If you visit Indonesia without taking time to really appreciate its rich culture, it’s time to remedy that. Home to more than 1,340 ethnic groups, this country is abundant in traditions. There are many Indonesian cultural activities you can try, tailored to each area and offering a unique experience each time.
Indonesia’s rich culture comes from its long-winded history, from the many empires that grew there to the many tribes that reside therein even today.
Indonesians value their beliefs and culture, passing them down from generation to generation. It ensures that each culture is well-preserved for us all to appreciate and enjoy now.
It’s time to venture beyond the beautiful nature of Indonesia to a more authentic experience. We have compiled 5 unique Indonesian cultural activities you can try to really feel like a local citizen!
Read Also: Indonesian Cultural Habits (a.k.a. All You Need to Know to Avoid Causing Offence)
5 Unique Indonesian Cultural Activities You Should Never Miss
1. Try Out the Local Street Foods
Photo: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi via Pexels
You know what they say, food is the way to the heart. Indonesian cuisine differs from each area, each influenced by the local culture and even history.
In total, there are 5,350 traditional recipes you can find all over Indonesia.
Unfortunately, you can’t possibly try thousands of recipes during your stay all at once. That’s why you can start small by trying out the local street foods.
You can do so by visiting the local market usually available in each area. Taste the diverse selection of street foods—from sweet to savory, they have everything.
Pro Tip: Aside from food, the local market is also a great place to find souvenirs. Be sure to wear a pair of stretchy pants and bring some cash, preferably small change.
2. Batik Making Class
One of the most notable product of Indonesia’s culture is Batik, one UNESCO has acknowledged as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Batik has various beautiful motifs, differing between every ethnic groups. Each is made in great detail and often through a lengthy process.
The patterns themselves are usually linked to a significant historical moment or symbolism, making Batik even more special to the locals.
If you’re interested in learning more about the meaning behind each Batik motif, you can try signing up for a Batik making class.
Aside from learning, you will also learn of the effort and thought put into each Batik fabric. Through this, you can definitely learn to appreciate and fully immerse yourself in the culture.
Read Also: The Meaning of Batik, How Indonesian Batik Preserves Stories Centuries Old
3. Cooking Class
As mentioned before, there are approximately 5,350 Indonesian recipes in total. That means you’ll likely find different types of foods in every city.
For example, you might find gudeg in Yogyakarta, but certainly not in Bali.
Aside from tasting, you can learn the process behind each cuisine by signing up for a cooking class. This way, you can broaden your culinary knowledge and even bring a taste of Indonesia home.
When you miss your trip, you can just make one dish to reawaken the memory of it!
4. Attend a Traditional Show
The performing arts of wayang or traditional puppet shows have been around for hundreds of years. UNESCO has even acknowledged it as part of Indonesia’s cultural art.
There are various types of wayang with their own characteristics, such as:
- Kulit, a story told through leather puppets.
- Wong, a performance done by actors, instead of puppets.
- Gedog, a performance done by masked actors.
- Golek, a story told through wooden puppets.
- Klitik, a story told through small wooden puppets.
- Beber, a story told through scroll paintings.
Many people know wayang as the puppet used in these performances. In reality, wayang refers to the entire performance itself.
A wayang performance is usually very extravagant—depicting mythological stories accompanied by a gamelan orchestra.
It’s been used as a medium to spread information, knowledge, or simply as a mode of entertainment.
Wayang is considered the epitome of Indonesian culture, as it involves every line of art possible, including acting, singing, music, literature, sculpture, painting, and carving.
Read Also: Uh-Oh, What to Do if You Get Sick While Traveling
5. Witness the Various Traditional Dance
One of the Indonesian cultural activities you should never miss is attending a traditional dance show.
Similar to wayang, traditional dance shows are grand. You can see them during celebrations, rituals, or ceremonies.
There are many types of traditional dances in Indonesia, different for every ethnic group of each area. You can expect graceful movements in a Javanese traditional dance, or energetic ones in Toraja.
Either way, they all certainly come with grandeur and festivities. From the outfit, music, to props, every aspect of the performance is so well-thought. It is certainly an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Be in Touch with Indonesia’s Wonderful Landscape, Stay at Bobocabin!
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
Bask in the stunning view of Indonesia’s green rice fields, blue mountains, and green forests by staying at Bobocabin.
After a long day of exploring the nature of Indonesia, you can enjoy the cool air and rest well in this homey cabin.
Give yourself some privacy with our smart window, adjust the lighting to enhance your comfort, and put on some music for a great ambience—all within your fingertips.
Or, if you don’t want to turn in for the night yet, you can enjoy the warmth of your very own campfire. Feeling like grilling? Go make some BBQ with your loved ones under the clear sky!
Book your stay now to experience it authentically. For booking and more information, you can download the Bobobox app here.
Header photo: Gede Yoga via Unsplash
