The Collected
Notes.
An evolving repository of our deep-dive explorations. From hidden architectural marvels to the profound nuances of global society.
Indonesia’s Tourism Comeback: Beyond Bali and Back Again
Following a significant dip during the Covid-19 outbreak, Indonesia's tourism business is rapidly recovering. Official data indicate that international tourist arrivals will be between 13.9 …
Everyday Islam in Indonesia: From Call to Prayer to Modest Beachwear
Indonesia, the country with the world's largest Muslim population, allows visitors to experience how Islam is practiced throughout Southeast Asia. Mosques dot the …
Indonesia’s Volcano Trails: Hiking on the Ring of Fire
For many adventure tourists, Indonesia's volcanoes are the main draw. The country has more active volcanoes than any other country, with an estimated …
Bali’s Ritual Calendar: When Everyday Life Becomes Ceremony
Many people see Bali as a tropical beach getaway, but what truly distinguishes the island is its rich ritual calendar. The majority of Balinese practice a distinct kind of Hinduism that combines old Indian …
Bali Beyond the Beach: Tourism’s Shifting Landscape
For decades, Bali has been Indonesia's premier vacation, known for its beaches, rice terraces, and cultural scene. Despite difficulties from the Covid-19 outbreak, the island remains the key entry for …
“Unity in Diversity”: A Nation of Hundreds of Ethnic Groups
Indonesia is widely regarded as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Scholars believe that it is home to around 300 separate ethnic groups and hundreds of local …
An Archipelago of More Than 17,000 Islands
Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state, extending along the equator between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. According to official estimates, there are about 17,000 islands, 6,000 of which are …
Toraja Funerals in Sulawesi: When Death Attracts Visitors
The Toraja people of South Sulawesi are noted for performing some of the world's most extravagant death ceremonies. For Torajans, death is not an abrupt event, but rather a long social process …
Komodo National Park: Meeting the World’s Largest Lizard
Komodo National Park, which spans many islands in eastern Indonesia, is well-known for being the only area where Komodo dragons may be found in the wild. These massive lizards, which can reach up to …
Indonesian Hospitality: From “Gotong Royong” to Café Culture
Many people leave Indonesia with stories of surprising friendliness, such as strangers assisting with directions, invites to family meals, or offers to share snacks on a train. Social scientists frequently associate this …
Raja Ampat: One of the World’s Richest Coral Reefs
Far from Indonesia's major towns, the Raja Ampat archipelago in West Papua has become a sought-after destination for divers and marine biologists. …
Borobudur: The World’s Largest Buddhist Temple in the Tropical Mist
Before sunrise, Borobudur in Central Java appears almost unreal: a dark stone pyramid rising out of hazy rice fields and palm trees, with volcano silhouettes in the horizon. The ninth-century Buddhist temple is the …
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