Indonesia – Travel tips for a hassle-free vacation

Indonesia is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating countries in Southeast Asia. From the jungles and lakes of Sumatra to the cultural heart of the nation, Java, via Bali, Flores, Sulawesi, West Papua, Ambon, the Banda Islands and West Papua: every step is a discovery.

Let me give you some tips to help you navigate this incredibly diverse country, Indonesia.

cultural sensitivity

Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world. Although Islam is the state religion, there are parts of the country where other religions are prevalent. North Sulawesi is 90% Christian, the Balinese are predominantly Hindu, and in the Moluccas and Flores, Muslims and Christians live together, generally in peace. When visiting places of worship, whether it’s a mosque, temple, or church, be sure to dress conservatively. Remember to remove your shoes before entering a mosque or a temple. Ladies must wear long-sleeved tops, skirts that fall below the knee, or loose-fitting long pants. When it comes to clothing in general, don’t take Kuta as typical of the rest of the country. If you’re going to a restaurant (other than in Kuta) or invited to visit an Indonesian home, smart-casual is fine. Local people really appreciate if you can use a few words of Bahasa Indonesia, the language that unites Indonesia and crosses the geographical and cultural diversity in this huge archipelago.

visa regulations

To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for at least another 6 months from the date of entry. Immigration officials are on the lookout for passports that are less valid and have the right to deny you entry into Indonesia.

7-day visa on arrival was abolished in January 2010

30 day visa on arrival

At the time of writing, the cost of a 30-day visa on arrival for Indonesia is US$25, which you must pay in cash in US dollars, with clean, unmarked banknotes that were issued after 2001. Since January From 2010, this visa can be extended once, for 30 days, while here in Indonesia. To be completely frank, the procedure is complicated, and if you think you might spend more than 30 days in Indonesia, get a 60-day tourist visa before entering Indonesia.

60 day tourist visa

You must obtain the 60-day tourist visa before entering Indonesia. The good news is that since January 2010 this visa can be extended in Indonesia. If you intend to travel to West Papua Province, or are planning to extend your 60-day visa, please have 4-6 spare passport photos with you.

For more information on visa regulations, please refer to the website of your nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate.

Money

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It is always a good idea to carry a few small bills (Rp 1000, 2000, 5000) with you when shopping at the local shops (toko) or planning to eat at a warung (small local restaurant or food stall). The easiest way to manage money is by using a credit or debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs, which are almost everywhere except a few really out-of-the-way places. If you intend to travel or stay off the beaten track for an extended period of time, you’ll need to carry enough Indonesian cash with you to pay for accommodation, food, and transportation. Please do not rely on being able to exchange foreign currency. With the advent of ATMs, traveler’s checks have practically gone out of style.

Health

By far the biggest health hazard for tourists is dehydration and sunburn. Please try to drink at least 2 liters of water per day. Coffee, tea, beer, juice, and other liquids don’t really count. Indonesia is in the tropics, and you will probably be spending a lot of time outdoors, so protect yourself and use a good quality sunscreen, as well as wear a hat.

In Bali there is currently a problem of rabies transmitted by sick dogs. If a dog scratches or bites him, he should get medical attention as quickly as possible.

Water – even local people drink bottled water! It’s cheap, so don’t risk it.

Alcohol: Questionable Arak is sold in Bali, and there have been more deaths this year because of it.

Sex is fun, but be sure to use condoms if you have a close (very) personal encounter while in Indonesia. All types of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, are widespread, so take precautions.

drugs

Drugs should be an absolute no-no. Don’t even think about bringing drugs to Indonesia, because you will most likely end up in jail. Don’t be tempted to get drugs while in Indonesia. If you spend any time in Kuta, Legian or Seminyak they will probably offer you something, please say no. You may very well be dealing with a police informant, which means you won’t be using your return ticket home!

Personal security

Don’t let sensationalist media reports stop you from visiting Indonesia. For tourists, Indonesia is as safe as other countries. Unfortunately, as things stand today, any public place in the world could be the wrong place at the wrong time. To avoid being a victim of petty crime, simply don’t show off expensive electronics, cameras, or jewelry in public. I’ve been visiting Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia since the mid-1970s, and have never had a problem with theft or bag snatching. Yes, it can happen, so be careful, but don’t get paranoid about it.

Don’t become a virtual traveler in your own living room, gaining secondhand experiences by watching travel shows on TV – get out there and experience the magic firsthand.

packing list

Get a pack of zip-lock bags at the nearest supermarket. They are essential if you like to snack and want to keep ants and roaches out of your room/bed/backpack. I always carry lots of them with me

Take toilet paper and soap with you as these are NOT provided in budget accommodations. Instead of carrying soap and hair shampoo, I tend to use shower gel which is fine for washing your hair as well.

Since digital cameras often have very specific batteries, don’t forget the charger that came with your camera.

Bring a flashlight (flash light), as power outages are not unusual. Also the trails, if they exist, are known to be uneven and often have huge holes. So if you’re hiking after dark and don’t want to end up breaking a few bones, take one with you.

Take a couple of sarongs with you, as very often the beds only have a sheet and you may want to cover yourself up for the night. Mosquito coils or sprays and/or personal insect repellent is something you definitely shouldn’t forget. Remember to have bottled water in your room, you can NOT drink the tap water. I use tap water to brush my teeth, but if you have a sensitive stomach, I suggest you use bottled water as well. before

Hopefully the above tips help you have a great time in Indonesia. Just one more thing: if possible, bring rechargeable batteries and an appropriate charger, or a spare battery and charger for your specific camera. There is no safe way to dispose of used batteries in this country, creating environmental and health hazards.

Come and have a look, but be aware that visiting Indonesia is a health hazard – it’s addictive!