reasonably-priced and on some days when there are promotions going on, ferry ticket can be as cheap as $5/way! (Other taxes & surcharges apply). Tickets can be purchased conveniently online as well.
2. If You Need To Fly, Go Budget!
This is a no-brainer. If you want to venture to further Indonesian destinations that can only be accessible by flights, always opt for budget flights. Tigerair, Airasia and Jetstar offer daily flights to many of the popular destinations. Seriously, Indonesia is so nearby, there is really no need to spend your money on luxurious full-board flights! Budget flights are comfortable and safe too. Most importantly, the money you save on the flights can be used on food and entertainment during your holiday!
3. Go For Cheap Accommodation!
Cheap accommodation does not equate to lousy accommodation. With so many options out there, competition is stiff and many hotels are now offering good value at very affordable prices. Travelling as a family need not be expensive, and make sure you do your research and find an accommodation option that is friendly on your pocket. I found one such hotel – Stevie G Hotel Bandung - that I thought looks pretty nice and very affordable too! Prices start from $52/night – How affordable!
4. Eat Where The Locals Eat!
Local food is a must-try when travelling in Indonesia. Forget the expensive restaurants and go for the local experience! Where the locals eat at, the food must be authentic and delicious. Plus, you will save lots of money this way!
5. Bargain Hard!
I know of people who hates to do this, but I also know of those who have a real passion for it! I personally seldom bargain but if you are in a place where bargaining is a culture and norm, please make sure you do it so that you can stretch your dollar the best way possible. The only thing to note is that you should only bargain if you have a genuine desire to buy at the end if the deal goes through. Vendors will be very upset if you bargain and bargain, and walk away without buying in the end.
There you have it, planning a short trip to Indonesia is not tough at all, and very easy on the pocket in fact! Looking forward to my family getaway this weekend. Be back to share more. :)
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