Discover Why Indonesia is Great: Tips for a Planned and Fulfilling Move
Come to Indonesia, and you can immerse yourself in:
– Unforgettable vacations: from diving into vibrant coral reefs to basking on sun-kissed beaches.
– Breathtaking tropical landscapes: explore ancient temples, enigmatic volcanoes, and awe-inspiring waterfalls.
– A rich tapestry of multicultural experiences: savor the blend of humanistic wonders and culinary delights.
– Capture memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Main cities and their analogies: (City name, analogy, suggested minimum days)
Bali – Sanya – 5 days, Yogyakarta – Xi’an – 3 days, Surabaya – Guangzhou – 4 days, Manado – Weihai – 3 days, Lombok – Xiamen – 6 days, Medan – Chengdu – 4 days, Komodo Island – Baoting, Hainan – 2 days, Bandung – Nanjing – 1 day, Jakarta – Beijing + Shanghai – 1 day
2. General ideas:
– Leisure/Family: Bali + Yogyakarta
– Culture: Yogyakarta + Jakarta + Bandung + Medan
– Adventure: Surabaya + Komodo Island + Lombok + Manado
– Diving: Komodo + Manado
3. Recommendations:
– Bali: Must-visit – Sundays Beach Club; Caution – Many black sand beaches are not as impressive as Sanya. It’s better to stay at your hotel and manage your expectations if you venture out.
– Yogyakarta: Must-visit – Mount Merapi, Borobudur, Prambanan; Caution – Water Palace, Jomblang Cave, Taman Sari, etc.
, may not live up to the hype.
– Surabaya: Must-visit – Bromo (if you’re up for a climb), Sewu Waterfall, Semeru Volcano (view from afar, navigate to Kantor Pos Pronojiwo); Caution – Ijen Volcano
– Manado: Must-visit – None; Caution – Many attractions are overhyped by Chinese travel agencies.
– Lombok: Must-visit – Meriam Jepang; Caution – Rinjani Volcano (unsafe and with average views), and be wary of fleeting restaurants.
– Medan: Must-visit – Lake Toba, Cannibal Village; Caution – Other sites are generally average.
– Jakarta: Must-visit – Old Town, AXA Tower at night, various cafes; Caution – Durian Street, Chinatown; other areas can be skipped unless you have ample free time.
Some lesser-known spots are quite worth visiting, and more will be added later.
5. Some additional points (also to cool down a bit):
– Apart from Java and Bali, other regions are less developed, offering a more authentic “equatorial agritainment” experience. Lower your expectations for facilities! Poor quality eateries and accommodations are common.
– Independent travel is highly recommended, as it is much more budget-friendly.
– Regardless of gender, it’s best to wear long pants.
– If you’re a light sleeper, be prepared for five daily prayer calls and the constant buzz of motorcycles. Many excursions involve strenuous hiking.
– Don’t expect duty-free shopping, as everything is quite expensive.
– Avoid tipping unless absolutely necessary, especially to Grab drivers.
Tipping right away can make you an easy target, and they may take advantage.
– Only drink bottled water, and bring digestive medicine and vitamins.
– The locals may look intimidating, but most are simple and kind-hearted. There’s no need to fear.
– Safety is paramount, especially when snorkeling, near coastal cliffs, volcanoes, and waterfalls.
