Solo Backpacker: Traveling to Myanmar 2025 from Indonesia

For travelers who seek adrenaline and off-the-beaten-path experiences, Myanmar might be an intriguing destination. The country is currently under military rule and facing internal conflicts, making a trip here both thrilling and unpredictable.

 

Entering Myanmar

Indonesian passport holders can visit Myanmar visa-free for 14 days, but only if they enter and exit through Yangon, Naypyidaw, or Mandalay airports. Land border crossings are not allowed under this visa-free policy.

I flew with Myanmar Airways International from Bangkok (DMK). During check-in, I was required to show my return ticket and proof of accommodation.

Onboard, passengers received a Health Declaration Form and an Immigration Card, which must be filled out completely. Make sure to write down your full hotel address, including the township.

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport (RGN), here’s the process:

1. Submit the Health Declaration Form at the first checkpoint.
2. Get your Immigration Card stamped (immigration officers only asked how long I would stay).
3. Collect your luggage (if any) and proceed to customs.
4. Exit the airport, where you’ll be greeted by taxi drivers and SIM card sellers.

Tip: Do not buy a SIM card at the airport—it’s overpriced! You’ll find cheaper options in the city.

 

Withdrawing Cash in Myanmar

I never exchanged cash at money changers or with street vendors. Instead, I relied entirely on ATM withdrawals.

One surprising thing I discovered: the exchange rate on ATMs differs from the internet rate.

• Online exchange rate: 1 MMK = IDR 7.59
• Actual ATM exchange rate: 1 MMK = IDR 4.599135

When I withdrew MMK 200,000, my account was only debited IDR 919,827, which was much lower than expected.

ATMs are available at:

• Yangon Airport: Near the departure area.
• CB Bank, Downtown Yangon: Ground floor of Sakura Tower.

Tip: Always calculate the exchange rate manually instead of relying on online rates.

 

Transportation from and to the Airport

Available Options:

1. White Taxis (regular taxis)
   • You can negotiate the price, but it’s usually more expensive than Grab.
2. Grab (ride-hailing app)
   • Safe, easy, and you can pay by debit card.
3. Airport Bus (Airport – Sule route)
   • Cheap but doesn’t stop inside the airport. From the nearest bus stop, you’ll still need to take a Grab or walk a considerable distance.

Tip: If you prefer a white taxi, check Grab’s price first and use it as a bargaining reference.

 

Where to Stay in Yangon

I stayed at Hood Hostel in Downtown Yangon, which offered:
✔ Friendly staff fluent in English.
✔ Assistance in booking tours (e.g., day trips to Bago).
✔ Free breakfast with daily menu changes.
✔ Clean and comfortable dormitory rooms.
✔ Payment options: Cash, card, or online booking via Agoda (exchange rates are fair).

The location was excellent for experiencing local life. Every night, I enjoyed coffee at a small Indian-owned street stall across from the hostel.

 

Buying a SIM Card in the City

As mentioned earlier, don’t buy a SIM card at the airport—it’s much cheaper in the city. I purchased an ATOM SIM card at a local gadget store for MMK 6,000 (IDR 18,400).

For mobile data, I bought a top-up voucher at a pharmacy:

• MMK 13,000 credit to purchase a 3GB internet package for MMK 10,690 (IDR 49,200).
• Activation required the ATOM app, which is best done in a place with Wi-Fi.

Tip: If you need to top up, buy a scratch card and enter the code manually—just like the old-school prepaid system!

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Getting Around Yangon

1. Grab (only available for cars—no motorbike taxis like in Thailand).
2. City Bus
   • No route info on Google Maps.
   • I found an old JICA bus route map (2020), which was still mostly accurate.
   • The most useful bus for tourists is No. 61 (Sule Pagoda – Shwedagon Pagoda).
   • Fares:
     • Non-AC bus: MMK 400 (IDR 1,800).
     • AC bus: MMK 500 (IDR 2,300).
   • Stops only at designated bus stops, and you must press the bell before getting off.
3. Yangon Circular Railway
   • A 3–4 hour loop around the city.
   • No fixed schedule, so you’ll have to ask station staff (who may give different answers!).

Tip: Avoid city buses during rush hours to reduce the risk of pickpockets.

 

Finding Halal Food

For Muslim travelers, finding halal food is easy, especially in Downtown Yangon. The city has a large Muslim community, mostly of Indian and Rohingya descent. Many restaurants serve Indian, Middle Eastern, and Burmese halal cuisine.

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Is Yangon Safe?

From my experience, Yangon felt quite safe for tourists, but caution is still necessary:
✔ Locals are generally friendly, and many speak English.
✔ People casually carry their phones and wallets in their longyis (traditional sarongs)—a sign of trust in their surroundings.
✔ I carried a Nikon DSLR with a telephoto lens without any issues—just a few curious stares.
✘ Pickpockets exist on crowded buses, so keep your belongings secure.

 

What NOT to Do in Myanmar

Myanmar is a military-controlled country with strict regulations. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Never take photos of soldiers or police officers.
   • Includes military facilities, police stations, and security checkpoints.
2. Be cautious when photographing airports and train stations.
   • You could be accused of espionage.
3. Stay away from political events.
   • If you see a protest, do not approach or take photos.
   • A Japanese citizen was arrested for taking protest pictures while on a tourist visa.

Tip: Stick to sightseeing and cultural experiences—avoid discussing politics with locals.

 

Should You Hire a Local Guide in Myanmar?

One major challenge when traveling in Myanmar is the language barrier. The Burmese language uses its own script, which is completely different from the Latin alphabet, making it difficult for foreigners to read signs, menus, or transportation schedules.

While some locals speak basic English, many do not, especially outside major tourist areas. This can make it hard to navigate, order food, or ask for directions.

Why Hiring a Local Guide is Recommended

Here are a few reasons why having a local guide can greatly improve your experience in Myanmar:

✔ Overcome the Language Barrier – A guide can help with communication, making interactions with locals much smoother.

✔ Understand the Culture & History – Myanmar has a complex history, and a guide can provide deeper insights into its traditions, politics, and religion.

✔ Navigate Public Transport – Bus and train routes are rarely in English, and schedules are often unreliable. A guide can help you get around more efficiently.

✔ Ensure Safety – With ongoing political tensions, a local guide knows which areas are safe to visit and which should be avoided.

✔ Discover Hidden Gems – A guide can take you to lesser-known places that aren’t listed in travel blogs or guidebooks.

Where to Find Local Guides

1. Hostels & Hotels – Many accommodations offer guided tours or can recommend trusted guides.
2. Tour Companies – Agencies like Mingalabar Myanmar Travel and Yangon Walking Tours provide professional guides.
3. Online Platforms – Websites like GetYourGuide, Viator, or even local Facebook groups can help you find experienced guides.

Final Tip

Even if you prefer to explore independently, consider hiring a guide at least for your first day in Myanmar. This will help you understand the basics and make the rest of your trip much easier!