Indonesian Travel Guide

A Balinese boy charms the crowd at the Monkey Dance in Ubud.

If not for an accidental business opportunity, I might not have ever discovered Indonesia. I accepted a writing assignment in 1994 that took me to Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Bali. What was supposed to be a two-week trip became four weeks. What was supposed to be a one-time trip became several. What started off as work sparked a lifetime passion for Southeast Asia.

Despite being completely around the world from my home in Colorado, Indonesia has always felt like home. Photos and carvings from these islands adorn my walls at all times.

It’s a beautiful country full of natural and man-made wonders. It has ancient temples, endless beaches, hundreds of volcanoes, and abundant natural resources. Indonesia is home to the world’s second-largest rain forest and it hosts many endangered species, including the Sumatran tiger, Asian elephant, Javan rhinoceros, orangutan, and the Komodo dragon. You could easily plan your trip around one or more of the following themes:

• Agriculture
• Arts and culture
• Golf
• Sailing
• Scuba diving and snorkeling
• Shopping
• Spas
• Surfing and water sports
• Temples
• Volcanoes
• Wildlife

Despite the numerous attractions, however, the secret beauty of Indonesia is found in the hearts and minds of its people. Taking the time to learn some simple words and phrases will help you unveil hundreds of smiles along your way. Just a few Indonesian words will ensure that you get the most out of your trip, and they will empower you to experience much more than the average traveler.

There are more than three hundred distinct and diverse cultures in Indonesia. Most Indonesians are of Malay or Polynesian descent, although the country’s history brought minority populations from India, China, Arabia, Persia, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, and England. There are still numerous indigenous tribes in the remote reaches of Indonesia, from Kalimantan to Papua. The most famous tribes include the Asmat and Dani people of Papua, the Dayak people of Kalimantan, and the Batak people of Sumatra.  The Javanese are one of the most dominant cultures. There are about 580 languages and dialects spoken throughout the Indonesian archipelago, but bahasa Indonesia (commonly known as Indonesian) is the national language. It is related to Malay, and written in Roman script. In all tourist areas, English is the most common foreign language.

Generally, Indonesians are happy, friendly, and curious people who are willing, and often eager, to speak to you as you cross paths. The locals typically will ask where you are from and where you are going. When you have the opportunity, try to converse with them. It can be educational, informative, and rewarding. Most Indonesians know at least a few English words and most people are eager to learn more from you. In fact, many Indonesians are very articulate in English, especially those involved in tourism, retail, and international business.

The ability to manage a basic vocabulary will help you get the most out of your time in this fascinating country. When you find yourself at a loss for words, body language, hand gestures, and drawings can be helpful. When all else fails, you can find someone nearby who can interpret for you if necessary.

Most Indonesians work very hard to support their families. Treat them with respect and most Indonesians will return it many times over. To show your respect, try to say some words in their language and tip the people who help you. It also helps to smile when conversing with locals. You also should avoid crossing your arms across your chest when conversing or when in public. This is viewed as a hostile stance.

One of the most important phrases that you should remember is “terima kasih” (TEHR-ree-MAH KAH-see): thank you. These simple words often will generate a smile and a nod. In response, the person will likely say “sama sama,” which means “same to you” or the equivalent of “you are welcome.” The person might also say, ”terima kasih kembali,” which also means “thank you in return” or “you are welcome.” In addition, you may draw a slight smile or a look of bewilderment, because Indonesians rarely encounter foreigners who even attempt to speak their language. Trying to speak the local language will open eyes, minds, and doors for you.

Many Indonesian words are similar to their English counter-parts. For example, the English word bottle is spelled botol in Indonesian and pronounced BOH-tohl. Here are a few more examples:

• Automobile = mobil (MOH-beel)
• ball = bola (BOH-lah)
• name = nama (NAH-mah)

Many of the recognizable words are modern additions to the Indonesian language for business, medicine, sports, technology, and food. Don’t be fooled by words that look familiar, though. Many of these words are pronounced much differently than their English version. Plus, there are other words that you will recognize in writing, but the Indonesian pronunciations and meanings are vastly different. For example, look at the following Indonesian words:

• air (AH-eer) = water
• cat (CHAHT) = paint
• gang (GAHNG) = alley

Indonesia is a destination that will leave a deep impression on you. If you take the time to learn a few simple words, you also will leave a lasting impression on the people that you meet.

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