Indonesia

...

An archipelago that consists of more than 17.000 different islands and reaches from East Asia all the way across to Oceania. Unique in every aspect and home to some of the greatest naturalwonders in the world. Due to its position along the ancient Silk Route, Indonesian culture has been shaped by centuries of interaction between indigenous customs and foreign influences.

CURRENCY

Indonesian Rupiah

LANGUAGE

Bahasa Indonesia

CAPITAL

Jakarta

The islands of Indonesia are sometimes described as a kaleidoscope: a land of so many cultures and mesmerizing diversity in landscapes that it takes more than a lifetime to explore. With a huge diversity of adventures and sights to choose from, Indonesia suits almost every type of traveler. Every island feels like a world apart. The climates range from tropical rainforests to savanna landscapes.

There are many mountains and volcanoes all over the archipelago. The largest islands are Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), Sulawesi, and the Indonesian part of New Guinea (known as Papua or Irian Jaya). The islands are mountainous with dense rain forests, and some have active volcanoes. Most of the smaller islands belong to larger groups, like the Moluccas (Spice Islands).

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

GENERALLY SAFE? YES.

According to the Global Safety Index, Indonesia is generally a safe country to visit. However, like any country, there are some areas that are safer than others and it is always a good idea to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

In terms of natural disasters, Indonesia is located in a seismically active region and is prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. It is important to be prepared for these types of events and to follow the guidance of local authorities if you are in an affected area.

Pickpocketing and petty theft are relatively common in Indonesia, especially in crowded areas such as markets and tourist attractions. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.

Overall, Indonesia is a friendly and welcoming country, and the vast majority of visitors experience no problems during their stay. It is always a good idea to be vigilant and to follow common sense safety precautions, such as not walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and being aware of your surroundings.

BAHASA INDONESIAN

Indonesia is a linguistically diverse country, with more than 700 languages spoken across its islands. The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesian, which is a standardized form of Malay. Indonesian is spoken as a first language by the majority of people in Indonesia and is used as a lingua franca throughout the country.

In addition to Indonesian, there are many regional languages spoken in Indonesia, including Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese. These languages are spoken by the majority of people in their respective regions and are often used in local media and education.

English is also spoken by many people in Indonesia, particularly in urban areas and in the tourism industry. It is not an official language of the country, but it is widely used as a second language and is taught in schools.

Overall, Indonesia is a multilingual country, with a rich linguistic heritage. The use of Indonesian as a common language has helped to promote national unity and to facilitate communication between people from different regions and linguistic backgrounds. The older generation still understands and speaks some Dutch due to the Dutch colonial influences.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation types vary per island group due to differences in landscapes, economic progress and remoteness of towns and sights.

Below the main modes of transport are listed per island.

UBER IN INDONESIA

Uber is not an active company in Indonesia. However, there are a few alternatives that work just as well. These are called GRAB and GOJEK. Download the app and connect your payment method. Gojek also offers a cash payment potion which works well. Keep in mind that most drivers are used to digital payments and may not have small change.

TERMS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL

OJEK, those motorcycle taxis you'll find all around Indonesia, are a popular choice for maneuvering through challenging terrains and bypassing traffic jams. While they offer a quick ride, it's essential to be aware of the safety considerations compared to other transportation options. Inexpensive

ANGKOT, short for "angkutan kota" or city transportation, refers to converted vans transformed into open-air minibuses, widely utilized throughout Indonesia. These vehicles are a popular choice among locals for daily commuting. Inexpensive

BENDI & DOKAR, traditional horse and carts, continue to be prevalent across the island, often dependent on the tourist trade for their livelihood. The cost of a one-way ride can vary, typically falling between 40,000 and 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately $2.75-10.35). It's advisable to be prepared for some serious haggling before embarking on a ride. Moderate

BECAK & BETOR, Becak (bicycles) and betor (motorbikes) represent three-wheeled transportation with sidecars and serve as practical taxi choices for shorter distances. Negotiating the fare is common practice, so be prepared to haggle before hopping onto a becak. Moderate

BUDGET / BACKPACKER

Backpacking can start as inexpensive as 25 - 50 euros per person per day, including accommodation, transport, food and tours. In IDR, this amounts to about 425.000 - 850.000 IDR

The average daily spend / daybudget of a traveler in Indonesia varies depending on the type of traveler you are

AVERAGE TRAVELER

The mid-range traveler's costs go up to about 65 euros a day on average. This allows you to stay in private rooms, and dine in restaurants most of the days. This is around 1.100.000 IDR.

