Indonesia
Indonesia
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Java Island allows you to see a whole different side of Indonesia and what the country is usually portrayed as. The capital island usually has fewer tourists compared to Bali island, which makes for a very immersive experience when you find yourself in the country. When I flew to Jakarta, I decided to stay there for 2 days before starting my trip across the islands. I took a train that was stopping at many different locations, which allowed me to hop off for some time along the way. It took about a week or so to make my way over to Bali. I was following along with the map on my phone and decided where I wanted to spend more time, often booking my hostels on the go. Most of the area and towns surrounding the volcanoes or fields are very remote and off the grid, which makes it very interesting, you can feel how different the energy and way of life is compared to more touristy islands.
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I have been to Bali twice, and both of my experiences were very similar because that is pretty much what you get in Bali. Incredibly touristy, very crowded and not as much local life as other less popular islands. If your goal is to meet a foreign handsome guy, if you want to have fun and party, if you want to learn to surf, Bali is your spot. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture, hang out with locals and eat typical indonesian food, maybe try a different island. By saying this I am in no way saying that Bali doesn't have any of the above, but I am just saying that it is not as obviously authentic as more remote Indonesian Islands.
I had the most fun in Bali when I wanted to meet people, be silly and lounge on the beach. The nightlife is amazing and the locals are very used to tourists, so the place is very safe. I loved going to Bali and being able to make an opinion for myself rather than hearing everyone talk about it.
Bali is exactly like the pictures, with amazing beaches and clear blue water. The sun is warm and everyone is happy, loving life. You eat great and party heaps. However one thing everyone is surprised by when they get is the amount of plastic waste that can be found be found on the beaches. Not all of them but most will have considerable litter on them. If you prepare for this, maybe you will be less shocked than I was when I first arrived.
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When I went to Lombok, I was expecting to spend about 2 weeks there. We were going on a month-long trip from Australia to Indonesia, to meet with a friend that was travelling from England. The day before we were supposed to fly back to Australia from Lombok, Covid 19 happened and most of the countries immediately closed their borders, Australia included. Shortly after, the island declared a state of emergency so no one was allowed to leave the island they were currently on. No ferries were running, no ports were open and everyone was keeping to themselves. Therefore, all the tourists that had decided to stay despite the situation were like minded people. People that thought being stuck on an island was better than being home. People who wanted to experience the real local way of life. People who weren't scared of the unknown and enjoyed dealing with the expected. A time of worldwide crisis turned into incredible core memories shared with friends who turned into families. Locals were happy to still have some business near them and to have some tourists shopping and supporting their business. Beaches were empty, waves were deserted and restaurants had no wait lines. We had the whole island to ourselves. A massive island. A beautiful island. A foreign island. We spent our days surfing, playing in the water, hiking volcanoes, spending hours in the local warung playing cards, getting to learn Bahasa with locals who were patient enough to teach us. Lombok is a magnificent island, full of life and the authentic Indonesian way of life. Chickens running in the street, kids playing in the rice fields, barefoot. Kids running after you and braiding your hair. Everyone eating together watching the sunset. No words could ever do Lombok any justice. ‘
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The culture of Indonesia is also diverse, influenced by various factors such as religion, geography, and history. The majority of Indonesians practice Islam, which has a significant impact on the country's culture, customs, and traditions. However, there are also sizable Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist communities in Indonesia, and their respective beliefs and practices are also reflected in the country's culture.
Indonesia is also known for its rich and diverse cuisine, which varies from region to region. Each region has its own unique dishes and cooking styles, reflecting the local ingredients and culinary traditions.
Indonesia is a country with diverse cultures and languages. It is home to over 300 ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and language. Indonesian is widely spoken and understood throughout the country, and it is the language of government, education, and business.
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