Island of Gods, Miracles, & Manifestations: How traveling to Indonesia renewed my faith in the universe.

There are moments in life that realign your perspective, moments when the world feels like it’s speaking directly to you. My 34th birthday trip to Indonesia was one of those times. This journey, filled with unexpected miracles and manifestations, reminded me how connected we all are to the universe—and how, when we ask, we receive.

Travel has always been my refuge, my way of connecting with the world and myself. Over the years, it’s become my personal tradition to celebrate each birthday in a new and meaningful way. It all began after a missed milestone in 2020, the year I turned 30. It was supposed to be a grand celebration but life had other plans. I found myself confined to my room, sick with COVID, waving at my friends through video calls. The weight of the disappointment, coupled with the isolation, shifted something inside me.

From that year forward, I promised myself that every birthday would be a celebration of life, and nothing would stop me from making it special. In 2021, I began this journey with a luxurious stay in Goa, then followed it with a Dubai adventure in 2023. But nothing could have prepared me for what awaited me in Indonesia in 2024—an experience that would not just be a trip, but a renewal of my faith in the universe.

A Journey to the Heart of Yogyakarta: Borobudur

My first stop was Yogyakarta, affectionately known as Jogja by the locals. This city is home to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Standing tall with its centuries-old stupas and intricate Biddhu carvings, Borobudur had faced the tests of time, from volcanic eruptions to earthquakes, but it had been meticulously preserved.

Here, I met Johan, my guide—a storyteller with an infectious energy. Despite meeting dozens of tourists daily, Johan treated every group as if they were his first, with a zeal that was truly touching. You never feel like you are just another tourist that he is entertaining. He took the time to make every tale personal, walking us through the intricacies of the temple’s carvings, detailing the history and spiritual significance in ways that made it come alive.

He walked us through the temple, weaving stories of history, spirituality, and resilience, making us feel the significance of each shrine and statue. It was as if Borobudur came to life through his words.

In a world where so much feels rushed and transactional, Johan’s genuine joy in sharing his culture was a breath of fresh air.

The Magical Sunrise at Mount Batur

The next chapter of my adventure led me to Bali’s Mount Batur. I was excited to witness the famed sunrise from the top of this active volcano, but I didn’t anticipate the personal challenge it would become. The trek started at 4 AM, a steep incline through treacherous lava sand and rocks, making every step slippery. I found the 45-minute trek stretching to nearly an hour and a half for me. But then came my guide Mangku, whose kindness I will never forget.

I must have asked for a break every minute, and he gave it to me without complaint, encouraging me gently: “You’re doing great. You’re stronger than most.” His belief in me carried me further than I thought possible. There were moments when I wanted to give up, content with watching the sunrise from any viewpoint I could find. But he kept urging me to push just a little further, assuring me that the view from the top would be worth it.

And it was. As we reached the summit, the sky began to lighten, and Mount Agung, shrouded in clouds, stood before us like a mother watching over her children. The sun rose from behind it, casting a golden glow over the sea of clouds. It felt like a gift—a manifestation of all my hopes.

As I stood there, sipping tea and eating banana bread that my guide had prepared, I knew I had experienced something miraculous. On the way down, he continued to guide me with patience, even making the descent feel like an easy stroll. And then, to top it all off, he asked us to play Bollywood tunes in the jeep on our way back. We jammed along with him to the beats of DDLJ. After all, SRK is a universal emotion.

A Close Encounter with Komodo Dragons

No trip to Indonesia is complete without visiting the Komodo Islands, home to the largest lizards on Earth—Komodo dragons. This part of the trip was both thrilling and terrifying. Our ranger guide told us that these creatures, though usually docile, could become dangerous if threatened. Their bite could release a bacteria that paralyzes their prey, making them formidable predators.

As we approached one large dragon resting under a tree, something unexpected happened. The ranger informed us that the dragon was in heat, and suddenly, two male Komodos appeared, charging toward her. The situation quickly became chaotic, with the rangers shouting for everyone to back away while people were still trying to capture the moment on camera. In that split second, I realized just how wild and untamed these creatures were, even with the rangers’ watchful eyes.

Thankfully, following a brief tug-of-war between three of the lizards, they settled down peacefully. And once it was safe enough, as informed by the rangers, we were able to freeze this memory in pixels. It is literally one of my favorite pictures from the trip.

The Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple

One evening, after a long day of exploring, we witnessed the Kecak dance performance at the Uluwatu Temple which is perched high on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

The temple is known for the best sunset in Bali as well as the traditional dance performance. I was lucky enough to witness both.

The rhythmic chants of the performers, their voices rising and falling in unison, transported me to another world.

The dance itself is a reenactment of the Hindu epic Ramayana, and was mesmerizing to say the least. But what struck me most wasn’t just the performance—it was the realization of how deeply connected we are, across cultures, through our shared reverence and faith.

Raised in a Hindu household, the stories of Ramayana were familiar to me, but seeing them come to life in Indonesia—a predominantly Muslim country—felt like witnessing the transcendence of beliefs. It was a powerful reminder that religion, at its core, is universal. It is less about rituals and more about the way it connects us to something greater, something beyond ourselves.

In that moment, I felt a deep sense of peace, as if the boundaries that often divide us had dissolved, leaving behind only a shared humanity.

The Land of Gods and much more!

Indonesia, with its beaches, mountains, forests, and temples, has it all. It’s not just the scenery that captivates you but the people. They welcome you with smiles and warmth, their kindness radiating in every encounter. In a world where we often hear about the dangers and risks of traveling, Indonesia felt like homecoming. Shops remained open with goods hanging outside, and no one worried about theft or loss. It was a safe haven where the trust within the community felt truly refreshing.

From the first day, I knew this trip would be special. Looking back, I realize now that it was more than just a birthday trip; it was a journey of faith—faith in the kindness of strangers, in the power of perseverance, and in the magic of the universe.

As told to Adventures Overland by Ankita Goel.