Our “Travel Diaries” are back, featuring the destinations you chose with us to explore the world, told through your eyes! This time we “interviewed” Alessandro, who literally fell in love with Indonesia, a multifaceted and fascinating destination encompassing many aspects. From the spirituality of Bali to the lush rice paddies of Tegalalang, passing through UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Borobudur and Prambanan, encountering indigenous peoples who have preserved their traditions and customs, as in Tana Toraja, last but not least the iconic beaches of Lombok and the Gili Islands.
But now let’s hear from Alessandro, who tells us about “his” Indonesia!
Tell us about your Indonesian itinerary!
Exploring all Indonesia in a single trip is impossible! So I’ve prioritized the unmissable stops for a first experience. First stop: Yogyakarta, the beating heart of Java’s island. Here stands the Sultan’s Palace, the kraton. I was fascinated by the market where I purchased a sarong (a pareo) made with the batik technique, a cotton fabric hand-decorated or printed with characteristic patterns. I’d like to point out that batik is not only a splendid souvenir, but is also part of Indonesian artisan tradition.
Yogyakarta is also an excellent starting point for visiting Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world (its stupas truly enchanted me!), and the Hindu complex of Prambanan, an emblem of the Hindu deities.
A train ride took me to the next stop, Mount Bromo, which I explored by trekking and that offered spectacular views.The adventure continued in Ubud, Bali, through the spectacular rice paddies of Jatiluwih, the cliffside temple of Tanah Lot dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea (one of the most Instagrammed in Bali), the monkey forest with its enormous banyan trees covered in moss and vines and the not-so-friendly monkeys!, and finally the famous rice paddies of Tegalalang.
My experience then concluded with a “well-deserved rest” of a few days in Lombok and the Gili Islands.
The most beautiful rice fields in Indonesia: Jatiluwih or Tagalalang?
They’re both beautiful, but those in Jatiluwih, which means “truly beautiful” in Balinese, are larger and undoubtedly less touristy. A labyrinth of green fields winding along the mountain slopes, in a constant state of transition, making the landscape always the same yet always different.
In Tegalalang, however, there are kiosks, swings, and photo opportunities, making them a little less authentic and more crowded. In the rice fields, you’ll encounter workers busy working the land and tending to the rice, the staple of the Balinese diet, considered a divine blessing.
What’s your experience with Balinese spirituality?
Before leaving for Bali, I’d read that the main religion is Balinese Hinduism, a form of Hinduism that combines Indian Hinduism and local animistic beliefs. Beyond this, I would say that spirituality in Bali permeates every aspect of daily life. It is part of the culture and life of every Balinese, involving both the soul and the care of the body and mind. It is characterized by prayers and rituals that punctuate the day, as well as practices like yoga and meditation aimed at balancing these three elements. Spirituality is also felt in gestures, through flower offerings, in the typical kecak dance, and in music.
Street food and traditional dishes: what should you absolutely try during a trip to Indonesia?
In my opinion, it’s a mix of Thai and Chinese cuisine. I personally tried (I hope I’m correctly naming my favorite dishes!) sate lilit, a typical Balinese street food, a kind of grilled skewer made of minced seafood or chicken with grated coconut and spices that reminded me of Thai satay! The famous Nasi Goreng, fried rice with soy sauce, eggs, and vegetables accompanied by chicken, and among the desserts, so to speak, pisang goreng, a fried banana that stays crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, dipped in honey.
Any fun facts you’d like to share with us!
Kites! In Bali, they have a spiritual significance: made of bamboo and silk, they’re a means of sending prayers to the Hindu gods for a bountiful harvest. Some kites, particularly janggan, have extremely long tails that represent snakes or dragons.
Another rather curious product is Balinese Kopi Luwak, a highly prized and expensive coffee made from semi-digested red berries excreted by the palm civet, a large species of ermine. A cup of this coffee can cost up to €10!
Lombok vs. Gili: Tell us the differences between these islands!
These islands have distinctly different characteristics. Lombok is an island that offers more than just beaches, but also an island to explore and discover, with its rice paddies, waterfalls, and local Sasak culture. Getting to Lombok is quite easy, and there are two options: a direct flight from Bali that lands on the island in about 40 minutes, or a fast ferry that takes about two minutes.
Lombok, which means “chili pepper”, is perfect for anyone who wants to combine beach life with adventure: a trek on Mount Rinjani or to the Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls nestled in the jungle, or a visit to a traditional Sasak village like Sukarara and Sade. The Sasak are masters of weaving, and I had a lot of fun trying my hand at weaving, even with limited success! The village houses are built with bamboo and straw. Among the most beautiful beaches, I recommend Kuta Beach and Sengiggi Beach.
And Gili Islands?
The Gili Islands can be reached from both Lombok (as I did) and Bali with various types of boats that take you to Gili Trawangan (some also to Gili Air). To get to Gili Meno, you’ll need to change boats.
The word “gili” in the Sasak language means “small island,” and although there are more than three, Trawangan, Meno, and Air are the best known. They are very small islands; there are no cars or motorbikes, so you get around by bike or cidomo, horse-drawn carts. Trawangan is the liveliest of the three: many facilities, great nightlife, and the one with the most nightlife, so to speak! Air is the closest to Lombok, offering a mix of relaxation and activity. Meno is the quietest, offering total relaxation and little nightlife. Needless to say, the sea is spectacular everywhere, with crystal-clear water and colorful fish!
Will you return to Indonesia?
Definitely! The next stop on my Indonesian adventure will be Sulawesi, exploring the Toraja plateau, where I hope to witness local ceremonies and visit the famous villages, markets, and (once again) the rice paddies!