Indonesia
Have you ever dreamt of a place with exotic islands, silvery sands stretching as far as the eye can see, transparent ocean waters beckoning you to dive into a fascinating world? Then you have surely dreamt of Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world. Indonesia consists of more than 17,500 islands out of which more than half may not be found on any map, for the simple reason that they are unnamed.
While the sheer natural beauty of Indonesia is awe inspiring, there are many more reasons why one must visit Indonesia and this includes its rich local cuisine, its vibrant culture, unique wildlife and biodiversity.
Here are 5 compelling reasons to pack your bags and take off to Indonesia now!
The Seductive Beaches
Indonesia boasts a coastline of 54,716 Kilometers and hence it is no wonder that it is home to some of the most serene and beautiful beaches in the world. Here you can just take off your shoes and walk on large stretches of silvery sands and gaze at the crystal waters of the ocean or you can discover the amazing underwater world by snorkeling and scuba diving. Some of the popular beaches are on the island of Bali and include Kuta, Seminyak and Jimbaran among others. Read Backstreet Nomad’s post about cruising along Komodo National Park here.
Borobudur
Borobudur is a UNESCO world heritage site which is situated in Central Java, Indonesia. It is supposed to be the largest Buddhist temple in the world and stands majestically against the backdrop of mountains as a paean in stone to the spirit of Buddhism. The temple is embellished by 2,672 reliefs and 504 Buddha statues.
It was constructed sometime in the 9th century and is a place of pilgrimage for the Buddhists who congregate there once a year to celebrate Vesak, a Buddhist festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of The Buddha. Another Indonesian island of Java known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage is Yogyakarta. Check out the things to do in Yogyakarta.
Komodo National Park
This park is a UNESCO world heritage site and consists of 29 islands including the Komodo island. The Park was instituted to protect the Komodo dragon, which is the world’s largest lizard. The waters around the island are rich in marine biodiversity and this has led to the Park being selected as one of the ” New 7 wonders of Nature”.
The Komodo dragon is the largest living species of Lizard known to mankind, some of them are known to grow up to a size of 10 feet and weigh 70 Kilograms. The Komodo National Park is the only place in the world where you will find this rare and exotic species of lizard.
Dances of Indonesia
The dances of Indonesia are a mirror of its rich diversity of culture and ethnicity. Indonesia is home to more than 700 ethnic groups and all these groups have their own dances which are in turn influenced by different regions and cultures over time. The richness and diversity is evident in over 3,000 original, colourful and vibrant dances of Indonesia.
The Saman dance from the Gayo ethnic group in Sumatra is one of the most popular and visually appealing dance forms from Indonesia. The perfect harmony and synchronization of the dancers and the speed of their movements combined with lively music makes the Saman Dance an unforgettable visual experience.
Food of Indonesia
The rich diversity of Indonesia can be found in the flavors and aromas of its cuisine too. The cuisine includes over 5,300 traditional recipes that have traveled down across generations, spanning the chasms of time. Indonesian cuisine varies across its regions and the influences of Indian, Chinese and Polynesian cuisines is evident. Java is the region where the cuisine is indigenous. The top dishes of Indonesia that you must taste while you are there are:
- Rendang, a spicy meat dish that is cooked and served during ceremonial occassions
- Nasi Goreng, Fried rice mixed with various spices and accompanied by ingredients like prawns, shrimp, chicken, eggs
- Satay is a dish made of skewered and grilled meat seasoned with spices and sauce
If these reasons have prompted you to pack your bags and head off to Indonesia, do check out the following information that I hope shall be useful.
Airports
Depending on where you want to head out to first you may chose your entry airport, check out this link for a list of the airports.
Flight and Hotel Booking
You can book your international flights and domestic Indonesian flights as well as Hotels on this link.
Best time to head to Indonesia
The best time to travel across Indonesia would be between May and September.
So are you ready to wake up from the realms of dreams and head to a real DREAM destination called Indonesia? After reading our fellow travel blogger – Janet’s post on 50 Unique Things To Do In Vietnam, we now plan to explore Vietnam.
