This is the story of how a bit of color turned an Indonesian slum into an Instagram sensation that can benefit locals…

The idea

Kampung Pelangi, now known as ‘Rainbow Village’, is located in Semarang, in Central Java, Indonesia – 300 miles (480 km) east of the capital, Jakarta. It was an ordinary low-income village until April this year, when a high-school principal, Slamet Widodo, came up with the idea to paint its houses, benches and bridges in different bright colors in an effort to attract more tourists to the area and improve the economic situation in his community. This plan followed the example of other Indonesian villages that have undergone similar colorful changes, including Kampung Warna Warni and Kampung Tridi.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV3Y7PIBxL7/

The makeover

The local council decided to give 300 million Indonesian rupiah (around $22,000) to turn Widodo’s idea into a reality. In a month the 223 houses in the suburb were each painted with at least three different, bright colors. The Indonesian Builders Association in Semarang provided paint and workers for the refurbishment, while the residents themselves took part in the painting process, as did the mayor of Semarang.

Instagram tourism

After the news of the village’s colorful new appearance spread across the internet, it began to fill with tourists searching for some positive vibes in their day and that perfect Instagram shot. And since the makeover was made for that purpose, it is no surprise that Instagrammable murals can be found around every corner. About 7000 posts with the hashtag #kampungpelangi already exist and the number is growing every day. Among the most famous wall pieces are backdrops for people to pose with butterfly and angel wings, mystical creatures, balloons, umbrellas and even Kung Fu Panda himself.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BT9BD0LFAVB/

The pay-off

Residents are already feeling the positive economic effects that the new tourist attraction has had on their lives, increasing their income through markets for tours, souvenirs and street food. The village is now cleaner and more dynamic than ever – in fact, further plans for the project include removing waste from the local river.

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Here are our favorite picks of local wisdom:

Pura vida in Costa Rica

Pura vida simply translated in English is “pure life”, but the phrase actually has a far deeper meaning. Costa Ricans use it to say hello, to say bye or as an answer to the question “How are you?”. Pura vida is in fact a way of life, where you accept that no matter how difficult, your life is not that bad at all.

>>> Read more about Pura vida.

Dolce far niente in Italy

Dolce far niente literally means “sweet doing nothing” and the Italians, especially in the southern part of the country, know how to turn idleness into a happy occupation. This philosophy of life contains a number of important prohibitions, such as no haste, no taking problems to heart and no paying attention to the surrounding nuisance.

>>> Read more about Dolce far niente.

Hakuna matata in Africa

Thanks to the animated film “The Lion King” everybody knows a bit of Swahili. Hakuna matata means “no problem”, “no worries”. The phrase is used mainly in Kenya and Zanzibar and is mentioned in the famous “Jambo Bwana” song.

Tri Hita Karana in Bali

If harmony means happiness, then this philosophy of life from Bali will help you achieve it. In English, Tri Hita Karana means “three reasons for well-being” – being in harmony with people, in harmony with God and in harmony with nature.

Aylyak in Bulgaria

Aylyak is an untranslatable Bulgarian word which can be roughly translated as “the art of doing everything at a relaxed pace without worrying about anything”. The Aylyak lifestyle is mainly typical for the residents of the city of Plovdiv famous for taking long, leisurely walks back and forth along their main pedestrian street.

>>> Read more about aylyak.

Fernweh in Germany

English doesn’t have an antonym of “nostalgia” but in German it’s Fernweh. It means a strong desire for traveling, dreaming of far and unknown lands and new experiences. So give in to your Fernweh and hit the road.

Friluftsliv in Norway

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. True to this principle, the Norwegians are fans of Friluftsliv or life in “free” air (“open-air living”). The northern country’s inhabitants appreciate the benefits of spending time in the open for health and well-being, regardless of weather conditions. Whether it is running, cycling or just going out to the park nearby to take some photos – the important thing is to breathe fresh air.

Wabi-Sabi in Japan

Salvador Dali once said “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it”. This is exactly what the Japanese idea Wabi-Sabi tries to convey. In English it means “accept imperfection” and applies to the individual body and character, friends and life in general.

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Indonesia respects its culture, customs, and laws. Whether you are visiting the country as a traveler for fun or business, whether you work there as an expatriate, or whether you are one of the locals, you need to pay maximum attention to the things you can and cannot do.

What Can You Do or Not Do in Indonesia?

• Do not mock or joke about ethnicity, race, or religion.

One of the things that make Indonesians unique and interesting is their diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs. The mutual respect the people have towards one another is crucial to the country’s harmony and peace. The diverse cultures and ethnicities also mean that they have different religions. Making inappropriate remark concerning their way of life, however small, is offensive.

• Do not do drugs

The Indonesian government takes drug possession or usage very seriously. If you are traveling to the country, do not take any recreational drugs with you because they could land you in jail. The sentence for distribution and drug possession is the death penalty. It is important to note that this law does not discriminate between tourists or locals.

• Do not underestimate the spice in the food.

