INDONESIA

Full disclosure: I grew up in Jakarta. Not "I visited for two weeks" - I mean actually lived there, went to school there, had Aqua water deliveries show up on motorbikes, eat from warungs, rode a bajaj all the time.

Most Indonesian travel blogs are written by people who spent a week or perhaps few months in Bali. Mine's different. I'm sharing Indonesia through the eyes of someone who lived the daily chaos - Jakarta traffic jams, street food from warungs, humid afternoons, and that weird third culture kid local life that shapes how you see a place.

Now I live in Newcastle (quite the contrast), but Indonesia shaped my childhood. The sounds, smells, food - it's all still with me. And now I get to share it with you, with actual lived experience behind every guide.

Why Trust my Indonesia Guides?

Simple answer: I lived there. I know which bottled water locals trust, why everyone has water dispensers, which street food is safe, and that Jakarta traffic is somehow both predictable and total chaos.

Quick Indonesia Travel Tips

Visa: Most passport holders get 30 days visa-free. Visa on Arrival ($35 USD) gives you 60 days. And it's quite easy to do online and fast to receive once you have paid. As always, please check your government website for the latest details and rules for visa to come into Indonesia as they could change constantly before visiting.

Money: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Get used to prices like "50,000" (that's £2.50). Cash is king outside tourist areas.

Language: Bahasa Indonesia. Tourist areas speak English; everywhere else, not so much.

Safety: Generally safe. Use Gojek/Grab for transport, don't flash valuables, be smart.

What to Pack: Light clothing (hot + humid), modest outfits for temples, good sandals, HIGH SPF sunscreen, strong mosquito repellent, cash, portable charger, and zero trust in tap water.

Start with my water safety guide - it's the single most important thing before visiting Indonesia!