14 Reasons To Visit Indonesia

14 Reasons To Visit Indonesia.

As the world's largest island country in the world, Indonesia offers a wide selection of places to visit and cultural treasures to experience. The intercontinental country has more than seventeen thousand islands sprawled across the South East Asian region. Because of its massive expanse, it is historically known to be one of the best places to trade. So, it has also become a melting pot of cultures.

Bali is probably what most people associate Indonesia with. However, there are numerous reasons why people should visit this archipelago. Below are fourteen of those reasons.

1. The Komodos Dragons

Scientifically the Komodo dragons, which is also known as the Komodo monitor, is a member of the monitor lizard family and the largest lizard species ever known. Since it is named dragon, many say that it is the closest thing the ecosystem has to dinosaurs. They are only found in the wilderness of the Komodo National Park, which is made up of four islands. By nature, they hunt and ambush their prey, including mammals. They can be very dangerous creatures so tourists are required to go to their habitats with a park ranger.

2. Underwater attraction

Since Indonesia has the most number of islands in the world, it is only natural that it offers the world's best scuba diving and snorkeling places. The country's waters is even home of 20% of the world's coral reefs, which includes 3,000 various species of fish, 600 coral species, deep water trenches, volcanic sea mounts and even wrecks from the second World War. Because of its rich marine life, there is a plethora of diving trips that will cater to both beginners and experienced divers. For those who would like to experience something easier, there are numerous snorkeling opportunities as well.

3. Food

One of the best ways to learn more about the place you are travelling is by tasting its signature dishes. The thing that separates Indonesian cuisine to the rest of the world is that it is reflective of its extensively diverse culture. Every region has its own distinctive specialty but each one of it has a common taste. Some of the dishes that travelers should try are the lamb or chicken skewers called satay; the unique fried rice dish with a mix of fried eggs, vegetables, and meat called nasi goreng; boiled young jackfruit with rice, sambal sauce and chicken called gudeg.

4. Temples

Although at present, Buddhism is a minority religion in Indonesia, it still contributed a great influence to the country's culture. The world's biggest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, is one of the major evidences of it. It is adorned with more than 2000 relief panels and houses over 500 Buddha statues. Since this is one of the most common attractions, numerous tourists often visit this place. However, there are other temples that are still beautifully crafted with lesser number of tourists like Pawon, Plaosan Lor, and Kalasan.

5. Mountains

If you are the hiker type, Indonesia can also offer numerous hiking and camping activities in the mountains. Apart from beaches, the country is also best known for its breathtaking mountains. Some mountains may boast its ridge rivers, the more popular are the volcanic ones. Mt. Bromo Volcano is one of the most popular volcanic mountains in the country which is located at the East Java province.

6. Beaches

Indonesia's beaches are probably the country's most popular and bankable tourism option. Since it is made up of more than 17,0000 islands, travelers' beach choices are endless. The beaches in Bali are probably the most famous in the country. However, there are other equally beautiful beaches that are less flocked by tourists like the unique pink beaches of the Komodo islands or the surfing place in the island of Lombok.

7. People

One ways to fully grasp another country's culture is by meeting the locals. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. Its unique geography makes it a multicultural country with over 300 ethnicities; each has their own religion, language and beliefs. The people in this massive archipelago are known to be friendly and welcoming. Plus, they also take pride of their distinctive cultures.

8. Spa and Massage

Aside from exploring the tourist attractions, tasting the cuisine, and experiencing different activities, the island country is also known to be the best place to relax and unwind. By relax, it means getting the best spa and massage treatments that could not be found in other countries. The country offers a wide selection of treatments like seaweed wraps, fish spas, aromatherapy and more. These spas are can be found in hotels, resorts, and downtown shops.

9. Forest

Ecotourism is one of the best beauties of Indonesia since more than 50 percent of its total lands are covered with forests. Forests that are found in Sumatra and Kalimantan are the most popular forest destinations. Because of the forest's wide coverage, the country is even considered one of the greenest countries in the globe. These forests are also the home of numerous wildlife gems like the Orang Utan.

10. Coffee

Since history has acknowledged that Indonesia is an important trading region in the South East, the agriculture sector of the country also plays a major role in the economy. One of its best produce is the coffee. The country is the fourth largest producer of coffee and its location is also ideal for the plantation. Popular coffee plantations can be found in Java—thus, the phrase "a cup of Java." Another famous coffee is the Kopi Luwak from the poop of a civet cat.

11. Cultural and art scene in Yogyakarta

Jakarta is the capital city, the muscle of Indonesia, and the industrial engine of Java island. However, the soul of the island is Yogyakarta. It is known as the cultural and art hub of both the island and the country. It is where most concerts, art exhibitions, cultural spots and other traditional displays can be found.

12. Architecture

Travelers who love exploring architectural sites of a country would love to visit this island country. The architecture reflects so much of its diverse culture and history. The styles and designs of the structures are visual stories of the nation's past. Its traditional houses are crafted by the ethnic groups according to social and environmental conditions. Indian influence is the most significant foreign influence. Colonization also shaped the Chinese, Arab, and European architecture as well.

13. Indonesia Batik

Batik is an Indonesian textile style. It is made by printing distinctive patterns on cloth with wax and dye. In 2009, the Indonesian Batik was named as one of UNESCO's Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The intricate patterns are symbolic as it carries significant meanings depending on the person and the occasion. Because of its beautiful designs, it has been one of the popular keepsakes travelers buy in the country.

14. Affordability

Indonesia offers insanely diverse experience and activity without spending a lot. It is often called as a backpacking haven traveling around is convenient, affordable, and definitely worth it. It can offer wide range of accommodation depending on your price range. Plus, transportation and food cost are cheap as well. A very rich experience at a very affordable cost.