6 Apps to Install Before Travel to Indonesia

By Dini

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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 can help you navigate from one destination to another, find the best hotels, discover culinary delights, and much more. These apps are designed to make your stay in Indonesia seamless and stress-free. If you’d rather not install them, don’t worry—each platform is also accessible through a web browser.

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 (Transportation Apps)

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.

gojek or grab in indonesia
Gojek or Grab come handy at busy train or bus stations. Definitely ones of the most useful apps in Indonesia

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: Keep in mind that Gojek works only with Indonesian SIM cards. If you don’t plan to get a local number, opt for Grab, which can be installed using a foreign number.

To install these apps, simply download them:

Gojek Installation

  1. Install the app and create an account.
  2. Enter in your name, phone number (the app can only be used with an Indonesian, Singaporean, Malaysian, or Vietnamese number), and email.
  3. Make sure your details are accurate, especially your phone number, as you’ll receive an OTP code for verification. Then, click “Continue.”
  4. You’re all set to use all Gojek’s services!

Grab Installation

  1. Install the app and sign up as a new user.
  2. 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).
  3. Once confirmed, you’re ready to start using Grab!

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Booking.com (Accommodation App)

Booking.com is an essential app for booking hotels in Indonesia, offering detailed information on hotels, rates, and available services. It often provide discounts, so you don’t have to overspend on accommodation.

While you can book directly through their websites, using the app often provides easier access and can sometimes offer lower prices than booking through a browser.

booking.com in indonesia
Manytimes accommodation booked via mobile app is cheaper
Where to book your accommodation and what to watch out for? Read Best Websites for Booking Accommodation in Indonesia.

Traveloka or tiket.com (Train Apps)

If you’re planning to travel by train in Indonesia, both Traveloka and tiket.com are reliable local apps that offer train ticket bookings along with additional services like flights, accommodations and local experiences. They provide a convenient way to compare options and secure your tickets online.

However, keep in mind that both apps often include service or processing fees, which may make them slightly more expensive compared to direct bookings. It’s always a good idea to compare prices on each platform to find the best deal.

Whether you’re booking train tickets or planning your trip, Traveloka and Tiket.com ensure a user-friendly experience, making them popular choices among travelers in Indonesia.

Backindo Tip: Planning to travel on Indonesia’s high-speed train, Whoosh? Tickets are exclusively available on tiket.com and not on Traveloka.

Klook and GetYourGuide (Apps for Experiences and Tours)

Klook and GetYourGuide are handy platforms for booking experiences, tickets, and tours in Indonesia tailored specifically for international travelers. They offer a wide range of activities, from entrance tickets—such as the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan, for which Klook is an official partner—to workshops and multi-day trips e.g. Baduy tribe. Both apps ensure clear pricing, detailed descriptions, and customer reviews, making the booking process simple and reliable.

Backindo Tip: Use Klook, GetYourGuide, or Traveloka for inspiration when looking for unique or traditional activities to enrich your travel experience.

Tickets and tours are often priced similarly to or cheaper than buying directly at the attractions, saving both time and money. Many tickets also include convenient services like hotel pick-up and drop-off, adding extra value to your booking. After booking, you’ll receive easy-to-follow redemption instructions, usually involving a QR code or a PDF ticket.

Klook also rewards users with credits for writing reviews, which can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings. While Klook is often slightly cheaper, it’s always a good idea to compare the offerings on both platforms, as inclusions and prices can vary.

Shopee and Tokopedia (Shopping Apps)

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 (Communication App)

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.

backpacking in indonesia
With WhatsApp you can stay in touch with your local guide, visa agent or receptionists from your hotel

Apps Unsuitable for Foreign Tourists

In Indonesia, travelers might come across some local apps that, while designed for convenience, are not always suitable for foreign tourists.

KAI Access, the official Indonesian train app, unfortunately does not support payments with international credit cards, making it challenging for foreign visitors to use. That’s why Traveloka or tiket.com are recommended.

Similarly, the Damri Apps, an app by the Damri bus company, allows travelers to book tickets for popular routes like Yogyakarta to Borobudur and Banyuwangi to Ijen Crater. However, the app is often unavailable for download outside Indonesia, limiting its accessibility for most international tourists.

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.

What’s Next?

Ready to Make Your Indonesian Adventure Unforgettable?

👉 Discover the best resources to make your trip smooth and memorable:

  • Book Your Train Journey with Ease: Find convenient and affordable train tickets on Traveloka.
  • Find Your Perfect Stay: From cozy homestays to luxury resorts, explore endless accommodation options on Booking.com.
  • Get Around Like a Local: Ride comfortably with cars or motorbikes using Grab.
  • Plan Ferry & Bus Trips: Seamless booking for ferries and buses across Indonesia on 12Go.
  • Unforgettable Experiences Await: Explore top-rated tours and activities with GetYourGuide or Klook.

Or join our Facebook group to discuss your Java trip 👉Java Travel Tips & Authentic Experiences.