Indonesia
Destination Guide

The Ultimate Guide Before You Plan for your Next Trip

Indonesia is an exotic tropical destination made up of not just a few but a whopping number of around 17,000 islands scattered around the equator. The splendid archipelago comprises various island jewels that shimmer in the seas, inviting tourists from across the globe to revel in its stupefying charm. The islands of Indonesia call for an adventurous sojourn. The major cities are densely populated, still tourists are drawn to them to marvel at the landmarks, shop at best markets and get a taste of Indonesian food. The far-flung islands of the archipelago, on the flip side, offer great vacation due to their dramatic landscapes framed by gorgeous beaches, amazing volcanoes, verdant rice terraces and lush rainforest.

Attractions in Indonesia

Sumatra

This large island is noted for its rugged terrain and the endemic species of Sumatran Orangutans. Laden with natural beauty and ne amongst the richest ecosystems of the world, Sumatra is a delightful place to visit. Stroll along the Lake Toba, the world's largest volcanic lake and explore the Kerinci Seblat National Park, home to the largest active volcano in the world. A Sumatran vacation means an endless adventurous trip that features orangutan sanctuary in Bukit Lawang, marine life at diving sites of Sabang, Mentawai islands excursions, alluring Belitung and its granite beaches, spotting dolphins at Kiluan in Lampung.

Bali

The shining pearl in the Indian Ocean, Bali is the most sought-after holiday destination in Indonesia, acclaimed for its astounding landscapes ranging from rugged coastlines to sandy beaches and barren volcanic hillsides to verdant rainforests. International grade surfing sites, a vibrant culture, spellbinding sunsets, exceptional temples and forest-cloaked hillsides make visit to Bali a startling experience. Tanah Lot, Pura Luhur Uluwatu and Besakih temples are not just sacred sites, but also an example of marvelous architecture. Some of the finest beaches on earth are found here and you can enjoy a day at Nusa Dua, Legian, Jimbaran Bay, Padang-Padang and Lovina.

Java

It is a bustling metropolis where most volcanoes are active, the fertile valleys are fringed by lush plantation, the glittering skyline is soaring to the moon and the nightlife keeps you grooving till dawn. Java is one of the very few places that offer everything an adventurous backpacker seeks in their ventures. Some of the most fascinating landscapes on earth can be found here. Furthermore, it is also replete with lush rainforests, national parks, tea estates and rice fields. Some interesting places to explore in Java are the unspoilt Karimunjawa islands, the Borobudur temple near Yogyakarta, hot springs and waterfalls in Baturaden, and its magnificent national parks including in Ujung Kulon National Park, Mount Halimun Salak National Park, Kepulauan Seribu National Park and Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park.

Kampong Glam

It is the place where you can find Singapore's Mediterranean connection. The busy alleys of Kampong Glan will make you believe that you are inside an Arabian Night storybook. The magnificent Sultan Mosque brightens up the place as you will find many Turkish and Mediterranean food stalls lining both sides of the street. There is always magic in the air, as far as this place is concerned, as you will find various flea markets operating here during the weekends. Located at the north of the Singapore River, this place is really a art and cultural hub of this island nation. You can witness how the different communities of Singapore live harmoniously here in this locality.
In the Spotlight

The best places to eat in Indonesia are the kaki lima (street side stall) that serve the authentic food of Indonesia. There are several dedicated food streets in various region, which are bordered by numerous kaki lima. For a great dining experience, try the restaurants listed here:

Tangke Rest at Tamansari in Jakarta : Tangke Rest at Tamansari in Jakarta serves a great selection of delicious food like lindung cah fumak (steamed chicken and shrimp) and burung dara goreng kering (deep fried pigeon).
Harum Manis at Tanah Abang : Harum Manis at Tanah Abang in Jakarta is renowned for its speciality Kambing Guling Pendop.
Naughty Nuri's Warung: Naughty Nuri's Warung and Grill at Ubud in Bali is a great place to delve into charcoal-grilled pork ribs along with a savoury martini.
Agung: Agung, which is a delectable slow cooked lamb. Additionally, you must try the Sunday buffet to get the flavours of dishes from across the country.
Coco Beach : Coco Beach in Lombok is a great option for vegetarians. Although it serves meat, but is best known for its veg options that are prepared with vegetables grown in on-site organic garden. Its most scrumptious veggie foods include vegetable cakes, tapioca leaf in coconut milk, garlic and rosemary infused baby potatoes and tofu cakes.
Seribu Rasa : Seribu Rasa at Jl. Agus Salim No. 128, Jakarta serves a succulent fried pomfret with mango sauce. Other specialities include red curry lamb mataram and soft shell crab with ebi floss.
Sarong Bali Restaurant : Sarong Bali Restaurant at Kabaroan, Kuta in Bali is a decent place to dine at with signature delicacies like salmon tartare on a betel leaf, pork hock with tamarind tamarillo and grilled scallops with sweet crispy duck.

