Indonesia

Many travelers entirely focus on Bali alone but Indonesia with its more than 17,000 islands offers you a wealth of incredible destinations each with its unique allure and attractions. There are several volcanoes, waterfalls, and some of the largest jungle temples in the world. It is a cultural phenomenon like no other.

The isles and the oceans make up the country's eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is also considered transcontinental sparing over to both Asia and Oceania with the western half of the second largest island in the world, New Guinea, formerly known as the Dutch East Indies. Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country with the world with the majority of them being Muslims.

Jakarta is a beautiful capital of Indonesia situated in the north-west part of Java which is famous for its natural sites but is also the most populous island and the historic and cultural center of the country. Jakarta is anything but a tourist magnet for the majority of travelers coming to Indonesia. However many travelers tend to overlook it immediately. Begin your trip with a little visit to the National Monument (Monas) to start your exploration. It is a spectacular structure and a very popular tourist spot. The monument Nasional is the number one top sight to see in Jakarta, which was built in remembrance of the independence in 1975.

Besides the viewing platform, the Monas are particularly interesting for first-time visitors to Indonesia because of the national history museum that you can find on the ground floor here. 

History 

The history of the country is portrayed with 51 dioramas displaying scenes from the most important events. It all started in the prehistoric Indonesia. The Srivijaya and Majapahit Eras followed with events from the period of European colonization which lasted from the 16th century into the 20th century. It also shows the uprising against the Dutch East Indies rulers. 

The Dioramas continue with the 20th century showing the Japanese occupation from 1942 until 1945 and the proclamation of Indonesian independence, as well as the struggle for independence of the Indonesian revolution and onwards. Two events during the New Order era of Suharto's regime are not portrayed in the most recent history. In 1998, Suharto resigned after popular protests following the financial crisis and the Reformasi Era began leading to the first direct presidential election in 2004.

Interesting facts about Indonesia

• For thousands of years, people have cherished the wonders of these inspiring histories of the land below the wind. Astounding relics from prehistoric times are a testament to the wondrous age-old cultures. Fascinating indigenous follow ways through the test of time emphasizing the resilience of local creativity and vigor. Magnificent and divine temples adorn the landscape as if forming an exhibition of pervasive spirituality.
• Religion has always been the cornerstone of life since ancient times. Funeral right is one of the festivities as much as it is a celebration of life. An occasion to gather family members from all around the world.
• The recognition of Indonesia's rich architectural heritage, shaped by diverse cultural, historical, and geographical influences, deems it as one of the nation's invaluable treasures. Today’s legacy of art and craft continues to enrich the culture playing a significant role in the daily and ceremonial life of the people adapting the wonderful traditional art form to modern times resulting in popular tourist attractions.
• Indonesian culture is all about keeping remarkable folk artistic expression alive as they are the embodiment of the local way of life. Astounding culture and historical diversity where various cultures have crossed paths for many centuries with an impressive variety of ethnic groups. 

Indonesian Cuisine

Trying food in Indonesia is essential as it uniquely represents Indonesian rich culinary heritage providing a distinct gastronomic experience unlike any other destination. The food in Indonesia is one of the best Asian foods you will discover around the globe. Perhaps if you travel to Indonesia or dine at a local Indonesian restaurant, you might be asking: What are some of the traditional foods here? or must I try Indonesian dishes that’ll give me a good introduction to Indonesian cuisine?

Some of the local foods that you should ask for are:

1. Nasi Goreng Kambing
2. Seblak
3. Telur Gulung Original & Mozzarella
4.  Smashed Chicken (Ayam Geprek)
5.  Kue Cubit
6. Martabak Campur 8 Rasa
7. Kue Lekker
8. Sate Ayam
9. Gado Gado
10. Gulali Besar
11. Kue Ape
12. Padang Skewers
13. Chicken Egg & Samyang Martabak
14. Kerak Telor
15. Martabak
16. Kue Laba-laba (Spider Cakes)
17. Nasi Oseng Mercon Cumi
18. Rujak Serut
19. Kue Rangi
20. Martabak Nutella Keju Kacang
21. Sate Maranggi (Maranggi Beef Skewers)
22. Es Podeng
23. Chicken Feet Pentol
24. Toge Goreng
25. Sate Ayam with Lontong

The cost of food varies, ranging from 10 thousand rupiahs to 150 thousand rupiahs which is around 11 US dollars or nine euros. It depends on your taste and willingness to spend on food as Indonesia has a bit of everything from high to low price ranges.

Beaches in Indonesia

Book your private island tours with Abound Holidays as we offer you some of the most affordable and attractive price packages and allow you to customize the trip in whatever way you see fit.

