Ideas For An Indo Escape

Did you know that Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands? Here, we discover what you can do on and around a handful of those islands, from diving and cruising to relaxing in a luxury villa.

FACT FILE

Population: 270 million

Capital: Jakarta

Religion: Predominantly Muslim, with Hinduism dominant in Bali

The key dates

23-24 May 2020: Eid al-Fitr (referred to as Lebaran or Idul Fitri in Indonesia) – the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer. Celebrations include breakfast, brunch or lunch dishes of rendang (spicy beef), ketupat (rice dumpling), opor ayam (chicken and coconut) and more, along with snacks of peanuts, biscuits, Kue and other sweets. Dates vary each year.

The hotspots

Popular destinations include Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Lombok, Aceh and Bintan. The eight World Heritage Sites include the Borobudur temple, Komodo National Park and Sumatra’s rainforests.

The health advice

Malaria and dengue fever exists in many parts of the country, so use adequate protection and keep antimalarial medicine on you. Avoid swimming in freshwater streams and lakes as disease-causing organisms can be present. Unlabelled bottles of the locally distilled rice spirit called arak are best avoided because of dangerous additives sometimes used in the production process.

While you’re there, please don’t…

... climb over monuments or places of worship; it’s considered highly disrespectful. Also, talking with your hand on your hip is seen as impolite.

Before you go, read…

This Earth of Mankind, by Pramoedya Ananta Toer – a love story that takes place at the end of the Dutch colonial period.

Flight 714, by Hergé – Snowy and Tintin’s 22nd adventure sees them snarled up in a kidnap plot taking place in Indonesia. Read it to your children, or yourself.

Before you go, watch…