Many tourists find it difficult to choose between Indonesia and Sri Lanka, but our detailed review will help determine the destination of the upcoming vacation.
Territory
Indonesia is located in southeast Asia. It occupies the 14th place in the world in terms of area. The territory of the state is divided into 32 provinces. The official language is Indonesian. The national currency is the Indonesian rupee (IDR).
Sri Lanka is the Democratic Socialist Republic. The state is located in South Asia. Before independence, the country was called Ceylon. There are two official languages in the republic: Sinhalese and Tamil. The national currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).
Climate
The equatorial and subequatorial climate prevails on the territory of Indonesia. There is a lot of humidity here throughout the year. In winter, during the rainy season - 90%, in the dry season - 80%. From March to October, the temperature is about 30 C. From November to February - 26-28 C. In mountainous regions, the temperature can drop to 20 C.
A subequatorial monsoon climate prevails throughout Sri Lanka. Temperature fluctuations are only a few degrees throughout the year. The temperature is around 30C all year round. Humidity in the rainy season reaches 90%, at other times of the year, depending on the area - 60-80%. The rainy season in different parts of the country does not come at the same time. It is better for tourists to come to the south-western part in winter, and to the northern and eastern parts - in summer. In mountainous areas, the temperature can drop to 16C.
Resorts
In Indonesia, the most famous resort areas are located on four islands: Bali, Java, Sumatra and Lombok. To make it easier to choose, we have prepared an overview of the 9 best islands in Indonesia. Explore, choose and relax the way you dreamed!
Bali is the most developed island in terms of tourism. There are wonderful beaches and popular resorts here: Sanur, Jimbaran, Kuta, Benoa, Nusa Dua, Tuban Legian, etc. In Bali, independently, a guide for 7 days for independent tourists.
The most famous mountain climatic resort Bogor is located in the west of Java island. The summer residence of the presidents of Indonesia is also located here. In the same part of the island there is another famous mountain resort of Bandung. The beaches of Karang and Anyer are very popular here.
Sumatra is one of the largest islands in the world (6th place). The island has several volcanoes and even an active one. Volcanic activity has given the island many kilometers of magnificent dark sandy beaches. Several fashionable resorts are also located here. The most popular one is located on the shores of a volcanic lake, the Parapat resort.
The north and west coast of Lombok is occupied by popular resorts. Senggigi is the most famous. True, the infrastructure here is slightly poorer than in Bali. The Gili Islands, located very close to the island of Lombok, are famous for their white sand beaches.
All the resort islands of Indonesia offer ideal holiday conditions for all tastes.
Interesting facts about Indonesia in our article.
Sri Lanka has about thirty resorts that are popular with Russians. Top 5: Kalutara, Bentota, Kogalla, Hikkaduwa, Beruwella.
All of them are very popular with lovers of an active lifestyle and water sports. Any vacationer will find here a vacation to his liking. For example, Bentota is suitable for lovers of quiet rest and solitude. Kulutara was chosen by the newlyweds as a place for a honeymoon trip. Hikkaduwa has a vast territory, here there is a place for party lovers and tourists who prefer a quiet rest.
Seas, oceans, beaches
Indonesia is washed by several seas and oceans. The western part is washed by the Indian Ocean, in the northeast the Pacific Ocean and its two seas: Sulawesi and South China, as well as two seas of the Indian Ocean: Arafur and Timor. The Indonesian archipelago has the richest underwater world: several hundred species of coral, several thousand species of fish. The island of Bali is a particular preference for divers. The island resorts of Indonesia are famous for their clear waters and white beaches.
The island of Ceylon, on which the state of Sri Lanka is located, is washed by the Indian Ocean and its Bay of Bengal. Three magnificent coral reefs run parallel to the coast near the small town of Negombo. The best places for diving are near Negombo, Bentota, Kalpitiya, Beruwella.
In the resort areas of the island of Ceylon, magnificent sandy beaches stretch for many kilometers.
Nature
All kinds of landscape can be found in Indonesia. There are about 400 volcanoes on the territory of the state, 200 of them are active. Half of the country's territory is mountainous. River valleys and rainforests are located between mountain ranges and volcanoes. The flora and fauna are very large. For example, 12% of all mammals known on the planet live here. The largest of them are: elephants, rhinos, tigers, monkeys, bears, crocodiles, wild bulls and pigs, etc. As well as 17% of all species of birds: paradise, peacocks, cassowaries, etc. By the way, on many islands there are plants, animals and birds missing on others.
