About Indonesia
- Indonesia is an archipelago between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- According to World Population Review data, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with a population of nearly 278 million as of 2023.
- Although Indonesia consists of more than 17,000 islands, only a third of them are inhabited, and a significant portion of them are unnamed.
- Surabaya and Medan are interesting cities to visit, as is the country’s capital, Jakarta, which is set along the Java Sea.
- Bali is considered one of the world’s most beautiful islands and is certainly among the most visited islands.
- Java is Indonesia’s most visited island after Bali. There is no shortage of stunning natural beauty on Java. Yogyakarta and Solo, in Central Java, and the Raja Ampat archipelago in New Guinea can be added to the list of places to visit in Indonesia.
- Indonesia is among the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquakes bordering the Pacific Ocean. Indonesia also has the distinction of having the most volcanic mountains in the world, and nearly 130 of the country’s volcanic mountains are active.
Where is Indonesia?
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, is between the Indian and Pacific oceans.
Getting to Indonesia
Turkish Airlines offers daily direct flights from Istanbul to Jakarta, the Indonesia capital, as well as to Denpasar, on Bali. You can browse flights to Indonesia here.
When to visit Indonesia?
Straddling the equator, Indonesia has a mainly tropical climate – hot and humid. The dry season, from April to October, is ideal for visiting the country.
The capital and other cities
The Indonesia capital: Jakarta
On the island of Java, Jakarta is Southeast Asia’s most populous city and the financial and cultural center of Indonesia. It offers vibrant nightlife, a plethora of shopping opportunities, and a bustling daily routine. The highlights of Jakarta include the following.
- Monas (National Monument of Indonesia ): This iconic column is in the center of Merdeka Square and has an observation platform.
- Istiqlal Mosque: The largest mosque in Indonesia and one of the city’s most important religious-architectural structures.
- The Jakarta History Museum (Fatahillah Museum): In the old Batavia district, the museum features exhibits on the history and culture of the Indonesia capital.
- Pasar Baru: Traditional products, clothing and food are sold in this historical bazaar.
- The National Museum of Indonesia: The National Museum of Indonesia houses important exhibits on Indonesia history, culture, and art.
- Jakarta Cathedral: The city’s oldest and largest cathedral is a significant religious structure in Jakarta.
Surabaya
Indonesia’s second largest city, Surabaya, has an important and busy port. It was also the site of the Battle of Surabaya, considered a catalyst for developing regional and international support for Indonesia independence during the Indonesia National Revolution. Offering a compelling blend of modern and traditional structures, some of Surabaya’s highlights include the following.
- Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument): In the center of a lovely park, this monument honors those who fought for Indonesia’s independence.
- House of Sampoerna Museum: Set in the same complex as a manufacturing facility for the Sampoerna Company’s famous kretek (clove) cigarettes, the Museum features exhibits on the Company’s history and products, as well as workshops and discussions.
- Suramadu Bridge: Indonesia’s longest suspension bridge connects Surabaya and Madura Island. The bridge, which has been described as an “engineering marvel” by experts, also has a spectacular view.
- Surabaya Grand Mosque (Al-Akbar National Mosque Surabaya): One of Indonesia’s largest mosques, the architecture and garden of the Grand Mosque are quite impressive.
- Bungkul Park: This park in the city center is popular among locals.
- Pasar Atum (Atum Bazaar): Founded in the 1970s, this massive shopping mall is known for its gold sellers, as well as clothing shops and food stalls.
Bali: Indonesia’s Most Famous Island
While Bali is an island and not a city, as one of the most well-known of Indonesia’s numerous islands, we’ve included it. Often called a lush paradise on Earth, the “Island of the Gods” draws millions of tourists each year. In addition to Bali’s beaches, some of the island’s highlights include the following.
- The Royal Water Temple of Pura Taman Ayun. This temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cultural Landscape of Bali Province, which includes five rice terraces and their water temples, as well as a distinctive irrigation system.
- Lempuyang Temple
- Tirta Gangga Water Palace
- Waterfalls
- The well-known Handara Gate
Dining in Indonesia
Indonesian cuisine varies by region and locality but three of the country’s delicious dishes are:
- Nasi goreng: Fried rice dish incorporating spices, rice, vegetables and a fried egg; some versions include meat or seafood.
- Rendang: Beef stewed in coconut milk and spices.
- Sate: Meat or chicken grilled on bamboo skewers and served with a spicy peanut sauce.
Practical information about Indonesia
Indonesia capital: Jakarta
Indonesia official language: Bahasa Indonesia
Indonesia currency: Indonesian Rupiah
Indonesia population: ~278 million
Happy traveling!
