Indonesia Impression and Experience

Why I Wanted to Visit Indonesia 

 

A couple of years ago, I saw photos of Borobudur Temple shared by my friend Harris, an expert in rice agriculture who had visited Indonesia for research. From the moment I saw those images, I was captivated by the temple’s unique architecture. A seed was planted then—one day, I knew I had to visit Indonesia and see Borobudur for myself. 

In 2025, while I was traveling in China, visiting Indonesia felt like the most convenient and logical next step. From China, Indonesia is relatively close, making the decision feel almost effortless. 

 During my travels, I had also heard countless stories about Bali. Everyone I met who had been there spoke of its beauty and charm. Naturally, curiosity got the best of me. As a result, my Indonesia trip included two destinations: Bali and Yogyakarta (where Borobudur Temple is located). 

My Impressions and Experiences 

Indonesia reminded me of what China felt like before the 1970s—poor and underdeveloped, yet full of life. In both Bali and Yogyakarta, I often saw rundown houses lining the roads that led to major tourist sites. 

 Public transportation is essentially nonexistent. The only practical way to get around is by hiring a car with a driver. Most roads are single lane, except in central Bali and Yogyakarta, and the majority of vehicles on the road are motorcycles. Unlike in Kunming, China—where almost all motorbikes are electric and relatively quiet—motorcycles in Indonesia are loud. The constant noise can become unpleasant at times. 

 Before the trip, I did my homework and downloaded Grab, Indonesia’s equivalent of Uber. I also downloaded Gojek, another popular ride-hailing app, but never had the chance to use it. Once I got used to Grab, I saw no need to confuse myself with another app. 

 I booked a hotel in Bali near the beach, attracted by its ambiance and beachfront resort setting. What I didn’t realize was how inconvenient this location would be for sightseeing. Reaching most tourist attractions took anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours one way. My advice to future travelers: always check the distance between your hotel and the sites you plan to visit. Traveling by car in Indonesia can be exhausting. 

 The good news is that hiring a private driver is a major industry in Indonesia. Most drivers speak decent English and are responsive, reliable, and well accustomed to working with tourists, which makes the experience far more manageable.

Indonesia Arrival Card (e-VOA)

You need to fill it out online 72 hours before arrival

2026 Norwegian Jewel Experience

From January 4 to January 15, I boarded the Norwegian Jewel (NCL) in Miami for an 11-night journey through the Caribbean and Central America. The itinerary included Cartagena, Colombia; Colón, Panama; Puerto Limón, Costa Rica; Roatán, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico, before returning to Miami. During this trip, I also experienced a partial transit of the Panama Canal.

Throughout the voyage, the ship docked directly at port at every stop except Colón, Panama, where it remained anchored offshore. Passengers were transported to land by tender boats, and without booking an excursion, there was no independent way to disembark.

Of all the destinations on this itinerary, Cartagena stood out as the only true city worth exploring. At the other ports, there was little sense of an actual town or urban life—activities were mostly limited to the cruise port areas themselves.

In Colón, Panama, I especially appreciated the opportunity to learn about the Panama Canal and its operations, including a close-up look at how the locks function. Seeing this modern engineering marvel in action was one of the main reasons I chose this cruise in the first place.

Another motivation for taking this January trip was to escape winter at home—and the weather could not have been more ideal. Each day brought comfortable temperatures ranging from the low to high 70s.

Puerto Limón, Roatán, Harvest Caye, and Costa Maya offered an abundance of beaches and natural beauty, making them enjoyable stops in their own way. That said, from the limited time spent ashore, it was also clear that these regions face significant economic challenges.

Some Sunrise and Sunset Photos taken on the ship

Colon, Panama (Transit through Panama Canal)

Visiting the Panama Canal is like stepping into a living story of engineering, history, and adventure. 

This was my second visit to Panama and my second time experiencing the canal, but this time we took a partial transit, traveling from the Atlantic Ocean into Gatun Lake before returning to the Atlantic. The journey began with the ship entering the Gatun Locks, where chamber by chamber we were lifted nearly 85 feet above sea level. Watching the water rise and the electric locomotives—known as “mules”—guide the ship with quiet precision was mesmerizing. 

Emerging into Gatun Lake, surrounded by calm waters and lush tropical forest, felt like entering the heart of the canal itself. While the ship was paused in the lake, we went ashore by tender boat to Colón and joined a bus excursion to the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center. From there, we watched massive modern ships glide through the new Panama Canal locks, marveling at the wide chambers, tugboats guiding the vessels, and the water-saving basins that recycle millions of gallons of freshwater with every transit. 

On the way to Fort San Lorenzo, our guide made a special stop at a viewing platform overlooking the Gatun Locks, giving us the rare opportunity to see our own ship moving through the historic locks from land—a perspective that made the canal’s scale and precision even more striking. 

At Fort San Lorenzo, perched at the mouth of the Chagres River, we explored the centuries-old ruins, taking in sweeping views of the Caribbean and jungle below before returning to the ship.

The ship is approaching the Gatun Locks

The ship is entering Gunta Locks (there is another ship move the opposite direction)

Locomotives ("mules") on the side guide the chip to keep it centered

The ship is inside the Gunta Locks

Agua Clara Visitor Center

Posters at the center showing the new locks and ship transit

Up close and personal with the new locks' in actions

Old Lock Observation Station

Watching our own ship transiting

San Lorenzo Fort

Harvest Cave, Belize

When we arrived at Harvest Caye, I was feeling tired after catching a cold at the beach earlier. I decided to skip the snorkeling trip and instead spend time relaxing at the port and beach.

The only photos I have are the ones taken at the port.

From the ship to the port, there is a long covered boardwalk. You can either take a golf cart or walk along it to reach the port.

Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

The day we spent in Puerto Limón was marked by on-and-off rain. With umbrellas in hand, we walked through Cahuita National Park and spent a short time at the beach.

That day was also the first time I saw sloths. Our bus driver stopped when he spotted them resting in the trees along the roadside.

The highlight of the day was watching a monkey along the beachfront, happily entertaining all the tourists.

Cartagena, Columbia

Of all the countries along the Gulf of Mexico that I have visited, Cartagena is my favorite. This was my second time here.

I love the lively energy this city brings, enhanced by its rich history and beautiful colonial architecture. On my first visit, I didn’t have time to explore the famous San Felipe Fortress, so I made sure to do it this time.

The San Felipe de Barajas Fortress is the largest and most impressive Spanish colonial fortification in the Americas. Built on the strategic San Lázaro Hill, it was designed to defend Cartagena—once one of Spain’s most important Caribbean ports—from pirates and foreign invasions.

The fortress offers stunning 360-degree views of the city below. Here are some photos from my visit to the fortress and from my walks through Cartagena’s Old Town.