Climate
Indonesia's climate is characterized by hot and humid throughout the year, especially in coastal areas. The interior highlands are cooler. Besides
this, the climate is affected between December and March by heavy
monsoon, hampering travel and can cause significant damage and loss. Hence the need to visit the archipelago during the dry season, from April to October. The
time of the Christmas holidays and the Indonesian holiday period (after
Ramadan), are the high season, during which prices rise a lot and is
almost impossible to get accommodation.
Important Information
The requirements to enter Indonesia are different for each country. Nationals
of Argentina, Chile, USA, Mexico, EU and Venezuela are the only ones
that do not require a visa for stays of up to 60 days. Tourists from other countries, all journalists and business travelers need, in addition to a visa, a special permit.
The official currency is the rupiah (IDR) and foreign currencies can be easily converted at any bank or exchange house hotel. The change in cash has better rates than travelers checks, on the other hand, are not always accepted.
It is recommended that travelers checks are in U.S. dollars. Most major credit cards are received in hotels, restaurants and tourist-oriented shops. In addition, ATMs are plentiful. It
is often difficult to get change, so it is recommended to save the
small bills and coins for bus tickets, donations in temples or purchase
refreshments.The major hotels add a 10% extra for the service bills. If this percentage is not included, it is customary to leave a tip of 5-10%. The porters at airports receiving Rp. 2,000 per bag. Tipping the drivers is not mandatory, but if want to, Rp. 1000 is sufficient for taxi drivers, while a little more is fine for drivers of rental cars.
There
are some health issues that must be taken into account when traveling
to Indonesia and are advised to consult the latest updates about at
least one month before the trip. Throughout the year malaria is a problem in Jakarta, the resorts of Java and Bali and other major cities. Before
traveling you should get polio vaccines (especially those traveling to
Java and Sumatra), hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, and typhus.
For those coming from infected areas are asked a requirement for a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever.
It is also recommended that travelers to areas affected by the tsunamis receive tetanus shots. The
mosquito that transmits dengue is common throughout the country and
cases of this disease significantly increase during the rainy season. There have been also cases of bird flu, even in humans and, so far, Indonesia has the highest death rate from this disease. While
bird flu is not a serious hazard to tourists, avoid contact with birds
and eat well cooked and hot any dish containing poultry or eggs.
In the east of the province of Nus a Tengarra Anthrax is endemic and reported occasional outbreaks of leprosy. Diarrhea
in a big problem for tourists, so you are advised to stick to bottled
water only and avoid dairy products, raw meat and salads or unpeeled
fruit. The level of care is very low and high costs. It is essential, therefore, to purchase health insurance coverage for the trip.
After
the bombings in Bali in late 2005 has increased the risk of terrorism
directed at tourists and foreigners, especially in the West Country. It
is necessary to take extra security measures in public buildings and
spaces, including transport and terminals, shopping centers and
especially in restaurants, hotels and places specifically for tourism.
Religious
conflict between Christians and Muslims and the unstable political
situation become unsafe to various parts of Indonesia. There
are some places where you should be extremely careful and, if possible,
avoid like Sulawesi, mainly central, some areas of Maluku, especially
Ambon and Aceh.
The crime rate in Indonesia is quite high and lesser crimes are quite common in tourist areas and public transport. Have also increased credit card fraud. We must take into account the potential for floods,
earthquakes and
tsunamis.While
Indonesians understand the differences between Eastern and Western
cultures, appreciate that visitors respect their customs. In the month of Ramadan is better not to eat, smoke or drink in public during daylight hours. Visitors
should be kind and avoid public displays of affection and anger, some
jokes and ridicule are considered extremely vulgar.
It is considered unfriendly to use the left hand to pass or receive things. The
dress is of great importance in public places and temples, especially
in regard to women, who must cover their shoulders and legs. In
Jakarta is forbidden to give money to beggars, buskers and unofficial
tour guides, who did so were exposed to six months in prison and a fine
of $ 5,000. Bets are also illegal.
Where to go The
island of Java is the geographical, economic and political development
of the archipelago, and home to more than half of the country's
inhabitants. This was the place where Hindu and Buddhist empires left some of his best architectural relics as Borobudur and Prambanan. Also you can visit the National Park Bromo-Tengger-SemeruThe site consists of Lombok beaches and tranquil landscapes and little crowded. Dominated by the Rinjani volcano, the people kept alive many of their traditions, evident in their ritual dances and fights. Here it is worth visiting the four cities of Swete, Mataram, and Caimanegara Ampenan.
Sumatra, four times bigger than Java is an island that has important and attractive wildlife specimens. Here
you can visit the small village of Bukit Lawang and attractive
Bukittinggi, located in one of the peaks of a group of majestic
mountains.The landscape of Bali is so incredible that it's real hard to believe. The
slopes are covered with rice terraces, volcanoes beyond the clouds, the
clear waters lap the beaches and rainforests attract with their
exuberance. Besides enjoying this idyllic landscape can visit Ubud, the cultural center of the island.FestivalsThe Indonesian ethnic variety is reflected in their festivals and celebrations. Between February and March are held war games in Sumba commemorating wars of mutual annihilation. Between
March and April takes place New Year's Eve caka Balinese, during which,
the sound of the drums to scare away evil spirits, bathe in the waters
of the icons of the temples.
Another
important festival is the festival of Galungan Balinese, dated
variables, which says that the gods descend to earth to join the
festivities earthly. It also pays to be present on the island of Larantuka important for Easter procession and Ruteng for duels of whips in August. In addition, between August and October are celebrated funeral banquets Trojans in Sulawesi. If
you are thinking of organizing an itinerary that includes some of these
festivals should be aware that many events are governed by the lunar
calendar, which means that the dates vary a few days from one year to
another.