Top 10 Indonesian Food that you must try!

I am pretty sure that you’ve heard of Indonesia or maybe some of you think that Bali is somewhere near Indonesia and thought that it is a country of its own. Maybe it was all because the diversity of Indonesian culture that made us (or some of us) think that way. There are so many ways to explore Indonesia and if you have little time to actually travel to the beautiful Indonesia, you can do it by tasting our FOOD!

As you may know and realise, food speaks for itself. So here I am to present to you the top 10 (out of uncountable) Indonesian food that you definitely have to try. Of course, you have to visit the country after you try the food!

In no particular order, I proudly present to you some of the best Indonesian dishes:

1. Indonesian Satay

Satay is meat skewers that are cooked over coals. These juicy skewers is usually served with rice cakes (ketupat) with peanut sauce poured all over the satay. It is a national dish conceived by street vendors and has been one of most celebrated food in Indonesia. It is practically everywhere and highly addictive.

2. Beef Rendang

This dish originated from Padang, Sumatra. Padang food is famous for its spicyness and richness in flavor. You definitely have to try Beef Rendang. It is somehow similar to Beef Curry but without the broth. We get to appreciate this dish because it take forever to cook to get that tenderness out of the beef. Try this Padang goodness and let the world know how tasty it is!

3. Fried Rice

I think this dish doesn’t need any further introduction. Indonesian Fried Rice and its reputation has taken the world by storm. Don’t you agree? Literally everyone has tried Fried Rice at some point in their life and it is the most versatile dish out there. You can mixed it with veggies, chicken, beef, seafood, whatever it is that you can think of. What makes Indonesian Fried Rice different is the use of sweet, thick soy sauce called keycap and garnished with acar, pickled cucumber and carrots. Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) is considered Indonesia’s national dish.

4. Nasi Rawon

Nasi Rawon is a dish made of beef stew from East Java. Rawon has this nutty flavour and a deep, black color from the use of keluak nut. It is rich in flavor. This dish is best enjoyed with a bowl of rice. Yummy and hearty at the same time. Find out for yourself.

5. Sop Buntut (Oxtail Soup)

The title says it all. It is a soup with Oxtail as its main hero. Although believed that oxtail soup was invented in London in the seventeenth century but this Indonesian version of oxtail soup is popular as ever. It is a healthy and hearty soup loved by many people. The oxtail is usually fried or barbecued and combined with a soup base. Very tasty and yummy.

6. Siomay

As you may or may not already know, most of Indonesian street food has something to do with peanut sauce. This dish right here called Siomay is Indonesia’s version of dim sum. This dish contain steamed fish dumplings. The portion comes with steamed potato, cabbage, egg and served with peanut sauce. If you want to go all local, the best way to enjoy Siomay is from a bicycle vendor, who carts his large steamer at the back of his bike. Street food at its best.

7. Indomie

This product is so sinful that we cannot help but be seduced by it. Cost merely around 25 cents a pack and you get a quick and satisfying snack. It is none other than our very own Indonesian Instant Noodles! With so many flavours to choose from, you’ll be left with more than enough choices. I can’t think of anyone who has ever tried every single flavour that are available out there. The options are endless and too many to choose from that you’d hope they would stop inventing more flavours. Give it a taste and tell us if Indonesian Indomie is better than the others 

8. Nasi Uduk

This aromatic dish is also one of Indonesia’s national dish. The meal revolves around rice cooked in coconut milk. It is quite similar to Nasi Lemak from our neighbouring country, Malaysia. The difference is that nasi uduk is usually served with fried chicken, tempe (soybean cake), shredded omelette, fried onion, anchovies and topped with sambal and emping (melinjo nut crackers). You definitely cannot leave out sambal for Nasi Uduk. This dish is popular among lunchtime crowds.

9. Sweet Martabak

One of our favorite desserts would be Indonesian Sweet Martabak. It is an Indonesian version of a pancake. The interesting thing is, Martabak is only sold in the evenings. You can choose mix fillings from chocolate, cheese and peanuts.

10. Pempek

Last but not least, Pempek. Pempek or empek-empek is made of fish and tapioca. It is a Palembang specialty in South Sumatra. Pempek comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most popular one is called, kapal selam (submarine), contains an egg in the middle. Pempek is sprinkled with shrimp powder and served with cuka, a dark dipping sauce made from vinegar, chill and sugar.

10 Mountains You Should See in Indonesia

Indonesia is well known as the volcano country, because there are many active and dangerous mountains exist in Indonesia. Besides Indonesia also known as the country which is located in the ring of fire, the dangerous active volcano line of the world that can cause earth quake and mountain eruption. Nut besides that danger, those mountain offer the beautiful panorama to be visited. Here are the top 10 mountains you should visit in Indonesia.

