Traveling in Indonesia can be an exciting adventure, but without the right tools, it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t speak the local language.
Fortunately, in this modern era, technology is here to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re planning to explore bustling Jakarta, relax in Bali, or dive into the rich culture of Yogyakarta, the right apps can be your best travel companions.
In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience with essential apps that will not only help you navigate from one destination to another but also assist you in finding the best hotels, culinary delights, and more. These apps are designed to cater to your every need during your stay in Indonesia, ensuring that your trip is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
From transportation and ticket booking to food delivery and online shopping, I’ve got you covered. Dive into the following reviews, and get ready to make your Indonesian vacation a breeze!
Useful Apps When Travel in Indonesia
Gojek or Grab
Both Gojek and Grab are popular ride-hailing apps in Indonesia, similar to Uber, and are widely used in major cities like Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, and many others. These apps allow you to book rides on either a motorcycle or a car, depending on your preference, with transparent pricing displayed upfront in the app, so you never have to worry about being overcharged.
In addition to transportation, Gojek and Grab offer a variety of other services, including food delivery, parcel delivery, shopping at convenience stores, phone credit top-ups, and more.
Although Gojek and Grab are separate companies, they offer similar services, so you can choose to download one or both. When it comes to payment, you have the option to pay in cash or use digital wallets—Gopay for Gojek and Ovo for Grab—making transactions even more convenient.
Backindo Tip: Ask a local friend to top up your digital wallets, as some apps don’t support foreign cards.
To install these apps, simply download them:
Gojek Installation
- Install the app and create an account.
- Enter in your name, phone number (the app can only be used with an Indonesian, Singaporean, Malaysian, or Vietnamese number), and email.
- Make sure your details are accurate, especially your phone number, as you’ll receive an OTP code for verification. Then, click “Continue.”
- You’re all set to use all Gojek’s services!
Grab Installation
- Install the app and sign up as a new user.
- Enter your details, such as your name and phone number (important: you don’t need to use an Indonesian number, but you will receive an OTP code via SMS).
- Once confirmed, you’re ready to start using Grab!
Traveloka or Booking.com
Traveloka and Booking.com are essential apps for booking hotels in Indonesia, offering detailed information on hotels, rates, and available services. Traveloka and Booking.com often provide discounts, so you don’t have to overspend on accommodation.
While you can book directly through their websites, using the apps often provides easier access and can sometimes offer lower prices than booking through a browser.
Traveloka, being a local app, offers additional services such as flight and train ticket bookings. However, it frequently includes service and other extra fees, which can make it more expensive compared to reservations made through Booking.com. That said, it’s always wise to compare hotels on both platforms and choose the one that offers the better rates.
KAI Access
If you’re planning to travel by train, KAI Access is a must-have app. It offers a transparent and user-friendly way to book train tickets. Even as a foreign national, you’ll see ticket prices displayed clearly, and they’re the same as for local passengers. Additionally, KAI Access is the only online platform where you can book tickets for the Jakarta Airport Train.
Wondering about the best transportation from Jakarta Airport? Read How to Get from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to City Center.
Select your departure and destination stations, the number of passengers, and your travel date. KAI Access will show you all available trains, departure times, seat availability, and train types.
After selecting your train, fill in the passenger details—you can add up to 4 passengers in one booking. Once everything is set, you can make a payment using the methods provided by the app.
Shopee and Tokopedia
For all your shopping needs, Shopee and Tokopedia are the top online shopping apps in Indonesia. Whether you’re looking for clothes, food, drinks, or other essentials, these apps have you covered. You can also top up your mobile credit, purchase data packages or even pay your electricity bill directly through the apps.
By using local Indonesian shopping apps, you’ll get faster delivery at lower costs. Tokopedia and Shopee even offer same-day delivery and free shipping services within major cities, which is a great perk if you need to purchase something fast.
Backindo Tip: While Shopee is more popular among locals, Tokopedia might be a better choice for those who don’t speak Indonesian and don’t have an Indonesian bank account.
WhatsApp is an essential communication app in Indonesia—virtually every smartphone user has it. It’s a crucial tool for staying in touch with friends, tour guides, or any service you might need. In Indonesia, it’s common to communicate with staff at immigration offices, hotels, or other service providers through WhatsApp, making it incredibly handy during your trip.
Beyond messaging and video calls, WhatsApp allows you to create groups, share your location, send files, and share videos, texts, or photos that your friends can comment on.
Final Tips for a Smooth Traveling in Indonesia
These are our top recommended apps that will come in handy while exploring Indonesia on your own. Keep in mind that while some apps offer services across the entire country, others may be more region-specific.
Indonesia is a vast country made up of many islands, so it’s important to know where you’re headed—whether it’s Jakarta, Java, Bali, or elsewhere. However, if you’re staying in a major city, you’ll find all the apps mentioned above available and ready to use.
