Indonesia is vast and features a spectacular array of figures: 17,000 islands, over 250 million inhabitants, more than 350 languages, and an incredibly rich Eastern culture and tradition. It offers a dreamlike natural setting full of raw, primordial beauty. Indonesia bears deep marks of Buddhist tradition, dotted with exceptional temples and ancient places of worship.
The largest islands are part of the Greater Sunda Islands archipelago: Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi (Celebes), and Borneo. The smaller, yet highly popular islands are found in the Lesser Sunda Islands: Bali, Lombok, Flores, Timor, Komodo, Rinca. Further east lie the Maluku Islands (Moluccas), nearly a thousand isles renowned mostly for their precious spices.
Along the western coast of Sumatra runs a chain of volcanoes (both active and dormant), stretching across the archipelago — from Java to Bali and all the way to Sulawesi.
Java is the country’s beating heart (although the official capital is Jakarta) — a place where modernity meets tradition, but its best parts are the untouched, remote areas far from the big cities.
Temples, mountains, rumbling volcanoes — a journey through Sumatra reveals beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, the intriguing Komodo dragons, elephants, orangutans, and tigers. Many magnificent endemic species find refuge in the dense jungle, making Indonesia a perfect destination for those seeking a journey steeped in the mystery and magic of the Far East.
LANGUAGE: The official language is Bahasa Indonesia. Many older people still speak Dutch. English is increasingly spoken, especially in tourist areas.
RELIGION: About 88% of the population is Muslim. Minority religions include Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. There is a good degree of religious freedom across the islands.
CLIMATE: As a wide-spanning archipelago, Indonesia has varying climates — equatorial and sub-equatorial in the central-northern regions, and tropical in the southern islands. The driest months are from May to September. Rainfall is rarely cyclonic due to the country's distance from intense monsoon systems. In mountain areas, rain is much heavier and more frequent, making the wet season last almost all year with little relief.
TIME ZONE: Indonesia has multiple time zones:
+5 hours from Italy in Sumatra and Java
+6 hours in Bali
+7 hours in the eastern regions (These apply during Italian Daylight Saving Time and increase by one hour during Standard Time.)
DOCUMENTS: A passport with at least six months’ validity from the entry date is required. It must be in good condition; otherwise, boarding may be denied. A visa is generally issued upon arrival at the airport.
CURRENCY: The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency. US dollars are also widely accepted in many places.
Curiosity
The Indonesians’ curiosity toward foreigners is legendary and may surprise visitors. Even complete strangers may stop you on the street to ask questions — a friendly way to show politeness and interest in their guests.
Our advices
TO READ: A House in Bali by Colin McPhee — a firsthand account celebrating the beauty, nature, ocean, and arts of Indonesian society.
TO LISTEN TO: The most characteristic musical expression is the Gamelan, a traditional Indonesian orchestra made up of instruments like xylophones, flutes, and strings.
TO WATCH: The Year of Living Dangerously by Peter Weir — a window into Indonesian politics and breathtaking scenery, starring Mel Gibson and Linda Hunt, who won an Oscar for her role.
TO EAT: Try Indonesia’s signature dishes:
Nasi Goreng – fried rice with onions, chili, and garlic
Satay – marinated and grilled meat skewers
Gado-Gado – a mixed rice, vegetable, and egg salad
Rendang – beef slowly cooked in coconut milk and spices
