Budget Backpacking Places

Sumatera (Sumatra), Indonesia. This is a place that charmed me so much in 2014 that I am doing everything in my life to be able to travel more and more.

In 2014 I have been in SE Asia, my first backpacking trip. I started off with Malaysia. Which is kind of an easy way of getting used to Asian culture, food, climate (I come from Lithuania, so firs it seemed very intense and loud for me). But Malaysia is very Western.. And I would say expensive (for a Lithuanian). After more than a month there I have travelled to Indonesia. I chose Sumatra island because of the stories from all the people I've met. They all were very happy that they chose this region rather than Bali, Jakarta or similar tourist filled places.

I really wanted to be able to witness some true Asia, not those big hotels, party like beaches etc. So if you are looking for something cheap and authentic, Sumatra is still the place to go. It's really low budget, you can find places to eat some fried rice for 7000-15000 Indonesian rupiah (0.50 - 1.00 USD), accommodation is also very cheap. Paid round 35.000 - 40.000 per night for single room or even my own bungalow.

But the best thing is the nature and the people. I have been to Donau Toba island, which is one of a few Christian places in the mostly Muslim country. It's a beautiful island on a lake in Sumatra island. Great food, great views, relaxed small villages around, some history there too.

I have been to Bukit Lawang, a place for people who want to do some real jungle trekking where you can see some wild and semi-wild orangutans and other prime apes and monkeys. Amazing people, singing village, some hard trekking too. We had to run from orangutans a few times when they got angry from all the attention they got. Was really frightening.

And best of the best after hard jungle - Aceh region. The region that was destroyed by the huge tsunami and now is rebuilt. It's strict muslim region. People are amazing, friendly, helpful. It's very safe (at least for men and couples, bit more difficult for single woman there, be aware, travel with some one as you might get more attention than you'd like). In this region you can go to Pulau Weh island, the most western part of Indonesia. It's a relaxed island with bungalows on it's shores, not too many tourists, mostly local tourism. Some backpackers and divers are out there. Good prices, great food, amazing view of the ocean.

Sorry for the long post, but I really hope this places will inspire more people to quit their boring material lives and to go backpacking.