Two Months in Indonesia: The Recap

And Just Like That, Our Two Months in Indonesia Come to an End

In just a few hours, we’ll be boarding a flight to Thailand, ready to immerse ourselves in a new culture and new landscapes. But before we go, it’s time to pause, reflect, and take in everything we’ve experienced.

We’re now more than 11,800 km from home and have traveled over 2,000 km across Indonesia. Two months is short, especially in a country as vast and diverse as this one. Yet, it’s been enough to get a feel for the place, be amazed, complain a little, and collect memories that will last a lifetime.

What is Indonesia?

Indonesia is a stunning, incredibly diverse country, but full of contradictions.

Between its dreamy beaches, majestic volcanoes, lush jungles, and some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, every step of the journey has been a feast for the eyes.

And yet, this beauty exists alongside omnipresent pollution in some areas—rivers overflowing with plastic, cities choked by traffic, and a level of poverty that’s impossible to ignore.

But what stands out the most is the kindness of the Indonesian people. Everywhere, smiles. Everywhere, small acts of kindness. High-fives for the kids, warm welcomes in warungs and markets, and a genuine sense of hospitality.

Traveling here as a family means discovering a country that knows how to welcome both young and old.

Our Stops and Favorite Moments

Each place we visited left us with a unique impression.

Jakarta, despite its chaos and relentless traffic, had an authentic charm that won us over. Karimunjawa, after a memorable ferry crossing, felt like a timeless escape with its deserted beaches and simple island life. It was also where we had our first family scooter rides—an adventure in itself!

Ubud was a cultural whirlwind—traditional dances, yoga, massages, night walks, and charming little streets. But walking there is almost an extreme sport, with unpredictable sidewalks! The kids loved the Monkey Forest, and we shared unforgettable moments in our peaceful, tucked-away hotels.

Then came Munduk, where majestic waterfalls took our breath away, and Pemuteran, a diver’s paradise, where we swam alongside turtles and dazzling tropical fish.

In Amed, we took time to slow down—building sandcastles with the kids and watching stunning sunsets over Mount Agung.

Sidemen gave us the chance to explore rice fields on scooters and craft silver rings in a traditional workshop. And staying with Ganyar in Keliki was one of the most authentic experiences of our trip, where we learned so much about Balinese culture.

Finally, Sanur became our peaceful retreat. Strolling along the boardwalk, exploring local markets, and enjoying the laid-back vibe was exactly what we needed after the chaos of Canggu—which, let’s be honest, didn’t really win us over.

The Kids: Little Explorers in the Making

In just two months, Marion and Martin have grown so much. They’ve both learned to swim without floaties, which is a huge milestone. Marion is now as comfortable as a fish in water, while Martin—well, his style still looks a bit like a "little dog paddling", but he can manage on his own!

Traveling with kids means constant adaptation. There are no breaks, no real downtime. Couple activities? Forget it. And yes, sometimes we end up pulling out an app or a movie on the phone to keep them busy at a restaurant or warung.

But then we watch them marvel at a sea turtle, ask curious questions about a temple, or scream with joy at the sight of dolphins—and suddenly, it’s all worth it. These are the moments we’ll never forget.

Food: Between Spice and Delights

Indonesian cuisine is an adventure in itself. Local warungs serve delicious dishes at unbelievably low prices, though the kitchen hygiene can sometimes be a bit concerning.

The kids quickly learned to avoid sambal, the ever-present spicy sauce, after a few unfortunate surprises. Martin, a huge ketchup fan, got tricked more than once, mistaking the bright red of chili for his beloved tomato sauce.

We fell in love with local specialties like nasi goreng, satay skewers, and coconut and palm sugar-based desserts. And one thing is certain: even the fancier-looking restaurants here remain incredibly affordable.

Traveling in Indonesia: Lessons Learned

Indonesia is perfect for slow travel. Taking time, staying in one place for several days to truly soak up the atmosphere, is essential. But it also means making sacrifices—we missed out on some of Java’s hidden gems and didn’t even scratch the surface of places like Flores or Sumatra.

From a practical standpoint, everything here is incredibly easy:

• Accommodations for all budgets

• Grab for getting around

• Warungs for affordable meals

• Laundry services that make life so much simpler

But traveling as a family also comes with extra costs. One major challenge is accommodation—many places aren’t designed for families, and renting two rooms can quickly double the budget.

What’s Next?

We’re leaving Indonesia with a head full of memories—watching dolphins at sunrise, riding a jeep up a volcano, diving among reefs and turtles, and simply seeing the kids play on the beach.

Two months isn’t enough to see it all, but it’s enough to fall in love with this country.

Next stop: Thailand. We haven’t planned anything yet, but the adventure continues!

Thank you for following along, and see you soon for the next chapter of our journey!