Indonesian women standing on the beach - uncovering Indonesia's cultural riches

Uncovering Indonesia’s Cultural Riches

Just as Indonesia’s archipelagic topography makes it well-suited for the evolution of diverse and unique wildlife, it also makes it a hotbed for the rise of unique cultures. Due to the relative isolation between populations in Indonesia, more than 300 languages are spoken throughout the archipelago. Indonesia’s geography also contributes to the nation’s incredible cultural diversity.  Located at the centre of ancient trading routes between the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East, many of the cultural practices and religious convictions of Indonesian people have outside influence – albeit with distinctly Indonesian vibes. Often, travelling from one island to the next is a feeling akin to travelling to an entirely different country, making it the perfect place to go if you’re the type of traveller who values cultural experiences above all else. 

Man practicing Hindu rituals in a temple in Bali, Indonesia

By far, the most famous place for cultural discovery in Indonesia is Bali. Balinese people are part of an ancient lineage that maintains a deep connection with Hindu cultural influences introduced to them from India in the 5th century A.D. They are the only people of their kind in Southeast Asia. Not only is this fascinating in its own right, but the manifestation of Balinese faith in everyday life makes it, rightfully, one of the island’s biggest draws. Balinese culture is rife with beautiful traditional dress, distinct architecture, and incredibly artistic creations such as batik paintings and sculptures. Although the uniqueness of Balinese culture is apparent virtually anywhere on the island, this is particularly true of Ubud in Central Bali. Here, the entire city moves to the ebb and flow of a spirituality that dictates every move.

Scenic shot of Borobudur ancient temple in Java Indonesia

The neighbouring island to Bali, Lombok is also home to a rather unique group of people known as the Sasaks. This group of people has inhabited the island for so long that the history as to how they got there is actually unclear. These days, they have a unique fusion of traditional Animist beliefs and Islam, that make for unique cultural experiences while travelling around on the island.

Religious traditions in a cave temple in Indonesia

Despite there being more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, roughly half the population of 250 million people live on the island of Java. As such, Java is the beating heart of Indonesia’s cultural identity and the best place to go if you want to feel the pulse of the country from a human perspective. The capital city of Jakarta is a bustling metropolis, where the energy of the country’s modern aspirations comes to life in grand form. Further south, the ancient capital of Yogyakarta is considered to be the centre of Java’s cultural and artistic scene. Commonly referred to as “Jogja,” the area has long been renowned for the friendliness of its locals and the richness of its culture. The nearby Borobudur Temple is not only the largest Buddhist temple in the world, but its surrounding area is still home to a group of people who, over the centuries, have maintained their Buddhist beliefs in spite of the overwhelming ascension of Islam elsewhere on the Island. A visit to this area offers a fascinating look into the island’s past.

Traditional houses in Sulawesi Indonesia

One of the world’s most unique and threatened populations of people have inhabited the waters around Sulawesi for generations. The Bajau Laut are sea gypsies who are born, raised, and live the entirety of their lives at sea. They often spend months on end living aboard small boats known as ‘Lepa Lepa’, only visiting land to refuel or trade for necessities. While off-the-beaten path, a journey to the land of Bajau promises one of the most unforgettable cultural experiences to be had anywhere.

Indonesia is a nation of islands – and people who live on islands tend to smile a lot. Indonesia is no different in this manner. When encountering new people and cultures while travelling in Indonesia, be sure to wear a smile on your face – it will almost surely be returned! Reach out to the Discova team for ideas on planning a cultural trip to Indonesia.

Share this post

Interested?

Request a quote, book a meeting, ask a question, or share a dream

Other popular reads

The Eileen Yee Educational Fund Hands Over Financial Support to First Five Students in Vietnam

This is the first small but vital step towards completing our three-year goal to sponsor the high school education of 101 students through the Eileen Yee Educational Fund.

Discova Women in Leadership: Putu Seruni Pratiwi Sudiharta

Putu Seruni Pratiwi Sudiharta’s is Discova Indonesia's fabulous Operations and Reservations Leader. Despite not coming from a tourism background, she has steadily climbed the leadership ranks in Discova over the last decade by chasing her dreams fearlessly. This is her story.

Discova Guide Dedi Wardana’s Incredible Journey from Cleaner to Cultural Ambassador

As a Discova guide, Komang Dedi Wardana has led numerous tours across the length and breadth of Indonesia for the last seven years. But his foray into the industry started with one simple aspiration: to learn English and travel the world.

From Survival to Success: The Inspiring Journey of Discova Cambodia Guide Sokhoeun Bout

Meet our exceptional guide, Sokhoeun Bout, who saw great tragedy befall his country as a child but came out of it inspired and motivated to share Cambodia's rich history and traditional culture with visitors.

Discova Thailand Welcomes Peter Weibel as New Country Manager

Peter Weibel is officially appointed Discova's Country Manager for Thailand, effective 01 October 2024. A seasoned professional, he will oversee all business development and operational matters in the Kingdom of Thailand.

In-Line with Future Expansions, Discova Moves into a New Office in Phuket

Discova Phuket announces the relocation to a brand-new office. This move aligns with our commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences, accommodating growth, and strengthens our presence in the region.

Subscribe to Discova's B2B Travel News & Updates

and stay at the forefront of new product offerings, Discova behind-the-scenes, destination news, travel trends and thought leadership articles from our on-the-ground experts.

© 2024 Discova. All rights reserved.

Subscribe to Discova's Monthly B2B Newsletter

and stay at the forefront of new product offerings, Discova behind-the-scenes, destination news, travel trends and thought leadership articles from our on-the-ground experts.