Rinjani Mountain

Rinjani Mountain

Rinjani mountain is located in Lombok island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Rinjani mountain is the second highest mountain in Indonesia. Rinjani mountain is interesting to be visited because besides you can do hiking in there, there is also National Park Rinjani mountain which is very huge.

Bromo Mountain

Bromo Mountain

Bromo is an active mountain located in East java. Besides of active mountain, Bromo also offers the tourism attraction because of the view and the geographic condition of this mountain. There are many horses you can rent to enjoy the view of Bromo.

Gede Mountain

Gede Mountain

Gede mountain is located in Java island, Indonesia, and it is included in the National Park of Gede Pangrango, which is included the first National Park in Indonesia. There are many tourist destinations like Cibereum waterfall, hot spring, Blua lake, and many more.

Kelimutu Mountain

Kelimutu Mountain

Kelimutu mountain located in the Flores island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This is an amazing mountain because it has three lakes on it, and as the most wonderful attraction in this mountain is the lakes have three different colors. The lake’s color can be changed anytime; usually it is red, blue and white.

Semeru Mountain

Semeru Mountain

Semeru mountain is the highest mountain in Java island, it has 3.676 tall above on the sea. Semeru mountain is famous by the hikers, once you get there you should try to hike to the top of the Semeru mountain, Jonggring Saloko. You won’t be bored in the way to the top because Semeru forest offers beautiful view.

Jayawijaya Mountain

Jayawijaya Mountain

Jayawijaya or usually called Jaya is the famous mountain in Indonesia. It is located in Papua, Indonesia. The top of the mountain, top of Jaya, is very popular because of the snow that always covers the top in every season; it is amazing, since Indonesia is known as the tropical country. And that is the main attraction of this mountain, and the only snowy place in Indonesia.

Halimun Mountain

Halimun Mountain

Located in West Java, Sukabumi, Halimun offers the great adventure in the Halimun’s National park which surrounds the mountain.

Batur Mountain

Batur Mountain

Batur mountain is an active mountain with the beautiful scenery in Bali. There you can discover the traditional ceremony that is held by local people that is interesting to be followed.

Kerinci Mountain

Kerinci Mountain

Located in Sumatera island makes Kerinci mountain is the highest mountain in Sumatera island. It is surrounded by the National Park where Sumatra tiger and Sumatra Rhino are lives.

Kelud Mountain

Kelud Mountain

Kelud mountain is located in Java, and it is an active mountain. Kelud mountain is also famous as the hiking mountain, many hikers from Indonesia to International have tried the wild of this mountain.

Borobudur Temple

High on a mountain in Central Java, Borobudur Temple rises up towards the sky. In Buddhist belief, the closer you are to Heaven, the closer you are to the gods. And as you climb the steps of the temple, the jungle landscape of Indonesia revealing itself in every direction, you can understand how the people who built this masterpiece felt more connected to the ethereal than the earthly.

The world’s largest Buddhist temple is made up of five large square terraces, with three circular platforms on top of them, and then a magnificent stupa at the very top. From a distance it is stunning… but close up the true magic is revealed with intricate carvings on the walls throughout the whole complex.

Borobudur was built in the eighth and ninth centuries but, at some point in history, was abandoned and left to the wilds of nature. For at least five hundred years the jungle was all that climbed the steps towards the celestial. Trees, vines, and animals overtook one of man’s greatest creations and embraced the rocks again. The temple became hidden from the eyes of humanity.

It wasn’t until 1814, when Java was under British control, that the English governor, Thomas Stamford Raffles, heard stories from local villagers about a mysterious and abandoned structure. He sent his people to investigate and for two months a team of 200 men had to cut down trees, burn vegetation and dig away at the earth to reveal the temple at Borobudur.

VISITING BOROBUDUR

Visiting it today, it’s hard to understand how something this large and spectacular could have remained hidden for so long. But there’s a certain enchantment in imagining you are the explorer who finds it for the first time in centuries. It’s slightly easier this morning because I’ve come before the official opening hours to climb to the top in time for the sunrise (a privilege for which you pay ten times the normal entrance fee). There are only a handful of people here and there’s a peace and serenity fitting for such a spiritual place.

I’m told by some tour guides that the site gets absolutely packed during the day – to the point where it’s hard to even climb up the narrow and steep staircases, let alone lose yourself in the moment. I’m glad that’s not going to be me.

