A gap year in Indonesia
Gap years in Indonesia
If you spent 35 years exploring one island per day, you still wouldn’t have covered Indonesia – a breathtaking archipelago of 13,000 islands. This glorious continent is a cultural melting pot with Chinese, Dutch, and Malay influences wafting around enticingly. From gorgeous Lombok to the cosmopolitan capital Jakarta, Indonesia’s full of places to visit – and remember forever.
You’ll probably fly in to Jakarta, the capital; from here it’s easy to continue your journey. On the main islands of Bali and Java you’ll find the buses regular, if a little frightening; to spend some pleasurable time island-hopping, just jump onto one of dozens of motor boats serving Indonesia’s 1500 inhabited islands.
Gap Projects
Indonesia’s rich sprawl of uninhabited landscape creates plenty of opportunities for conservation work. You could work in one of the world’s only orangutan sanctuaries or stay with a rural villager in Ubud. Qualify as a TEFL teacher and you’ll be able to teach English here, too.
Places of interest
Although Indonesia has been touched by terrorism and natural disaster in recent years, there is much beauty to unearth here.
Bali
Charming traditional architecture, a tropical climate and fabulous diving used to bring tourists flocking to Bali. But years of political turmoil and horrific mob violence throughout the last century, culminating in the bombings of 2002 and 2005, have wreaked havoc on the tourist industry here. Despite its troubled situation, the country has much to offer: spectacular temples, orchid gardens, volcanic landscape, sly macaques, cheap beer and powder-white beaches. But if you’re planning a visit, it’s routine to check with the British Embassy on latest warnings.
Java and Jakarta
Indonesia’s capital has a bad rep. Hot, polluted, frantic, and overpriced, this is the first place you’re likely to see on your Indonesian travels. But there are joys to be found in this city. Try a dish you’ll find all over Jakarta – Gado Gado, vegetables or meat with satay peanut sauce – and hire a three-wheeled bajaj, to see life like the locals. Pet (okay, maybe not) the Java tiger and Komodo lizard at Ragunan Zoo. Discover more about Indonesian culture at the National Museum in Elephant House, named after a bronze elephant that stands at the entrance. Heck, you can even visit Jakarta’s answer to Disney: Fantasy Land Ancol, which presents an introduction to Indonesian heritage and history. But don’t stay in Jakarta long – discover Java. Fertile soil and a wet, warm climate mean this region makes its living from crops. Coffee plantations are interspersed with glorious waterfalls, landscape and hot springs.
Lombok
Outdoor pursuits and peaceful tourist-free zones: Lombok island is the choice of the independent traveller. Just 22 miles east of Bali, and easily 22 times more quiet, Lombok is the place to discover Indonesia’s natural charms. Get closer to wildlife, landscape and the real spirit of the place. Bring your camera, hire a bike, and get out there.
Dates for your calendar
Because Indonesia has such a mixed population, its calendar is vibrant and varied. Chinese Dragons are equally likely to be spotted as flying rice cakes and shadow puppets. In early spring, for instance, the island of Java is jumping to the sounds of jazz. In three short years this festival has become one of the world’s largest, with more than 1000 artists performing in 3 days. Shortly afterwards, the island will be celebrating Muhammed’s birthday with a week of parades. Come December, you’ll really want to be in West Lombok. This is where Perang Topat takes place – Indonesia’s annual “national food fight”. Oh yes. This multi-cultural festival is enjoyed by people from all religions and translates as ‘Rice War’. It usually falls in December, but the Indonesian event calendar is notoriously difficult to work out, so check before you leave.