Spending time on vacation in Indonesia can help you unwind from your daily routine. In 2023, you can take some time to retreat to the tropical country known for its sunny weather and friendly people. To prepare you for the trip, we have curated information about the latest Indonesia travel guide for you.
Visiting a foreign country is something that may excite you but also make you anxious at the same time. All the preparations you have to do before departing are necessary to help you settle in the country for a period of time. That’s why this travel guide is here.
In this guide, you will find all the reasons you need to travel to Indonesia, what makes this country special for international tourists, and how to enter the country as a foreign national. Without further ado, let’s check out the information below!
Why Should You Visit Indonesia?
Indonesia is a unique country consisting of about 17,000 islands located near the equator. It’s a tropical country based on its geographical location, which means that it only has two seasons, dry and wet.
One of the most important things foreign visitors should know about Indonesia is the variety of cultures, foods, and natural environments available.If you travel to Indonesia, you will not only get to enjoy your own private time but also experience the specialties of the country.
Indonesia is a united country, but it also offers a lot of different variations in cultures and foods. All the tourist attractions also differ according to their geographical elements. This makes an Indonesia travel guide an important thing to learn about before deciding which tourist destination you want to visit.
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What Makes Indonesia Special
As mentioned before, Indonesia is a country that doesn’t only have sunny and warm weather but also various different tourism activities. To give you a thorough understanding of what it feels like to live among the locals here, this Indonesia travel guide also includes the country’s specialties, including its unique foods and cultures.
So, what exactly makes the tourist destinations, foods, and cultures in Indonesia different from what you discover in other countries? Below is an explanation of each of them.
Variety of Tourist Destinations
There are over 17,000 islands in Indonesia, and each of them offers a unique experience for those who pay a visit. However excited you may be, visiting each of these islands may not be possible in a short period of time.
We have curated a list of Indonesia’s tourist destinations that is worth your time. You won’t find the beauty of these places anywhere else. Here is the list of the four most uniquely Indonesian places you must visit:
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- Bali; enjoy the beauty of nature on the spiritual island to the fullest.
- Lombok; take a short trip from Bali to Lombok to fully experience the soothing sense of Indonesia’s nature.
- Komodo Island; experience the authentic holiday in Indonesia by meeting the magnificent creature of Komodo Island.
- Tanjung Puting National Park; aside from Komodo Dragons, you can also see Orangutans in the national park located in Central Kalimantan.
Flavorful Foods
One of the important things in a human’s way of life is food. This Indonesia travel guide will not be complete without the flavorful food from each region across the country that offers different flavors.
Foreign tourists frequently enjoy nasi goreng (fried rice) as a meal. It’s a simple dish, usually served with eggs and vegetables. Other than that, fried chicken and noodles are among the most popular dishes that international travelers like.
If you’re a vegetarian, you won’t have to worry about your food intake here. Indonesians love their tofu, tempeh, and vegetables, which you can find in various food stalls and restaurants all across the country.
As for the drink, you can taste the local coffee, which tastes different according to its region of origin. You can enjoy local coffee in various places across the city or in a small town you visit. From a small stall on the street to a hip coffee shop, the local coffee smell will guide you to the place instinctively.
Priceless Cultural Experience
One of the things that should be noted in this Indonesia travel guide is the country’s rich culture. Many ethnic groups still practice their culture to this day. It has become the most attractive feature that Indonesia has in its tourism sector.
Among many of them, the burial ceremony in Tana Toraja remains one of the most unique traditions in Indonesia that attracts so many tourists. It’s a complex ritual that can last about 3 to 5 days. This special experience is certainly something international tourists can’t miss.
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How to Enter Indonesia
Ever since the COVID-19 outbreak wound down, the travel restrictions in Indonesia have slowly been loosened up. Nevertheless, the general regulations about entering the country remain more or less the same.
To enter the country, you must proceed with the visa application and comply with the public health guide, as follows:
Visa Application
As a part of this Indonesia travel guide, the important thing you should know about the visa application process is the required documents. Before departing, make sure you prepare the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A return or onward ticket
- Photos
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
You can apply for a Visa on Arrival directly at the immigration counter at the airport. Aside from a direct application, you can also get your visa online. Alternatively, you can also use the service of a visa agent, like DoorToID, to help you with your visa application.
Public Health Guide
As of January 2023, Indonesia loosens up PPKM (Implementation of Restrictions on Social Activities) all across the country. It also means that entering the country will be easier since you don’t have to go through the PCR test and quarantine period anymore.
Nevertheless, foreign nationals who wish to enter Indonesia should provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and install the PeduliLindungi app to ensure public safety. All in all, you need to show your COVID-19 vaccination certificate during the visa application.
This part marks the end of the Indonesia travel guide for your 2023 holiday. Make sure to plan your trip in advance and prepare the required documents for your visa application. If you still have any questions about the visa application, you can contact DoorToID and get professional, quick, and transparent advice to help you get the visa you need.
Read also: Indonesia Single Entry Visa: Know-How on the Application