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JAVA INDONESIA,Capitol : JAKARTA Min. Travel Cost $10-12/day, |
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JAVA INDONESIA,Capitol : JAKARTA Min. Travel Cost $10-12/day, |
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!Attention !The
severe devaluation of the Rupiah in 1997/8 has been stabilised
for the last year largely by IMF grants. The country is politically
anything but stable, the tourist industry already on its' knees
as a result of highly publicised riots last summer other than
Bali, the only area still attracting considerable numbers of
tourists. It is important to state, however, that currently Indonesia
is SAFE for tourists, isolated politically & religiously
motivated internal troubles are not aimed at outsider's. The
June election is critical for the country in general & the
tourism industry can only start to get back on its feet if the
outcome of the elections is accepted peacefully by all parties. STOP PRESS! The unstable situation in East Timor should not necessarily deter travellers from visiting other areas in Indonesia, however it is important to be aware of the impact that the independence struggle in East Timor may have. There has been some disorder in Jakarta and there are possible implications for other regions currently under Indonesian rule striving for autonomy (Aceh in Sumatra and Irian Jaya) |
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| National | Bahasa Indonesia, plus 250 local dialects. |
| Foreign | Basic English is understood by people working in tourist areas. Some older people can speak Dutch. |
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Bali, Flores, South and East Kalimantan, Lombok, Sulawesi, Sumba, Sumbawa and Timor: GMT + 8 Aru, Irian Jaya, Kai, Moluccas and Tanimbar: GMT + 9. |
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| 22-32 C year round, Tropical climate, very humid. High areas such as Bandung are colder (average 22 C). | |
| ! Warning | It can get very cold when climbing volcanoes - take appropriate clothing. |
| Wet | November - March |
| Dry | May-September. |
| High Season | Lebaran-end of Ramadan, Jul-Aug, Oct. Christmas-New Year. |
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| Room -Jakarta/Bandung s20,000 | -Yogyakarta s15,000 |
| Restaurant-Indonesian. 5,000 | -Western 8,000 |
| Water 1.5lt - market. 2,000, | -restaurant. 3,000 |
| Coffee (instant)1500, (local)1,000, (real)3000 | |
| Big Mac -14,000 | Milk Shake 4,000 |
| Coke - Jakarta 3,000+ | -Yogya 2,000+ |
| Beer large 9000 | |
| Breakfast (local.) 4,000 | Breakfast (Am.) 9,000+ |
| Toilet paper 1,500? | Tooth paste (local) 1500? |
| Tampons x8 6,500 (bring with you 97 info). | |
| Fuji film (36x100) 21,000? | |
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| The Rupiah has been relatively stable for the past 12 months but still fluctuates between 7500-8500. The elections may disturb this relative calm, although the SE Asian economies are recovering. | |
| time of Research: | $1=Rp8,000 (Jun 2 '99) |
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BANK/EXCHANGE Many ATM machines in major cities. Visa card cash advance common, small commission (5000Rp) in smaller cities. Banks provide exchange service weekdays between 9-00 & 15-00 due to daily changes in exchange rate. No commission charged for traveller cheques. Moneychangers rate usually slightly higher for cash. Compare with Bank Bali which offers the most competitive exchange rates amongst the banks. Better rates given for higher denominations (50/100US$) of unmarked notes. |
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! Warning Always COUNT your money. Cheating has been reported. |
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| Rate at Airport | Generally low. Change minimum. |
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Traveling Money : Mixed is the best option carry most
of your money in T/Cs, some cash in foreign currency and bring
a credit/cash card. T/C: US$ is the standard, but checks in all major currencies are changeable. American Express & Visa are the most common. No commission on T/C in Indonesia. Bank rates are higher for T/C than cash, moneychangers generally give higher rates for cash. Rates are higher in big cities(10%),. Cash US$ is the best. Moneychangers' rates are higher for cash than T/C, they're also better for higher denominations. Credit cards can be used in some hotels, shops, restaurants & travel agents, usually charge, about 3%. ! Warning Credit card fraud occurs, particularly in tourist areas. ! Attention Delta system ATM'S may not accept some Visa. |
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| Government offices | M-Th 8-16:00, F8-11:30, Sa 8-14:00 |
| Large stores | daily 9:00-21:00 |
| Banks | M-F 8:30 - 15:00, Sat closed for exchange |
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| Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. |
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Visa:
At most entry points, 1 month visa is issuced. $25.
