Indonesia tours & travel

It’s difficult to talk about one Indonesian culture. Each of the more than 8000 inhabited islands are unique, their people varied, their customs diverse. Even today, there are still more than 300 languages spoken across the region. An explanation for the country’s rich cultural heritage lies in its geography and history, shaped by both indigenous customs and foreign influences. Indonesia’s location played a key role in traditional trade routes between the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East.

Religious practices on different islands of Indonesia have become a combination of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Christianity and local indigenous beliefs. Art forms, including music and dance, the weaving of materials, woodcarvings and paintings, have all been heavily influenced by the diverse mix of cultures and religions sweeping through each archipelago. In turn, Indonesian art and cuisine have spread throughout the globe, with many neighbouring cultures sharing similar customs and dishes. Comparing cultures within Indonesia often feels like comparing them across different continents. No matter where you end up within the country, you’re sure to encounter a unique and exceptional experience.

Indonesia is located below Southeast Asia, between Australia and the Philippines. It’s the world’s largest archipelagic State, made up of over 17,000 islands. The five main islands are Sumatra, Java, Borneo (known as Kalimantan in Indonesia), Sulawesi, and New Guinea, all of which are populated, and some are shared with other nations. The two major archipelagos are Nusa Tenggara and the Maluku Islands, along with 60 smaller archipelagos, many of which are uninhabited. Each island is different, with landscapes varying from snow-capped mountaintops and billowing volcanoes to humid alluvial plains and coastal lowlands. Larger expanses of land are commonly covered in natural rainforest. In total, Indonesia consists of 1,919,317 square kilometres (741,052 sq mi) of land, and 93,000 square kilometres (35,908 sq mi) of inland sea.

The country lies between the Indian and Pacific Oceans in a region known for its abundance of volcanoes, earning it the name the Pacific Ring of Fire. Around 90% of the world’s tectonic activity occurs here, with Indonesia frequently being rocked by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There are more than 150 volcanoes in Indonesia, and 127 of them are still active today.

Indonesia is the perfect destination if you’re hoping to bring home some souvenirs. Tourist centres will be full of cheap knick-knacks to take back as gifts, but good-quality traditionally made wares are just as plentiful. You’ll get a chance to show off your bartering skills as you explore the vast swathe of markets across the islands, perusing batik cloths and ikat fabrics, traditional woodcarvings and sculptures, paintings and handwoven baskets. If the markets aren’t your style, luxury brands are also easily accessible in the shopping malls of major cities. 

Indonesia is known the world over for its vivid traditional festivals, both religious and secular, as well as their more contemporary music events held throughout the year. Here are a few you may want to organise your trip around. 

Independence Day of Indonesia: On August 17, parades march through streets around the country covered with garlands and Indonesian flags to commemorate the declaration of the new state in 1945. 

Bau Nyale Fishing Festival: Held in Lombok (usually in February or March), the Bau Nyale Fishing Festival is where the nyale, a worm-like fish, is caught and roasted in banana leaves.

International Jazz Festival: For three days at the beginning of May, Jakarta becomes a jazz-lover’s utopia in one of the biggest jazz festivals in Asia.

Asmat Cultural Festival: With the mission of preserving the traditional culture of the Asmat tribe of Papua, this festival is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can learn about the history of the Asmat people and observe their traditional artistic expressions such as woodcarving, music and dance.

Krakatoa Festival: Held in the province of Lampung in July, this seven-day festival commemorates the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano in 1883. The festival involves various sports activities, including boat races and kite exhibitions.

Java Soul Nation Festival: This international event brings popular musicians from Indonesia and a wide variety of artists from around the globe together in a celebration of soul, hip-hop, R&B and rap. 

Indonesian cuisine provides some of the most flavourful food in the world. Traditional diets are as varied as its people. While there are culinary similarities with neighbouring Thailand, Malaysia and India, the trading empires of Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and China have also left their mark throughout the country’s history as an important stopover on the colonial spice route. 

Peanuts were introduced from Mexico by Spanish and Portuguese merchants in the 16th century, and they now constitute the main ingredient of one of Indonesia’s most well-travelled dishes – satay sauce. Rice is a staple on most islands, and coconut milk is used widely in sauces and soups. 

Expect your dishes to be highly spiced with ingredients like lime leaves, lemongrass, tamarind, cloves, cinnamon and chilli, and be cautious of hot red and green peppers hiding amongst vegetables and salads. Seafood is an obvious inclusion to most menus, with a vast selection of fish and crustaceans available. 

Must try foods in Indonesia

Tumpeng: A cone-shaped rice dish with side dishes of vegetables and meat. It’s considered the official national dish because it combines the diversity of Indonesia's various culinary traditions.

Nasi goreng: Stir fried rice – the unofficial national dish of Indonesia.

Babi guling: Roast suckling pig, a Balinese specialty.

Satay: Skewers of meat cooked on coals and covered in peanut sauce.

Bakso: Traditional meatballs, usually beef or chicken.

Gado-Gado: A mixed salad of raw and cooked vegetables with a satay and coconut milk sauce.
 

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