I recently came across this site that relates directly to Indo Discovery so thought I would share it with you. Please take a moment to test yourself and see how you compare.

Click here to test your knowledge of  Indonesia’s Colonial Past

I witnessed throughout Java a new understanding, or acceptance, of the countries history. An understanding that did not shy away from the fact that it was not all uplifting; that it did not always look positive in the text books of school children but it was none-the-less the truth. University students were holding heritage walks through the streets of Jakarta and adorning themselves in the attire of the Dutch colonialists while listening to lectures of what life was really like. A push to lay claim to their heritage was afoot.

This notion of Indonesia embracing its heritage was further solidified by the restoration and reconstruction of historic buildings around the island. It looked to me like the country was going to take advantage of its history and make it a destination for tourists. For sure Indonesia was an Asian powerhouse now and didn’t have to look back with timid glances of disdain on its colonial past. They could take charge of it, make money from it, improve their country, and garner world recognition all at the same time.

For these observations though I received a couple of comments that bordered on mocking, kind of like those comments that are spoken just loud enough to be heard but soft enough to be denied  if needed. Anyway, my point is simply to shine some light on this article published in the Jakarta Post in February and thank my friend Bianca Halpert for sending it to me. Please click on the link below and enjoy the read and its possibilities.

Heritage Sites of Indonesia an article in the Jakarta Post.

© Written by Tim O’Callaghan, Indo Discovery Travel

Considerably weakened by years of fighting the Japanese, the Dutch army was now in no condition to take on a new adversary. Over the next 7 months the island of Java would bear witness to a mish-mash of nations either fighting, protecting, or attempting to remain neutral. The British, Japanese, Dutch, and Indonesian forces were destined to clash.

At the outset confusion was prevalent. Dutch civilians who had been the captives of the Japanese for 3 ½ years were now being protected by them and in a cruel twist of irony had to remain behind the walls of their concentration camps for survival. The British were on their way to act as a neutralizing force and would attempt to peacefully resolve the issue. The Dutch were fighting to hold on to their colony and the Japanese, whose role had been turned upside down, were ordered to both protect the Dutch civilians and remain neutral.

It was just a matter of time before sentiments would change. The mood directed at the Dutch, Japanese, and Indo populations would become hostile. Indo men were arrested, beaten, and killed for allying themselves with the Dutch. Violence erupted all over the island and fighting back seemed the only option for all concerned.  Regular violent clashes sprang up in Batavia, Bandung, Surabaya, and Central Java for months.

Consistent fighting continued into 1946. The Indo population became victims of the revolutionary war cry and were verbally reduced to being dog-like by nationalist leader Sutomo “Torture them to death, destroy those bloodhounds of colonialism to the root. The immortal spirits of your ancestors demand of you: revenge, bloody revenge!”.

Over 23,500 Indo Europeans were killed or disappeared in the 7 month span from the end of WWII to March of 1946 when the Dutch began entertaining the idea of resolving the situation through verbal, peaceful negotiations.

The Bersiap period lasted from August 17^th 1945, following the nationalists’ declaration of independence and the birth of the Republic, through December 1946. The full scope of the fight to maintain this independent status however, would last several more years. After months of talks and failed attempts to crush the revolution, the Dutch succumbed to international pressure and formerly handed over sovereignty on December 27^th 1949.

Through the late 1940’s and early 1950’s thousands of Dutch and Indo families boarded ships for the 3 week voyage. Their journey would take them through the Suez canal, stopping in Port Said for clothes more suitable to the colder Northern European weather, and then onto Holland; a land where many had never set foot before.

As it was for my family, and many others, this was far from a joyous day. This day and this voyage represented a departure from the only life they had known. Many were born on the islands. Much more than geographic distance separated these two nations. Culturally there was little, if nothing, in common. The journey represented the last moments of tropical life for many and I can only imagine that the fun and games of the voyage was merely a mask temporarily banishing an underlying sorrow for a lost homeland.

