When traveling, there are the must-do things... and then there's everything else.

Here are 5 ideas for things to do in Indonesia that you won't find in guidebooks!

Buy a Phone or Tablet

Phones purchased in Indonesia have the advantage of being unlocked and sold without contracts, allowing you to insert any SIM card you like. Electronics shopping centers are plentiful, and you'll be able to easily compare the latest gadgets while enjoying the luxury of negotiating (slightly) on prices.

Get a Tattoo

You've thought about it, dreamed about it, hesitated because of the cost?

Your trip to Indonesia might be the perfect moment to get that tattoo. Yogyakarta, for example, recognized both as an affordable student city and as the country's artistic capital, is home to many tattoo artists who follow international hygiene standards while offering rates far below those in Western countries.

A few celebrated tattoo artists in Yogyakarta: Java Irons tattolab, HeruTattoo, PetrichorTattoo, and ToxicTattoo.

Sing Karaoke

Are you the type to turn up the volume in your car and belt out your favorite songs at the top of your lungs? Then you'll surely enjoy the karaoke concept as it's often encountered in Asia: you don't sing in a packed room full of strangers, but instead choose your own audience and singing partners since you can rent a private room by the hour—sized according to the number of people: 10, 5, or even just 2! Each room has a giant screen, several microphones, and a computer loaded with thousands of songs from the 1960s to today. You'll find all the international classics, forgotten or current hits, from Queen to Rihanna, passing through The Beatles, Cyndi Lauper, Bruno Mars, and The Carpenters.

(For those fond of international music, you might even find songs by Anggun, of Indonesian origin, and classics that have crossed the oceans to become hits in Indonesia.)

Visit the Market

The traditional market is a place like no other for revealing to travelers the "authentic" side of a country. Few or no tourists, it's the ideal place to stroll and immerse yourself in an atmosphere, a language, and scents that will undoubtedly become some of your most unique travel memories.

Get a Traditional Remedy (Jamu)

If you follow our advice and are determined to visit the traditional market, don't forget to ask for a "jamu" stand. Jamus are drinks with medicinal properties made from plants and roots (including turmeric, which gives the characteristic yellow color to most jamus). Depending on your ailments and needs, the vendor will prepare a mixture for you that you'll drink on the spot, from a glass or straight from the ladle, like a magical potion.