Surabaya, Indonesia Report of what it's like to live there - 10/29/12
Personal Experiences from Surabaya, Indonesia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
2. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
3. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Unfortunately, Surabaya requires an inconvenient connection through Bali, Singapore, Taipei, or Jakarta in order to connect to the States. This can add an overnight layover. KAL is easy though; Surabaya/Bali/Seoul/Washington, or Surabaya/Bali/Seoul/Honolulu. United (codeshared with Singapore Airlines) is also available-Surabaya/Singapore/Tokyo/Honolulu (24 hours with overnight in Singapore).
4. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Unfortunately, Surabaya requires an inconvenient connection through Bali, Singapore, Taipei, or Jakarta in order to connect to the States. This can add an overnight layover. KAL is easy though; Surabaya/Bali/Seoul/Washington, or Surabaya/Bali/Seoul/Honolulu. United (codeshared with Singapore Airlines) is also available-Surabaya/Singapore/Tokyo/Honolulu (24 hours with overnight in Singapore).
5. How long have you lived here?
6. How long have you lived here?
7. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
(The contributor was affiliated with the U.S. Consulate and lived in Surabaya from 2010 to 2012, a fifth expat experience.)
8. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
(The contributor was affiliated with the U.S. Consulate and lived in Surabaya from 2010 to 2012, a fifth expat experience.)
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Many expats reside in spacious shared-wall, town-house style homes in gated communities with private security services. For those who work and live in the new development of Citraland (the Little Singapore of Surabaya), commutes are minimal to nil.
2. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Many expats reside in spacious shared-wall, town-house style homes in gated communities with private security services. For those who work and live in the new development of Citraland (the Little Singapore of Surabaya), commutes are minimal to nil.
3. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
They are very inexpensive as Indonesia produces many products locally.
4. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
They are very inexpensive as Indonesia produces many products locally.
5. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Kawasaki 250 KLX, a good mountain bikes (crappy Chinese bikes cost a fortune here). Good quality CVS/Costco baby wipes if you have a favorite brand, Quality feminine-hygene products, and cosmetics.
6. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Kawasaki 250 KLX, a good mountain bikes (crappy Chinese bikes cost a fortune here). Good quality CVS/Costco baby wipes if you have a favorite brand, Quality feminine-hygene products, and cosmetics.
7. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Wendy's, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and KFC are all here at reasonable prices. Italian, Chinese, and some good Korean restaurants are near Citraland. For a western breakfast buffet, head to the Sheraton. Street food at the G-walk and other areas are also good. Lontar street has a good Padang food restaurant and a good Bakso restarant called Manchester. Good Padang-style mud crabs and other seafood items are available at a restaurant on a small lake in Citraland. Street food can be excellent in Indonesia.
8. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Wendy's, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and KFC are all here at reasonable prices. Italian, Chinese, and some good Korean restaurants are near Citraland. For a western breakfast buffet, head to the Sheraton. Street food at the G-walk and other areas are also good. Lontar street has a good Padang food restaurant and a good Bakso restarant called Manchester. Good Padang-style mud crabs and other seafood items are available at a restaurant on a small lake in Citraland. Street food can be excellent in Indonesia.
9. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
The usual tropical pests exist; roaches, ants, mosquitoes, and flies. Happy to have these in lieu of cold weather though. We also had a "tomcat" issue. It's a small termite-looking insect that has corrosive blood that will burn your skin. Cobra snakes are around as well.
10. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
The usual tropical pests exist; roaches, ants, mosquitoes, and flies. Happy to have these in lieu of cold weather though. We also had a "tomcat" issue. It's a small termite-looking insect that has corrosive blood that will burn your skin. Cobra snakes are around as well.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
If you are with a consulate, you can use the pouch. The Indonesian mail system is not as reliable as in the US. Tiki is a good local national private mail carrier that is cheap.
2. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
If you are with a consulate, you can use the pouch. The Indonesian mail system is not as reliable as in the US. Tiki is a good local national private mail carrier that is cheap.
3. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Inexpensive: live-in maids $100-$120 per month, live-in Nanny $120-$160 per month.
4. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Inexpensive: live-in maids $100-$120 per month, live-in Nanny $120-$160 per month.
5. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
They are cost-prohibitive unless you have money to throw away. Many of the Chinese Indonesians use Celebrity Fitness and happily pay up to $100 per month.
6. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
They are cost-prohibitive unless you have money to throw away. Many of the Chinese Indonesians use Celebrity Fitness and happily pay up to $100 per month.
7. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
They are generally safe to use and readily available. Use prominent ATMs and common sense in protecting your personal information.
8. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
They are generally safe to use and readily available. Use prominent ATMs and common sense in protecting your personal information.
9. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is one English-language Catholic church. But we usually attended the Indonesian mass.
10. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is one English-language Catholic church. But we usually attended the Indonesian mass.
11. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Newspapers are plentiful and cheap. Indonesia sells HD televisons but HDTV does not exist. Indovision has good programming at around $50 a month.
12. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Newspapers are plentiful and cheap. Indonesia sells HD televisons but HDTV does not exist. Indovision has good programming at around $50 a month.
13. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Get as much Bahasa Indonesian as possible, as English may not be spoken.
14. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Get as much Bahasa Indonesian as possible, as English may not be spoken.
15. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Sidewalks are nonexistant in the city center. Even the newer rich communities like Citraland and Bukit Dharmo see no need for sidewalks. No government ordinances/laws provide for accomodating those with disabilities.
16. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Sidewalks are nonexistant in the city center. Even the newer rich communities like Citraland and Bukit Dharmo see no need for sidewalks. No government ordinances/laws provide for accomodating those with disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Check with your company's security office. Most people regularly use Bluebird taxis with no issues. They are cheap in comparison to the US (11 USD to the airport).
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Check with your company's security office. Most people regularly use Bluebird taxis with no issues. They are cheap in comparison to the US (11 USD to the airport).
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Most cars are suitable for Surabaya, as the roads are decent. Heavy traffic prevents driving at high speeds. For outer island and jungle safaris, I would recommend a nice SUV or even a luxury van if you have a family. Basic cars in Indonesia are very expensive and are heavily taxed. Most people drive boxy station wagons called Kijangs. If you have a nice car that you like, I recommend shipping it, as it may not be available in Indonesia. Local and authorized dealers service BMW and Mercedes vehicles with dirt-cheap labor costs. Body work is also remarkably cheap, and dents/dings are repaired to mint condition. Motorcycles are also heavily taxed, so if you can ship one in your allowance, I recommend it.
4. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Most cars are suitable for Surabaya, as the roads are decent. Heavy traffic prevents driving at high speeds. For outer island and jungle safaris, I would recommend a nice SUV or even a luxury van if you have a family. Basic cars in Indonesia are very expensive and are heavily taxed. Most people drive boxy station wagons called Kijangs. If you have a nice car that you like, I recommend shipping it, as it may not be available in Indonesia. Local and authorized dealers service BMW and Mercedes vehicles with dirt-cheap labor costs. Body work is also remarkably cheap, and dents/dings are repaired to mint condition. Motorcycles are also heavily taxed, so if you can ship one in your allowance, I recommend it.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Very expensive at $80-$100 per month. DSL was $25 USD per month.
2. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Very expensive at $80-$100 per month. DSL was $25 USD per month.
3. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring the newest unlocked Blackberry, Iphone, or Samsung cell phone, then walk into Pasar Atum's cell phone section and they will set up your phone with a local SIM card, media plan, and credit. Ipads are pretty cheap to set up with plans as well. Smart phones are pricey there.
4. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring the newest unlocked Blackberry, Iphone, or Samsung cell phone, then walk into Pasar Atum's cell phone section and they will set up your phone with a local SIM card, media plan, and credit. Ipads are pretty cheap to set up with plans as well. Smart phones are pricey there.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
3. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Nannies and maids can make sure your pet is cared for.
4. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Nannies and maids can make sure your pet is cared for.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
No Bi-lateral Work Agreement exists, but jobs were available at international schools. EFM jobs are always available for those who want to work.
2. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
No Bi-lateral Work Agreement exists, but jobs were available at international schools. EFM jobs are always available for those who want to work.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
This is the beautiful part. The Batik shirt is the Indonesian equivalent to the Aloha shirt. Millions of flowery or traditional patterns exist for every taste. Short-sleeve Batik with slacks is the standard. Long sleeves with more formal Batik and black pants for formal engagements.
4. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
This is the beautiful part. The Batik shirt is the Indonesian equivalent to the Aloha shirt. Millions of flowery or traditional patterns exist for every taste. Short-sleeve Batik with slacks is the standard. Long sleeves with more formal Batik and black pants for formal engagements.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Terrorism remains a real concern in Indonesia. Indonesian police continue to disrupt radical Muslim groups operating in Indonesia. However, the Indonesian government allows violent anti-western Muslim groups such as FPI to openly operate throughout the country. Petty crimes such as burglary and theft are common in Surabaya, but they are mostly non-violent. Nigerian type 419 scams are also common.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Terrorism remains a real concern in Indonesia. Indonesian police continue to disrupt radical Muslim groups operating in Indonesia. However, the Indonesian government allows violent anti-western Muslim groups such as FPI to openly operate throughout the country. Petty crimes such as burglary and theft are common in Surabaya, but they are mostly non-violent. Nigerian type 419 scams are also common.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Typical tropical diseases to contend with: typoid, malaria (in other parts of Indonesia), yellow fever, and the like. During the rainy season, as Java is the most poulous place on earth, sore throats and flus spread easily. A case of "Bali belly" will probably occur if you're not used to SE Asia (mild food poisoning, diarrhea). Singapore is your destination for anything serious.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Typical tropical diseases to contend with: typoid, malaria (in other parts of Indonesia), yellow fever, and the like. During the rainy season, as Java is the most poulous place on earth, sore throats and flus spread easily. A case of "Bali belly" will probably occur if you're not used to SE Asia (mild food poisoning, diarrhea). Singapore is your destination for anything serious.
5. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good, unless you are walking through snarled traffic.
6. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good, unless you are walking through snarled traffic.
7. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Monsoon/wet season goes from Sept. through March. Dry season goes from April through August. No Typhoons.
8. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Monsoon/wet season goes from Sept. through March. Dry season goes from April through August. No Typhoons.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Most parents speak well of the Surabaya International School.
2. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Most parents speak well of the Surabaya International School.
3. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
4. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
5. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Several English pre-schools exist. Gymboree was popular and charged $180 per month (1 hour, 3X a week).
6. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Several English pre-schools exist. Gymboree was popular and charged $180 per month (1 hour, 3X a week).
7. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The Surabaya International School has good sports facilities, including a gym, olympic-sized pool, weight room, and track and field. It also has a good sports program.
8. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The Surabaya International School has good sports facilities, including a gym, olympic-sized pool, weight room, and track and field. It also has a good sports program.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small in Surabaya, as the desired expat experience is not available in Surabaya (bars, nightlife, beaches, tourist sites), and because of the relatively small number of foreign businesses.
2. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small in Surabaya, as the desired expat experience is not available in Surabaya (bars, nightlife, beaches, tourist sites), and because of the relatively small number of foreign businesses.
3. Morale among expats:
Great for those who chose Surabaya. Overall, the warm sunny weather, Bali and Lombok trips, and friendly people keep people happy.
4. Morale among expats:
Great for those who chose Surabaya. Overall, the warm sunny weather, Bali and Lombok trips, and friendly people keep people happy.
5. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
6. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
7. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families seem to enjoy their time in Surabaya with regular visits to the many malls, expat get-togethers, access to inexpensive household staff, and regular visits to Bali or further afield. Single females may have a harder time, as no real night-life, or drinking culture exists. As in other parts of Asia, Western men dating Asian women seems to be the rule, as opposed to Western women dating Asian men.
8. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families seem to enjoy their time in Surabaya with regular visits to the many malls, expat get-togethers, access to inexpensive household staff, and regular visits to Bali or further afield. Single females may have a harder time, as no real night-life, or drinking culture exists. As in other parts of Asia, Western men dating Asian women seems to be the rule, as opposed to Western women dating Asian men.
9. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I don't know, but this is Muslim majority country and Islam forbids homosexuality.
10. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I don't know, but this is Muslim majority country and Islam forbids homosexuality.
11. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No racial problems, but as this is a Muslim majority country, there are those who believe that Saudi Arabian Islam (along with its culture) is the purest and closest to Allah. Radical Muslim groups intimidate through fear and threats of violence. Being Jewish is not understood, as Indonesians are taught through the media and in Muslim schools that Palestinians are being victimized. Belonging to minority sects of Islam may lead to death. Only five religions are legal in Indonesia, and political leaders often endorse violence aimed at other religions, or are intimidated into silence by radical Muslims.
12. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No racial problems, but as this is a Muslim majority country, there are those who believe that Saudi Arabian Islam (along with its culture) is the purest and closest to Allah. Radical Muslim groups intimidate through fear and threats of violence. Being Jewish is not understood, as Indonesians are taught through the media and in Muslim schools that Palestinians are being victimized. Belonging to minority sects of Islam may lead to death. Only five religions are legal in Indonesia, and political leaders often endorse violence aimed at other religions, or are intimidated into silence by radical Muslims.
13. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Surfing the world's best waves, sunsets on gorgeous beaches, partying in Bali, and meeting and working with the friendly Javanese people.
14. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Surfing the world's best waves, sunsets on gorgeous beaches, partying in Bali, and meeting and working with the friendly Javanese people.
15. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Surabaya is an industrial, working city with zero tourist facilities or attractions. Surabaya's tourist map ("Sparkling Surabaya") lists mosques, an alligator-and-shark statue, and an old submarine as top tourist destinations. No beaches exist; The closest is a 6-hour drive south of Malang. The nearby island of Madura looks like a promising island but has no socially redeeming values other than the delicious Sinjai deep fried duck restaurant. Tourists smartly avoid Surabaya and continue to Bali.
Surabaya's notorious red-light district, known as Dolly, is safe and organized, but nothing like the infamous bar hopping areas in Thailand or the Philippines. But there are a few fun things to do in and around Surabaya. They include:
1) The Arab Quarter and Surabaya fish market. Stroll through the shops, and check the largest seafood and wet market in Surabaya, then have a some baked goat and in a local restaurant.
2) Mt. Bromo volcano and surrounding volcanos is an easy hike, and 4 hours from Surabaya.
3) Soemperna clove cigarette factory, museum and restaurant. 4) Taman Safari Park is 2 hours by car and a good afternoon for the kids. You can pet wild anilmals and drive through a safari park while feeding the animals at your own leisure.
4) Drive six hours to Pacitan's pristine surfing areas and beaches.
5) Drive six hours to Sedang Biru island and hike to its beautiful saltwater lake and beach.
6) Have a draft beer at Lido's bar. This is one of the only real bars in Surabaya. It is cheap and popular with the expats.
7) Take one of 12 daily 40- minute flights to Bali for a long weekend and rent a villa in Seminyak.
8) Shoot aerial fireworks anytime, any place as long as you are celebrating Ramadahn. No one will challenge you.
16. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Surabaya is an industrial, working city with zero tourist facilities or attractions. Surabaya's tourist map ("Sparkling Surabaya") lists mosques, an alligator-and-shark statue, and an old submarine as top tourist destinations. No beaches exist; The closest is a 6-hour drive south of Malang. The nearby island of Madura looks like a promising island but has no socially redeeming values other than the delicious Sinjai deep fried duck restaurant. Tourists smartly avoid Surabaya and continue to Bali.
Surabaya's notorious red-light district, known as Dolly, is safe and organized, but nothing like the infamous bar hopping areas in Thailand or the Philippines. But there are a few fun things to do in and around Surabaya. They include:
1) The Arab Quarter and Surabaya fish market. Stroll through the shops, and check the largest seafood and wet market in Surabaya, then have a some baked goat and in a local restaurant.
2) Mt. Bromo volcano and surrounding volcanos is an easy hike, and 4 hours from Surabaya.
