Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. This country is the largest archipelago in the world, which is made up of thousands of large and small islands. It has extraordinary natural wealth, with hundreds of National Parks truly worth a visit for any nature-lover. From asleep volcanoes in central Java to Bali’s lush rice terraces, or from the chaotic capital, Jakarta, cosmopolitan and full of contrast, to the untouched marine biosphere of Raja Ampat and the verdant rainforests of Borneo. In terms of wildlife, the jungles of Sumatra are home to elephants, tigers, orangutans, and other wild creatures. While those into sightseeing would love the palaces and monuments of Yogyakarta, offering a flash into ancient civilizations.
Arfani Mujib, CC BY-SA 4.0, by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
ButetSinaga, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
With a tropical climate, Indonesia has two seasons; the dry season (end-April to mid-October), and the monsoon season, (November to March). If you want lower prices, fewer crowds on islands like Bali, Java and Flores, and ideal trekking weather, we would suggest the shoulder months (March to May, October, and November).
Snorkelling and Diving: Indonesia’s expansive archipelago encompasses different climate zones. Bali, Komodo National Park, and Sulawesi: April to November, Raja Ampat and Papua: October to April, Gili Islands and Lombok: year-round, though visibility is best from May to September, Pulau Weh and Sumatra: February to November.
Beach: there is an extensive variation in the weather across islands. Generally, the dry season in Java, Bali, Lombok, and Sumatra is from May to September, while Maluku and Papua have their best weather from October to April.
Hiking: the best months are from late April until the end of September as the rainy season in most places runs roughly from October to March; you should not attempt to bag anything significant during the rainy season and many national parks are closed for several months during this period (typically January 1st to March 31st in Java, and October or November to January or February in Peninsular Malaysia).
Surfing: generally, the best time is between April and October, this is when south and southwest swells are at their strongest and most consistent.
Birdwatching: birding in Indonesia may be done all year round, the dry season from May/June to September/October is the most favourable to visit Java. The best season in Raja Ampat is between October and April as the sea is calmer and the general weather conditions are better, especially for hiking and land excursions. The best season to visit Komodo is between April to November.
Komodo island: from April to June is one of the best times to visit as the islands gleam in greenery with comfortable temps, cool and fresh at night, and calm seas, often featuring whale sharks.
Rice terraces: the rice terraces are most photogenic and lush before harvest. This usually falls in March – April or September – October.
The Indonesian Rupiah is the official currency. The exchange rate approximately is 1 Euro is between 16.042 – 17.117 Indonesian rupiah. 1 UD Dollar is between 14.070 – 15.832 Indonesian rupiah.
The official language is Indonesian, commonly known as Bahasa Indonesia. While Bahasa Indonesia is the official language and widely spoken, there are also hundreds of regional languages and dialects spoken by various ethnic groups throughout Indonesia. English is also spoken in many tourist areas and by those involved in the tourism industry.
Depending on your passport and where you are from, there are three options to enter to Indonesia that apply to most travellers who come for tourist or social purposes: No Visa required (majority of countries, FREE entry, 30 days valid, NOT extendable), Visa on Arrival (35US$, approximately, valid for 30 days, extendable (30 more days) and Visa needed (apply abroad before arriving in Indonesia). To get your Visa on Arrival, here is the details of everything you will need: all visitors to Indonesia must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months onwards from the date of arrival, you will also need to prove to immigration that you do not intend to stay longer than your tourist visa allows. To do this, you just need a return ticket to your home country, or an outbound ticket for your next destination after Indonesia, and free Tourist Visa. For more information about visa´s requirements visit this website
ATMs are common in all major Indonesian cities and tourist destinations. Limitation withdrawal is depending on your respective home bank. Machines are loaded with IDR50,000 denomination notes or IDR100,000 denomination notes, as indicated on the machine; however, keep in mind that the bigger notes can be harder to split, especially in rural non-tourist areas. It is also best to withdraw some money from an ATM in major cities before venturing onto more secluded destinations. Credit and debit cards can be used in larger stores, restaurants, and hotels in Indonesia. Though it is still worth carrying cash for smaller transactions at cafes and markets or if you travel to some of the more out of the way or rural areas. You will probably be charged a fee for foreign withdrawal by your bank or card provider. Check this before you travel as some banks offer fee-free withdrawals.
Credit card fraud is common in Indonesia’s cities, so be careful not to lose sight of your card during transactions.
