Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world with an area of about 1,905 km2. The country that joined ASEAN in 1967 is known as one of the countries with the most ethnic groups in the world, reaching 300 tribes. Indonesia is also one of the countries with the largest number of Muslims in the world. It is not surprising that there are many mosques that carry various architectural styles in each region.

Long before Indonesia's independence on August 17, 1945, this country used to be called Nusantara and was a region of kingdoms. The term Nusantara emerged around the 14th century during the Majapahit Kingdom, the most extensive and influential kingdom in Indonesia. According to the Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia (JIAEA) published in Singapore, the name Indonesia was discovered by two Englishmen, James Richardson Logan and George Samuel Windsor Earl in 1850. They coined the name Indonesia from the words "Indus" (Indies) and "Nesia" (islands). The term Indonesia was later popularized in Asia as an academic term by German ethnographer Adolf Philipp Wilhelm before it came into political use in the 1920s.

As an archipelago with diverse cultures, Indonesia's tourism appeal is famous all over the world. Not only in the capital city of Jakarta, Indonesia's mesmerizing charm can be found in Medan, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Bali Island, Makassar, Flores, and other regions.

What Does Indonesia Best Known For

Indonesia is famous for its cultural diversity, mouthwatering cuisine, and alluring natural beauty. Bali Island is one of Indonesia's most popular icons among foreign tourists because of its charm. From its white sand beaches, traditional culture, and culinary, to its handicrafts. It's no wonder that tourists have dubbed Indonesia as Balinesia. However, not only Bali, there are many other beautiful islands in Indonesia. Such as the Karimunjawa Islands in Central Java, which offer the charm of a marine park that refreshes the eyes. Then, Wakatobi Islands in Southeast Sulawesi with its white sand and natural baths, Nusa Penida Islands, and Gili Labak Island in East Java are the best snorkeling spots.

In addition, Borobudur Temple located in Magelang, Indonesia is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. The temple is designated as a cultural heritage and world heritage by UNESCO. While in Yogyakarta, there is the Prambanan Trimurti Temple which is included in the list of one of the 10 largest Hindu temples in the world. Both temples are also visited by many tourists from all over the world.

How to Get to Indonesia from Malaysia

As a neighboring country separated by the Strait of Malacca and the Strait of Singapore,

getting to Indonesia can officially be done by flight and ferry. Fortunately, Indonesia is a 30-day visa-free visit for Malaysian passport holders. However, still, prepare flight documents and pay attention to travel restrictions.

Flights to Indonesia from Malaysia can depart from Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Kuching, or airports in other major cities in Malaysia with destinations in Jakarta, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bali, and airports in other major cities in Indonesia. Once you arrive, you need to go through customs and immigration checks. Make sure your travel documents are prepared and complete any required arrival declarations.

Weather in Indonesia

Indonesia is a tropical country located on the equator. It has two seasons that tend to be evenly distributed throughout the year with an average annual temperature of 27°C. Here are the two main seasons in Indonesia:

• Dry season: May to October
• Rainy season: November to April

Extreme weather, such as droughts and cold seasons, are very rare in Indonesia. So you don't have to worry about extreme weather when vacationing in Indonesia. However, it is always wise to monitor daily weather forecasts before traveling to anticipate sudden changes in the weather.

Transportation in Indonesia

As an archipelago, Indonesia needs transportation to facilitate people's mobility, to cities, islands, and other countries. Fortunately, Indonesia provides a variety of transportation at relatively cheap rates. Here are some of the transportation in Indonesia that make it easy for you to explore the whole country.

• Rail transport: intercity trains, Commuter Line (KRL), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT),
• Road transport: cars, taxis, becak a local transport, angkot "city transportation" a public transport, motorcycle, delman three-wheeled transportation with horses,
• Air travel: domestic and international flights,
• Ferries

Accommodation in Indonesia

1. Wyndham Casablanca

Located in the center of Kuningan, this 5-star hotel has obtained an Indonesia Care certificate so that the comfort of the stay offered is extraordinary. From spa, bar, and swimming pool surrounded by coconut trees, to doctor/nurse call service. Wyndham Casablanca is also strategically located. Access to busway stops and KRL stations is very easy. Grand Indonesia Mall and Monas are only a 16-minute drive away.

