TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The telecommunication services are provided by Telcom, a government monopoly. The country code to Indonesia is 62. Long distance phone calls within Indonesia are by direct dialing. International Direct Dialing (IDD) is available in provincial cities and bigger cities throughout the country. In hotels with IDD access you can make international calls directly from your room. For international
connection you have to dial 001 or 008 or 017 then country code, area code and the phone number. Outside hotels, public telephones are at Wartel ( warung telekomunikasi ) offices, which sell telephone cards, often offer the most economical prices for international calls and faxes.

Mail

Mails can be sent from hotels or in town at ‘ postal service’. Mail is automatically sent via airmail for overseas.

Fax

Faxes may be sent through the hotel reception or business centre or Wartel.

ELECTRICITY

Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and round two-pronged plugs. However, it is not uncommon to find some using 110 volts, particularly in remote areas. Check before using an appliance. Some hotels supply adaptors on request.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Indonesia uses the metric system.

OFFICE HOURS

Government offices are generally open from Monday to Thursday, 08 am - 03 pm, and close at 11.30 am on Friday. Businesses offices are open from Monday to Friday, 8 or 9 am until 4 or 5 pm. A few
companies work on Saturday mornings as well. Banks are open from 8 am to 3 pm on weekdays, and sometimes on Saturday mornings. Moneychangers open longer hours till the evening and shopping complexes open from 10 am until 10 pm

HEALTH

Yellow fever vaccinations are required if arriving within six days of leaving or passing through an infected area. Check with your physician regarding vaccinations for other ailments like typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A and B. Diarrhoea may be a problem. At the first signs of stomach discomfort, try hot tea and a little patience, avoiding fruits and spicy foods. Stomach upsets are often a reaction to a change in food and environment. A fever accompanying cramps and diarrhoea may require doctor-prescribed antibiotics. Drink as much liquid as possible.

Probably more stomach upsets are due to dehydration that anything else, as most people simply don’t drink enough water. Drink more than you think you need, particularly if taking part in outdoor
activities. Take precautions against the sun and the heat. Wear a hat as protection. Tanning oils and creams are expensive in Indonesia and difficult to find outside big cities. Bring them from home.

Malaria is carried by night-biting mosquitoes. Before consulting a physician, first determine if you will be travelling in a malaria-infected area ( not all of Indonesia is ). Upon arrival, minimise contact
with mosquitoes with repellent; and as mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants at those times. Sleep under mosquito nets in infected areas. All bites,
cuts and abrasions can easily become infected in the tropics, treat them immediately.

Dengue fever, carried by daytime mosquitoes, is far more prevalent in Indonesia than malaria is. There is no prophylactic, take the precautions described above if travelling in an infected area. All water must be made safe before consumption. Bottled purified water is readily available in even the smallest villages, but if caught in a bind, bringing water to a rolling boil for 20 minutes is an effective method of sterilisation. Iodine and chlorine may also be used to make water potable. All fruit should be peeled before eaten, avoid raw vegetables.

Medicine

Take adequate supplies of any regular medication. Standard drugs can usually be purchased in hotel shops or pharmacies.

Sunbathing

The sun in Indonesia is extremely intensive especially during cloudy and windy conditions. Do not forget your sun cream.

Drinking Water and Ice

Drinking water and ice has been made from prevailed water. Tap water is fine for brushing your teeth.

WHAT TO BRING

Travel as lightly as possible, as there are many good buys to be found in Indonesia and never enough luggage space for them. Essentials are insect repellents, sunscreen, prescription medicines and perhaps an extra set of spectacles. Always hand-carry medicines, as checked-in luggage can get delayed pr lost. Make sure all luggage is locked.

WHAT TO WEAR

Indonesians are concerned with how they present themselves, and are particularly mindful of modesty. As most Indonesians are Muslim, it is polite for women to keep their knees, midriffs and armpits
covered. Singlets, halter tops, shorts and miniskirts are frowned upon, as are swimsuits anywhere else other than on the beach or at the pool. Revealing attire is acceptable on the premises of resort
- but should not be worn into town, temples, mosques or when attending ceremonial occasions.

