Thoughts after 4 months of deep travels through Indonesia

In this episode of the Language and Travel Hacking Podcast, I wrap up my incredible four-month journey through Indonesia, recording from Medan in North Sumatra before heading back to Bali for my final weeks. I reflect on just how vast this country is—highlighted by the fact that a flight back to Bali takes me four hours and still doesn’t even cover the full length of the nation. From Java to Sulawesi, from Borneo to Sumatra, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in the warmth and curiosity of Indonesians, many of whom had never spoken to a foreigner before. Their friendliness, patience with my Indonesian, and openness made this a truly special experience. Travelling off the beaten path gave me unique insights into local life, far removed from the tourist-saturated corners of Bali.

I also share a realistic view of the challenges, including my vegetarian food limitations, some stomach trouble, and the unexpectedly high cost of domestic flights—especially with airlines like Lion Air, which often brought frustrations. But despite the occasional hiccup, everything else was stunningly affordable and hassle-free. My lower-intermediate Indonesian, mostly built up during a focused study phase in Bali, helped me navigate daily life, rent motorbikes, handle logistics, and even have full conversations with locals who spoke no English. For those willing to learn just a little of the language and explore beyond the usual stops, Indonesia offers a rich, rewarding adventure without the hefty price tag—especially if you travel overland and focus on fewer islands more deeply.

See all my past travels on bennylewis.com

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