|
Indonesia Travel Tips
Indonesia is a huge tourist destination. Tourism plays one of the largest roles in the Indonesian economy, therefore every effort has been made to make every guest to this country comfortable and safe. Do not take the following tips as warnings, only advice, remember being a knowledgeable traveller is a big step to a successful vacation.
When to Go Though travel in the wet season is possible in most parts of Indonesia, it can be a deterrent to some activities and travel on mud-clogged roads in less developed areas is difficult. In general, the best time to visit is in the dry season between May and October.
The Christmas holiday period beings a wave of migratory Australians and there's an even bigger tourist wave during the European summer holidays. The main Indonesian holiday period is the end of Ramadan, when some resorts are packed to overflowing and prices skyrocket.
Visa Requirements (Valid as from 2004) Types of visa: Tourist; Business/Social; Multiple-entry (for business trips only); Transit. All travellers to Indonesia must possess passports, valid for at least six months after arrival, and proof of onward passage out of the country.
Visas are not required for tourists who are nationals of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, The Phillipines, Hongkong Special Administration Region (SAR), Macao Special Administration Region (SAR), Chile, Marocco, Peru, Vietnam. Countries and districts eligible for a visa on arrival are: United States of America, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Norway, France, Poland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Taiwan.
These visas can be obtained from the following airports on arrival: Polonia (Medan), Sultan Syarif Kasim II (Pekan Baru), Tabing (Padang), Soekarno ¨C Hatta (Jakarta), Juanda (Surabaya), Ngurah Rai (Bali), Samratulangi (Manado). The following seaports also offer visa's on arrival and are listed as follows: : Sekupang, Batu Ampar, Nongsa and Marina Teluk Senimba (Batam), Bandar Bintan Telani Lagoi and Sri Udara Lobam (Tanjung Uban), Belawan (Belawan), Sibolga (Sibolga), Yos Sudarso (Dumai), Teluk Bayur (Padang), Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Padang Bai (Bali), Jayapura(Jayapura).
A visa free facility is valid for 30 (thirty) days and visas on arrival are valid for 5 (five) days or 30 (thirty) days, with following terms and conditions:
In the case of Force Majeure, Accident or illness visas can be extended and are based on approval from Directorate General of Immigration.
Visa is not transferable into other immigration permits.
Note: All the above visa costs will be charged per person regardless of age and the visa on arrival will be valid for staying maximum 30 days ONLY!
Airports: Polonia (MES), Hang Nadim (BTH), Simpang Tiga (PKU), Tabing (PDG), Soekarno-Hatta (CGK), Ngurah Rai (DPS), Sam Ratulangie (MDC), Pattimura (AMQ), Frans Kaisiepo (BIK), El Tari (KOE), Soepadio (PNK), Juanda (SUB), Sepinggan (BPN).
Harbours: Belawan (MES), Tanjung Pinang (TNJ), Sekupang (BTH), Tanjung Mas (SRG), Tanjung Priok (JKT), Benoa (DPS), Tanjung Perak (SUB), Ambon (AMQ), Padang Bai (DPS), Bitung (MDC).
Airport Tax is levied on all departing passengers on international flights. For those flights within Indonesia, airport taxes vary depending on airport of departure. An additional sum is levied for insurance on domestic routes if tickets are purchased in Indonesia. International Airport Departure Tax is Rp50,000
Time Zone Indonesia is divided into three time zones: Western Indonesia Time (Sumatra, Java, west and central Kalimantan) is seven hours ahead of GMT. Central Indonesia Time (Bali, south and east Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara) is eight hours ahead of GMT. East Indonesia Time (Maluku, Irian Jaya) is nine hours ahead of GMT.
Currency In major centres, travellers cheques in US dollars are readily accepted and most hotels in tourist or commercial centres will accept major credit cards. In other areas, small denomination bills in Rupiah are advisable. The Rupiah comes in 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 notes.
Currency Exchange ATM machines are generally located in the major cities with few to none in outlying areas. Visa card cash advance is common, and they charge a small commission (5000Rp) in smaller cities. Banks provide an exchange service on weekdays between 9-00 & 15-00. No commission is charged for traveller's cheques. Money-changers rates are usually slightly higher for cash. Compare with the banks themselves as to which offers the most competitive exchange rates amongst the banks. Better rates are given for higher denominations (50/100US$) of unmarked notes.
Mail If you use the Poste Restante services to receive your mail while travelling through Indonesia it's a good idea to write your sur-name in capital letters and underline it so that the mail gets filed under this name rather than either your first name or if this is in-eligible anything else the postal authorities can find to file it under.
The population of Indonesia is approximately 207 million people.
Language Bahasa Indonesia is the national language which is akin to Malay, written in Roman script and based on European orthography. In all tourist destination areas English is the number one foreign language spoken and written, some Dutch is still spoken and understood in the bigger cities. French is increasing in its popularity at the better hotels and restaurants. Generally the older generation speaks Dutch as a second language.
