Indonesia Through Our Eyes

Yes, Bali Belly is absolutely real, but it’s probably not as inevitable as some travel horror stories make it sound.

The biggest things we do to reduce our chances of getting sick are avoiding tap water, being careful when brushing our teeth, avoiding swallowing water in the shower and checking that ice is made from filtered water when we’re unsure. In most tourist areas, restaurants and cafes use commercially produced ice, but it’s still worth paying attention.

One thing we don’t do is avoid local food. Some of our favourite meals in Indonesia have come from local warungs, and we’d highly recommend trying them. If you’re nervous about eating local food for the first time, Warung Sika in Canggu is a great introduction. It’s popular with both locals and international visitors and offers delicious Indonesian food in a setting that feels approachable for first-time travellers.

We’d also recommend travelling with electrolytes and staying well hydrated, especially in Indonesia’s heat and humidity.

Overall, we think the risk is worth it. Indonesian food is one of our favourite parts of travelling here.

In our experience, yes. Indonesia is one of the friendliest countries we’ve ever visited.

We’ve travelled across multiple islands and have consistently been welcomed with kindness, curiosity and generosity from local people. Whether we’ve been exploring busy cities or remote villages, we’ve generally felt very safe.

Some of our experiences with local people have been genuinely incredible. On one occasion, Beth accidentally left her phone on the back of a Grab bike. We thought it was gone for good, but the driver returned and personally brought the phone back to us. We’ve also found ourselves lost, stranded with a flat tyre and in need of help on several occasions, and local families have repeatedly stepped in to help. We’ve been invited to sit with families, offered food and drinks and helped get back on the road when things haven’t gone to plan.

One experience we’ll never forget was getting lost on a remote and challenging road. A local teenager realised we were struggling and guided us through the route, helping us reach safety. Moments like these have happened time and time again throughout our travels in Indonesia.

As with any destination, it’s important to use common sense. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, be cautious when driving scooters and make sure you have appropriate travel insurance.

The overwhelming majority of Indonesians we’ve met have been incredibly warm, honest and welcoming, which is one of the many reasons we keep returning to this amazing country.

Indonesia is incredibly diverse, and religion varies between islands and regions.

Bali is predominantly Hindu and follows a unique form of Balinese Hinduism that you’ll see reflected in the island’s temples, ceremonies and daily offerings.

Many other parts of Indonesia, including much of Java, are predominantly Muslim. During our travels, we’ve been lucky enough to experience how different faiths often live alongside one another. In East Java, for example, we attended Sedekah Bumi, a traditional celebration rooted in Javanese culture that brings together people from different religious backgrounds.

Some islands are predominantly Christian, including parts of North Sulawesi and much of Sumba. Sumba is also known for Marapu, an ancestral belief system centred around honouring ancestors and maintaining a spiritual connection between the living and those who came before them. Elements of Marapu continue to influence life and culture across the island today.

One of the things we love most about Indonesia is seeing how many different cultures, traditions and faiths exist across the archipelago.

Indonesia is much larger than most people realise. We’d recommend at least two weeks for a first visit, although you could easily spend months exploring different islands and regions.

Compared to many Western countries, Indonesia can be very affordable. Costs vary depending on the destination, but accommodation, food and local transport are often excellent value for money.

Absolutely. Indonesia offers an incredible mix of adventure, culture, food and natural beauty. From world-famous destinations like Bali to lesser-known islands and local experiences, we’ve found every region offers something completely different.