Indonesia

Funny things you hear as an American traveler

“American? Obama, Obama, Obama!” If you've ever been to Indonesia and you are from the United States, you've definitely heard this chant before. As well as seeing how much Indonesians love Obama, you’ll also be told a few times daily how Obama went to school in Java (true fact). While the love and conversation can be quite nice, hearing positive things about your country of origin isn't often abundant. The good ol’ USA doesn't always stir positive emotions in others while traveling.

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Should I be scared or in awe?

With the vast majority of Indonesia being Muslim, it is a bit of a shock to encounter pockets of Hindu culture spread throughout the islands. Before Islam came to Indonesia, Hinduism was a mainstay in the culture. Now, after years of change and development, Bail is the only island still defining themselves as Hindu.

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True religion in Bali, Indonesia

It’s safe to say Bali has been given a bit of a bad rap by Australian tourists. The small island in Indonesia is filled with beautiful scenery, nice people and some of the most picturesque coastline you’ll see in this lifetime. While it has so much to offer, it has become a party haven for the down under youth.

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You should have just told me

I’m a person who’s all about communication. If you have an issue, I would prefer you to be open with me. I don’t need a compliment sandwich to hear the truth about myself or my work, and I certainly don’t see it as a favor when someone withholds bad news for me. I like to be in the know, and I like people to be straight forward with me. Unfortunately, while traveling on a shoestring, honesty, integrity and open communication aren't always readily available.

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Dumbing down the sport

It seems for every cool extreme sport, there is a less cool, less challenging counterpart. For skiing and snowboarding, it’s snowblading. For skateboarding, one used to argue it was rollerblading, but now, I think the obvious answer would be the Razor Scooter. So with white water rafting truly tipping the scale on badassness, is tubing the new less aggressive, less intense, poor man’s version?

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The air is always filled with smoke

For those who enjoy smoking, Indonesia is even more of a paradise with cheap cigarettes and no restrictions on the activity. For those who aren't very fond of the habit, the incessant smoking of locals and tourists alike puts a bit of a damper on a trip to Indonesia. Smoky buildings, flickering red dots in the night and stale smells taint an otherwise beautiful destination.

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Let’s not see another Vang Vieng

For those who have traveled the Southeast Asia loop recently, a big topic of conversation is whether or not to visit Vang Vieng in Laos. Prior to November 2012, Vang Vieng, depending on your perspective, was a disgusting look into what western debauchery can do to a local atmosphere.

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I think I'll pay the extra money for the train

To be blunt, I’ve seen some crazy shit while driving in developing countries. Be it manning a motor vehicle myself, hitching a ride from truckers in Morocco, or hopping on a tourist bus in Thailand (where I’m decently sure the drivers are all drinking on the job), developing world roads can be quite dangerous. While this is a risk all budget travelers take, I found myself opting to fly or take buses more than ever while traveling in Sumatra, Indonesia.

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Don’t be part of the problem

As flights, trains, buses and basically all forms of wandering become easier, certain problems start to arise. While it is great to be able to visit a new country, those leaving their homes may bring aspects of their own culture that can leave a lasting mark on the one which they are visiting. On top of that, when locals of new destinations see things they believe travelers may like, they will start to market it. This, though entrepreneurial, can lead to degradation of the original culture, landscape, etc.

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The Beats would turn in their graves

I have grown to love traveling over the past decade. I mean, come on, what’s not to love? Coming from a family that is divided over two continents, traveling was part of my youth and upbringing. A visit to grandma either entailed a 14-hour car ride or a 14-hour plane ride, depending on which grandma we were visiting, and tacked on to either trip would be some family wandering.

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