LUXURY TRAVELER

Luxury travelers can rent more expensive hotel rooms or villas,eat more Western food and spend more on activities or private drivers. This will increase your daily budget to about 100 - 140 euros and 2.000.000 + IDR.

PREDOMINANTLY ISLAMIC

Indonesia is a diverse and predominantly Muslim country, but there is also a significant minority of people who practice other religions, including Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Freedom of religion is protected by the Indonesian constitution and people are generally free to practice their religion of choice. However, there have been some instances of religious tensions and violence in the country, particularly between different religious groups. Moreover, every person in Indonesia must indicate their religion in their passport or identification document, and atheism is so far not an option.

The government of Indonesia is committed to promoting religious tolerance and has taken steps to address religious tensions, including through education and dialogue. However, it is always a good idea to be respectful of the customs and beliefs of others when visiting Indonesia or any other country.

The people of Indonesia seem to overall accept others' religions, and often tell tourists that "Humanity is the best religion".

ATMs are widely available in Indonesia and can be found in most cities, towns, and tourist areas. They are generally safe to use, although it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to protect your personal information when using an ATM.

Using an ATM in Indonesia is generally straightforward. You can use a debit or credit card from most major banks to withdraw cash from an ATM, although some banks may charge additional fees for this service. In addition to standard ATM fees, some banks in Indonesia may also charge fees for using an ATM that is not affiliated with that bank. It is a good idea to check with your bank before you travel to find out about any fees that may be applicable. You can consider using another type of bank such as Revolut or Wise to lower the fees.

On the island group Raja Ampat, no ATMs can be found. Make sure to bring enough cash to remote places.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Most people go between April and October, which is dry season on most islands.

Here's a breakdown of the different regions and their ideal times to visit:

Bali and Java: The dry season from May to September is generally considered the best time to visit these popular tourist destinations. The weather is sunny and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities, beach visits, and exploring cultural sites.
Sumatra and Borneo: These regions also have a dry season from May to September, which is preferable for wildlife spotting, trekking, and exploring national parks. However, parts of Sumatra may have occasional rain throughout the year, so it's good to check specific locations.
Komodo and Flores: The dry season from April to December is the most suitable time to visit these islands. You can witness the famous Komodo dragons and enjoy snorkeling or diving in the clear waters during this period.
Sulawesi and Maluku Islands: These regions have a more unpredictable climate, but the dry season from May to October is generally recommended for exploring their stunning landscapes, diving spots, and cultural attractions.
Papua and West Papua: The best time to visit these eastern provinces is during the dry season from October to March when the weather is relatively drier and suitable for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

CUSTOMS

Indonesia is a culturally diverse country with hundreds of ethnic groups and languages, which means that traditional customs can vary significantly from one region to another. However, there are some common customs and cultural practices that are observed throughout the country:

Respect for Elders: In Indonesian culture, respect for elders is paramount. Younger people are expected to show deference to their elders through gestures like bowing their heads or touching their foreheads to the hands of the elderly.
Greetings: A common traditional greeting in Indonesia is the "salim" or "salam," which involves placing one's hands together in a prayer-like position and bowing slightly. A simple handshake is also common, especially in more urban areas. In the morning you'll hear a lot of "Pagi!" which is short for Selamat Pagi, meaning Good morning.
Hospitality: Indonesians are known for their warm hospitality. Guests are often treated with great respect and offered refreshments or food when visiting someone's home.
Religious Customs: Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, and Islamic customs play a significant role in daily life. Practices such as daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and observing Islamic holidays are widespread. However, other religions, such as Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, are also practiced in Indonesia, and they of course have their own customs.
Traditional Clothing: Indonesians often wear traditional clothing on special occasions. For example, the "kebaya" is a traditional blouse worn by women, often paired with a "sarong" or "batik" skirt. Men might wear "batik" shirts or traditional attire like the "koko shirt" with "sarong."
Community and Collective Decision-Making: Many Indonesian societies are communal, and decisions are often made collectively within the community or family. Elders and community leaders play a significant role in guiding decisions.
Ceremonies and Rituals: Indonesia is rich in cultural rituals and ceremonies. Birth, marriage, and death ceremonies are particularly important and vary among ethnic groups. These ceremonies often involve traditional music, dance, and offerings.
Wayang Kulit: Traditional shadow puppetry is a cultural treasure in Indonesia. The "wayang kulit" performances, which often depict ancient epics and stories, are accompanied by live gamelan music.
Traditional Dance and Music: Each region in Indonesia has its own traditional dances and music styles. Popular examples include the Javanese "kuda lumping" dance and the Balinese "kecak" dance.
Offerings and Rituals: Daily offerings to the spirits or gods, known as "sesajen," are common in many Indonesian cultures. These offerings are made from rice, flowers, incense, and other items and are placed in temples or in front of homes.
Indonesian Cuisine: Sharing meals is a significant part of Indonesian culture. It is common for families and friends to eat together, and food is often prepared with care and love.

