Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of over 17,000 islands. It is part of Southeast Asia with over 250 million in population count, making it the 4th highly populated country in the world. Since the 7th century, Indonesia has relied on the trade industry to sustain its economy and continue to do so until today. For three and a half centuries Indonesia was ruled by the Dutch but they gained their national independence after World War II. Today, travel to Indonesia is in demand with a lot of tourists exploring Bali and several other famous tourist destinations that the country has to offer.
Due to the size of the nation, with thousands of islands, they have a pretty diverse but distinctive cultural and ethnic groups. Indonesia shares land and maritime borders with several other countries within the Southeast Asian region.
Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia. With a population of over 9 million, this is one of the most densely populated cities in the country.
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
Official Language: Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia.
WiFi Availability: You can easily access WiFi in various parts of Jakarta. However, most WiFi connections are DSL and can be relatively slow.
Airport/s: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Java is the hub for international flights that travel to Indonesia.
Visa Required: There are certain nationalities that can travel to Indonesia that require only a valid passport and there are others that require visa. The length of stay will also vary. Check with your local Indonesian embassies for visa requirements.
Driving: In Indonesia, a former British colony, you must drive on the left hand side of the road.
International Driver’s License Accepted? You can use your foreign issued or international driver’s license in Indonesia.
Crime: Despite the rising trend in crime rate in Indonesia over the last few years, the crime rate remains to be lower than most other large countries.
Electrical Adapters: A few years ago, Indonesia’s electrical outlets were powered by 110 volts. Today, they are now at 220 volts. They also use the continental Europe type of plug.
Trivia: DID YOU KNOW that there are over 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia? More than half of these islands are too remote that they haven’t even been named yet!
Indonesian Cuisine
The food culture in Indonesia is quite similar to other Southeast Asian cuisines as far as staples are concerned. Rice is a staple among all classes in Indonesia. In fact, it holds a special place in the Indonesian culture. It is served both as savory and sweet dish in the country. Another staple in Indonesian cuisine is wheat. It is a plant grown in Indonesia and has been introduced into the local cuisine through foreign influence.
A few other staples in the Indonesian cuisine include starchy root tubers such as potato, taro, cassava, and yam. There are also a number of leafy vegetables that are commonly used in most Indonesian dishes such as spinach, papaya, and cassava leaves.
Travel to Indonesia: Historical and Cultural Sites
Bodorbudur Temple is an icon in Indonesia. This Buddhist temple is located in Central Java standing in over 2,500 square meters of land area. It is built on three tiers, which is used to symbolize the super-imposing spheres of Buddhist cosmology. There are several tours taken to this temple but the most popular ones are during sunrise because it offers optimal lighting to appreciate and experience this majestic temple. This temple is also one of the most coveted spots for tourists who travel to Indonesia.
The Prambanan Temple is another popular historic and cultural site among the visitors that travel to Indonesia. This temple is also located in Central Java, which was first built during the 9th century. The three giant structures pay homage to the Hindu divinities: Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.
Ubud Temple in Bali is one of the major cultural and historical spots. It features a stunning botanical garden, the inspiring Ubud Palace, and several other tourist destinations.
Travel Resources
- Things Not to Miss in Indoesia
- Indonesia’s real-life Robinson Crusoes
- Yogyakarta: the beating heart of Javanese culture
- 48 Hours with Orangutans In Borneo
Where I’ve Been to in Indonesia
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Indonesia
- Bodobudur Temple
- Cultural Landscape of Bali Province
- Sangiran Early Man Site
- Prambanan Temple Compounds
- Raja Ampat Liveaboard: Best Budget & Luxury Reviews