I’m drawn to a place for many reasons. Sometimes I see a photo and think—yes, I must see that in person. Other times, opportunities come my way and things just sort of fall into place.
Or, quite simply, I get a feeling about a destination—a tingle of sorts—and I know I just have to go there.
With Indonesia, it’s really been an “all of the above” scenario plus a little more. It’s a fascinating country—a large one, too, with more than 17,000 islands—and it’s always been a fantasy trip of mine. A dream, in fact.
And now, it’s finally happening!
One week from now—on May 30th, specifically—I’ll be flying from JFK (New York) to Singapore, then on to a city called Pekanbaru on the island of Sumatra.
Before I tell you what I’m doing there, I’d like to share more about why I’m actually going—how this trip came to be and what I’ll be doing there. I’d also like to ask those who have traveled there for some advice, as well.
Why I’m Going
I’m a Nature Lover
I don’t need to say much here. Everyone knows that Indonesia has so much natural beauty that many consider certain parts of the country to be paradise. I just can’t wait to see its mountains, volcanoes, rice paddies (I’ve only seen a few of these before), beaches, etc. I look forward to many walks and day hikes, as well as doing nothing other than listen to the sounds of nature.
The Monkey Chant Scene in Baraka
When I saw this film about 5 years ago, it simply blew my mind. All of it. And one scene in particular known as the “monkey chant,” which comes from Bali. When I saw it, I immediately wanted to visit wherever it was that it was. Sure enough, it was Indonesia.
A Cool Volunteer Opportunity
Via Twitter, a British man who leads expeditions to Borneo—and had some chats re: what to do in Indonesia. When I mentioned that I’m an ESL professor here in the US and that I’d be willing to teach over there, he put me in contact with an Indonesian friend/teacher in a village in Sumatra.
We became Facebook friends and she very quickly extended an invitation to me to teach and give workshops at the high school where she works—and to stay with her and her family in her village. Of course, I said yes!
I’m in the mood for a unique adventure
Someday, I might want to check out Vietnam and Cambodia, but for now, Indonesia is the one Southeast Asian country that appeals to me the most. It’s pretty unique for a bunch of reasons, including but not limited to Balinese culture, and it has a lot to offer in the way of adventure.
Needing to Reconnect With My Spiritual Side
I feel really burnt out for a multitude of reasons—including editing my travel memoirs, maintaining this site, working at my full-time teaching job, etc. I’m really out of balance now and it’s not good.
Although I’ll be sort of busy the first few weeks of the trip, I know life will slow down for me because I’ll be in a village. There will also be some sightseeing and then, for the second half of the trip, I’m going to try to mellow out in Bali and the surrounding area. And get some beach time in.
I know I’ll probably need to splurge the final couple of weeks to have the right environment, and I don’t care. It will be worth it.
I love coffee
This was not one of my main reasons for wanting to go in the past, but over the past few years, my love of coffee has increased. I’ve done coffee estate tours in Panama and Costa Rica and really enjoyed them.
And now, I look forward to checking out Indonesia’s best coffee, too. The one where a cat eats the beans and then poops them out. As crappy as that sounds (excuse the silly pun), I must admit that I’m intrigued.
What I’ll be doing there
Basic/Rough Itinerary
I tend to travel with a rough plan (with the first leg of the trip somewhat figured out) and then take it from there. This allows me to have some structure, but not too much–and plenty of room for spontaneity when I want it.
Weeks 1-3: Sumatra—Payakumbah, Buttingki and Lake Toba
Week 4: Central Java—Yogykarta, Borobadur
Weeks 5-8: Bali, Ubud, Lombok and maybe the Gili Islands. Perhaps Komodo. We’ll see. 
Transportation Logistics
I’m flying open jaws–into Pekenbaru and out of Singapore, which means no back-tracking.
Flexible Flight
I have a flexible ticket with Singapore Airlines, by the way, which means that I can extend my trip if I want to without having to pay a change fee (or any additional fare). Of course, I did pay more for this ticket, so technically, it’s not free. Still, I’m glad I’ve got that option.
Buses/Regional Flights
While I plan to use local buses when possible, I will certainly fly on regional and discount airlines when I need to in order to cover serious ground and/or when I don’t want to be on a bus for 20 hours.
*****
So, as you can see, I’m very excited about this trip as I will be making one of my travel dreams—Indonesia—come true! I look forward to sharing the experience with you over the next 2 months…
Your Thoughts/Experiences?
Been to Indonesia?
If you’ve already visited the country, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to link to relevant posts about things to do, places to go, etc.
Tips for making a trip there even better are most welcome–as is information re: finding affordable accommodation in Bali/Ubud. I’m open to an apartment or villa rental, depending on the price.
Want to Go to Indonesia?
Is this unique country on your bucket list? If so, I’d love to know why. Is about nature, the people, the spiritual aspects or it–or all of the above.
Don’t Miss the Bus…Travel with Me!
Want to follow this trip more closely? Please sign up for my RSS. There’s also a newsletter (no spam, I promise), which will include updates in the future, as well opportunities to win a free copy of my book (travel memoirs, which I’m planning to publish in September).
Photo Credits: Special thanks to those photographers who made their work available via Creative Commons. To be taken to their page, please click on their photo. Credit for the photo of the Indonesian students at school goes to Abdul Rahman; his Flickr page can be found here.
omg im so jealous. Indonesia is one of my most favorite places I’ve ever been.
Yogyakarta and Borobudur are beautiful and Bali, outside of the southern area of Kuta-Legian-NusaDua is beautiful and calming. Rice paddies, palm trees, temples….
If you go to the gilis, dont miss Meno. Its the smallest and quietest and least touristy. closest to paradise Ive ever been.
Let me know if you need any ideas!
Annie of TravelShus recently posted..Riding Motorbikes Abroad
Hi, Annie. Thanks so much for suggesting Meno. I’m going to avoid Kuta. Sounds like a tourist trap. Have heard that many times. I can’t wait to see Borobudur!!!
I think I will have some questions for you. I haven’t gotten my travel guide yet and I’m sure that will answer some, but for now, I’m wondering about how to get to the Gili Islands. Easy? Expensive? And where did you stay there? Any decent budget rooms?
Thanks so much!
Sooooo happy for you! I know that you’ve dreamed of Indonesia for a goodly while. And yes, yes, Indonesia is nothing if not a HUGE place with every so many different corners.
Dunno about “Payakumbuh” in Sumatra, but… I can tell you that you’ll LOVE Lake Toba. Indeed, I was there last Christmas, and spent *9* days just chillin’ out (the most I think I ever spent in a country I wasn’t living in) And as a nature lover, you simply must, must, MUST see the orangutans at Bukit Lawang! Purely an incredible experience.
You can read about my 3 weeks in Sumatra last December (even a pic of my childhood Christmas stocking hanging from a nail in my rustic thatched cabin on the island of Pulau Weh), here: http://www.travelnlass.com/search/label/sumatra
Happy to give you tips about any of those 3 spots. I’ve also been to Bali (LOVED it, but notsomuch Ubud, personally a bit too touristy for my tastes). Heck, I even got a permanent tattoo there (which was a tough find, ‘cuz temporary “henna” is all the rage).
And the EFL gig – purely frosting on the CAKE, yes?
Truly girl – you’re going to have a fabulous time!
Dyanne@TravelnLass recently posted..Proof Positive: I Have a Gob of Nomadic DNA in My Genes
Hi, Dyanne…always nice to see you here! So cool that you’ve been to Indo–and specifically to Sumatra. Not everyone makes it there. I’m looking forward to Lake Toba–definitely–and may have to check out the orangutans. How far is Bukit Lawang from Banda Aceh? Just wondering….
Was Ubud that touristy? Hmmm. I’ve wondered about that. Is it also pricey? I haven’t had a chance to look into any of this stuff yet. Still working on the book, btw. Coming together–finally.
I may have some questions for you (one would be how to do Bali inexpensively??)–and thank you, as always, for your kind words, support and friendship. Thanks!!!
Right on time to have this post, I am actually supposed to be in Indonesia by August…and I am looking forward for it! You’ll be there before me so I guess I’ll be looking forward to plan my trip through your posts!
though most of my time I’ll also be teaching English in Java, I think I’ll have enough time to travel around for a bit…so looking forward to know which places I shouldn’t be missing 😉
Someday I’ll Be There – Mina recently posted..First – real – Presidential Elections in #Egypt
Hi, Mina. How cool that you’re also going to be there…awesome! I hope that my posts are useful–and, actually, I hope I can post some while I’m there. I’m not sure what the Internet situation is going to be like in Sumatra. May be tricky. I think that it will be easier/better in Yogykarta. We shall see.
Great that you’ll be teaching English in Java. I look forward to reading about your experiences, too!
I just get a feeling about places too, and pick really randomly. I am excited to read about your adventures as I’ve only been to Bali!
Hi, Ava. You, too? Cool to know that someone else does it that way. When I took a life-changing trip to Ecuador many years ago, it was exactly like that. Another story for another time…
Re: the places other than Bali…I think they will be very interesting and I can’t wait to share with you/others!
See you in Yogyakarta,Lisa!!!cant wait to see you.I’ll mail you later
Sysilia recently posted..Kencan di Kuburan Karet 😀
Hi, Sysilia! Can’t believe we’re going to meet–so cool! I’m really looking forward to it…
Amazing, amazing, amazing. I wish you the best on your trip. I was going to suggest you try the kopi luwak and then I read the coffee part and saw the picture. I had a good laugh. I will be following your adventures for sure.
Ruth recently posted..Is it worth to travel to that country?
Hola, Ruth! Thanks so much…and that’s hilarious re: the Kopi Luwak! Crazy, isn’t it, that the process is what it is… I wonder if it tastes as great as they say it does. I hope so! I also hope I don’t have to pay a lot to try it. We shall see.
I hope I have decent Internet where I am so I can write while I’m away….I think that would be cool. Thanks for following along! Gracias!
Hello, i’m Malaysian & going to Medan, Indonesia in September 2012. Do share with me what to do in Medan ya! Love reading your blog
Hi, Azura. I’m not sure if I’ll be in Medan, but if I do go, I’ll share whatever I do. Thanks for your interest!
You’re going to love this trip, we’ll have to compare Malaysian Bahasa to Indo. when you’re there.
Looks like we will miss a meet up as you arrive when I leave MY and I return to S.E. Asia after you return Stateside. Bummer…
Will be following for sure as indo. is on my list for next year.
Enjoy!
BTW, only you would find a Monkey Chant video.
LOL
Kevin aka EyeTravelSolo recently posted..The Buddhist Wesak Festival
Hey, Kevin. Yes, let’s compare! Shame we’ll miss each other….maybe next time?
I think the new tea I got yesterday led me to the video…he, he, he.
Wow, that sounds like quite a trip. I love that you are doing so many different things there, including teaching. I have been to Indonesia twice, but just the islands of Java and Bali (and I’ve been to Uluwatu, where the monkey dance is–there are a few posts about Bali on my site). My dad lives on Bali. If you have any questions or need anything, feel free to contact me. They have a B&B, so if you need help with accommodations, drivers, or any of that, let me know. I look forward to following along!
Jenna–Cool that you’ve been to Indonesia…excellent! I will definitely check out your site and the related posts. Glad you let me know! Re: Bali…I’d love to learn more re: accommodations, etc. As you know, it’s a long trip and I’ll be on a budget, so I can’t go too crazy spending there. I’d love to know more about your Dad’s place, as well as others. Perhaps we can chat more about that soon. Gracias!
Let me know if you’d like my dad’s contact info so that you would at least have a contact there if you have questions, need help, etc. His b&b is not cheap but they offer big discounts for long stays. I think you would prefer something a bit more central (although many people who have been in Ubud lately have been put off). Renting a room in a villa might be a good option in a slightly cheaper place. I liked Sanur-pretty laid-back, used to be a big draw for tourists so there’s enough to do. If you’re not into the beach, you could probably stay inland for less. Also, you can see the kecak at Uluwatu, too (I noticed Naomi’s comment about seeing it in Ubud). I wonder which is better. I loved the Bali Bird Park and combined it with the Sangeh Monkey Forest for a great day.
