Travel to Indonesia from Malaysia
From the pristine beaches of Bali to the cultural richness of Yogyakarta and the vibrant capital city of Jakarta, Indonesia is a treasure trove of natural wonders and historical gems. Discover ancient temples like Borobudur, hike up volcanic landscapes such as Mount Bromo or Mount Ijen, or relax on idyllic islands like the Gili Islands or Raja Ampat. With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers a diverse experience for every kind of traveller — whether you're into nature, culture, food, or adventure.
Malaysian citizens do not need a visa for stays in Indonesia of up to 30 days, provided the purpose of visit is tourism. This visa-free entry is available at select entry points, including Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta), Bali (Ngurah Rai), Surabaya, and Medan.
Important:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
- Entry requirements may change, so always check the latest info from the Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia or the Indonesian Immigration website.
Pre-travel checklist
- Valid passport (6+ months from entry date)
- Return flight ticket or proof of onward travel
- Travel insurance coverage (medical, cancellations, delays, etc.) You can get comprehensive travel insurance like SafeTrip via TNG eWallet, starting from RM10.
- Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD): The e-CD form is mandatory for everyone Indonesia.
- Vaccinations: According to the Indonesian immigration website, no specific vaccines are required, but you are required to fill in the SatuSehat Health Pass form prior to your arrival.
Paying in Indonesia with TNG eWallet
Indonesia's currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Cash is still king in many places, but contactless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban centres.
Two ways to pay in Indonesia with TNG eWallet:
1. Overseas QR Payment with QRIS
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Scan merchant’s QR code: Use your TNG eWallet to scan QRIS compatible QR codes in stores and cafes. Just look for the QRIS logo to ensure that the merchant accepts QR payment.
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Merchants scan your QR: Present your QR code in the app for them to scan at the counter. Again, you should look for the QRIS logo.
2. Touch ‘n Go eWallet Visa Card
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Widely accepted at shops, hotels, restaurants, and ATMs.
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Withdraw cash if needed and enjoy zero foreign transaction fees and competitive exchange rates.
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A great backup when QR options aren’t available, especially in remote areas.
Where can I use TNG eWallet in Indonesia?
TNG eWallet via QRIS is accepted at many retailers across Indonesia, especially in major cities like Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta.
Popular chains that accept payments via QRIS+ and cards include:
Best time to visit
The dry season (April to October) is the best time to explore most of Indonesia. For Bali, Lombok, or Komodo — avoid the rainy season (Nov to March). Yogyakarta and Java are pleasant all year but may get humid and prone to downpours during monsoon months.
Language
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. English is widely understood in tourist areas, but learning a few simple phrases will go a long way, especially when travelling off the beaten path:
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Thank you – Terima kasih
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Excuse me – Permisi
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Goodbye – Sampai jumpa
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Yes – Ya
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No – Tidak
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How much? – Berapa harganya?
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Where is...? – Di mana...?
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps: Use Grab or Gojek for taxis, bike rides, and food delivery.
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Public transport: Jakarta has a reliable MRT and TransJakarta BRT service. Other cities rely on angkots (minivans) and buses. If you’re looking to visit both Jakarta and Bandung, consider using the High-Speed Rail, affectionately known as Whoosh.
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Car rental: Consider hiring a car with a driver for day trips in places like Bali or Yogyakarta.
Cuisine
From street stalls to upscale restaurants, Indonesian food is bold and flavourful. Don’t miss:
- Nasi goreng – Indonesia’s most iconic meal, the fried rice
- Sate (satay) – Grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce
- Rendang – Spicy slow-cooked beef
- Bakso – Meatball soup
- Es cendol – A sweet iced dessert
Feeling adventurous? Try the king of fruits, Durian or pecel lele (fried catfish).
Shopping
Indonesia is great for affordable fashion, handicrafts, and batik fabrics. Explore:
- Pasar Baru in Jakarta
- Ubud Art Market in Bali
- Malioboro Street in Yogyakarta
- Factory outlets in Bandung
Bargaining is common in markets—go ahead and negotiate (politely)!
Sightseeing
Top highlights include:
- Mount Bromo or Ijen Crater in East Java
- Borobudur & Prambanan Temples in Yogyakarta
- Komodo National Park in Flores
- Bali beaches: Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua
- Snorkelling in Gili Islands or Raja Ampat
Safety
- Indonesia is generally safe, but be cautious in crowded areas (pickpocketing).
- During the rainy season, landslides and flooding can occur in rural areas.
- If visiting volcanic areas, monitor activity levels and follow local advisories.
Emergency Number:
Dial 112 for general emergencies or 110 for police.
Tipping
Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated. Some restaurants include a 5–10% service charge. In smaller eateries or when using a porter or driver, a small tip (IDR 10,000–20,000 or ~RM3–6) is appreciated.