Getting Around Indonesia
Buses
The Big Bird chartered buses provide regular services between most towns. Prices are relatively low; most are fixed, with a higher price for air-conditioned buses. There are night buses on a number of long-distance routes; pre-booking is essential. Note that timekeeping in Indonesia is flexible, like the eponymous jam karet “rubber time”.
Taxis
Widely available in cities and towns. Only major cities have metered taxis therefore if taxis do not have a meter you should agree a price with the driver before commencing your journey.
Car Hire
Hertz, Avis, and other reputable car rental companies are available in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Denpasar, Medan, Surabaya, and Bandung.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. There are good road networks within Java and, to a lesser extent, on Bali and Sumatra. The other islands have poor road systems. Speed limits are usually 30-40kph (19-25mph) on inner city streets, 60-70kph (37-43mph) on inter-city roads and 80-100 kph (50-62mph) on highways depending on the territory. An International Driving Permit is required.
Trains
The train operator in Indonesia is PT Kereta Api. There are three classes of travel, Executive, Business and Economy, with some air-conditioned accommodation.
In Sumatra, trains connect Belawan, Medan and Tanjong Balai/Rantu Prapet (two or three trains daily) in the north, and Palembang and Panjang (three trains daily) in the south.
An extensive rail network runs throughout Java.
Boats
The main ports in Indonesia are Padang Bai and Benoa in Bali, Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Belawan in Medan and Sekupang in Batam.
PELNI the state-owned shipping company has passenger liners serving all the main ports across the archipelago.
Other
Rickshaws include the motorised bajaj, and the pedal-powered becak. Fares should be negotiated in advance.
Motorcycles and bicycles can be hired; for motorcycles, an International Driving Permit is recommended and a helmet should be worn.
