Cruising Indonesia: Travel Tips for First-Timers

Cruising through Indonesia is an experience of a lifetime. While all of the islands in this part of the world are beautiful and diverse in their own way, Bali sets a unique tone and gives a different personality compared to the rest of the country in terms of culture, traditions, landmarks, and lifestyle. Bali is rich in breathtaking beaches, turquoise waters, traditional dishes that will blow your mind away, and endemic species that can be seen nowhere else.

If you want to set your foot on this amazing land of Gods, vision, and paradise, it’s recommended that you book a cruise and explore Indonesia at its finest. 

Moreover, if you are a first-timer and already want to dive into an extraordinary adventure, you can read the article and learn some crucial tips on how to organize your trip and navigate through the itinerary.

Regarding the Cuisine

An Indonesia cruise will take you on an unforgettable journey, filled with delicious dishes and distinct flavors that are available only on this beautiful archipelago. The signature dishes like babi guling, suckling pig, the Balinese sate, chunks of meat on a skewer, and sweet and salty mixtures are served throughout the country.

Indonesia being an Islamic country forbids serving pork and other specialties that involve this type of meat. However, you can find babi guling and other specialties in Ibu Oka, in Ubud where you can eat from the popular chef, Anthony Bourdain.

On the streets, you will find the distinct taste of Balinese cuisine. For example, the Balinese sate is everywhere and includes different types of meat, including rabbit, mutton, beef, and chicken. And if you are a vegetarian, you can go for a gado gado, which is a salad comprised of tempeh, togu, kidney beans, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, and bean sprouts.

Choose the Right Cruise

Before pandemic times, the number of cruise boarding passengers had increased in this part of the world. Cruises here tend to aim at a different target of passengers which can include families, party people, and single ones.

Your itinerary as a first-timer will depend on many factors. Like whether you prefer a bigger ship or you are satisfied with a smaller cruise with fewer amenities. Another thing to consider is your budget: how much money you will need depends on whether you’ve booked a boat tour or an all-inclusive trip.

Make sure you are well-prepared and always review the ship’s dress code before you pack any essentials. Bring any medical supplies or medicines you take regularly, pack lightly and check whether you’ll be charged for additional services like roaming, or Wi-Fi.

Enjoy The Landscapes

Tourists visit Indonesia to enjoy the mesmerizing landscapes and admire the natural wonders like the enchanting Sekumpul Waterfall in Singaraja. If you are looking for a day filled with adventures and sightseeing, this is the right choice. 

You can climb, walk or crawl through the slippery steps, narrow roads, and muddy grounds. But once you get there, it’s totally worth the view. Warning Tip: Make sure you wear proper footwear since it can get pretty slippery during the wet season!

Another sight to explore is the Nusa Dua beach. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Bali with its pearl-white sand along the coast and a glimpse of turquoise waters. On the other hand, if you prefer something more intimate and quiet, we’d recommend checking Jimbaran Bay and enjoying the white sandy beach along the way. You will see many fishermen selling their catch first thing in the morning, so you can get a pretty good deal if you are a morning person.

Thomas Beach is another quiet, Indonesian beach and one of the cleanest in Bali. You can access it via the steep stone stairs or the tiny lane at the entrance of the bay. And if you’ve had enough with the beaches, Nungnung waterfall is a great choice since it’s hidden in a village, 900 meters above sea level.

About The Nightlife

Those who’ve been to Indonesia know what it’s like to experience the nightlife. Once you get your daily dose of beaches, romantic seafood restaurants, and water activities, it’s time to slide to the most famous nightclubs and have a blast. As well as the monthly favorite, full-moon parties, on the beach, there are a ton of other fun options.

One of the bars that must be on your bucket list is Mixwell Bar where you can watch the famous Indonesian drag shows and catch some of the famous hits from Rihanna, Beyonce, and Mariah Carey, being lip-synced by the stars of the night.

Book Your Trip Now!

To learn more about the cruise itinerary, check the hottest deals or see some recommendations regarding different destinations, check our blog. And book your trip right away!