General travel information for Indonesia
Here are some things to consider before coming to Indonesia.
If you fill out the 'contact us form' we will give you the additional info you will need.
In the side-bar, on the left-side, you will find the topics we discuss on this page. We have made a selection based on important things
to know before travelling to Indonesia.
The climate in Indonesia
Located around the equator, Indonesia tends to have a fairly even climate year-round, with only 2 seasons,
the rainy season and the dry season.
In most parts of Indonesia, the rainy season falls between October and April -low season-, and the dry season -high season- between
May and September. Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours, but it can also rain nonstop for days. Though travel in the wet
season is not usually a major problem in most parts of Indonesia, mud-clogged back roads can be a nuisance.
The December to February rains can make travel prohibitive in Nusa Tenggara, when rough seas either cancel or sink ferries,
and roads on Flores are washed out.
But seasonal change makes little difference on Bali.
It can become very crowded in tourist areas and prices will escalate on Bali and Java during the main Indonesian holiday periods.
These are at the end of Ramadan, Christmas, and mid-June to mid-July, when graduating high-school students take off by the bus load
to various tourist attractions.
Bali and Lombok, namely the Gili's, have experienced a huge increase in tourist numbers during the months July and August 2009.
Tourist Visa
Citizens from 62 countries and 1 region are eligible to apply for a Visa on Arrival.
This visa can be applied for after you have landed at certain airports and seaports in Indonesia.
The Visa on Arrival can not be converted or extended to obtain an immigration permit.
The maximum stay permitted by the visa on arrival is 30 days.
Please be advised that Visa On Arrival may only be extended upon approval from the Director General of Immigration of the
Republic of Indonesia in case of natural disaster, illness or accident, but cannot be transferred to another type of visa.
Overstay visitors incur to pay a penalty of US$20.- per day/person (for under 60 days stay) whilst over 60 days stay will
be a 5 year prison sentence or a fine of IDR25.000.000 (Indonesian Rupiah).
Short visit tourist visa are issued on arrival. You should take the following in consideration:
- Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months as from the date of entry into Indonesia.
- Onward or return tickets are compulsory.
- No compulsory vaccinations
If you want to stay longer than 30 days, please let us know, we can give you additional info about the different visa's and how
to apply for them.
Airport tax
There are airport taxes to be paid when travelling by air inside Indonesia, domestic flights. This amount varies between Rp30.000 and
Rp50.000.
The airport tax for departing Bali, international flight, is Rp150.000 (Sept. 2009).
It is a good idea to set this money aside, as many people forget they still need to pay this fairly
large amount and try to spend every Rupiah before they leave.
Safety
Security issues in Indonesia are often exaggerated by the foreign media, who make it seem like the whole nation is in turmoil.
Foreign governments add to the hype with travel warnings.
While it's true that small sections of Indonesia experience flashes of conflict, overall the archipelago is quite safe.
In the wake of the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings, and the last disaster bombing at the Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott in Jakarta on 17 July 2009,
Indonesians have made lots of effort to revive the suffering tourist industry.
There has been an increase in security measures at airports and tourist centres and extremist organizations have been forbidden.
It's impossible to say where such attacks will or won't occur, yet the reputation of Indonesia has been damaged since the bombings.
Money
The unit of currency in Indonesia is the rupiah (Rp).
There are coins worth Rp50, Rp100, Rp500 and Rp1000.
Banknotes come in Rp1000, Rp2000, Rp5000, Rp10.000, Rp50.0000 and Rp100.000.
Be careful with the Rp10.000 and the Rp100.000 banknotes since they look almost the same especially in the evening!
It is always a good idea to carry cash around, especially the smaller banknotes, since for many local people it will be hard to give change back
from a Rp50.000 or Rp100.000 note.
The days are over that you needed to travel with Traveler checks or large amounts of cash. Nowadays there are many ATM's in major city's and tourist areas,
but not in the more remote areas. There are NO ATM's on the 3 islands of Lombok and in Labuan Bajo on Flores there is only 1 ATM located
at the BRI-bank in the centre of town.
Check in your home country what kind of exchange rate your bank uses (your currency-Rupiah), some banks have a tendency to give you a
lousy exchange-rate. In that case, change banks or go for the old fashioned Traveler checks.
