Indonesia is not only Bali

One of the most interesting questions everytime I meet new people is “Where are you from?”

And proudly I answered “Indonesia”,

Few knew where Indonesia is

Few said ” Yes I know India”

Many of them said “Where is it?”, I replied “do you know Bali?” and Yes they know Bali!!

It is not a surprise many people know Bali, knowns for its magnificent mountains to rugged coastlines to volcanic hillsides to perfect sandy beaches, rich cultures and thousands Pura ( Hindu Temple) so that Bali called the Island of the Gods.

Where is Indonesia?

Indonesia is a transcontinental country located mainly in Southeast Asia with some territories in Oceania. Situated between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia is the largest Archipelago in the world, the country has 34 provinces and made up by 17,508 islands (meanwhile some tourism board boasts 180,000 islands) of which about 6,000 islands are inhibited by people (Indonesia population more than 260 million).

Can you find where is Indonesia ? ( Source : Google)

What ethnics group and religion in Indonesia?

Indonesia is a vary ethnically & linguistically diverse country, with around 300 ethnic groups and more than 700 different languages & dialects . 87% Indonesian are muslim, Nevertheless, Indonesia have a powerful National motto ” Bhineka Tunggal Ika ” Unity in Diversity and one national language Bahasa Indonesia so that Indonesia living in harmony.

Unity in Diversity (Source : Google)

Are you proud to be Indonesian ?

Yes! I always say I’m a proud Indonesian born chinese, chinese is minority in Indonesia but my friends never discriminate me.

What places can you recommend me to visit in Indonesia?

To be honest I have not explore Indonesia from Sabang to Marauke yet but here are the top 5  tourist attraction in Indonesia based on my experience.

1. Bali

is the Indonesia’s favorite destination with natural attraction ; mountains to tropical beaches & lush rice terraces and deeply spiritual & unique Hindu culture, 83% of the people in Bali are Hindu, so that Bali has different spiritual atmosphere than others places in Indonesia.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Hindu temple in Bali

Pura Tanah Lot, stands on solid sea rock

In my opinion, Great infrastructure for tourists as is also one of the reason for international tourists visiting Bali, such as nice International airport, good hotel from the affordable one to the most luxurious, good restaurants and almost all people in Bali can speak English.

I can’t count how many times I already visited Bali but I always want to come again

2. Yogyakarta

An old javanese city known for as rich culture & has several historical tourist attraction as Candi Prambanan, Taman Sari Palace & Keraton Yogya. And the other place that you must visit is Borobudur temple, technically in Magelang but only 1 hour drive from Yogya; Borobudur temple is an Indonesia’s spectacular site listed in UNESCO heritage site and one of the largest Buddhist temple in the world.

Candi Borobudur

Candi Prambanan

3. Gili Islands

Are an archipelago of three small islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air located just off the northwest coast of Lombok.

You can reach Gili Island by public ferri or I suggest you go by fast boat from Bali or from lombok. There are not any cars or motorbikes allowed in all 3 Gili island you only can walk or ride bikes and cidomo ( a small house drawn carriage) that makes Gili islands pollution free.

Ride cimodo

Ride bicycle in G Trawangan

4. Lombok

An island east of bali Almost as big as Bali, but less famous than its neighbor so that many places on lombok are still untouched. Mount Rinjani, The second highest volcano is definitely one of the highlights of Lombok,  Beautiful beaches and waterfalls are some reasons you should visit Lombok.

Private Beach in Lombok

Snorkling in blue water

5. Jakarta

One of the world’s greatest megalopolises Jakarta Is the capital city of Indonesia, at first sight it can appear to be a chaotic, crowded but Jakarta offers you historical sites such as Monas & Jakarta old town,  cultural attraction and  if you like to shopping Jakarta is the best place for you, from cheap to fancy stuff there are at least 150 gigantic shopping malls scattered throughout Jakarta.

Traffic Jam in hectic time ( Source : Google)

The famous Bundaran Indonesia, Jakarta (Source : Google)

Little secret that you need to know before visit Indonesia :

• You pay nothing for visa to visit Indonesia, so anytime you decide to visit… book your flight and fly!! And ticket round trip to Indonesia is cheaper rather than Indonesia to USA.
• Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is local currency, $ 1 = -+ 13,000 IDR.
• Indonesian cuisine, one of the most vibrant & colorful cuisine in the world. Some authentic Indonesia food is too spicy for foreigner, eg: Nasi Padang
  

  Nasi Padang ( Source : Google)

   

  

  Nasi goreng (Source Google)

   

  

  Sate Ayam ( Source Google )

• Indonesian are friendly & welcoming people with big smile and they call you “Bule” (white foreigner).
• Do you know that Obama had lived in Jakarta for several years? Yes, that made some Indonesian proud!

Next blog I will share more detail why you should visit my 5 TOP recommend to visit in Indonesia, hope you enjoy reading!