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There are plenty of reasons that make Indonesia such a fabulous getaway destination. With a massive collection of 17,000 islands to explore and a rich culture, the beauty of this country stretches far and wide with adventure, culture, jungles, volcanoes, and many other natural wonders. The tropical warmth of Indonesia's weather and famous places to visit such as Bali are energizing for the mind and soul. Also, the refreshing atmosphere of areas such as Java, Ubud and Lombok makes Indonesia a vacation that's high on both adrenaline and affordability for the perfect pairing.

USEFUL INFO. ABOUT INDONESIA

OFFICIAL NAME: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Federation

CAPITAL: Jakarta

POPULATION: 273.52 million

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S): Bahasa Indonesia

LANGUAGES SPOKEN:Over 300 different native languages are spoken in Indonesia.

CURRENCY: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

ETHINICITY: Javanese (42%), Sundanese (15.41%), Malay (3.45%), Madurese (3.37%), Batak (3.02%), Minangkabau (2.72%), Betawi (2.51%), Others (27.52%)

MAP REFERRED: ASIA

AREA: 1.905 million km square

Water: 93,000 km square of inland seas

ELEVATION : 367 m

NEIGHBOURING PLACES - : Indonesia shares land borders with Malaysia on Borneo, Papua New Guinea on the island of New Guinea, and East Timor on the island of Timor. Its maritime borders are shared with Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Palau, and Australia.

FAMOUS FOR:Jakarta | Bali Beaches | Borobudur Temple | Lake Toba | Jatiluwih Rice Terrace |Ubud Monkey Forest | Balinese Massages | Kecak Dance | Kuta Beach | Ubud Art Market | Mount Batur | Goa Gajah | Celuk Silver | Lovina Beach | Canggu | Nightlife | Densapur Cafes | Seminyak Art

NATIONAL SYMBOLS:Garuda is the official emblem; it is a coat of arms with the 5 principles of the state - Pancasila, along with its motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.

TIME ZONE: : Central Indonesia Time (GMT+8)

DRIVING SIDE: Left

AIRPORTS IN Indonesia Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Juanda International Airport, Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Banyuwangi International Airport, Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman International Airport, Kualanamu International Airport, Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, Ahmad Yani Airport, Husein Sastranegara International Airport, Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport, Kalimarau International Airport, Kertajati International Airport.

Network / Connectivity

Wi-Fi accessibility at public spaces in Indonesia is common; from the minute you land, most international airports have free Wi-Fi connections to facilitate instant connectivity. Most hotels, restaurants, malls and cafes also offer free Wi-Fi access. Though, in smaller towns it may be password protected to ensure only paying customers can use it.

For a more stable and reliable internet connection, renting a pocket Wi-Fi device is highly recommended. Prices start as low as $3 for lower speeds. Alternatively, you can also buy a mobile SIM card with 4 GB of data which costs an affordable $6 on average.

The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Once you land at the airport, you can enter the country and exit with as many dollars or traveler's cheques based on your requirements.

The denominations vary from IDR 500 to IDR 100,000 in the form of paper-based banknotes, and IDR 25 to IDR 1,000 in coins. It is recommended to carry small change with you when out and about in Indonesia because using larger currency notes can be inconvenient.

Always go to authorized money changers and compare a few to ensure that you're getting the best rates. Also, only US dollars issued after 2003 will be accepted so be mindful when traveling with USD.

1 AED to IDR = 3,791.68 Indonesian Rupiahs
symbol: Rp
Code: IDR

The history of Indonesia has seen the emergence and falling of various kingdoms. The first was the Srivijaya naval kingdom in the 7th century bringing along a mix of Buddhism and Hinduism influences. Next to follow were the times of the Buddhist Sailendra and the Hindu Mataram empires. And, in the 13th century, the Hindu Majapahit kingdom came to power. The kingdom of its leader Gajah Mada spread extensively, most of which covers the present-day area of Indonesia.