The Indonesian currency is Indonesian Rupiah, abbreviated Rp, and denoted with Rp or IDR. The currency comes in denominations of Rp50,000, Rp20,000, Rp10,000, Rp5,000, Rp2,000 and Rp1000, which is now replaced with a coin. While the large numbers on banknotes seem like a lot of money, but know that IDR 5,000 equals to only around 24 INR. Currency exchange desks are widely available on Java, Bali and Lombok. In other parts of the country, it is rather difficult to find exchange desks or even banks that offer foreign exchange. Therefore, you should exchange at a bank on either of these places prior to venturing out to other provinces. ATMs are installed in all of the major tourist destinations across the country. Some machines have only Rp.500,000 (a little more than 2400 INR) as the maximum daily withdrawal limit and some machines allows you to withdraw money equaling to the maximum amount allowed by banks back home. Credit cards are widely accepted in the country, however, most vendors prefer Visa and MasterCard only. Other cards may or may not get accepted and depends solely at the discretion of the vendor. A surcharge of 2-5% is common with cards. Note: Cloning of credit cards and frauds associated with it are common in Indonesia. Do not use them at every establishment, but only at the reputable ones.

Entertainment & Event

  • Festivals

    Owing to such diversity in culture and traditions, Indonesia celebrates various festivals. Some of them are celebrated in a particular region whereas others are observed throughout the country. Most regional festivals commemorate the great kings and emperors of the yesteryears. Throughout the country, festivals of religious significance as well as the ones with sporting spirit are celebrated. While there are far too many festivals in the country, here is a list of select few.

    Baliem Valley Festival, observed in August, is a cheerful Papuan festival that celebrates the diverse indigenous cultures of the region. Bau Nyale Fishing Festival, held in February or March as per lunar calendar, is an event dedicated to Lombok’s first nyale (wormlike fish) and to see that thousands of people come together and enjoy this significant fishing festival. Pasola is a rich celebration of harvest and is marked by ritual warfare in the Nusa Tenggara region in February or March, depending on the lunar calendar. Waisak is celebrated in May to mark the birth of Lord Buddha and his enlightenment with festivities held at Borobudur Temple near Yogyakarta on the island of Java. Festival Teluk Kendari is an April festival dominated by thrilling dragon boat races and large feast at Kendari Bay in Sulawesi. Nyepi is celebrated in Bali around March or April, based on the Hindu calendar. It is the first day of the year and is largely celebrated before the actual Nyepi day with various ceremonies. And on this day, they do nothing and most of Bali remains closed. That is because Nyepi means silence. Yogya Arts Festival, held from June to July, is a month-long event where inspiring artwork is exhibited as well as art performances are organised in Java. Bali Arts Festival celebrates the soothing music, enigmatic dances and incredible crafts of Bali with performances and shows in June and July. Bidar Race is a prominent event organised in August when abundant canoes, also called bidar, race one another on Sungai Musi in Sumatra.

  • Culture

    Indonesia is culturally rich with art, culture, religion and traditions of early migrants and western settlers intermingle together. The art forms of the country are largely influenced by religion. The popular dance dramas of Bali and Java comprise parts of Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Batik, ikat and songket textile patterns find their origins in Indonesia.

    The country has a majority of Muslim population that makes up about 88% of the total population followed by Hindu, Buddhist and Christian population. In fact, it is home to the world’s largest Muslim population. But the freedom of religion is granted by the Constitution of Indonesia. Islam is followed by such large number of people, still you don’t see the typical strict dress code followed by other Muslim-majority countries.