If culture, volcanoes, islands, stunning beaches and parties are your thing, then Indonesia will definitely appeal.
You just might not know it yet. It’s an archipelago of islands, with new cultures, food and experiences every time you switch islands. You’ve got Bali, that gorgeous Hindu beast with perfect beaches and smiling faces.
Then there’s Java with Yogyakarta’s temples and, yes, more volcanoes. Over the waves there’s Lombok and it’s neighbouring slices of paradise, the Gilis. You can climb Mt Batur for sunrise, wander through rice paddies in Ubud and get a massage or ten in Sanur.
You can camp on the slopes of Sengiggi, snorkel reefs and walk through villages where traditional Islamic life is every day life. If we had to sum up Indonesia in three words it would be: seafood, sunsets and so many surprises (six is the new three).
1. Smokin’ Hot
There are over 150 volcanoes in Indonesia. 127 of them are active.
2. Big Stuff
There are around 17,500 islands in Indonesia taking up almost the same space as the United States. There are lots of trips to Bali which is one of the main tourism hotspots.
3. Fence-Sitter
Indonesia sits on both sides of the equator. We don’t know which way the water flows.
4. It’s Islamic, Sometimes
Indonesia has six recognized religions, but the largest Muslim population in the world. This is one of the best travel destinations for muslim travellers, as well as attracting millions of non-muslims every year too.
5. Coffee Capers
Kopi Luwak is from here. Coffee beans that are eaten by civets and…ummm… digested before being brewed. Delicacy, apparently.
6. Big Flowers
The world’s largest flower, the corpse flower (not its latin name) is found in Indonesia jungles.
7. Unity In Diversity
Is Indonesia’s national motto. Now that’s some good warm fuzzies right there.
8. Nutmeg
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest suppliers of nutmeg. It’s used in cooking, as medicine and as a hallucinogen. Just sayin’.
9. Real Dragons
Seventy kilogram Komodo Dragons are alive and well in some parts of Indonesia.
10. Naming Rights
Balinese are named according to their birth order. The first is Wayan, the fourth is Ketut and if you are the fifth, it goes back to Wayan.
Whether you want to go backpacking or plan a gap year in South East Asia, Indonesia really needs to be visited. Plan a trip today.