Indonesia is a country made up of islands, over 13,000 of them to be precise, and it is a country that has so much to offer any traveller. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, whether you plan to stay in one place or intend exploring some of the many islands it makes little difference and many tourists will not get much further into the country than any other tourist and that is a real pity.
As the largest country in the world made up entirely of islands, one would expect a great deal of diversity and indeed there is, but few people go further than the capital Jakarta or the island of Bali or Sumatra. Why is this? Firstly, Jakarta is for business and Bali and Sumatra are very much tourist destinations with beaches and tropical forests, like few places on earth. Also, to go beyond the conventional tourist and business hubs, the barrier of language becomes a problem, and that puts people off.
By learning to speak Indonesian, all 13,000 of it's islands open up and for anyone on an extended holiday or young people exploring the world, accommodation can be booked locally, often at a very good rate because you have some grasp of the language. Getting into the villages where the Indonesian people live, work and play becomes part of the experience. Just because you speak the language, you can now get to know the people and get under the skin of a truly amazing country.
Tour guides that will take you places of interest are always available in your native language but, with the language, you can begin to explore places and ask questions and discover what makes Indonesia tick. Talking to locals about a place or something that is happening allows you to see things in a whole new way, a way in which many will miss out on without language.
From Komodo Dragons and Orang-utans, speaking to a local in their mother tongue can create a whole new experience, making a trip to see these amazing wild animals very special indeed. Anyone can perhaps see these animals, but only a local will know the secrets to seeing them up close or seeing them where normal tourists cannot get to. Even food becomes better with language. With language, food itself can become an adventure and being able to ask for a dish with or without something more to your liking makes the exotically spiced or seriously fresh cuisine of Indonesia something you will never forget.
So, when you plan your trip to Indonesia why not take the opportunity to learn the language, instead of expecting everything to be done in your language. Step out and get under the covers of Indonesia and explore the many islands with greater confidence and showing respect the people you meet along the way. Language is the one thing you cannot pack into your suitcase but it is the one thing that will make your trip to Indonesia more enjoyable than you could ever imagine. Learn Indonesian at VLLC and expand your horizons.
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