3) Soemperna clove cigarette factory, museum and restaurant. 4) Taman Safari Park is 2 hours by car and a good afternoon for the kids. You can pet wild anilmals and drive through a safari park while feeding the animals at your own leisure.
4) Drive six hours to Pacitan's pristine surfing areas and beaches.
5) Drive six hours to Sedang Biru island and hike to its beautiful saltwater lake and beach.
6) Have a draft beer at Lido's bar. This is one of the only real bars in Surabaya. It is cheap and popular with the expats.
7) Take one of 12 daily 40- minute flights to Bali for a long weekend and rent a villa in Seminyak.
8) Shoot aerial fireworks anytime, any place as long as you are celebrating Ramadahn. No one will challenge you.
17. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Bali's artesians make some of the most beautiful and desireable furniture and handicrafts on earth. Driving around Bali makes you dream about designing your own personal villa. Every imaginable art piece imaginable. I especially admired the traditional stone Balinese carvings, Balinese pagodas, rattan, canopy beds, tropical fishponds, and bronze art. It is simply mindblowing.
18. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Bali's artesians make some of the most beautiful and desireable furniture and handicrafts on earth. Driving around Bali makes you dream about designing your own personal villa. Every imaginable art piece imaginable. I especially admired the traditional stone Balinese carvings, Balinese pagodas, rattan, canopy beds, tropical fishponds, and bronze art. It is simply mindblowing.
19. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Indonesia boasts one of the richest and most exotic cultures on the planet. It’s mostly mild, tolerant, form of Islam infused with animist, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions, could easily be described as the “Diet Coke” of Islam. Women hold prominent positions in society,Bintang beer can be consumed near mosques, and prostitution is legal, taxed, and controlled.
Options include: volcanic hikes, jungle expeditions, game fishing, world class scuba diving, Paupuan native hill tribe visits, surfing some of the world's most mechanically perfect waves, and some of the tastiest and cheapest food in Asia.
Sitting smack in the center of the world’s cradle of marine biodiversity, the archipelago's mind-blowing number of islands straddle both the Pacific and Indian oceans making every imaginable island set-up possible; do you prefer a powdery flour white sand beach with tiny sandbars fronting electric neon blue water, or how about a small horseshoe bay on the edge of a lush tiger infested jungle with a waterfall pouring into the beach, or what about a hidden island with 50’ monolithic rock islands offshore and frolicking monkeys overlooking the world’s most perfect wave. This is real life waterworld with endless options to kiteboard, surf, scuba, fish, dive, SUP, kayak, paddle, and spearfish. Highlights include, The Mentawai islands, South Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, West Timor, Raja Ampat, the Gili islands, and Kimodo, just to name a few.
If you enjoy excellent Asian street food, you will love Indonesia; Highlights include, Spicy Padang curries, Chicken Satehs with peanut sauces, Balinese yellow rice plates with pork satehs, Chinese “Mie Pangsit” noodle dishes, and an array of regional chicken “Soto Ayam” soups. Java is also famous the world over for its “Javanese meat,” or Tempe. This healthy delicious alternative to beef is basically unprocessed tofu and is served fried with rice or stewed in other regional dishes. Another favorite was Rawon, or, “black soup” which is a savory, spice infused beef soup served with a shrimp chip, side of rice, salted bean sprouts, and firey chilli sauce. And don’t forget Indonesia’s equivalent to the hamburger and fries; Bakso. This mystery meatball is served in soup with various accompaniments everywhere.
At the center of this enormous 15,000 island chain is the liberally Muslim-free Hindu island of Bali. Balinese Hinduism is nothing like the Indian variety having developed on a lush beautiful island. Although facing mismanaged growth and pollution issues, Bali remains hands-down, one of the most insanely paradisaical islands in the world. The tourist-friendly Balinese are almost tolerant to a fault, ever-smiling as hoards of rural drunken Aussies use the island for cheap holidays.
The Balinese people, culture, and traditions are stunningly beautiful. with their lives centered on exotic rituals, beautiful beaches, world-class surfing, beautiful temples/architecture and arts, and sunsets enjoyed with heaps of Bintang beer.
20. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Indonesia boasts one of the richest and most exotic cultures on the planet. It’s mostly mild, tolerant, form of Islam infused with animist, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions, could easily be described as the “Diet Coke” of Islam. Women hold prominent positions in society,Bintang beer can be consumed near mosques, and prostitution is legal, taxed, and controlled.
Options include: volcanic hikes, jungle expeditions, game fishing, world class scuba diving, Paupuan native hill tribe visits, surfing some of the world's most mechanically perfect waves, and some of the tastiest and cheapest food in Asia.
Sitting smack in the center of the world’s cradle of marine biodiversity, the archipelago's mind-blowing number of islands straddle both the Pacific and Indian oceans making every imaginable island set-up possible; do you prefer a powdery flour white sand beach with tiny sandbars fronting electric neon blue water, or how about a small horseshoe bay on the edge of a lush tiger infested jungle with a waterfall pouring into the beach, or what about a hidden island with 50’ monolithic rock islands offshore and frolicking monkeys overlooking the world’s most perfect wave. This is real life waterworld with endless options to kiteboard, surf, scuba, fish, dive, SUP, kayak, paddle, and spearfish. Highlights include, The Mentawai islands, South Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, West Timor, Raja Ampat, the Gili islands, and Kimodo, just to name a few.
If you enjoy excellent Asian street food, you will love Indonesia; Highlights include, Spicy Padang curries, Chicken Satehs with peanut sauces, Balinese yellow rice plates with pork satehs, Chinese “Mie Pangsit” noodle dishes, and an array of regional chicken “Soto Ayam” soups. Java is also famous the world over for its “Javanese meat,” or Tempe. This healthy delicious alternative to beef is basically unprocessed tofu and is served fried with rice or stewed in other regional dishes. Another favorite was Rawon, or, “black soup” which is a savory, spice infused beef soup served with a shrimp chip, side of rice, salted bean sprouts, and firey chilli sauce. And don’t forget Indonesia’s equivalent to the hamburger and fries; Bakso. This mystery meatball is served in soup with various accompaniments everywhere.
At the center of this enormous 15,000 island chain is the liberally Muslim-free Hindu island of Bali. Balinese Hinduism is nothing like the Indian variety having developed on a lush beautiful island. Although facing mismanaged growth and pollution issues, Bali remains hands-down, one of the most insanely paradisaical islands in the world. The tourist-friendly Balinese are almost tolerant to a fault, ever-smiling as hoards of rural drunken Aussies use the island for cheap holidays.
The Balinese people, culture, and traditions are stunningly beautiful. with their lives centered on exotic rituals, beautiful beaches, world-class surfing, beautiful temples/architecture and arts, and sunsets enjoyed with heaps of Bintang beer.
21. Can you save money?
Yes, on food, groceries, and household help. Gas for your car is also subsidized and cheap. Many expas/diplomats get some kind of hardship pay which also helps.
22. Can you save money?
Yes, on food, groceries, and household help. Gas for your car is also subsidized and cheap. Many expas/diplomats get some kind of hardship pay which also helps.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, both in terms of work, and pleasure.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, both in terms of work, and pleasure.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Snowboards, unless you plan on hitting Hokkaido, Japan, or New Zealand during the summer.
4. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Snowboards, unless you plan on hitting Hokkaido, Japan, or New Zealand during the summer.
5. But don't forget your:
watergear-fishing equipment, surfboards, snorkel gear, bodyboards, fins, wetsuits, and a good SUV for going on safari. Be sure to bring a high quality gas grill for weekend BBQ's. Bring the newest flatscreen TV, quality UPS, and a few 1000 watt step up/dwn transformers.
6. But don't forget your:
watergear-fishing equipment, surfboards, snorkel gear, bodyboards, fins, wetsuits, and a good SUV for going on safari. Be sure to bring a high quality gas grill for weekend BBQ's. Bring the newest flatscreen TV, quality UPS, and a few 1000 watt step up/dwn transformers.
7. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
8. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
The Year Of Living Dangerously (Jakarta)-Mel Gibson.
9. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
10. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
The Year Of Living Dangerously (Jakarta)-Mel Gibson.
