Backindo

Backindo Blogging to help you explore Indonesia like a local. We focus on responsible travels & authentic experiences.

Jakarta can feel overwhelming at first, but public transportation makes the city much easier to explore.You can use diff...
13/05/2026

Jakarta can feel overwhelming at first, but public transportation makes the city much easier to explore.

You can use different options depending on where you want to go:

KRL is useful for reaching Kota Tua and nearby cities around Jakarta.
TransJakarta connects many areas and is one of the most practical ways to move around the city.
Angkot and bajaj are better for short local rides, especially in smaller streets.
And if you’re around Kota Tua, you’ll also find colorful bicycles and dokar for a more touristy old-town experience.

One thing worth knowing: most public transport in Jakarta uses an electronic card, so prepare one before you start exploring.

Planning to explore Jakarta by public transportation?

Comment “Public Transport Jakarta” and we’ll send you a link to our detailed article.

Some tea plantations around Bandung have existed since the Dutch colonial era. Today, you can still find quiet, natural ...
09/05/2026

Some tea plantations around Bandung have existed since the Dutch colonial era. Today, you can still find quiet, natural tea fields, while some areas have been turned into tourist spots with cafés, photo areas, and activities like cable cars.

Most tea plantations take around 1.5–2 hours from Bandung, depending on traffic. It’s better to leave early, especially on weekends. You can also combine the trip with Kawah Putih, since many tea plantations are in the same direction.

Comment “Bandung Tea” and we’ll send you the link to an article about Bandung tea plantations.

07/05/2026

Prambanan is one of the main temple complexes near Yogyakarta, and it’s a place many travelers visit while exploring Central Java.

The temples date back to the 9th century and are connected to the Ramayana story, which still has an important role in Javanese culture. Even if you’re not deeply interested in history, it’s an interesting place to walk around and spend a few hours.

One thing worth knowing before visiting: the complex is quite large. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and give yourself enough time to explore it properly. If you have extra time, nearby temples like Sewu or Plaosan are also worth adding to your route.

Comment “Prambanan” and we’ll send you a link to a detailed article about the temple.

High up in Central Java, Dieng feels a little different from the rest of Java — cooler air, misty hills, ancient temples...
04/05/2026

High up in Central Java, Dieng feels a little different from the rest of Java — cooler air, misty hills, ancient temples, smoking craters, and sunrise views that make the early wake-up worth it.

Here, nature and culture sit side by side. You can walk around the old Arjuna Temple complex, visit the steaming Kawah Sikidang, stop at Batu Ratapan Angin for wide views over the lakes, or wake up before dawn for a golden sunrise from Mount Sikunir.

For something more adventurous, Mount Bismo is a great hike to add to your trip. It’s not the most famous mountain in the area, but that’s part of the charm — quieter trails and open ridges if the weather is kind.

Want more information to plan your Dieng trip? Comment “Dieng” and we’ll send you the article link.

22/04/2026

Did you know there’s a mountain in Central Java you can reach without hiking?

Mount Telomoyo is about 1.5–2 hours from Semarang or Salatiga, and you can drive almost all the way to the top.

It’s a popular sunrise spot—people line the roadside early in the morning, waiting for the view. On a clear day, you can see Mount Merbabu, Mount Sindoro, Mount Sumbing, and Mount Andong.

Learn more in our detailed guide. 📌

20/04/2026

Sukuh Temple feels different from the moment you arrive. Its pyramid-like shape and open terraces make it stand out from other temples in the region.

There’s a strong sense of mystery here. The design, the carvings, and its location on the slope of Mount Lawu give it a unique atmosphere. It doesn’t feel grand in the usual way—but it stays with you.

The temple is about 1 hour from Surakarta (Solo) city center and easy to reach, as it’s located not far from the main road. When we visited, the weather was cloudy, and the view was covered in mist. On a clear day, you can see the surrounding landscape and even parts of the city from above.

