Indonesia is one of my favorite countries and thanks to its size; there is always something new to discover. With thousands of islands that all has a unique identity, Indonesia is an exciting destination that never ceases to amaze and impress.
Good and cheap food can be found everywhere, and the super friendly locals do not make things worse either.
Haven´t had the time to visit Indonesia yet? Here are 7 Reasons to love the country and why it should be your next destination!
1. Locals
After visiting over 40 countries, I must say that the locals in Indonesia are super friendly. Unlike other places in Asia, the Indonesians are incredibly genuine without wanting something in return.
They are hospitable and treat everyone with respect (as long as you give the same respect back), and they do their best to make you feel comfortable and enjoy their country.
Even the border control personnel smiled and welcomed us, despite the fact that we needed help with the visa. They were helpful and not grumpy as many other border controls can be.
2. The food
Indonesian food is known for its many flavors and great range. Some well-known favorites that one shouldn’t miss are the Chicken Satay, Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Rendang, Soto mie, and Nasi Kuning.
Moreover, the food is cheap, and whether you choose street food or restaurant, you will get high-quality dishes with flavors you’ve never tasted before.
3. Exciting culture
Since Indonesia is a big country, there are plenty of different cultures to experience, and there are plenty of various dances and musical styles. No matter where you go in Indonesia, you can be prepared to meet a new and exciting culture.
4. Thousands of islands
Bali, Komodo, and Gili islands are some of the most famous ones, but the fact is that Indonesia is almost entirely made up of islands in various sizes.
Each island has its own charm and experience to offer.
5. Cool temples
Indonesia is home to lots of temples in different styles. You’ll find both Buddhist temples and Hindu temples from various eras. Some of the most famous are located in Bali (Besakih Temple) and Java (Borobudur and Prambanan Temple).
6. Nature
Did you know that Indonesia has a fantastic nature with a rich flora and fauna? Several species and plants are endemic. If you feel like sunbathing and swimming, there are also plenty of paradise beaches, both wild and more touristy beaches. Indonesia is also home to a vast rainforest (the largest one in Asia).
7. Affordable
Last but not least. Indonesia is a cheap and affordable destination. It is cheap to go by taxi, guided tours, transport, and accommodation. The standard is also higher than in many other Asian countries, giving you more value for money.
All this combined makes Indonesia a wonderful destination. It is not as touristy as other places, and you’ll get a more authentic experience.
If there’s no direct flight from your country to Indonesia, the easiest way will probably be to fly to Bangkok and then switch flight to Indonesia!
Thank you from Indonesia , I love my country too ?
Yes :D It’s a lovely country. I can’t wait to go back!
You have to try eating Surabi from Bandung, and so many traditional foods here. Come and get it ?
I’m happy when you feel comfort visiting Indonesia, I hope someday we’ll meet Alex ?
Yes for sure :D I want to try everything. Indonesian food is delicious! Yes, that would be so much fun :) Will let you know when I come back to Indonesia.
Until a few years ago a lot of people were still unaware of the sheer size of Indonesia, and some even thought that Bali was a country on its own. I wonder if you got a ‘celebrity’ treatment when you were traveling in Indonesia as the locals tend to be very eager to take photos with foreigners. :)
Yes. Indonesia is quite of a hidden gem. So many beautiful places and friendly locals everywhere! I’m hoping that I can get more people to discover Indonesia, beyond Bali as well :) I was there only for 2 weeks unfortunately, but everyone was super friendly. Even if they didn’t spoke English, they were still so happy and helpful :) I can’t wait to go back and explore more!
Hi, Alex! Thank you for your apreciation to Indonesia :)
Hi! :) Indonesia is such a lovely country. Would love to come back!
Let me know once you come back again to my country, Alex! I guess it would be nice to meet you :)
Sure :) I hope to come back next year!
This is so true especially number one, the local people they are super kind :)
Couldn’t agree more :)
hi alex, come back again, and look indonesia in nearer, this country have a many unique culture, you can explore and you will be like indonesia in other side, thanks
Hi Edwin :D Yes, I would love to explore the whole country! Hope to come back next year.
Hi Alex, thank you for visiting indonesia and i’m so lucky to be indonesian people, cek this review place in indonesia too http://saniadaffa.blogspot.co.id/2015/12/explore-indonesia-tempat-wisata.html and mendoan is favorite food.
Hi Yuni :) Yes, very lucky. Great culture! Thank you for the tips :)
I am so glad and thank you for following my twitter.
Besides Yogyakarta (Central Java) & Bali, at Trowulan Mojokerto (East Java) has cool temple too , you should go there. That’s Majapahit Dinasty.
Hi Dila :D thank you for the tips. Will love to go there. So many places to explore in Indonesia!
Dear Alex, thanks for visiting Indonesia and love my country. If you come back to visit Indonesia, let’s come to Labuan Bajo, it makes it easy to enjoy the beauty of some small islands (Rinca island, Papagarang island, Komodo Island, etc.). Privileged Indonesia, apart from the 7 things you’ve mentioned above, you should know that Indonesia has thousands of languages (any one single district already has some of the local language). Indonesia is the country that is very special and rich in culture.
Hi Alex, thans for visiting Indonesiaaaaaa. Come to Surabaya, hero city of Indonesia. Thanks for visiting my Instagram. I pray to meet you and guide if you come back again :D
@cewealpukat
Hi Aya :D Thank you, very nice of you! Indonesia is such a beautiful country.
Most people prefer to transit at Changi Singapore Airport, but u give an advice to switch flight in Bangkok. Wow, that’s good idea instead.
Oh yes Changi is great as well :D But more low cost carrier airlines from Europe travel to Bangkok, so it’s most of the times cheaper for Europeans to go via Bangkok.
Dear Alex thank so much for enjoying my lovely contry.I also proud as indonesian people has a huge n unique culture and good place. Nice to see u.
Thank you :) Yes, Indonesia is indeed a country with unique culture. So friendly and lovely :) Can’t wait to go back!
Hai alex, thanks for visiting my country.
I hope , we can meet if you back to Indonesia especially Surabaya. There are many food street you must try such as lontong balap, lontong Kupang, gado-gado and soto
Hello Tatit :) Yes, that would be so much fun! I love trying new foods :)
Thank you for appreciating Indonesia, Alex. Glad to know you :)
Thank you! :) Indonesia is very nice
Hi Alexander Waltner…I just read your very interesting memoryfull writing…if anybody want to visit Sumatra- Bukittinggi- for easy and very very chep cost…I hope I can help them…so send me an email to marjohanusman@yahoo.com
there are million fascinating thing in Indonesia. let us know that you back again to Indonesia.
Appreciate this post Alexander. I live in Java, Pekalongan known as Batik city. Please do visit, find hidden treasure of the best batik, woven textile and antique furnitures…
Alexander Waltner
Thank you so much for the article. You have summerised all the truly important facts briefly. I have visited 3 times and have the same experience. Local peopel, genuinely and without wanting something in return, try to help you out. Another point is that they live to their motto of “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” which means “Unity in Diversity”. Panchsheela Democracy is another high valued philosophy which is practically observed by the people. Thanks and God bless you. Aku suka Indonesia.