Welcome to Indonesia
Indonesia has enchanted nooks and crannies that will capture your heart. The more than 17,000 islands provide a variety of attractions for visitors, including exquisite culinary traditions, a lively culture, and perfect beaches. We’ll explore everything you need to understand about going to Indonesia in our in-depth guide, including the ideal time to go, details on the local currency, and if you need a visa. So let’s start our journey in this amazing country!
Document checklist for Indonesia
Visa
Health declaration
Valid passport
Sufficient funds
Return airline ticket
Essential Indonesia travel information
Currency – Indonesian rupiah (Rp). Approximately 15760.50 Rp is equal to $1.
Daily budget for one person – Allow each individual a budget of Rp 736,906 ($47).
Languages – Although Bahasa Indonesian is the official language, English is frequently used in popular tourist destinations like Bali.
Socket type – Two plug kinds, C and F, are related to Indonesia. A 230V supply voltage and 50Hz are used in Indonesia.
Time zone – Jakarta is on Western Indonesia Time (GMT+7), Jayapura is on Eastern Indonesia Time (GMT+9), and Bali is on Central Indonesia Time (GMT+8).
Top 3 cities to visit – Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and Kuta
Top 3 landmarks/monuments – Prambanan, Borobudur, and the Ubud Monkey Forest
Visa information for Indonesia
Any international visitor to the nation, whether on business or for pleasure, should use this tourist visa. Only one entry into Indonesia is permitted with this visa; additional visits are not permitted. This online-only visa may be used for two things: travel, attending conferences, seminars, and trade shows, and keeping an eye on investment endeavors.
The Indonesia Electronic Customs Declaration explained
Each visitor is required to complete a declaration for Indonesia’s customs office, on which they must specify the kind of products and money they are carrying with them. This may now be completed electronically before leaving to streamline the immigration procedure.
Typical costs and budget for Indonesia
Daily spending per person – Set aside Rp 736,906 ($47) daily.
Meals – Meals may be purchased for as little as Rp 192,873 ($12) per person daily.
Transport – The cost of local transportation per day is around Rp 94,778 ($6).
Hotel – Depending on your standards, a hotel night typically costs approximately Rp 392,080 ($24).
The top modes of transportation in Indonesia
A bus is not the most pleasant method of transportation in Indonesia, but one of the least expensive. Purchase your tickets for the trip in advance at the station. You may be guaranteed to locate bus routes that take you to the most well-known tourist attractions because they can cover short or extensive distances.
The “Angkots” are small buses with set routes. Remember to ask the driver if you are on the road to your destination while using them.
In Java, where most railways are located, trains are the most convenient and dependable mode of transportation. Along the route, you may relax while taking in the scenery of the mountains, paddy fields, and volcanoes.
The Indonesian company that runs the public railroads allows passengers to purchase train tickets up to a month in advance on its website, Kai.
Public and private ferries can be used between nearby islands, including Sumatra, Java, Lombok, Bali, the Gili islands, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Penida. Always read customer evaluations because the comfort and cost of ferries vary substantially.
Most ferry operators provide advance tickets that include luggage and may be purchased in the harbor on the day of departure.
Flying is an intelligent choice when moving between islands without a direct ferry link. However, on reputable airlines, one may obtain affordable rates. For example, flights with Air Asia or Lion Air from Jakarta to Bali cost $35.
Safety in Indonesia
Indonesia is generally a safe place to visit. Keep up with local news, though, since natural disasters might happen. Petty stealing, pickpocketing, and popular con games are examples of crime. Consider the following advice:
Don’t flaunt your priceless possessions; store little stuff in a secured bag. In densely populated areas like bus and train terminals, pickpocketing is frequent. So always keep an eye on your property.
Since Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim nation, it is crucial to respect regional traditions. Despite being a well-known beach destination, Bali is a Hindu island with its rules and customs. No matter where you travel, always show respect for the local culture.
As occasionally tourists may be conned into paying bribes to enter tourist attractions, a local guide might be helpful to view more off-the-beaten-path areas.
Cannabis and other narcotics are prohibited in Indonesia; buying or having them is even a death sentence. So even in the most popular locations, avoid looking for or purchasing drugs.