Recommended read:
34 Amazing Southeast Asia Adventure Experiences.
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Oh man, Borobudur & Mt Rinjani are two Indonesian highlights I am still yet to get to (how amazing is Komodo National Park however?)
A great list that will hopefully inspire a few more visitors!
Just watch out for drunken Australian tourists on the island of Bali, especially round Kuta!!
Thank you Chris. 🙂
Indonesia is an absolute dream, I’ve been there and loved it but haven’t been to the Komodo National Park before- I’ll make it a point to head there the next time I go!
It is indeed a dream destination. 🙂
I definitely want to go to Indonesia. I’d go for the beaches but stay for the food! Looks yummy.
Yes, you should plan to go. Thank you. 🙂
I have never been to Indonesia, but it’s definitely on my list.
The pictures are beautiful and the info is really helpful.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
Cristina
Yes, you should plan a visit. Thank you. 🙂
Oh man Komodo National Park <3 – I really have to get back to Indonesia – what a country!
Yes, it is amazing! Thank you. 🙂
I love Indonesia but have not been in several years. Your post makes me long to return! I miss the beaches and the food!
Oh that is lovely. Thank you. 🙂
I’ve not yet been to Indonesia, but your post certainly makes me want to go there. what amazing photos you have shared with us!
Thank you Doreen. 🙂 Maybe you should plan a visit.
Wow ! Indonesia sounds amazing. I’d love to visit Borobudur!
Yes is is amazing! Thank you. 🙂
Looks like really interessting places to go. Maybe some day? I must admit there are many places that I want to explore before going to Indonesia. For one thing I presume it is a bit too hot for my taste 🙂
Yes, I agree, there is so much in this world to see. 🙂
Wow Indonesia sounds like a paradise and a perfect destination. With beaches, culture and good food this one needs to go on my list.
Yes, it is a perfect destination with a mix of all great things. Thank you. 🙂
We are heading to Indonesia next! We have bookmarked this page to help us with planning.
Wow! that is awesome. Enjoy your trip. Thank you. 🙂
Borobudur also looks amazing with those temples there. I would love to spend a month travelling around Indonesia.
Yes, one month would be a great idea and you will get to see the beautiful places in detail. 🙂
Indonesia seems like a great mix between lovely landscapes and interesting culture. Would definitely love to visit the temples!
Yes, it is a mix of all wonderful things. Thank you. 🙂
I just came back from my visit to Bali, Lombok and Gili Trawangan in Indonesia. It is a phenomenal place with really adorable people. You covered all elements really well.
Great to know that Sona. Thank you. 🙂
The Borobudur seems quite interesting to visit. And the food…. I’m already drooling after seeing that picture of their local cuisine. Indonesia is a very interesting country and is so much more than their beaches. And oh my I had no idea that there are over a hundred ethnic groups in that country.
Yes, this country has so much to offer. It has more than just the beaches. Hope you go there. Thank you. 🙂
Indonesia has never been that high on my list, but I also had NO idea how much it had to offer until now! Great post, really informative and seriously convincing 😉
So glad now you wish to visit this country. Hope you get to go there soon. Thank you. 🙂
Everything about Indonesia is wonderful. I haven’t been but the culture and heritage is a big draw for me. I know it’s a cliché but I would love to visit Bali.
Hope you visit soon and enjoy. Thank you. 🙂
I haven’t been to Indonesia but it’s on our list. I would love to see the beautiful beaches and try authentic Indonesian dishes.
Yes, please do. It is indeed beautiful. Thank you. 🙂
Great read and I have it on a wishlist, just waiting to see if the dream comes true for me aswell… hahahahah, Indonesia is truly a dream come true from all I have seen and heard.
Hope dream comes true for you too Danjuma. 🙂
There is so much of Indonesia that we want to see and your article just made us Indo envy even more. There is so much beauty there and we have heard the people are just beautiful. One day we will get there. We will be heading to Komodo National Park first I think. Thanks for sharing.
That is awesome. We would love to hear your stories from Indonesia. Thank you Alesha. 🙂
I had no idea about all these UNESCO sites in Indonesia. What a lovely country with so much diversity and culture. I’ve always wanted to visit.
