Things To Do
People/Culture/History
The world’s fourth most populous country is a sultry kaleidoscope draped along the equator for 5000km. From Sumatra's western tip to Papua's eastern edge, Indonesia defies homogenisation. It's a land of so many cultures, peoples, animals, customs, plants, sights, artworks and foods that it's like 100 countries melded into one.The people are as radically different from each other as if they came from different continents, with every island a unique blend of the people who live there.
Trip Ideas for Indonesia
A good holiday starts from the moment you plan it. Thus, to enjoy the wonderful Indonesia, the best things is to prepare for the good or less good situation during the holiday. Although it is safe and sound to explore the beauty of Indonesia tourism spots, it doesn't hurt to know some info & tips when you visit particular places. Here, we have tons of useful information you can use. Just go for it and try!
Yogyakarta - Indeed off the beaten tracks...
If Jakarta is Java’s financial and industrial powerhouse, Yogyakarta is its soul. Central to the island’s artistic and intellectual heritage, Yogyakarta (pronounced ‘Jogjakarta’ and called Yogya, 'Jogja', for short), is where the Javanese language is at its purest, the arts at their brightest and its traditions at their most visible.
Organize a Private Tour with a local guide
Check Tripadvisor for some inspiration. It's probably best to appraoch an uber driver and ask for his/her daily rate to take you around town - price should be A LOT cheaper than tours found online - however, if you want to be on the safe side and also seek a more knowledgable and English speaking guide, you'll find plenty of vendors here. Visit the most iconic spots in Jakarta from the old town to the national museum and monument, learn about the history and the culture on this memorable full-day private tour.
Experience 5 Wonders
Indonesia is a huge nation comprised of hundreds of cultures derived from local regions, making it one of the most diverse countries in the world. Explore the unique culture and heritage of each region in Indonesia!
Eat Jakarta Street Food!
Jakarta is foodie heaven! We have many fine dining places, but nothing beats its street food! Some of my favourite food to eat is Satay (Grilled chicken or lamb in sweet peanut sauce), Nasi Goreng (fried rice w/ meats/veggies), Gado-Gado (veggie salad w/ peanut sauce). Food can get quite spicy so be sure to indicate that you don't want any spice by saying "Tidak Pedas" or No Spicy! You can find various tours on Tripadvisor that will take you to some of the best street food in a small group. Or if you prefer, you can also find street food in food courts.
Thousand Islands, right outside Jakarta
“Kepulauan Seribu” literally meaning: the Thousand Islands, yes, the same as the popular dressing we put on salads! Here, in fact, this is the name given to the many tropical islands scattered in the Bay of Jakarta. This cluster of islands forms a splendid nautical getaway that ranges from a mere half hour to a three hours’ boat ride from the north coast of the capital city.
Pasar Baru, Jakarta's oldest market
Dating back to 1820, Pasar Baru is the oldest market in Jakarta. The pedestrian-only shopping area is filled with vendors hawking fabrics, vintage cameras and fresh flowers. It is also home to a diverse mix of Javanese, Indian and Chinese so it’s the perfect place to go to sample all sorts of amazing Indonesian street foods. I went here on a Sunday. It was packed with Indonesians and there was no shortage of street food. A word to the wise…do not eat before you go here.
Jakarta’s Chinatown: Glodok
The chaotic and maze-like market is made up of narrow alleyways lined with food carts, temples and hawker stalls, selling everything from incense to electronics to traditional snacks. I’m a big fan of wandering around markets – finding weird trinkets, sampling unique foods and doing some good ol’ people watching. And Glodok is the perfect place to do just that.
National Museum
The National Museum is the best of its kind in Indonesia and an essential visit. The enormous collection begins around an open courtyard of the 1862 building which is stacked with magnificent millennia-old statuary including a colossal 4.5m stone image of a Bhairawa king from Rambahan in Sumatra, who is shown trampling on human skulls.
The Lonely Planet's Top Tips
Read through the Lonely Planet's top recommendation for Indonesia. In their own words, "a journey of flavors" as Indonesia's numbers astound: more than 17,000 islands, of which 8000 are inhabited, and over 300 languages spoken across them. It's a beguiling country offering myriad adventures.