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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