Yes, it is really beautiful. Hope you visit soon. Thank you. 🙂
there are some great places in Indonesia. but I really love Bali island. there are many amazing tourist places in Bali. I think travelers should know a lot of hidden tourist attraction in Bali.
Yes, you are right.
I didn’t know that Indonesia has that many islands and a lot of them cannot be found on maps. Wow I bet there’s still a lot for travelers to discover in that country.
Yes, there is lots to discover. Thank you. 🙂
Indonesia is a very rich country in terms of culture, tradition and beautiful sights. I would love to go back and spend some quality time at the Borobudur as well as watch the different musical achievements and activities they have learned and mastered for probably hundreds of years!
You are absolutely right! It has rich culture, tradition and lovely sights. Hope you get back there soon. Thank you. 🙂
I find the Komodos intimidating. Do they attack humans? Or, are they herbivores? The dancers looked glamorous in your photographs.
How much does an Indian Rupee fetch in Indonesian rupaiyya?
Komodo dragons are carnivores. I guess you get around 195 Indonesian rupiah for Re.1/-INR.
Indonesia is such a dream destination in South East Asia. I’d love to visit there someday in my life! Your pictures are surreal!
Thank you. 🙂 Yes, you should visit this place.
Among the Southeast Asian countries, up til now I still haven’t had the urge to see Indonesia unlike the other countries. But I know that Indo and me will meet soon enough. Esp Borobodur and those coffee farms! Thanks for this, you’re making me want to see Indo sooner.
Yes, you should visit soon. Thank you. 🙂
The beaches, the food, the culture all seems amazing to me. I have yet to make it to Asia but this is certainly inspiring me to pack my bags and go. I would love to try some of the amazing dishes you described, the spices look like they give it such great flavor it is making my mouth water. A dream destination indeed. Happy Roving!!!
That is awesome. Wish you get there soon and enjoy the places and food. Thank you. 🙂
Indonesia is very high on my bucket list. There are so many islands and so many cool things to see and do I am having a hard time putting together an itinerary. Definitely, komodo national park and Borobodur will need to stay on the list!
Yes, it does have lots to see. Wish you get to see all the places. Thank you. 🙂
I didn’t realize Komodo dragons were here in Indonesia! Those large lizards are so fascinating to me. I also would love to try Indonesian food. It looks so yummy 🙂
Yes, it is lovely and nice. Hope you get there soon. Thank you. 🙂
This all sounds amazing, especially Borobudur and the Komodo dragons. I would really like to visit the world heritage sites of Indonesia particularly, but I have to say that the food looks pretty good too! Oh dear, my list of places to visit just gets longer and longer!
Yes, daily more places get added to our list. Hope you visit and enjoy this country.
I think Indonesia is going to be the next big destination in travel and it is totally justified. It was the first country I ever visited and on that trip we saw Borobodur and Prambanan. I am sure this experience was a pivotal moment in my life. Thanks for sharing
So glad to know that. Thank you. 🙂
Indonesia has always been high on my list. i have briefly been to Bali but that is tourist mega central. I would love to see some of the real Indonesia. There always seems to be a bit of a security cloud that hangs over this country though.
Yes, I agree. But if we exercise little bit of precaution, it should be fine. Thank you. 🙂
Your post made me even more excited to go to Indonesia! I’ll be headed there next week. I didn’t know about the temple that commemorated Buddha’s life so I’ll definitely be heading there. I’d also like to check out a traditional dance!
Great! Hope you have a great time. Enjoy your trip. Thank you. 🙂
Funny: I just read another article on Indonesia. Perhaps the universe is telling me to pack a bag and go…
Haha.. Yes maybe you should. Thank you. 🙂
And visiting Komodo has long been on my bucket list!
It is very nice and kids will love it.
Ahhh this made me want to go back and explore Indonesia. I have only been to Bali and the Gili Islands. I would love to visit Jakarta and Komodo Island. Looks amazing. And the food is incredible! And very cheap. Great option for Australians, as it is a short flight too!
