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Last updated: May 2020
Indonesia is a spectacular country, comprised of more than 18,000 islands! A trip to Indonesia is an epic adventure, as each island offers a different experience than its neighbor. The composition of the country is, therefore, a great variety of landscapes, cultures, and traditions. You can experience beautiful white sandy beaches, huge volcanoes, cultural rituals, shopping malls, and everything in between. And with the incredibly low cost of living in Indonesia compared to many Western countries, you can live like a king. But where are you going to start with so much choice? To help you decide, we have compiled an overview of the most magical destinations in Indonesia.
According to one of the most recent countries, Indonesia is made up of 18,446 islands. This means that it is home to immense ecological variation, and is one of only 17 countries in the world that is labeled as "mega-diverse" in the field of animal species. Indonesia has several very unique animal species, such as the Komodo dragon. The Komodo dragon lives on only 5 islands in the world, and all of those are in Indonesia.
Not only animals are in abundance in Indonesia. Indonesia has no less than 264 million inhabitants, making it the fourth most populated country in the world. But whilst their numbers are high, their height is small: Indonesia is the smallest population group in the world with an average height of only 1.58 meters! Despite their small height, Indonesians have big hearts. This country is truly famous for its friendly and caring people.
Much of Indonesia lies precisely on one of the most active fault lines in the world, known as the "Ring of Fire". Such a name, of course, does not hold much promise, and sadly it has often turned out that way. In 2018, there were no fewer than 11,500 earthquakes according to the most accurate counts, including several major disasters.
Although Indonesia is often hit by natural disasters, large cities and metropoles have long existed on many of the islands. Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and is the country's economic, cultural, and historical heart. With a population of nearly 10 million, it is a bustling metropolis. There is also an unprecedented number of vibrant cities besides Jakarta of course, offering up countless possibilities for the eager traveler.
Other popular Indonesian cities include:
The peak travel season for Indonesia is during the summer months of July and August when Europeans are on summer vacation. This is the peak time for hotel prices, crowds, and temperatures. July and August are the hottest and most humid months of the year.
The sheer size of the country means that each region is slightly different, so choosing a time to travel will depend on the island. The dry season for Bali, Lombok, and Komodo National Park is April through September. The islands of Maluku and Papua have their dry season from October to April.
Generally, the best time to visit Indonesia is in March-May, when crowds are fewer and temperatures are lower. This is the end of the rainy season, so waterfalls are at their peak, wildlife is abundant, and flowers are blooming. This season is perfect for hiking, biking, diving, exploring the cities and surfing in Indonesia.
Indonesia is the trip of a lifetime and will give you memories to last a lifetime. But before you jump on the plane, take a minute to consider a few logistical details including your passport, vaccinations, and currency.
American, British, and Australian tourists do not need to apply for a visa if their trip is less than 30 days. A valid passport is the only requirement for visiting Indonesia. Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond your date of arrival and should have at least two blank pages. If your passport does not meet these two requirements, then you will be denied entry into Indonesia.
It is recommended to be up to date on all vaccinations before visiting Indonesia. Malaria is prevalent in certain regions of Indonesia. Talk to your doctor before you travel to obtain malaria preventative medicine. Always wear bug spray to protect yourself from other mosquito-borne diseases in Indonesia.
The currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah. At the time of writing, Rp 1,000 converts to $0.07 USD. By western standards, Indonesia is an extremely cheap country to visit. The only exception is that some imported goods, such as cheese and chocolate, are comparatively more expensive in Indonesia.
For one last travel tip, be sure to indulge in some delicious indonesian desserts as you will encounter lots of them!
Hi there!
We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest.