The Indonesian Travel Project

Promoting Travel as a Means of Self-Education to My Fellow Indonesians

The Indonesian Travel Project is an idea that has been tickling my mind for a long time. I love travelling so much. For so long, I have always thought that it is very difficult to find, almost to the level of non-existence, travel references that would suit an Indonesian traveller. Be it for an Indonesian travelling in Indonesia, or for an Indonesian travelling overseas, I think one can spend so much time and do a lot of "trial & error" trying to understand the "system". This page will be the beginning. I would very much welcome any suggestions, material, or anything that sort which will help build a comprehensive practical reference for our fellow countrymen/women in scaling the world.

The following are just few of the sites that can useful:

Bali: A site for those who want to go to bali and get into tourist traps. To avoid tourist traps, let go your aprehensions and get to know the locals.
Bali Paradise: Another online guide to Bali. Hey, do you really want to see some propaganda? I get the impression that this site is sponsored by the government. However, I think the content is pretty decent, not cheezy at all.
indo.com: An online resource on Bali. My friends used it for reserving hotels during their trip to Bali. I think it is a pretty good site too.
US Embassy Jakarta: For those who need bureaucracy done, with a long waiting line (but it seems to be moving pretty quickly, though). You can try going to the consulate in Surabaya or Bali.

For those interested in travelling to the US. Check out one of my excerpts from the expedition journal, dated 03/29/1999, titled "To Conduct Operations Halfway Around the World". It has some information for you H1-visa holders. As for students, hmm.... let me ask some of my friends again. I forgot. It's been a while since I walk around carrying I-20 (Remember, the US Gov't. now makes it illegal for us aliens to walk around without the "papers". Now, are we in Japan? Are we in Indonesia--where foreigners can be a bit concerned just for being "foreigner"? Again, I will appeal to you, my American friends, and let you decide and vote in the next election. Keep America great!)

Someone once said that the level of civilization of a society is measured by how much that society has learned about other cultures. There is no way in this world for Indonesia to strive forward (economically) and keep closing its eyes from the world. We need to learn other cultures, we need to travel. Otherwise, we will be stuck in the mud (or mess, whichever you look at it) forever.

With that in mind, my friends, I wish you buenas suerte, good luck, god speed, selamat jalan dan hati-hati.

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