Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

21 December 2024

4 minute read

Brother Rico, a travel guide in Western Sumatra in Indonesia, says that his hometown on the Indian Ocean along the equator is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia. Surrounded by mountains on one side and beaches stretching for over 200km on the other, there are also caves, clear rivers, cascading waterfalls and extensive natural beauty that tourists can enjoy, as well as many islands located close to the mainland. Art and culture tours as well as culinary experiences are also on offer.

Indonesia can be visited year-round as the temperature is always warm to hot. The dry season from April to September is ideal for beach holidays and outdoor activities, while the rainy season which lasts from October to March is good for “budget travel and cultural experiences”.

Abounding with marine resources, Indonesia is well-known for its beautiful beaches. Water sports like surfing, diving and hang-gliding, can be enjoyed by adventure seekers on Mentawai Island. A day out spearfishing is very popular and ends in a beach barbecue with a large community of fisherman. Certain marine areas like the turtle conservation area is protected by the state.

Travelling between regions can be done by bus, car or minibus and both transport and accommodation are reasonably priced throughout the country.

Communication can be a barrier for most tourists who don’t speak the language, but most Indonesians do speak a bit of basic English. However, due to the hospitable nature of the Indonesian people, visitors don’t really need to know any of the local language, as Rico says that “a smile can go a long way” in effective communication.

Islam is widely practiced in Indonesia, a Muslim country, with masaajid in every area and adhaan being given 5 times a day. Indonesian people are respectful towards all religions and cultures.

The best locally prepared halal cuisine in randang, nasi goreng, satays, and lots of other aromatically flavoured dishes which have been rated amongst the best in the world, and finding food in Indonesia is not a problem.

Listen to the full interview on the Weekend Breakfast Show with Ml Muhammad Kara.