Upon arrival in Holland it was not only the weather that had a chill to it but also the reception. The Dutch in Holland looked down upon the returning Dutch from the Indies. The perception was that they had all lived a life of extreme privilege. That even the consequences of the war had left them untouched…how bad could it have been to be imprisoned on a tropical island.

The Indo population was treated even worse. Many of them had fought alongside the Dutch upholding the colony of Queen Wilhelmina. Many hadn’t wanted to leave Indonesia at all but were either forced out or vehemently encouraged to depart and seek a new life abroad. Trapped now between countries and seemingly not welcome in either.

Verbal abuse, ignorance, hardship and betrayal were what greeted many as they arrived in Holland. The economy was suffering and Holland was in a crisis. Making a living was difficult for those that deemed themselves more worthy let alone those who had just arrived from the tropics.

For these reasons, and the weather, many families once again boarded ships bound for the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Many countries offered free passage in exchange for a 2 year work commitment. Thousands of Dutch and Indo’s took advantage of these opportunities. Their quest for a new homeland and a better life continued. In doing it dispersed two populations with a common place of birth throughout the world…provided the weather was good!

Leaving Holland and settling all over the world

© Written by Tim O’Callaghan, Indo Discovery Travel

In the fifties and sixties Indonesia saw a migration, of sorts, to many foreign countries. Apart from Holland, which was the obvious choice, the other big destinations were Canada and the US.  Families also headed to Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and many, many other places around the world. A brief history of many of these families can be found here.  

From reading many of the histories and from listening to my own family it is apparent that weather played a large part in the final decision. Living in the tropics to living in the freezing winters of northern Europe did’nt seem to be anyones idea of a lifestyle improvement. A large population found themselves most suited to life in California and the North West which, during the oncoming era of free love and rebellion, must have been a monumental culture shock.

My family moved to Australia and New Zealand. Then I moved on to the US and settled in the midwest. I was aware that the winters were cold however I was not prepared for the arctic climate that descended on Chicago three months after my arrival. Friends and family thought I was crazy to move to Chicago and again weather was a huge factor in their solid arguments. What was I thinking? The plan had been to make a bee-line for California. I got distracted and the lure of Chicago captivated me. I remained captivated for nearly 20 years.

The day has arrived though where the call to the coast has become strong enough to draw me away from the plains and I now find myself happily transplanted in northern California. I finally understand what everyone was so gung-ho about.

Indo Discovery Travel is on the move. The west coast is the perfect destination for many reasons. It offers us the chance to cater to Indo’s and those with an interest in the Indies, its as close to Asia as I can get without living in Hawaii (not that this would be a bad thing), and its closer to NZ. Thanks to everyone who has welcomed me.

© Written and photographed by Tim O’Callaghan, Indo Discovery Travel

The ever increasing population required infra-structure. Civil servants from the Netherlands were offered incentives to pack-up and move to the Indies. The promise of a life in the tropics was hard to resist. With unrest in Europe becoming more and more likely a chance to escape and start again was appealing. People flooded into the Indies throughout the 1930’s.

By the turn of the decade the world was bracing for war. In Europe, Germany had mobilized and by the end of 1940 Austria, Poland, Czechoslovakia, France, and the Netherlands had fallen. In Asia, Japan had invaded China and was systematically working its forces south through Burma, Indo-China, Malaysia, and Singapore. The goal was oil…and that belonged to the Dutch East Indies. On December 8^th 1941 Japan attacked multiple targets that flanked its objective.

Full story click here…

© Written and photographed by Tim O’Callaghan, Indo Discovery Travel

Batavia and Bandung especially, began a campaign to deliver European culture to the Indies. Society clubs, concert halls and theaters were built in haste. Performers and entertainers in music, dance, stage, and opera, were brought to the Indies to provide an opportunity for certain residents to elevate their social standing; for most though it was a way to enrich the  lives of those who now made the Indies their home…a morale boost for its citizenry.

Full story click here…

© Written and photographed by Tim O’Callaghan, Indo Discovery Travel

It has become clear through written accounts of the time that for a lot of people making this voyage, assimilation to the East and its way of life was simply never to become normal. For others, the exact opposite would hold true. For them, making the journey provided an immediate ascent in social standing that could never have been reached had they remained in the Netherlands. By virtue of being European they were, without further credentials needed, deemed superior.