In 1512, the Portuguese were the first of the Europeans to step foot upon this land, followed by the Dutch and the British. The Dutch East India Company soon started colonizing the region to exercise its authority, a period that continued for a few hundred years. In 1942, Japan occupied the Indonesian islands during World War 2. But, after their defeat, Indonesia decided to seek independence. After a lot of determination and struggle, it was in 1949 that Indonesia was granted independence from the Netherlands.

On 27 December 1949, the Indonesian flag was officially raised at Jakarta's Istana Merdeka (Freedom Palace). A repressive military rule until 1999 contributed towards slow development, however, today Indonesia has made significant progress and hosts the world's largest Muslim population.

Indonesia is located between the Pacific and Indian oceans; this archipelagic nation consists of over 17,000 islands. The largest ones are Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan. Meanwhile, Sulawesi and Irian Jaya are known to be dense with mountains. The tallest elevations here are over 16,000 ft and the highest point is Puncak Jaya recorded to be 16,502 ft.

The geography also boasts an estimated 400 volcanoes, out of which 90 are active to date. Kelut and Merapi on Java Island are the most active, and Indonesia's location between numerous tectonic plates make it prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes. Apart from mountains, the islands are occupied with thick tropical rainforests paired with extensive coastal plains.

The main rivers of Indonesia are Barito, Digul, Hari, Kampar, Kapuas, Kayan and Musi, with many other inland lakes that are smaller in scale.

Family Values
Indonesian families share a tight-knit bond; many Indonesians continue to live at home even in adult life. Unlike western countries where this may be perceived to be a sign of dependency, the locals see this as a sign of respect and values.

The dedication towards taking care of the elders in the family is a responsibility taught to the youth from a young age. Many extended families are seen living in the same neighborhood so that aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins can still share experiences and activities together.

Religion and Spirituality
When visiting Indonesia, you will observe a strong sense of spirituality among the locals. Regardless of religion, the practices are taken seriously with many rituals and traditions practiced at places of worship. The main religions in Indonesia are Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Bali is predominantly Hindu and there are other religions in Indonesia where there are more Christians than Muslims despite the majority of the population following Islamic principles.

The Islamic month of Ramadan or fasting is observed with fervor followed by a grand celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. There are also Javanese rituals such as Selamatan which is considered the Indonesia version of a Thanksgiving Ceremony.

Local Traditions
Indonesia has been blessed with a very diverse geographic terrain ranging from mountains to rivers. There are tales of gods, spirits, and royals associated with various national landmarks and geological occurrences that are passed on from generation to generation. Natural wonders, temples and other places of importance all have stories associated with them making Indonesia a land of many legends.

Festivals and Celebrations
Due to the diversity in religion and cultures, there's no shortage of celebrations to experience in Indonesia. From weddings to harvests to food, there are communal festivals bringing everyone together to highlight history and culture. Indonesia's passion for performing arts, music, and dance makes these festivals vibrant and eclectic, and in turn, preserve the culture despite the advancements in the country.

Theater, Music, and Art
The puppet theaters are a prominent part of the Javanese and Balinese cultures. Poetic and comedy-based plots are used to narrate tales about local legends and famous literary works. Dance-dramas are another popular art form with styles including western classical ballet and modern dance added to traditional styles of choreography. Metallic percussion ensembles known as Gamelans provide the background music using many different instruments to add to the intensity of the performance.

Cuisine
Indonesian cuisine is ranked amongst the best ones in the world due to their unique spins on the noodle, rice and soup-based dishes. The food here has elements derived from Hindu, Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Middle Eastern influences making it an intricate and irresistible treat in Southeast Asia.

Whether you chose to dine at a roadside restaurant or go for a five-star adventure, the culinary delights are healthy and appetizing with distinct flavors of lemongrass, lime leaves, shallots, and more.

Must-Try Delicacies
"Nasi Goreng" is the star of Indonesia cuisine- Nasi means rice and Goreng means fried. Ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, shallots, and spices are added to complement the rice and then served with sweet soy sauce seasoning for a zesty flavor. "Nasi Campur" is the national dish, rice mixed with a variety of favorite dishes such as chicken or grilled chicken.

A trip to Indonesia is incomplete without trying "Chicken satay". Pieces of chicken are barbequed on a stick, a budget-friendly snack that is easy to find at roadside stalls and vendors. Don't forget to try "Gado Gado"- an Indonesian salad great consisting of vegetables and spicy peanut sauce served alongside a boiled egg and crispy tofu.

Must-Try Drinks
Start your trip with a glass of Bajigur. A perfect mix of palm sugar, coconut milk, ginger and vanilla, this warm beverage on a cool day is a match made in heaven. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, order a "Bir Pletok" at a local cafe. The ginger, lemongrass, cardamom, cinnamon, and sweetener have flavors and scents that will delight all of your senses.

If you're visiting Central Java, a sip of Sekoteng is a must. A small bowl filled with sweet mung beans, peanuts, and bread chunks, the ingredients are covered with sweet hot ginger water for the ultimate dose of refreshment. "Wedang Jahe" or ginger drink is also popular in Indonesia, especially served at spas due to its calming nutritional properties.

Indonesia is abundant with nature's bounty from wonderful beaches in Bali. It is a top tourist spot, to Nusa Dua's lush tropical forests, and gorgeous mountains in the East Java province.

There are fantastic diving sites with the most famous ones being Bunaken, Raja Ampat, and Wakatobi.

Bali is one of the most photographed destinations in the world with its magical views, pristine beaches, temples, and unforgettable resorts.

Bali temperatures are perfect to visit in April to October; Bali's weather has low humidity and rain, and ample sunny days.

The waves at Nusa Lembongan, south of Lombok, or Sumbawa are known to be a favorite amongst avid surfers.

Take a memorable picture at the Gili T Sunset Swing or the famous Tanah Lot Temple.

Indonesian cuisine has delicious gems such as nasi padang, nasi timbel, nasi uduk, and bakmi to help broaden your culinary horizons.

Visit Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, in Java with over 500 Buddha statues.

Relax at the distinct black sand beaches of Amed in Bali.

The spa treatments and experiences drive Bali's tourism popularity.

The tea plantations and paddy fields in Indonesia are must-see sites.

Sip on some refreshing Sosro, or Teh Botol, or bottled tea for a taste of delicious sweetened jasmine tea.

The mix of many migrant cultures makes it a hub for many interesting traditions, festivals, and religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.

Batik, a traditional fabric of Indonesia, is a great gift with many symbolic meanings behind it.

South-east Asia's biggest national park is located on the island of Papua.

Indonesia is generally a great location to visit at any time of the year. However, January and February are the wettest months making exploring difficult. Despite the temperatures staying high and the rain being experienced in short bursts, Indonesia's weather is best between May and October apart from the holiday seasons of Christmas and New Year.

October to April (Winter Season)
With temperatures averaging around 30 degrees, this is a more affordable season to visit Indonesia due to the frequent rain showers and low volume of tourists.

March to May (Spring Season)
May is one of the best months to visit Indonesia due to the dryer weather. The natural scenery is in full bloom, and the beauty of the rice paddies and tropical forests is at its prime. The start of April, or ending of March, is typically the time of the Nyepi or Balinese New Year which adds to a festive spirit.

The best recommended time to plan your holiday in Bali based on the weather is between April to October. May is the peak surfing season with the coasts of Uluwatu, Seminyak and Canggu buzzing with avid surfers.

June to August (Summer Season)
July and mid-August are very busy Indonesian and Bali tourism seasons. Thus, June is a good time to plan your holiday in Indonesia. The warm weather makes walking around and discovering local landmarks easier, and there are also many local festivals to look forward to.

September to November (Fall Season)
September is dry and warm, and great weather to visit Indonesia. It gets progressively rainier towards November when frequent showers start picking up momentum.

Visit Indonesia with Family
Visit the Bali Safari Marine Park to see animals from Africa and Asia. Get up close with wildlife at Ubud Monkey Forest. Explore stunning rice terraces such as Tegallalang and Jataluwih. Take an art class to learn the art of Batik designs and patterns. Visit the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta with its capacity of 120,000 worshippers.

Visit Indonesia as a Couple
Relax on the scenic Nusa Dua Beach with white sands and crystal blue water. Catch a romantic sunset at Uluwatu Temple. Walk around Canggu and try its diverse range of cafes and restaurants. Take a day trip to Lake Toba- the deepest volcanic crater lake on earth. Experience the rare pink beach of Komodo. Explore the historic town of Kota Tua in Jakarta.

Visit Indonesia with Friends
Try your luck at surfing at the Kuta Beach in Bali. Go island hopping to experience new cultures and landscapes. Embark on an Indonesian food spree to try local specialties. Take a bike ride in the scenic Ubud countryside. Go shopping or try new bars in Jakarta.

Visit Indonesia with Kids
Take a walk through the rainforest canopy in Kalimantan. Witness an exciting Kecak dance performance. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the beach. Seek out a real-life dragon- the famous Komodo dragon.

What to Buy?

Local Monggo chocolate

Batik textiles and art

Gamelan instruments

Celuk jewelry from Bali

Caping Gunung (Traditional Hat from Java)

Incense

Pottery

Wayang puppets

Wood carvings

See the Largest Buddhist Sanctuary
Borobudur Temple is not only a religious landmark, but also a charming piece of history from the 8th century. Filled with gorgeous stone carvings, this is the world's biggest Buddhist monument that was restored with UNESCO's help in the 1970s.
Location: Island of Java
Best Time to Visit: 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Entry Price: Starts at $25

Discover the Beauty of Ubud
There are many things to do in Ubud, Bali's art and cultural capital. A top Bali tourism hotspot, it's scenic Tegalalang Rice Terraces and lush green forests are an unforgettable wonder to witness. The natural beauty here makes it a relaxing retreat, and its food and music festivals are famous worldwide.
Location: Ubud, Bali

Visit Indonesia's Largest Lake
Lake Toba is not only mammoth in terms of size, but it's larger than life beauty gives visitors breathtaking views filled with hills and greenery. The nearby villages provide insights into the Batak culture, and the island of Samosir nearby makes a great day trip destination.
Location: Sumatra
Entry Prices: $ 0.50

Feel Tropical Bliss at Bali's Beaches
Relaxing Bali offers awesome weather, surreal natural beauty and romantic views away from the hectic city life. Bali, Indonesia's favorite tourist spot, is an ideal start to your holiday with its gorgeous beaches. Whether you head to Seminyak or Nusa Dua Beach, the warm sands and blue skies guarantee a great vacation.
Average Price: Beach entry is mostly Free

Embark on an Island-Hopping Tour
Bali is a popular tourist spot for its warm waters and fun-filled nightlife. Vacation in style and go off the beaten road with a fabulous island-hopping tour. From the Gili Islands Bali to the beautiful volcanoes of Java, there are tons to see such as the brilliant landscapes of Lombok and Nusa Penida.
Entry Price: Varies based on the tour operator

Capture a moment at the "Gates of Heaven"
The 'Gates of Heaven' is the most insta-worthy spot to capture your zen surrounded by calm waters and open skies. A highlight of Indonesia tourism, it is located in a temple counted amongst the six holiest places of worship in Bali.
Location: Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali
Best Time to Visit: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Entry Price: Approximately $3

Spend a Day at the "Maldives of Bali"
Nusa Islands are a string of three islands off the coast of Bali with their own distinct specialties. Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan are great spots for scuba diving experiences, and the translucent water makes this destination excellent for caving and hiking.

Find Treasures at the Night Markets in Bali
Bali's night markets have gathered a lot of fame for their exceptional variety of superb cuisine, alongside clothes, art, and cultural performances. Offering a street bazaar-like ambiance, the Pasar Senggol night market in Nusa Dua is particularly loved by locals and tourists, followed by the Sanur night market.
Location: Bali
Best Time to Visit: Usually from 5 p.m. till midnight
Price: Starts at USD 1.5 for 10 satay sticks

Experience the Frenzy of Jakarta
Home to over 9 million people, Jakarta is a megapolitan with skyscrapers and busy city streets. The capital is a great escape because of its fantastic shopping scene, a great transportation infrastructure, and museums packed with insightful history.