2. Melia Purosani Yogyakarta

The hotel is also Indonesia Care certified, offering excellent 5-star hotel facilities and services. One of the most enjoyable features is the lush green garden and trees surrounding the hotel. Melia Purosani is easily accessible from the airport, station and bus stop. You can walk or take a short drive to reach recreational areas and shopping centers, such as Yogyakarta Palace, Beringharjo Market, Taman Sari Water Castle, and Sojiwan Temple.

3. Kuta Beach Hotel

Want to stay with a view of Kuta Beach? Then Kuta Beach Hotel could be the right choice. This 4-star hotel that has been certified by Indonesia Care has an outdoor swimming pool, surfing lesson service, bar, halal restaurant, and car rental. Only takes 3 minutes to walk to Kuta Beach and 10 minutes to the BeachWalk Shopping Center Kuta.

Tourist Destinations in Indonesia

1. Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is a must-visit tourist destination when vacationing in Indonesia. The largest Buddhist temple in the world was built in the 8th and 9th centuries AD by the Syailendra Dynasty. Borobudur Temple was honored as the temple with the most complete reliefs in the world by the Guinness World Record. There are at least 2,672 relief panels consisting of 1,460 narrative panels and 1,212 decorative panels. The Buddha statues scattered throughout the temple reach 504 statues.

2. Dufan

Located in the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, Dufan is an exciting amusement park that can be visited with family. There are 32 rides divided into several interesting themes. Various fun and adrenaline-challenging games that you can conquer, ranging from Tornado, Hysteria, Kora-Kora, Halilintar, Niagara Gara, and Karavel, to The Conjuring House haunted house.

3. Atlas Beach Club

A vacation in Bali is not complete without a visit to Atlas Beach Club. Atlas Beach Club Bali is the largest beach club in the world, built in an area of 30 m2 and directly facing Berawa Beach. While relaxing and sipping drinks, take in the various entertainment that takes place throughout the day. From Kecak Dance, Balinese Glow in the Dark Dance, tarot reading, fire jugglers, and live music by famous DJs. There is a safe and secure children's play area.

Indonesia Food Specialties

1. Rendang

Rendang has been claimed as one of the most delicious foods in the world. This Padang specialty is made from beef (but you can use buffalo, goat, or lamb), and seasoned with chili, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, ginger, garlic, shallots, and other spices.

2. Satay

A skewered meat grilled using wood charcoal and served with a savory and delicious sweet and spicy peanut sauce. There are a variety of satay, ranging from beef, mutton, lamb, to rabbit satay.

3. Gudeg

Gudeg is a Yogyakarta specialty made from young jackfruit boiled with brown sugar, coconut milk, and spices over low heat for several hours. It produces a savory, creamy, and sweet taste.

4. Fried Rice

This is rice fried in oil, butter, or margarine and seasoned with soy sauce, shallots, garlic, tamarind, pepper, and other ingredients. The filling can include eggs, chicken or beef. Fried rice is served with crackers and vegetables.

5. Gado-gado

A diet and vegan-friendly meal consisting of vegetables, potatoes, tempeh, tofu, boiled eggs, and a savory peanut sauce dressing.

Travel Tips in Indonesia

It's a great option to escape the hectic pace of the day by enjoying the charms of Indonesia. To make your vacation enjoyable, be sure to check the latest weather information before traveling. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, as well as an electronic money card to access public transportation.

Then, even though cashless payments have been implemented, it would be nice to prepare cash for purchases that do not provide cashless payments. Always take care of your belongings wherever and whenever you are to avoid loss and unwanted things.

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