Experiencing culture shock is common when traveling abroad. Differences in language, customs, and lifestyle can make us feel awkward or even stressed—especially if it’s your first time traveling overseas. While it can be part of a learning experience, not everyone is comfortable dealing with it.
But don’t worry—not every country will give you intense culture shock. There are several destinations with environments and cultures similar to Indonesia, from daily life to the friendliness of the locals. So you can enjoy a new experience without having to adjust too much.
So, which countries are they?
Malaysia
This neighboring country has long been known for having a culture and lifestyle very similar to Indonesia. Due to geographical and historical ties, Malaysia offers a warm and familiar atmosphere for Indonesian travelers. It’s no surprise that Malaysia is a top choice for first-time travelers.
The Malay language used in Malaysia is very similar to Bahasa Indonesia, making daily communication easy and hassle-free. In terms of food, there are many familiar dishes like nasi lemak, rendang, satay, and various street snacks that will make Indonesians feel right at home.
Culturally, social habits in Malaysia are also quite similar to Indonesia. People are friendly, family-oriented, and respectful—making your holiday more comfortable and enjoyable. The tropical climate also means daily life and surroundings feel much like what you’re used to in Indonesia.
The Philippines
The Philippines is another destination that feels familiar for Indonesians and comes with minimal risk of culture shock. Its proximity and shared history make many aspects of Filipino culture feel relatable.
English and Tagalog are widely used and relatively easy to understand for Indonesian travelers, especially with many familiar or shared vocabulary.
Filipino people are also known for their warmth and hospitality—much like Indonesians. The food in the Philippines uses ingredients similar to Indonesian cuisine, such as rice, vegetables, and spices, so you won’t have to adjust your palate too much.
Timor-Leste
Having been part of Indonesia until 2002, it’s no surprise that Timor-Leste shares many similarities in culture, language, and daily life. Tetum, the national language, borrows heavily from Indonesian, and most people still speak Bahasa Indonesia fluently, making communication easy.
Culturally, the lifestyle in Timor-Leste is much like in eastern Indonesia, especially East Nusa Tenggara. The local cuisine also feels familiar, using ingredients and flavors common in Indonesian cooking.
The locals are friendly, and the social atmosphere is warm—something that makes Indonesian visitors feel truly welcomed.
Brunei Darussalam
As a fellow Southeast Asian country with a Muslim majority population, Brunei shares many similarities with Indonesia in terms of culture, customs, and lifestyle—especially with areas like Kalimantan.
The Malay language in Brunei is very similar to Bahasa Indonesia, making daily interactions smooth and stress-free. Brunei’s cuisine is also similar, with many rice-based dishes and rich, coconut-infused recipes that feel familiar.
Brunei is known for its peaceful atmosphere, kind people, and clean, orderly environment. The strong values of courtesy and family life make this destination feel just like home.
Thailand
Thailand is another excellent country for Indonesians who want to experience travel abroad without intense culture shock. As a Southeast Asian country, Thailand shares many things with Indonesia—tropical weather, friendly locals, and a relaxed daily pace.
Spiritual traditions, bustling traditional markets, and similar lifestyles create a welcoming atmosphere for Indonesians. Thai cuisine, rich in flavor and heavy with spices, is also easy for Indonesians to enjoy.
Suriname
Though less well-known, Suriname—a small country in South America—has surprisingly strong cultural ties to Indonesia. This is due to a long history of Javanese migration during the Dutch colonial era.
Between 1890 and 1939, thousands of Javanese people were sent to Suriname from what was then the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) as contract laborers. Many stayed and settled there permanently.
Today, people of Javanese descent form one of the largest ethnic groups in Suriname, and Javanese culture remains vibrant in daily life—from language and food to traditions.
In Suriname, you can find people speaking Javanese, eating familiar dishes like tempeh, satay, and nasi goreng, and celebrating traditional customs like selametan. The social warmth and family-oriented vibe are also very similar to what you'd find in Indonesia.
Madagascar
Madagascar is a unique destination with surprising similarities to Indonesia—making it a great option for travelers wanting a culturally familiar experience abroad.
This connection comes from historical and anthropological ties. Linguistic, genetic, and archaeological studies show that the ancestors of Madagascar’s native population—especially the Merina and Betsileo ethnic groups—have roots in Southeast Asia, particularly central and western Indonesia.
The national language, Malagasy, shares Austronesian roots with Bahasa Indonesia, and many of its words sound familiar. Traditional farming techniques, family structures, and even house-building styles show similarities to Indonesian culture.
The people of Madagascar are friendly and value family highly, creating a social environment that feels very much like Indonesia.
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