Indonesia or Sri Lanka – what to choose?

It is difficult for many tourists to make a choice between Indonesia and Sri Lanka, but our detailed review will help you decide on the place of your 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 rupiah (IDR).

Sri Lanka is a 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

Indonesia has an equatorial and subequatorial climate. There is high humidity 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 areas, the temperature can drop to 20 C.

Throughout Sri Lanka, a subequatorial monsoon climate dominates. Throughout the year, temperature fluctuations are only a few degrees. The temperature stays 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 southwestern part in winter, and to the northern and eastern parts – in summer. In the mountains, 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 on your own, a 7-day guide for independent tourists.

In the west of the island of Java is the most famous mountain-climatic resort Bogor. 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. Karang and Anyer beaches are very popular here.

Sumatra is one of the largest islands in the world (6th place). There are several volcanoes on the island and even an active one. Volcanic activity has given the island many kilometers of magnificent beaches covered with dark sand. Several luxurious resorts are also located here. The most popular is located on the shores of a volcanic lake, Parapat resort.

The northern and western coasts of Lombok are occupied by popular resorts. Senggigi is the most famous. True, the infrastructure here is a little poorer than in Bali. The Gili Islands, located very close to the island of Lombok, are famous for their white sand beaches.

All resort islands in Indonesia offer ideal conditions for relaxation for every taste.

Interesting facts about Indonesia in our article.

Sri Lanka has about thirty resorts that are popular with Russians. Top 5: Kalutara, Bentota, Kogalla, Hikkaduwa, Beruwala.

All of them are very popular among lovers of an active lifestyle and water sports. Any vacationer will find a holiday to their liking here. For example, Bentota is suitable for lovers of a relaxing holiday and solitude. Kulutara was chosen by the newlyweds as a place for their honeymoon. Hikkaduwa has a vast territory, there is a place for party lovers and tourists who prefer a relaxing holiday.

Seas, oceans, beaches

Indonesia is washed by several seas and oceans. The western part is washed by the Indian Ocean, in the northeast by the Pacific Ocean and its two seas: Sulawesi and South China, as well as two seas of the Indian Ocean: Arafura and Timor. The Indonesian archipelago has the richest underwater world: several hundred species of corals, several thousand species of fish. Bali is a favorite among divers. Island resorts in Indonesia are famous for their clear waters and white sand 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 Negombo, Bentota, Kalpitiya, Beruwala.

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 mountains. Between mountain ranges and volcanoes, river valleys and tropical forests are located. The animal and plant world is 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. And also 17% of all bird species: paradise, peacocks, cassowaries, etc. By the way, many islands contain 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, i.e. 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 Sinharaja forest is located on the island, which is famous for being untouched by the hand of man.

Hotels

The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, and the island of Bali have the largest variety of accommodation. The “star rating” of hotels is from 1 to 5. Categories are assigned according to international standards. You can also rent small villas and cottages. Most hotels have a developed infrastructure: swimming pools, saunas, shops, tennis courts, restaurants, etc. In most hotels, the BB food system (breakfast), but you can find HB (half board), and even AL (all inclusive).

The hotel base of 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 coastline. When choosing a 3-star hotel, make sure that it is located on the beach. Almost all hotels have a small territory. The food system is the same as in Indonesian hotels.

Leisure

Indonesia is a great place for surfing. Surfers flock to Bali from all over the world. There is also excellent diving and spearfishing. Elephant safaris, rafting and trekking are very popular. There are very interesting hiking trails in the national parks of the islands. Day climb options are also available. Surfing in Bali: schools and camps – all the details in our review.

In Ceylon, there are great opportunities for outdoor activities. Among tourists, water sports are especially popular: windsurfing, surfing, sailing, spearfishing, diving, snorkeling, etc. Those who wish can do rafting, hiking, cycling. Elephant rides are very interesting.

Club entertainment, restaurants

In Indonesian resorts, the nightlife is quite rich. There are many bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs and discos here. Many hotels offer evening themed programs for their vacationers.

In the resorts of Sri Lanka, nightlife is mainly concentrated on the territory of hotels, but there are places to go outside the hotels as well. A lot of bars, discos and clubs are concentrated in the capital. There are more than 20 casinos for gamblers. Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna are the most popular resorts for lovers of nightlife.

shopping

There are many shopping centers in Jakarta where you can buy clothes and shoes from world famous brands. But in small shops on the street you can buy beautiful things at a lower price. City markets are full of variety. Many 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. You have to bargain in the markets. You can bring down the price several times.

In Colombo for shopping lovers there is where to roam. There are many shopping centers, supermarkets, shops and markets. You can buy both famous brands and local products. You can and should trade. Any merchant will drop the price by thirty percent. Before you make a purchase, you need to go shopping and compare prices. 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

There are many places in Indonesia worth visiting: the world-famous Buddhist temple of Bodobudur, Komodo and Tanjung Puting national parks, the active Gunung Bromo volcano, Taba – a very large volcanic lake on the island of Sumatra, as well as many temples and museums.

Sri Lanka is just a storehouse for tourists in terms of attractions. There are a large number of ancient cities, royal palaces, beautiful gardens, monasteries. Eco-tourism lovers will be able to walk through the jungle, see magnificent waterfalls, rare species of animals and birds. And, of course, you should visit the “cultural triangle”, located in the center of the island. It consists of Anuradhapura – the sacred city of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya – a two-meter cliff with the ruins of the palace of King Kasyapa, Polonnaruwa – the capital of the ancient Sri Lankan state and the city of Kandy.

A great vacation and a lot of impressions will be provided to you no matter which resort you choose from the ones listed.