Yes, quite near from Australia. Hope you get to visit Jakarta and Komodo island soon. Thank you. 🙂
I’m on a right timing, as I will be visiting Indonesia this coming October to November for 17 days. Absolutely bookmarked this for future reference. Thanks for sharing
Wow that is great to know. Have a great trip and share your stories. Thank you. 🙂
I think I have seen hundreds of pictures from Borobudur, and with each one of them I want to go there more. And I have heard that food is amazing too! My only concern would be how safe it would be to go there a a solo traveller and take the off-beaten path. How safe would you think that would be?
Indonesia is definitely beautiful. Obviously we need to exercise caution and take precautions as in any other place. Carry less cash on hand while visiting places and do not stray far and alone late at beaches and lonely places.
I can’t wait to get to Indonesia! Mainly because of Komodo Island and Borobudur – hope to get there soon!
Yes, Komodo and Borobudur are so beautiful. Hope you get to visit soon. Thank you. 🙂
I haven’t been to Indonesia, and this is one of the place I would like to visit very soon. And experience the local life, good food, far from stressful life in the city.
You will definitely like it. Thank you. 🙂
Indonesia is an absolute dream! I can’t believe it: 17,500 islands! WOW! Beaches are my things, but the temples are quite fascinating.
Yes Indonesia has 17,500 islands and it is beautiful.
Great teaser to get people interested in traveling to Indonesia. Loved the photo of the dancers and many others. The reasons to visit are definitely compelling.
Nice to know that. Thank you Christine. 🙂
The one place that I have been to in Indonesia is Bali and it has all of the above (except heritage destination, but plenty of temples). I loved Bali for it.
Great to know that. Thank you. 🙂
I haven’t been to Indonesia and I’ve always wanted to go. I want to see the komodo dragons in particular. They are scary and fascinating in my opinion. I’ve a friend who frequently visits Indonesia because she said it’s one of the best countries she’s been to.
Yes the Komodo dragons are really fascinating and definitely Indonesia is one of the best places to visit. Thank you. 🙂
I have been to Bali but intend to return to Indonesia next year so thank you for this! I will be sure to take notes from some of your advice here 🙂
Wow, glad to know you intend to return to Indonesia to visit these places. Thank you. 🙂
I would love to see the Saman Dance. I have heard only good things about holidays in Indonesia and how beautiful everything is. If only we could visit all the countries in the world. Indonesia is on my list of upcoming travel destinations.
Saman dance is beautiful. Yes, wish we could see the whole world! Great to know you are planning a visit to Indonesia.:)
Borobudur is somewhere I’ve wanted to go for a long time. I haven’t spent as much time in Indonesia as I would have liked – we did Bali, Gili Islands and that’s about it. Would love to climb Rinjani too!
Maybe next time you should visit. Thank you. 🙂
Would love to visit looks like a great place. As always, your picture are fabulous!!
Thank you Lisa. 🙂
Excellent article! You really bring out so much of what makes Indonesia a dream of mine, the food, the culture, the nature. Amazing!
Thank you Kevin. 🙂
Reading your blog brought me back to Indonesia. The feeling, smells and sights of such an amazing place. Wish I had the chance to visit Borobudur and the Komodo National Park. Thanks for sharing this fantastic place.
That is so nice. Thank you. 🙂
This list is spot on! You also forgot the amazing hikes and scuba diving 🙂 It’s one incredible place! I really want nasi goreng now 🙂
Thank you. 🙂 Yes hikes and scuba diving are great in Indonesia.
Indonesia is really lovely and i want to explore more of its beauty. Thanks for sharing this nice post.
That is nice. Thank you. 🙂
Great guide! Have been to Indonesia but couldn’t make it to Borobodur. Really have to! Food is indeed delish and I better find a spot to see the traditional dances because I totally looped that!
Thank you. 🙂 May be next time you should check out.
Hope I can go here in the near future. Indonesia is such a beatiful and cultural-rich country.
It is truly beautiful. Thank you. 🙂
Gorgeous photos! Would love to visit Borobudur in particular, but the entire region has so much to see and do. And taste! That food photo looks delicious!
Yes it is! Thank you. 🙂
I think that Indonesia is an incredible country to visit. It holds many undiscovered secrets and Indonesian culture, from my point of view, is a very interesting one to learn about.