Health Vaccination of Hepatitis and Malaria are recommended especially visiting to Irian Jaya. If you are extending your trip with a tour to the more remote parts of the archipelago it is wise to consult a professional for advice as to what precautionary measures maybe necessary. Reasonable medical facilities are available in major towns but once outside these areas, medical services tend to be very poor. Make sure that you have adequate health insurance that covers evacuation and consider inoculations against typhoid, cholera, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis. There is a risk of malaria in many parts of Indonesia and it is recommended that you take advice regarding anti-malarial measures. It is always best to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.
Customs There are no restrictions on the amounts of foreign currency that can be taken into/out of Indonesia. However, you cannot import or export more than Rp5million. The total cost of gifts taken into the country must not exceed US$100.
Visitors may take the following into Indonesia duty free:
* 1-week stay: Alcohol - up to 2 litres and tobacco - 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100g of tobacco
* 2-week stay: Alcohol - up to 2 litres and tobacco - 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 200g of tobacco.
* 3-weeks and over: Alcohol - up to 2 litres, tobacco - 600 cigarettes, 150 cigars or 300g of tobacco
Tourist Information Centres (Jakarta)
* Jakarta City Government Tourist Office
(Dinas Pariwisata DKI Jakarta)
Jl. Kuningan Barat 2, Jakarta 12710
Phones: (62) (21) 5205455, 5209671, 5250738, 5251073, 5251369
Fax: (62) (21) 5209677, 5229136
* Visitor Information Center
Jakarta Theatre Building
Jl. MH. Thamrin 9, Jakarta 10340
Phones: (62) (21) 332067, 364093, 3154094
* Visitor Information Office
Jakarta International Airport Soekarno-Hatta
Cengkareng, Jakarta 19110, Indonesia
Phone: (62) (21) 5507088
Important Do's and Don'ts and General Tips
Calling people by crooking your finger is considered impolite.
The head is sacred and should be respected.
Patting someone on the head is not done among adults and should even be avoided with children.
In a villager's home, it is polite to be invited first before starting to eat.
No matter how trying the situation, keep your cool.
Any loud public display is frowned on.
Don't flaunt your wealth: jewellery and heavy photographic bags don't belong in the streets of Jakarta. Keep them for your travels in Bali and Borobudur.
Travel light in Jakarta: it's hot, crowded and it wouldn't be nice to meet its worst citizens.
Climbing over monuments or places of worship is considered highly disrespectful. (In Bali, waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.
Take off your shoes when entering a mosque or temple
Take off your sunglasses inside someone's house, unless you have an eye disease.
Use your right hand when receiving something from or giving something to someone. Talking with one's hands on one's hips is considered impolite.
Finally, a smile will normally get you away from many things, except peddlers...
Safety In most places people are nice but you can get into trouble like in any other big city in the world. Get advice from your hotel staff about what to watch for.
Be Aware: Scanty clothing is not advisable in public places in deference to local customs. Shorts are not allowed in mosques and women should have their arms and head covered. If you don't follow these simple rules your safety (as a women) is about ZERO.
Caution: As a result of recent upheaval, Indonesia is economically depressed. Some areas are experiencing ethnic tensions and facing political uncertainties. Please review current events in planning your travels.
Theft "Beware of thieves" signs or announcements from time in department stores or shopping areas should not be ignored. Ladies are advised to carry their bags in front of them. Wallets in your back pockets will make you an easy target.
Greeting people Indonesians are a polite people and very tolerant towards foreigners and their manners. Handshaking is customary for men and women alike on introduction and greeting, accompanied with the usual smile.
Pork is forbidden for Moslems, but is often available in many international restaurants and the international hotels and resorts.
Internet Service Providers At the moment, due to the exchange rate collapse, many service providers are cutting back on their connection capacity, therefore they can be few and far between. Most of the higher standard hotels have the service though.
Tipping advice Hotels and restaurants catering for international visitors include a service charge on all their bills. However, small tips for good service are always appreciated. Whether you tip or not, you will find the people of Jakarta very friendly and you can expect good service.
Dress Code In business circles, wearing a suit is the norm for both men and women. For formal occasions, either a suit or a long-sleeved, good quality, batik shirt are recommended for men, whilst evening or cocktail dresses are suitable for women. As Indonesia is primarily a Muslim country, modesty in dress is advised; remember to cover up if you intend visiting a mosque.
Local Customs Indonesia has a high Muslim populace and it is important to understand and respect the local beliefs, especially during the fasting period of Ramadan. The country's main holiday period is at the end of Ramadan, when transport can be packed to overflowing. Prices can soar and travelling can be difficult.
Homosexuality Various kinds of sexualities are an integral part of Indonesia's cultural mosaic. Many married men and women may also maintain same-sex relationships. Indonesia's first Gay Pride celebration took place in Surabaya, on June 25, 1999 and has become an annual event. There are no laws which deal concretely with HIV or AIDS, but avoid problems with uninformed officials, it is recommended that people living with HIV be discreet about their status. Contact WartaAIDS or Spiritia for further information.
