The world is such a big place, with so much to offer. So much so that it’s always bemusing to us when some people choose to visit the same familiar destinations year after year. While there’s certainly comfort in the familiar, to many seasoned travel bugs the idea is anathema. We share a restless thirst for adventure. Like any addict, we’re forever chasing the feeling of that first high; we’re always on the lookout for new and exotic locations to fill us with that mixture of awe, excitement, infinite possibility, and (if we’re completely honest) a little note of fear and apprehension that we felt when we first ventured overseas and immersed ourselves in a new country like Indonesia, a new language and the intricacies of a new culture. We thrive on new tastes, sights, sounds, and scents to give us a greater understanding of the world around us and provide us with that unique combination of leisure and labor that makes the international adventure so appealing.

The far east offers many examples of this feeling, with even its major conurbations offering a healthy dose of exoticism alongside the familiar sights of office buildings, fast food giants, and coffee chains. Even those staying in her capital city of Jakarta will find a host of rare and exotic examples of natural beauty just a short drive or boat ride away from astonishing beaches like Tanjung Lesung or Pari island with its rich diversity of marine life. Or, hop on a two-hour boat trip and you could spend a few days in an overwater hut hovering over the sea in the Thousand Islands of Kepulauan Seribu.

Yet, while Indonesia offers a host of adventure and sights and flavors that are utterly unique, like any destination it comes with its caveats. If you plan on staying, especially for an extended trip in Indonesia, here are a few things handy things that it’ll benefit you to know.

Accommodation is very affordable at Indonesia, but space comes at a premium!

Those used to the exorbitant prices of rental accommodation in major Western conurbations will be astonished at just how affordable it is to rent clean, secure, and frankly luxurious accommodation. Check out this link and you’ll get an insight into the kind of prices we’re talking about https://www.rumah.com/rumah-dijual/di-area-pondok-indah-idjk03043. Rental incomes are over 70% lower than in, for example, the UK, and the cost of living is cheap across the board. However, those who insist on plenty of space, extra bedrooms, or a garden can expect to pay a premium. Likewise, if you feel that living among locals would be a little too close to diving in at the deep end, you can expect to pay extra to live in an ex-pat / English-speaking community, too.  

Alcohol is not prohibited in Indonesia , but drink aware!

As many readers will be aware, Indonesia (with the possible exception of largely Buddhist Bali) has a predominantly Muslim people and government. As such, the culture while rich and vibrant is very conservative, especially when it comes to the consumption of alcohol. Drinking alcohol is not prohibited, nor is it even actively discouraged (Bintang beer, after all, is one of its most famous and celebrated exports). However, Indonesia is a place in which you most certainly have a responsibility to imbibe responsibly. Drunkenness, especially public drunkenness, is frowned upon by locals and most certainly by local authorities whom it urges you to stay on the right side of. Generally speaking, you should treat your stay in the country like a visit to the in-laws. They’re warm and welcoming but you owe it to them to behave respectfully and conduct yourself properly. Stick with that mindset and you’ll be absolutely fine! Oh, and speaking at least a little of the language goes a long, long way with locals, both in business and day-to-day life.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of poverty!

Whenever you’re visiting major urban centers in Asia whether, in India, Vietnam, Thailand, or even Singapore, you’re likely to encounter an element of poverty that may be jarring or even distressing to Western visitors. In many of these economies, citizens live either in opulent wealth or abject poverty with very few shades of gray in between. While Indonesia is a major economic hub with the 7th largest GDP in the world, there is a worrying disparity between rich and poor. Social mobility is virtually non-existent with no welfare state and a widespread lack of education in poorer areas threatening to exacerbate (or at least perpetuate) the issue.

You’ll enjoy astonishing food, but you might well pick up a tummy bug

Make no mistake, you really haven’t lived until you’ve tried authentic Indonesian street food. The country offers tourists a wealth of flavor that, while it is usually underscored by a chili-induced heat, is a little more accommodating to Western palates than, for example, the pleasantly discordant sweet, hot, salty, and bitter taste profile of Thai food. You can eat like a Queen or King in Indonesia and never be overcharged for a meal. Whether you’re trying something relatively simple like nasi goreng and mie goreng or a warming rendang curry you’ll never want for delicious food whatever your dietary requirements or tastes. Oh, and if you’re a seafood lover you’ll double your pleasure!

However, sanitation standards in Indonesia are… Not the best. Thus, stomach bugs are frequently experienced by tourists and ex-pats. For the sake of your belly, avoid enjoying the street food every day just to be on the safe side, and needless to say, only drink bottled water.

You can also get the best coffee in the world… So long as you don’t ask where it’s been

Coffee lovers will find a thriving coffee culture all over the country. The vert term “cup of java” refers to Indonesia’s java region which is home to over 50% of Indonesia’s population. Take a trip up to the Sumatran highlands and you can experience the famous (or infamous) kopi luwak coffee. This rare and expensive blend gets its unique taste from the gastric juices of the mountain goats which eat and excrete the coffee beans which are then collected, roasted, and ground to create what is considered by gourmets to be the best coffee in the world.

When you’re clued up and well prepared, a trip to Indonesia is as fascinating and edifying as it is exciting and enjoyable!

INDONESIA FAQ

What is the capital of Indonesia?

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia.

Why plan a trip to Indonesia?

Indonesia is a diverse country that manufactures the best coffee in the world and has beautiful aquatic life and wildlife like Komodo Dragon surrounded by wonderful islands perfect for honeymoon couples and adventurers.

Why should we relocate to Indonesia?

We can relocate to Indonesia as it is a cheap and affordable country. The accommodation is quite within the reach of the common man. The country has some beautiful beaches and astonishing food for people to fall in love with and never return.