Yes, it is definitely a lovely place. Thank you. 🙂
I haven’t been to Indonesia yet but it’s definitely on my travel wish list. You had me at NasI Goreng and Borobudur.
Wonderful! Thank you. 🙂
Indonesia sounds amazing! I would love to see the Komodo dragon and the dances. I also love satay and would like to eat it in Indonesia!
That would be great. Thank you. 🙂
Indonesia has long been on our wishlist. That Borobudur temple with more than 2000 reliefs and 500 buddha statue sounds remarkable. If we had to visit we will make sure we get to watch the Saman dance and try some of the traditional dishes. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome! Thank you. 🙂
Never been to Indonesia, but would love to one day. You post really highlights some attractive options, I think I would love the food, Nasi Goreng is one of my favourite dishes!
Oh wow, that is nice to know. Thank you. 🙂
Maybe not too soon. But our neighboring country Indonesia will surely be on my list. I feel like you’re describing the Philippines when reading this post we had a lot of similarities. I’m excited to visit Indonesia 🙂
That is great. Thank you. 🙂
It really does look like a dream come true! I’ll definitely be passing these tips along to my friend who is traveling there in just a few days. Thanks for all your ideas!
Good to know that. Thank you. 🙂
I would love to visit Indonesia. I actually have a friend who spent there a year studying the Indonesian culture. When she came back she showed me how to do Balinese dances and she also cooked for me Gado-Gado. She inspire me to go there too.
Oh that is wonderful! 🙂
Looks and sounds amazing! I hope to visit there one day. A great cultural experience.
It is a beautiful country indeed.
One of my favorite countries! Beaches and Temples are stunning! And the saman dance is facintating.
Yes, it is! Thank you. 🙂
Indonesia is so beautiful i was wanting to go there later this year but i have to put it off until April or May net year. Also want to visit Ubud! it looks so stunning! thanks for a fantastic article!
That is good to know. Hope you enjoy your trip. Thank you. 🙂
Indonesia – Java and Bali – was my first solo trip in Asia! It was really fantastic. A few years later, I have been to the torajan part of Sulawesi. It was so fascinating to discover the culture, especially all the customs around Death.
That is interesting to know. Thank you. 🙂
Many reasons seduce you to visit Indonesia, but definitely these are the top 5 reasons! Can’t agree more on these.
Happy travels and keep sharing posts!
Indonesia seems beautiful. Love to go there someday.
This is on my list. My friends rave and rave about Indonesia but I don’t have a trip there planned yet.
such a beautiful place filled with whimsical themes, buildings and food. Love all the great pictures thanks for sharing
Such a beautiful place. One day I would like to visit.
Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Totally adding to my bucket list
Thank you
Indonesia is such a beautiful place, filled with history and breathtaking architectural structures. I would love to learn and explore more of what you can see and experience there! Everything just so lovely!
Indonesia sounds like a great place to visit, learn about new cultures and traditions, and I am sure the food is amazing
It looks absolutely beautiful and so enjoyable. Will be adding this to places to travel too in the future
I have only been to Bali. You are inspiring to return and see more of Indonesia.
Komodo National Park has been high on the bucket list for a long time.
So much to discover and so much culture and beauty.
I have never been but hope to one dy. So many things to see and do.
Ayo pergi!
I didn’t remember Komodo being in Indonesia! For sure it won’t be THE reason to go there, even if I’d really like to see those cute lizards, but at least I know something more to see, between temples and good food! 😀
I’m not a fan of Indonesian food and we also have seductive beaches, but I would love to see the Borobodur as you’ve mentioned that it’s a UNESCO heritage site. I also would like to see the Komodo even though it looks creepily scary. Finally, I would like to be entertained with an Indonesian cultural dance.
what an amazing Indonesia. I love the presence of Komodo wandering across the bay. I’ve heard one of the richness of Indonesia will not only be found in their foods but also in their beaches. Hope to visit there soon.
Indonesia is definitely very beautiful. Although it is so vast, we felt a single trip can’t do justice to it. So, to start with, we are planning one to Bali sometimes this or the next year. Will remember your recommendations