Regarding Naomi’s suggestion about Borobudur, that seems like a good idea. The crowds there really tainted the experience for me. It was a place I had wanted to visit for years and then when I was there I couldn’t enjoy it because there were so many people. Also, don’t leave Prambanan out! It is next to Borobudur and is just as impressive. Here’s 1 post about Prambanan and 1 about if Bali is paradise: http://thisismyhappiness.com/2011/09/26/artsmart-roundtable-prambanan-hindu-temples/http://thisismyhappiness.com/2012/05/11/is-bali-paradise/
Sorry…there wasn’t a space between those links, and I can’t delete it, so here they are: http://thisismyhappiness.com/2011/09/26/artsmart-roundtable-prambanan-hindu-temples/
http://thisismyhappiness.com/2012/05/11/is-bali-paradise/
Thanks!
I would love your Dad’s contact info–sounds good. If you want to send it to me on FB or Twitter, that’s cool. Or here–whatever is best.
Thanks for the info re: the various locations and for the links to your posts. Very interesting!!!
Thanks again for all this info. I just re-read your comment and wonder about Borobudur. I may do what Naomi said–anything to beat those crowds. I really want to enjoy that. And I will look into Prambanan…
Great trip, Lisa – looks like a really solid teaching, spiritual, and nature adventure!
fotoeins | Henry recently posted..Hamburg, Germany in June
Thanks, Henry! I think it’s going to be very cool. I look forward to all that variety and to the quiet time, too.
I can’t wait to read about your time in Sumatra. I’m thinking of heading there for a couple weeks at the end of June. It looks like you’re interested in going most of the same places I am. Enjoy!
Katie_F recently posted..Balinese dancing
Hi, Katie. Thanks for your interest. So cool that you’ll be there, too. Perhaps we’ll run into each other…
Looks like I’ll just miss you. I’m heading over the last week of June.
Katie_F recently posted..Walking through the jungle canopy…just minutes from KL
Hi, Katie. That’s too bad. Would have been fun to meet…
It’s great that you can take your time and explore. I don’t know much about Indonesia, so I’m looking forward to reading about your trip.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Eating My Way Through BA Part 6: Porteña Gourmet
Thanks, Stephanie. I’m looking forward to it! Hope to share some cool stuff….
I’m looking forward to see pictures and read everything about Indonesia!!!!
Gracias, Nora!
I’ve never had much of a desire to go to Indonesia other than to visit Bali but that’s mostly because I do not know very much about the area. The culture appears to be really beautiful and fascinating, though. Enjoy your trip!
Sky recently posted..Where Have I Been?!
Hi, Sky. It does look incredible, no? I’m looking forward to it. Will try to write some posts while I’m there…
you’re living my dream
Mireille recently posted..Passionfruit Batida
Hi, Mireille. I’ll do my best to make it real through my posts. Enjoy!
A couple I know were in Bali last month now they are moving there to open a restaurant. My wife, travelling alone there some 18 years ago hated Indonesia. The men were pigs and harassment off the scale. I myself have been to Thailand and must be the only person who does not want to go back. I just gave two friends Baraka to watch. It’s a yearly ritual for me considering it is now 20 years I would walk naked through a snowstorm to be present for the Monkey chant. Looking forward to your thoughts and experiences as I do all of my traveling through your website for the last couple of years. I gotta get a better paying job and I already have 3. Be safe and tell some funny stories.
Neal
Hi, Neal. What a wide range of experiences there and in the area. And interesting re: Thailand. At the time, I don’t feel the urge to go there at all. Not sure why. Maybe too many people go now?
Had no idea that you were also a fan of Baraka–very cool. It’s definitely one of my all-time favorite films. And wow re: your fascination with the monkey chant. I totally get it. When I first saw it, I was mesmerized and had to watch it a few times. I must see it in person on this trip!
So this site has become your way to travel vicariously? Very cool! Will be sure to write some great stories to bring it all to life for you…
This sounds like an amazing trip! I am heading out to Thailand soon, and am hoping to be in SE Asia for a couple of years so Indonesia is definitely on my list! I look forward to reading about your experiences and picking up tips.
That tingle of intuition is powerful, isn’t it? Mine sent me to Ecuador for 6 months
HI, Sophie. You’ll be in SEA for a couple years? Very nice! Sounds like plenty of time to fit Indonesia in there.
Re: intuition…wild that you say that. I had a powerful experience with it that led me to move to Ecuador for a while. Trippy, no?
