You Will Look at 🇮🇩 Differently by the End of This

do u know that Indonesia has more than 500 cities and 17,000 islands? do u know that, at 1.9 MILLION sq km, this neighbour of ours is the 14TH LARGEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD? do u know that when you keep returning to that one same place over and over again, you are actually doing yourself a MAJOR disservice because youre basically shortchanging urself from all the other food and experiences and personal self-revelations that it has to offer?

trust guys today big sis is going to help u unlock ur traveling potential. the next time ure about to book yet ANOTHER trip to bali or batam or wherever it is in Indonesia that uve been to a hundred times, cast ur eyes towards any of these 5 other alternative destinations instead. i swear to u, theyve got just as much to give ✨️

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𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐎 (𝐚.𝐤.𝐚 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐀)

Solo is the central meeting of cultures right smack in the heart of Java, but continues to remain one of Indo's most overlooked cities. admittedly, it’s not an instinctive choice: few even consider it a travel option – and those who do usually end up passing it on for Yogyakarta (which is the very last rec on my list!). but, all things considered, Solo is actually super vibey in a way i cannot put my finger on. it is hearty, and raw, and traditional; and the air here is very relaxed and unpretentious. it’s definitely a lot less touched by tourism than Yogya; and as a result, provides a more authentic cultural adventure for even the most conservative traveller.

𝙂𝙊 𝙄𝙁... you’re a culture or history enthusiast.

𝘿𝙊𝙉'𝙏 𝙂𝙊 𝙄𝙁... you need to do more than shop, eat, and live in the past.

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𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐀𝐍

shame on you if you find yourself bored in Medan. this understated city may lack all the trump cards needed to be a touristic ideal; but it is tranquil, and peaceful, and incidentally the stepping stone to some of the most beautiful treasures in the country. imposing mountains, dramatic sceneries, with plenty of solitude, style, and sass. it's the kind of city that makes you want to quit your job and live in your bathrobe… forever.

𝙂𝙊 𝙄𝙁... you’re craving for a monastic calm.

𝘿𝙊𝙉'𝙏 𝙂𝙊 𝙄𝙁... slow-paced travelling makes you restless.

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𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆

this previously unheard-of city is fast drawing attention from an upcoming wave of travellers.

it’s rich (not in the monetary way) and atmospheric and all kind of historical, and is a worthy choice for those looking to waltz into the country’s colonial past while having their tummies filled (not literally at the same time, mind you).

𝙂𝙊 𝙄𝙁... you’re into that whole colonial bish-bosh. And food.

𝘿𝙊𝙉'𝙏 𝙂𝙊 𝙄𝙁... dilapidated buildings give you rashes.

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𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐍𝐆

this is gonna sound super hypocritical considering how i started this post, but Bandung is literally the kind of place i don’t mind returning to again. 😅

i dunno, there’s just something about Bandung that steals your heart. forget the fact that there’s really not all that much to do in the city proper: the laidback food scene, bucolic villages and relaxed vibe – they all make up for it. i suppose it's their way of life; the perfect blend of relatively urban modernity and small-town friendliness. factor in the visual dramatics that await just stones’ throws from the city’s confines, you’ve got yourself Bandung: cool, collected, intoxicating.

𝙂𝙊 𝙄𝙁... timeless adventures at a laid-back pace are your kind of thing.

𝘿𝙊𝙉'𝙏 𝙂𝙊 𝙄𝙁... long drives to said adventures make you nauseous.

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𝐘𝐎𝐆𝐘𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐀

YOGYA. the historic heart of the nation, the place that stole my soul.

Yogyakarta is actually THE essential stop in any Indonesian itinerary. it’s super ancient but dynamic, with a cultural history that can be traced all the way back to the 9th century.

together with the crumbling decadence of its burgeoning tourist scene, Yogya makes for a super rewarding and incredibly varied city to explore. my only disclaimer is that you will feel compelled to stay beyond your expected timeframe. so my one most precious tip to anyone heading to Yogyakarta? factor in at least one day more than you think you need.

𝙂𝙊 𝙄𝙁... you can’t get enough of the country’s history, arts, culture, people… or just the whole of Indonesia, really.

𝘿𝙊𝙉'𝙏 𝙂𝙊 𝙄𝙁... the likes of Angkor Wat never moved you.

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