For all three tours:
Backpacking Indonesia: Epic Adventures
Backpacking Indonesia: Komodo Island Hopping
Backpacking Indonesia: Sumatra Adventure
You can arrive any time on Day 1. There are no official activities until the welcome meal at 7 PM, where you’ll meet your group and get a full trip overview.
Yes. All included flights come with:
15kg checked baggage (max 35x35x30cm)
1 carry-on item (max 7kg, 40x30x20cm)
Extra or oversized bags must be paid for separately.
You’ll need to book a flight from Labuan Bajo (LBJ) to Lombok (LOP).
This is not included in the tour price but can cost as little as £30 if booked early.
Airport transfers are not included in any of the following tours:
Backpacking Indonesia: Epic Adventures
Backpacking Indonesia: Komodo Island Hopping
Backpacking Indonesia: Sumatra Adventure
You can still add an airport transfer up to 30 days before your tour through your online account.
Yes, please arrange an appointment with your local physician and explain your travel plans. Most hospitals have travel clinics with helpful information and vaccinations on site. We suggest doing this well before your trip is to begin to ensure there are no unexpected waiting periods during this process! Please visit here for more information: CDC
Yes, the dress code is seen as a show of respect to the culture, temple and monks that sometimes live in the temples. Men should wear long pants and no cut-off sleeves. Women should wear trousers, a long skirt, or dress that extends fully below the knees and covers their shoulders - the knees should be fully covered. Tank tops and low cut shirts should also be avoided by both genders.
We have spent more than two years travelling Bali in order to find you the best possible experience at the absolute lowest price! We also sell our tour directly to you through our website, not through a travel agency, which cuts out a major expense incurred by other tour companies.
Yes, please! All accommodation offers the chance to do your washing at very reasonable prices - or at least somewhere just near the hotel will be able to provide this. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go for the bucket wash - the price is right.
Of course! We encourage everyone to talk over our social networks. You can find a list of them at the bottom of this page. If you’ve joined a tour, we will send you an invite to a dedicated Facebook group made for your tour about two months before it starts. Your tour guide and a tour manager will also be in the group to answer any questions you may have.
Not much is needed! We suggest at least £10 GBP / $15 USD (or equivalent) for spending money each day. The non-included meals are very cheap in Bali and all of your excursions, transport, and accommodation is included in the cost of the tour. If you plan to bring home a lot of gifts for friends or family (or yourself) or like a big night out then we suggest budgeting a bit more than the amounts listed above. You can get away with spending even less than this if you are on a tight budget but this average seems to work best for most group members.
Both! There are ATM machines throughout the tour in nearly every location we visit that dispense Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). There is usually a currency exchange fee and most banks will charge a processing fee. For this reason, we suggest withdrawing however much you feel you will need on tour (explained above) when using the machines. The more you use the ATMs the more fees you will pay. For currency exchange, there are kiosks throughout the airport when you land and also opportunities in Kuta once you arrive at the hotel. These kiosks accept all major currencies from Western countries. You can also exchange at home before you arrive but the exchange fee is usually higher. The cheaper option is to use an ATM card but currency exchange is also readily available. Just make sure to let your bank know you plan to travel abroad so they do not lock your account when they see a sudden overseas withdrawal.
We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.
Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No.11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.
Call your group leader using the number sent in your welcome email. They will assist you.
We have an official tour operator license in every country that we operate in.
We operate our tours, unlike most other tour companies that use another agency to operate their tours.
Target Age: Our group tours are mostly aimed at 18-45
Travel Experts: We are a multi-national business based in the heart of Southeast Asia, Bangkok.
We use local tour guides with local knowledge that stay with you 24/7.
We also offer volunteer programs without admin fees and private tour bookings at honest and transparent rates.
You’ll need to complete the All-Indonesia Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival. This generates a QR code required at immigration.
👉 Fill it out here:https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id
You may also need a Visa, depending on your nationality. Check your government’s site or our Visa info page for details.
You’ll be using Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Accommodation is mostly twin/triple share private rooms.
In Sumatra, you’ll stay in a rural homestay (multi-share), and on the Komodo Liveaboard, you’ll sleep in a shared open-deck dorm.
You will have options of both Balinese and Western food in most places. We truly believe Balinese food is some of the best food on the plane and think you will agree! If you just need to satisfy that craving for a pizza or burger, we get that! Western food is usually available everywhere on the tour so no need to worry if you are a selective eater. There's basically no bad meals in Bali no matter where you sit down to have a meal.
Yes and so delicious! If you see Balinese eating it then that’s the best indication that the food is safe. Tip: Eat where the locals eat; the longer the queue the more delicious you can assume the food will be. But as with anything, use caution. If something looks or smells suspect, better to leave it alone. And never drink from the tap - we should mention this in case the idea ever crosses your mind.
Vegetarians will be happy to know that Bali is very accommodating for vegetarians. Your tour guide can instruct any kitchen to create a Balinese dish without meat which they will often substitute with freshly-made tofu.
Yes, absolutely. Just let us know when you book your trip and we’ll make sure your dietary needs are taken care of so it doesn’t affect your experience.
The trip starts in Medan and ends in Labuan Bajo.
You’ll need to fly into Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in Medan.
The nearest airport is Labuan Bajo (LBJ). From here, you can catch internal flights to Bali or limited international flights.
Most visitors can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. You must arrive and depart through an immigration checkpoint at a major airport or seaport. Your passport should have at least six months of validity from your entry date and at least two blank pages. You’ll also need a return or onward ticket and must not have been previously refused entry or blacklisted.
Keep your boarding pass from your flight into Indonesia, as immigration officers may ask to see it upon arrival and could refuse entry or issue a fine if you cannot present it.
For the most up-to-date visa information, please visit:
https://www.welcomebacktobali.com/blog/entry-exit-requirements/visa-entry-requirements
You can also check entry requirements and visa options for your nationality here:
https://apply.joinsherpa.com/explore?affiliateId=backpackingthroughthailand
Please wait for a confirmation email; this will provide information about when we recommend arriving and to depart. We recommend using Sky Scanner to arrange your flights.
We will provide you with airport transfer information 1-week before the tour/program begins.
International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.
Once you’ve booked your flights, log in to the Manage My Booking area of our website and enter your flight arrival details. That is how your group leader knows when you are landing.
Arriving before the tour starts, or staying on at the end? Let us know as early as you can so we can check availability and pricing on extra nights.
Please let us know as soon as possible. If you are already en route and a connecting flight changes, contact your group leader or email us so we can still meet you at the airport.
Your deposit ensures your reservation for the tour or program. It guarantees your spot until 60 days prior to the scheduled commencement date, at which time the outstanding balance must be settled in full. Failure to complete payment by the specified deadline will result in the cancellation of your reservation, and the vacancy may be offered to another prospective participant. The remaining balance can be found in your account, and multiple reminders will be sent in advance of the due date to ensure timely payment.
For group tours, your place is confirmed once enough travellers have booked, and always at least four weeks (28 days) before your tour starts. Most group tours are confirmed around six months before departure.
For volunteer or private bookings, please allow 2-3 working days.
If a tour does not run, you get a full refund.
Not at all! A small deposit will confirm your place on the tour. We ask that you please provide the remaining balance no less than 60 days before your tour begins.
Yes, just give us at least 60 days' notice in order to allow another person to take your spot.
Yes! After placing your deposit, you can pay off the tour in installments of your choosing and at your convenience. The final remaining balance is due at least 60 days before your tour is set to begin.
Backpacks are preferred and will be more convenient for you for when we are walking to our hotel in Gili T (about 10-15 minutes on a flat, cleared path) but suitcases work, too. You’ll never have to carry your luggage for too long at any one time. Try to find something that’s easily accessible and waterproof if possible. Bring a smaller daypack for short trips throughout the tour.
We recommend the following: - 1 pair of long trousers - 1 light but waterproof jacket (Nothing too thick!) - Simple padlock to lock up your belongings - 1 long sleeved top - 1 electrical converter (to avoid blowing out that hairdryer or beard trimmer) - Shoes that are suitable for hiking - Waterproof shoes if you have them - Shoes that are easily removed. (Upon entering temples and many buildings you will be expected to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. The easier, the better.) - Swimwear - A camera is highly suggested to remember your experience! - Insect repellent - Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen And of course, the usual: passport, spending money, adventurous curiosity, positive attitude, etc!
Yes. This is your own time to explore Bali as you please. If you want to stay back at the hotel to relax or want to explore a bit on your own, just let the tour guide know.
No problem at all - just make sure to arrive at the hotel for the starting date of the tour! We can arrange early night’s accommodation at the hotel and airport transfer is included in this cost. If you wish to book this, you can do so in your account under Extra Trips. We can also provide easy-to-use directions for getting from the airport in Denpasar to our hotel.
Your accommodation will be clean, comfortable and offer western toilets at all times - though experiencing a squat toilet is something everyone who visits Bali should experience at least once! You will be sleeping in twin or triple rooms (unless noted), paired up randomly by same gender unless requested otherwise. Couples will be always paired together. Hot showers and AC is provided on most days.
The trip starts in Sumatra and finishes in Labuan Bajo.
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