Credit cards are nearly everywhere accepted, but always check. When changing money, better not do that on the street, but go to a bank or a
reputable exchange office (NOT at the airport, because they give you a bad rate).
Car & motorcycle
Renting a car or motorcycle can open up Bali and Lombok for exploration and can also leave you counting
the minutes until you return it. In Indonesia people drive on the left side this might be a problem for most Westerners
who are used driving on the right side of the road, except the English.
A motorcycle might not give you many problems, but remember that with a car also the driver's seat is on the other side.
Many people don't want to be bothered with all this hassle,
especially when you are on a short holiday, and prefer a car with chauffeur, which is what we recommend also.
Driving Licence
If you plan to drive a car, you're supposed to have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
You can obtain one from your national motoring organisation if you have a normal driving licence.
Bring your home licence as well, it is supposed to be carried
in conjunction with the IDP. If you don't have an IDP, add Rp. 50.000 to any fine you'll have to pay if stopped by the police.
Motorcycle Licence
If you have a motorcycle licence at home, get your IDP endorsed for motorcycles too. If you have an IDP endorsed for motorcycles
you will have no problems, which is when an IDP is really useful as otherwise you have to obtain a local license, something of
an adventure.
The person renting the bike may not check your licence or IDP, and the cop who stops you may be happy with a
non endorsed IDP or bribe. You might get away without a motorcycle endorsement, but you should have an IDP or local license.
Officially, there's a two million Rupiah fine for riding without a proper licence, and the motorcycle can be impounded.
Drugs
Indonesia has demonstrated its zero-tolerance policy towards drugs with high-profile arrests and convictions recently.
In 2005 Australian Schapelle Corby captured news headlines around the world when she was arrested in Bali for allegedly
smuggling 4kg of marijuana into the country. She received a 20-year prison sentence.
The same year a group of people, including five Australians, were caught with several kg of Heroine at Denpasar airport.
Seven of them received 20 years imprisonment and two were sentenced to death.
WARNING:
There is no differentiation between 'personal use' and 'distribution' and even one pill is sufficient to land you in jail for many years.
Hotel owners are also required by law to report offenders.
Insurance
Even if you are fit and healthy, better not travel without health insurance.
If you're uninsured, emergency evacuation is very expensive.
Bills of over US$100,000 are not uncommon and more then often you need to pay in cash.
Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.
Some policies ask you to call back (reverse charges)to a centre in your home country where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.
For divers:
Make sure your insurance covers diving related accidents, especially evacuations and treatment in a hyperbaric chamber.
We can provide additional information about this subject.
Medication
If you have to use medication than you should pack them in their original, clearly labeled containers. A signed and dated letter from
your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea.
If you have a heart condition bring a copy of your ECG taken just prior to travelling.
It make sense to bring double your needs if you take regular medication in case of loss or theft. You can buy many medications over the
counter without a doctor's prescription, but it can be difficult to find some of the newer drugs, particularly the latest anti-depressant drugs,
blood pressure medications and contraceptive pills.
Healthcare
It is difficult to find reliable medical care in rural areas, but most capital cities now have clinics catering specifically to travellers
and expats. These clinics are usually more expensive than local medical facilities, but are worth consideration, as they will offer a
superior standard of care.
They understand the local system, and are aware of the safest local hospitals and best specialists. They can
also liaise with insurance companies should you require evacuation.
For divers:
There are around 5 operational hyperbaric/recompression chambers in Indonesia.
- Denpasar on Bali - Sanglah General Hospital - USUP Sanglah Denpasar.
- Manado on Sulawesi - Malalayang Hospital (chamber for 3 to 4 persons, 2 when lying down).
- Makassar on Sulawesi - Rumah Sakit Umum Wahidin Sudirohusodo (recently out of service due to lack of staff).
- Jakarta on Java - Rumah Sakit Angkatan Laut (Navy Hospital).
- Surabaya on Java - RS Angkatan Laut (Naval Hospital) with 2 units.
- Balikpapan on Kalimantan (Borneo) - RS Pertimina Balikpapan with 1 unit a little larger than Manado but smaller than Sanglah.
Traditional medicine
Throughout South East Asia, traditional medical systems are widely practised. Please be careful not to buy anything where supplements of
animals, mostly endangoured species, are used.
