My Trip to Indonesia: The Smile of the East Woven with Threads of Handicraft
Indonesia: Craftsmanship, nature, and spirituality
I was so excited to share this trip with you…
I must confess that initially, this country wasn’t on my list of destinations to explore, but a series of signs and coincidences sparked my curiosity for this fascinating land…
A paradise of creativity, enveloped in the most exuberant nature, and a welcoming people gradually won my heart as the days passed… The soul of its people opened with a smile, inviting me to delve into their worlds with every step.
We landed in the capital of Java Island, Jakarta, after a long 22-hour flight, several doses of ginger (to avoid motion sickness), and a suitcase that never reached its destination (learning detachment :)).
I must admit it wasn’t one of my favorite cities, but it was a first encounter with the tropical climate, where humidity reaches 90%, a new time zone (+5 to +6 hours) where days and nights share the same length, and a diet based on rice. However, what moved us the most was the kindness of its people, so warm and always with a sincere smile on their lips. The smile of the East, as it’s called… That alone made landing in this city worthwhile. A curious thing about this place, something I hadn’t experienced in any other country before, was the feeling of being a Hollywood celebrity: locals stopped us on the street to ask for a photo, which they’d later share with their families and friends. In those days, I must have been the most recognized and shared face across the entire island of Java, haha! Impossible to say no to those smiles… 
Our journey took us to Yogyakarta, the cultural epicenter of the magical island of Java. There, the city’s energy was completely different; the people felt deeply connected to nature. Our guides taught us the secrets of crops, plants, and flowers, and we immersed ourselves in the ancestral wisdom of its people.
And what can I say about the craftsmanship of this place… Their works of art, woven with threads of light and polished with the magic of centuries, left us breathless. In that enchanting place, wisdom intertwined with beauty, and time seemed to stand still in every piece of art.
Batik: discovering an ancestral technique
My eyes were amazed to witness the ancient Batik technique, declared by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The mastery of its artisans is truly admirable. On cotton or silk fabrics, these skilled weavers draw patterns with hot wax before dipping them in vegetable dyes. The wax acts as a “barrier,” resisting the dyes and allowing the selection of colors without mixing. After its creation, the wax is removed with hot water, allowing the process to be repeated as many times as desired. The designs are truly captivating; floral compositions, mandalas, landscapes, and spiritual elements that express the creativity and spirituality of the Indonesian people through the symbolism of their colors and patterns.
In this beautiful creative process, the artisans apply the wax with a tool called “tjanting,” forged from the purest copper. With this magical wand, molten hot wax is poured, shaping the artwork in the crucible of fire.
Isn’t it wonderful? I was so enchanted watching how it was done that I couldn’t resist trying it myself. Thank you, @Heksa_Sefa, for guiding me and teaching me such a wonderful technique.
The art of Batik shines in all its splendor in the use of the Sarong, those elegant wraps that adorn both men and women. And, as it couldn’t be otherwise, I had to get one, contributing to the flourishing of the community (hehe).
In the image, you can see the Sarong I chose for the occasion, wearing it proudly on my birthday and displaying it with pride at the entrance of the temples.
What do you think of that combination of mustard and mauve tones? A true work of art! 
Candirejo and its “magical” carpets
We delved into the roots of local culture in a small enclave known as Candirejo, where we were enveloped by the architectural beauty and the enchantment of its serene atmosphere. There, in awe, I admired peanut fields, uncovered the mysteries of rice paddies, and shared the experience of weaving a carpet with my own hands. These treasures of thread and texture, which take two moons to craft, are used as wallets, coasters, and tablecloths, among other things, and bear witness to the skill and dedication of local artisans.
Exploring the surroundings of Prambanan by bicycle
We decided to take a bike tour to explore the Prambanan area and admire its beautiful plantations and rice fields. We also visited a tempeh and tofu factory, but it wasn’t a standard factory like those found in Europe. In fact, the facilities were in the “home” of a local, where artisanal tools, pots, cloth rags, and pieces of wood were used, without machinery or additives.
Did you know there’s a difference between these two soy-based products? While tempeh requires several days of fermentation to achieve its consistency, tofu is made by pressing cooked soy milk without the need for fermentation. I must confess I declined the offer to try a glass of raw soy milk they offered me… I would’ve had to run to the bathroom instantly, trust me!
Later, we immersed ourselves in the grandeur of “Loro Jonggrang,” the sacred Hindu temple of Java, whose majesty is unparalleled. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sanctuary is the largest in Indonesia and one of the most imposing in Southeast Asia. For this reason, it’s a must-visit destination on our journey through Yogyakarta.
But it was in a corner far from the tourist routes where the magic truly appeared. After passing through a simple forged gate, an enchanted garden emerged, harboring lotus flowers, Buddha statues, and beautiful altars, exuding a peace and purity that captivated me. There, amidst such beauty, a monk in his orange robes went about his tasks, and shortly after, I spotted a familiar figure: Siddhartha, and beside him, the majestic Bodhi tree… It was as if something stirred within me, but without a doubt, that place left an indelible mark on my soul…
Later, I discovered that this wonderful place is called Sangha Theravada Indonesia.
Lembongan: a paradise beneath the sea
On the magical island of Lembongan, we dove into the depths of the sea with our snorkeling gear, unveiling an impressive marine world. Its coral reefs and enigmatic fish captivated us with their beauty and diversity.
Bali: Tri Hita Karana
Our journey culminated in Bali, an island where nature unleashes all its splendor: a warm and humid climate, plains of unparalleled fertility, and tropical forests that stretch to the horizon. And what can I say about the delicious fruits and vegetables that adorn this land; coconuts, mangoes, papayas, bananas, and a wide variety of greens and vegetables of all kinds! A heavenly feast for the senses! Though I must confess our diet was mostly based on rice (Nasi Goreng) and fried noodles (Bami Goreng) 
We visited countless temples, each more majestic than the last, marveling at the craftsmanship in paintings, wood, and stone sculptures. It was impressive! It’s hard to express the artistic grandeur found on this island.
But what touched me most about Bali was the gratitude that emanates from its people for life itself. In every corner of the island, you can glimpse small altars in temples, homes, and shops. Floral offerings, sweets, and incense are an expression of gratitude for what they have and a request to the universe for what they aspire to in their lives. At six, twelve, and eighteen o’clock, a door opens to give thanks and ask for the blessings they wish to receive. This ritual of gratitude has found a home in my being, and I recommend practicing it to feel its benefits.
And here, on this Balinese island, I celebrated my 39th birthday 
, aboard a boat, watching the sun fade on the horizon while my ears were delighted with melodies that uplifted my soul. We danced to the rhythm of the music and surrendered to the ecstasy of the moment until night claimed the sky. Our senses were treated to an exquisite dinner, accompanied by a chorus of voices singing my birthday song. Could one wish for anything more in such a magical moment?
Thus concludes our journey through the lands of Indonesia. I’m sure I’ve left out many stories, experiences, and places to share, but I trust these lines have sparked your curiosity and admiration for the culture and craftsmanship and that you’ve connected with this little piece of land
With Love
