Bromo Travel Tips by Locals

Bromo Travel Tips by Locals

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Bromo is an active volcano surrounded by deserts covering an area of 10 km2. The temperature in this region can reach 2º to 20º Celsius. With such a cold temperature, it makes this place the most unique phenomenon in eastern Java. It is also one of the most popular travel destinations in Indonesia.

Bromo Sunrise is a natural phenomenon that you can see from a location north of the caldera. This place is also used as a bromo mountain activity monitoring post. Tourists must be willing to wake up in the morning at 03.00 with bromo jeep transport must be booked in advance.

Before you make it happen, you need to prepare everything first so that all your activities run smoothly.

Here are some bromo travel tips that you should look at before or during your trip to Bromo.

Planning


Bromo mountain tourism is a place that often dikunjungo by domestic tourists and foreign tourists. With the many tourists who want to visit the mountain bromo then the inn will increasingly hard to find. Therefore, you should find the right time so as not to be constrained by the difficulty of finding lodging in bromo, such as hotels and homestays, because the number is still limited. You can ask your friends, or local people you know about this.

Choose the Right Time


For the best time, you are advised to take a tour to Mount Bromo during the dry season is in May - september. Due to this season you will see the sun rise bigger and reddish round. And at this time you can explore the tourism of Mount Bromo more freely, giving a sense of security and comfort in travel.

Early Booking


If you have a plan to stay in Bromo, you must book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you plan to travel at the weekend or at the peak of Christmas and New Year holidays, it must be very crowded. In addition to lodging you also must order the vehicle (off-road car commonly used by tourists). Jeep bromo is one of the vehicles to explore various attractions in the Tengger mountains. Once again I emphasize, you must order it in advance.

Physical Preparation


Holiday to Mount Bromo is not the same as climbing the mountains need preparation in more aspects. However, you should know that dibromo weather is very cold, especially you have to climb 250 steps to see the crater. Therefore with maximum physical preparation, you will be able to face everything. This is a very important thing that you should pay attention to.

Check and maintain the vehicle before Departing


If you go to Bromo using a private vehicle, in order to have a smooth ride, check and maintain the vehicle you will use to travel. There are also many who come to this place using a private vehicle that incidentally comes from Jakarta, Bandung, Jogjakarta, Solo, Bali and surrounding areas. Because before you arrive in the mountain area bromo, you will pass your way through the winding and uphill. Keep the fuel fully charged, because it will be difficult to find gasoline around Bromo

Clothing and Supplies


Surely you already know the weather in Bromo. This is a challenge we must face, because the temperature could reach 10 degrees Celsius. In addition to a physical fit, clothing and equipment we should also prepare well. Here are some recommendations from the bromo guide on clothing that must be prepared before traveling to Mount Bromo.

1. Jacket


The recommended jacket is a jacket that can withstand cold air and not just a fashion jacket. Also bring some long sleeve shirts that you can wear before wearing a jacket. because everyone has different endurance, then it is very necessary when it is above the altitude.

2. Thick Long Pants

Try wearing thick outdoor pants to protect your leg from the cold. Usually these pants are worn by mountain climbers, so you should try it. Alternatively, you can also wear jeans pants.

3. Scarves, Carpus, Gloves, and Socks

Because the jacket can not cover the entire body, then it's good you complete it with a scarf, carpus, socks, and gloves. Carpus in addition to protecting the head is useful to cover the ears that aims to reduce air pressure while at the top of Mount Bromo.


If you forget to bring those, do not worry because around Mount Bromo there are many traders who sell this equipment. But of course with a slightly different price.

4. Shoes


Never imagine in your mind to use sandals in the cold air. In addition, the contours of roads to be traversed are mostly rocky and slippery. Boots or hiking boots will be more useful than sneakers because in addition to strong, this type will protect you from injury.

5. Flashlight


This object will be useful for you before sunrise, because you will make the climbing process of the stairs when the sky is still dark. Senter will greatly help you tread the way to the point to enjoy the phenomenon of the rising of the sun from the eastern horizon. And always be careful in doing this process.

6. Masks


Because in Bromo you are in the middle of the sand, then the mask is very important to protect our nose and mouth from exposure to sand dust that can cause cough and sore in the throat.

7. Kacamata


Yang terakhir ini, selain untuk bergaya, bisa juga untuk melindungi mata dari debu. biasanya kacamata dipakai oleh para wanita.

Prepare enough cash


Bring cash as needed during a trip to bromo to cover your travel plans and activities there, as you will not find an ATM machine around this sights. And for sure, with the amount of money you had anticipated to make up for shortages while on the move.

Bawa Makanan Dan Minuman


Around Bromo mountain there are a lot of food vendors you will meet, but it's good if you bring some food yourself to anticipate the hunger that comes fast, because the cold air. And also the price of food that is sold there is slightly different from the price of food in the regular area.

That's some tips for travelling to Bromo from locals to you. Hope those helps your trip.

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Gunung Agung Erupted, Bali Remain Safe

Gunung Agung Erupted, Bali Remain Safe

Yesterday, November 25, 2017, Gunung Agung in Karangasem, Bali, erupted. And until now has not been observed the increase in seismic and volcanic activity after the eruption.

"The situation of Gunung Agung is still on alert (level 3)," said Head of BNPB Information and Public Relations Data, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho in his written statement on Saturday (25/11/2017).

Sutopo ensure the condition of Bali remains safe. Activities at Ngurah Rai International Airport are also safe and normal.

"The condition of Bali remains safe, people are encouraged to stay calm, do not panic and hooked on the misleading issues, PVMBG will continue to provide updated information," he continued.

Mount Agung eruption occurred at around 17:30 WITA. The gray columns were observed in medium-grayish-gray asphalt as high as 1,500 m above the peak of Mount Agung.

This is the second eruption of Gunung Agung with a higher column of ash higher than its first eruption on Tuesday 21st.

"Until now PVMBG is still analyzing its eruption, there is no increase in seismic and volcanic activity after eruption until this afternoon," said Sutopo.

Residents remain prohibited from activities within a 6 km radius plus a sectoral extension of 7.5 km to the north-northeast, southeast and south-southwest.


Indonesia Travel Destinations
translated from Detikcom

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How Bilebante Village becomes a new favorite eco tourism destination

How Bilebante Village becomes a new favorite eco tourism destination

A Green Tourist Village Jari Solah is a new tourist destination in Lombok Island located in Bilebante Village, Pringgarata District, Central Lombok District. This tourist village has a natural beauty that stretches as well as the expanse of rice fields, forests, mountains, rivers and much more. With the beauty of this village is able to make local people and foreign tourists to visit.

One of the Favorite Destination tourist icons in Bilebante is the "Valley of Gardena". It offers a country-style atmosphere with Traditionalist Houses made of bamboo and interspersed with lined Gazebo-Gazebo.


We will also be spoiled by the sound of water flowing and falling in the pool around the gazebo surrounded by colorful flowers in every corner.

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Bilebante Village, once covered in dust now a favorite green village

One of the highlights of the upcoming Lombok Fishing Market event by the Indonesian Charms Generation (GenPI) West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) will be the Bilebante Tourist Village.

The tourist village was established in 2015 and has become a favorite destination for tourists, especially those coming from overseas.

In the past, the village was called dust village due to so many sand mining sites located there, until the head of the village alongside the local youths decided to turn it into a green village.

Several activities that visitors can do in this village are witnessing rice-planting activity, exploring the making of kekere traditional hat and cycling.

While cycling, tourists can explore places like local houses, river, paddy fields, vegetable and fruits garden, Five Bridge which was built in the 40’s during the Dutch colonization era and Pura Lingkar Kelud, the oldest temple in Central Lombok. (asw)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2017/11/24/bilebante-village-once-covered-in-dust-now-a-favorite-green-village.html

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Things you should see on Lombok

Things you should see on Lombok

Lombok – an island east of Bali, but less famous than its neighbor. While every year millions of tourists are attracted to Bali, many places on Lombok are still untouched. Over here mass tourism is still unknown.