Sri Lanka is home to many unique species of nature. Many species of animals and plants are endemic to this island, that is, they are found only here. The largest of the island's animals: elephants, bears, leopards, jackals, monkeys, crocodiles, etc. Birds: parrots, flamingos, peacocks, storks, etc. The flora is very rich. The island is home to the Sinharaja forest, which is famous for the fact that it was not touched by a human hand.
Hotels
Indonesia's capital Jakarta and Bali have the largest variety of accommodations. The stars of the hotels are from 1 to 5. The categories are assigned according to the norms of international standards. You can also rent small villas and cottages. Most of the hotels have a well-developed infrastructure: swimming pools, saunas, shops, tennis courts, restaurants, etc. In most hotels, the BB (breakfast) food system, but you can find HB (half board), and even AL (all inclusive).
The hotel base in Sri Lanka is small. Most of the owners are English companies. 4-5 star hotels are quite expensive, especially when compared to Thailand and Vietnam. Most of them are located on the first line. When choosing a 3-star hotel, make sure that it is located on the beach. Almost all hotels have a small area. The food system is the same as in Indonesian hotels.
Leisure
Indonesia is a great surfing destination. Surfers from all over the world come to Bali. There is also great diving and spearfishing. Elephant safaris, rafting and trekking are very popular. There are very interesting hiking trails in the national parks of the islands. There are also daily mountain climbing options. Surfing in Bali: schools and camps - all the details in our review.
Ceylon has great opportunities for outdoor activities. Among tourists, water sports are especially popular: windsurfing, surfing, sailing, spearfishing, diving, snorkeling, etc. Those who wish can go rafting, hiking, cycling. Elephant trekking is very interesting.
Club entertainment, restaurants
Nightlife in Indonesian resorts is quite rich. There are many bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs and discos here. Many hotels offer evening themed programs for their holidaymakers.
In the resorts of Sri Lanka, nightlife is mainly concentrated on the territory of the hotels, but outside the hotels there is a lot to go.A lot of bars, discos and clubs are concentrated in the capital. For gamblers, there is a large selection of casinos - more than 20. Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna are the most popular resorts for lovers of nightlife.
Shopping
In Jakarta, there are many shopping centers where you can buy clothes and shoes from famous world brands. But in small shops on the street, you can buy beautiful things at a lower price. The city markets are full of variety. A lot of things of Indonesian manufacturers and souvenirs will not leave anyone indifferent. It is worth paying attention to batik, products made of silk, stone and pearls. Bargaining is a must in the markets You can bring down the price several times.
In Colombo, shopping lovers have a lot to roam. There are many shopping centers, supermarkets, shops and markets here. You can buy both well-known brands and local products. Bargaining is possible and necessary. Any merchant will drop the price by thirty percent. Before making a purchase, you need to go shopping and compare the price. The difference can be quite significant. Gems are especially popular in Sri Lanka: rubies, sapphires, alexandrites, topazes, amethysts, tourmalines, etc. Be sure to pay attention to spices. And, of course, Ceylon tea. The most popular brands are Mlesna and Dilma.
Sights
Indonesia has many places worth visiting: the world famous Buddhist temple Bodobudur, the Komodo and Tanjung Puting national parks, the active volcano Gunung Bromo, Taba - a very large volcanic lake on the island of Sumatra, as well as many temples and museums.
Sri Lanka is a treasure trove for tourists in terms of attractions. There are many ancient cities, royal palaces, beautiful gardens and monasteries here. Eco-tourism lovers will be able to walk through the jungle, see magnificent waterfalls, rare species of animals and birds. And, of course, you must visit the “cultural triangle” located in the center of the island. It consists of Anuradhapura - the holy city of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya - a two-meter rock with the ruins of the palace of King Kasyapa, Polonnaruwa - the capital of the ancient Sri Lankan state and the city of Kandy.
Whichever resort you choose from the listed ones will be guaranteed for you a great vacation and a lot of impressions.