Discover New Shades of Green at Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
Bali's must-see tourist spots include Jatiluwih Rice Terrace. This place is a stunning visual to witness filled with vibrant green rice terraces, fresh air, and immaculately shaped vast fields. Visit during July or August for favorable Bali weather. Selected by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage icon, you'll love the panoramic views surrounding the terraces.
Location: 48 km from Denpasar, Bali
Average Price: Depends on the tour operator

Nyepi
Kick-off the new year with Nyepi, the start of the Balinese calendar. Marked with a day of fasting and meditation, this is a Hindu festival mostly held on the island of Bali. The eve of this Nyepi is celebrated extensively with large papier-mache sculptures called Ogoh-Ogoh marched in the streets and on the beach accompanied by music.
Location: Bali
Date: 25 - 26 March 2020

Jember Fashion Carnival
A powerful reflection of the east Javas contemporary culture, this annual festival follows Brazilian style celebrations with dancers dressed in elaborate costumes. The clothes are inspired by traditional Indonesian designs, and the objective is to promote fashion and entertainment to the audience.
Location: East Java
Date: 6 - 9 August 2020

Sekaten
A day marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), this Islamic event is a Javanese traditional ceremony with a week-long celebration. There are festivals and night markets organized to promote Islamic faith amongst both believers and followers of other religions.
Location: Central Java
Date: 21 - 29 October 2020 Waisak Day
An important part of the Buddhist community the Waisak festival is held to acknowledge the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Held between May and June, Buddhist monks and pilgrims gather at the Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Indonesia to meditate and chant mantras.
Location: Central Java
Date: 7 May 2020

Galungan
A famous Hindu celebration, Galungan is a Balinese holiday that signifies the victory of good over evil. It is believed that ancestral spirits of deceased relatives visit earth, and prayers are offered to represent hospitality. There's plenty of Balinese food eaten and locals dress up in traditional attire to visit temples.
Location: Bali
Date: 19 - 29 February 2020

Independence Day
The Independence Day celebrations of Indonesia are held on the 17th of August annually to show patriotism and pride. There are flag ceremonies held across the county, and parades are organized in public spaces to offer tribute to war heroes and martyrs of the land.
Location: Indonesia
Date: 17 August 2020

Ubud Food Festival
An exciting culinary journey, save some space in your belly to experience the delicacies and tastes of food cooked by master chefs and local experts. A high Bali tourism period, witness live demonstrations, workshops and food tours. Tourists love the food journey they get to take in Ubud surrounded with lovely textures and flavors.

Location: Ubud, Bali
Date: 17 April 2020

Ubud Village Jazz Festival
Get your Indonesia visa and head over to Ubud for the soulful Ubud Village Jazz Festival. This family-friendly live event is perfect to appreciate this genre with plenty of local and international artists in attendance. Other attractions include workshops to learn a few skills yourself and ample food to keep hunger at bay.

Location: Ubud
Date: 14 - 15 August 2020

Eid-Ul-Fitr
Home to the world's largest Muslim population, it is no surprise that the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations in Indonesia are grand. There's a spirit of victory and happiness after the month of fasting, and mosques and local buildings are decorated generously with lights to celebrate this special occasion.

Location: Indonesia
Date: 23 - 24 May 2020

Nusa Dua Fiesta
A distinct Indonesian celebration, this five-day fiesta is a grand ceremony with floats, music, and art to represent the culture. From fire dances, art exhibits, cultural performances to body painting- expect all things Balinese and plenty of Nusa Dua hospitality for an enchanting experience.

Location: Nusa Dua
Date: 12 -17 September 2020

Before applying for Indonesia Visa, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your anticipated date of arrival.