• Lovina Beach: You will have an extraordinary experience on the private tour of dolphin watching at Lovina Beach. Take a taxi from the Lovina beach to the Tanah lot temple in Tabanan which dates back to the 16th century, built to worship the sea god, Bhatara Segara. But if you are not into temples, you can easily skip those as they are crowded and known for being tourist traps. 

• Green Bowl Beach: Located in the South of Kuta, Green Bowl Beach is one of the most favored beaches in Indonesia. On the way to the beach, you will need to go down the set of stairs where you will see a gang of monkeys welcoming you. Once you arrive at the beach you will witness the bluest of oceans, soft sand, and falling beach caves. So you better get your cameras ready because you would want to capture the magnificence of the Green Bowl beach. 

• Blue Point Beach: Blue Point Beach is known to be a surfer’s hangout. This beach is mostly covered by rocks and cliffs with small patches of sand. While it may not be an ideal location for sunbathing, likely, that sunbathing isn't your primary interest when visiting this area. The waves are incredibly strong, making it a surfer’s dream. 

• Bingin Beach: With beautiful cliffside views, beach-side restaurants, and front-row seats for the sunset of your life, Bingin Beach has everything you need on a beach. When you come down to Bingin Beach, walk through the rocky path of the beach towards the abandoned buildings located on the north side of the beach. Here the beach is more secluded and you will be able to find nice and soft sand to lay on while waiting for the sunset to arrive.

1. Nusa dua Beach
2. Pink Beach, Komodo Island
3. Gili trawangan, Lombok’
4. Sire Beach, Lombok
5. Trikora beach, Bintan 
6. Nongsa Beach, Batam
7. Pangandaran, Java
8. Seminyak Beach, Bali
9. Mangsit Beach, Lombok
10. Air manis Beach, Sumatra 
11. Nusa Penida, Bali 
12. Cimaja, Java 
13. Ngurtafur Beach, Warbal Island 
14. Nyang nyang Beach, Bali 

Bali 

Abound Holidays presents to you a reasonable and exciting tour package to Bali, an island and province of Indonesia. The island sits between the larger island of Java to the west and the island of Lombok to the east. Bali has a population of 4.326 million people most of whom are of Indonesia's Hindu minority. About 85 percent of Bali's population follows Hinduism. When you travel around Bali, you will very often see many Canang sari, daily offerings made by the Balinese Hindus. These offerings act as a form of self-sacrifice in taking the time and effort to thank the bestowed upon the world as such many small shops slay their offerings near the sidewalk therefore as a heads-up try to pay attention to them and avoid accidentally stepping on the offerings. Transportation is fairly cheap as well. Depending on your destination, grabbing a taxi will cost you around a hundred thousand rupiah i.e. eight dollars or six euros. 

Best season to visit Bali 

The best season to visit Bali is from LateApril to October. It is considered a dry high season with not-so-hot and comfortable weather. June to August is the most popular season in Bali so if you don't like crowds of people, it is better to avoid this period. The rainy season begins in November so you should bring raincoats with you until March. This season is also hotter and more humid. After selecting your preferred season, proceed to the next step by booking your tickets. If you are flexible with the dates, Abound Holidays offers the best the most affordable and convenient ones. Here is a list of a few things you will need to get a visa for Indonesia;

1. An application form for an Indonesian visa,
2. Your passport and a copy of your passport,
3. A passport-sized picture,
4. A copy of your valid residence permit or visa if you are a foreign citizen,
5. A copy of your round-trip ticket.

FAQs

Is Indonesia expensive to visit?

• No. Indonesia is comparatively way cheaper than other tourist destinations. Bali is comparatively a little expensive but the travel and subsistence expenses are very affordable throughout Indonesia. 

How much does it cost for a trip to Indonesia?

• $25-$30 per day will be enough for someone who wants to stay in an airconditioned setting and maybe enjoy the party life in Indonesia. But for someone on a budget,$15 per day will easily help you enjoy and manage a comfortable stay in Indonesia.

How can I get a tourist visa for Indonesia?

• Here is a list of a few things you will need to get a visa for Indonesia;

1. An application form for an Indonesian visa,
2. Your passport and a copy of your passport,
3. A passport-sized picture,
4. A copy of your valid residence permit or visa if you are a foreign citizen,
5. A copy of your round-trip ticket.

When is the best time to tour Indonesia?

• April and October are warm and dry so it can be the best time for you to visit Indonesia but if you want to save some coins or plan to visit the country for trekking purposes, then March-May and October-November will be an ideal time to pay a visit. Usually around this time of the year, the islands are less crowded.

Is Indonesia dangerous for tourists?

• No! Indonesia is considered a safe travel destination. But you should always be careful of pick-pocketers and mugging at all times. The country is full of tourists from around the world so make sure you walk around safely and check your pockets!