Cover The serene grounds of Amanjiwo in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia (Photo: Amanjiwo)
The serene grounds of Amanjiwo in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia (Photo: Amanjiwo)
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Island escapes, regional feasts, mountain temples and creative enclaves—five stops that capture Indonesia’s spirit
Indonesia is too sprawling to pin down, a nation of thousands of islands where each region tells its own story through food, ritual and place.
For Eve Tedja, Tatler Best co-jury head and dining editor for Indonesia, that vastness becomes personal. Born in Bali and now based between Bali and Jakarta, she’s spent over a decade writing about the country’s evolving dining culture.
Her Pocket List narrows Indonesia into five stops: an island escape, a Jakarta table, a Seminyak café, a Central Java retreat and a creative enclave in Glodok. Keep reading to explore more.
In case you missed it: 5 ways to experience South Korea by Tatler Best co-jury head Julia Lee
Above Eve Tedja, Tatler Best co-jury head and dining editor for Indonesia
Eve Tedja, Tatler Best co-jury head and dining editor for Indonesia
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Escape to Lembongan Island, Bali
Above Seaside views from Bar Riva on Lembongan Island, where rooftop dining meets the shimmer of the Ocean (Photo: Eve Tedja)
Seaside views from Bar Riva on Lembongan Island, where rooftop dining meets the shimmer of the Ocean (Photo: Eve Tedja)
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A 30-minute fast boat from Sanur Harbour, Lembongan is one of the three Nusa islands and an antidote to Bali’s sprawl. Its laid-back rhythm invites leisurely swims, snorkelling and scooter rides through village lanes. Stay at The Tamarind Resort, enjoy a beachfront lunch at Indiana Kenanga, sip cocktails at Lago’s floating pontoon bar, and end the day with rooftop views at Bar Riva.
Tamarind Resort
Address: 1, Jalan Jungutbatu, Jungutbatu, Nusa Lembongan, Klungkung, Bali, Indonesia
Indiana Kenanga
Address: 56, Jalan Pantai Jungut Batu, Desa Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan, Jungutbatu, Kec. Klungkung, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali, Indonesia
Lago’s floating pontoon bar
Address: Village, Nusa Lembongan, Jungutbatu, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali, Indonesia
Bar Riva
Address: Jungutbatu, Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
Discover regional cuisine in Jakarta
Above A spread of Manadonese flavours at Mata Karanjang in Jakarta, where bold regional cuisine takes centre stage (Photo: Mata Karanjang)
A spread of Manadonese flavours at Mata Karanjang in Jakarta, where bold regional cuisine takes centre stage (Photo: Mata Karanjang)
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Jakarta brings Indonesia’s culinary diversity together in one place. Pagi Sore, a Minang institution, serves spice-laden feasts of ayam pop, dendeng batokok and rich curries. Mata Karanjang celebrates Manadonese flavours with corn fritters, grilled tuna belly and beef tongue, while Lapo Porsea presents Batak fare with elegance. Each stop offers a window into the country’s vast regional kitchens.
Pagi Sore
Address: 1, Jalan Cipete II, Jakarta, Indonesia
Mata Karanjang
Address: 14A, Jalan Wijaya VI, Melawai, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia
Lapo Porsea
Address: SCBD PARK, 8B, Jalan Jend. Sudirman kav 52-53, Lot 8, Senayan, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia
Slow down at 32Do Café, Seminyak
Above Meticulously brewed coffee at 32Do in Seminyak, where every cup is treated as both craft and ritual (Photo: 32Do)
Meticulously brewed coffee at 32Do in Seminyak, where every cup is treated as both craft and ritual (Photo: 32Do)
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Known for its meticulous approach to coffee, 32Do is a Korean-style café where brewing is treated as ritual. The sleek, light-filled space is a draw in itself, complemented by house-made pastries—the croissant is a favourite—and a refreshing bingsoo (shaved ice) for hot afternoons. It’s a serene Seminyak stop for slow sips and quiet moments.
32Do Bali
Address, 77, Jalan Lebak Sari, Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Explore Magelang, Central Java
Above Inside the OHD Museum in Magelang, home to one of Indonesia’s most significant collections of modern and contemporary art (Photo: Eve Tedja)
Above A quiet corner at Melek Huruf, a café-library in Magelang where books, coffee and conversation come together (Photo: Eve Tedja)
Inside the OHD Museum in Magelang, home to one of Indonesia’s most significant collections of modern and contemporary art (Photo: Eve Tedja)
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Often overshadowed by Yogyakarta, Magelang is the true home of Candi Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Beyond its spiritual landmark, Magelang offers a tranquil retreat of hills, scattered ruins and cool mountain air. Stay at Amanjiwo, visit the OHD Museum for modern Indonesian art, and stop at Melek Huruf, a café-library where coffee comes with conversation.
Candi Borobudur
Address: Komplek Taman Wisata Candi, Kw. Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia
OHD Museum
Address: 14, Jalan Jenggolo, Kemirirejo, Kec. Magelang Tengah, Kota Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia
Melek Huruf
Address: Dusun, Jalan Pucungan Desa, Candirejo, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia
Immerse yourself in Met Glodok, Jakarta
Above Met Glodok in Jakarta’s Chinatown, a café and cultural hub where art, heritage and community meet (Photo: Met Glodok)
Met Glodok in Jakarta’s Chinatown, a café and cultural hub where art, heritage and community meet (Photo: Met Glodok)
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Founded by artist Metta Setiandi, Met Glodok is a café and cultural hub in Jakarta’s Chinese Indonesian enclave. The space hosts exhibitions, book talks and heritage tours, while offering pastries by Lit Bakehouse. Between the surrounding shop houses, eateries and long-standing local communities, it’s a modern lens on Glodok’s layered past.
Met Glodok
Address: 78, Jalan Kemenangan III, West Jakarta, Indonesia
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