Introduction: When Expectations Turn Into Nightmares
Traveling has always been one of my greatest joys. Coming from Canada, I’ve been fortunate enough to see different corners of the world. I love immersing myself in new cultures, trying new foods, and seeing landscapes that photos could never truly capture. When I booked my trip to Indonesia, I was filled with excitement. The online world had sold it to me as an island paradise: Bali with its beaches, Yogyakarta with its culture, Jakarta with its bustling energy.
But from the very beginning, my Indonesian trip turned out to be one of the most stressful, uncomfortable, and disappointing experiences I have ever had. Instead of returning home with souvenirs and happy memories, I brought back frustration, exhaustion, and regret.
This is my truthful account of a week in Indonesia—a week filled with scams, chaos, hygiene issues, and endless disappointments.
Day 1: Chaotic Arrival in Jakarta
The trouble began right when I landed at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport.
The immigration hall was overcrowded, with queues snaking endlessly. Officers worked slowly, and unlike in other countries, there was no clear signage to guide foreign travelers. I stood in line for nearly two hours, sweating in the humid, poorly ventilated hall. When I finally reached the counter, the officer barely looked at me, barked a few words, and stamped my passport without a smile.
Collecting luggage was another nightmare. Bags kept arriving in random batches, and passengers scrambled like it was a race. I waited over two and a half hours before my suitcase appeared. Meanwhile, several travelers discovered their bags were lost, and the airport staff seemed completely indifferent.
By the time I left the airport, I was already drained.
But the worst part? Taxi drivers waiting outside.
The moment I stepped out, I was mobbed by at least ten men shouting taxi offers. They quoted ridiculous prices—five to six times higher than what I had read online. One driver even tried grabbing my bag to push me toward his car. When I refused, he cursed under his breath.
I finally managed to book a ride-hailing car, but even that turned sour. The driver, after picking me up, insisted on extra money because of “traffic.” When I refused, he stopped the car in the middle of nowhere, yelling at me until I gave in.
By the time I reached my hotel, I felt cheated, unsafe, and overwhelmed.
Day 2: Hotel Horrors and Food Poisoning
My first hotel in Jakarta looked great in pictures—modern rooms, pool, breakfast included. The reality was far from it.
The room smelled of mold, the sheets had stains, and the bathroom door wouldn’t close properly. When I complained, the staff shrugged and said, “It’s okay, same in all rooms.”
That evening, I decided to explore local food. Indonesia is famous for street food, so I stopped at a popular stall serving satay. The vendor grilled meat while swatting flies, and the plates looked far from clean. Still, I thought, “When in Rome…”
That was a mistake.
By midnight, I was violently ill—vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. I spent the entire night running between my bed and the bathroom. The next morning, weak and dehydrated, I went to a nearby clinic.
The clinic itself was shocking. Dirty floors, rusty fans, and staff who seemed uninterested. The doctor barely examined me and prescribed pills that made me dizzier. I later realized they were expired.
Food poisoning on day two. Not a great start.
Day 3: Beaches of Bali – Paradise? More Like Garbage Dump
After recovering slightly, I flew to Bali, hoping things would improve. Bali is often portrayed as heaven on earth—crystal clear beaches, yoga retreats, and peaceful sunsets. What I found was the complete opposite.
The beach I visited near Kuta was overcrowded beyond belief. Plastic bottles, food wrappers, and cigarette butts littered the sand. Instead of waves gently crashing, loudspeakers blasted EDM music from beach bars.
Vendors constantly harassed me to buy bracelets, massages, and fake sunglasses. Saying “no” didn’t help—they kept following me until I raised my voice.
At one point, I rented a beach chair. The price seemed reasonable, but when I was leaving, the owner demanded triple the amount, claiming I had misunderstood. When I argued, two of his friends came over, intimidating me until I paid up.
That evening, I walked back disappointed, realizing that the “Bali dream” was nothing more than over-commercialized chaos.
Day 4: Temples and Cultural Disrespect
I wanted to see Indonesia’s cultural side, so I visited a famous temple. The entry fee was already steep, but before even entering, I was pressured into buying a “mandatory sarong” from a vendor outside. Later, I realized sarongs were provided free at the gate. Another scam.
Inside, the temple was crowded, noisy, and filled with people taking selfies instead of respecting the place. At one point, I stood unknowingly in a restricted area. A guard shouted at me harshly instead of politely guiding me. The whole atmosphere felt hostile.
Rather than being spiritual or enlightening, the visit was stressful and frustrating.
Day 5: Transportation Troubles
Indonesia’s traffic is something I’ll never forget—and not in a good way.
Scooters swarm the streets like bees, ignoring traffic rules. Crossing a road felt like risking my life every single time. Cars honked endlessly, pollution hung heavy in the air, and rides that should take 20 minutes often stretched to two hours because of congestion.
I booked a bus trip to another city. The bus was overbooked, the seats were broken, and the air conditioning didn’t work. The ride took 10 hours instead of 6 due to breakdowns and endless stops. People smoked inside despite the “no smoking” signs, and the smell was unbearable.
Public transport was neither reliable nor safe.
Day 6: Safety and Scams
By this time, I was mentally exhausted. But the worst was yet to come.
In a crowded market, I felt someone tugging at my backpack. I turned quickly and caught a boy trying to unzip it. He ran off, but the experience left me shaken. Later, a local told me this is common, and tourists are prime targets.
That night, walking back to my hotel, I noticed how poorly lit the streets were. Groups of men stood around drinking and staring at passersby. I didn’t feel safe at all.
Even taxis were unsafe. One driver locked the doors and refused to drop me at my hotel until I agreed to pay extra. It was terrifying to feel trapped in a stranger’s car.
Day 7: Exhaustion and Disillusionment
By my last day, I wasn’t even trying to enjoy myself anymore. I avoided street food, ignored beaches, and stayed mostly in my hotel. The constant stress—whether about being cheated, falling sick, or feeling unsafe—had drained every ounce of energy.
I sat in my room, thinking: How did a trip that was supposed to be a dream become such a nightmare?
When my return flight finally took off, I felt nothing but relief.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend Indonesia?
Absolutely not.
While I understand some travelers may have wonderful experiences, mine was consistently negative from start to finish. Scams, poor hygiene, chaotic infrastructure, environmental neglect, and safety concerns overshadowed any beauty the country might have offered.
As a Canadian who has traveled to many countries, I can honestly say Indonesia was one of the most disappointing destinations I’ve ever visited.
Would I go back? No.
Would I recommend it? Only if you’re prepared for constant stress, scams, and health risks.
Travel is supposed to inspire and rejuvenate, but my trip to Indonesia left me drained, frustrated, and disillusioned. Sometimes, behind the glossy Instagram posts and travel brochures, reality is much darker.
