A Geek in Indonesia: Discover the Land of Komodo Dragons, Balinese Healers and Dangdut Music

Description

For anyone wanting to get beyond tired travel guide cliches, A Geek in Indonesia is a hip, irreverent, and streetwise introduction to Southeast Asia's biggest country. Jump from the beaches of Bali to a tour bus circuit of the fascinating island of Java and come face to face with the reality of 21st-century Indonesia from local fashion bloggers and the world's most avid tweeters to feminist activists, punk pioneers, and scandalous celebrities. Discover the dubious delights of dangdut - Indonesia's homegrown working-class rockers - and a dizzying universe of pop, jazz, and alternative music. Learn what makes Jakarta the social media capital of the world, dive into the Indonesian blogosphere, and get essential insights into the traditional values that still underpin modern tech-savvy Indonesian society. Then travel back in time to the outer fringes of the archipelago where tribesmen still wear ritual battle gear. Packed with lively articles on everything from office and cafe culture to food, dating rituals, and TV soap operas, and illustrated with hundreds of colourful images, this Indonesian travel guide is a delightful read for backpackers, first-time visitors, newly-arrived expats, long-time Indonesiaphiles and anyone else seeking fresh insight into a culture and a country that is now an emerging economic powerhouse and one of the world's most captivating travel destinations. A Geek in Indonesia is a guide like no other, to a country that has no equal.

Tim Hannigan's first book Murder in the Hindu Kush was shortlisted for the Boardman-Tasker Prize. His second book Raffles and the British Invasion of Java won the 2013 John Brooks Award. His features and travel articles appear regularly in newspapers and magazines in Indonesia and beyond. He has also authored A Brief History of Indonesia and edited A Brief History of Bali.

"It's a window into another culture and a travel guide all rolled together. It is a book filled with wonder and intercultural sensitivity, enticing photos and clear explanations. It's a fascinating read, and one that you won't be able to put down." -- Dr. Jessie Voigts, Wandering Educators "For anyone wanting to move beyond tired travel guide formulas, award-winning travel writer and Indonesia expert Tim Hannigan has finally given Southeast Asia's biggest country its proper due. A Geek in Indonesia provides a hip, streetwise introduction to an increasingly popular travel destination. From the author's extensive firsthand experience gained from living many years in Indonesia, this book is packed with lively articles on everything from office and cafe culture to food and dating rituals." --Bali Advertiser