Chinese traditional medication still uses tiger bones etc, to enhance potency and what more you have.
This is an absolute NO-NO!
There is a big difference between these traditional healing systems and 'local' medicine, which is dubious and should be avoided at all times.
All traditional Asian medical systems identify a vital life force, and see blockage or imbalance as causing disease.
Techniques such as herbal medicines, massage and acupuncture are utilized to bring this vital force back into balance, or to maintain balance.
These therapies are best used for treating chronic disease such as chronic fatigue, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and some chronic skin conditions.
Never use these types of medication in case of serious acute infections such as malaria, but go to a hospital.
Vaccinations
Specialised travel-medicine clinics are your best source of information. The doctors will take into account factors such as
past vaccination history, the length of your trip, activities you may be undertaking and underlying medical conditions,
such as pregnancy.
Most vaccines don't produce immunity until at least two weeks after they're given, so visit a doctor four to eight weeks before departure.
Required Vaccinations
Yellow Fever
The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever. Proof of vaccination will only be required if you have visited a
country in the yellow-fever zone within the six days prior to entering Indonesia.
If you are travelling to Indonesia from Africa or South America you should check to see if you require proof of vaccination.
Recommended vaccinations by the World Health Organization (WHO) for South-East Asia:
Adult Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP)
Single booster recommended if none in the previous 10 years.
Hepatitis A
Provides almost 100% protection for up to a year, a booster after 6 months provides at least another 20 years protection.
Hepatitis B
Now considered routine for most travellers. Given as three shots over six months. Lifetime protection occurs in 95% of people.
It is possible to combine the vaccination of Hepatitus A & B in one vaccin, Twinix.
Measles, mumps and rubella
Two doses of MMR required unless you have had the diseases. In Western Europe vaccinations are given at the age of 1-4-9 year,
if these where given a booster is not necessary.
Rabies
Three injections in all. A booster after one year will then provide 10 years protection.
Normally only recommended for long-time travellers, but since there is an outbreak here on Bali we recommend this one to.
Typhoid
Recommended unless your trip is less than a week and only to developed cities. The vaccine offers around 70% protection, lasts for two to three years
and comes as a single shot.
Varicella
If you haven't had chicken pox, discuss this vaccination with your doctor.
Recommended vaccinations for long-term travellers (more than one month) or those at special risk:
Japanese B Encephalitis,
Three injections in all. Booster recommended after two years.
Meningitis
Single injection. Recommended for long-term backpackers aged under 25.
Rabies
Three injections in all. A booster after one year will then provide 10 years' protection.
Tuberculosis
Adult long-term travellers are usually recommended to have a TB skin test (Mantoux-test) before and after travel, rather than vaccination.
Only one vaccine given in a lifetime.
Diseases & Prevention
Many discomforts or diseases can be prevented taken the right pre cautions, vaccination is one of them.
A couple of dangerous diseases are transmitted through mosquito-bites. Travelers are advised to prevent mosquito bites by taking these steps:
-Use a DEET-containing insect repellant on exposed skin or a natural repellant like Citronella, but this must
be applied more frequently than products containing DEET.
-Sleep under a mosquito net impregnated with Permethrin.
-Impregnate clothing with Permethrin in high-risk areas.
-Wear long sleeves and trousers in light colours.
-Use mosquito coils.
-Spray your room with insect repellant before going out for your evening meal.
Dengue fever
There is no vaccine available for this mosquito-borne disease therefore prevention by avoiding mosquito-bites. The mosquito that carries dengue
bites day and night.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headache and body ache (dengue was previously known as 'breakbone fever').
Some people develop a rash and experience diarrhoea.
There is no specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol do not take aspirin as it
increases the likelihood of haemorrhaging. See a doctor to be diagnosed and monitored.
Filariasis
A mosquito-borne disease that is very common in the local population, yet very rare in travellers.
The best way to prevent this disease is to prevent mosquito-bites.
Hepatitis A
A problem throughout the region, this food/water-borne virus infects the liver, causing jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), nausea
and lethargy.
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A; you just need to allow time for the liver to heal.
All travellers to
Indonesia should be vaccinated against hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
The only sexually transmitted disease that can be prevented by vaccination, hepatitis B is spread by body fluids, including sexual
contact.
In some parts of Indonesia up to 15% of the population are carriers of hepatitis B, and usually are unaware of this.
