Looking at the peoples and cultures of the most diverse nation on earth – lifestyles, customs, beliefs and aspirations
The top priority for most visitors to Yogyakarta is to see and experience the wonders of Borobudur and Prambanan, Indonesia’s most famous monuments to faith and past ages. But surprisingly, many of them are only vaguely aware of the extraordinary back-stories of these famous ancient…
‘The best thing about Indonesia is that anything is possible. The worst thing about Indonesia is that anything is possible.’ I don’t know the source of this quotation, but it is profound. And it just happens to also neatly fit the way Indonesians often view…
Thailand has long claimed the title of the ‘Land of Smiles’. But if the Thais are world champs, then the 276 million gracious, smiling, and welcoming people of Indonesia must rank as the number one title contenders. Because they are among the most hospitable people on…
We are told by those who are supposed to know that the journey is more fulfilling than the destination. If your destination happens to be beautiful Bandung in the West Java Highlands, you will experience the exception – getting there and being there are both…
International visitors often try to avoid Jakarta. They have heard of the difficulties of fighting through horrendous traffic snarls and about the smog, periodic flooding, seasonal heat and humidity, and construction works that can make many activities and just getting from Point A to Point…
Many Westerners find the idea of public bargaining for goods and services uncomfortable, even a little distasteful. Unlike the societies of Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, it’s just not in our DNA … the sad reality is that we have been culturally deprived.…
Once upon a time visitors used to flock to Singapore and Hong Kong for shopping bargains. Those days are long gone with those two cities now up there with Paris and Osaka among the world’s most expensive. But glory be, Jakarta and Indonesia have emerged…
Jakarta is big, crowded, ugly, beautiful, messy, rich, poor, hot, hazy, crazy, enlightened, old, new, inspiring, depressing and more … all at the same time. But it is one of the handful of unique cities of the world that we should try to visit at…
If you have visited Singapore, you will know why it is famous for its food. You may be surprised to know that Jakarta is a foodies’ paradise too – but in Jakarta there are more cuisines and dining options to choose from, and they cost…
A word you will hear often around Lake Toba is “HORAS” It is the traditional catch-all Batak word of greeting loosely meaning ‘hello and welcome.’ But it is also used to toast ‘good health’ when having a drink with a friend, or ‘goodbye’ (and ‘bless…
Lake Toba in North Sumatra is stunningly beautiful and ranks as one of the world’s great natural wonders. But it comes with a bonus as the heartland of Indonesia’s uniquely different Batak people – you will get to see and appreciate their fascinating traditions and…
As you descend through calm beauty and spellbinding views into the small township of Parapat, it’s hard to imagine this was the epicentre of a violent upheaval that literally rocked the world around 74,000 years ago. Some scientists believe it even threatened the beginnings of…
If you are ready for a relaxing break from your Sumatra travels in pleasant and interesting surroundings, then check out Berastagi in the Karo Highlands. This is where the Dutch colonial well-to-do spent weekends and holidays, taking the cool mountain air, away from the heat…
The critically endangered orangutans of the Indonesian forests have long been recognized as one of the world’s truly fascinating animals. And the jungles of North Sumatra and Borneo are the only places in the world where you can see them living in their natural habitat.…
A place of gleaming resort hotels and souvenir shops for tourists it is NOT. But the city of Medan, capital of North Sumatra, is steeped in history with truly interesting places to see for those who do their homework and take the time to explore.…
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