Shopping Traditional Indonesian arts and crafts are popular as souvenirs. Batik, the oldest traditional Javanese art is done as hand painted or hand-woven fabric. Woodcarvings and paintings are easily available. In the smaller shops, bargaining is accepted; however, in larger shops, prices are fixed. Electronics goods are both high quality and inexpensive with all major brands available. Signature ¡°Prestige¡± fashion goods are available at very competitive prices.
Taxes 11% government tax is levied on all bills. Restaurants may levy a tax of up to 21%
Tipping A 10% service is levied on all bills in restaurants and hotels (At your discretion you can tip individual staff member)
Business Hours
Banks and Government offices are open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday and some are open 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday.
Offices Most government offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Commercial offices and businesses are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Saturdays. Hours for businesses and commercial offices are staggered.
Shops (Hours vary) While shopping malls are open from 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. seven days a week, individual shops often close at 6 p.m.
Electricity Cities run on 220 volts, 50 cycle's AC system. Rural areas may only be able to provide 110 volts.
Telephone The international dial-up code for Indonesia is 62
When making international telephone calls from Indonesia, first dial 001 + country code + area code + telephone number
Public phones are available in coins, cards, chips and (in some tourist areas) credit card operated machines. There are also some ¡°wartel¡± or Telecommunication kiosks where you can make IDD or long distance calls or send a fax, etc., in the bigger cities, one can find internet kiosks.
Mobile Phone Network uses GSM and AMPS
Local Telephone Codes:-
Balikpapan (Borneo): 052
Batam: 0778
Bekasi (West Java): 021
Bintan: 0771
Jakarta: 021
Lombok: 0370
Manado (Sulawesi): 0431
Medan: 061
South Bali (Denpasar, Kuta, Ubud): 0361
Sumatra: 0628
Surabaya: 031
Ujung Padang (Sulawesi): 0411
Yogyakarta: 0274
Water Tap water is not safe to drink and ice cubes should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available but not always safe as there are some illicit brands of (claimed-to-be) mineral water from street vendors with no-guarantee that they are any better than tap water. Some approved and safe to drink brands include Aqua, Ades, Vit and Oasis. Ice cubes/bits from street vendors or small restaurants are sometimes made from un-boiled water, or crushed from ice blocks used for coolers. Those with weak stomachs are better off sticking with cold drinks from fridge.
Taxi Warnings Calling for a taxi ensures safe travels, especially at night. Shop around to see which companies provide better service. In Jakarta the Blue Bird Group taxis have an ANI bid radio system (Automatic Number Identification), which enables the taxi nearest to your location to take your order. This cuts the time needed for the driver to reach you at your hotel.
Hailing a taxi on the street Try to spot a taxi from a well known and reliable taxi company. Look for the company name on the side of the vehicle and the crown light. When you get into the taxi, always make note of the taxi firm and the code number displayed on the dashboard or passenger doors. Check the driver's name, ID and photograph on the dashboard. You would need this information to report problems to the taxi company.
Tip: Be cautious when taking a taxi from a taxi queue, especially at the airport, Gambir train station or bus terminals. Usually these taxis try to bargain for a rate and will refuse to go short distances. Always insist on using the meter and if the driver refuses, choose another taxi. If you bargain you may end up paying 2 or 3 times the metered rate. Don't give tips to people who try to act as brokers for the taxi drivers. If the taxi driver is thankful for their service, he can pay them.
Taxi Security In Jakarta most taxi companies have an alert light on the top of the car which is activated in case of an emergency (robbery of or by a passenger). Other taxi drivers or policemen see the light on and realize that the taxi driver or passenger is in need of assistance. In addition to this standard alert light, all Blue Bird Group taxis have a hidden security device which, if activated, enables the dispatcher to overhear and record the conversation between the driver and passenger using a special radio frequency. This provides protection both for the driver and the passengers. An alert goes out in the case of a true emergency and the taxi is quickly surrounded by other Blue Bird taxis to ensure the safety of the driver and passenger. No need to wait for the uncertain response from the police.
The Movies Jakarta is bad news for the film fan. There is a giant monopoly chain, Studio 21, showing Hollywood blockbusters at all the shopping malls that run each films for a few weeks. They have around 6 screens each, on average. You can look up what is on at: http://www.dnet.net.id/studio21/ The same tends to apply to other areas, except in Bali, where visitors are better catered to in this area.
VCR's There are very few VCR rentals laser discs and VCDs are the preferred media though and therefore the choice in VCR's is limited.
Cable/Satellite TV The choice is very good by South East Asian or Australian standards. You can use a satellite dish or cable, including digital provider. There is HBO, CNN, BBC, Australian Television, Star Movies, MTV, Channel V, Cinemax, TNT, etc.
Free-to-air TV Movies are usually in English and sub-titled. Censorship is bad, but there are so many advertisements you will rarely finish a movie anyway. There are lots of Indian movies, some "premium" US shows, like Friends, X-Files, ER but not much that is British or Australian.
Note: The fortraveler.com takes absolutely no responsibility for travellers visiting Indonesia. All visitors to this country do so at their own risk.
Disclaimer: Although we've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from information published on this site. We encourage you to verify any critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel. This includes information on visa requirements, health and safety, customs, and transportation.
| 