Full story click here…

© Written and photographed by Tim O’Callaghan, Indo Discovery Travel

Indeed, it was what I needed…and so much more.  My experience at the retreat and in Bali fulfilled a longing, a hunger that I didn’t even know I had.  I got to experience a place where time seemed to stand still, where the physical beauty of the land was so breathtaking it felt surreal, where the air was thick and fragrant and charged with energy, and where the people smiled as if they knew a secret about life that I was still trying to figure out.  After my experience in Bali, I can say I feel closer to that secret – more connected to a sense inner peace, to something more important, to a spiritual energy that often seems so elusive over here in the Western world. 

When I arrived at the retreat site, in Ubud, I was overwhelmed by the beauty and peacefulness of the setting. The grounds were beautiful; quiet, simple, and traditionally Balinese.  All of the private villas were secluded with lovely balconies overlooking rice fields.  They were connected by small stone pathways overhung with luscious flora and fauna. Fresh, gourmet meals were served on a lovely veranda overlooking the resort. There were two pools and other communal buildings, including a spa.

The yoga/meditation practices were twice a day — once in the morning and once at night for two hours — and were done in a beautiful outdoor pavilion overlooking a stream and rice fields.  It was a mixture of different yoga styles and open to all levels of practitioners. The teacher were gentle and accommodating.  They were the warmest, most loving, and clearly spiritual individuals I’ve encountered.  Infusing joy into all of the classes and providing a charming combination of being contemplative and spiritually insightful, while also being funny, playful, and very “real world.” I learned so much and many of their words of wisdom and ideas followed me back to the States and continue to guide and enrich my life. 

In between yoga sessions and meals, there was plenty of down time where we could go for walks, read, take naps, sit by the pool, relax in our villa, or spend time with others on the retreat.  In addition, there were several activities planned, including a trip to a major Balinese temple and participation in a purification ritual, a morning trip to the volcano Batur and sunrise yoga session overlooking the volcano, a 21 km bike ride through back roads and tiny traditional Balinese villages, a rice field walk, learning to make Balinese offering baskets, and a few optional experiences, including going to a traditional healer. There was a clear and authentic focus on introducing us to the culture of Bali — and trust me when I say that we have a lot to learn from the Balinese about how living should be done. 

Sore muscles from yoga, biking, and walking the rice fields were soothed by the other-wordly spa treatments we received – several over the course of the five days. The highlight for me was a massage/body wrap/floral petal bath treatment. After receiving an hour-long massage and hour-long body scrub, I was escorted to a beautiful bath room.  The room was open at the back and the huge bath tub was situated hanging out over a pond with a tiny little waterfall and a vista of rice fields.  The bath was filled with flower petals.

As I lay in this bath tub, so incredibly relaxed, alone, and far away from my normal life, looking out over the spectacular scenery, after days of intense yoga, meditation, and self-reflection, I had what could only be described as a spiritual experience.  I suddenly felt utterly at peace, serene, and at the same time filled with immeasurable joy and gratitude.  All fear, stress, and doubt just melted away and for a moment I felt connected.  This place, this feeling, is where I now go in my mind when the stress and pressure of everyday life feels too much and I need to remember what it feels like to be truly peaceful.

I went to Bali to escape the stress and pain of a bad year.  What I got was so much more.  I did succeed in escaping from my everyday world, but more importantly experienced something akin to a spiritual reset, a shift in perception, an opportunity to move more towards the person I want to be in the world.  It’s hard to articulate, but the experiences I had there – the physical beauty, the vibrant culture, the joyful and compassionate people, the opportunities to feel peaceful and connected, the intense self-reflection and personal growth, the food, the music, the ceremony – all of it converged to create a life-changing adventure.  I would like to think that I could tap into the kind of peace, love, and beauty I experienced in Bali right here in Chicago — and I can, of course – yet, somehow it just seemed easier in Bali.  Bali is a magical place and one I dream of returning some day.