As the sun rises in the sky, it’s obscured partly by this morning’s cloud cover but rays are starting to break through and illuminate the structure and the surrounding lands. It’s still very quiet at the top of the temple and slowly it’s becoming lighter. Around me, inside 72 small stone stupas, are 72 seated Buddhas. They turn from shadowy silhouettes into glowing images of divinity as the morning progresses. Only one is uncovered (I’m not sure why) but the rest seem protected and disconnected from the daily pilgrimage of the tourists.

The Borobudur Temple complex is the single most visited site in Indonesia, although the majority of tourists are Indonesians. The increasing numbers are presenting challenges and the authorities are looking at ways to manage any potential damage to the site. Millions of dollars have been spent on restoration and preservation over recent decades – particularly by UNESCO, which liste uhd the site on the World Heritage List in 1991.

Something so intricate but also so large, abandoned for so many years, needs a lot of love and care. Being closer to Heaven doesn’t make it immune from the hands of man.

17 Most Beautiful and Best Beaches in Indonesia

Indonesia is an archipelago which consisting of five main islands and thousands of small islands and is surrounded by many oceans. No wonder then that Indonesia has a lot of attractions on the beach. Starting from mediocre beaches to the most beautiful beaches in the world are here.

If you want a holiday on a beach with white sand, clear sea water, and surely a very exotic landscape, these are some of the best and most beautiful beaches in Indonesia that you can go visit.

1. Nusa Dua Beach, Bali

Nusa Dua Beach is located 40 kilometers in the south of Denpasar. With its white sand that are pure and beautifully arranged, it makes the tourists stay longer to enjoy the scenery. This beach has been rewarded as one of the best beaches in the world by TripAdvisorcommunity, where the valuation is taken from the rating of quality and quantity which were provided by the tourists who have come to Nusa Dua Beach.

2. Kuta Beach, Bali

Kuta Beach is the main destination for tourists that come to Bali. This beach has already been well-known since 1970s. Kuta Beach is the heart of Bali, which is never devoid of tourists. There are white sand and big and long waves that will get surfers adrenaline pumping. Kuta Beach is also the best place for surf lovers in Bali. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunset.

3. Padang-Padang Beach, Bali

Well, Bali is an island with a lot of beautiful beaches. With its white and soft sand, calming sound of the waves, shady hills and steep reefs making this unique beach. The beauty of Padang-Padang Beach is not in doubt anymore as this beach has been used as a shooting location for Hollywood movie titled Eat, Pray, Love, starring with Julia Roberts. Moreover, group Michael Learns to Rock is also used this beach as one ofthe shooting locations of their video clip.

4. Senggigi Beach, Lombok

Senggigi Beach is located in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. It is located on the west coast of Lombok Island. Behind the beauty of the sea with its white sand and clear blue sea water, this beach also has a very beautiful underwater scenery, allowing tourists to do snorkeling. On Senggigi Beach, there is a towering coral reef in the middle of an ocean, so the big waves broke before reaching the shore.

5. Plengkung Beach,Banyuwangi-East Java

Plengkung Beach is located in the southeast end of Java Island. It has some extraordinary waves and beautiful nature scenery. The big waves make this beach into a paradise for surf lovers.

You can also enjoy the sunsets while relaxing on the beach and also turtles landing sites on the east side of the island. To go to this beach, you can come from Bali or Banyuwangi with a sea transportation, or you can also take a road trip. But, you have to pass Alas Purwo National Park that is steep and dangerous. So make sure your vehicles are prepared.

6. Pangandaran Beach, West Java

Pangandaran Beach, dubbed as the most beautiful beach in Java Island. It is located in Pananjung Village, 92 kilometers from Ciamis city. The special thing about Pangandaran Beach is that you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset at the same place. There is also a marine park, so you can see the fishes and beautiful underwater life. You can also take a stroll or sunbathing on its white sand.

7. Parai Tenggiri Beach, Bangka Belitung

This beach is located near Liat River, Bangka. It takes around 45 minutes to reach this beach by a vehicle from Pangkal Balam Harbour or Depati Amir Airport. Just like other beautiful beaches, it has white sand as well, but what sets it apart is the green Tosca seawater, which makes it an incredible sight. Beautiful rock stones also complement the beauty of this beach. You can go swimming at this beach and if you are tired you can take a rest on those rock stones.

8. Parangtritis, Yogyakarta

In Yogyakarta, there is a really famous beach called Parangtritis Beach, which is located 27 kilometers to the south of Yogyakarta city. In the evening, before the sun sets is the best time to enjoy the scenery of this beach, because the view of the sunset is the most favorite thing to be anticipated by tourists. Before you enjoy the sunset, you can go climbing Gembirawati Cliff which is located behind the beach. There, you can see the view of all Parangtritis Beach, south sea to the horizon. On the east side, you can see a hidden ancient temple, Gembirawati Temple.

