Indonesia is what happens when 17,000-ish islands, hundreds of volcanoes, questionable infrastructure and absolutely no respect for your itinerary get thrown across the equator.
And holy shit, does it work.
Most people hear Indonesia and immediately think Bali.
That’s adorable.
Bali is the gateway drug. Keep going and Indonesia gets progressively more ridiculous. Java has volcanoes that roar like jet engines. Kawah Ijen lets you hike into an acidic crater in the middle of the night because apparently normal sightseeing wasn’t dangerous enough. Komodo has giant prehistoric lizards. Sumbawa has whale sharks. There are waterfalls hiding in jungles, pink beaches, ancient temples, manta rays, volcanic lakes and entire islands most tourists couldn’t identify on a map.
Indonesia routinely looks Photoshopped.
Getting to those places is where the fuckery begins.
Traffic can turn 30 kilometers into a meaningful life commitment. Ferries have an occasionally philosophical relationship with schedules. Roads can deteriorate into optimistic suggestions. Google Maps will confidently send you up a mountain, through someone’s village and possibly into agricultural infrastructure before announcing YOU HAVE ARRIVED.
No, Google. I absolutely fucking haven’t.
But that’s exactly why Indonesia keeps pulling me back.
It’s chaotic, humid, unpredictable, cheap, spectacularly beautiful and almost impossible to fully explore.
Come to Bali. Drink the smoothie bowl. Take the obligatory sunset photo.
Then get the fuck off Bali.
Because Bali is fantastic.
But Indonesia is fucking insane.
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9EntriesLatest Cultural Tourism Destinations in Indonesia
Arjuna Temple: Ancient Hindu Temples and Frozen Nipples
On an ambitious road trip from Jakarta to Bali, I detoured into the Dieng Plateau, discovered Indonesia can apparently do Arctic temperatures, and visited Arjuna Temple, basically Prambanan Lite with fewer crowds, less walking, and significantly more regret about packing only shorts.
Read moreDiscover the Majestic Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan Temple
Experience cultural grace at Ramayana Ballet. Mesmerizing performances and rich storytelling await. Immerse in the allure of Indonesian heritage!
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Discover Indonesia’s cultural gem: Prambanan Temple
Still reeling from the badassery of Borobudur, I went to Prambanan expecting temple fatigue. Instead, I found another 9th-century masterpiece, except this one let me wander around like an unsupervised idiot with a camera.
Read moreFrom Ancient Roots to Modern Masterpieces: Indonesian Batik
Experience the timeless beauty of Indonesian Batik. Explore intricate designs, vibrant colors, and traditional craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of this revered Indonesian textile art.
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Borobudur Temple: I Came for Sunrise. Humanity Ruined That.
I came to Borobudur Temple chasing one of Indonesia’s legendary sunrises. Humanity had other plans. What I found instead was a massive 1,200-year-old Buddhist monument, hundreds of Buddhas, thousands of carvings, tiny white dots with a fascinating story, and a very good reason tourists can’t just climb wherever the hell they want anymore.
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