Where to transit when going to Indonesia? Important notes when transiting

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelagic nation with over 17,500 islands, is a tropical paradise with legendary Bali, ancient Borobudur temple, Kalimantan rainforests, and Java's active volcanoes. From Lombok's white sandy beaches to traditional Batik culture, from famous Kopi Luwak coffee to diverse cuisine, Indonesia offers rich experiences for every type of traveler.There is now a direct flight from Vietnam to Jakarta and Bali, but transit remains a popular option to save costs or reach other islands.

Current flight situation

Direct flights from Vietnam – Optimal Choice:

• VietJet Air: Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Jakarta (2 hours), Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Bali (2.5 hours)
• Jetstar: Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Jakarta (2 hours)
• Garuda Indonesia: Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Jakarta (2 hours)
• Lion Air: Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Jakarta/Bali

Advantages of direct flights:

• Shortest time, saving
• No risk of missed connections or flight delays
• Competitive prices ($150-400$ USD)
• Transit visa not required

Disadvantages:

• Mainly to Jakarta/Bali, need domestic flights to go to other islands
• Fewer flight time options
• Low-cost carriers may have baggage surcharges

Main Indonesian International Airports

Jakarta (CGK) – Soekarno-Hatta International:

• Indonesia's largest airport and main hub
• Modern Terminal 3, well-connected to other islands
• 20km from Jakarta, convenient Airport Train

Bali (DPS) – Ngurah Rai International:

• Main tourist gateway, second largest international airport
• 13km from Denpasar, close to main tourist areas

Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands: KLM has daily flights to VNO (2 hours)

• Surabaya (MLG): Gateway to East Java, near Mount Bromo
• Medan (KNO): North Sumatra, near Lake Toba
• Yogyakarta (JOG): Central Java, near Borobudur Temple
• Labuan Bajo (LBJ): Gateway to Komodo National Park

Most popular transit points

Southeast Asia (Closest, most convenient)

Singapore (SIN):

• Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar Asiato CGK, DPS, MLG (1.5-2 hours)
• Advantages: Great Changi Airport, many flights, good connections from Vietnam
• Disadvantages: Ticket prices may be higher than other options
• Special: Free 5-hour city tour if long transit

Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Malaysia:

• Malaysia Airlines, AirAsiato CGK, DPS (2-2.5 hours)
• Advantages: AirAsia offers cheap prices, wide network across Indonesia
• Important note: Malaysia Airlines at KLIA, AirAsia at KLIA2 – completely different terminalsThai Airways, Thai Lion Air

Bangkok (BKK/DMK), Thailand:

• to CGK, DPS (3-3.5 hours): Many price options, good connections from Vietnam
• Advantages: Thai Airways at BKK (Suvarnabhumi), Lion Air might be at DMK (Don Mueang)
• NoteMiddle East (Premium Service)

Doha (DOH), Qatar:

daily flights to CGK, DPS (8-9 hours)

• For longer international journeys, you can fly by  có chuyến bay hàng ngày đến CGK, DPS (8-9 giờ)
• Advantages: World-class service, modern Hamad airport
• Disadvantages: Longer duration, potentially higher price

has 4-5 daily flights (1.5 hours)

• - Fastest route: has flights to CGK, DPS (7-8 hours)
• Advantages: World's most modern airport, excellent duty-free shopping
• Disadvantages: Usually more expensive than other options

Northeast Asia

Tokyo (NRT/HND), Seoul (ICN), Hong Kong (HKG):

• Major hubs with premium services
• Advantages: Can combine tours of these countries
• Disadvantages: Ticket prices usually high, visa needed if going outside airside

Suggested routes from Vietnam

Option 1: Direct Flight (Optimal for Jakarta/Bali)

Ho Chi Minh City → Jakarta CGK/Bali DPS

• Hãng : VietJet, Jetstar, Garuda Indonesia
• Time: 2-2.5 hours
• Cost: $150-400$USD
• Advantages: Fastest, cheapest, most convenient

Option 2: Via Singapore (Good Balance)

Vietnam → Singapore SIN → Jakarta CGK/Bali DPS

• Hãng : Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar
• Time: 6-9 hours + layover
• Cost: $300-700$USD
• Advantages: Excellent airport, many options to other islands

Option 3: Via Kuala Lumpur (Economical)

Vietnam → Kuala Lumpur KUL → Jakarta CGK/Bali DPS

• Hãng : AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines
• Time: 6-9 hours + layover
• Cost: $200-500$USD
• Advantages: Cheap fares with AirAsia, many flights

Option 4: Via Bangkok

Vietnam → Bangkok BKK → Jakarta CGK/Bali DPS

• Hãng : Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air
• Time: 7-10 hours + waiting
• Cost: $250-600$USD
• Advantages: Flexible, can combine with Bangkok tour

Safe transit time

Same ticket/same alliance:

• Southeast Asia (SIN/KUL/BKK): Minimum $1.5-2$ hours
• Middle East (DOH/DXB): Minimum $2-2.5$ hours
• Northeast Asia (ICN/NRT): Minimum $2-2.5$ hours

Other tickets (self-transfer):

• Singapore: Minimum $3-4$ hours
• if staying for under 30 days.: Minimum $4-5$ hours ($6$ hours if changing terminals KLIA ↔KLIA2)
• Bangkok: Minimum $4-5$ hours ($6$ hours if changing airports BKK ↔DMK)

Seasonal contingency:

• Rainy season (11-3): Additional$30-60$ minutes for delay
• Peak season (6-8, 12-1): Additional$1$hours for congestion
• Haze (8-10): Additional$1-2$ hours for forest fire smoke

Visa and required documents

Visa Exemption – The most popular option

Vietnamese citizens are exempt from visa for 30 dayswhen entering Indonesia for tourism purposes. This is the most convenient option for most travelers.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Flexible option

• Cost: $35$ USD (USD cash only accepted)
• Time: 30 days
• Advantages: Can be extended for another 30 days
• Recommendation: Choose VOA if you plan to stay longer than 30 days

e-Visa

• Cost: $35$USD
• Apply in advance: Apply online via the official website
• Disadvantages: Risk of rejection

Required documents:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages
• Exit ticket from Indonesia (strict checking required)
• Proof of financial means$25$USD/day
• e-CD (Electronic Customs Declaration): Must be filled out online within 2 days before the flight

Health and Vaccinations

Recommended vaccinations:

• Hepatitis AHepatitis A, B
• Hepatitis BImportant
• Typhoid fever: Necessary for food hygiene
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis : Booster update

Mosquito-borne disease prevention:

Indonesia is at risk ofDengue, Zika, Chikungunya:

• DEET 25-30% mosquito repellent
• Wear long sleeves in the evening
• Sleep in an air-conditioned room or under a net
• Malaria prophylaxis for Papua, Kalimantan, Sulawesi

Food safety:

• Drink bottled water
• Be careful with ice cubes
• Eat hot food, avoid raw salads
• Street food: choose busy local eateries

Currency and costs

Currency:

• Official: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Exchange rate: $1USD\approx 15.500IDR$
• Features: Large denominations, be careful when counting zeros

Estimated Cost:

Round-trip flight tickets:

• Direct flight: $150-400$USD
• Layover: $200-700$USD

Accommodation (per night):

• Hostel: $8-20$USD
• Mid-range hotel: $25-60$USD
• Luxury resort: $80-300$USD

Food and drink (per meal):

• Warung (local eatery): $2-5$USD
• Mid-range restaurant: $8-15$USD
• Fine dining: $25-50$USD

Activities:

• Motorbike rental: $5-8$USD/day
• Scuba diving: $30-50$ USD/trip
• Volcano tour: $40-80$USD
• Massage: $10-25$USD

Total cost for 10 days: $600-1.500$ USD/person

Best time

Dry season (April-October) – Ideal:

• Weather: $26-32°C$, little rain, sunny
• Advantages: Suitable for all activities, beautiful beaches, excellent diving
• Disadvantages: Peak season (6-8), high prices 30-40%

Rainy season (November-March):

• Weather: $24-30°C$, afternoon/evening rain
• Advantages: Low prices, less crowded, lush greenery
• Disadvantages: Rain may affect outdoor activities
• Note: Rain is usually short showers, not all day

Culture and safety

Religion and culture:

• Islam: 87% of the population, butPancasilaguarantees religious diversity
• Bali: Primarily Hindu, distinctly different culture
• Thank you: Modest in temples, relaxed on beaches
• Greetings: “Selamat” (hello) + time of day

Safety:

• Crime: Low for violence, watch for pickpockets in crowded areas
• Natural disasters: Volcanoes, earthquakes – follow PVMBG warnings
• Transportation: Chaotic, extreme caution when crossing roads
• Emergency number: 112(hotline), 110 (police)

Languages:

• Bahasa Indonesia: Official language, easy to learn
• English: Common in tourist areas, limited in remote areas
• Bahasa Bali: In Bali, but locals also speak Indonesian

Preparation checklist

Documents:

• Passport valid for 6+ months with 2-3 blank pages
• Round-trip air ticketTravel insurance
• Cash$35$ USD for VOA (if choosing VOA instead of visa-free)
• Fill out e-CD (Electronic Customs Declaration)2 days before
• International travel insurance
• Notarized copies of important documents

Health:

• Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid vaccination
• Digestive medicine (Imodium, ORS)
• DEET 25-30% mosquito repellent
• SPF 50+ Sunscreen
• Personal medications with English prescription

Technology:

• Type C/F Adapter(European standard)
• SIM card: Telkomsel, XL – buy at the airport $5-10$USD
• Useful apps:
  • Gojek: Taxi, delivery, payment
  • Traveloka: Book flights, hotels
  • Google Translate: Translate Bahasa Indonesia

Clothing and supplies:

• Light, breathable, quick-dry clothing
• Long-sleeved shirt for temples and mosquito protection
• Raincoat or compact umbrella
• Beach shoes and flip-flops
• Swimwear for beach activities

Practical tips and special notes

At the airport:

• CGK Jakarta: Use Airport Train to get to the city ($1$ USD), avoid overpriced taxis
• DPS Bali: Use Blue Bird taxi or Grab, avoid taxis without meters
• Duty-free: Can buy alcohol/tobacco but with import restrictions

Domestic travel:

• Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air: Main airlines for domestic flights
• Tiket.com, Traveloka: Convenient apps for booking flights/trains
• Gojek, Grab: Popular and safe online taxis

Bargaining:

• Mandatory in traditional markets and for non-metered taxis
• Starting from 30-50% of the asking price
• Do not bargain in supermarkets, malls, restaurants

Conclusion

Indonesia is an ideal destination with incredible geographical and cultural diversity. From the“Island of the Gods”of magical Bali to modern Jakarta, from ancient Yogyakarta to mystical Raja Ampat, each island has its own story.

Recommendation:

• Direct flight: Most optimal for Jakarta/Bali (VietJet, Jetstar) – fast, cheap, convenient
• Via Singapore: Excellent airport, many options to other islands
• Via Malaysia: Save money with AirAsia, especially for budget travelers
• Via BangkokFlexible, can combine with Thailand tour

Most important preparations:

• Choose visa exemption for 30 days (simplest) or VOA$35$USD (extendable)
• Exit ticket from Indonesia - required for entry
• Fill in e-CD 2 days before flight
• Vaccination Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid
• : 7-28 days after return (depending on medication) DEET for Dengue prevention

With a favorable visa exemption policy and convenient direct flights, Indonesia has become the most accessible destination from Vietnam. Get ready to explore Wonderful Indonesia - the country of 17,500 islands with countless wonders from nature to culture.

Note: Information may change over time. Always check the official website Indonesia.travel and the latest information from airlines before departure.