Indonesia: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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Indonesia: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Indonesia

Overview

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world with over 17,000 islands, consisting of lush tropical forests, active volcanoes and vibrant culture.  Situated in southeast Asia between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Indonesia is a hotspot of diversity from its black sand beaches in the north to its rugged limestone cliffs in the south, and more than 10,000 temples and monasteries, many dating back to the 8th century. These unique and beautiful complexes, with their shrines, their intricate architecture and their immaculate, well-tended gardens attract worshippers and tourists alike. From surfing and scuba diving in turquoise waters to street food and ancient wonders, Indonesia truly has it all.

 

Capital City: Jakarta

Population: 280 million (2022 est.)

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Time Zone: Central Indonesia Time - WITA (UTC/GMT -8)

Emergency Number: 112

Outlet: Types C/F

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Packing List

Speak the Language

Language:  Indonesian (locally referred to as Bahasa Indonesia)is the official and national language of Indonesia.

 

  • Good morning - Selamat pagi 
  • Good afternoon - Selamat siang 
  • Good night - Selamat malam 
  • Good bye (if you are the person leaving)  - Selamat tinggal 
  • Thank you - Terima Kasih 
  • How are you? - Apa Kabar 
  • I’m fine - saya baik-baik saja
  • I’m sorry - Saya minta ma’af 

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click here 

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Weather

JAKARTA WEATHER

Culture Notes

  • You will need to cover your knees and shoulders when visiting Balinese temples – men included.
  • This is usually done with a sarong although trousers and long skirts negate the need to wear one. The larger temples will provide you with a sarong to borrow but you’ll need to bring your own to smaller more local temples.  
  • Menstruating women are not allowed in the temples. You’ll likely spot signs outside the entrance of all large temples but don’t be surprised if a local also asks you directly about this. this menstruating rule actually also applies to any type of bleeding for both men and women. So if you’ve cut yourself, you also shouldn’t go in.  Women who are more than seven months pregnant or have given birth within the last six weeks will also need to sit this one out.
  • As the Balinese culture is a conservative one, PDAs should be kept to a minimum in Bali. Holding hands is probably the max level you want to get to in public.
  • In the Balinese culture, the left hand is considered to be dirty so people will usually give and receive something with either the right hand or both hands. You’ll see this when exchanging money or being given the menu in a restaurant for example. Try to remember to use your right hand, or if you get stuck, then using both is a sign of great respect.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. There may be a 10% service charge added to the bill in some restaurants, check your bill for this additional charge. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated.  If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $5-10 per person/per day
Drivers USD $1-2 per person/per day
Restaurants  USD 10% of the total bill

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up to date information on safety while traveling.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Tap water should be avoided by travelers. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water when possible. For drinking water, make sure to drink treated water which can be found at all lodging accommodations.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here. 

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What does public transportation look like? The most common means of transport for the locals is the bus because it is very cheap. On the smaller islands, it's easy and cheap to rent a motorbike or a car. It's great if you want to go off exploring by yourself, at your own speed. Finally, there is also the train if you are on the islands of Java and Sumatra.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available? Not anymore, however, there is a replacement ride share called 'Grab' which uses an app, screens their drivers, allows payment through the app and tends to be cheaper than normal taxis. FYI: hotels have restrictions on what taxi companies or if Grab can pick up at their location.

Luggage Restrictions

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