Indonesia has made significant progress in promoting gender equality in recent years, but there are still some issues that need to be addressed. Women in Indonesia have the same legal rights as men, and there are laws in place to protect women from discrimination and violence. However, cultural and social norms can sometimes limit the ability of women to fully participate in all aspects of society.

For example, women in Indonesia are often underrepresented in leadership positions, both in the public and private sectors. In addition, the gender pay gap persists, with women earning less than men for doing the same job.

There are also issues related to reproductive health and family planning, as well as violence against women, which remain major challenges. However, there are efforts underway to address these issues and to promote gender equality in Indonesia.

Last December (2022), Indonesia passed a new law that prohibits extra-marital sexual relations or living together with anyone other than your spouse.

FOOD

Indonesia is a diverse and culturally rich country with a wide variety of traditional food dishes that vary from region to region. Some of the most popular traditional dishes from Indonesia include:

Nasi Goreng: This is Indonesia's version of fried rice and is often served with a fried egg on top. It can include a variety of ingredients like vegetables, chicken, prawns, or even goat meat.
Nasi Padang: Hailing from the Padang region of Sumatra, this meal features steamed rice served with an array of dishes, including rendang (a slow-cooked beef dish), sambal (spicy chili sauce), and various curries.
Rendang: A rich and tender coconut beef stew that's explosively flavorful. It's often considered one of the world's most delicious dishes.
Nasi Uduk: A Javanese dish of steamed rice cooked with coconut milk, served with a variety of side dishes such as fried chicken, peanuts, fried-shallots, and sambal.
Sate (Satay): Skewered and grilled meat, usually served with a peanut sauce and rice cakes. Chicken and beef are common choices.
Gado-Gado: A vegetable salad served with a peanut sauce dressing. It often includes ingredients like boiled eggs, tofu, and shrimp crackers.
Nasi Kuning: Yellow rice, typically served with a variety of side dishes, including fried chicken, omelet, and fried-shrimp krupuk.
Mie Goreng: Fried noodles stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of meat or seafood, often served with a sweet soy sauce.
Bakso: Indonesian meatball soup, usually made from beef, served with noodles and a flavorful broth.
Soto: A traditional Indonesian soup, often made with chicken, beef, or mutton, and flavored with turmeric. It's typically served with rice and a variety of toppings.
Rujak: A spicy fruit salad, combining various tropical fruits with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce.
Nasi Tumpeng: A cone-shaped rice dish often served during special occasions and celebrations. It symbolizes good fortune and is accompanied by various side dishes.
Pisang Goreng: Deep-fried bananas or plantains, often coated in a crispy batter.
Ayam Goreng: Indonesian-style fried chicken, typically marinated in a mixture of turmeric and other spices before frying.
Lumpia: Spring rolls filled with vegetables, shrimp, or chicken, often served with a sweet chili sauce.
Kerak Telor: A Betawi dish made from glutinous rice cooked with coconut and served with a crispy omelet on top.
Sambal: A spicy chili sauce or condiment that is a staple in Indonesian cuisine and comes in many regional variations.

RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS

When traveling to Indonesia, keep in mind there may be different diseases than where you come from. Recommended vaccinations are:

DTaP (Diphteria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
Hepatitis A

Some areas, for example in the Northern part of Sumatra, also are affected by the Malaria disease. Check your itinerary before traveling and contact your local instance to get advice on medicine. On top of that, most travelers are advised to also take

Yellow Fever
Rabies
Hepatitis B

WATER

When visiting Indonesia, it is advisable to rely on bottled or gallon water for drinking purposes. The local population typically does not consume tap water directly, which means that there may not be strict quality standards imposed by the government or regulators. However, there is no need to be overly concerned as tap water is safe for general use, such as showering and cooking. If you prefer to drink tap water, you can boil it beforehand to ensure its safety. Also keep an eye on ice cubes as some vendors make these from tap water. Usually, ice cubes that have holes in the middle are more trustworthy as they are often manufactured in factories. If they look homemade, ask if the water was boiled before or ask for a drink without ice cubes.

STREET FOOD

Indonesia is renowned for its vibrant street food culture, and one of the popular delights that locals adore is the assortment of fritters, known as "gorengan." These delectable treats come in various forms, such as fried bananas, yam, tofu, and more. However, before indulging in a handful of these tempting snacks available at affordable prices, it's essential to pay attention to certain aspects, particularly the frying process. Many street vendors tend to reheat their frying oil repeatedly, pushing it to the point where it becomes alarmingly thick and murky in appearance. Unfortunately, this practice can have potential health implications, specifically increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

HAND GESTURES

There are several hand gestures that can be considered impolite or offensive in Indonesia, as in many other cultures. It's essential to be aware of these gestures to avoid causing unintentional offense while in the country. Here are a few hand gestures that you should avoid:

The Left Hand: In Indonesian culture, the left hand is traditionally considered impolite because it is associated with tasks such as cleaning oneself after using the toilet. Therefore, it is best to use your right hand for activities like handshakes, giving and receiving objects, and gesturing.
Pointing with the Index Finger: Pointing directly at someone with your index finger is considered impolite and can be seen as confrontational. Instead, it's more respectful to use your thumb or your entire hand to point at something or someone.
Showing the Sole of Your Foot: Just like in many other Asian cultures, showing the sole of your foot to someone, especially an elder or authority figure, is considered disrespectful. Avoid sitting with your legs outstretched or pointing your feet at someone.
Thumbs Up: While the thumbs-up gesture is generally positive in many Western cultures, it can have a different meaning in Indonesia. In some parts of the country, including Java and Bali, a thumbs-up can be interpreted as rude or even offensive.
Using Your Feet for anything other than walking: Touching objects or people with your feet is considered disrespectful. Avoid using your feet to point at things, push objects, or touch others.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
(dates 2023)

18 Feb

22 - 23 Mar

7 Apr

19 - 25 Apr

1 May

18 May

1 Jun

2 Jun

30 Jun

19 Jul

17 Aug

28 Sep

25 - 26 Dec

Isra Mi'raj

Bali Hindu New Year

Good Friday

Lebaran

Labour Day

Ascension Day

Pancasila Day

Waisak Day

Idul Adha

Islamic New Year

Independence Day

Muhammad's Bday

Christmas

On the 27th day of Rajab, the 7th month in the Islamic Calendar, Indonesia celebrates the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad

Celebrated on the first day of the Saka lunar calendar (and often lasting multiple days), the festivities focus on silence and self-reflection

Only 10% of the country is Catholic but Good Friday is a public holiday. The rest of Easter is celebrated by most catholics.

An Indonesian holiday marking the end of Ramadan. It is a festive period when Indonesians gather and celebrate Hari Raya Idul Fitri.

A day dedicated to the workers' contribution to the Indonesian economy

A Catholic holiday celebrating the moment Jezus went to heaven

A newly declared public holiday celebrating the Indonesian independence from colonialism.

The life, death, and enlightenment of Buddha are celebrated on this day every year

An Islamic holiday known as the Day of Sacrifice. Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month on the Hijrah calendar

In Indonesian, Islamic New Year is known as Muharram

Celebration of the foundation of Indonesia as an independent nation. It is also referred to as Hari Merdeka.

Also known as Maulid Nabi, this is a public holiday celebrated mainly by Islamic people

Like in the rest of the world, Christmas is celebrated on the 25th and 26th every year.

Bali

Rice fields on Bali, Indonesia

Manta ray Bali

A hindu temple on Bali, Indonesia

Rice fields on Bali, Indonesia

1/6

Bali. While there is much to see and do on this island, ranging from diving and surfing to sightseeing ancient temples, most people come here to relax in the sun with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other. The island's rich culture and nature is often underestimated by people booking their resort getaway, shocking people in a very positive way when they arrive on the island.