As it is humid, bring all-cotton clothing or the synthetic quick-dry. Sandals or footwear than can be slipped off easily are a good idea, especially if planning to visit mosques or homes, as shoes as always
removed before entering. Hiking boots may be required for trekking.

Suits and party dresses are rarely worn. For formal occasions, men wear batik shirts and tailored pants; women, modest dresses, or ethnic outfits. A light jacket or sweater is welcome in mountain areas.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Most Indonesians love to be photographed, especially if they have children, but it’s nice to ask before shooting. It is seen as bad manners to take snap shots when people bathing, or within the home without permission. It is not polite to photograph people praying.

Regular print film is available in larger towns, though developing them can be problematic. Slide films and fancy camera batteries are not easily available.

LOCAL COSTUMS

Indonesians are trained to cope with stressful, interpersonal situation differently than Westerners. They tend to be non-assertive and continue to smile and maintain a calm appearance as they withdraw from a quarrel. When they avoid your gaze, it doesn’t mean that they are afraid of you. Under most circumstances, eye contact is avoided, particularly if it’s prolonged.

Aggressive gestures and postures such as crossing your arms over your chest or standing with your hands on your hips while talking, particularly with the people, are regarded as insulting.

Never touch anyone’s head. Indonesians regard the head as the seat of the soul, and it therefore is sacred.

When invite to eat or drink, watch your Indonesia host. A quest may not start if not invited to do so by the host. The left hand is considered unclean, so never use it to eat. Do not ask for salt, pepper or soy sauce; this request would be considered an insult to the cook.

Many traditional Indonesian families do not talking during meals, conversation starts only after meal. Cover your mouth when using toothpick.

Unannounced visit early in the evening are an Indonesian tradition. It is considered a compliment if you are kept waiting by the host. He is usually changing his clothes before receiving you.

Never stand taller than a Buddha, and definitely never climb on a Buddha.

Never show the bottom of your feet or point your foot when it is off the grounding the direction of another person.

Visitor to a temple in Bali should dress properly for a festival in a long hip-cloth, sash and sleeved shirt, with men adding a folded head-cloth and short overskirt. If visiting a temple on non-festival
days, sleeved shirts and long trousers or skirts are sufficient, but a sash is required. Don’t climb on any structure, even a wall, to take photographs and avoid using a flesh as it distracts the
worshippers. Menstruating women and anyone with on open wound are forbidden to enter temples because of a taboo associated with blood.

SHOPPING

Indonesian batiks are well known. Gold and silverware are attractive and reasonably priced. Woodcarvings and handicrafts make attractive gifts. Indonesia is famous for good buys in clothing, leather products, electronics, etc.

TRANSPORTATION

AIR TRANPORT

Indonesia’s three main gateways are Suekarno-Hatta airport in Jakarta (Java); Polonia Airport in Medan, Sumatra; and Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar, Bali. Other airports will eventually serve as international gateways, but most are unable to accommodate large jets.

Garuda Indonesia is the national carrier, covering both international and domestic routes. Visitors should consider flying from Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur as it is a major hubs in the region with a number of flights to various Indonesian destinations.

Departing Indonesia

If required by your carrier ( not all do ) reconfirm international airline reservations at least 24 hours prior to departure. Arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to departure. International departure tax is about US$ 12, payable only in Rupiah.

TRAIN

Train service is only available in Java and parts of Sumatra. Although there is nothing as luxurious as the Orient Exprees, the service on express trains is efficient and comfortable. However, it should
be kept in mind that the most comfortable service runs at night, and, consequently, is not much use for sightseeing.

BUS

Bus is the most common mode of mass transportation in Indonesia, both on a local or express basis. The local buses are a sight to behold-filled to overflowing with people, and parcels heaped and tied on top. If time and comfort are a priority, the tourist will want to opt for the express buses.

Excellent air-conditioned express buses travel across Java, connecting all the major cities. These buses are often equipped with video and television. They generally leave an area in the late afternoon,
arriving at the destination early morning; thus the trip affordable and quick, but will not prove of any benefit to the tourist wishing to view Indonesia’s landscape.