It is indeed! Wonderful how we still have that inate sense of connection with people and places.
Hmmm, Indonesia is not Bali, in fact Bali is totally unrepresentative of the rest of Indonesia as it is the only predominantly Hindu Island. It gets all the western coverage, and although an interesting culture, there is so much more in Indonesia that is interesting and colourful and culturally rich than just what Bali offers. Personally I find other islands more chilled and relaxing because I am not continually hassled by touts like on Bali.
Payakumbuh is in the Minangkabau region of Sumatra, which has a fascinating culture based on buffalo worship and is a matriarchal society where land is passed down to the women, not the men. Despite it also being a moslem region as well. There is some suggestion that this area was one of the earliest areas of human settlement in Indonesia. There is also the remains of a much older culture that no-one knows much about, with hundreds of carved stone steles. Mahat Valley has quite a few, this is totally OTBP. Harau Valley is a must while you are there, including getting up into the jungle on a trek. Also highly recommend the Mt Merapi volcano climb – I love volcanoes!!
There is a bus from Bukkitingi to Parapat, which takes 16-20 hours, from where you take a ferry to Tuk Tuk on Lake Toba. Getting to Bukit Lawang from Toba would take a day as you usually need to go back to Medan first. Agents in Toba can help you, and you may be able to team up with other travellers and share a hire taxi instead.
Oh, Palupuh, near Bukkittingi is a lady who sells Kopi Luwak. Also where the big smelly flowers, Rafflesia, grow. There is also a Kopi Luwak plantation further north at Mandailing Estate, http://mandailingestatecoffee.com/ run by an Aussie ex surfer, fascinating story, I want to visit some time, but it’s very much OTBP near the equator.
In Medan you can go to the airport and the ticket counters and buy a ticket to Yogya, probably via Jakarta. And probably same day.
I recommend going out to Borobodur and staying there overnight and doing an early morning visit. You’ll avoid the day trip crowds by an hour or so, they are pretty overwhelming. But lots of wonderful locals who want to take a photo with you and welcome you to their country. I did the exorbitantly priced ($40!) predawn tour via the posh hotel on the grounds (though I didn’t stay there) and thought it was well worth being up the top for the dawn colours.
Stay in Prawirotan area, south of the Kraton, in Yogya, not near the train station. Is quieter, less touts. good high speed internet cafes as well. high speed for Indo anyway. when I was in Sumatra in 2008 internet was available, but very slow…Unsure about the village you are staying in. My local pest control guy comes from Payakumbuh, or rather a small village in the valley, and his australian wife won’t stay in the village as facilities are very basic. plumbing when I was there was a bamboo pipe from the local stream…
Yes, stay away from Kuta. If you get right out of Ubud itself into the countryside it can be chill, but I agree with a prev poster that Ubud is pretty touristy these days, and a lot of top end touristy too. I haven’t been, but they say up in the hills near Munduk is nice for treks. I really like the east coast, I spent a lovely couple of days based in Candi Dasa and touring around that region, going for treks through the rice terraces and visiting temples and traditional walled villages.
Gilis: it’s a tourist destination, no cultural interest whatsoever.
feel free to email me, if you want specifics, like good places to stay or whatever.
Naomi recently posted..A Trip down Memory Lane
Naomi–All I can say is wow–and thank you! I’m blown away by your knowledge and truly appreciate that you took the time to write such a lengthy comment. You shared a lot of really useful information. Thanks so much!!
I am wondering if you took malaria pills where you were there… I have them, but am not sure if I’ll be taking them. And how’s that 16-hour or so bus ride? A rough one?
Also, good to know about the touts, etc. I’ll keep that in mind. Bali may be tricky after doing Sumatra. And I can’t wait to see Borobudur…love the idea of the overnight and being there early. Great idea!
unless you are going to mentawai islands (you aren’t) where malaria is endemic, I think you should be fine without pills, but it’s your call. my rule is mossie nets, DEET and avoid getting bitten in the first place.
I haven’t taken the bus between Bukitinggi and Parapat. I’ve heard mixed reports, but essentially it can be crowded, they play loud music right through the night, and there can be delays and stops in middle of nowhere for no reason, or for landslides! You have probably experienced this in your chicken bus journeys already, so I’m sure you’ll cope. The alternative is heading back to Padang or Pekanbaru and flying to Medan then four hours in share taxi or bus to Toba, all of which would take as long and a lot more expensive.
