Ten Reasons To Visit Indonesia in 2017

Indonesia is a country made up of thousands of islands, thick jungles, beautiful beaches, and craggy mountain ranges. Traveling through Indonesia provides meaningful and authentic experiences and while it is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia, there is still some excitement for those seeking adventure.

The Wildlife

There are some great wildlife sighting opportunities that are almost solely exclusive to Indonesia. Here are a few of my personal favorites.

Komodo Dragons – The island chain making up Komodo National Park is the only place on the planet to see Komodo Dragons in the wild.

Proboscis Monkeys – Indonesia is only one of three countries in the world where you can see the long-nosed proboscis monkey in the wild.

Orangutans – This is also only one of two places to see orangutans in their natural habitat.

Trekking across Komodo in search of dragons or observing a family of orangutans play in the trees are both unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Snorkeling and Diving

Indonesia has the longest coastline in the world and it is part of the famed Coral Triangle. Of course, this means that the entire country is teeming with some of the best and most diverse snorkeling and diving spots in the world. On some islands like Wakatobi, there are over 85 species of coral and hundreds of different types of fish.

Yet, many of these spots are still relatively unknown which means the chances are good that you will be the only visitor in your own corner of paradise. One reason to get to Indonesia now is to explore these stunning spots before they become crowded tourist attractions.

The Islands

Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, of which around 900 are inhabited, and no two islands are the same. Most people are aware of the beauty of the famed beaches on Bali, however, Indonesia offers much more variety than just one island.

There are islands like Borneo, the third largest island in the world, which is filled with thick mangrove trees and dense jungles. Other islands like Padar, offer beautiful views that make you feel as if you stumbled into Jurassic Park. Another reason to visit Indonesia is the sheer amount of diversity in the island landscape.

The Temples

Indonesia also has many cultural sights to visit, including the thousands of temples. Some are famous, others are not, but all are interesting in their own right.

Hike to the top of Mt. Suroloyo and explore Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world or walk the stunning cliffs at Uluwatu Temple as the sun sets over the ocean. There are so many amazing temples to choose from and many stand out from the rest of Southeast Asia.

The Price

Whether traveling alone or with your family, Indonesia is a highly affordable country. Many decent hotels start at $30 a night. With a little planning, you can have a vacation of a lifetime without emptying your savings account. You can easily travel Indonesia for less than $40 a day per person.

However, the popularity of Indonesia is rising which means prices will eventually go up.

The Culture

Because there are so many islands, the country has over 300 different and distinct cultures, many of which have remained untouched for hundreds of years. The Kalimantan people live deep in the jungles of Borneo, while the Bajo people live in stilt houses built on the ocean.

The massive range of cultures that expand throughout one single country is mind-boggling. All the cultures I have experienced throughout the country haven’t only been interesting, but the people kind and welcoming.

The Landscape

From the magnificent volcanic mountains to the green rice fields, Indonesia is full of lush landscapes. This makes it a paradise for outdoor lovers. For example, visit Mt. Bromo, a volcano surrounded by a sea of clouds high in the mountains, or witness the electric blue lava that flows from Kawah Ijen. The landscape of Indonesia is inviting, and there is always something to do and see.

The Beaches

Despite all the adventures I just mentioned, Indonesia is mainly known as destination for beach lovers. The country has pristine beaches that draw millions of visitors every year looking for a cheap and fun holiday in the sun. Visitors enjoy some of the best beaches and warmest waters in all of Southeast Asia. One reason to get to Indonesia now is that it is still easy to find incredible shorelines that hardly anyone knows about.

The Food

Indonesia has a wide variety of food options. One reason for this is because the country is a massive melting pot of cultures, each with their own unique style and flavors. Make sure that food is an important aspect of your trip and don’t be afraid to try something new and different.

Still Easy to Get Off the Beaten Path

The number one reason to get to Indonesia in 2017 is that much of the country is off the beaten path. There are endless amounts of adventures for those willing to wander away from the tourist havens. However, tourism in Indonesia is growing and getting of the beaten path will soon become a challenge.

Is Indonesia on your travel bucket list?

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