(Should have an onward ticket but this rule is not strictly enforced.?) Visa Extension: (Officially not possible. However there are a few report that it is possible to extend at the Immigration in Denpasar though ITIS has not confirmed it yet.)? |
| ! Warning: Bribing is common practice in Indonesia. If you arrive at immigration without an onward ticket out of Indonesia, you may be asked questions leading to a request for money. |
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To Avoid : 1. Have return ticket. 2. If questioned about time in Indonesia & money, answer short (1 month) & lots ($500US) 3. Go through immigration when they are busy or get in a big group. Solo travelers are their main target. 4. Don't panic. If you are stopped, consider starting the bargain procedure at the counter before you are taken to the interview room. Latest report was $10US at Bali airport. |
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| AIR/Airports | ||
| Java | Jakarta/Soekarno-Hatta; | Surabaya/Juandan |
| Solo/Adisumarmo; | ||
| Bali | Denpasar/Ngurah Rai; | |
| Sumatra | Medan/Polonia; | Pekanbaru/Simpang Tiga; |
| Padang/Tabing; | Batam/Kijang; | |
| Sulawesi | Manado/Sam Ratulangi; | |
| Timor | Kupang/El Tari; | |
| Kalimantan | Balikpapan/Sepinggan, | Pontianak/Soepadio; |
| Airport Tax (Intl.) Jakarta/Bali Airports - Rp50,000, | ||
| Popular flights: | ||
| Singapore - Jakarta from S$76 O/W | ||
| Penang (Mal) - Medan (Indon), around O/W US$60. | ||
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LAND/Frontier From Malaysia: Kuching,Sarawak(M) - Pontianak,Kalimantan (I) Tawau, Sabah(M) ENunukan, E.Kalimantan Papua New Guinea -Irian Jaya border open (Wembi-Waris) according to Jakarta immigration staff |
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SEA/Seaports Major entry points : Java-/Jakarta(Tanjung Priok), Bali/Padangbai; Sumatra -Medan/Belawan & Dumai; Batam/Sekupang, Bintan/Tanjung Pinang. Map of popular sea routes explaining this complicated info will be available shortly. Please be patient. Singapore to Jakarta: There are two ways, 1.Singapore - Batam - Bintan - Jakarta. 2.Singapore - Bintan - Jakarta. see more details below Malaysia to Sumatra(I) Penang(Mal)-Belawan(I), overland transit to Medan, Departs Penang M-Sa 9-10:00, Arrives Belawan 14-17:00 Class-B, O/W RM90, R/T RM160. Embarkation fee RM6 Melaka(Mal)-Dumai(I) departs 10:00 (check in 2hrs before), arrives in Dumai at 15:00 O/W RM 80. Singapore to Batam(I) WTC(Sing)-Sekupang(Batam,I) every 30 min, 7:45-20:00, O/W S$17, R/T S$28, 40min. Singapore to Bintan(I) Tanah Merah F.T.(S)-Tanjung Pinang(Bintan,I), Regular service - 9:15-15:00, O/W S$49, RT S$63, 1.45h Batam to Sumatra Sekupang(Batam,I)-Pekanbaru(Sum,I)Regular service- 8:15-19:15, O/W Rp40,000, 6hrs. Sekupang(Batam,I) to Dumai(Medan,I),daily,Rp40,000,6h. From Batam to Bintan 1.Sekupang(Batam,I)-Tanjung Pingang(Bintan,I) 9:30, 11:00, 17:00, Rp12,000 2.from Sekupang take share taxi to Kabil Rp3,000+, Then ferry to Tanjung Pinang (Bintan) Rp8,000. From Bintan to Sumatra Kisang(Bintan) to Dumai(Medan), Friday, Ekonomi Rp30,000, Cl-4, Rp55,000, 12hrs. From Bintan to Jakarta 1.Kisang(Bintan) to Tanjung Priok(Jak), Sunday, Ekonomi 85,000, Cl 4 Rp105,000, 28hrs. 2.Tanjung Pinang(Bintan) to Tanjung Priok(Jak), Tu, Fr 8:00, Price? |
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| See local transport sheet for info. | |
| AIR (May 15, 98) the price include 10% tax | |
| Indonesia has an extensive domestic service. Garuda, Merpati, Bouraq & Mandala airlines are the main carriers. Prices are standard. Discounts are uncommon. A 10% tax is usually included in the prices listed at Travel Agencies. Airport depart. tax differ according to airport. Check when booking flights. | |
| Jakarta/Bali Airports | Domestic tax= Rp11,000 |
| Flight Prices from Jakarta to: | |
| Denpasar, Bali Rp773,200 | Yogyakarta Rp440,300 |
| Medan, Sumatra Rp1114,500 | Mataram, Lombok Rp855,800 |
| U Pandung Rp1152,600 | Manado Rp1,805,600 |
| from Denpasar to | |
| Yogyakarta Rp426,000 | Bandung Rp 772,000 |
| U Pandang Rp315,700 | Manado Rp759,000 |
| UPandaung to Manadu Rp486,200 | |
| Air pass 'Visit Indonesia Decade Pass'. | |
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Jointly operated by Garuda/Merpati
