Travel Guide

In a country with such diversity, it is important to learn some details before you visit: what language is commonly spoken; what visas can you avail; what are communications like on the islands. Here the most important Indonesia travel tips compiled by our destination experts.

Visa and entry

Visitors traveling to Indonesia from Australia, UK and the USA do not require a visa for a stay of under 30 days. This visa-free entry is only possible at designated air and seaports only such as Jakarta and Yogyakarta in Java, Denpasar in Bali, and Lombok. If you are planning to enter through airports that don’t offer the visa-free facility, you will receive a ‘visa-on-arrival’ at the time of your entry.

Visitors can extend a visa-on-arrival once after 30 days of entry. For this, you will be required to produce an onward/return ticket at any of the ports of entry, and the visa fee in cash. If you are planning to stay for longer, you will need to apply for a visa in advance at the appropriate embassy in your country of residence. Please note that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your departure

Health information

Generally no vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are traveling from an area where the disease is present. It is best to be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio. Malaria and dengue fever are present in some parts of Indonesia so we advise you to take necessary precautions if you are venturing off the typical tourist trail. Please consult your doctor about vaccinations and up-to-date precautionary medicines before you travel. Medical or healthcare facilities in Indonesia generally do not match up to international standards yet. However, every major city has hospitals that are able to administer basic healthcare adequately. You will find few pharmacies in smaller cities with a limited supply of medicines. We recommend that you carry some basic medication and supplies for your tour. Don’t forget to purchase insurance before your trip!

Language and communication

Language

Indonesia has a standardised dialect of the Malay language, known as Bahasa Indonesian, which was declared as the official language of Indonesia during the nation’s independence in 1945. However, due to the numerous islands, most people tend to speak the regional dialects of their island or community, such as Javanese (from Java), Balinese (from Bali) and Minangkabau (from western Sumatra).

Did you know? In the nation’s official language of Bahasa Indonesia, there are 12 ways of saying No, and several ways of saying Yes (when the actual meaning is no)!

Communication

The country code for Indonesia is +62.

Most hotels have IDD phones that you can use. For a less expensive option, head to any one of the many internet cafes that not only offer cheaper phone rates but also sell prepaid international calling cards. If you wish to purchase a phone or local number traveling in Indonesia please contact our OKEIndonesia Trip Coordinator or local guide for the best options.

Shopping in Indonesia

Indonesia is known for its distinctive handicrafts and local products. Best buys include batik textiles, silverwork, wood carvings, puppets, handmade kites, paintings and ceramics. Bali offers the great choice when it comes to shopping for locally produced handicrafts. Larger cities such as Jakarta, also sell a wide range of products at competitive prices. Except for fixed price stores, some amount of good humored bargaining is expected – it’s not unusual to start at a price of about 60% lower the ask and then work your way up!

Currency, cash and cards

The official currency of Indonesia is the Rupiah (RP).

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and towns. You will easily find ATM machines in larger towns and tourist destinations. Banks open from 0800 to 1500 hrs on weekdays and closed on Saturdays. You can also change money at exchange counters that are open until early evening. When taking US dollars in cash, make sure the bills are

new and crisp as banks and money exchanges in Indonesia can be selective about which bills they accept. It is hard to break larger bills so make sure that you carry some change.

Religion in Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest nation with people following the Islamic faith in the world, with 88% of the population being Muslim. In addition, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity are all practised and prevalent within Indonesia.

Generally, all the religions get on and follow the mottos of ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged’ and ‘Do unto others as you would do to yourself’. There are also still many ethnic peoples who practice their indigenous customs, wear traditional dress, and often believe in animism. Animists believe that the gods inhabit the mountains, especially Bali’s tallest mountain, the stratovolcano Mount Agung.

Due to the diversity, you can see religions that have been fused with different influences, and you can witness this during the many colorful religious festivals, which play a major part in the culture of Indonesia.