The long-term consequences can include liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Hepatitis E
This disease is transmitted through contaminated food and water and has similar symptoms to hepatitis A, but is far less common.
It is a severe problem in pregnant women and can result in the death of both mother and baby.
There is currently no vaccine, and prevention is by following safe eating and drinking guidelines.
HIV
Indonesia has been considered a relatively safe country with respect to HIV/AIDS, however, religious and cultural taboos have likely
resulted in a systematic underreporting of the problem throughout the country.
According to WHO estimates, anywhere from 50,000 to 200,000 are living with HIV in Indonesia.
Travellers to should exercise caution and vigilance.
Japanese B Encephalitis
While this is a rare disease in travellers, many locals are infected each year.
This viral disease is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Most cases occur in rural areas and vaccination is recommended for travellers spending more than one month outside of cities.
There is no treatment, and a third of infected people will die while another third will suffer permanent brain damage.
Malaria
Some parts of Indonesia, particularly city and resort areas, have minimal to no risk of malaria, and the risk of side effects from the
medication may outweigh the risk of getting the disease.
In most rural areas the risk of contracting the disease can be a real problem.
Bali has a minimal risk factor, accept for the little islands south-east; Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida.
Lombok, Sulawesi and Flores are substantial risk areas therefore medication is advised.
Malaria can be fatal so before you travel, seek medical advice on the right medication and dosage for you.
This disease is caused by a parasite transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
The most important symptom of malaria is fever, but general symptoms such as headache, diarrhoea, cough, or chills may also occur.
Diagnosis can only be made by taking a blood sample.
Two strategies should be combined to prevent malaria;
mosquito avoidance and antimalarial medications.
In most cases people who catch malaria are taking inadequate or no antimalarial medication.
Measles
This highly contagious bacterial infection is spread via coughing and sneezing.
Most people born before 1966 are immune as they had the disease in childhood.
Measles starts with a high fever and rash and can be complicated by pneumonia and brain disease.
There is no specific treatment.
Rabies
This potentially fatal disease is spread by the bite or lick of an infected animal most commonly a dog, cat , bat or a monkey.
You should seek medical advice immediately after any animal bite and commence postexposure treatment.
Having pretravel vaccination means the postbite treatment is greatly simplified.
If an animal bites you, gently wash the wound with soap and bottled water, and apply iodine-based antiseptic.
If you are not prevaccinated you will need to receive rabies immunoglobulin as soon as possible.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis is a tiny parasite that enters your skin after you've been swimming in contaminated water, travellers usually only get a
light infection and hence have no symptoms. If you are concerned, you can be tested three months after exposure.
On rare occasions, travellers may develop 'Katayama fever'. This occurs some weeks after exposure, as the parasite passes through the
lungs and causes an allergic reaction; symptoms are coughing and fever.
Schistosomiasis is easily treated with medications.
Sexually transmitted diseases
These include herpes, warts, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. People carrying these diseases often have no signs of infection.
Condoms will prevent gonorrhoea and chlamydia but not warts or herpes.
If after a sexual encounter you develop any rash, lumps,
discharge or pain when passing urine seek immediate medical attention. If you have been sexually active during your travels have an
STD check on your return home.
Tuberculosis
While rare in travellers; medical and aid workers, and long-term travellers who have significant contact with the local population
should take precautions.
Vaccination is usually only given to children under the age of five, but adults who might be at risk are recommended pre- and
post-travel TB testing.
The main symptoms are fever, cough, weight loss, night sweats and tiredness.
Typhoid
This serious bacterial infection is also spread via food and water.
It gives a high and slowly progressive fever, headache and may be accompanied by a dry cough and stomach pain.
Typhoid is diagnosed by blood tests and treated with antibiotics.
Vaccination is recommended for all travellers spending more than a week in Indonesia, or travelling outside of the major cities.
Be aware that vaccination is not 100% effective so you must still be careful with what you eat and drink.
Typhus
Murine typhus is spread by the bite of a flea whereas scrub typhus is spread via a mite.
These diseases are rare in travellers.
Symptoms include fever, muscle pains and a rash.
You can avoid these diseases by following general insect-avoidance measures.
Doxycycline (phototoxic so you need to prevent sun exposure!)will also prevent them.
