Indonesia – A Country With 17,000 Islands and Somehow You Still Want More

Indonesia

Indonesia wasn’t just another stamp in my passport – it felt like a whole collection of worlds wrapped into a single country. I still remember the moment I landed in Bali and the air smelled like incense, ocean, and possibility.

And just when you think you understand Indonesia, it surprises you again – a new island, a new culture, a new reason to fall in love with traveling.

If Thailand feels like comfort,
Indonesia feels like discovery.

1. Bali – Yes, It’s Popular. No, The Hype Isn’t Wrong.

Most people show up in Bali expecting paradise, and somehow it still manages to exceed that expectation.

Some moments I still replay in my head:

  • Waking up to rice terraces glowing golden after sunrise
  • Getting lost in art markets in Ubud
  • A scooter ride along palm tree tunnels
  • Waves crashing so loud in Uluwatu it felt like nature roaring
  • Sitting barefoot in beachfront cafes, no rush, no rules

Bali teaches you two things:
to slow down and to feel deeply.

But it’s also not just beaches and Instagram swings – Bali has soul.
Ceremonies, temples, offerings – spirituality is part of everyday life.

2. Jakarta – Chaotic, Loud, Busy… and Weirdly Addictive

Jakarta was overwhelming at first – traffic everywhere, skyscrapers, street vendors yelling over each other, but somewhere in that chaos, I found charm.

The food scene? I’ll never forget it.
Rendang, nasi uduk, satay that tasted smoky and perfect.Jakarta is not a place people fall in love with at first sight –
but if you give it time, it becomes a city you respect deeply.

3. Komodo Island – The Moment You Realize Nature Doesn’t Care About Your Comfort

Imagine stepping off a boat and the “locals” are giant prehistoric lizards casually strolling around.

Komodo Island made me feel tiny – in the best way.
Pink beaches, rugged cliffs, turquoise water so clear it looked filtered but wasn’t.

The kind of place where adventure is not an activity –
it’s the atmosphere.

4. Yogyakarta – Indonesia’s Cultural Heartbeat

If Bali feeds your soul, Yogyakarta teaches your mind.

I woke up before sunrise to visit Borobudur, and watching the sun hit that ancient stone felt like time folded for a moment.

Street art, handmade crafts, shadow puppet shows – Yogyakarta reminded me that creativity isn’t a hobby here; it’s a legacy.

5. Gili Islands – Where Shoes and Stress Feel Illegal

Once the boat reached the Gili Islands, someone said:

“We don’t have cars. We don’t rush either.”

And they meant it.

People get around by bicycle, barefoot, or with a lazy stroll.
Nights are for beach bars, bonfires, music – conversations with strangers that feel like old friends.

Life becomes simple again.
And it’s beautiful.

When’s the Best Time to Visit?

  • April–October – perfect weather, ideal for beaches & hiking
  • November–March – rainy season but cheap, less crowded

These are the places that I went in my October trip. I booked my trip with Sasta Holiday and it was my perfect choice.

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