Weather in Indonesia
The rainy and dry seasons can be used to categorize the weather in Indonesia. It has year-round daytime temperatures, primarily warm and tropical, averaging 28 °C. The wet season commences in October and ends in April, and the dry season typically lasts from May to September.
Popular Cities and Towns in Indonesia
Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, is a vibrant city with a lot going on. There are excellent eateries around, as well as a thriving nightlife.
Kuta is a well-liked tourist destination in Bali that is well-known for its nightlife and party scene. Along with walking on the smooth, golden beach and surfing, you may enjoy the stunning Indian Ocean scenery.
Central Java’s Yogyakarta is renowned as one of Indonesia’s most significant cultural, intellectual, and literary hubs. It is sometimes referred to as the historical core. There are more Hindu temples here than anywhere else, including the Prambanan temple.
Must do and see in Indonesia
Prambanan: 240 Hindu temples formerly made up the Prambanan complex, a collection of Hindu temples from the ninth century in Central Java. 1930 saw the start of the current phase of the temple’s renovation. The structure is the most fabulous Shiva worship place in Indonesia and is embellished with intricate sculptures.
Ubud Monkey Forest: around 600 wild Balinese macaques live in the Ubud Monkey Forest, a natural preserve and network of 14th-century temples. A well-liked tourist attraction, the cheeky creatures here run, leap, climb, relax, and eat. Feeding is prohibited, and be sure to lock up any shiny things.
Borobudur: Between 778 and 850 AD, the Javan hilltop Borobudur Buddhist monument was erected. There are 504 Buddha statues there, making it the biggest Buddhist temple in the world.
Typical Indonesian food to try
Nasi Goreng: it is Indonesia’s version of fried rice. Kecap Manis adds a strong umami taste to the dish, and shrimp paste provides the dish’s sweet-savory qualities. Typically, a fried egg is placed on top.
Indonesian satay: These tender pork skewers are often grilled over coals and eaten with ketupat, a rice cake. It is a traditional meal from every part of the nation and a preferred street snack.
Soto: Soto ayam (chicken soto), the equivalent of chicken soup in Indonesia, is available in a wide variety of pubs, warungs, and on numerous street corners all around the nation. It is regarded as a comfort dish because the broth, beef, and veggies give it a flavorful zing.
Vaccine information for Indonesia.
Immunization against measles, polio, influenza, diphtheria, and tetanus is often advised for travelers who want to enter Indonesia. A COVID-19 vaccine passport or a vaccination certificate is required for 18 years or older visitors to enter Indonesia. Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and Sinopharm are all recognized vaccine manufacturers.
Fun facts about Indonesia
A giant flower in the world may be found in Indonesia. The Rafflessia Arnoldia is often called the “corpse lily” because of the unpleasant scent it emits when it blooms. Most of these unusual flowers are found in the jungles of Indonesia.
Komodo dragons are unique to Indonesia and not found anywhere else globally. These species of the most giant lizard in the world may reach lengths of ten feet. Yet, only five Indonesian islands—Padar, Gili, Montang, Flores, Rinca, and Komodo Island—are home to them.
Indonesia’s flag is strikingly reminiscent of Monaco’s. Don’t be perplexed, then! The sole distinction between the two flags is that the Indonesian flag utilizes a different shade of red at the top and white at the bottom.
Frog legs are primarily imported into numerous European nations, including France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Indonesia is the world’s top exporter of frog legs.
Together, Indonesians speak more than 700 different languages and dialects. However, the province of Papua only includes more than 270 languages, even though Bahasa Indonesian is the official language.
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Your passport will be stamped with an entrance stamp indicating a visa exemption at the Indonesian immigration desk. Similarly, when you leave Indonesia, immigration officers will stamp your passport with an exit stamp. Your passport won’t have a visa stamp, and no fees will be assessed. Carry all of your travel documentation, please.
You can stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days without a visa. Your stay may not be prolonged over 30 days. You have 30 days to depart from Indonesia.
The airport’s immigration officers may examine the following documents:
Applicants are highly urged to acquire travel insurance to protect their trip in case of unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies, aircraft cancellations, luggage delay or loss, etc.