INDONESIA
Major airline:
Garuda Indonesia
Capital:
Jakarta.
Language:
There are 250 languages spoken throughout the country, but Bahasa Indonesian is the national language. English is spoken in tourist areas.
Currency:
The Indonesian rupiah
Eating Out:
Indonesian cuisine varies from island to island. Try rijsstaffel (buffet of meat, vegetables and relishes served with rice), krupuk (crackers made with shrimp, fish and fruit), gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), nasi goreng (fried rice), and bakmi goreng (fried noodles). Beware of sambal (chili and garlic sauce). Relieve its fiery effects with icy fruit and coconut milk drinks.
Shopping Specialties:
Best buys are found in Indonesian island villages. Look for wood carvings, silver filigree work, batik made into sarongs or other clothing, wickerwork, basketry, palm-leaf fans, ceremonial masks and wayang (shadow puppets). Gems include Borneo diamonds, purple amethyst, natural pearls and rare black opals from West Java.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Indonesia Tourism: www.indonesia-tourism.com
More things to see and do in Indonesia:
