Indonesia is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating countries in Southeast Asia. From the jungles and lakes of Sumatra, to the cultural heart of the nation, Java, through Bali, Flores, Sulawesi, West Papua, Ambon, the Banda Islands and West Papua, every step is a discovery.

Let me give you some tips to help you navigate this incredibly diverse country, Indonesia.

Cultural sensitivity

Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world. Although Islam is the state religion, there are parts of the country where other religions prevail. North Sulawesi is 90% Christian, the Balinese are predominantly Hindus, and in Malukus and Flores, Muslims and Christians live side by side, usually in peace. When visiting places of worship, be it a mosque, temple, or church, be sure to dress conservatively. Remember to remove your shoes before entering a mosque or temple. Women should wear long-sleeved blouses, skirts that fall below the knee, or long baggy pants. When it comes to clothing in general, don’t take Kuta as typical of the rest of the country. If you go to a restaurant (other than Kuta) or if you are invited to visit an Indonesian home, smart casual clothing is fine. Local people will really appreciate if you can use a few words from Bahasa Indonesia, the language that unites Indonesia and cuts through the geographic and cultural diversity in this huge archipelago.

Visa regulation

To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for at least another 6 months from your date of entry. Immigration officials are looking for passports that are less valid and are within their right to deny you entry to Indonesia.

The 7 day visa on arrival was abolished in January 2010

30 day visa on arrival

At the time of writing, the cost of a 30-day visa on arrival for Indonesia is US $ 25, to be paid in cash, with clean, unmarked banknotes that were issued after 2001. Since January From 2010, this visa can be extended once, for 30 days, while you are here in Indonesia. To be totally frank, the procedure is a hassle, and if you think you will be spending more than 30 days in Indonesia, get a 60-day tourist visa before entering Indonesia.

60 day tourist visa

You must obtain the 60-day tourist visa before entering Indonesia. The good news is that since January 2010 this visa can be extended in Indonesia. If you intend to travel to West Papua province, or are planning to extend your 60-day visa, please have 4-6 spare passport photos.

For more information on visa regulations, visit the website of your nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate.

Money

The local currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). It is always a good idea to carry some small bills (Rp 1000, 2000, 5000) when shopping at local stores (toko) or planning to eat at a warung (small local restaurant or food stand). The easiest way to handle money is to use a credit or debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs, which are everywhere except in some really secluded places. If you intend to travel or stay for a period of time off the beaten track, you will need to carry enough Indonesian cash to pay for accommodation, food and transportation. Do not rely on being able to exchange foreign currency. With the advent of ATMs, traveler’s checks have gone out of style.

Health

By far the biggest health hazard for tourists is dehydration and sunburn. Try to drink at least 2 liters of water a day. Coffee, tea, beer, juice, and other liquids don’t really count. Indonesia is in the tropics, and you will probably spend quite a bit of time outdoors, so protect yourself and wear a good quality sunscreen, along with a hat.

In Bali there is currently a problem of rabies transmitted by sick dogs. If a dog scratches or bites you, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Water: even local people drink bottled water! It’s cheap, so don’t take any chances.

Alcohol: A questionable Arak is being sold in Bali, and there have been more deaths this year from it.

Sex is fun, but be sure to use condoms if you have a (very) personal close encounter during your time in Indonesia. All types of STDs, including HIV / AIDS, are widespread, so take precautions.

Drugs

Drugs should be an absolute no-no. Don’t even think about bringing drugs to Indonesia, because you will most likely end up in jail. Don’t be tempted to get drugs while in Indonesia. If you spend some time in Kuta, Legian, or Seminyak, you will probably be offered something; please say no. It is very possible that you are dealing with a police informant, which means that you will not use your ticket back home.

Personal security

Please don’t let tabloid media reports discourage you from visiting Indonesia. For tourists, Indonesia is as safe as other countries. As things are today, unfortunately, any public place in the world could be the wrong place at the wrong time. To avoid becoming a victim of petty crime, do not display expensive consumer electronic devices, cameras, or jewelry in public. I have been visiting Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia since the mid-1970s, and have never had a problem with theft or bag snatching. Yes, it can happen, so be careful, but don’t get paranoid about it.

Don’t become a virtual traveler in your own living room, gaining second-hand experiences by watching travel shows on television; Get out there and experience the magic first hand.

Packing list

Get a pack of zip-lock bags at the nearest grocery store. They are essential if you like to snack and want to keep ants and roaches out of your room / bed / backpack. I always carry lots of them with me

Bring toilet paper and soap as they are NOT provided in budget accommodations. Instead of carrying soap and hair shampoo, I usually use shower gel which is also fine to wash your hair with.

Since digital cameras often have very specific batteries, don’t forget the charger that came with your camera.

Carry a flashlight (flash light), as power outages are not unusual. Also the trails, if they exist, are characterized by being irregular and, often, by having large holes. So if you walk after dark and you don’t want to end up breaking some bones, take one with you.

Bring a couple of sarongs, as beds often only have a fitted sheet and you may want to cover up for the night. Mosquito coils or personal bug spray and / or repellent is something you should definitely not forget. Remember to have bottled water in your room, you cannot drink the tap water. I use tap water to brush my teeth, but if you have a sensitive stomach, I suggest you use bottled water as well. before

Hopefully, the tips above will help you have a great time in Indonesia. Just one more thing: if possible, bring rechargeable batteries and a suitable charger, or a spare battery and charger for your specific camera. There is no safe way to dispose of used batteries in this country, which creates environmental and health hazards.

Come and have a look, but keep in mind that visiting Indonesia is a health hazard, it is addictive!