Indonesia is rich in different spices, and they do not shy away from using the same on their dishes. You might get away with eating the food of your choice in luxury hotel Jakarta high-end establishments but if you decide to visit the food vendors, be careful. If you do not come from a country where spicy and savory recipes are part of your daily recipes, ask first before you rush to the bathroom with a burning tongue.

• Avoid tap water

If you are visiting, make sure you carry bottled water to quench your thirst. Indonesian tap water is safe for cooking and showering, but it is not advisable to use it directly. Even the locals use gallon or bottled water for straight consumption. Additionally, if you do not have an alternative, you can boil the tap water before drinking it. The locals do that and transfer it to bottles for ease of portability.

• Respect the wildlife

Indonesia has a large variety of wildlife that includes birds and sea animals. The wildlife is one of the major tourist attractions in many cities across the country. It would therefore be a complete disgrace to disrupt the wildlife or their natural habitats. Some of the general rules to follow are maintaining cleanliness and quietness, keeping waste to a minimum, and restraining from animal tourism.

• Learn as many local phrases as you can

You might be lucky to visit a place in Indonesia where you can get by communicating in English. You could also get what you want by using hand gestures. However, you could also find yourself in situations where you cannot communicate with the locals at all, and they might take it as disrespect. 

Learn a few local phrases to save face and create warmth and friendships. It also shows a display of respect to your hosts. One of the most important phrases to learn is “terima kasih,” which means thank you.

• Always show appreciation, and politeness

Indonesians take etiquette and politeness very seriously, and it is only fair that you conform when interacting to them. Simple words like thank you, please, and sorry accompanied by a smile go a long way in cementing lasting friendships, and they do not hurt or cost you anything. You can take it a notch higher by engaging the people you are interacting with, such as your tour guide or driver, for small talk. Any friendly gesture will do just fine.

Wrapping it up

The above are just some of the things you can or cannot do while in Indonesia, though there are many others that you learn as you go on. Remember that many locals maintain their local traditions even with the growing modern generation growth in the urban areas. The laws are simple to adhere to, and by so doing, you will enjoy your visit even more.

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Indonesia boasts of many more marvels that will make your stay or safari worthwhile. They include visiting temples, watersports, trekking along volcanic slopes, and many more. These activities make it an exciting trip for the Indonesia liveaboard cruise, which is one of the most popular tour packages in the country.

It is vital to note that as you enjoy the holiday, there are some key things that you have to take into account. This review will look at the health and safety regulations, Tourist Visas, and useful tips for tourists.

Health 

The most common complaints in Indonesia are stomach pains as a result of contaminated food, water, and ice. Contaminants in food can lead to dehydration, diarrhea, or hepatitis A or D.  You should drink bottled water. Fungal infections are also very rampant; you should wear loose clothes, bath regularly, and dry yourself thoroughly.

Also, take note of malarial areas; some of the destinations such as Bali are malaria-free. Mosquitoes at sea are not rampant, which means you can be calm when on the liveaboard cruise.

Consult with a health professional regarding the vaccinations you should take before traveling to Indonesia. Also, while on a cruise if you feel unwell, seek help from health workers.

Security and Safety

Traveling anywhere comes with its risks, but Indonesia is a relatively safe space for all tourists who go there. You are advised to be calm when safety issues arise so that you can be able to make informed and calculated decisions.

The northern part of the country is prone to violence and internal conflicts, so it is advisable to stay away from such volatile areas. Also, avoid being outside secluded areas at night because these can be crime spots.

Most of the tourist areas in Indonesia, including Bali, Flores, Komodo, and Wakatobi, and plenty more besides have not reported any threats to security in a long while, so guests who are on the liveaboard cruises are safe.

Tourists Visas 

Changes were made to the Indonesia visa regulations in February of 2004. Check on the laws frequently as they are prone to change. One must also have a valid passport for at least six months from the date of arrival.

There are eleven nations whose citizens are eligible for a 30 day Visa such as Malaysia, Morocco, Hong Kong, Philippines, Macau, and Vietnam, among others. For other nations, there is a seven or thirty-day Visa available they include Unite Kingdom, South Africa, Argentina, USA, UAE, and plenty more besides. Proof of a return ticket is a must.

This Visa is available at all international airports and borders. If your republic does not fall under the above categories or you need to stay past thirty days, you need to get a Visa overseas. There are specific requirements for Portuguese and Israeli nationals.

Useful Tips for Tourists

Adventure & Activities

Travelers visiting Indonesia to take a liveaboard cruise will have several chances to indulge locally. There are also a host of national parks, volcanoes, and other sites of natural interest that will enrich your vacation here.

Communication

There are plenty of internet cafes in the main cities and tourist areas, although speeds can still be slow in some areas. Due to the isolated nature of the liveaboard cruises in Indonesia, most of the boats do not provide Wi-Fi service.