Lombok offers many empty and often isolated dream beaches, friendly and interesting people, tasty food and fantastic nature. This year, after a stay of more than two months, Lombok and the Gili islands became my personal favorites – at least so far.

In this article you will find a few must-sees on Lombok.

Lombok: 15 fascinating sights you shouldn’t miss

The Gili islands

3 paradise islands – which seem tiny compared to Lombok – are located only 20 minutes away by boat: Gili Trawangan, the main island, Gili Meno and Gili Air.

homeiswhereyourbagis

homeiswhereyourbagis

homeiswhereyourbagis

The Gilis are very popular for scuba diving and snorkeling but also for relaxing, swimming and partying. Backpackers and tourists visit especially Gili Trawangan often. Over here you can feel the lively reggae-ganja-magic-mushroom-vibe.  The Gili islands are a MUST!!!

Mount Rinjani

The second highest volcano of Indonesia is definitely one of THE highlights of Lombok! You can book multi-day, guided tours to the Crater Lake and even to the top at all touristy spots. The pictures speak for themselves…

Senggigi

Most tourists arrive in Senggigi because many hotels are located over here. It’s also great for going out at night or eating. One of the most popular surf spots for locals and tourists alike is Senggigi Beach.

At this beach the vendors and locals aren’t pushy at all but you can have a nice small talk if you like (mainly about football since Indonesians love football).

From Senggigi to Pemenang

To explore this road next to the coast it is best to use a scooter, which you can rent for example in Senggigi. One of the highlights is the viewpoint at Malimbu Hill 1 and 2. It offers a marvelous view over Malimbu and Nipah Beach and the 3 Gili Islands. Check out the other view points and beaches that you can find on this way as well since they are worth seeing, too.

If you leave Lombok with the public boats to the Gili Islands and would take a taxi from the airport or from Lembar (where the public ferry from Bali arrives) you will probably use the very same road (or you tell the taxi driver your preferred route) since this road goes directly to Bangsal, where public boats are leaving.

Pusuk Monkey Forest

Taking a winding road through a breathtaking mountain landscape is the second option to get to Bangsal. It’s were you find the so-called monkey forest, named after the numerous wild monkeys in the jungle and near the street. Feed the hungry and annoying little bastards at the view points if you like.

But be careful and look for your bags, backpacks and such. You can go there by scooter as well, but always “Hati Hati”, like the Indonesian says.

Kuta

After Senggigi, Kuta is probably the second tourist hotspot on Lombok. It offers beautiful beaches as well and lots of accommodations and restaurants.

From here you can explore the dream beaches of Mawun, Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak since they are very close by (see below). Even Kuta Beach itself is worth a look.

Mawun Beach

Now I will introduce you some of my favorite beaches of Lombok. One if them is Mawun.

Depending on the weekday and the time of the day, this beach with its soft white sand and turquoise water is still mostly deserted. Sometimes the waves are heavier over here. The beach is secluded and located west of Kuta in an almost enclosed bay, which you can easily reach with your scooter as well.

Selong Belanak and viewpoint

I believe I rarely saw such a wide and shallow beach like Selong Belanak somewhere else. You can perfectly surf or swim at this long beach.

I strongly recommend taking a look at the near viewpoint overlooking the beach and the bay. It’s located a bit north of Selong Belanak Beach. It’s still an insiders’ tip and you shouldn’t miss it when you do a scooter tour.

Tanjung Aan

Turquoise sea and white sand, the way I love it! Even here you can climb a rock to enjoy a breathtaking view over the two bays and beaches of Aan. A must-see!

Pink Beach

It’s not really an insiders’ tip anymore, but still worth a visit! The drive is quite difficult since in my opinion the streets on the Ekas Peninsula (where the Pink Beach is located) cannot be called streets anymore. At least they are being improved bit by bit every year. If you actually make it there, you will be rewarded with a desolate quiet beach. It is called after its pink sand that consists out of coral.

