Best Food and Restaurants in Indonesia and Transport: Quick Overview
If you are planning a trip to Indonesia and want the best food and restaurants in Indonesia and transport options in one place, think of this as a practical, safety-first field guide written by a Singapore-based traveller who hops frequently between Singapore and key Indonesian cities.
Indonesia is one of the most rewarding destinations within a short flight or ferry ride from Singapore – especially for travellers, expats and investors who may eventually compare it with Singapore as a long-term base. Homejourney’s goal is to help you explore Indonesia confidently now, and understand how Singapore property can fit into your broader Asia lifestyle later.
1. Why Visit Indonesia: Food, Lifestyle & Easy Access from Singapore
From Jakarta’s upscale malls to Bali’s beach clubs and Yogyakarta’s heritage streets, Indonesia offers a mix of culture, food and nature that contrasts yet complements Singapore’s efficiency and order.
Best time to visit: Generally May–September is ideal for most parts of Indonesia, as it is the drier season in many popular areas like Bali and Lombok. For city breaks (Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan), you can visit year-round, but expect tropical showers.
Getting there from Singapore:
- Indonesia transport by air: From Changi Airport, you can reach Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Surabaya, Medan and more via frequent domestic flights connections through Jakarta or direct international routes.
- Ferry Indonesia routes from Singapore: Regular ferries run from HarbourFront and Tanah Merah to nearby Indonesian islands like Batam and Bintan, popular for short weekend getaways.
Currency: Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). For Singapore-based travellers and investors, using a multi-currency wallet or card with low FX fees makes it easier to compare costs against SGD. Homejourney supports IDR and other regional currencies in our planning tools, so you can benchmark daily costs in Indonesia against potential housing and living costs in Singapore.
2. Best Food and Restaurants in Indonesia: What to Eat and Where
Indonesia’s food scene is incredibly diverse. As someone used to Singapore’s rich hawker culture, I find Indonesia’s street food equally compelling – but you do need to be more selective about where you eat, especially if you are sensitive to water or hygiene.
2.1 Must-Try Indonesian Dishes
- Nasi Padang: Rice with a spread of curried meats, vegetables and sambals. Expect to pay from IDR 30,000–80,000 per person in city-centre eateries.
- Rendang: Slow-cooked beef in coconut and spices, often served at Nasi Padang restaurants.
- Sate (Satay): Grilled skewers of chicken or beef with peanut sauce – similar to Singapore satay but often slightly sweeter.
- Bakso: Meatball noodle soup, commonly sold by street carts; safer to choose busy shops with visible hygiene standards.
- Nasi Goreng & Mie Goreng: Fried rice and noodles, a reliable option almost everywhere.
- Gado-Gado: Mixed vegetables with peanut sauce – great for vegetarians.
2.2 Jakarta: City Dining with Singapore-Style Convenience
For travellers used to Singapore’s malls and integrated transport, Jakarta feels familiar at first glance but functions very differently on the ground. Traffic is heavier, and walking is less comfortable, so you will rely heavily on Grab Indonesia and other ride-hailing apps.
Where to eat in Jakarta (examples, not sponsored):
- Plaza Indonesia / Grand Indonesia (Central Jakarta): Upscale malls with safe, clean food courts and mid-to-high range restaurants. Expect IDR 80,000–200,000 per person in restaurants.
- Menteng & Senopati: Trendy neighbourhoods with cafés, brunch spots and modern Indonesian restaurants – similar to Tiong Bahru or Telok Ayer in Singapore.
- Local warungs: Small family-run eateries. Follow office crowds at lunch and look for high turnover and visible food handling.
Insider tip: In central Jakarta, many office workers eat at building canteens and mall food courts for hygiene and air-conditioning. If you’re unsure where to try Indonesian dishes first, start in these environments before experimenting with street stalls.
2.3 Bali: Café Culture, Beach Clubs & Local Warungs
Bali’s food scene is more international than most of Indonesia, with Australian-style cafés, vegan spots and high-end beach clubs. In areas like Canggu, Seminyak and Ubud, menus are often in English with clear pricing.
Typical food costs in Bali:
- Local warung meal (nasi campur, mie goreng): around IDR 25,000–60,000.
- Café brunch (avocado toast, coffee): IDR 80,000–150,000.
- Beach club main dish: IDR 120,000–250,000+.
Insider tip: Many Bali cafés add a 10% government tax plus 5–10% service charge, similar to Singapore’s 7–10% GST + service. Check the menu or bill before you compare prices to what you’d pay in Singapore.
3. Indonesia Transport: Domestic Flights, Ferries & Grab
Indonesia is huge – more than 17,000 islands – so understanding Indonesia transport is just as important as knowing where to eat. Compared with Singapore’s MRT and bus network, distances are larger, schedules can change, and you need more buffer time.
3.1 Domestic Flights in Indonesia
Domestic flights are the backbone of long-distance travel in Indonesia. Common routes include Jakarta–Bali, Jakarta–Yogyakarta, Jakarta–Medan and Surabaya–Bali.
Practical tips for domestic flights:
- Book earlier for peak periods (school holidays, Lebaran/Ramadan, Christmas–New Year) – prices can climb sharply.
- Plan at least 3 hours connection time if you are arriving from Singapore and transferring to a domestic flight, especially at Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta Airport.
- Check baggage policies carefully; many low-cost carriers have strict cabin baggage limits.
3.2 Ferry Indonesia: Short Trips from Singapore
If you are based in Singapore, the quickest taste of Indonesia is usually by ferry Indonesia services to Batam and Bintan. These are popular for spa weekends and golf trips.
Key points:
- Ferries from HarbourFront / Tanah Merah to Batam or Bintan typically take 45–70 minutes.
- Arrive 60–90 minutes before departure to clear immigration comfortably.
- Check whether your ticket includes terminal fees; if not, you may pay additional charges at the counter.
Insider tip: For Singapore residents doing a Batam/Bintan day trip, aim for morning ferries before 9am and return boats before 7pm to avoid the heaviest queues at both sides of immigration.
3.3 Getting Around Cities: Grab Indonesia & Local Options
Within Indonesian cities, Grab Indonesia and similar apps are the safest and most convenient way to move around for most visitors, especially if you are used to booking rides via Grab or Gojek in Singapore and the region.
Transport choices:
- GrabCar / Gojek car: Comfortable and reasonably priced; expect higher prices in heavy traffic or rain.
- GrabBike / Gojek bike: Motorcycle taxis are faster in traffic; only use them if you are comfortable with bikes and always wear the provided helmet.
- TransJakarta & MRT Jakarta: In parts of Jakarta, bus rapid transit and the new MRT lines offer an increasingly predictable alternative, closer to what Singaporeans are used to.
Safety tips:
- Always confirm the number plate and driver name before boarding – just as you would in Singapore.
- Avoid hailing unregistered taxis off the street late at night; use apps or official taxi counters at airports and malls.
4. Practical Travel Tips: Visas, Safety & Saving Money
Regulations and visa rules change, so always check the latest information from official government or embassy websites before you travel. For many nationalities, Indonesia offers visa-on-arrival at major airports and ferry terminals, but conditions differ by passport.
General safety considerations:
