Is it safe to travel alone in Indonesia?

Question

Is it safe for a girl to travel alone to Indonesia? Planning to go to Jakarta. Please advice.

Answer 1

It's safe enough, I was there last year, just be streetwise and prepared for the fact that if you are a girl on your own you will attract a LOT of attention from the local lads wanting your western cash and maybe a little of something else, but they are harmless

Answer 2

I'd say YES it is safe for a girl to travel alone all over Indonesia, and I've done so many times across many of the islands.

However, Jakarta is the big city --- as most big cities where a girl alone needs to watch what she's doing and where she's going:

- Watch the meter of the taxi-driver, it might run real fast (some do that to female tourists)

- Beware of pick-pockets in the streets and in public transport. It can happen that you suddenly find yourself in a small crowd of young guys, and your bag gets cut open ..... money gone!

- After dark (6-7pm), mind the dress code. Showing a lot of bear flesh easily creates trouble, especially in this area where local girls would only do that when looking for a "pick-up"

And the rest, you know, stuff that all female need to watch in big cities!! Jakarta is a great place and I love it, too. If you have time to take a bus or train trip to Bogor for some fresh air, it would be heaven after the polution in Jakarta!

Enjoy!

Answer 3

I am an Indonesian girl and even I don't dare to travel alone... My mum insists that I use never use public transports and as far as possible go with at least a friend everywhere I go. Whether it's safe or not, it really depends on how much you stand out from the rest, i.e whether you're a Caucasian/Chinese, how many jewelries you wear, etc etc. But generally, nope it's not safe at all and I can testify for that. Thank goodness I'm in Singapore right now.. Can really feel the difference of being in Indonesia and somewhere else. You feel very insecure there and you have to watch your back every second.

Answer 4

People do it all the time. Is it safe? Probably not. Then again it isn't really "safe" for a woman to walk alone in a lot of American or European cities either. If you do go, stay in public areas and don't ever go into any area where you could potentially be isolated, i.e. public restrooms. The main problem with places like Jakarta is that the public are a lot less likely to help a woman in distress than people in place like New York or London. If you can get a travel buddy do so. If not, check out this website.
http://groups.gapyear.com/index.php?op=vf&c=14&f=304
You can arrange to meet up with other female travelers who will be in Jakarta when you will. There is also information for woman traveling alone here:
http://www.gapyear.com/gaplasses/
You may also want to read this:
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/id.html

Answer 5

I'm a girl from Indonesia also. But, I live in Surabaya. In Jakarta, it's quite dangerous for tourist like you to go alone in Jakarta. Coz, Jakarta is so crowded & busy, In Jakarta, you can find also many tourist there. In that city, they already used a bus way system. That helps you to pay cheap if you want to go to some places. That's information that I know. Hope, you have a nice trip in Indonesia.

Answer 6

Well, I think its safe but make sure you have a contact person while you are there. I wouldnt recommend you to walk by your own in the street, tho.. Too many beggars and lads would try to stop you (for your money or even offering you to buy stuff). its good if u catch (i mean order by phone, more safe) a cab, (blue bird and silver bird are the best cab in jakarta). The malls are pretty much safe, so does the cafe and public places. Just NOT THE STREET.

good luck and enjoy your trip! :)

Answer 7

Walking around toursit sites and shopping malls (especially in the day) is safe. However, I do not recommend walking aimlessly around the city by yourself. And do not walk around at night! The city has very modern buildings and shops etc., but one block behind these streets are slums with lots of poor people and squallor. If you accidentally walk into one of these neighborhoods you will certainly be approached for money etc. - maybe worse?

Most hotels have big security checks when you arrive (for car bombs etc.), - so that should also tell you something too. Overall it is a nice city and you can go alone but be smart!

Answer 8

yes it is safe i've been there for a vacation it's realy nice place..go to the Sea World, Dufan, Safari 4got the name..a lot of malls and good to shop..it's very cheap!

Answer 9

well..i suggest you to have a travel buddy...
unless, you really know which places to go, n not just walking alone on the street n u dont hav any place to go.
its all depend on the area...

Answer 10

yes it is safe but u wud be better off wid somebody as a company...its not as safe as u wud want it to...i mean places like s'pore r a better option tat way...