Situated in the lower part of Southeast Asia, Indonesia is a country made up of around 17,000 islands. The two most popular Indonesian destinations for tourists are Jakarta, the capital city, and the paradise island of Bali. Jakarta is around 2,300 km from Bangkok and Bali another 700 km to the east. Flying time from Bangkok to Jakarta is around 3 hours 30 minutes, while direct flights to Bali take one hour longer.
Don’t MissIndonesia enjoys a tropical climate and is a year round holiday destination, but it is best to avoid the November to March rainy season if possible. Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival is a highlight of the city’s busy annual calendar, while key sights include Taman Mini Indonesia Park, a park and gardens with models of Indonesian buildings and monuments; Istiqlal Mosque, the 1970s national mosque; and Merdeka Square. The square is one of the world’s biggest and is the location of Merdeka Palace and Monas, the National Monument.
Bali is famed for beaches, ancient temples and hosting culture fests like Galungan, a Balinese Hindu religious celebration; the Nusa Dua Fiesta, a week-long celebration of music and culture; and the Sanur Village Festival, a celebration of culture held in the Ubud area in August.
Restaurants and BarsDining in Indonesia is heaven and high up on the must try lists for foodies are satay (meat sticks with peanut dip); rendang (curry-like beef); nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles). Sweet martabak is a pancake style dessert. Jakarta boasts night markets, street food vendors and a huge choice of restaurants at which to sample the tastes of the city. One market, Pasar Santa, combines dining and shopping. Bali’s southern Jimbaran Bay provides the most varied food choices on the island.
ActivitiesSightseeing in Kota Tua Old Town, with its old Dutch and Chinese buildings, and dining tours plus fun days at the Dunia Fantasi and Waterbom Jakarta theme parks are the visitor highlights of Jakarta. Jakarta History Museum is the best place to learn about local history from prehistoric times to the 20th century. Bali is Indonesia’s activity centre and offers the likes of surfing, scuba-diving and jungle trekking as well as cultural experiences in the Ubud area, a haven for the arts.
ShoppingShopping in Indonesia is not a disappointment and the souvenir collection includes Balinese masks, traditional batik cloth and clothes, aromatic oils and bead necklaces. Jakarta is loaded up with venues for shopping and Pasar Santa, Surabaya and Pasar Baru are among the top spots. Nowadays, the Kuta area of Bali is one of the prime Southeast Asian shopping destinations.