Indonesia 🇮🇩

extraordinary nature behind daily nuisances

Video from the country

✔️ Pros

some of the most impressive volcanic landscapes in the world
exceptional snorkeling and marine biodiversity in selected regions
very strong and distinctive local cultures
huge geographic diversity across thousands of islands

⛔ Cons

weak infrastructure and limited public transport
widespread scams and aggressive tourist pricing
poor beach cleanliness in many popular areas
inconsistent safety and reports of theft in accommodations
stressful daily life due to traffic, noise, and lack of pedestrian space

📷 Photo albums

Ijen volcano

Nusa Penida

Gili Islands

☑️ What to Do

🌋 Explore volcanoes on Java, including Bromo and Ijen

🐉 Cruise around Flores and Komodo National Park

🤿 Snorkel or dive in Raja Ampat and other remote regions

🏯 Visit major cultural sites such as Borobudur and Prambanan

🧭 Plan your route carefully and travel with trusted operators

📊 Country Rating

Nature

volcanoes, rainforests, coral reefs, and dramatic island landscapes

Infrastructure

weak public transport, poor urban planning, and difficult logistics

Affordability

affordable on paper, but tourist areas are expensive and inconsistent

Safety

generally calm, but theft, scams, and weak enforcement are common concerns

Friendliness

polite on the surface, but tourists are often treated primarily as income sources

Tranquility

crowds, traffic, vendors, and noise make calm places hard to find

Culture

deep, complex, and highly distinctive cultural traditions

Unique experiences

volcanoes, rituals, and landscapes found nowhere else

Weather

tropical climate with frequent rain and seismic activity

Long stay

constant nuisances and daily stress make long stays difficult

📝 Notes

🌋 Nature: World-Class, but Fragmented

Indonesia offers some of the most powerful natural experiences on Earth — but rarely in an easy or comfortable way.

the most impressive volcanoes are on Java, not Bali
the best marine life is found in remote regions such as Raja Ampat
iconic cruises and island scenery are in Flores and Komodo

Reaching these places usually requires careful planning, trusted operators, and flexibility.

🏝️ Bali: Popular, but Problematic

Bali is often presented as an ideal long-stay destination, especially for remote work. In practice, it works best as a short visit focused on nature and culture.

Common issues include:

heavy traffic and poor road conditions
widespread taxi monopolies and scams
limited public transport
accommodation prices that do not always match quality
inconsistent beach cleanliness

For longer stays, daily nuisance tends to outweigh the benefits.

🚧 Infrastructure and Daily Life

Indonesia’s infrastructure is one of its weakest aspects.

limited pedestrian space
chaotic traffic and poor road quality
unreliable public transport
heavy dependence on scooters, which is not suitable for everyone

Even much smaller island countries often feel easier to navigate on a daily basis.

⚠️ Safety and Practical Awareness

Indonesia is not openly dangerous, but it requires attention and caution.

reports of theft from accommodations do occur
police corruption is widely acknowledged
dispute resolution is unreliable

Choosing reputable accommodations and avoiding improvisation is essential.

🧠 Culture and Historical Context

Indonesia’s cultural depth is undeniable, shaped by religion, tradition, and strong regional identities.

At the same time, parts of today’s social reality are influenced by decades of authoritarian rule during the New Order period. Economic inequality, weak institutions, and informal systems still affect everyday interactions — especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Understanding this context helps set realistic expectations.

🧠 How Tourism Works Here

Indonesia benefits from exceptional natural appeal and constant tourist demand, especially in Bali. This reduces pressure to fix structural issues like infrastructure, transport monopolies, and everyday usability.

💡 Who This Country Is For

Experienced travelers focused on nature and culture who can tolerate daily friction and plan carefully.

Itineraries