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1. Visit the beaches

A vacation to Bali can never be complete without visiting the beaches. Bali is the hub of many beaches including Kuta beach (one of the famous ones), Uluwatu beach, Padang beach, Kelingking beach and many others. There are quite a number of beach activities you can enjoy, such as playing beach soccer, volleyball, swimming, snorkeling and of course surfing. In fact, did you know that Bali is known as a paradise for surfers? If you are a professional surfer or even a beginner, be sure to have the time of your life surfing through the gentle Kuta beach waves.

2. Visit the temples

Bali is also known as the temple of Gods, and this is because it has many temples. One of the most articulately designed temples is the Tanah Lot Temple which is built on top of the rocks. While on this temple, you can enjoy watching the sunrise or even the sunset. Besides visiting Tanah Lot Temple, you can also visit Besakih temple, Ulun Danu Temple, Uluwatu temple and many others.

3. Go to the Bali swings

You probably have been seeing some beautiful photos of people on the high swings and have been wondering where it is. Well, Bali is the home of that breathtaking spot which is found in Ubud at the Zen Hideaway retreat. And that is not all; there are also other swings in Bali, some of which are up to 78m high. So if you are an adrenaline junkie, you cannot afford not to visit the swings and take the photos to up your Instagram game.

4. Go for yoga

There is nothing that beats doing yoga at a spot with breathtaking views and fresh air, and that’s why you need to visit the yoga spots in Bali. The yoga retreats, especially in Ubud, are to die for. And the good thing is that there are other activities that you can also engage in while in these retreats. For instance, get a massage at the spas, get your hair done in the executive salons, take a swim in the pools, and so on.

5. Practice Tri Hita Karana

If harmony means happiness, then this philosophy of life from Bali will help you achieve it. In English, Tri Hita Karana means “three reasons for well-being” – being in harmony with people, in harmony with God and in harmony with nature.

The post Fun things to do in Bali appeared first on 203Challenges.

And here’s the story behind it.

– How and when were Abang and Neng born? What is their story?You can find your own original ideas to make the memories from your journey interesting to share.

– My name is Felicia and my boyfriend is Andreas. We’ve been together for more than 3 years now. The idea was launched last year when we were just having our regular date at a coffee shop. I like to doodle. That day I doodled myself, then took a picture of it trying to stir the cup of coffee on the table. The picture looked cute and inspired me to do a doodle of us. Then I decided to document our journey as a couple through doodles. Not just a mere doodle, but a combination of our doodles and the situation where we’re at.

S.E.A. Aquarium – Sentosa, Singapore

We see so many pictures of couples, but this idea is something different that we believed was never done before. At first he was a bit doubtful, but after we did some doodle pictures together, started the @doodledeux on Instagram and got positive responses, he was convinced and now he really supports me about the project. I do the doodles, he shoots the photographs. We’ve been collecting the doodles since last August. And for the nick name Abang Neng, it came from Indonesian language, specifically Java Jakarta area: Abang is how they called the man, Neng is how they called the woman. So there goes Abang Neng story.

– Who is behind the project?

– Doodles by Felicia Hutabarat, photographs by Andreas.

– How do you decide what the next adventure of Abang and Neng will be?

– Since @doodledeux was actually created to be a documentary of our journey as a couple, we decide what’s next by what we want to experience. We do want to travel far and experience many things, but we’re also just regular people who work during weekdays and need to save to travel. So we carefully pick our dates now that we do @doodledeux, in order to also get a good doodle for the project.

Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore

– Where have they travelled?

– Mostly still around Indonesia: Dieng Plateu (an upland volcanic plain in Central Java), Bali (a bit disappointed by the rainy season back then though, it was hard to take the doodle pictures), one day trip to a megalithic site in Padang Mountain in Cianjur (West Java), Singapore (we were well prepared with lots of doodles for the trip). And all around Jakarta, as we are based here.

Sentosa Island Palawan Beach – Singapore

– What do they like to do on the road?

– Hmmm, if we refer Abang Neng with the real couple behind it, they love to hang out, trying new interesting places, taking pictures (Neng really loves to take selfies and Abang doesn’t mind to do her a favor of taking her pictures, teasing each other, joking, just have fun, and EAT, EAT AND EAT.

Sentosa Bridge, Singapore

– What is their next destination?

– We really enjoyed our time in Bali, so we’re thinking of going back. Also (depends on the budget) maybe Hong Kong or Australia. Some people on Instagram offered us their scenery pictures to be doodled as the background, but since we wanted it to be real and authentic, as it represents our own story, we declined the offer. Of course, it will be easier just to find random scenery pictures and compose them with our doodles. But if we do that, it will not stay true with what we intend @doodledeux to be.

Seminyak, Bali

– Tell us something inspiring about doodledeux that will change people for better!

– Whoah, that is a difficult question. Hmmm… Maybe it is that documenting your journey doesn’t always have to be in a form of selfies or ordinary pictures. We’ve found our own way through doodles. You can also find your own original ideas to make the memories from your journey interesting to share. We’re just starting. But we know that one day when we look back in life and see our old @doodledeux pictures, we will smile at the memory and we will be glad that we started the project.

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