How to Reach Indonesia from India

Indonesia, with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cultural heritage, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Indian travellers. From the spiritual haven of Bali to the bustling streets of Jakarta, this archipelago of over 17,000 islands offers diverse experiences for every type of explorer. Before embarking on your journey across the Indian Ocean, understanding the various transportation options and essential travel preparations will ensure a seamless adventure in this tropical paradise.

Distance Between India and Indonesia

The geographical distance between India and Indonesia varies depending on the specific departure and arrival points. The flight distance from New Delhi to Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is approximately 4,900 kilometers (3,045 miles), while Mumbai to Jakarta spans about 4,600 kilometers (2,858 miles). Chennai, being closer to Southeast Asia, is approximately 3,600 kilometers (2,237 miles) from Jakarta. The shortest distance is from the Andaman Islands (India) to Sumatra (Indonesia), which is roughly 160 kilometers (99 miles) across the Andaman Sea. These significant distances explain why air travel is the predominant mode of transportation between these two nations, with flight durations ranging from 5 to 8 hours, depending on the route.

Major Airports in Indonesia

How to Reach Indonesia By Flight/Air?

Air travel is undoubtedly the most convenient way to reach Indonesia from India. Several airlines operate flights between the two countries, including Garuda Indonesia, Air India, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Thai Airways. Direct flights connect major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai to Jakarta and Bali, with flight durations ranging from 5 to 8 hours.
For budget travellers, connecting flights via Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia), Singapore (Scoot), or Bangkok (Thai Lion Air) often provide more economical options, though they add 2-4 hours to the journey time. When booking flights, consider using price comparison websites to secure the best deals, especially during off-peak seasons (February-May and September-November).
Before departure, ensure your travel insurance is in order. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offers comprehensive international travel insurance plans that cover flight delays, medical emergencies, and baggage loss—essential protections for long-haul international flights. Their specialized Indonesia travel coverage provides peace of mind with 24/7 assistance services available throughout your journey.

How to Reach Indonesia by Road?

While a complete road journey from India to Indonesia isn't possible due to intervening water bodies, adventurous travellers can undertake a partial road journey combined with sea crossings. The most feasible route involves traveling by road from India to Myanmar, then Thailand and Malaysia, before taking a ferry to Indonesia.
Starting from Northeast India, you can cross into Myanmar via the India-Myanmar Friendship Road through the Moreh-Tamu border crossing. Continue through Thailand and Malaysia via the Asian Highway Network (AH2). From Kuala Lumpur, proceed to Johor Bahru, then cross to Singapore. From Singapore's HarbourFront Centre, ferries operate to Batam or Bintan islands in Indonesia.
This multi-country overland journey requires extensive planning, multiple visas, international driving permits, and potentially carnet de passage documents for your vehicle. The journey spans approximately 5,500 kilometers and takes at least 10-14 days of continuous travel, not including stops or border processing times.
For such an adventurous journey, comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offers specialized policies for multi-country travel with coverage extending across Southeast Asian nations, ensuring you're protected throughout this epic road adventure.

Also Read: Indonesia’s Attractions - Beyond the Mainstream

How to Reach Indonesia by Train?

There is no direct train connection between India and Indonesia due to geographical constraints. However, train travel can be incorporated as part of a multi-modal journey. From India, you can take trains to reach Bangladesh or Northeast India, then continue your journey through Southeast Asia.
The most practical train segment would be the Malaysian railway network. After reaching Malaysia (via flight or road), you can take the KTM Intercity or ETS trains from the northern border with Thailand all the way to Johor Bahru in southern Malaysia. The Malaysian train system is modern, comfortable, and offers scenic views of the countryside.
From Johor Bahru, you would need to cross to Singapore by bus or taxi, then take a ferry to Indonesia. Alternatively, from Kuala Lumpur, you could fly to various Indonesian destinations.
For train enthusiasts, Indonesia itself offers several memorable rail journeys once you arrive, including the scenic routes across Java island connecting Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. These trains feature various classes from executive (eksekutif) to economy (ekonomi), with the executive class offering air conditioning and comfortable seating.
When planning such complex multi-modal journeys, having travel insurance that covers trip interruptions and cancellations is vital.

Sea Travel from India to Indonesia

Sea travel from India to Indonesia offers an alternative adventure for those who enjoy maritime journeys. While there are no regular passenger-only ferry services directly connecting the two countries, several options exist for sea enthusiasts.
Cargo ships occasionally take a limited number of passengers from major Indian ports like Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata to Indonesian ports such as Jakarta, Medan, or Surabaya. These voyages typically take 7-10 days, depending on the route and stops along the way. Booking passage on cargo vessels requires contacting shipping companies directly and generally needs to be arranged months in advance.
Another option is cruise ships that include both India and Indonesia in their Southeast Asian itineraries. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Silversea sometimes offer routes that stop at ports in both countries, though rarely as direct sailings.
For those traveling from India's Andaman Islands, the closest point to Indonesia, small boat charters can be arranged to reach northern Sumatra, though these require special permits and favourable weather conditions.

Internal Transportation in Indonesia

Once in Indonesia, navigating between and within islands presents unique challenges and opportunities. For inter-island travel, domestic flights are efficient and relatively affordable, with Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Citilink serving major routes. The country's ferry network is extensive, connecting major islands with regular services ranging from basic passenger boats to modern RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) vessels for longer journeys.
Within cities, ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab offer convenient and affordable transportation services, including motorbike taxis (ojek) that efficiently navigate through traffic congestion. Traditional becaks (cycle rickshaws) and Bajaj (motorized three-wheelers) provide charming short-distance options in certain areas.
For longer journeys within islands like Java and Sumatra, trains offer comfortable and scenic transportation, while long-distance buses connect most major towns and cities. When venturing to remote areas, consider hiring local guides with vehicles suited for challenging terrain.
Car and motorbike rentals are available in tourist areas, but international driving permits are required, and driving conditions can be challenging for foreigners. For first-time visitors, using public transportation or hiring drivers is recommended for a safer, more relaxing experience.

Travel Insurance for Indonesia: Why It's Essential?

Securing comprehensive travel insurance before visiting Indonesia is not merely a precaution but a necessity for Indian travellers. The archipelago's diverse geography—from active volcanoes to remote beaches—increases the risk of travel disruptions and medical emergencies. Indonesia's medical facilities vary significantly in quality, with excellent hospitals in major cities but limited resources in remote areas, potentially necessitating expensive medical evacuations.
Adventure activities like surfing, diving, and volcano trekking, which are popular among visitors, carry inherent risks that standard insurance might not cover. Additionally, natural events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and monsoon flooding can interrupt travel plans unexpectedly.
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offers specialized international travel insurance packages that address these unique challenges with coverage for emergency medical treatments, evacuations, trip cancellations, and personal belongings. Their policies are particularly valuable for Indonesian travel, providing 24/7 assistance services in this sprawling nation where language barriers might otherwise complicate emergency responses.

Tips for Indian Travelers Visiting Indonesia

• Visa Information: Utilize the Visa on Arrival facility available for Indian passport holders, valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days
• Currency Exchange: Convert money to Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) before departure for better rates; major credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas
• Language Barrier: Learn basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases; English is spoken mainly in tourist destinations, but is limited elsewhere
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples and villages; remove shoes before entering homes or sacred spaces
• Food Precautions: Try the delicious local cuisine, but start with cooked foods; drink only bottled water, and avoid ice in rural areas
• Weather Planning: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for Indonesia's tropical climate; bring rain protection for sudden downpours
• Transportation Apps: Download apps for convenient local transportation options
• Safety Measures: Keep copies of important documents and register with the Indian Embassy in Jakarta
• Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card on arrival for affordable data access; inform your bank about travel to prevent card blocks
• Health Preparations: Consult a travel health specialist about vaccinations; carry basic medications and protect against mosquito-borne diseases

Conclusion

The journey from India to Indonesia represents a fascinating transition between two of Asia's most culturally rich nations. While air travel remains the most practical option for most travellers, alternative routes by sea or multi-modal journeys offer unique perspectives for the adventurous. Indonesia's remarkable diversity of landscapes, cultures, and experiences awaits, promising Indian travellers unforgettable adventures across its thousands of islands, from the spiritual tranquillity of Bali to the urban vibrancy of Jakarta.

FAQs

Do Indian citizens need a visa to travel to Indonesia?

Indian citizens can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at major Indonesian entry points for USD 35, valid for 30 days and extendable once. Alternatively, for short tourism visits, a 30-day Visa Exemption is available free of charge but cannot be extended. For longer stays or business purposes, applying for a visa at Indonesian consulates in India before departure is recommended.

What is the best time to visit Indonesia?

The optimal time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season, which spans from May to September. This period offers sunny days with minimal rainfall, perfect for island-hopping, trekking, and beach activities. However, the timing varies by region—Bali and Java are most pleasant during these months, while Raja Ampat is better visited from October to April for diving enthusiasts.

Are there direct flights from India to Bali?

Yes, direct flights operate from major Indian cities to Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Carriers like Air India, Garuda Indonesia, and occasionally IndiGo offer non-stop services from Delhi and Mumbai with flight durations of approximately 7-8 hours. During peak travel seasons, additional charter flights may be available from other Indian cities.

What are the COVID-19 travel requirements for Indonesia?

Indonesia has significantly relaxed COVID-19 entry requirements. Fully vaccinated travelers no longer need to provide negative tests or undergo quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers may need a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure. All visitors must download and register on the PeduliLindungi app for contact tracing purposes. Requirements may change, so check the latest advisories before travel.

How can I purchase travel insurance for my trip to Indonesia?

Travel insurance for Indonesia can be purchased online through the Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company website or mobile app, which offers specialized international coverage. The process requires entering your travel dates, destination, age, and selecting appropriate coverage levels for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and personal belongings. Payment can be made securely online, and policy documents are delivered instantly via email.