Indonesia with its 13,000 islands is the largest archipelago. Of all the islands, 6,000 are inhabited by multi-lingual, multi-cultural people. The five major islands in Indonesia are Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan/Borneo, Sulawesi/Celebes, and Irian Jaya/Papua. But the main tourist destination is the island of Bali.
While traveling through Indonesia and enjoying the beautiful sites and cultural heritage, you cannot miss the enchanting sounds of Indonesian Music. Indonesian music is as diverse as the culture of Indonesia and was brought to the country by the invaders and early settlers and combined with traditional sounds.
Indonesian Music:
Traditional Music
Tembang Sunda, Kecapi Suling and Gamelan are the 3 main forms of popular traditional music in Indonesia. Also known as Seni Mamaos or Cianjuan, Temband Sunda is a form of sung poetry. Local traditional music instruments like Kacapi Indung, Kacapi rincik and suling or bamboo flute and Rebab are used for the composition. Kecapi Suling is an instrumental music which is a derivation of Tembang Sunda and is very popular in Java.
Gamelan is the most popular of Indonesian Music. Though similar music is heard in Malaysia and Indonesia, originally Gamelan is from Lombok, Bali and Java. A set of instrument like metallophones, drums, gongs and spike fiddles along with bamboo flutes are used.
Pop and Folk Music
While touring through the country you will also come across Indonesian pop and folk music which is similar to rock, house, hip hop, and some ethnic pop like pop Daerah, pop Sunda and pop Minang. Mostly local languages are used in singing but they are usually combined with western and regional styles of music.
Radio Stations
While traveling and visiting places in Indonesia, you can entertain yourself with Indonesian music played by popular artists, bands and groups on the radio stations of Indonesia - Radi 8eh, Bandung, Radio Ardan FM Bandung, Radio KLCBS, Bandung, Radio RCTFM, Semarang RRI, Radio Republik Indonesia, Radio Sonora, Jakarta, Radio Colors, Surabaya.
Helpful Tips:
When traveling in Indonesia, use taxis from registered companies. This way of traveling is not only safe but also cheap because these cabs have meters.
Do not carry much cash, jewelry or credit cards while vacationing in popular Indonesian cities like Bali or Yogyakarta.
ATMs are available almost everywhere in Indonesia. You can exchange money at airports and seaports. Money exchange of almost all of currencies is easy and hassle-free.
Take some insect protection measures against Malaria or dengue fever, if you are planning to visit Papua (Irian Jaya) or Central Java Province. The use of anti-mosquito cream/lotion is a must.
All the major Indonesian travel destinations provide you with a large number of hotels to choose from, luxury to budget.
