I rarely (if ever) write so-called "mood" posts. But after all, it's nice to change things up from time to time.
The original title was "I miss Indonesia ." And while the current title reflects my overall feeling, the core sentiment remains true. I dream of exploring it again, and it's truly a country that has left a lasting impression on me.
As such, this article is also a way of echoing the fact that for once I don't really have a next trip planned, so indirectly, it's just traveling that I already miss, but I know that the next one won't be in Indonesia (normally).
Its incredibly welcoming population
One of the reasons I greatly appreciated the country was its people. Overall, they were so smiling , radiating a zest for life, very curious about us, and ready to help us when needed.
Be careful, everything wasn't perfect either, firstly, it won't prevent you from getting ripped off once (See the episode of getting off the bus when arriving in Borobudur ) and moreover, I'm mainly talking about the island of Java.
The contact with the population on Bali was perceived differently, the island being much more touristy and possessing a different culture, this was felt and contrasted frankly with Java where we had landed.
But to return to Java, from the very first day upon arriving in Surabaya, we were thrown into the deep end, with this taxi driver who couldn't find our hotel, but took the time to ask around, and with a smile.
We particularly enjoyed Borobudur , the place where we lost count of the number of amused smiles we received when we repeatedly passed through the market, first to take photos, then to distribute portraits, but, asked to take news of them, we came back a 3rd time to make a final distribution!
Not to mention the service at our guesthouse overlooking the rice paddies, it's quite simple: while most people spend a morning or even the day there, we stayed for 3 days because we felt so good there.
Or those women in Dieng, taking pity on us; as we sheltered as best we could under the porch of a house, while the rain was beating down with its full force, and who suddenly invited us to come and take shelter inside, despite an obvious timidity.
Breathtaking nature
I've already mentioned it in articles about this country, but yes, I'm still deeply affected by that encounter with the volcanoes . Being able to get so close to this raw power of nature, even though it's potentially dangerous, is something I wish everyone could experience.
It's a unique experience; I now understand why volcanoes have often been adored and the object of veritable cults, while also being feared.
I will long remember that sunrise in front of the smoking Mount Bromo, revealing this apocalyptic landscape due to the ash covering a large area around the very active volcano (and it was still active at the time of our visit since there was officially a 2 km security perimeter).
I also have this image of Mount Merapi, a majestic volcano that silently spitted its smoke into the distance, like a backdrop, while in front of us lay the valley with one of the most impressive ancient temples in existence.
It all took place in the early morning and it was also in Borobudur that it happened, a morning that I am not likely to forget.
Islands, cultures
Another advantage of Indonesia is the feeling of traveling within the country itself . I mentioned this in relation to the very different perceptions we had between the island of Java and Bali.
Indonesia is an archipelago made up of more than 14,000 islands , and each one has its own unique characteristics. Sulawesi, Lombok, Flores—these names resonate in my mind, and while Asia sometimes makes my head spin (meaning there's so much to see that sometimes I feel like I'll never see the end of it, and that there are still other continents I'd like to visit!)
It was generally well-received, which is a good sign!
I've often heard Indonesia mentioned as a favorite country , which is generally a good sign! If I take Thailand as an example, the opinions tend to be more mixed at times.
As for Myanmar, another example, it's also a country widely praised by those who have traveled there. Yet, I wasn't particularly captivated by its people, not as much as I was in Indonesia. Not that the welcome wasn't good per se; we certainly got our share of smiles.
But perhaps, over time, we "get used to" these "lands of smiles," to staying in Asia, and we make a more "demanding" judgment about the degree of kindness…
I also think that because we had been in the country before its opening up (transition to a non-military government in 2011), we were able to observe a significant change when we returned a few years later (see my before/after comparison of Yangon ).
Perhaps it simply depends on the location . I've only been to the south of the country, and just like in Indonesia, I've only visited two major islands, so it's possible that other regions of the country might have a less spectacular welcome!
Therefore, this remains, in any case, only a personal opinion and feeling ; I can only encourage you to go there if you haven't already! I must conclude this article, which was originally written only a few years after our trip, that things may have changed since then…
The world is changing, and so are mentalities… With tourism becoming increasingly important worldwide, I know that Bali, already quite overcrowded at the time, has become more difficult to appreciate (especially since we much preferred Java).
Have you ever been so deeply affected by a trip? If not, are you drawn to this country?