From its unending idyllic beaches, captivating spiritual energy, terraced rice fields, and exotic sunsets, there is so much more to see and do than merely sunbathing in this tropical paradise. Experience surfing, yoga, meditation, trekking, delicious food or amazing nightlife. Certain areas of Bali have been influenced extremely by tourism, with hubs of insta-worthy cafes, hip bars, and vegan restaurants. Other areas are still quite remote, maintaining their uniquely Balinese beauty and charm.

BAHASA INDONESIA & BALINESE

Next to Bahasa Indonesian, the Balinese dialect is a language in itself. Your usual "Terimah Kasi" (thank you) changes into "Suksumo"

The language is not only spoken here, but also on parts of the neighbouring islands such as Eastern Java, Northern Nusa Penida, Western Lombok and Sulawesi.

Most people on Bali are thought English in middle and high school and you will find it very easy to communicate in English on this island (especially compared to other islands).

SCOOTERS

Although the government has implemented a new law that forbids tourists to rent scooters, it's still the most used mode of transport on Bali.

TAXIS

Many taxi drivers have had a rough time during covid and are struggling in their competition with big companies like Viator. If you Google or ask around a bit there are many private chauffeurs who will drive you from point A to point B for about 40 euros total and will also stop at 3 sights of your choice.

It's in my opinion always best to work with locals as much as possible

FAMOUS SIGHTS

There is so much to do on Bali that making lists is not sufficient. Here are some examples that are loved on this beautiful island:

Tanah Lot Temple: A picturesque sea temple perched on a rock formation, offering breathtaking sunset views.
Ubud Monkey Forest: A natural sanctuary and temple complex in Ubud where you can observe playful long-tailed macaques.
Uluwatu Temple: Another clifftop temple with stunning ocean views, known for its traditional Kecak dance performances.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Beautiful and iconic terraced rice fields in the Tegallalang village, perfect for scenic walks and photography.

Sumatra

Getting around Sumatra boils down to a choice between going cheap or going fast – you can’t really have both. Thanks to the island's massive size and not-so-great highway system, planning a Sumatra-only trip can be a bit of a puzzle.

TAXIS

Sumatra is more rugged than most of the other islands of Indonesia. Because of this, a lot of visitors opt for a taxi. Car rental is also an option but be prepared for bad roads and to challenge your dodging potholes skills.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Buses take the lead when it comes to intercity travel in Sumatra, particularly in North Sumatra, where popular destinations like Medan, Bukit Lawang, and Lake Toba are closely clustered. For the rest of Sumatra, brace yourself for some long-haul vibes and less-than-stellar roads between cities – a solid five hours bumping along cratered jungle roads is pretty standard. Not for you? Take to the sky and use planes to move through Sumatra.

RELIGION

Islam is the predominant religion on the island of Sumatra. Aceh, a special region located at the northern tip of Sumatra, has gained attention for its strict interpretation and implementation of Islamic law, known as Sharia. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia where Sharia law is officially applied, and it has a distinctive Islamic cultural and legal environment. This implementation of Sharia law in Aceh is a result of a special autonomy agreement granted to the province.

Sumatra, Indonesia’s - apart from Benggala Island - Westernmost and biggest island. Its size is not only large compared to other Indonesian islands, but Sumatra is also the sixth largest island in the world. The large cities of Medan and Palembang are not the main attractions, as most people skip these to spent more time in the amazing nature the island has to offer. The soil on Sumatra is very fertile, the nature here is phenomenal and the over 130 volcanoes are also fully active here. The Barisan Mountains run right across the island, covering almost the complete Western coast. The lowlands have a number of wetlands, but you will also find tropical rainforests here. The island is home to many hidden gems, from the rolling tea plantations of Gayo Lues to the traditional villages of the Batak people. Sumatra is one of the best places in Indonesia, and also one of the few, where you can still spot orangutans in the wild.

The Gunung Leuser National Park is not only one of the last places to spot orangutans, but is also home to leopards, rhinos, over 300 types of birds, tigers and elephants. This rich, yet vulnerable biosphere has been added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites as it is acknowledged as one of the most important places on earth when it comes to biological diversity. The 3381 meter high volcano, Leuser, dominates the landscape and is responsible for the name of the national park. Unfortunately, the Sumatran rainforest is under serious threat from illegal logging.