The view from the near viewpoint is marvelous as well and the also worth seeing cliffs of Tanjung Ringgit are situated close by.

Mosques and Hindu temples

In contrast to Bali, Lombok and the rest of Indonesia are mainly Muslim. That is why you can see and especially hear mosques everywhere. If you book your accommodation in advance, you should inform yourself if it’s closely located to a mosque. Especially around Ramadan it could become very noisy.

The Balinese minority on Lombok got its temples like Pura Meru, Pura Lingsar, Pura Narmada or Pura Batu Bolong as well. 2 true insiders’ tips are Pura Gunung Sari north of Mataram and Pura Suranadi.

Most of them are located at the western part of the island in and around Mataram/Cakranegara or Senggigi.

Waterfalls

Lombok got numerous waterfalls, mostly in the northern part of the island. Among others, there would be Tiu Teja, Tiu Kelep or Sendang Gile. In the center of Lombok you will find a few decent ones as well, for example the Benang Kelambu, Benang Stokel or Jeruk Manis near Tetebatu.

There is no fresher water than this! Drink it, swim or just let the ice cold water hail down your back – superb!

Sasak culture

The Sasak are the indigenous people of this island, which today make about 85% of the total population of Lombok. Their culture is fascinating and as a visitor you definitely need to experience it.

Their food known for its spiciness, their handicraft, their music and dances, the typical Sasak houses or a Sasak wedding with (extreme loud) street parade with “Gendang Beleq” musicians you need to experience. There are plenty wedding parades on Lombok, especially on the weekends. Must-see!

By the way, many of the Lombok natives still speak the Sasak language, especially the older. But everyone speaks and understands the official language Bahasa Indonesia. English only helps in tourist spots.

Traditional markets

The markets are typical Asian with fresh veggies, spices, fish and so much more.

I recommend the traditional market in Ampenan. Every now and then locals look in astonishment at a “Bule” (westerner) since they don’t come often over here. There is no cheaper or fresher place to do food shopping even though as a “Bule” you should consider paying more than a local. It is of advantage to speak a little Indonesian.

For stuff like clothes, jewelry or other souvenirs you should visit the Cakranegara Market (Pasar Cakranegara) in Mataram.

Mataram, Ampenan and Cakranegara

Counting around 420.000 inhabitants, Mataram is the capital of Lombok and the province Nusa Tenggara Barat.

Close by you find places like Ampenan where you can still find some old Dutch colonial style buildings. In the district Cakranegara (short: “Cakra”) are a few lovely Balinese temples and the Mataram Mall with its numerous shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants as well as fast food chains on different levels.

Even bigger and more modern is the recently built Lombok Epicentrum mall at the main street Sriwijaya.


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https://homeiswhereyourbagis.com/en/15-things-you-should-see-on-lombok/

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Ten Tips for Female (Solo) Travelers in Bali

Ten Tips for Female (Solo) Travelers in Bali

Bali has become incredibly popular for solo female travellers to visit after the success of Eat, Pray, Love – Brooke Ferguson gives some practical tips on what to expect on the Island Of the Gods

Bali Transport

Don’t take the taxis waiting at the Airport – they are a total and absolute rip off! Instead, go just outside of where all of the taxis are lined up, and into the parking lot. Look for the light blue taxis that are “Blue Bird” taxis. They will charge you by the meter, and not take all of your money! You can also call them for reservations, schedule pick ups from the airport

Making Reservations

Depending on the season, it may be better NOT to book your hotel in advance. Many of the online hotels can be deceiving about their proximity (and quality!!). I found it better to go to the area you want to be, check out what is near by, look at the rooms, check the internet connection, and barter for a price. You can usually get a much better deal in person than you can with online reservations! If you want to check availability and prices for Bali hotels, see Booking.com – read the reviews from previous guests carefully.