- $300 + tax for 3 flights (50$ extra if you DON'T enter Indonesia
on a Garuda flight). $100 for additional sectors. (Certain transfers
can be included in one flight). Valid for 60 days. Must buy ticket
outside Indonesia or within 14 days of arrival at Garuda office.
It is always not worth buying because of the current currency situation. If $1=Rp10,000, not may fights are over $100. It is worth buying only when you fly very long distance. |
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Train Extensive service In Java and a limited service in S Sumatra . Except for the main Jakarta-Jogya-Surabaya route, services can be slow and delays common. Basic 3rd Class - Ekonomi (no reservations) trains are very cheap and very slow, can get extremely full, 2nd class - Bisnis (business), 1st class - Eksekutiv trains are much faster, with fewer delays. Reservations recommended, often possible to bypass the ticket counter and go to the Stationmasters office to book tickets. |
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Bus There is an extensive bus service throughout Indonesia. Ranging from very cheap, basic public buses to much more expensive luxury tourist buses. Delays are common and the traffic and driving on Indonesian roads can be scary. Many Travel Agencies & Hotels can book transport. |
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Shared
Taxi Supplements the bus services. Operate on regional, inter-city routes. |
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Boat Boat Ferry services operate between the islands. Pelni Shipping Company, government-owned ferry operator provides routes throughout Indonesia. Excellent option for long-distance travel, much more comfortable & relaxing option to buses, but essential to know timetable, as some routes run infrequently. Time table available from Pelni offices, agents can also help you with specific route information |
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Indonesia is a country of islands. If you
want to explore real Indonesia, you have to travel cross a sea.
Pelni ships connect between remote islands. Traveling with these
scheduled boats may be interesting. However it is hard to take
them because they don't run frequently, delaying is usual, and
it is very uncomfortable because of the low quality. There are many boat owners/agents are operating
in Indonesia. |
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| See City sheet for local info. | |
| Bus | The cheapest option but bus routes are often confusing. !Be aware of pickpockets, particularly in Jakarta & Yogyakarta. |
| Taxi | Metred and unmetred. Many drivers refuse to use meter. Sometimes meter has been tampered with. If unmetred negotiate before hand. |
| Microlets | may be called oplets, small mini-vans, operate along fixed routes. |
| Bemo | Converted pick-up trucks 10-12 passengers, operate along set routes. |
| Bajaj | Orange colored, 3-wheeled scooters, operate in Jakarta. Cheaper than taxis. Must bargain before getting in. |
| Becak | Bicycle rickshaw, operating everywhere except Jakarta. Must bargain. |
| Ojeks | Motorbike taxis usually operate in rural areas. Must bargain. |
| Rental |
Motorbikes from 20,000-30,000/day Bicycle from Rp5,000/day. |
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MAIL
Postage prices for postcards seems to vary according to where/who you ask. Size was one factor given for the difference. The prices below were taken from the GPO in Jakarta. GPO opening hours: M-F 8-16, Sa 8-13, check locally. |
| Rp | USA | UK | Australia | Japan |
| Post Card | 4,000 | 6,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Letter,10g | 7,500 | 6,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Air parcel 0.5kg | 174,000 | 202,000 | 126,000 | 181,000 |
| 1kg | 258,000 | 279,000 | 167,000 | 223,000 |
| 2kg | 433,000 | 426,000 | 244,000 | 293,000 |
| Sea parcel 1kg | 122,000 | 179,000 | 122,000 | 186,000 |
| 5kg | 272,000 | 337,000 | 208,000 | 372,000 |
| Small package to anywhere: 1kg = 15,000?, 2kg = 25,000? | ||||
| Telephone | |
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Services have improved considerably
in recent years. Wartels (Telecommunication Offices) public &
private, can be found everywhere, many are open 24hr. Check local
