Travel guide – indonesia
indonesia
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Overview
Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, comprising five main islands and a multitude of smaller archipelagos, with about 17,000 islands strung across the equator.
A rich history of kingdoms, conquests, colonialism, trade and natural disasters has bequeathed it with an exhilarating kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions, people, languages and religions, aspirations and problems, and the dramatic scenery of changing landscapes.
Unfortunately it is this very diversity of ethnic groups and religions that has put a country of such exotic natural resources to the test. Racial divides and fierce religious hostility, government corruption, uprisings, economic negligence and, more recently, terrorist attacks have been frequent blights on the Indonesian fabric of society. But it is also these diverse cultures that have given the country a splendid heritage of traditions and art, and for centuries it has been a magnet, constantly drawing thousands of people to its shores despite its turbulent nature.
Indonesia offers something for everyone. Sumatra has an untouched wilderness and a diversity of wildlife, highland tribes and unique architecture, wonderful resort-lined lakes and quaint hilltop towns. Java features steaming volcanoes, astonishing historical monuments, a sprawling capital city and traditional dance, music and art. The image of paradise is epitomised in Bali, an island of artistic people and elegant temples, stunning scenery, palm groves, beach resorts and diving. Further east, Komodo is the home to the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon.
It is a land of vigorous colour, of tensions and upheaval, but also of festivals and dancing, golden sunsets and friendly white toothy smiles.
Regions and cities within Indonesia...
Sumatra
Java
Bali
Lombok
Climate
The country is hot and humid all year round, but cooler inland than along the coastal regions, the monsoon from December to March brings the heavy rains. The dry season from April to October is the best time to visit as some activities and road travel can be difficult during the rainy season.
Health
There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Indonesia and medical advice should be taken at least three weeks before departing. Malaria is a year round risk except in Jakarta, other large cities and the tourist resorts of Java and Bali. The dengue fever mosquito is found throughout Indonesia and visitors should be aware of a significant increase in reported cases of dengue fever throughout all the country's provinces during the rainy season. Outbreaks of bird flu have occurred. Human cases were reported, and 21 people have died from the disease, most recently in February 2006; travellers are not at risk but are advised to avoid close contact with caged, domestic and wild birds, and ensure that all eggs or poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked as a precaution. The Ragunan Zoo in Jakarta was closed after bird flu was detected in bird cages. Travellers' diarrhoea is a major risk; visitors should only drink bottled water and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat, salads and unpeeled fruit. The standard of local medical care is poor and very expensive. It is essential that you take out full medical and travel insurance covering all eventualities. A yellow fever certificate is required from those travelling from infected areas. A tetanus booster is recommended for all travellers to tsunami-affected areas in Indonesia and any country, if their last immunisation was five or more years ago. An outbreak of tetanus was reported in Banda Aceh and Meulaboh in Aceh. There have been a number of fatalities. Outbreaks of polio have been reported in Sumatra and Java.
The basics
Time
Indonesia spans three time zones. GMT +7 (West, including Java and Sumatra), GMT +8 (Central, including Bali, Sulawesi and Lombok), GMT +9 (East, including Irian Jaya).
Electricity
Electrical current is 120/230 volts, 50 Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European two-pin and UK-style three-pin.
Language
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but many dialects are spoken. English is widely understood in Jakarta and tourist resorts.
Tipping
Major hotels add a 10% service charge to bills. Where it is not included a tip of between 5% to 10% of the bill would be appreciated. Airport poterage is around Rp 2,000 per small bag. Tipping taxi and rental car drivers is not mandatory, but if you do choose to tip, Rp 1,000 is sufficient for taxi drivers and a little more for rental car drivers.
Safety
Following the bombings in Bali (1 October 2005), there remains a high risk of terrorism directed against foreigners throughout the country and reports indicate that terrorists are planning further attacks on Westerners and western interests and are likely to be carried out at locations frequented by tourists. The Indonesian Police are on a state of high alert in Jakarta, and have deployed additional personnel around the city. The security situation remains unsettled in Sulawesi and foreigners are advised to avoid parts of Maluku, particularly Ambon, and Central Sulawesi. Visitors are also advised to avoid all travel to Aceh (except for those involved in humanitarian operations after the earthquake and tsunami which devastated the region in December 2004). Extreme caution is advised in public places, including transport terminals, shopping malls and public buildings, and especially in restaurants, hotels and places of entertainment in tourist areas. Religious violence between Christians and Muslims and unstable politics has also made many parts of Indonesia unsafe for travellers; there is continued risk of harassment of Westerners by fundamentalists. Indonesia has a high crime rate and theft and petty crime is common in tourist areas and on public transport. Credit card fraud is on the increase. It is strongly recommended that visitors contact their foreign office for the latest travel advice before travelling to Indonesia. Officials have also warned of increased volcanic activity at a number of volcanoes across the country, including Mt. Gunung Talang (near Padang) and Mt. Gunung Marapi (near Bukittinggi) in central Sumatra, Mt. Anak Krakutau off west Java, Mt Tangkuban Perahu (near Bandung) in central Java and Mt. Gunung Semeru in east Java. Travellers should check news reports and follow local advice. Flooding and landslides occur frequently during the rainy season between December and March.
Customs
Indonesian people are generally friendly and polite and while they understand that western culture is different to their own, it will be appreciated if their customs are respected. Visitors should always be polite and avoid public displays of affection. It is considered impolite to use the left hand for passing or accepting things. Appropriate dress is important in places of worship and women should dress conservatively, covering the shoulders and legs, especially in Muslim areas.
Communications
The international access code for Indonesia is +62. The outgoing code is 001 or 008 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom); it is not necessary to dial the first zero of the area code. For operator-assisted international calls, phone 101. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Duty Free
Travellers to Indonesia over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 100g tobacco; alcohol up to 1 litre; perfume for personal use; and personal goods to the value of US$250 per passenger or US$1,000 per family. Travellers not entering on a tourist visa have to pay duties for photo and film cameras unless this equipment has been registered in their passport by the Indonesian Customs. Electronic equipment may not be imported to the country. Prohibited items include Chinese medicines and prints, narcotics, firearms and ammunition, pornography, cordless telephones, fresh fruit or goods to be used for commercial gain.
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