Wherever people want to go on holiday, they want to get an authentic experience. It’s nice to see, do, and listen like locals. Visiting touristy places is going to be boring, especially if you’ve been to that country before.
Lucky you! Indonesia has a lot to offer. From mountains to beaches, this country is rich! It’s awe-inspiring natural landscapes will surprise you. We’re here to give you some ideas of what you can do to experience your journey in Indonesia like a local. Read on!
Explore Indonesia Like a Local
It’s time to understand more about Indonesia’s culture, the people, and the food by exploring the country like a local. Here are some tips for you:
1. Use Local Transport
Taking public transportation is the most effective way to let you experience life as a local. In Indonesia, there are many public transportations you can use such as buses, angkot (public minivan), or trains. If you plan to travel from one city to another, the train is a good alternative.
Usually, taking public transportation is cheaper compared to renting a car or hopping in a taxi. If you’re taking a bus, you will pay more attention to your surroundings. Let’s say in Yogyakarta, you want to take a becak (rickshaw) to go around the city. You may find yourself in a conversation with the driver, this means you’re able to interact more with the locals.
2. Explore Mountains and Beaches
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago with over 17,500 islands. In this country, you can find a lot of pristine beaches from western to the easternmost province of Indonesia. How about exploring Raja Ampat in Papua? Or relaxing on the pink beach in Labuan Bajo? *wink
Aside from the beaches, Indonesia has countless mountains. Some of the popular mountains are Mt. Bromo, Mt. Agung and Mt. Semeru. Well, if you want to experience your journey in Indonesia like the locals, you have to hike the mountains and swimming on the beach.
3. Try Street Foods
Have you ever heard of satay, kerak telor (egg crust), gado-gado (mixed vegetable salad with rice and peanut sauce), pecel lele (fried catfish), or nasi goreng (fried rice)? Those are some foods you gotta try when you visit Indonesia!
From Sabang to Merauke, Indonesia has plenty of traditional foods. Eating local dishes is a perfect way to learn a country’s tradition and culture. Every dish has a story. It is often passed from generation to generation.
4. Make New Friends
Making new friends is always exciting. Especially if you visit a new place. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your loved ones, you can always find new friends in Indonesia. Most of the Indonesian people are friendly; they are eager to talk to strangers and willing to offer help as well! 🙂
Some ways you can do to meet locals and make friends with them are by attending local concerts, going on excursions, or staying in hostels. Socializing is fun and you should try it by yourself!
5. Respect Dress Code
Indonesia is a Muslim majority country and when you’re traveling in the country, it is best to avoid wearing revealing clothes. Long skirts or pants with shirts are great and will protect you from the sun. Bikinis and swimwear are fine around the pool or beaches but don’t use it when you’re visiting villages. If you are on a business trip, its best to wear a jacket and tie.
In some cities, there are different dress codes that you must wear. For instance, if you want to visit a temple in Bali, you must use shirts that cover shoulders and part of the upper arms. Dress as modestly as possible.
6. Speak the Language
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart” – Nelson Mandela
A great way to connect with locals is by speaking to them in their own language. Before you embark on a journey in Indonesia, you can learn a bit Indonesian, so you can at least have a friendly chit-chat with the locals. Your trip to Indonesia is going to be more fun!
7. Take Lots of Pictures
Indonesian is one of the countries with the largest social media users. Indonesian people love to post pictures and share them on social media. Well, when you are in Indonesia, why don’t you try to do what the locals do? 🙂
When you visit beautiful tourist attractions in Indonesia such as Banda Neira, Sumba, Raja Ampat, or Malang, you can take a lot of selfies with your loved ones! Share the photos on your social media. Hopefully, when you get back to your hometown, you can look back at those beautiful pictures of you and Indonesia.
8. Try Traditional Massage
The good thing about trying a massage in Indonesia is that it is cheap. But the better thing about it is how good you will feel after getting a traditional massage in Indonesia. In general, traditional Indonesian massage uses coconut oil with tropical flowers. The massage will help you to relax the muscles and improve blood circulation.
9. Get Lost!
Sometimes, not having a plan is better than having a complete plan. If you have a lot of free time, you can enjoy day by day in Indonesia by exploring the off-beaten paths, stay in a luxurious hotel, or going to a bar.
Enjoy Your Trip in Indonesia, Stay Safe!
With all of the things you can do in Indonesia, it’s hard not to fall in love with this country. Now, you can travel to your favorite destination again, but always remember to check the COVID-19 condition in the are you are going to and follow the health protocols everywhere you go. Have a good time, t-mates!
