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Indoor and outdoor activities in Indonesia

There are so many leisure activities throughout Indonesia. Disconnect from work and the hustle and bustle of the city at a beach, or experience the country's culture in museums and historical sites. Perhaps clear your mind by walking through one of the many national parks. In many of these parks, you'll find at least one of the more than 150 volcanoes (125 of which are still active!), called gunungs. Hiking can be a fun pastime if you're a bit of an explorer!

On the other hand, if you're a shopaholic, big cities like Jakarta will more than satisfy you with their huge air-conditioned shopping malls that get very crowded during the weekends. And if you are a bit of a foodie (who isn't!), you'll be happy to know that Indonesia has no shortage of restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Indonesian cuisine is incredible and extremely underrated.

Activities to do after work in Indonesia

After work, many expats tend to build their routine around a mix of fitness, hobbies and community activities. Popular options include:

• Gym and studio classes, such as yoga, pilates and boxing (especially common in major cities and expat hubs).
• Martial arts, including pencak silat classes in some areas.
• Cooking classes, which are a great way to explore Indonesian cuisine beyond restaurants.
• Batik workshops and traditional arts are available in cultural centers and tourist areas
• Language courses (Bahasa Indonesia classes are widely available and very useful for integration).

In general, just joining everyday local life based around food and community is the best way to experience Indonesia. Try eating at a warung, exploring night markets (pasar malam), and taking part in local celebrations whenever you're invited.

Sports in Indonesia

As the locals will proudly remind you, Indonesia is already very successful in badminton. It's one of the country's most widely followed sports, with a strong national culture around local clubs, community courts and major tournaments. In every city and town, you'll find at least one badminton court. Of course, football (soccer) is also incredibly popular! There's always a lot of buzz and excitement whenever the World Cup tournament is on.

Indonesia is a top destination for divers and surfers (perhaps that's why you're so keen to move here!). The Bukit peninsula in Bali is the surfing capital of Indonesia, with a number of world-class spots such as Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Meanwhile, popular dive spots include Nusa Penida, Amed, Tulamben and the nearby Gili islands.

You could also rent a charter boat and explore the Mentawai Islands, which are full of fantastic spots for surfing, diving, or fishing. This small Indonesian archipelago is also home to the Mentawai people, an indigenous population with very friendly and welcoming ancestral customs. Do not miss visiting them, you will be welcomed with open arms!

Clubs and communities for expatriates in Indonesia

Many expats meet people through:

• Coworking spaces (especially in Bali and Jakarta), which often host social evenings and networking events
• Sports clubs (badminton, futsal, running groups, diving groups)
• Interest-based groups, such as photography clubs, hiking communities, or language exchanges
• Local community events, which can be a great way to build friendships outside expat circles

To find activities, many expats rely on:

• Recommendations from colleagues and neighbours
• Community notice boards at coworking spaces and cafes
• Social platforms and local event listings
• Indonesia expat forums and city-based groups

Weekday nightlife for young people and students in Indonesia

In university areas and major cities, young people often spend weekday evenings in casual cafes and late-night food spots, or going to live music venues (particularly in bigger cities and tourist areas). There are also bars and clubs in nightlife districts, which are more common and accessible in Bali and parts of Jakarta than in conservative regions.

As always, nightlife culture varies widely by location. In some areas, it is very lively, while in others, it is far more discreet. As always, it's best to follow local norms, keep an eye on safety, and go out with friends you trust.

Religion and holidays in Indonesia

As the Pancasila famously states, Indonesia doesn't have an official state religion in the way some other countries do, but religion does play an extremely important role in daily life and public administration. The country's national philosophy (that's the Pancasila) is founded on 鈥渂elief in one God鈥�, and the country officially recognizes six religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism.

Around 90% of Indonesian citizens follow Islam, which makes Indonesia home to the largest Muslim population in the world. Indonesians live alongside Christian, Hindu and Buddhist minorities quite happily. Don't be surprised to find the norm, where many businesses close early on Friday afternoons for prayers (jumu'ah). You should remember other various Islamic holidays and events, such as Ramadan and Eid, which are widely celebrated.

The great thing about six religions all being recognized is that you'll get a ton of public holidays throughout the year! Religion also influences the social norms in many parts of the country. For example, alcohol is legal in Indonesia, but attitudes and availability really depend on the region. Bali and some tourist areas are famously much more relaxed, while more conservative areas will be a lot stricter. It's common sense to pay attention to where you are and act accordingly, out of respect for the locals.

Important:

Yes, Indonesia is rapidly developing into a very modern country, but so many traditional beliefs are still observed. As a foreigner, it's so important that you respect the culture by dressing modestly and avoiding public displays of physical affection.

Languages in Indonesia

Beyond the major cities and tourist hotspots, English might not be so widely spoken, especially in everyday administrative situations. For the sake of immersion and integration, you should start picking up and learning some basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia 鈥� it's a relatively easy, straightforward language for beginners because it uses the Roman alphabet and has simple grammar compared to a lot of other languages. A few words and phrases will be appreciated, both in the city and outside.

Good to know:

In many places, you might also hear local languages and regional dialects such as Javanese, Sundanese or Balinese. In day-to-day life, Bahasa Indonesia remains the main language used across regions

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