Indonesia is a vast and diverse country with thousands of islands to explore. To make your trip easier and more enjoyable, you’ll want to have the right tools and apps at your fingertips. Here’s a list of must-have travel apps and tools for navigating, booking, translating, and getting around Indonesia. These apps are user-friendly and cover both free and paid options to suit all travelers.
Mobile Navigation Apps
1. Google Maps
Google Maps is a no-brainer. It’s the most popular navigation app across the globe and offers detailed maps of Indonesia. Whether you’re in Bali, Jakarta, or a smaller island, Google Maps will show you walking, driving, and public transport routes. Offline maps are available too, so don’t forget to download them if you plan to go off-grid.
2. Maps.me
Maps.me is great for offline navigation. Once you download the map for Indonesia or specific regions, you can use it without internet access. This is very useful when you’re in remote areas or don’t have a local SIM card yet. It also shows hiking trails and points of interest, making it ideal for nature lovers.
Translation Apps
3. Google Translate
Google Translate is essential when you’re traveling in Indonesia, especially if you don’t speak Indonesian. It supports text translation between hundreds of languages, including Indonesian. The app’s voice translation feature can help when you’re talking to a local who doesn’t speak English. You can also download the Indonesian language pack and have it available offline.
4. Papago
Papago is another handy translation app, especially for Asian languages. If you’re planning to travel to other Asian countries after Indonesia, this app can be useful. It supports text, voice, and image translations and works well with Indonesian. Though less popular than Google Translate, its user interface is simpler to use for some travelers.
Booking and Accommodation
5. Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the largest booking platforms, and it shines in Indonesia. From hotels in Jakarta to budget hostels in Yogyakarta, you’ll find plenty of choices here. It also offers options to book villas, homestays, and guesthouses across Bali and other tourist spots. With real-time availability and flexible payment options, it’s a reliable choice for travelers.
6. Agoda
Agoda is another excellent app for booking accommodations, and it sometimes offers better prices than other platforms in Asia. You can easily filter your search for hotels, hostels, villas, or homestays in Indonesia. The app also has exclusive deals that you won’t find on other websites. It’s especially good in regions like Bali and Lombok.
7. Airbnb
Airbnb is the go-to for unique stays and serviced apartments in Indonesia. Many popular regions like Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands have stunning villas and houses listed here. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something more personal and want to feel at home while in Indonesia. Keep in mind that Airbnb in some tourist-heavy areas like Ubud could be more expensive compared to local booking sites.
Local Transportation Apps
8. Gojek
Gojek is Indonesia’s most popular ridesharing app. It offers motorbike taxis (GoRide) and car services (GoCar), making it super easy to get around large cities or islands like Bali. Besides getting rides, you can use Gojek to order food (GoFood), groceries, massage services, and other daily needs. It’s an all-in-one app every traveler in Indonesia should install.
9. Grab
Grab is another excellent ride-hailing app in Indonesia. It’s similar to Gojek and operates in most large cities across the country, including Jakarta and Surabaya. Much like Gojek, you can also use Grab to order groceries, food, and more. The app sometimes offers promotions, making your rides or deliveries cheaper. Having both Gojek and Grab means you’ll always find a ride when one is busy.
10. Bluebird
Bluebird is the official taxi service in Indonesia, and they even have their own app. If you prefer to travel by traditional taxis instead of motorbikes or private cars, this app is fantastic. It offers safe and reliable taxis throughout major cities, including Jakarta, Bali, and Yogyakarta. It also lets you pay through the app, meaning no need for cash in most cases.
Currency Conversion Apps
11. XE Currency
XE Currency is an essential app for converting foreign currency to Indonesian Rupiah. This free app gives live exchange rates and allows you to check rates offline (after they’ve been updated). Whether you need to check how much your dollars or euros are worth in rupiah, XE Currency is quick and reliable.
12. OANDA Currency Converter
OANDA is another excellent app for currency conversion. Like XE, OANDA provides real-time exchange rates but shows historical trends as well. This can be helpful if you’re trying to figure out when to exchange your money. OANDA is typically used by financial professionals but is user-friendly enough for travelers.
Travel Safety Apps
13. Sitata
Sitata helps you stay safe by showing up-to-date travel alerts, warnings, and health advice. It also provides information on ongoing protests, strikes, or natural disasters in Indonesia. This app is especially useful if you’re exploring areas prone to volcanic activity. It also offers trip sharing, which lets your family and friends track your location for your safety.
14. TravelSmart
TravelSmart, created by AIG, is a free safety app. It contains a directory of local hospitals, pharmacies, and important contacts like embassies. The app also gives medical translations and a library of first aid terms in English and Indonesian. It’s a great resource to have on your phone, especially if you prioritize health and safety while traveling.
Flight Booking Apps
15. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is one of the best apps for finding cheap flights to and from Indonesia. The app not only shows you great deals but also alerts you if prices drop. You can search for domestic flights around Indonesia or international flights, and its comparison tools make booking super straightforward.
16. AirAsia Super App
If you’re flying with AirAsia—a popular budget airline—download their Super App. It’s more than just an airline app. You can book flights, hotels, and even activities in Indonesia. It’s particularly useful if you’re on a budget and want to get the most out of promotions and deals through AirAsia’s ecosystem.
Event and Activity Booking
17. Klook
Klook is perfect for booking activities, tours, and excursions in Indonesia. Whether you want to dive into Bali’s famous waters or explore temples on Java, Klook offers many experiences. They also offer discounted admissions to attractions, motorbike rentals, cooking classes, and more. Booking through Klook is hassle-free, with electronic tickets delivered straight to your phone.
18. GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is another great app for booking tours and activities in Indonesia. The app has everything from scuba diving lessons in the Gili Islands to Mount Bromo hikes on the island of Java. It also provides reviews, so you can avoid unreliable tours. Most tours come with flexible cancellations, which is a plus.
Budget Tracking Apps
19. Trail Wallet
Trail Wallet is a fantastic tool for keeping an eye on your travel budget. You can use it to track every expense in Indonesia, from meals to transportation. Trail Wallet has support for multiple currencies, including Indonesian Rupiah, and shows you breakdowns by category. Its simple interface makes it easy to input and review your spending daily or weekly.
20. Splitwise
Splitwise is a godsend if you’re traveling with friends or other travelers. It helps you fairly split expenses for things like accommodation, meals, or transport. Input shared costs, and Splitwise will keep a running tally of who owes what. Later, the app simplifies the process of settling costs, making group travel smoother.
With these apps in your pocket, your trip to Indonesia will be more organized, stress-free, and fun. From finding your way around to booking accommodation and staying on top of your budget, these tools are essential for the modern traveler. Safe travels!
Leave a reply