Traveller's diarrhoea
Traveller's diarrhoea is by far the most common problem affecting travellers. In over 80% of cases, traveller's diarrhoea is caused
by a bacteria.
It is a good idea to seek medical help since a bacteria infection responds to treatment with antibiotics.
Treatment with antibiotics will depend on your situation, how sick you are, how quickly you need to get better, where you are etc.
Treatment consists of staying well hydrated; rehydration solutions like Gastrolyte are the best for this.
Seek medical attention quickly if you do not respond to an appropriate antibiotic.
This all might be avoided by safe eating and drinking guide-lines:
Eat only freshly cooked food, and avoid shellfish or food that has been sitting around in buffets. Peel all fruit, and
eat in busy restaurants with a high turnover of customers.
Other discomforts
There are a couple of things you should take in consideration while travelling or relaxing in Indonesia.
The sun can be a major hazard, and if not treated with some respect, can ruin part of your holiday.
Then there are some insects and other animals that should be treated carefully or, if possible, avoided.
Dehydration
This occurs many times, because people forget that they need to drink a lot of water in the Tropics.
The reason is obvious in this climate, especially the first days, you will sweat a lot and therefore lose fluids and minerals.
Coffee, thee and alcohol have the tendency to dehydrate. You can drink them, but it is advisable to drink the same amount of water
next to those beverages.
Take it easy when you first arrive. People with dehydration can have headaches, nausea and dizziness.
It is not advisable to take salt tablets, because they might upset your stomach, instead drink a rehydrated
solution or eat salty food with plenty to drink. Dehydration is the main contributor to heat exhaustion.
Sunburn
This is so easy to avoid, but people forget that even on a cloudy day the UV-rays are there.
On your first days in Indonesia you should use sunscreen with a factor of at least 30-SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and water-proof / resistant.
Avoid the full sun between 10am and 2pm and wear a hat and sunglasses.
If you become sunburnt nonetheless stay out of the sun until you have recovered, apply cool compresses and
take painkillers for the discomfort. One per cent hydrocortisone cream applied twice daily is also helpful.
Insect bites
Insect bites can be avoided using repellants and checking the matrass were you are sleeping on. If you have an itchy bite, make sure you put
something on it (vasseline or tygerbalm) to close the wound off from the outside world, this will hopefully prevent infection.
Bedbugs don't carry disease but their bites are very itchy. You can treat the itch with an antihistamine.
Ticks are contracted after walking in rural areas. Ticks are commonly found behind the ears, on the belly and in armpits.
If you have had a tick bite and experience symptoms such as a rash at the site of the bite or elsewhere, fever, or muscle aches you
should see a doctor. Doxycycline prevents tick-borne diseases like Lyme, but these medicines are phototoxic so you need to
prevent sun exposure!
Leeches are found in humid rainforest areas. They do not transmit any disease but their bites are often intensely itchy
for weeks afterwards and can easily become infected.
Apply an iodine-based antiseptic to any leech bite and after that put vasseline or another balm on it to close it from the outside world.
Bee and wasp stings mainly cause problems for people who are allergic to them.
Anyone with a bee or wasp allergy should take antihistaminica as prevention and the people with a
SERIOUS allergy should carry an injection of adrenaline for emergency treatment.
For others pain is the main problem apply ice to the sting and take painkillers.
Jellyfish
Jellyfish in the Indonesian waters are not dangerous, just irritating. First-aid for jellyfish stings involves
pouring vinegar onto the affected area to neutralise the poison. Do not rub sand or water onto the stings.
Take painkillers, and anyone who feels ill in any way after being stung should seek medical advice. Take local advice on whether there
are dangerous jellyfish around and, if so, keep out of the water.
Snakes
In Indonesia it is estimated there are around 460 snakes and of that total only six are considered to be toxically poisonous.
Always wear boots and long pants if walking in an area that may have snakes.
First aid in the event of a snakebite involves pressure immobilisation via an elastic bandage firmly wrapped around the affected limb, starting at the bite site and working
up towards the chest. The bandage should not be so tight that the circulation is cut off, and the fingers or toes should be
kept free so the circulation can be checked. Immobilise the limb with a splint and carry the victim to medical attention.
Do not use tourniquets or try to suck the venom out. Antivenom is available for most species.