Orang utan in Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

Enormous tree in Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

Orang utan in Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

1/3

Flores

Flores Indonesia Komodo

1/1

Flores is the gateway to Komodo Island and one of Indonesia's top destinations. It's part of the alluring Lesser Sunda Islands archipelago and is the perfect destination for thrill seekers looking to get the real Indonesian feeling, off the beaten path. The island boasts some of the top dive sites in Indonesia and challenging hikes on active volcanoes.

The island harbors hidden treasures, from the enchanting tea plantations of the Gayo Lues region to the culturally rich traditional villages of the local communities. Unlike the bustling urban centers, these gems offer a glimpse into the island's authenticity and cultural heritage.

TAXIS

The further East you go in Indonesia, the more difficult it will become to find public transportation. As this is also the case on Flores, it is relatively common to rent a car or to hire a private driver

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

This doesn't mean that there are no public buses, but you will have to be flexible and should expect that the drive may take longer than you had hoped. Buses operate between the major cities, with stations located relatively far outside of these cities. The buses will only depart once all or most seats are filled. It's a really cheap mode of transport, but keep a lock on your luggage and expect to sit in cramped spots.

Java

SCOOTERS AND CARS

Within cities, the most used mode of transport are scooters. Cars will become more of a necessity when you do not stick to only one city. The distances between cities across the island are too big to comfortably drive them on a scooter.

TRAINS

There is a vast train network across the whole island of Java. These trains are reliable and there are a number of classes you can pick from. The luxury per class differs between the train companies.These are called:

- Bisnis (highest class with airconditioning and reclining seats)

- Eksekutif

- Ekonomi (budget-friendly, but if you travel at night I would recommend you to go for the Bisnis class)

ISLAMIC

The predominant religion on Java is Islam, and the island has one of the highest Muslim populations in the world. It makes up about 90% of the island.

OTHER RELIGIONS

Christianity: The Christian population, consisting of both Catholics and Protestants, makes up a minority on Java. It is estimated to be around 5% or less of the total population.
Hinduism: Hindu communities are primarily concentrated in Central Java, and their percentage is relatively small, estimated at around 1% or less.
Buddhism: Buddhism has a smaller presence on Java, with a percentage of the population estimated at less than 1%.
Confucianism: Confucianism is practiced by a very small percentage of the population, and its numbers are also estimated to be less than 1%.

FAMOUS SIGHTS ON JAVA

Some of the famous sights on Java are:

Borobudur: Borobudur is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prambanan: This UNESCO Hindu temple complex features towering stone spires and beautiful carvings.
Mount Bromo: Mount Bromo is an active volcano located in East Java. The surrounding Tengger Caldera is a surreal and stunning landscape.

How long should I spend on Java?

Java is a big island where there are some standard routes (like the one taking you from Jakarta to Banyuwangi), but there is so much natural and cultural wonder to discover that you could spend more than a month on this island alone.

In general, I would recommend you to take 2 weeks in your schedule to experience the most of this island. Have a look at this itinerary for example -->

HERE

The most important island of the country in terms of economy, and home to 55% of their population, Java is the hearth of the Indonesian nation. The culture of the Javanese has been intertwined with colonial - mainly Dutch - influences - which can be seen in cities such as Jakarta, and can be heard in daily language. Even though 80% of the island identifies as being Islamic, the people are very spiritual regardless of their beliefs and are open to anyone, living by the saying "the best religion is humanity".

The people live day by day and are very relaxed. You will most probably not leave the island without someone having said "I see you when I see you" or "We don't know what happens tomorrow" to you. With famous sights such as the Borobodur and Prambanan temples, enormous cities like Jakarta and Soerabaya, but also 6 active volcanoes Mount Ijen, the possibilities are endless.

Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls, Java, Indonesia, 2022, August, Analog photo

Cloud blanket on Mount Ijen, Java, Indonesia

Prambanan temples near Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia

Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls, Java, Indonesia, 2022, August, Analog photo

1/5

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or made public in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Icons created by Freepik - Flaticon

INDONESIA

...

CURRENCY

Indonesian Rupiah

LANGUAGE

Bahasa Indonesia

CAPITAL

Jakarta

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

GENERALLY SAFE? YES.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS (dates 2023)

Bali

SCOOTERS

TAXIS

Sumatra

TAXIS

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Flores

TAXIS

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Java

SCOOTERS AND CARS

TRAINS

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
(dates 2023)