© Written by Amy West, a blog contributor for Indo Discovery Travel

If you would like to contribute your own stories for inclusion in our blog please feel free to write to toc@indodiscovery.com

A window of opportunity came and I snatched it up. With some careful planning, I began with teaching English in Tokyo for just under a year, went to Hong Kong and on to Jakarta where the adventure began. This was before computers and travel blogs and WiFi cafes, so the only information we had were our little guidebooks with some phrases and whatever information other travelers shared with us. One of my best friends (a seasoned traveler) met me in Jakarta and we proceeded onward. In a way it’s kind of nice not to know a lot. That way it justifies our outrageous Western behavior to the natives. Like climbing over a chain link fence to catch our train at 4:30 in the morning. Not only that, but my friend was wearing a dress and the hem got caught on the top of the fence but the rest of her body was already on the ground so all the world got to see what was underneath. We were laughing so hard of course. I’m sure the locals thought we were off our rockers (they get up early). Oh well.

Most people write about the temples, rice paddies, flora and fauna, etc. So I’ll just zip ahead and write about our perspective as two single women traveling amongst a traditional society such as Indonesia. I’m pretty sure I confused everyone. If not that, then it was curiosity. I don’t exactly look American but I wore American clothes and walked and talked the jive. On the other hand, I don’t look completely Indonesian but clearly there’s a hint of it particularly as my skin got darker and darker by the day. In the process of haggling or negotiating a price I definitely noticed I kind of had an “edge”. Thanks to my genes. Okay, enough of that.

On to “Johnny”… This young Javanese guy became our shadow initially showing us the local sites and then continued following us even by train as we headed to Bandung. He showed up a couple days later and popped up out of nowhere. We learned quickly if you showed any hint of interest, they’re on you like flies. On to Bali, Lovina Beach… what a riot ! The guidebooks never warned us that there would be Balinese gigolos pumping iron on the beach scoping out the western chicks. We were whisked away to a makeshift “nightclub” which had a rotating disco mirror light ball and blasting music. We danced all night stumbling back to our little losmen and plopped down in our beds as the sound of ocean waves lulled us to sleep.

What I loved about traveling this way is the unpredictability of everything. I ended up traveling up to Sumatra with my new “friend-Francois-from-France”. He was great, more like a brother than anything. It was completely different traveling with a male. I did not feel as much on edge and there was an instant sense of order and protection. He became like a brother to me and we had a great time exploring Lake Toba territory, home of the Batak people. He accused me of brushing my teeth too much. It was time to part.

This was all back when I had good feet, a backpack, and little sense. It was a turning point and my orientation started to point more towards my heritage and where it all began – this wondrous rich island nation.

© Written by Bianca Dias-Halpert during a journey through Indonesia in 1988

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That said, here are some of the airlines that will not only give you a good deal but provide you with the best in-flight service; in my opinion of course.

I will start with Garuda Airlines since they are the flagship airline of Indonesia. Garuda has matured from its less than stellar early years to become a world class airline with amenities to match. The service is exceptional placing itself in the same league as other premiere Asian carriers.  With personal televisions and movie centers, games, great food, and extra legroom, Garuda is a great option. Unfortunately Garuda only flies within Asia and from Europe.

Cathay Pacific has a great deal for those who wish to travel more extensively through Asia. The All Asia Pass allows passengers the opportunity to fly to and from 40 different cities. It’s perfect for those with a bit more time.

China Airlines is a great option for flying out of San Francisco and Los Angeles because of the very affordable price tag. Often, for less than $999 you can find a return ticket to Jakarta.

Emirates and Eva Air are two other very popular carriers that make the run between North America and Asia. With a competitive pricing structure and frequent specials these two should be added to your list of options.

Finally it’s the cream of the crop in Singapore Airlines. They are the gold standard of all airlines anywhere and when you fly them you will realize why.  From $1300 for a flight departing in LA and flying directly to Singapore and onto Java this carrier should not be overlooked.

© Written by Tim O’Callaghan, Indo Discovery Travel

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