The Charm of Two Villages Abroad That Resemble Indonesian

The village ambiance, with its traditional houses, communal spirit, and the warmth of its residents, often makes people nostalgic. Every village in Indonesia has its own unique charm. But, did you know that a few villages in other parts of the world share similarities with ours? Let’s explore the world and discover villages that exude an Indonesian vibe!

Koh Panyee Village in Thailand

Let’s go to Thailand. In this Land of the White Elephant, there is a small village inhabited by Javanese descendants called Koh Panyee. The village, known for its unique stilt houses and predominantly Muslim population, is located in Phang Nga Province, Thailand, in a bay surrounded by towering limestone formations.

The history of Koh Panyee dates back to about 200 years ago when three Javanese fishermen sailed the Andaman Sea in search of a livelihood. After a long journey, they discovered a hidden bay among limestone cliffs in Phang Nga Province, Thailand. Seeing the sea’s rich resources, they decided to settle there. However, limited land forced them to think creatively. In the end, they decided to build stilt houses over the water.

Over time, Koh Panyee evolved and grew. The population increased and village infrastructure improved, including the construction of a Javanese mosque, as most residents are Muslim.

Life in Koh Panyee revolves heavily around the sea. Most residents work as fishermen, catching fish, shrimp, and other marine products to meet daily needs and sell to markets on the mainland. Additionally, tourism has become a major source of income for the village’s community. Many tourists visit to witness the unique village and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

Social life in Koh Panyee is deeply rooted in religious values and communal spirit, which are key to the community’s survival. They help each other build houses, repair boats, and overcome challenges together.

The Javanese community there consists of approximately 4,000 people, mostly third—and fourth-generation descendants. However, the use of Javanese language in the village has been diminishing. Most residents now speak Thai and English more fluently. Javanese and Indonesian languages only occasionally appear in daily conversations and the mastery of these ancestral tongues is fading over time.

The main attractions of Koh Panyee are its unique architecture, natural beauty, and the hospitality of its people. Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as boat tours, sampling local cuisine, and shopping for Koh Panyee souvenirs. 

‘Bali Village’ in Xinglong District, Hainan 

Located in Hainan, China, Xinglong District is home to many Chinese people who returned from Indonesia. They brought Indonesian food, customs, and traditions with them. This district even houses a replica of Bali, complete with Balinese buildings and artifacts.

The district was established in the 1950’s by Chinese people returning from Indonesia. They introduced Indonesian food, traditions, and customs to the area. Today, the district boasts Indonesian restaurants, a Bali-themed park, and even Indonesian dance classes. Zhong Chunyan, a Chinese woman who grew up in Indonesia, teaches dance in the district, blending the beauty of traditional Indonesian and Chinese dances, resulting in captivating new dance choreographies.

This district has become a popular tourist destination for Indonesians and Chinese who want to experience the Indonesian culture without leaving China. Many Indonesian tourists are drawn to this Bali Village because it offers a sense of home.

The two villages above demonstrate that the beauty of Indonesian culture can be found across the globe. Despite being in different countries, the spirit of communal harmony, hospitality, and natural beauty remain a hallmark of these villages.

If you plan to explore these unique villages, make sure to prepare travel insurance. With Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia, your trip will be safer and more comfortable. So, you can explore these places worry-free!