Money

Barter, Barter, Barter!
Bali is definitely a place where you need to barter. Unlike other countries where the locals seem willing to ask just a bit more than the real price, Balinese are apt to ask you several times the price for clothes and merchandise. Rule of thumb: if you are in a marketplace, you can barter them down. Store prices are more difficult, but can be done. When you’ve offered a fair price, and they say no, Walk Away! Usually, they will come running after you and let you have your offer. It is all part of the game, so go with it, and get your barter on!

Beaches You’ll Love

Bali Beaches near Denpasar Airport are Sanur Beach and Kuta Beach. Sanur seems more for the vacationers, where Kuta has a lively backpacker scene. Further up north there are deserted stretches of black volcanic sand beaches, like Pemuteran. Many people just travel to Bali for the beaches, and if you are feeling adventurous, try checking out the Gili Islands or Komodo island, home of the infamous Komodo Dragons. Those are on my list for my next trip, for sure!

Going Off The Beaten Path

My favorite part about my trip was going off of the beaten path and taking a tour that not many people have had the ability to do. Nyoman has started taking people to the village where he grew up. I got to get close up views of Mt. Agung, learn about the rice fields, visit his family compound, and witness traditional music played by his family.

Meeting Ketut And Wayan

Many Westerners yearn to meet the Balanese healers highlighted in Eat Pray Love. While there have been differing opinions of getting your real fortune read by Ketut, many people enjoy the experience of meeting him and seeing how he lives. Wayan has her herbal shop set up and is happy to welcome Western customers for treatments.

What to Eat

Traditional Balinese foods are similar to most Asian dishes, consisting primarily of rice or noodle dishes. The meat dishes are wonderful marinated barbeques complimented by small salads or portions of pickled vegetables. I did not have any problems eating the traditional food, and found that while it was well flavored, it was not spicy. Be sure to try the sates (marinated bbq meat), lawar (mixed chopped vegtebles and spices), and lampet (snack served wrapped in banana leaves). The soups are also wonderful, so make sure to try them too!

Places to Pray

One of the most exciting parts about Bali is that there are temples literally EVERYWHERE. You can go in to them, take a look, and be a part of the music and festivities. However, it is recommended that you wear proper attire. Women should have on sleeved shirts and covered legs. Men are fine with standard sleeved shirts and shorts are acceptable. Most temples will provide wraps, or there are women selling sarongs outside for you to go in.

Places You’ll Love

If you are staying in or outside of Ubud, you definitely need to check out the Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud Sanctuary. It is full of beautiful sculptures, outdoor temples, and the monkeys are everywhere! Mt. Agung is a must. Get picturesque views from restaurants or visit the mountain up close and personal with a guided tour.

Don’t be Afraid to Go it Alone!

My last advice is if Bali is somewhere you really want to go and you have always dreamed of traveling, buy a ticket, and go it alone. I waited around a long time to coordinate tickets, plans, and eventually just decided to go on my own. Bali is a safe island, with lots to do and explore, so don’t be afraid, all you have to do is buy a ticket and go!!


https://travelhappy.info/indonesia/top-ten-tips-for-female-travelers-in-bali-indonesia/

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Indonesia is a favorite destination for millennial muslims

Indonesia is a favorite destination for millennial muslims

The Mastercard-HalalTrip conducts research on the motivations, habits, needs and preferences of Muslims. The survey of Muslim-based millenial tourist survey focuses on 372 respondents aged 18-36 years with various educational backgrounds and jobs living on five continents namely Africa, America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.

The result, Indonesia is in second position, after Malaysia who was in first place. In addition, in position number three after Indonesia is Japan.

News and full results can be read in the article below (by thejakartapost):

Indonesia is second favorite destination among millennial Muslims

According to the result of Mastercard-Halal Trip Muslim Millennial Travel Report, Indonesia is the second favorite destination among millennial Muslims, with Malaysia crowned as the winner.

This shows that Indonesia’s status has improved from last year where it took the fourth spot.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya was grateful for the achievement and determined to topple Malaysia off the first place in the near future.