Naomi recently posted..A Trip down Memory Lane
Oh, and “the monkey chant” is called Kecak. The c is pronounced ch in Indonesian. it is performed most nights in Ubud. Worth seeing, as is Ramayana Ballet in Yogya. Also, Wayang Kulit, which is the shadow puppets, in Yogya or Solo.
Naomi recently posted..A Trip down Memory Lane
I can’t wait to see Kecak–looks amazing. I get goosebumps thinking about it! The other shows also look cool!
Hi, again–and thanks, again! I have the pills and may take them, but will decide soon. According to Eti, the woman I’m staying with in Payakumbuh, they don’t have malaria there, but they do in Padang, which is think is 4.5 hours away. I don’t own my own net and she doesn’t have them in the house. I may have to play it by ear.
The bus rides do sound familiar–definitely! I’m not sure if I can deal with 16 hours of it. We’ll see. I know it’s going to be so different there, so I guess I really need to see what it’s like before I’ll know what I can handle.
Thanks!
Hi, Naomi. Just wondering if you can recommend a lightweight mosquito net. I’m having trouble finding one and am not sure what to do. The ones that seem good are heavy and the lighter ones don’t seem so good. I have some allegedly excellent repellant, but…. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the nets…
I really wouldn’t worry too much unless you are going to Padang, which I guess has the problem now because of the earthquake. If there is a mosquito problem where you are staying they will probably have nets, otherwise a fan or aircon will keep them away. And spraying the room. There’s a good spray you can find in any shop in Indo called OFF.
I have an ultra-lightweight single net made by Lifesystems but I haven’t taken it on any travels yet. I have also heard it is very easy to buy nets in Indonesia for next to nothing.
HTH
Naomi recently posted..A Trip down Memory Lane
Thanks again, Naomi–appreciate the info! I’ve decided to bring a light net I picked up yesterday. If I need it, I’ll use it. If not, no problem. Will pick up some spray when I arrive…
Have a great trip!
Naomi recently posted..A Trip down Memory Lane
Thanks!!
Sounds like a terrific trip, Lisa! I’m glad you have an opportunity to slow down a bit. Enjoy!
Gray recently posted..Battling the Crowds at the Trevi Fountain
Hi Lisa,
It’s a nice story…I’m sure you mean the temple is called Borobudur, not borobadur…hehehhee…
by the way, you should extend your trip to visit Derawan-Kakaban-sangalaki island in east Kalimantan (Tarakan)where you can find a virgin island, swim with un-sting jelly fish in kakaban lake, swim with un-sting manta ray in sangalaki. And to Komodo island, Wakatobi, bunaken and of course raja ampat…heaven on earth
I love going to those island to do snorkeling and enjoying the beach. though I haven’t been to wakatobi, komodo and raja ampat. Those will be my plan hehehehe…
Thanks, Tiwi. Did I make such a spelling error? Oops.
I love your other ideas, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to squeeze them in–unless I cut time off from Bali.
I must admit that I’m curious re: Komodo….hmmm.
Thanks for the advice!
hey there Lisa, enjoy your trip in my country. thre lots of beautiful city with nice view and we also have lots of cultures. But dont forget to visit Jakarta, even maybe you’ll fine bad traffic there.
Be careful dont be fooled about the price, they sometime give higher price to the foreigner. if you want to visit Jakarta, just email me. Im living here, maybe we can hangout together. hehe
Hi, Nia. Thanks so much for the offer to hang out–appreciate it!
I just got home a week ago after 8 weeks there. I really enjoyed your country; it was great. But you’re right about the foreign price issue. The problem, as I see it, is that not all foreigners are rich. I’m a teacher and travel low budget. Also, the touts (especially in Bali) who were pushing taxis, massages, etc. were pretty annoying. Still, I really liked visiting Indonesia. I hope to return in 3 years. Perhaps I’ll see you then…
Hiii if u wanna go to Yogyakarta just call me, i will guide u for free
This is my email eka.surya.hadi@gmail com
U’ll love Indonesia
Hi, Umi. I went 3 years ago. It was great!
Which place that you were visited?