Exploring Indonesia's Hidden Paradises
Do you dream of swimming with the dolphins, exploring the crystal-clear underwater of both the Pacific and Indian oceans? Or do you want to experience island life? It might sound like a cliche, but whatever your reasons, Indonesia is a paradise waiting to be discovered by you.
Take a trip with Miru Adventures as we explore this archipelago consisting of 17,000 islands. We'll explore Indonesia's destinations that every traveler must visit at least once in their lifetime.
A Short History About Indonesia
The Dutch East Indies, once a prosperous colony, conjures up images of a bygone era filled with adventure and exploration. The country now known as Indonesia has a rich and varied history, shaped in part by its former colonial rulers.
The Dutch East Indies flourished economically, with vast plantations producing some of the world's most sought-after goods, including coffee, tea, and rubber. But beneath the beauty and bounty lay a dark history of exploitation, suppression, and eventual rebellion. Still, the legacy of the Dutch East Indies endures in the diverse and vibrant culture of modern-day Indonesia, making it a destination ripe with adventure and discovery.
Where is Indonesia?
The Republic of Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and has been a center for tourism and beautiful weather. Indonesia is known for its hospitable and welcoming people eager to share the culture with everyone. Indonesia also has flexible and welcoming regulations, making it a great tourism destination in the South China Sea.
Are you planning to visit the wonderful Indonesia soon? Want to explore the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, and experience its nightlife? Here are a few destinations you can reserve to visit on your next trip.
Must see places in Indonesia
Palau Island - A Blend of Paradise and Adventure
Tucked nicely in the western side of the Republic of Indonesia, the island is a paradise that greets you with crystal-clear waters, sandy-white beaches, and abundant marine life. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape from your demanding life or snorkeling, Palau Island is a great escape, offering a variety of adventures in Indonesia.
The gentle sway of palm trees greets you as you step onto the shores of this island. A lull of waves lets you experience a calm ocean with a cool breeze blowing across the island, providing a tranquility equal to that of a paradise.
Once you get used to dining on soft, powdery sands, you can opt for an off-the-beaten-path adventure across the forest to panoramic viewpoints or kayak through the mangrove forest. Indonesia is committed to preserving the ecosystem, and you can see the efforts through the untouched nature of this island. Indonesia declared most of the areas protected, and the Indonesian government has contributed to keeping the area safe and secure for wildlife and tourists. Take a break and immerse yourself in this beautiful rock paradise.
Raja Ampat - Explore the Underwaters of Indonesia
Are you a nature enthusiast or love to dive and explore underwater? Raja Ampat is truly an underwater paradise in Indonesia, with exotic marine species thriving around the vibrant coral reef. The untouched Indonesian archipelago is an excellent destination for divers and people passionate about discovering marine life.
Known as the "Amazon of the Sea," Raja Ampat offers incredible biodiversity where you can experience the breathtaking world of coral, rays, sharks, and seahorses, painting a picture of a mythical underwater kingdom. It's a unique view of Southeast Asia, making Rajat a crown jewel of the Malay peninsula.
photo credit @salty_sandals
Ubud Bali - The Heart of Bali
Have you heard of the traditional Balinese dance? Or do you want to experience the art, culture, and spirituality of the Bali people? Ubud Bali is where you want to visit. The island offers a blend of modern and ancient life, with the serene environment helping you unwind and take in the incredible view.
Located in the central highlands of Bali, Ubud Bali has lush green landscapes that provide an incredible backdrop to relax and escape the island's most populated areas. Ubud Bali is one of the best off-the-beaten-path destinations to venture along the Campuhan Ridge Walk as you introspect and admire the beautiful scenes.
Ubud is a welcoming destination where locals share their art, culture, and spirituality with visitors. The local galleries and workshops have beautiful Balinese sculptures, art, and traditional crafts that you can buy as souvenirs. Get close to Balinese traditional dancers and even participate in this ancient dance ritual.
You can also take a trip to the Lesser Sunda Islands and visit the Komodo National Park on the Northeastern coast to see the dragons in their natural habitat.
The sacred sites and ancient temples confirm the island's commitment to spirituality. Are you seeking a spiritual journey? This might be what you need.
Spice Islands - Explore the Spice Trade Legacy
Take the opportunity to explore what was once an epicenter of global spice trade. Also known as Maluku Islands, Spice Islands has a robust history, and you can still experience the effects through the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that fill the air. The centuries-old spice gardens are still active, and you can witness how some of the best spices in the world are grown, cultivated, and harvested. It's also an excellent opportunity for spice lovers to buy these gems.
