Indonesia is a country located in Southeast Asia and Oceania, consisting of more than 17,000 islands. The country has a tropical climate due to its location on the equator. The country is located between the two Indian and Pacific Oceans and has a very high biodiversity and culture due to its special geographical location. Indonesia borders Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor and is close to some other countries, including the Philippines, Australia, and Singapore, but these countries do not have a direct land border with Indonesia.
Indonesia has an area of 1904569 square kilometers and a population of about 275 million people, making Indonesia one of the most populous countries in the world and the largest island nation.
The Indonesian language, known as Bahasa Indonesia, is the country’s official language and the primary language in the country’s government, education, media, and official affairs.There is no official language spoken in Indonesia except Bahasa.
Indonesian Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) .
Cultural identity
The culture of the Indonesian people is a rich blend of indigenous and foreign influences, making it one of the most diverse and colorful cultures in the world. The country has a great diversity in terms of religion, art, and customs.
About 87% of the country’s population is Muslim, but Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and even indigenous religions are also present in the country.
The art of colored cloth, the representation of shadows with leather dolls, and traditional music using percussion instruments are performed in most religious ceremonies or important social occasions.
Traditional Javanese and Balinese dances are very famous, and many of them are associated with religious rituals or epic stories such as the Ramayana.
Indonesia has a wide variety of local dishes that are made with spices and ingredients specific to the country. Popular Indonesian dishes include Nasi Goreng, Satay, Rendang, Gado Gado, Mi Goreng, Baksu, Sotho, Tempeh, Pampak, Nasi Padang, and Ayyam Goreng. These dishes represent Indonesia’s cultural and geographical diversity and offer a mix of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors.
Major Cities
The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta, which is one of the largest cities in the world and is located on the northwest coast of the island of Java and is known for its high population and cultural diversity. Jakarta is a mix of local and international cultures and has numerous large shopping malls, museums, and historical attractions .
With its beautiful nature and abundant islands, Indonesia is one of the popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. The major tourist cities in Indonesia are Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Makassar, Flores, Medan, and Padang, but these cities are only a part of Indonesia’s tourist attractions, and the country has a great diversity in nature, culture, and travel experiences.
Tourist Attractions
The most famous tourist attractions in Indonesia are Ubud Temples, Kuta Beach, and Tanah Lat Temple in Bali, Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Mount Bromu (one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia.), Lake Toba (the largest volcanic lake in the world.), Komodo Island is famous for the presence of Komodo dragons, Lombok, Yogyakarta, Raja Ampat, Gili Islands, and Orangutan Forest in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Transportation System
All kinds of public and private transportation within the city in Indonesia, especially in big cities, are buses, minibuses, taxis, motorcycles, city trains, rickshaws (a type of motorized tricycle.), rental bicycles and scooters, and intercity trains. Traffic in big cities like Jakarta can be very heavy, so it’s recommended to use vehicles such as motorcycles, MRTs, and high-speed buses. This variety of transportation options allows you to choose the best means of transportation based on your needs and budget.
Best Time to Visit Indonesia
The best time to visit the country depends on your exact destination, but in general, the best time to visit most parts of Indonesia is the dry season, which lasts from April to October, which is ideal for activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and beach recreation.
For snorkeling enthusiasts, in Raja Ampat, the best time to dive is between October to April, while in Bali and Lombok it is best to travel there from May to September.
From November to March, heavy but usually short-term rainfall occurs, which can disrupt outdoor schedules. However, traveling during this time can reduce accommodation costs and airfares, and there are fewer tourists during this season.
Indonesian Visa
Iranians need to obtain a visa to travel to Indonesia, which is issued electronically and is usually valid for 30 days and one entry. The documents required to obtain an Indonesian visa are a passport, visa application form, photo, round-trip ticket, and hotel reservation.
Some practical tips for travelers planning to travel to Indonesia :
Indonesia has a tropical climate, so lightweight, cotton clothes are suitable.
Tap water in Indonesia is usually not suitable for drinking, so always use mineral water.
Before you travel, make sure you get essential vaccines, such as hepatitis, yellow fever, and malaria.
Indonesia is generally a safe country for tourists, but you should always be wary of pickpockets and tourist scams, especially in crowded places like markets and terminals. Leave your valuables at the hotel and ensure they are authentic when using a taxi or other service.
Street food is a fascinating part of Indonesian culture, but to avoid health problems, be careful when choosing restaurants.