A Geek in Indonesia - by Tim Hannigan (Paperback)

About the Book

"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 colorful 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"--

Book Synopsis

Award-winning writer and Indonesia expert Tim Hannigan gives Southeast Asia's biggest country its proper due. Written in an irreverent, youthful tone, A Geek in Indonesia provides a hip, streetwise introduction to an increasingly popular travel destination.

Hannigan leads readers on an eye-opening excursion around the archipelago, from the outer fringes where tribesmen still wear penis gourds and ritual battle gear to 21st-century cities filled with fashion bloggers, feminist activists, punk pioneers, and scandalous celebrities. He provides a quick introduction to Indonesian history, a rundown on traditional arts, insights on why Jakarta is the social media capital of the world, and tips on where to enjoy the region's thriving pop, jazz, and alternative music scenes. More than just an Indonesia travel guide, this volume is packed with lively articles on everything from office culture and the Indonesian blogosphere to dating rituals and TV soap operas.

Illustrated with hundreds of colorful images and loaded with the kind of insights that only an author with a lifelong passion for the country could provide, A Geek in Indonesia will enlighten and entertain Indonesian culture enthusiasts, backpackers, first-time visitors, newly-arrived expats, and longtime Indonesiaphiles alike.

Review Quotes

"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

"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

About the Author

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.