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
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