Art in Indonesia

Indonesia has always had a history of arts, with influence from as far back as the stone age. You can see some of the best examples in the many temples of its islands, and its architecture,including traditional timber structures that are built on stilts. You can find a presence of animist traditions and tribal art in most of the nation’s crafts, as well as styles with strong Hindu and Buddhist roots.

In Java, you can experience many types of craft – from canvas art to wood carving, handmade, intricate silverwork, clay and stone sculpture. The island also is a major center for batik, ikat and songket cloth, all of which originate from Indonesia.

In Sumatra, you can witness excellent examples of Islamic art and architecture. In Bali and Java, you can see the wayang kulit, the shadow puppets, made of buffalo hide and then painted.

Music in Indonesia

The music of Indonesia is also varied and it is well worth taking time out to enjoy a performance or two during your tour of Indonesia. When visiting Java in 1580, Sir Frances Drake was mesmerized by the exotic music with its metallic timbre.

Gamelan, used in East Java and Bali, is a popular traditional instrument ensemble, that includes bronze percussion instruments, such as metal pots, gongs and drums. Kroncong music dates back to the 16th century when Portuguese sailors brought their native instruments to Indonesia, and is a melodic ensemble of string instruments, (including the kroncong, which is similar to a ukulele), a flute and a female vocalist. Songs tend to be melancholic and of love and natural beauty. Sasando music from West Timor is a soft style of music, which uses a lead that provides a timbre similar to a harp. Native to West Java, angklung music has become known globally due to its traditional bamboo angklung instrument, receiving UNESCO status.

In modern times, the Bollywood culture of India has also had an influence on the nation’s music.

Dance in Indonesia

Dance in Indonesia plays a major role in the culture, and many performers have usually been practicing under the guidance of an expert since childhood. The dance style is very expressive, precise, and often somewhat surprising.

There are over 3,000 Indonesian original dances, sometimes with tribal roots. Bali is the ideal location if you wish to witness cultural dances first-hand when you travel in Indonesia. The dance dramas of Bali are intertwined with Buddhist and Hindu mythology from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The Barong & Rangda’s dance of good over evil is probably the most famous of the Balinese Hindu dances, depicting demon queens and child eaters, while the Legong dance is considered the most graceful. A masked dance, known as Topeng, brings to life the Balinese language, while chronicling the island’s history or social issues in a comical way.

The Culture of Indonesia

The culture of Indonesia is varied, with its melting pot of colonial and immigrant influences as well as its indigenous traditions, from the Portuguese traders to the Dutch colonialists to Chinese, Indian and Malay settlers. Most people in Indonesia define themselves by their local culture, rather than their national culture.

This island state has been a major hub for trading since ancient times, as it is centrally located among history’s superpowers, which is why you can expect to witness all the world’s major religions living harmoniously side by side. Indonesian culture is focused around the community, with a hierarchical structure. Indonesians believe in the concept of gotong royong (mutual assistance) and mufakat (consensus), and the national motto is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in diversity). Jam Karet (rubber time) highlights the cultural attitude: that life should not be rushed – everything has its time and place.

Most Indonesian people are indirect when they communicate, so as not to offend others. The same is expected when you communicate, as even loud voices can be misconstrued as shouting, which can be a real cause of malu (shame), so it is better to highlight any issues privately and softly during your tour of Indonesia. Much of the language is communicated non-verbally, so pay attention to body language. This is an important part of the culture.

If you are given a gift, it is expected that you verbally refuse it before taking it, as a means of politeness. If you wish to give gifts to new friends you meet during your private tour of Indonesia with us, try to wrap the present in gold and red paper, and always give from the right hand.

Avoid sharp items (which can indicate that you wish to sever the friendship), alcohol (as it is often prohibited in Islam), non-Halal foodstuffs, or leather (as it is often prohibited in Hinduism). Note that gifts are never opened in front of the gift bearer.