Budget Travel Guide to Best Islands in Indonesia Beyond Bali | Homejourney

If you’re looking for a Budget Travel Guide to Best Islands in Indonesia Beyond Bali, you’re in the right place. Indonesia’s archipelago offers world-class beaches, diving, and culture at a fraction of Bali’s cost. From Lombok’s quiet coasts to Komodo’s dragons and Raja Ampat’s underwater paradise, this guide breaks down how to explore Indonesia’s islands on a tight budget, with real prices, transport tips, and Singapore-specific advice.

Why Explore Indonesia Islands Beyond Bali?

While Bali is iconic, it’s no longer the cheapest island in Indonesia. Lombok, Komodo, and Raja Ampat offer more space, fewer crowds, and lower prices outside tourist hotspots. For Singaporeans, these islands are just a short flight away, making them perfect for long weekends or extended trips. A well-planned Indonesia travel itinerary can cost less than a staycation in Sentosa, especially if you avoid peak season and stick to local transport and food.

Best Time to Visit Indonesia Islands

The dry season (May–September) is ideal for Lombok, Komodo, and Raja Ampat, with calm seas and clear skies. Avoid the rainy season (November–March) if you’re planning boat trips or diving. For Singapore-based travelers, flights from Changi to Denpasar (Bali) are frequent and cheap, and from Bali, domestic flights or ferries to Lombok, Flores, and Labuan Bajo are very affordable.

Getting to Indonesia Islands from Singapore

From Singapore, fly to Denpasar (Bali) with Scoot, Jetstar, or Singapore Airlines. Return economy fares often start from SGD 150–250 if booked early. From Bali, you can:

• Take a 1–2 hour flight to Lombok (SGD 50–100 one way)
• Take a 1.5–2 hour flight to Labuan Bajo (Komodo) from Denpasar (SGD 100–180)
• Take a 2–3 hour flight to Sorong (Raja Ampat) from Denpasar or via Makassar (SGD 200–300)

For budget travelers, overnight ferries from Bali to Lombok (Gili Islands) or from Java to Sumatra are extremely cheap (SGD 10–20) but take much longer.

Currency and Exchange Tips for Singaporeans

Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). As of 2025, 1 SGD ≈ 11,000–11,500 IDR. For a Budget Travel Guide to Best Islands in Indonesia Beyond Bali, here’s what you need to know:

• Carry small IDR notes for warungs, markets, and local transport.
• Use ATMs in major towns (Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, Sorong) for better rates than airport exchange counters.
• Inform your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
• Homejourney supports multi-currency tracking, so you can monitor your IDR spending alongside SGD and other currencies when planning trips or investments.

Always check the latest rates on Bank Rates if you’re also considering property financing in Singapore.

Top Budget Islands in Indonesia Beyond Bali

1. Lombok & the Gili Islands

Lombok is Bali’s quieter, cheaper neighbor. The Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Gili Meno) are car-free, with white sand beaches and great snorkeling.

Budget tips:

• Stay in homestays or guesthouses (SGD 20–40/night).
• Use public ferries from Lombok to the Gilis (SGD 1–2 per person).
• Eat at local warungs (meals from SGD 3–6).
• Rent a bike or walk instead of hiring a driver.

For a relaxed, affordable island escape, Lombok and the Gilis are perfect for Singaporeans who want beach time without Bali’s crowds.

2. Komodo & Flores

Komodo National Park is famous for its dragons, pink beaches, and world-class diving. Labuan Bajo (Flores) is the gateway.

Budget tips:

• Join a multi-day liveaboard or local boat tour (SGD 200–400 for 3–4 days, including park fees, food, and snorkeling).
• Stay in budget guesthouses in Labuan Bajo (SGD 25–50/night).
• Use local warungs for meals (SGD 3–7 per meal).
• Book tours in advance or through your guesthouse to avoid overcharging.

For many Singaporeans, a Komodo trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s still very affordable compared to similar destinations in the region.

3. Raja Ampat (West Papua)

Raja Ampat is one of the world’s best diving and snorkeling destinations, with stunning limestone islands and rich marine life.

Budget tips:

• Stay in local homestays or budget eco-lodges (SGD 40–80/night).
• Use local boats for island hopping (SGD 10–20 per trip).
• Eat simple local meals (SGD 4–8 per meal).
• Visit during the shoulder season (April–May or September–October) for lower prices.

Raja Ampat is more remote and slightly more expensive than Lombok or Komodo, but still very budget-friendly compared to other world-class dive destinations.