The citizens of the following 169 countries can avail Free visa stamp for Indonesia (30 days validity, and is not extendable / only for tourism):
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Commonwealth of Dominica, Comoros, Costa Rica, CÃ´te D'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau SAR, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Island, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The citizens of the following countries can avail visa-on-arrival (costs IDR 500,000 with a validity for 30 days. It can be extended once for 30 days, thus, is ideal for staying between 30 to 60 days for tourism purposes):
Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Egypt, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, P.R China, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Timor Leste, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.

Other visa types are:

Social, Tourist, or Cultural Visa (B-211) (can stay up to 60 days, can be extended three times for 30 days each, issued by consulate or embassy outside Indonesia)

Multiple Entry Visa (stay up to 60 days per visit, valid for 1 year, issued by consulate or embassy outside Indonesia)

Via Metro/Trains
The training infrastructure in Java is a more reliable way to get around the region versus the buses. Self-service ticket machines can be found at the major convenience stores, or the railways' official website is also great to purchase your tickets. It is recommended to get to the train station an hour prior to departure time to secure your tickets after exchanging the booking receipts.

The recently started Jakarta's first MRT service covers 13 stations in its initial Phase I with new stations being added to expand the route.

Via Bus
Using buses to get around is cheap in major cities like Jakarta, yet a slow way of exploring Indonesia. Tickets can be bought a day or more in advance from the bus operators' offices. The more developed cities have color-coded or numbered minibuses known as angkots with mostly fixed routes, however, they can be extremely congested.

Tourist shuttle buses, though comparatively pricier, are more comfortable and have additional conveniences such as air-conditioning that make them a preferred choice amongst visitors.

When in Bali, the bus options can be limited, but new services such as the Kura-Kura Bus Shuttle takes passengers to Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. The Perama Shuttle is also famous for its bus and ferry services spread all across the island.

Via Taxis
Metered taxis are available around the busier cities. Always ensure that these are metered (a meter is called 'Argo' here) which is in use. In tourist areas such as southern Bali, Bluebird Taxis are recommended because they have smartphone apps to make booking very easy.

Also, keep an eye out for Ojeks (or ojegs); motorcycle riders who take pillion passengers at a fraction of the price of a taxi.

Via Rent A Car
Car rental agencies are easy to spot especially in high tourism areas such as Bali. An international driving license will be required, and car rental costs can average about $30 per day. Driving for inexperienced drivers in Indonesia is not recommended; the heavy traffic and aggressive driving can be stressful to handle.

Via Plane
Indonesia's top three international airports provide quick connectivity to the other islands. These are Soekarno Hatta Airport in Jakarta, Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, East Java, and Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. Visa on arrival to Indonesia (for qualifying nationalities) is available not only at these airports, but several others such as the airports at Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Makassar.

Via Ferry
Long-distance ferries are used to travel from one island to another; the government runs a shipping line Pelni with a vast network of routes. Cabin classes are more comfortable than the economy class due to the more generous seating space and food options. Bali has many other operators offering services such as the Bali Ferry to offer ferry rides to destinations such as the Gili Islands, Labuanbajo, and beyond.

Via Air Route
The major international airports in Indonesia are Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) at Tangerang on the outskirts of Jakarta, Ngurah Rai (DPS) at Denpasar, Bali, and Juanda (SUB) in Surabaya, Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar, and Kuala Namu in Medan. The more recently opened West Java International Airport in Majalengka is also servicing international flight routes.

The flag carrier of Indonesia is Garuda Indonesia, while many other famous airlines such as AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, Lufthansa, and Qantas also have routes to connect Indonesia with the rest of the globe.

Via Rail Route
There is no rail route available.

Via Road Route
There is no land route available.

Via Water Route
Ferries from the neighboring countries of Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines are options to reach Indonesia. The ports of Sumatra and Riau Islands Province are well connected to ports in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. There are cruise ships that have stops at the 5 ports of Tanjung Priok (North Jakarta), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Belawan (near Medan), Makassar, and Tanjung Benoa (Bali).

Travel Tips

Download offline maps on your cell phone to avoid getting lost.