“Our emotional rival is Malaysia, while Thailand is our professional rival. We need to find ways to defeat our rivals and how to catch up with them,” Arief said.

The minister urged his team to make improvements, especially in human resources since Indonesians are still lacking in foreign language skill, “We are good at providing Muslim-friendly facilities. In fact, we took home 12 awards out of the 16 categories at the World Halal Tourism Award,” Arief said.

Below is the list of millennial Muslims’ favorite travel destinations according to Mastercard-Halal Trip Muslim Millennial Travel Report

1. Malaysia

2. Indonesia

3. Japan

4. Thailand

5. Australia

6. Singapore

7. United Arab Emirates

8. United Kingdom

9. United States

10. India

(asw)

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Banda Neira Hidden Paradise The Divers

BANDA NEIRA Dive Video

Trip video of liveaboard scuba diving on the Mermaid 1 in the Banda Sea.   Ring of Fire diving excursion.  October 2017

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They got very Cheap villa in Canggu, Bali

They got very Cheap villa in Canggu, Bali

We got the sickest villa in Canggu Bali for just 20 dollars a night per person. We also flew the DJI Mavic Pro over the Canggu surfers and captured an incredible montage. This is why you travel Indonesia in the "rainy season". We stayed at Villa Tulip in Canggu. LOVED it.

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Some of famous Indonesian food and how to serve it

Some of famous Indonesian food and how to serve it

Talk about the unique tradition of serving food, some regions have their own uniqueness. Especially in Indonesia who recognizes the five religions, and has hundreds of tribes and languages. Well, this time you will better recognize the various presentations that have been done since the past, and even some of them adopted by five-star restaurants.

Have you ever tasted Indonesian food? Some expatriates never go beyond the usual nasi goreng (fried rice), bakmi goreng (fried noodles) or sate (charbroiled meat or chicken on skewers), but for the more adventurous there is a wonderful variety of tasty treats right here in Jakarta.

Food Etiquette

Indonesians love to eat, not only meals, which they may consume at any hour of the day whenever they feel hungry, but also snacks of many kinds. Eating is also a social activity and meals are often shared with others who happen to drop in. The meals lend themselves to easily extending the amount of food available by the addition of another hastily prepared dish such as dadar telor (omelet). It is considered impolite not to provide some sort of drinks and snacks to a guest, whether invited or unexpected.

Normal Mealtimes

A normal Indonesian-style family meal consists of white rice served with three or four accompanying dishes. When guests are present, and on special occasions, the number of dishes served is much greater and in more abundant quantities. In keeping with Indonesian hospitality, a wide variety and choice of dishes should be provided to honor a guest. Whatever is not eaten is never wasted. Guests may be encouraged to take home some of the leftover food and plastic bags or containers are always on hand for this purpose. The remainder goes back to the kitchen, to be eaten by domestic staff or to be reheated and served again the next day. Indonesians are honored if foreigners like their food and are adventurous to try new dishes.

Generally all of the dishes are placed on the table together and guests are asked to help themselves. This “family style” serving practice is the origin of the Dutch expression rijstafel. Unlike a formal Western style dinner, courses are not served separately. It is becoming more common for Indonesians to serve a soup that may be eaten before the main meal, but traditionally Indonesian soups are served and eaten together with the rice and other dishes, though some prefer to take their soup after eating their rice. You can sample the dishes one at a time if you like, but it is more common to take some of each dish together on your plate, placing them around your mound of rice. It is a complement to the hostess if you take second or third helpings. You do not need to empty your plate before you add another helping of a dish you particularly like.

Eating on the Floor and With Your Fingers

Sometimes Indonesian food is served and eaten not at a table, but on woven mats covering a low platform or the ground. This style of eating is called lesehan and is common in Yogyakarta and Central Java as well as West Java. Traditionally food is eaten with the fingers of the right hand, and many Indonesians insist that certain dishes taste much better this way. Finger bowls, often with a slice of lime floating in the water to cut the grease on your fingers, are usually provided for cleansing your fingers after such meals. Note that only the right hand is used to eat the food, never the left.