city info. Telephone rates vary according to time of day. 23.00-06.00 25% 06.00-07.00 50% 07.00-08.00 100% 08.00-18.00 125% 18.00-20.00 100% 20.00-23.00 50% Payphones Local calls cost Rp100 (3min.). Domestic and HCD calls only. Cardphones Usually have IDD facility. Common in big cities and tourist areas, airports. Phone cards from 40 units - Rp13,000 75 units - Rp20,000 100 units - Rp26,000, available from Wartels, some kiosks, restaurants & shops with the sign 'Sedia kartu telepon'. |
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| IDD : International Direct Dialing: Access Code 001 or 008 + country code + area code + number. | |
| Operator 101, Int Enq 102 | |
| IDD facilities are available at Wartels (Telecommunication Offices), many hotels and from most card-phones. Cheap rate (25% reduction) for most countries 24:00-08:00 & Sat/Sun all day. | |
| 1 min.call to | USA Rp8,300 |
| UK Rp9,400, | Rest of Europe Rp10,790; |
| Japan Rp9,400 | Australia Rp8,300 |
| Fax 1 page | USA/Canada Rp8,500 |
| UK Rp12,700 | Rest of Europe Rp12,700 |
| Japan Rp11,700 | Australia Rp10,700. |
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HCD Home Country Direct:
001801
+ Country code Specially equipped, HCD phones are increasing in tourist areas. You press a button for the country you wish to call and are connected with the operator from that country. |
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| ! Warning There are many different phone companies and many different systems and charges, so check around. | |
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Budget hotels/Pensions - often called
Losmen - are plentiful in tourist areas throughout Java. Traveler
style hostels can be found in Jakarta, Bandung & Yogykarta.
Prices vary from town to town: Jakarta - double room, shared bath from Rp20,000, Bandung Rp15,000, Yogyakarta Rp12,000. Prices may increase during the high season and holidays - as much as triple during the end of Ramadan in beach areas popular with Indonesians such as Pangandaran. Equally, prices drop for low season & are currently on an extended low season due to the complete lack of foreign tourists. Bargaining may be possible. Breakfast and/or free tea & coffee is often included. ! Warning: Rickshaw drivers may try to take you to losmen that pay them commission. ! Warning: During Ramadan Mosques make broadcasts over loud speakers daily, early morning & food can be difficult to find during the day.. |
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| Rice (Nasi) | is the basis of most Indonesian meals. |
| Noodle (Mie) | is common in Chinese dishes. |
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There are many regional specialties
and cuisines. More expensive international dishes are widely
available in the main cities and tourist areas. MacDonalds and
other Western fast food chains are becoming popular with the
Indonesian middle-class. Street hawkers and Warungs offer the cheapest local food. Check the level of hygiene first |
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| Food Specialties: | |
| Sate- | charcoal-grilled chicken or mutton pieces usually served with peanut sauce; |
| Nasi goreng- | fried rice; |
| Nasi campur- | cold rice served with meat, vegetables, tofu and fermented beans; |
| Gado gado- | salad with peanut sauce and prawn crackers; |
| Nasi gudeg - | rice, chicken and jackfruit in coconut milk; |
| Cap cai - | fried vegetables; |
| Ayam goreng- | fried chicken; |
| Mie Bakso - | noodle soup; |
| Rijsttafel- | rice with as many as 15 different side dishes. |
| Deserts | |
| Pisanggoreng | banana fritters; |
| Bubur - | sweet, black rice with coconut milk; |
| Es buhah & es campur | crushed ice with fruits and condensed milk. |
| Drinks: beer, & soft drinks are available everywhere. | |
| Kopi - | Coffee, local coffee is excellent and cheap, from Rp200. More expensive nescafe and expresso is also available; |
| Fruit drink | juices/shakes are available in every travelers-style restaurant. |
| Fruits | |
| Durian: | huge, smelly spiky fruit |
| Rambutan: | similar to a lychee, has hairy,red skin. |
| Nanka | (Jack-fruit) similar to Durian, used a lot in cooking. |
| Manggis | (Mangosteen) round, purple fruits with soft white clusters inside - delicious. |
| Belimbing | star fruit |
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| No one on our staff has any medical background, what follows is just a general guide. |
