Planning your diving adventure or island-hopping journey across Indonesia? Staying connected is essential for sharing moments, navigating between places, and keeping in touch with loved ones. Let’s compare and help you choose the right solution for you to stay connected!
Whether you’re diving in Raja Ampat, trekking in Sumatra, or exploring Bali‘s hidden corners, here are three main ways to stay connected while travelling in Indonesia.
1. Public WiFi: The Free but Limited Option
Pros
- No additional cost
- Widely available in tourist areas, cafes, and hotels
- Sufficient for basic internet needs
Cons
- Often slow and unreliable
- Security risks on public networks
- Not available in remote diving locations
- Inconvenient for navigation and real-time communication
2. Traditional Tourist SIM Card: The Old-School Approach
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Good coverage with major providers
- Local phone number included
Cons
- Requires visiting a store after arrival
- Language barrier during purchase
- Need to swap physical SIM cards
- Time-consuming airport queues
- Risk of losing your original SIM
Best Network Provider: Why Choose Telkomsel
If you decide to go with a physical tourist SIM card, we strongly recommend Telkomsel for your Indonesian adventure. As diving and adventure travel specialists, we’ve tested various networks across the archipelago, and Telkomsel consistently delivers the best performance.
Key Advantages of Telkomsel
- Widest network coverage in Indonesia, reaching 98% of populated areas
- Superior connectivity in remote diving destinations like Raja Ampat, Komodo, and Alor
- Strong signal even in challenging locations such as jungle trekking routes
- Reliable 4G/LTE speeds in most tourist areas and even 5G support in some areas
- Dedicated tourist packages with English-speaking support
Tourist Package Details
- Available as “Telkomsel Tourist Packages” or “SimPATI Tourist”
- Prices start from IDR 100,000 (approximately USD 7)
- Various data allowances from 10GB to 50GB
- Validity periods from 7 to 30 days
- Purchase locations: Official Telkomsel counters at major airports, GraPARI stores, and authorized resellers
While Telkomsel is slightly more expensive than other operators like XL or Indosat, the price difference is justified by its superior coverage in remote areas. For divers and adventure travelers venturing beyond tourist hubs, this reliability is invaluable.
3. eSIM: The Smart Traveler’s Choice
Pros
- Instant activation before departure
- No need to swap physical SIM cards
- Keep your original number active
- Avoid airport queues and language barriers
- Multiple plans available for different trip lengths
- Perfect for remote diving locations
- Secure and reliable connection
Cons
- Slightly higher cost than physical SIM cards
- Requires an eSIM-compatible device
Tips for Choosing the Right Option
For Short Trips (1-2 weeks)
- eSIM is ideal for hassle-free connectivity
- Public WiFi as a backup option
For Extended Stays (1+ months)
- Consider combining eSIM for immediate access
- Get a local SIM for long-term use if needed
For Remote Locations
- eSIM is strongly recommended
- Don’t rely on public WiFi
- Have a backup plan for emergency communications
Why eSIM is Perfect for Indonesian Adventures
For diving enthusiasts and adventure travelers, an eSIM offers unmatched convenience. Imagine stepping off your flight in Jakarta or Bali with your internet already active – no queues, no confusion, just instant connectivity. This is especially valuable when you’re heading to remote diving spots where finding a physical SIM card vendor might be challenging.
- Check your device’s eSIM compatibility
- Purchase and download your eSIM before departure
- Activate upon arrival or before your journey
- Enjoy immediate connectivity across the archipelago
Our Recommended eSIM Provider: Saily
At Ocean Earth Travels, we’ve tested various eSIM providers across Indonesia’s diverse locations – from bustling Bali to remote Raja Ampat. Saily consistently stands out as our top choice for several reasons:
- Excellent coverage across Indonesia’s major networks
- User-friendly app for easy setup and management
- Reliable customer support in English
- Competitive data packages for different trip durations
- Fast data speeds, perfect for sharing dive videos and staying connected
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
How to Get Started?
To get started, visit the Saily website and check their different offers and download their easy to use eSim app
Exclusive Offer for Our Readers: Use coupon code OCEANEARTH5 during checkout on Saily’s website to receive 5% off your first eSIM purchase. Our team has personally verified Saily’s performance across various diving locations, ensuring you stay connected even in more remote areas.
Final Thoughts
While Indonesia offers multiple connectivity options, eSIM technology stands out as the most convenient solution for modern travelers. It eliminates common hassles and ensures you’re connected from the moment you land – perfect for sharing those spectacular underwater photos or coordinating your next diving expedition.