These days Indonesian food is generally eaten with a spoon and fork, the spoon in the right hand and fork in the left (or vice versa for lefthanders). The fork holds food steady while breaking off portions with the spoon, and is used to assist in loading up the spoon by pushing food into it. Most food is cut up into relatively small pieces before it is cooked, although chicken and duck are usually served on the bone, and fish is often served whole.

When you are finished eating, you turn your spoon and fork over and lay them crossed in your plate. This signals the hostess that you are full and doesn’t lead to an urging to take more food!

Indonesian food is usually cooked in advance and served at room temperature, although there are some dishes that should be consumed hot and fresh from the stove or barbecue. Indonesian food has been greatly influenced by other cuisines, including Chinese, Indian and Dutch, but has been adapted and modified to suit the local palate.

The Importance of Rice in an Indonesian meal

Rice is the staple food of Indonesians and they are happy to consume it two to three times a day. In fact there is an expression: “Kalau belum makan nasi, belum makan” (if you haven't eaten rice, you haven't eaten), which implies that no matter what snacks you have consumed, you have not had a proper meal until you have filled your tummy with rice in some form or another. White rice is preferred, rather than unpolished brown rice, even by those who are aware of the loss of nutritional value in the processing.

Ideally rice should be boiled then steamed, but most modern Indonesians find it very convenient to use an electric rice cooker. Nasi goreng, fried rice using the leftover rice from the previous day, or bubur (rice porridge) are often served for breakfast.

Selamatan

For special celebrations or ritual meals called selamatan, nasi kuning (yellow rice) is traditionally served, usually in the form of a tumpeng, a cone shaped mound of yellow colored rice served on a large platter elaborately garnished and accompanied by side dishes. The rice is cooked in santan (coconut milk) flavored with spices including turmeric, which gives the yellow color. Other special rice dishes include nasi uduk (rice cooked in santan but without turmeric). This is a richer, more aromatic form of white rice and is served with accompanying side dishes. In West Java the Sundanese people serve cooked white rice wrapped up in cylindrical shape in banana leaf. This is called nasi timbel, and after opening the rice parcel the banana leaf becomes the “plate” on which to put selections of accompanying dishes such as grilled or fried fish, chicken, cooked or raw vegetables and sambal (chili paste).



Rice can also be cooked in banana leaf or woven coconut leaf containers to create a solid mass of compressed rice, which when cold is cut into mouthful sized chunks. Lontong, cooked in banana leaf, often accompanies sate, gado-gado (cooked vegetable salad with spicy peanut sauce) or curries, while ketupat is the special compressed rice cooked in rhomboid shaped coconut leaf containers that is served at Lebaran to celebrate the end of the Islamic fasting month. Ketupat is usually served with opor ayam (chicken in mild white curry sauce) and sambal goreng (vegetables, meat or liver cooked in santan with chili and spices). The Sumatran equivalent of lontong or ketupat is lemang, which is glutinous or sticky rice cooked in bamboo and traditionally accompanied by rendang (beef cooked in santan with chili and spices until liquid is absorbed).

Another rice dish that you may find on the menu in Indonesian restaurants is nasi rames. This is a meal in itself, a plate of ordinary white rice topped with generous spoonfuls of various meat, chicken and vegetable side dishes. Nasi kebuli is an Arab-influenced dish of aromatically speced rice cooked together with chicken or meat and spices.

Regional Food Specialties

Each region of Indonesia has its own specialties and there is great variety in the cuisine available. One of the most famous is West Sumatran or Padang food, which uses a lot of chili, spices and santan. Padang dishes include rendang, kalio (similar to rendang but the sauce is not reduced and thickened), gulai (a spicy curry), kari (curry), dendeng balado (thin sliced and crisp fried beef with red chilies). Padang food is Indonesia’s version of fast food. All the food is cooked in advance and displayed on dishes stacked up in the window of the often distinctively decorated restaurants. When you come in and sit down at a table, waiters will immediately appear bearing 10 or 12 small plates of different dishes along their arms and a huge variety of food will be set down on your table, along with a plate of rice and a glass of hot tea for each person. You may choose whatever you like and at the end of the meal the headwaiter will check all of the dishes to count what has been consumed. Needless to say you pay only for what you have eaten. Some recommended Padang restaurants are those in the Sederhana chain, Natrabu, Nasi Kapau and Sari Bundo.