| Health Regulations: |
| Yellow fever vaccinations are required for travelers arriving from infected areas. |
| Vaccinations: Not required in most of the peninsula. Cholera, Typhoid, Polio - if visiting rural areas. |
| Health Hazards: |
| Malaria: Carried by mosquitoes. Not a problem, though Malaria tablets are recommended if traveling in the jungle areas |
| Hepatitis : A Contracted through contaminated water and food, More likely in areas with poor sanitation. |
| Diarrhea: Contracted through contaminated water and food. |
| Japanese Encephalitis Carried by mosquitoes, found mainly in rural areas during rainy season. |
| Aids Contracted primarily through sexual intercourse and injection with contaminated needles. |
| Sunstroke/Dehydration The sun is extremely strong in this region. Precautions are recommended. |
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Rabies : Carried
by dogs, monkeys, bats. DO NOT approach these animals Drinking Water |
| Food |
| Tap Water Not drinkable. Buy mineral water or purify or boil. |
| Ice is generally safe because it is government regulated, but the handling ice may not be hygienic |
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Visitors everywhere should try to
observe local customs in order not to cause offense. Listed below
are some basic Indonesian customs. See SE Asia customs for more details. |
| Toilet : Squat toilets are normal. Toilet paper is not common - Locals wash with their left hand. |
| Left hand : Considered dirty for reason above. Always use your right hand to give/receive anything from anyone. |
| Tipping : Not usual except for porters and at high class hotels & restaurants Service tax often added to bill. |
| Dress : Visiting Mosques - women's head should be covered. Shorts, bare arms/shoulders not allowed. Shoes are usually removed before entering religious places. |
| Cigarette Fire : When you pass lit cigarette to someone, DON'T point to anyone with the lit end of the cigarette. Doing this is really offensive. Hold the cigarette in your palm when you pass it. |
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| Department stores have fixed prices but bargaining is usual in markets and tourist shops. |
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Souvenirs: Batik, Ikat, ethnic-style clothing & sarongs, puppets, masks, jewelry, woodcarving, basket ware, paintings and ceramics. Coffee is cheap and excellent. |
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| Indonesia Times, Jakarta Post, Indonesia Observer. |
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| Jan 1 | ph | New Year's Day: On New Year's Eve street festivals and carnivals are held. Paper trumpets are sold and can be heard blown everywhere. |
| Feb 7/8 | Imlec Chinese New Year. | |
| Feb 9/10 | ph | Idul Fitri End of Ramadan (Muslim period of fasting). Processions & festivals. |
| Mar 28 | ph | Wafat Isa Al Masih: Good Friday. |
| Apr 9 | ph | Nyepi: Balinese Saka New Year & day of silence. torch parade night before.You should stay in your hotel. |
| Apr 18 | ph | Idul Adha Moslem Day of Sacrifice. |
| Apr 21 | Kartini Day Women wear national dress to commemorate birth of Raden Ajeng Kartini, founder of womens' rights movement | |
| May 8 | ph | Muharram Moslem New Year. |
| May 22 | ph | Waisak Day Buddha's birth/death, Procession from Candi Mendut to Borobodor held. |
| Jul 17 | ph | Maulud Birth of Mohammad. Festivities start one week before. |
| Aug 17 | ph | Independence Day: Events held throughout the country. |
| Nov 28 | ph | Isra Mi'raj Nabi: Prophet Mohammad's Ascension Day. |
| Dec 25 | ph | Hari Raya Natal Christmas Day. |
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DIVING SURFING |
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| Voltage/Plug type 220 v or 110v rounded, 2 pronged. |
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| facilities are present in all major cities, such as Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta. The GPO often has the cheapest Internet, can be painfully slow though. Internet cafes in tourist areas will charge at very high rates, ask around & you should be able to find a cafE/FONT> used by locals. See relevant City Info. |
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