Indonesia’s diverse culture and religious practices influence the operating hours of shops, markets, and malls. Traditional markets are an integral part of Indonesian life and most open early in the morning, around 6am or 7am, and close mid-afternoon, around 3pm or 4pm. Modern shopping malls typically have longer operated hours, most opening around 10am and closing around 10pm. While department stores and supermarkets generally follow similar operating hours to shopping malls, convenience stores such as Indomaret and Alfamart are open 24/7. During religious holidays operating hours may vary.
Indonesia has three time zones: Western Indonesia GMT +7 hours (used in the islands of Sumatra, Java, and the western half of Kalimantan), Central Indonesia GMT + 8 hours (used in the eastern half of Kalimantan, as well as all of Bali, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and Sulawesi), and Eastern Indonesia GMT + 9 hours (used in the Maluku Islands and Western New Guinea).
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (is the largest airport and one of the busiest airports in Asia, and situated in the west of Java. The distance from the airport to the centre of Jakarta is 27 kilometres. By car, it takes 45 minutes to get to the centre).
Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (it is an international airport located in the south of the Bali Island. The distance from the airport to the centre of Denpasar is 15 kilometres. By car, it takes 30 minutes to get to the centre).
Kualanamu International Airport (is the third-largest airport in Indonesia and is in Sumatra region. The distance from the airport to the centre of Medan is 32 kilometres. By car, it takes 32 minutes to get to the centre).
Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (it is in the Sulawesi region and the northeast of Makassar’s city. The airport is the main gateway for flights to the eastern part of Indonesia. The distance from the airport to the centre of Makassar is 20 kilometres. By car, it takes 16 minutes to get to the centre).
Life on the roads in Indonesia is lived chaotically and loudly, especially in Jakarta and Bali, with horn blasts down every street. Road conditions can be hit, with many roads studded with waste and poor signage. Indonesia has a relatively good public transport system, and taxis are readily available in larger cities also are probably the better option fort short distances, and trains over long distances.
By train, Indonesia´s railway system, featuring commuter and intercity trains, spans four primary networks in the regions of Java and Sumatra. The major destinations in Java are: Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Malang Probolinggo, and Banyuwangi. There is a commuter train service in Jakarta called KRL Commuterline. You can purchase tickets at train stations or buy them online. See the official website to access routes, tickets, and more information. To know a bit more about trains, you can choose three train classes: executive, business, and economy, all of which offer a good level of comfort. Apart from short-distance economy class, all are air-conditioned and have sockets for charging your electronics. One thing to note, if you are looking for the fastest route, avoid trains with only economy-class cabins. Instead, book trains that are attached to business or executive-class carriages, which make fewer stops so you can reach your destination quicker.
By Bajaj and Ojek (three-wheeled vehicle or tuk-tuk): Jakarta is a motorized city, also Surabaya. If you use these motorized vehicles is important to negotiate fares, and requires a balance of firmness and tact. Taxis are generally cheaper than a “bajaj,” and in most cities use a meter. Bajaj can prove useful when in a hurry during the peak-hour mess.
By car: driving in Indonesia is for advanced drivers. The chaotic traffic, omnipresent motorcycles and the need for patience and defensive driving make for a wild ride. Be prepared for jams, aggressive drivers, and a constant symphony of horns. So, keep an eye out for motorbikes squeezing through tight spaces and appearing seemingly out of nowhere. Drivers must always carry an international driving licence and the vehicle registration documents.
By taxi: taxis offer an affordable and less stressful way to operate the in the streets of Indonesian cities, particularly Jakarta. They are commonplace, and you will not have to wait long to flag one down on any main road. Make sure the meter, often referred to as the “argo,” is on, and working properly before you get in. Taxis can be ordered by phone, Companies like Gojek and Grab dominate the industry with their premium car and food delivery services.
By bus: Indonesia has an extensive network of domestic buses and long-distance coaches that connect different parts of the country, the standard of which can vary greatly. In general, the buses in major cities tend to be more modern and comfortable than those in rural areas, but overall, the buses are generally safe, reliable, and affordable. State-run bus services operate in every province of the country and private operators also provide a range of services, including luxury coaches, sleeper buses and air-conditioned buses. There are several types of tickets available: economy tickets are valid for one journey on a specific route; executive tickets allow you to travel on a more comfortable and air-conditioned bus with fewer stops; sleeper tickets are available on some long-distance coaches and include a comfortable bed for overnight travel; and finally, premium tickets allow you to travel on a luxury coach with additional amenities such as Wi-Fi and meals. You can buy bus tickets at bus terminals or onboard the buses. Many bus companies also offer online ticket booking services. The longest-established firm on Bali and Lombok is Perama, or you can check bus travel with 12Go Asia all over Indonesia.