Central Javanese food tends to have a sweeter taste with palm sugar or the dark sweet type of soy sauce being added to most dishes. Traditional dishes from Central Java include ayam goreng (spiced fried chicken), ayam panggang (broiled chicken cooked with either soy sauce or santan and spices), semur daging (beef braised in soy sauce), empal daging (slices of beef cooked with spices then fried), opor ayam (chicken in mild white curry sauce), gudeg (jackfruit cooked in santan and served with chicken, egg and soybean cake) and sayur asem (tamarind flavored vegetable soup). One of the specialties of East Java is rawon (diced beef cooked in spicy black sauce). You can find Javanese fried chicken at Mbok Berek Ny Umi and gudeg at Gudeg Bu Tjitro.



In West Java, the Sundanese use fewer spices but some kind of sambal is always served with meals. Sambal is a hot and sometimes spicy sauce or relish served as an accompaniment to other dishes. Take only a tiny portion and taste with caution! Acar (pickled cucumbers and carrots with little green chilies – the hottest ones!) is also frequently served, along with krupuk (prawn crackers) or emping (nut crackers). Sundanese meals generally include lalab (a selection of raw or lightly cooked vegetables) with each mouthful being dipped first in sambal, as well as the Sundanese version of sayur asem or sayur lodeh (vegetables cooked in santan). In addition to nasi timbel mentioned above, Sundanese restaurants usually offer fried or barbecued fish or chicken as well as pepes ikan (marinated fish wrapped in banana leaf and grilled). In Jakarta you can find Sundanese food at Dapur Sunda, Padzzi Pondok Ulam, Ratu Kuring and the Sari Kuring chain.


Pork is rarely consumed in Indonesia due to the Muslim teachings against its consumption by the faithful. However the Hindu people of Bali are well known for their pork dishes, such as babi kecap (pork braised in soy sauce) and sate pentul (minced pork sate) as well as ayam/daging bumbu Bali (chicken or beef in chili and tamarind sauce), lawar (raw vegetable salad) and duck dishes such as bebek bangor (crispy duck) and bebek betutu (smoked duck). For Balinese food try Ajengan, Bebek Bali or Bebek Bengil.


Food from Manado, North Sulawesi is also very popular and focuses on seafood with many dishes being fiery hot. Manadonese specialties include ikan kuah asam (fish with tamarind sauce), ikan cakalang garo rica (fish with chili), ayam rica-rica (grilled chicken with chili), cumi/ayam woku belanga (sautéed squid or chicken with spicy green chili sauce), sayur Manado (hot and spicy mixed vegetables) and ayam isi di bulu (chicken cooked slowly inside a bamboo tube with green chili sauce). You can find these dishes at Cak Tu Ci, Waroeng Camoe-Camoe and Ikan Bakar Manado Rica-Rica.



In addition to the restaurants mentioned above serving regional cuisines, there are also numerous restaurants in Jakarta offering a general selection of Indonesian food from across the archipelago. Some recommended restaurants for starting off your culinary journey through Indonesia are: Sate Khas Senayan, Dapur Tempo Doeloe, Klub 45, Waroeng Podjok, Para Para, Kafe Foto, and the more upscale Bumbu, Kafe Museum and Oasis famous for its traditional presentation of rijstafel.



Many hotels, such as the Borobudur, Dharmawangsa, Sahid Jaya and Sheraton Bandara, also have special Indonesian restaurants or coffee shops which serve excellent Indonesian food in addition to international cuisine.

Enjoy tasting Indonesian food, and as they say in Indonesia: selamat makan! (enjoy your meal!)

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