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Indonesia: Southeast Asia's Next Great Destination?

by Josh Lew (RSS feed) on Sep 26th 2008 at 11:00AM

Listen to all the chatter about Indonesia on news web sites and travel blogs and you might never set foot on the archipelago. But search for some media that is produced closer to the source and you will find some more balanced opinions. Take The Java Jive as an example. An expat blog written by American transplant Brandon Hoover, it gives a realistic view of life in the rough-around-the-edges metropolis of Jakarta, and beyond the city limits, with plenty of photos thrown in. In fact, it is the photos, as it so often is, that provide a true sense of place. And a picturesque and diverse place it is.

While the island of Bali remains a big tourist draw, most of the rest of the country does not welcome a high number of tourists. Last year, Thailand, a nation 1/5 the size of Indo, welcomed twice as many visitors. Is it that the tourist attractions aren't there, or is it just that they aren't advertised? If you peruse Hoover's photos and blog, you'll find that, while Indonesia might not be the breezy travel proposition that Thailand is, it has plenty to offer.

Filed under: Photos, Indonesia

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Brett Sep 26th 2008 10:35PM

Indonesia's diversity and magnificent landmarks leave Thailand for dead. It's unfortunate that only Bali has trained its eye on the tourist dollar, because Bali is (quite frankly) a bit of a bore when compared to the rest of the country.

For your readers, I would suggest doing a Flickr search for "Mount Bromo", "Borobudur", "Yogyakarta" for a look at what's on offer...

Ollie Sep 29th 2008 1:36AM

I suggest you to visit Belitung Island http://www.flickr.com/photos/salsabeela/sets/72157606031641390/

susaan Oct 15th 2008 8:46AM

Its also a photography heavan-i'm lucky enough to be starting out here,with my first camera.

Janet Dec 4th 2008 7:23AM

Yes, couldn't agree more ... Bali is built-up and boring now. There is so much more to see in Indonesia. I'd hate the country to become over-run with mass tourists, even though it's so huge it's unlikely, but they're welcome to Bali - let more discerning people go to the other 30-odd provinces! And don't just stop at the World Heritage Sites or other spectactular places. What really makes Indonesia are the people - charming, hospitable, quirky, genuine.