The metered Blue Bird taxis are the safest and more reliable to get around.

A local SIM card with 7 GB of data will only cost $11.

Learn basic words and phrases to communicate with locals (For e.g: Hello is "Halo", Yes is "Ya", No is "Tidak")

Always respect the local customs and religious beliefs of the region you're traveling to.

Enjoy the fresh local produce for an authentic Indonesian experience.

Never engage in any illegal activities.

Safety Tips

Avoid interactions with monks seeking donations; decline their request politely.

Avoid any suspicious currency exchange services.

Stay vigilant about your surroundings.

Do not carry more money than what is needed.

Keep emergency contact information stored on your phone.

Health Tips

Only drink bottled water.

Practice food safety; choose a place that is busy to ensure the cuisine you're served is fresh.

Carry a hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent, and sun protection spray or lotion.

What to pack?

Comfortable loose fitting and modest summer clothing (kaftans, long summer dresses, sarong, shirts, and lightweight trousers)

Shoes - running shoes, flat sandals, beach flip flops

Beach bag

Raincoat or umbrella

Travel adaptors for electronics (Local voltage is 230 volts)

Hygiene and toiletry items

First-Aid kit

Lightweight scarf

Swimsuit and cover-up (if you plan on going to the beach or scuba diving)

Sunscreen and hat

Camera with cover

Flashlight in case of a power outage

Sunglasses

Travel documents and tickets

Travel insurance

Passport and visa

Any snacks in case of allergies

Dress Code and Etiquette

Public displays of affection are prohibited.

Only shake hands with an Indonesian woman if she extends her greeting first.

Show respect to the Islamic culture.

Avoid extended eye contact.

Remove shoes before entering a holy site or mosque.

Do not touch anyone on the top of their head, especially children.

Use your right hand to eat, or pass things to people.

Pointing at places or things with your index finger is considered impolite.

Brunei
This small but mighty Sultanate is a beautiful addition to the holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. Located next to Malaysian Borne, there are floating villages, delightfully clean streets, elaborately designed mosques, and plenty of nature- 80% of Brunei is virgin rainforest.

Malaysia
Head over to Malaysia with its gems such as Langkawi with deep blue waters, exhilarating sea breeze, and enticing Pan-Asian cuisine. The natural landscapes, dreamy beaches, and attractions, including mangroves make it a must-see tourist destination.

Thailand
Master "wai"- the traditional Thai greeting because the locals here are some of the friendliest you'll encounter. Get ready to relax on warm beaches, party the night away, find zen at Buddhist Temples and discover luxury without having to splurge.

Distance Between Places of Importance in and around Indonesia:

From Indonesia to Singapore: 886 km

From Indonesia to Malaysia: 1170 km

From Indonesia to Brunei: 1525 km

From Indonesia to Cambodia: 1973 km

From Indonesia to Thailand: 2309 km

From Indonesia to the United Arab Emirates is: 6,596 km

There are 225 million Muslims in Indonesia making it the largest Muslim population in the world.

Over half of the country (an area exceeding 98 million hectares) is covered with forests.

There are 7,504 islands in Indonesia, out of which almost 6000 are uninhabited.

Sambal, a type of chili paste, is a staple in daily cuisine.

Indonesia has over 300 distinct ethnic groups with the most prominent ones being Javanese, Sundanese, Malay, and Madurese.

There are over 700 languages spoken in Indonesia.

It is home to the famous Komodo- the largest lizard in the world.

A whopping 80% of Bali's economy relies on tourism, in turn also driving Indonesia tourism.

There are 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites here, including the largest Buddhist temple on earth.

Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil.

Bali, the famous tourist destination, is one of Indonesia's islands that is often confused as an independent country.

Indonesia has the second-longest coastline in the world (over 54,000km) after Canada.

The country's small Hindu population lives mainly on the island of Bali.

Indonesian children living in Bali are traditionally given at least four names.

VISIT INDONESIA - DISCOVER THE WEALTH OF NATURE, SERENITY, & CULTURE

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