By boat: boats are omnipresent in Indonesia and are an inexpensive way to explore the country, if you have time to spare, Pelni is the largest and most well-known boat company that ferries passengers (but no vehicles) across the entire archipelago from east-to-west and north-to-south. Each ship completes a circuit of several ports over a few weeks, before returning to the original place of departure. Pelni ships are slow and travellers should expect to spend several days on board. Be sure to check the length of time for the trip. There are six classes of accommodation. If tickets are oversold, passengers are allowed on board, but without a bed, and many end up sleeping on deck. Some ports offer ferry services for cars, trucks, and buses. They also accept passengers, but sleeping accommodation is rarely available and those who board with a vehicle sleep in it.
Tap water is unsafe to drink, also be wary of ice in drinks and unpeeled fruit and vegetables
Indonesia is a largely conservative country and you should dress modestly, particularly in rural areas
Showing a lot of skin o go topless if you are a woman even in Bali
Display affection in public or talk with your hands on your hips
It is important wearing a sash and sarong at temples locations
Indonesian cuisine has strong influences on the cuisine of neighboring Malaysia and Singapore and can also be found in other countries that have long associations, such as the Netherlands and Suriname. The predominant cuisine in Indonesia is Javanese. As the name indicates, it originates from the main island of Java, but the cuisine has absorbed many influences, originally Chinese ingredients like noodles and tofu are now an integral part of Indonesian cooking, and the Dutch left an abiding love for breads and cakes. The traditional Indonesian dishes are: “Ikan Bakar” (the fish will be marinated in a mix of soy sauce and coconut oil, with a combination of spices. Some of them might be tamarind, shallots, coriander, chili, galangal. The marinated fish is grilled on a charcoal fire), “Nasi Goreng” (this dish is an eclectic combination of spicy and sweet flavors. It is prepared with rice, chili, garlic, onion, and tomato with a generous amount of shrimp paste, also added while cooking- chicken, beef, pork, mushrooms, eggs, cabbage, and lamb), “Rendang” (slow-cooked to perfection, tender pieces of beef are enveloped in a rich blend of coconut milk and an array of aromatic spices), “Klepon” (is a rice cake pounded into a neat ball shape. The rice is mixed with palm sugar and grated coconut)
For Indonesia there are two associated plug types, C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins, with two earth clips on the side. Indonesia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
The Indonesian healthcare system is divided into private insurance schemes and basic state healthcare. The country’s compulsory health insurance scheme called Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), is managed by the Social Security Organizing Agency (Badan Pengelola Jaminan Kesehatan-BPJS) to provide basic medical care to all citizens (with a focus on targeting and subsidizing care for the poor), as well as improving its health system. Citizens registered with the JKN are eligible to receive free healthcare. Even with the JKN initiatives to improve healthcare in Indonesia, the country remains short on resources for both, hospitals, and medical professionals. Resulting in public hospitals being overcrowded, underfunded, and understaffed. Foreigners are not included in the national health insurance scheme, so doctors and public hospitals will likely expect payment in cash up front. Consequently, tourists tend to opt for private insurance. The private healthcare in Indonesia, usually provide superior amenities and tourist making use of these are far likelier to encounter English-speaking staff. Additionally, many travellers, expats and wealthy Indonesians often travel to neighboring countries with better medical facilities, such as Singapore or Thailand.
Due to Indonesia´s tropical climate, malaria can be an issue. However, it is not a problem in the major cities like Jakarta and Bali. In rural areas such as Sumatra, Sulawesi and Kalimantan, tourists should be on course of anti-malaria medication. Wearing long sleeves and trousers is also advised, as well as insect repellent. This also protects against dengue fever. Dengue fever exists in parts of Indonesia and is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites.
The air quality in Indonesia´s main cities, especially Jakarta is poor. This can be a particular issue for those who have asthma.
Before you travel it is important to get vaccinated, as all visitors to Indonesia are likely to need the hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines, alongside the tetanus, diphtheria, and polio vaccine. Additional vaccines depending upon risks include Rabies, Japanese encephalitis, Hepatitis B and in some circumstances Cholera.
Tipping is not generally practiced across much of Indonesia, except in popular tourist destinations like Bali, where a small gratuity for services may be expected.
Leeches are present in the lowland. These are more unpleasant than dangerous, but you can buy “leech socks” which are effective at stopping them, and keep your trousers tucked into your socks or boots.
The month of Ramadan may impact your daily routine, shops and restaurants could change opening hours.
Bargaining is a common practice in the markets. Accommodation normally has a set price, but this is usually negotiable in the low season.