I N D O N E S I A

F R E Q U E N T L Y     A S K E D     Q U E S T I O N S

Location

Indonesia is situated between the Indian and Pacifi Oceans, between the continents of Asia and Australia. It is composed of over 17,000 islands; its total land area is close to 2 million square kilometres with over 80,000 kilometres of coastline.

Population

Close to 200 million people live in Indonesia's 27 provinces. The population is made up of Malay, Polynesian, and hundreds of distinct ethnic groups.

Language

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia with numerous regional and ethnic languages and dialects. English is widely understood particularly in Jakarta, Bali, and other major cities.

Religion

Mainly Islam with some Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity.

Climate

Tropical equatorial weather with temperatures ranging between 21 and 33 degrees Centigrade (70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Average humidity is 60-90% and the rainfall is heaviest between November to February.

Time zones

Three time zones:
  • West (Sumatera and Java): GMT + 7 hours
  • Central (Bali, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi): GMT + 8 hours
  • East (Maluku and Irian): GMT + 9 hours
  • Currency

    The Rupiahs. Notes 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000. Here is a table of exchange rates with a number of other currencies.

    Visas

    Two months entry visa free for tourists from certain countries. All visitors must have passports valid for at least six months and proof of onward passage. Check with your travel agent or the Indonesia Embassy or Consulate in your country.

    Accommodation

    As you can imagine, there's an enormous variety of accommodation available throughout Indonesia. It varies from magnificent five star resorts to simple jungle cabins, depending on the location and your holiday budget.

    Credit Card

    Major credit cards are acceptable in most hotels along with American dollar travellers' cheques.

    Security

    Keep your valuables in the hotel safe deposit box, or a similar safe place and your passport close to your body.

    Getting around

    Getting around is half the fun in Indonesia with each region offering something a little different. There are over 30 international airlines flying into Indonesia including the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia. Flying from island to island is also possible in many instances, and is both fast and comfortable.

    On the ground you'll find a range of chauffeur-driven limousines, self-drive cars, taxis, and hotel courtesy cars. Many taxis are not metered, so it's wise to negoiate the fare before climbing aboard.

    Bemos are a unique form of transport and synonymous with Indonesia. They are a mini-van masquerading as a communal bus, some following a fixed route. You can also hail the driver and negotiate the fare that suits you both.

    Motorcycles can alo be hired in many places, but special care should be exercised at all times as road and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in certain locations.

    Trains and tourist buses range from basic to luxurious, and with careful planning, remote and exciting regions can be reached this way.

    The bajaj (pronounced: bah-jay), a covered, three-wheel scooter is also a handy way of traveling around some parts of Jakarta., And you'll still find man-powered tri-shaws (called becak - 'beh-chuck') at your beck and call throughout Indonesia.

    Ferries and charter boats ply between islands, and when terrain becomes too rugged, river transport takes over.

    Traveling around Indonesia is made all the easier because everywhere you go, you'll find friendly people only too happy to give you advice and directions on how to get where you want to go.

    Driver's License

    If you wish to rent a car, you must be over 18 years of age, and posses an Internation Driver's License or license for ASEAN countries.

    Etiquette

    Being aware of local customs and taboos is very important when traveling in any foreign land. In Indonesia, you will always be ensured of having a pleasant time if you act with decorum and dress appropriately.

    On greeting someone, it is customary for both men and women to shake hands. This should only be done with the right hand because to shake hands, give or receive, or eat with the left hand is considered impolite.

    Pointing or summoning someone with your index finger is consider impolite, and care should be taken not to climb over places of worship or local monuments.

    Clothing

    Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical, and you'll find natural fibres like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Indonesia's often humid conditions. Indonesians are very clothes conscious and it's particularly important to be properly dressed when visiting government offices such as the immigration offices.

    In deference to local customs, scanty clothing is not advisable in public places, shorts are not permitted in mosques, and women should have their arms covered. In Bali, waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.

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