🌴[BALI] Blog 01 of 12 - An Introduction to Indonesia – A Remarkable Tapestry of Islands, Culture, and Nature

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Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate is M.S. General Surgeon (Gold Medalist) by qualification with an experience of 30,000+ operations and is based at Rajkot, Gujarat. He is an avid reader and a passionate writer. In this blog, he shares his travel experiences and creative writings.

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🌴 Blog 01 of 12 | Indonesia – A Remarkable Tapestry of Islands, Culture, and Nature

By Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate
Visited in August 2024

As a retired surgeon with decades of experience studying the human body in its precision and complexity, I’ve always been drawn to destinations that reflect a similar depth—where nature, people, and culture form an intricate system. In August 2024, I had the opportunity to travel through Indonesia, a country that astonished me not only with its scenic landscapes but with its cultural richness and diversity. Before I share my journey across Bali in the upcoming posts, allow me to introduce this fascinating nation—a place that truly felt like a living mosaic.

🌏 Where Is Indonesia?

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic nation, made up of over 17,000 islands scattered between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its geography is as vast as its cultural reach—stretching 5,120 kilometers east to west and 1,760 kilometers north to south.

Located in Southeast Asia, it shares maritime and land borders with:

  • North: Malaysia, Philippines, and Brunei

  • East: Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste

  • South: Australia

  • West: Near Sri Lanka

The total land area is around 1.9 million square kilometers, including inland seas, making Indonesia not only geographically vast but also one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth.



🏝️ Islands That Shape a Nation

Among Indonesia’s 17,000+ islands, a few major ones stand out:

  • Java – the world’s most populous island and home to the capital

  • Sumatra – rich in rainforests and wildlife

  • Kalimantan – the Indonesian portion of Borneo

  • Sulawesi – known for its unique culture and landscapes

  • Papua – the Indonesian side of New Guinea island

During my trip, I traveled along the more frequently visited route: Java → Bali → Gili Islands → Lombok—an itinerary manageable in 3 to 4 weeks, with each island offering its own charm.

🏙️ Jakarta – The Vibrant Capital

The capital city Jakarta lies on Java island and has a population exceeding 11 million. It’s a dynamic urban hub—modern yet rooted in history—and notably, it has been renamed 13 times over the centuries.

For most international travelers, the journey begins at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. From here, one can explore Java comfortably via an efficient train network before heading eastward by ferry or short flights.

✈️ Getting Around Indonesia

  • Trains: Java is well connected by rail—ideal for cultural and scenic travel.

  • Ferries & Boats: Travel between nearby islands such as Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands is best done by speed boats or ferries.

  • Flights: Needed only if you plan to explore remote islands like Sumatra, Sulawesi, or Kalimantan.

Despite being a vast nation, the domestic transport system is tourist-friendly and well-organized.

👥 People and Culture

Indonesia is home to over 270 million people (2020 census), making it the fourth most populous country in the world.

Religious demographics:

  • Muslim – 86%

  • Christian – 10%

  • Hindu – 2% (mostly in Bali)

Each ethnic group has its own language, attire, art forms, and cuisine—making Indonesia a land where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated.

The national language is Bahasa Indonesia, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A small gesture, like saying “Terima Kasih” (thank you), is always appreciated.

🕌 Cultural Sensitivities and Social Etiquette

As a guest in this hospitable nation, it’s important to respect local customs:

  • Speak softly and avoid public criticism—especially of religion.

  • Eat and handle items using your right hand—the left is considered impolite.

  • Avoid going shirtless outside beach zones.

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or rural areas.

Indonesians are generally warm, respectful, and helpful to visitors.

🌤️ When to Visit

Indonesia is tropical, so it's warm year-round. However, the ideal months for travel are mid-April to September, when the weather is mostly dry and favorable.

From November to March, many southern regions experience heavy rains. My August visit was well-timed—it allowed outdoor sightseeing without weather-related disruptions.

💰 Currency, Costs, and SIM Card Tips

  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
    Approx. ₹1 = IDR 186

  • Cash is king, and large-denomination notes (up to 500,000 IDR) are common.

  • Best exchange rates are outside the airport.

  • Local SIM cards (e.g., Telkomsel) are reliable.
    I had used international roaming via Idea, but found it unpredictable at times.

Helpful apps:

  • Grab / Gojek for transportation

  • Google Maps, Translate, and Currency Converter

🛂 Visa on Arrival for Indian Tourists

  • Visa available at international airports

  • Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, return ticket

  • Fee: USD 35

The process was smooth during my travel, and I found Indonesian immigration authorities courteous and organized.

🎒 Essentials to Pack

  • Light cotton clothes

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Power adapter (220V, 50Hz)

  • Warm layer for cooler highlands or AC buses

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Modest beachwear (for Bali and island areas)

🍽️ What to Taste

  • Kopi Luwak – A luxury coffee made through a unique digestive process involving civets

  • Nasi Goreng – Fried rice with vegetables and meat, a local staple

  • Rica-Rica – Spicy meat-based delicacy

  • Batik – Not edible, but an important art form in textile

  • Spices – The reason European traders once sailed across oceans

🛍️ What to Buy

  • Batik textiles

  • Organic beauty products

  • Ceramics and incense

  • Handcrafted jewelry

  • Local souvenirs

🧭 How Many Days Are Enough?

To enjoy the highlights of Indonesia, I recommend at least 10 days. For Bali alone, plan for a minimum 5-night stay to explore its beaches, temples, forests, and culture.

📍 Must-Visit Places in Indonesia

(Bali destinations will be shared in separate posts)

  • Borobudur Temple

  • Mount Merapi – a 1,000-year-old active volcano

  • Komodo National Park

  • Campuhan Ridge Walk (Ubud)

  • Sanur & Kuta Beaches

  • Jakarta Cathedral

  • Thousand Islands (near Jakarta)

  • Lorentz National Park (Papua)

  • Mount Rinjani

  • Pasifika Museum

  • Ancol Beach City

🔍 Fascinating Facts About Indonesia

  • Mount Carstensz (Puncak Jaya) is the highest island peak in the world

  • Kapuas River in Borneo is over 1,100 km long

  • Indonesia has 400 volcanoes—100 active

  • Two of the deadliest eruptions in recorded history occurred here:

    • Mount Tambora (1815): ~92,000 lives lost

    • Krakatoa (1883): ~36,000 lives lost

  • Epicenter of the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake

  • Home to over 100 endangered species

  • The “Corpse Flower” (Rafflesia arnoldii)—the world’s largest bloom—is native here

Indonesia is not merely a collection of islands—it is a collection of experiences. For a curious mind and a respectful traveler, it offers natural wonders, cultural depth, and timeless wisdom. My journey began with curiosity and ended in deep appreciation.

In the next post, I’ll take you through the spiritual, scenic, and cultural heart of Bali—an island that stands apart even within this diverse nation.

Until then,
Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate


Surgeon | Passionate Writer | Traveler | Real Estate Developer