9. Sanur Beach, Bali

Sanur is located on the east side of Denpasar. Sanur Beach is one of the favorite beaches for tourists who came to Bali. You will be pampered by the beautiful sunrise view there. Every morning at 5.30 am you can see many tourists that are waiting for the sunrise.

Sanur Beach is known as a sunrise beach. In addition to that, Sanur Beach has white sand and its sea watertends to be shallow. Along the coast, you can see some traditional boats with attractive colors.

10. Dreamland Beach,Bali

This beach is very cozy and quiet as it is located on behind the cliff. This atmosphere is suitable for tourists that want a relaxing and do sunbathe. Behind its serenity, this beach has big waves, so it attracts a lot of international tourists’ attention.

The attractiveness of this beach is its clean and bluish sea water that makes you want to stay longer. You can play with sand, strolling around the coast or just sitting back.

Dreamland Beach is located in Pecatu Village, District of South Kuta, Badung Regency. To reach this beach, you have to travel for about 45 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport.

11. Kuta Beach, Lombok

If you said “Kuta Beach”, what will occur in most of the people’s mind is Kuta Beach in Bali. But apparently, there is also a beach named Kuta in Lombok that its beauty is not lost from Kuta Beach in Bali. This beach is really neat and has white sand. This beach is also called as pepper beach because its white sand grains arereally soft and cream-colored. Its preserved coral reefs caused this beach still looks natural. Aside from its naturalness, this beach also has a big and high waves so it is the right place to surf.

In the eastern coast, there is a hill named Mandalika Hill. Based on the story of the ancestors of local people, the name of the hill was taken from the name of a princess who jumped from the hill into the sea to avoid a prince who chased her to marry her. From the top of the Mandalika Hill, tourists can enjoy the beautiful Kuta Beach Lombok with its white sand and clean water. Kuta Beach Lombok is located in Kuta Village, Central Lombok and is about 56 kilometers from Mataram city.

12. Balangan Beach, Uluwatu-Bali

Balangan Beach is surrounded by cliffs which were eroded by high tides. It is still natural because it is not well-known yet like other beaches in Bali. This beach is one of the great places for surfers as the sea waves are really high and the air is really clean. From the top of Balangan Beach cliff, you can see the beauty of Dreamland Beach. Even at low tide, visitors can go to the Dreamland Beach via the coast from the Balangan Beach.

13. Tanjung Aan Beach, Lombok

Tanjung Aan Beach is located in the south of Lombok Island, not too far from Kuta Beach Lombok. It is still natural and quiet. Tanjung Aan Beach is suitable for you who love snorkeling and swimming because the waves are fairly calm with a relatively shallow depth. Besides of that, you can walk along the beach while enjoying the beautiful hills. You will take about one and a half hoursfrom Mataram by cars or motorcycles.

14. Virgin Beach, Karangasem-Bali

Pantai Pasir Putih or Virgin Beach can be traveled for 20 minutes by driving to the north of Candidasa in East Bali. This beach is a beach with the best white sand in Bali. Local tourists are more familiar with Pasir Putih Karangasem as its name. On the sides of the beach, you can enjoy the beautiful sea in front of you and the forest behind you. You can also go up to the hill on the right of the coast and you will see amazing sights there. You can see a beach with black sand (Bugbug) on the south, Nusa Penida Island, and several small islands around the beach.

15. Pink Beach, Komodo-Lombok

This is one of the beauties that can be found in Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara. Pink Beach or Red Beach is one of the seven beaches with pink sand around the world. Behind its beautiful uniqueness, the underwater life of Pink Beach is also beautiful with various species of fishes and corals. Pink Beach is also crowned as one of the seven natural wonders nomination in the world.

16. Tanjung Papuma Beach, Jember-East Java

From Jember city, you need about 45 minutes to go to Tanjung Papuma Beach. This beach is called “Tanjung” or headland because of its seashore that jutting into the sea. Before you enter the beach, you will pass the scenery of tropical forest that is a Malikan forest. After you pass the forest, you will be welcomed with clean white sand and some fishermen boats. There are many large rocks and the scenery that will please your eyes.

17. Klayar Beach, Pacitan-West Java

Klayar Beach is located in Donorojo, approximately 35 kilometers to the west of Pacitan city and can be reached in 60 minutes. There are not many visitors to this beach because there are many difficulties that you have to go through in order to get there. Although the road to Klayar Beach is quite challenging, but after you arrive you will see the beautiful white sand, crystal clear waves and coral hills on the right and left side