Ensure you bring a map of Indonesia to explore the rainforests and beautiful beaches. The Island has some crystal clear waters, making it an ideal vacation spot for marine life lovers.
Spice Islands once opened its doors to trade with countries like the Netherlands East Indies, currently known as East Timor, and South Korea, shipping a lot of spices and receiving goods like silk and salt in return. Netherlands East Indies remained the biggest ally of the Indonesian authorities. East Timor is still one of its largest traders today.
Denpasar - An Epicenter of Bali
Denpasar is the capital of Bali and is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, like nightlife and delicious food. Besides serving as a transit point, the city is a tourism destination. The city's hospitality is legendary, with many people visiting Indonesia making it a habit of passing through Denpasar.
Enjoy local dishes like mie goreng (fried noodles), nasi goreng (fried rice), and satay skewers. If you're a coffee lover, you'll enjoy the kopi tubruk, the local coffee to energize your day.
Central Java - Adventure Awaits
From the artistic city of Yogyakarta, where visitors can witness batik-making and explore the grand Kraton Palace, to the inspiring Borobudur Temple, Central Java is a melting pot of historical and cultural experiences.
One of the must-visit attractions is the Dieng Plateau, a spectacular spot that provides incredible views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Adventure-seekers will love the trekking opportunities and towering Mount Merbabu, where they can explore stunning waterfalls and natural hot springs.
Central Java's charm lies in its array of attractions, including the impressive Prambanan Temple and the Selogriyo Temple – both ancient temples reflecting the area's rich Hindu and Buddhist past.
What Should You Bring With You When Visiting Indonesia?
When traveling outside your country, bringing travel essentials to facilitate your trip is important. Although Indonesia has shopping malls where you can buy most of these things, buying and packing them before boarding your flight is paramount. Here are some things you should carry with you when visiting Indonesia:
Lightweight Clothing
Indonesia experiences tropical weather, and carrying lightweight and breathable clothes is crucial. It's time to hang your jeans and heavy jackets and pack those shorts and loose tops for comfort and seamless island experiences.
Beachwear and swimsuits are also essential as you'll spend most of your time in or near water.
Travel Essentials
Ensure you carry all appropriate travel documents like passports, travel insurance documents, and a visa, where required.
Electricals like adapters for your phones, cameras, and laptops also come in handy on these trips. Indonesia uses Type C and F sockets.
Buy an Indonesian map and travel guide to familiarize yourself with the local geography. It also helps to have an Indonesian-English dictionary to learn Bahasa Indonesia and help you communicate with the locals. Bahasa Indonesia is the local dialect, and you'll find that nearly 90% of the locals speak it. Bahasa Indonesia is relatively easy to learn, especially formal greetings and asking for directions.
You can take a simple Bahasa Indonesia course if you want to immerse yourself in the entire trip and effectively connect with the locals.
However, you can buy some items in Indonesia, like the Indonesia flag, T-shirts, and mugs.
Indonesia Currency
Although currencies like US dollars, Euros, and British Pounds are accepted in Indonesia, they pose a transaction challenge, especially when buying items from local markets. That's why you need to convert your money to an Indonesia Rupiah.
You can convert the money through your bank before traveling or in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. You can also access most government services in Jakarta.
TIP: Respect the Protected Areas
Through the regional representative council, Indonesia declared some areas under protection to preserve their ecological importance in Southeast Asia. Such areas include cultural heritage, conservation forests, marine conservation areas, and National parks. It's common to find Tentara Nasional Indonesia, the Indonesian military, around these areas. The TNI has helped to keep most of the Indonesian islands in Southeast Asia safe and protected.
The regional representative council is strict with the regulations, which has helped transform modern-day Indonesia into a preferred tourism destination.
Head to Indonesia Now
The Republic of Indonesia is a beautiful tropical destination in Southeast Asia for tourists and people fascinated by nature. The archipelago has more to offer, with long tracks of sandy beaches, beautiful jungles, and breathtaking views only found in a few places on Earth. Palau Island is perfect for people who want to enjoy the view and unwind. Raja Ampat is perfect for divers marine life lovers. Ubud Mali is the epicenter of Indonesian culture and spirituality. Spice Islands takes you on a trip through time to how the popular spice trade changed the world. Denpasar is a transit and shopping point before heading to other coastal islands.
Go there with Miru Adventures. Check out our Expedition Calendar to discover our upcoming adventures in Indonesia that await you! Unveil the journey that resonates with your spirit of exploration, and secure your spot in an extraordinary encounter with nature’s wonders. Don’t wait — your perfect expedition is just a click away!