If you’re planning to visit, it’s a good idea to combine it with Cetho Temple or the tea plantations around Mount Lawu.

We’ve summarized everything you need to know before your visit in our detailed guide. Comment “Sukuh Temple” and we’ll send you the article link.

18/04/2026

In Surakarta, the places are close to each other, so it’s easy to explore in a day. But since we were traveling with kids, we took it slow and spent two days instead.

On the first day, we visited Masjid Sheikh Zayed, known for its large and distinct architecture. After that, we walked around Vastenburg Fort and Gedung Djoang 45. Both places can only be enjoyed from the outside, so we didn’t get a chance to go in.

The next day, we continued to Keraton Surakarta. From there, we took a becak to Kampung Batik Kauman, passing Pasar Klewer along the way. The ride was only about five minutes, but it was very hot and not really comfortable for walking, so we chose the becak. In Kauman, we stopped at a small café, looked around a few batik shops, and took some photos by the murals.

We still didn’t manage to visit everything, as the next day we continued east to Sukuh Temple.

Looking for a detailed guide? Comment “Surakarta” and we’ll send you the article link.

17/04/2026

There are four main gates to access Mount Bromo, and your experience can feel completely different depending on where you start.

If you’re coming from Malang, expect a more scenic (and slightly adventurous) route through hills and forests. But if you’re going from Probolinggo, it’s the easiest option—perfect for backpackers. You can even walk to the crater if you’re up for it.

Looking for something more comfortable? Stay at Plataran Bromo—one of the most luxurious stays in Java, with views that make waking up early actually feel worth it.

One more thing—Bromo isn’t just a tourist spot, it’s a sacred mountain. During the Yadnya Kasada ceremony, the area may be closed, so plan your trip wisely.

Want to plan your trip the right way?
Check our detailed guide.

14/04/2026

We’re still not sure if there’s a place stranger than this near Borobudur.

Hidden in the green hills of Central Java, Bukit Rhema is widely known as the Chicken Church — and honestly, it really does look like a giant chicken sitting on top of a hill.

But behind this unusual shape is a deeper idea. It was built as a place open to all religions, meant for prayer, reflection, and quiet moments — not just for one belief, but for anyone who comes with respect.

What many people don’t realize is that it’s also a great sunrise spot overlooking Borobudur. From here, you can watch the morning light slowly reveal the temple in the distance — without the crowds you usually find at the main viewpoints.

And even though it’s just a short drive from Borobudur, it’s still a place many travelers don’t know about.

It feels calm, a little mysterious, and completely different from anything else in the area.

If you’re visiting Yogyakarta or Borobudur, this is one of those stops that doesn’t take long — but stays with you.

If you’d like to know how to get there and what to expect, we’ve written a full guide.

Comment “Bukit Rhema” and we’ll send you the link

10/04/2026

Tumpak Sewu is one of Java’s highlights—and for good reason. 🙏🏻

From the top it looks beautiful, but once you go down, it feels completely different—more intense and absolutely worth the effort.

We started at the viewpoint, then continued down with a local guide. The trail can be slippery, so having proper shoes and a local guide really helped. Along the way, the guide also took us to Goa Tetes and Telaga Biru, which are nearby spots worth visiting.

We spent around 2–3 hours here. Leaving Malang early in the morning, we finished around noon. Since it was late October (the beginning of the rainy season), it actually started raining right after we finished—luckily we had a driver, so we could leave right away.

Just a heads-up: Tumpak Sewu is open every day, but always check the weather since it’s close to Mount Semeru. The trail down may close if it’s raining or if conditions around Semeru are not safe.

Comment “TUMPAK SEWU” and we’ll send you the link to our detailed guide.

And if you need a recommendation for a reliable driver for your East Java trip, let us know—we’d be happy to share our contact.

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Jl.Raya Yogya-Solo Km.16 Prambanan Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta City
55571

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