Welcome to the year 2024!
It’s been far too long since I’ve written on this blog. I should apologise to my blog for treating it as if it didn’t exist. But here I am, attempting to start over in 2024. This one, inshaAllah, will last a long time aamiin.
For my first post of the year, I’d like to talk about my trip to Uzbekistan in September 2023. Intermezzo first, I’ve been working remotely with Halal Travel Guide for the past three years. I had the opportunity to travel to Uzbekistan as part of the Uzbekistan tour, which has been one of the company’s best-selling trips. I spent 15 days in Uzbekistan, visiting Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. As a result of this journey, I can see the potential of Uzbekistan as a terrific tourism destination in 2024, particularly for Indonesians, as I am an Indonesian myself. Here are some of the reasons:
1. No visa is required
Great news for Indonesian travellers! Uzbekistan welcomes us warmly without the hassle of a tourist visa; we can stay for up to 30 days.
2. Direct flight
Starting from April 2023, Uzbekistan Airways provides direct flights from Jakarta to Tashkent, making it very convenient to travel to Uzbekistan. Currently, the flight is available once a week on Wednesdays, taking approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.
3. The four seasons
One of the experiences Indonesian travellers seek when they travel abroad is the ability to experience different seasons. Since Uzbekistan has four seasons, it is a great year-round destination option for those looking for this experience. I visited in September and found the weather was pleasant to explore the country day and night, alhamdulillah. Uzbekistan also offers beautiful landscapes; whether you enjoy trekking or skiing, this country has it all!
4. Budget-friendly
Finances are a crucial aspect of travel. Fortunately, visiting Uzbekistan is reasonably priced and will not break the bank. The local currency is called the Som (Uzbek Som, UZS). For reference, 1,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah is approximately equal to 801,790 Uzbekistani Som. An ikat outer can cost between 150,000 and 250,000 Som, and a meal and drink in a local fast-food chain cost around 35,000 Som. The costs were more or less similar to what I would pay in Indonesia.
5. Islamic heritage
The majority of Uzbeks are Muslim, and the country has a long Islamic history. It is home to notable scholars such as Imam Al-Bukhari, Baha’uddin Naqshband, and Amir Temur. Uzbekistan may not typically linked with science, but some of the most notable discoveries made by Muslim scientists occurred in its cities. Ibn Sina, considered the “Father of Early Modern Science”, grew up in Bukhara. Ulugh Beg, a well-known astronomer and ruler, founded a madrasah in Samarkand’s Registan Square.
6. Culinary delights
I love Uzbekistan’s food! Everything I ate throughout my 15-day stay in the country was amazing, alhamdulillah. Uzbekistan’s cuisine is rich in meat, particularly beef; rice and bread (known as ‘non’) are staples. Plov, their national dish, is incredibly flavorful. I can confidently say that Indonesians, being rice enthusiasts, can enjoy Uzbek cuisine. As proof of my love for Uzbekistan food, I will write a separate post about the foods I had the opportunity to eat in Uzbekistan.
I fell in love with Uzbekistan right away and would return if given a chance, inshaAllah. I will write more about Uzbekistan in the next post, so stay tuned!
Are you now more interested in visiting Uzbekistan? 😊
Follow my Instagram @giannovie for more halal and Muslim travel inspo! ✨
Giannisa Ovie 