Delays are common to all forms of transport - including major flights - caused by weather, mechanical failure, or simply not enough passengers turning up, so you'll save yourself a good deal of stress if you keep your schedule as flexible as possible.

Buses and minibuses
Buses are cheap, easy to book and leave roughly on time. But they're also slow, cramped and often plain terrifying: accidents can be devastating. Where there's a choice of operators on any particular route, ask local people which bus company they...
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Planes
In some areas, flying may be the only practical way to get around. State-operated Garuda handles international flights (though you might use them for transport within Indonesia), and Merpati is the domestic operator....
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Boats and ferries
Most Indonesians choose to travel between islands by boat, either on the state shipping line, Pelni, or on anything from cargo freighters to tiny fishing vessels. Pelni currently operates about twenty passenger liners , which run on...
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Rental vehicles
Local operators offer a range of cars , most frequently 800cc Suzuki Jimneys (US$25 per day), and larger, more comfortable jeep-like 1600cc Toyota Kijangs (US$40). The rates drop if you rent for a week or more; one day means twelve hours, and...
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Urban transport
In cities, colour-coded or numbered minibus bemos might run fixed circuits, or adapt their routes according to their customers. Rides usually cost a few hundred rupiah, but fares are never displayed, and you'll get overcharged at...
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