This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I can earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
When my son moved to Indonesia to teach, I figured I would visit him once a year. At the time, I had never traveled to Southeast Asia. It actually wasn’t a part of the world that I was interested in visiting, especially by myself. I was hesitant to go.
Well, the visiting him once-a-year thing didn’t happen.
I ended up visiting THREE times in one year!
Yup, I ended up going to Indonesia three times and even threw in Thailand a couple of times…all in the first 11 months he was there!
Needless to say, I am totally into traveling to Southeast Asia now!
And these are the best travel apps for Southeast Asia that have helped me along the way.
Table of Contents
The Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia
There is no doubt that travel apps have significantly improved the travel experience, especially for solo female travelers.
Transportation apps like Grab and Bluebird, feature real-time tracking, driver ratings, and emergency contact and location sharing functions.
Accommodation platforms such as Booking.com and Agoda provide filters for safety features and reviews from other solo female travelers, helping to select secure places to stay.
Using travel apps has revolutionized the way we approach travel, making it significantly more convenient and accessible.
So, in no particular order…my 10 best travel apps for Southeast Asia!
1. Klook
Use For: Hotels, Flights, Trains, Airport Transfers, Activities
Klook is a comprehensive travel and activity booking platform that offers a wide range of services, from attraction tickets to transportation and local tours. Klook has strong partnerships with local operators in Southeast Asia, ensuring that you get the best prices and a seamless booking experience.
2. Agoda
Use For: Hotels, Flights, Trains, Airport Transfers, Activities
Agoda is a global online travel agency that specializes in hotel bookings, vacation rentals, and flights. They have a strong presence in Asia which means you have access to a vast selection of accommodations at competitive prices. The app’s focus on Asian destinations ensures you get localized support and exclusive deals.
3. Traveloka
Use For: Hotels, Flights, Trains, Airport Transfers, Activities
Traveloka is a Southeast Asian travel app that offers a wide range of services, including flights, hotels, attractions, and even car rentals. It’s a one-stop shop for all your travel needs. Traveloka’s deep integration with local travel services ensures you get the best deals too.
4. Grab
Use For: Transportation, Food Delivery
Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing app, offering a variety of transportation options as well as food delivery. It’s like using Uber in the United States.
5. Booking.com
Use For: Hotels, Flights
Booking.com is a global travel fare aggregator website and travel metasearch engine for reservations. It offers a wide range of accommodations and flights worldwide, including Southeast Asia.
6. GetYourGuide
Use For: Activities, Tours
GetYourGuide is a popular platform for discovering and booking unique travel experiences, tours, and activities around the world.
7. 12Go Asia
Use For: Buses, Trains, Flights
12Go Asia is a comprehensive travel booking platform specializing in transportation options across Southeast Asia. It offers a range of services, including buses, trains, ferries, and flights.
8. Bluebird (Indonesia only)
Use For: Taxi
Bluebird is Indonesia’s premier taxi service, known for its reliability and safety. The Bluebird app allows you to book taxis on demand or in advance. Bluebird is the only taxi I recommend in Indonesia.
9. Google Maps
Google Maps is an essential navigation app that provides detailed maps, directions, and real-time traffic updates. It’s also great for public transportation options.
10. Google Translate
Google Translate is a powerful translation app that supports over 100 languages, including many Southeast Asian languages. It’s a must-have for overcoming language barriers while traveling.
***
Downloading the best travel apps for Southeast Asia can make a big difference in your travels. Just remember to download them ahead of time and familiarize yourself with their features before you go.
From booking accommodations and activities to navigating cities and communicating with locals, these apps will have you going Confidently Solo every step of the way!
Resources to Book Your Trip
Flights
I like using Skyscanner to find flight deals. It searches hundreds of airlines and booking sites so you can compare prices, dates, and even airports in one place.
Accommodations
Booking.com is my go-to for hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. I like that you can filter for free cancellation and check reviews before you book.
Activities
For tours and experiences, I recommend GetYourGuide and Viator. Both have everything from walking tours to day trips, plus instant booking and mobile tickets.
eSIM
I’ve used Airalo and Saily for internet access when I travel. You can install the eSIM on your phone before you even leave home and there’s no need to swap physical SIM cards.
Airport Pickups
If you want a stress-free ride from the airport, check out Welcome Pickups. Your driver will meet you inside the terminal, help with your bags, and take you straight to your hotel.
Car Rental
Discover Cars makes it easy to compare rental companies so you get the best rate. You can see all the options and book in advance for peace of mind.
2 comments
Thank you so much. Great Tips. One thing that also helped us save money while being there was this app – ATM Fee Saver – the app shows ATMs around with no fees for withdrawing money. It’s super helpful for saving money while traveling. Can recommend it :)
Thank you! That app sounds super helpful. I’ll have to check it out!