Indonesia is an extensive country situated off the shore of mainland Southeast Asia with over 17,000 islands stretching into the Indian and Pacific oceans. With its vast tropical forests, numerous pristine shores, and the astonishing hiking trails covered with nature, one should certainly plan a journey to this area at least once in their lifetime. It is the home of hundreds of distinct linguistic and ethnic groups, incredible landscapes, and a wide range of flora and fauna. Since there is so much to witness, we have compiled Indonesia travel advice for you that can prove highly beneficial in exploring this region.
10 Tips for Traveling in Indonesia
When organizing a vacation in Indonesia, travel advice and information about the location from experienced travelers can be extremely helpful. This article showcases a few of these suggestions to assist in making your expedition unforgettable.
1. Packing pointers for the trip
Aside from garments and accessories, other indispensable travel items that must be packed include insect repellent to avoid any bug bites while exploring nature, aloe vera gel for soothing skin treatment after being exposed to the sun, and a sunscreen to shield the skin from the intense rays of sunlight. It is advisable to bring a universal charger to avoid any inconvenience. ATR aircrafts are commonly used for internal transfers, therefore it is essential to bear the baggage restrictions in mind as only 10 kg of check-in luggage is permitted on these aircrafts.
2. Discovering beyond Bali
While Bali is a remarkable place to visit, most travelers planning a trip to Indonesia only visit Bali. However, it is always recommended to explore the other stunning islands of Indonesia as well. Those interested in heritage and culture can plan a visit to Yogyakarta along with Bali. For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, Komodo island is an excellent choice. There are also lesser-known treasures like Sulawesi and Gili Trawangan islands which offer the best of both worlds.
3. Visa procedures
For travelers from over 160 countries, visa upon arrival is a convenient choice. In order to avail this option, it is necessary to possess a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months. The visa granted will have a duration of 30 days. It is advised to keep the return flight ticket from Indonesia easily accessible, as the passport officials may request to see it upon arrival for visa issuance. Additional airport tax is applicable for non-Indonesian visitors, however, this cost is typically included in the overall price of the purchased airline ticket. It is important to be cautious of potential risks and avoid engaging in suspicious illegal activities such as handling drugs. Ensure that you possess a legitimate prescription for all medications being carried.
4. Options for Local Transportation
On islands like Bali, the distances between various tourist destinations can be quite significant. Thus, it may be necessary to book a cab in order to travel from one place to another. “Bluebird cabs”, a well-known cab service company in the region, offers cabs within ten minutes of booking. They accept cash payments based on the meter. Another feasible alternative is renting a two-wheeler. This is especially ideal for slightly smaller locations in Indonesia, such as Labuan Bajo and Ende, where the distances are not too extensive. These types of towns are best explored on foot or with the use of two-wheelers.
5. Accommodation in Indonesia
In larger and more popular locations like the capital city Jakarta, Bali, and Yogyakarta, there are numerous hotels available across various budgets and offering different facilities. However, smaller towns such as Labuan Bajo and Ende have limited options for hotels. Almost all hotels provide basic amenities and services. In Bali, the Kuta area attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year and tends to be very crowded. Therefore, it is advisable to search for hotels in Nusa Dua and Seminyak instead.
6. Everything you need to know about the Indonesian currency
This is the most crucial tip among all the travel recommendations for Indonesia. The currency utilized in Indonesia is IDR, which stands for Indonesian Rupiah. Exploring and staying in this country are relatively inexpensive. Based on the exchange rates, here are the approximate values:1 INR = 195 IDR1 USD = 13,000 IDR
1 EURO = 14,360 IDR
In Indonesia, the locals state the price by excluding the final three digits. Therefore, if a shopkeeper says that something costs 30 IDR, it does not mean it costs 30 IDR, but rather 30,000 IDR. Exercise caution and verify before making payments to avoid being tricked. In larger cities, credit card transactions can be easily conducted, but in smaller towns, it is preferable to carry cash.
Planning your vacation in Bali but unsure about what to do? These Bali travel accounts assist you in finding your ultimate journey!
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