Top Indonesia Hotels

Effective 1 February 2004, nationals of these countries who are going on holiday and/or are attending conventions are allowed to stay in Indonesia of up to 30 days without visa.

• Brunei Darussalam
• Chile
• Hong Kong
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Morocco
• Peru
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Visas on arrival can be obtained for the nationals of the following countries:

• Australia
• Argentina
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Hungary
• Italy
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

The cost of visa on arrival is USD10 for up to 3 days stay / 4 days to 30 days is USD25 and extensions are charged at USD20 per day.

All visitors must have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the date of entry as well as a return or ongoing ticket. Nationals from countries not listed above and those wishing to check the ever changing visarequirements shouldcontact your nearest Indonesian Embassy or representative office.

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
  • Tobacco - 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100g of tobacco
• 2-week stay:
  • Alcohol - up to 2 litres
  • 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

• Eastern Indonesia (Iryan Jaya & Maluka): GMT + 9 hours
• Central Indonesia (Bali, East Timor, East & South Kalimantan, Lombok, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara): GMT + 8 hours
• Western Indonesia (Central Kalimantan, Jakarta, Java, Sumatra): GMT + 7 hours

• Rupiah (Rp) - Check current exchange rates
• 1 Rupiah = 100 sen.
• Notes issued: Rp50,000, Rp20,000, Rp10,000, Rp5,000, Rp1,000, Rp500, Rp100
• Coins issued: Rp1,000, Rp500, Rp100, Rp50

Visitors are advised that currency that has been written on, looks scruffy or is generally older in appearance may not be accepted by establishments. Some guests have also noted that US dollar notes printed prior to 1997 will also not be accepted in Bali.

A Government Tax of 11% is added to bills and many restaurants and larger hotels also add a 10% service charge. Additional tipping is optional and 5-10% of the bill is acceptable. Tip porters at your hotel or the airport around Rp2,000 per bag.

• Monday to Friday 8.00am to 3.00pm
• Some larger banks are open on Saturday from 8.00am to 12.00pm

Bahasa Indonesian is the official language, however numerous local languages are spoken throughout the islands, which vary according to different dialects. English is widely understood in tourist areas and to a very limited extent in rural areas.

The international dialling code for Indonesia is 62

When making international telephone calls from Indonesia, first dial 001 + country code + area code + telephone number

220V AC 50 cycles is most common, however smaller hotels and rural areas tend to use 110V. It's best to double check before plugging anything in. A torch is a useful item to have as power cuts do occur.

Plugs are two round pin.

Tap water is not safe to drink and ice cubes should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available.

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-malarials. It is always best to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

• Bali - Ngurah Rai
• Borneo - Balikpapan
• Jakarta - Soekarno Hatta
• Medan - Polonia

Rp50,000

There are numerous domestic airports all over Indonesia providing a vast network of travel options. In addition to the above, the more popular destinations include the following:

• Batam
• Manado (Sulawesi)
• Surabaya
• Ujung Padang (Sulawesi)
• Yogyakarta

Rp11,000

Dress is informal in Indonesia but try to wear unrevealing clothes at all times as a mark of respect to the country's predominantly Muslim values. Beach attire is tolerated around the resort areas but outside these regions bearing flesh is considered immodest.

Visitors to temples are expected to wear a sash (you can normally rent these if you don't have one) and women should make sure that their arms and head are covered before entering.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon and it is considered impolite to point. Avoid patting children on the head and do not use your left hand when giving or receiving. As with most Asian countries, it is best to try not to lose your temper. Confrontation is not appreciated and will only worsen rather than resolve any situation.

Many countries have representative offices and consulates in Indonesia

Further information on Indonesian culture and tourist attractions.

• Travelling in Indonesia

Situated astride the equator, Indonesia experiences a tropical climate.

• Wet Season: November - April
• Dry Season: May - October

Temperatures are hotter along the coast and more moderate at higher elevations. Humidity remains high with a yearly average of 70-90%.

Rainfall can occur at any time of the year but is higher in the mountainous areas where there is very little distinction between the wet and dry seasons.

Central Indonesia is the driest area.

Due to its southerly position, Indonesia is not prone to cyclones or typhoons but thunderstorms are quite common.

Carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings.

Note! HAZE - In recent years Indonesia has suffered from the phenomena known in Asia as "Haze". Caused in part by forest fires and out of control "slash and burn" practices in both Indonesia and Malaysia - late Summer/early Autumn have seen sunny skies obscured for days and poor air quality. Haze is difficult to predict, however efforts are being made to prevent a recurrence of the severe hazes of 1996 and 1997.

Western Indonesia

Central Kalimantan, Jakarta, Java, Sumatra

Primarily due to the elevation of much of the land, this is the wettest region of Indonesia. Rain is common year round with no real distinction between the wet and dry seasons. Temperatures remain constant throughout, although warmer clothes are required in the mountainous regions where temperatures can drop well below the average.

Best time to visit: Between June and September when rainfall tends to be marginally lower.

Central Indonesia

Bali, East Timor, East & South Kalimantan, Lombok, Sulawesi

This area remains hot and humid year round, with temperatures holding at around 30°C.

The western monsoon brings the heaviest rain between December and March - rain normally falls in intense showers for a short period only.

Moving closer to the mountains, skies become cloudier and showers more frequent but the climate is always pleasant. In the higher climes, temperatures fall and visitors will definitely need either a sweater or jacket after sunset.

Best time to visit: April to September, as rainfall is much lighter - although this is the busiest time for visitors.

Eastern Indonesia

Iryan Jaya, Maluka

Most of the recorded rain falls in the mountainous regions, hence coastal areas can actually be drier. An umbrella is always useful, as are warmer clothes if intending to visit the mountains as temperatures can drop - particularly during the night. Elsewhere, temperatures remain hot and humid and lightweight clothing is advisable.

Best time to visit: During the Dry Season when rainfall is lower.