SHIP AND CRUISE LINES

Indonesia, with its far reaching archipelago, depends extensively on ship transport. The state owned shipping company, PELNI, offers a viable alternative to the tourist who can travel at more leisurely
pace. PELNI covers all of Indonesia, from Banda Aceh in northern Sumatra to Sorong in Irian Jaya.

Car Rental

For cars and motor bikes and international driver’s license is compulsory.

Shuttle Bus

Many hotels offer you shuttle bus service. You may enquiry with the hotel Bell Captain or at reception.

Taxis and Transport

There are many taxis with meters. Privately owned vehicles are also available but you must bargain for the price. Local taxis companies provide modern, late model vehicles and they are normally cheaper than the privately owned transport.

DINING AND DRINKING

Indonesian food is heavily based on rice, supplemented by vegetables, a little bit of fish and once in a while, meat and eggs. Indonesian cuisine is known for its combination of contrasting flavors and
textures, its influences having originated in all corners of the world. Each culinary art of foreign origin can be distinguished in Indonesian cooking, yet each is blended creatively with the islands’
own cooking secrets. Each province or area has its own cuisine, which varies in the method of cooking and the ingredients used.

The Javanese cuisine is probably the most palatable to the general taste and usually consist of vegetables, soybeans, beef and chicken. The Sumatrans generally eat more beef compared to other regions.
West Sumatra is known for its Padang specialty Restaurants found nationwide. Aside from their hot and spicy food, these restaurants are known for their unique style of service. Further the east, seafood
is feature in the daily diet, either grilled or made into curries. In Bali, Irian Jaya and the highlands of the North Sumatra and North Sulawesi, pork dishes are specialties. As the population of Indonesia
is predominantly Moeslem, pork is usually not served except in Chinese restaurants, non-Moeslem regions and places serving international cuisine.

The most popular dishes in Indonesia are: gado-gado, salad with peanut sauce; nasi goring, fried rice; bakmi goring, fried noodles; and sate, skewered grilled meat.

There are a wide variety of tropical and subtropical vegetables all year round. Some fruits such as mangoes and watermelons are sensational, but of the other fruits are available throughout the year.

Although Indonesia is a moeslem country, alcoholic beverages are widely available. The two most popular beers, both light lagers, are the locally brewed Anker and Bintang Brands, Imported liquors,
like whiskey and gin, are usually sold only in the more expensive restaurants and hotels. Brem or rice wine, Arak, rice Whiskey and Tuak, palm wine are locally produced and readily available.

Drinking unbilled water in Indonesia is considered unsafe because of poor sewage disposal and improperly treated water supplies. Contaminated water is known for transmitting diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever. Avoid ice cube unless they have been made from boiled water. The freezing of water does not kill the organisms, nor does the alcohol in a drink. Western bottled and canned drinks are widely available and comparatively cheap in Indonesia.

IMMIGRATION

The Visa Free facility

Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa Free visit permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge:

General Visa Free requirements:

Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia, with at least one empty page
Onward or return ticket
Visitors must enter and exit through one of international gateway

The Visa on Arrival facility

Those holding valid passports from the following countries can obtain a 7-day or 30-day Visa on Arrival upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway:

General Visa on Arrival requirements:

• Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia, with at least one empty page
• Payment of the visa fee
• 7 days visa US$ 10.00
• 30 days visa US$ 25.00
• Onward or return tickets
• Visitors must enter and exit through one of international gateway

Tourist Visa

Citizens of countries not stated above are required to apply for a visa at the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate in their country of residence. In Indonesia there are 19 airports and 23 seaports issuing Visa on Arrival:

Airports:

Seaports:

Note: We suggest you to contact your nearest Indonesian Embassy to reconfirm your visa facilities

Customs

On entry to Indonesia, each adult is allowed to bring in tax-free a maximum of one litre of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco.

Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out of the country on departure. They must be declared to Customs. Prohibited are firearms, narcotics, pornography, Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers and cordless telephones. Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser disks must be screened by the Censor Board.

There is no restriction on the movement of foreign currencies or travellers checks in and out of the country. However, the import and export of Indonesian hard currency exceeding Rp. 5 million is prohibited.

Exit: Exit permit is required for person staying over six months. Airport departure tax levied for international flight is about US$ 12.00 and for domestic flight, about US$ 4.00