Planning to drive from Surabaya to Bali? It’s a great way to see East Java’s changing scenery, from bustling cities and rice fields to volcanoes and coastal roads. Of course, after about twenty minutes you’ll probably hear the familiar chorus from the back seat:
“Are we there yet?”“How much longer?”“I’m bored!”
Here’s a road-trip version of I Spy to help pass the time. Keep score honestly!
10 points – A brightly painted village mosque.
10 points – A roadside warung with more parked motorcycles than customers.
15 points – Someone carrying an impossible amount of cargo on a motorcycle.
20 points – A pickup truck overflowing with fruit, vegetables, or sacks of rice.
20 points – A roadside durian stand.
25 points – A convoy of brightly decorated buses.
25 points – A rooster riding in the back of a motorcycle.
30 points – A family of four (or more!) sharing one motorcycle.
30 points – A street vendor weaving confidently through stopped traffic.
40 points – A truck with a painting on the back.
40 points – A goat, cow, or flock of ducks casually crossing the road.
50 points – A rice field with a volcano in the background.
50 points – A truck decorated with enough lights to rival a Christmas display.
75 points – A driver who actually uses their turn signal.
100 points – A roadside fruit stall selling fresh mangosteens, rambutan, or salak.
100 points – A perfectly restored vintage Volkswagen or classic Indonesian minibus.
200 points – A train crossing where you have to stop and wait.
500 points – A fire truck with the lights flashing.
1,000 points – A Kakatu at a roadside attraction.
5,000 points – Spoting the ocean for the first time on your journey.
10,000 points – Seeing the famous “Welcome to Bali” sign after crossing by ferry.
Bonus Challenge
Count how many different kinds of vehicles you see during the trip. Can you spot all of these? 10 points each.
- Vespa
- Becak
- Horse cart (andong/dokar)
- Yellow School Bus
- Minibus (angkot)
- Cement truck
- Fuel tanker
- Police car
- Fire truck
- Tractor
- Bicycle
- Ferry
Whoever finishes with the most points gets to choose the first snack stop!
And remember, the real prize isn’t winning the game—it’s enjoying one of Indonesia’s most memorable road trips together.
