Indonesia is a really big country with a vast and colorful archipelago rippling
across the equator for nearly 5000 km in South East Asia region. An adventurous
wild tropical nature richly layered with character elaborates with unique
diverse cultures and also well-known warm hospitality. A place like heaven for
all five senses we have, where tasty culinary enriched with spices and heady
scents, vivid colors, melodious traditional music mixed with attractive dancing
movement leaving such a wonderful and unforgettable impression on anyone who
visits. This is a country which has more than 200 million people, the world’s
fourth most populous nation. We are also a nation which has the largest moslem
population in the world, approximately 80% of all Indonesians are moslems. In
general, Indonesia is a deeply religious nation even the minorities
(Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, etc).
 "Hello mister!”, it’s a common greeting followed with a warm smile from an
Indonesian to welcomes you in their beloved country. Hospitality spirit is
originally in all Indonesian blood.The fact that they were born in a country
which has so many culture diversities including ethnic groups, religions,
languages, dialects, and traditions, made Indonesian get used to and respect
all the differences we have. Indonesian culture has been shaped by long
interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign
influences. Even though Indonesia having almost 300 different cultures
spreading across the country and having different kind of faiths, but generally
for years Indonesians live side by side in peace. It’s very contrary to what
may appear from international news coverage. Despite their economic and
political problems, Indonesians have remained open and friendly. So don’t be
surprised if one day when you are waiting for a bus in Indonesia, any
Indonesian beside you greets you and opens a conversation with a warm friendly
smile.
There’re thousands of interesting places in Indonesia. Let’s start trailing a
few best of it from Sumatra Island, where you can swim in the largest Southeast
Asia’s volcanic lake of Toba backed with the gracious Batak’s hospitality.
Crossing to Java island in Yogyakarta, a city where Java’s culture is
well developed. Taste the sweetness of Gudeg and then watch Wayang, the
traditional puppet show. In this city you can also find the historical
Borobudur Hindu’s temple, one the 7 wonders in the world. Then crossing the sea
heading to Bali island you can’t miss the island of Gods. You can enjoy
sunbathing in the white sand of Kuta Beach, exploring an exotic place like
Ubud, and then at night watch the Kecak dance show. Fly to Kalimantan island
where you can trek in one of the biggest wild tropical rain forests in the
world and explore the amazing wildlife diversity in it. Don’t forget to see
Orang Utan and learn more about this almost extinct species. And then fly to
Irian Jaya(Pa pua), explore the beauty of Raja Ampat Islands which is
Indonesia’s largest national marine park. Raja Ampat offers a range of marine
life believed to be the most diverse on the planet. So, prepare your swim suit
and also snorkel equipment to explore the beauty of Raja Ampat’s underwater
world. Irian Jaya also has the Dani’s Tribe who still has an exotic primitive
life in the middle of the wild jungle, far away from electricity and technology services. Find out about their life and culture and add a great value to what
you know about how we appreciate life. So, come on!! Please do come to visit Indonesia!!!
written by Femy Adidia
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