Short URL: http://tnot.es/ID - National Anthem of Indonesia.
Indonesia is a wonderful part of the world to explore with its
semi-active volcanoes, jungles and deserted beaches.
Indonesia
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Bali Travel Tips, Beautiful Bali, Exploring
Indonesia, Lombok, Map of Java and Bali, Indonesia Travel Guides, Sulawesi, Sumatra.
Indonesia is the world's fourth largest nation with over 17,000
islands, according to some, and 200 Million people of various cultures and languages.
During the days of the early sea traders, it was the Dutch who had
the upper hand around these islands, and remained in control for 350 years - until the
Indonesians gained independence in 1945.
Weather in Indonesia
View a graphical weather forecast for the week ahead in places around
Indonesia.
Jakarta
Weather, Medan
Weather, Palembang Weather, Pontianak Weather, Surabaya Weather, Ujung
Pandang Weather.
Accommodation in Jakarta
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Some of the most popular destinations in Indonesia
Bali, Balikpapan, Bandung, Batam, Bintan, Bukittinggi, Gili Trawangan, Jakarta, Lombok, Makassar, Malang, Manado, Mataram, Nusa Lembongan, Pekanbaru, Semarang, Solo, Sumatera Utara, Surabaya, Yogyakarta.
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all cities.
Yogyakarta is one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia, with
the great Sultan's Palace, Parangtritis Beach, Borobudur and Prambanan Temples, Merapi
Volcano as well as the performing arts like Ramayana Ballet and Wayang Kulit among its
famous attractions.
Indonesia News:
News and views from the Embassy of Indonesia, in Canada.
My Indonesia:
Official site of Indonesian Culture and Tourism.
Yog Yes:
Tourism catalogue of Yogyakarta.
Bali Guide:
Just about everything you will need to know about the island, from culture to what to
wear; complete with an interactive map to take you deeper into Bali. Don't leave home
without it.
Bali Transportation:
Getting to and around Bali.
Regions of
Bali:
For a relatively small island there are plenty of contrasts on Bali.
Villa Sembilan:
Experience the privacy of a superb Bali villa holiday, situated in Bali's fashionable
Seminyak beach district.
10% discount to Travel Notes members.
Accommodation in Bali
Hotels
in Bali:
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Ubud
Try the inland mountain areas of Bali as an alternative to the
beaches. Visitors are increasingly splitting their stay between the two areas.
The hills offer spectacular scenery, intact culture, tranquillity and
a cooler climate.
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Uma Ubud Hotel: 
The luxury villas, suites and rooms provide the perfect base from which to explore the
wonders of this culturally rich region of Bali. |
Named for the medicinal plants that grow wild here -
‘Ubad’ means medicine in Balinese - Ubud has long served as home to painters and
artisans. It overflows with rustic tradition and the unique religious heritage of
Bali’s Hindu culture; everything from local temple ceremonies to a Kecak fire dance.
Villa Bali Gita:
Positioned on a riverside bluff in the mountainous area around Ubud - a cosy romantic
village famous for it's palaces, temples, restaurants, artists, expatriate celebrities and
stunning scenery - Villa Bali Gita embraces it's guests in luxury.
10% discount to Travel Notes members.
Health Regulations
Officially there are no vaccinations required. Malaria prophylactics
is recommended as well as having a tetanus and polio booster if necessary.
Clothing
During the day, light cotton clothes are recommended. For mountain
excursions you should take along some warmer clothes.
Customs and Traditions
Shorts and mini-skirts are not allowed in and around temples. It is a
custom to take off shoes in temples, on festival grounds and in private houses. It is
strongly recommend following these custom to show your respect for the religious
traditions.
You should never touch someone's head (including children) or point
your finger at someone, as this is considered impolite. For the same reason you should
avoid standing with your head above someone you are talking to. In doubt you should rather
squat or sit.
Shaking hands is not customary, except on farewells or
congratulations. Intimate touches or embraces are absolutely inappropriate.
Nude or topless swimming and sunbathing is forbidden. If you see
Balinese taking a bath in the rivers along the streets you should discreetly overlook them
and resist the appeal to take pictures.
When handing over, or taking something, from someone only the right
hand is to be used. The left hand is considered unclean.
The Balinese love to bargain; especially in the markets, where it is
is usual to haggle over the prices. You can do so too but, so as not to be disappointed,
please inform yourself in advance about the realistic prices.
Attending Ceremonies
Remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such.
Religious Guidelines
Always wear a sarong and sash. Do not walk in front of people praying.
Do not use flash cameras or push your camera into the priest's face. Never sit higher than
the priests, or the offerings.
At a cremation, do not get in the way of the attendees - however
important that photographic opportunity is.
Women are not allowed to enter temples during menstruation.
When attending special ceremonies or anniversary celebrations, as a
guest or onlooker, small donations are gratefully received. Your donations will help in
paying for the offerings and upkeep of the temple.
Car Rental
Indonesia has left-hand traffic. We advise you not to drive by
yourself unless you have already some experience with the Asian way of driving. Traffic
conditions are completely different to what you know from home and traffic rules are not
easily comprehensible for a foreigner.
Motorcycles and bicycles without lights are an additional hazard in
the dark. In Bali always expect the unexpected; keeping your eyes open and your mind on
your driving.
It is best to rent a car with a local driver or charter a van, if
there are a group of you travelling together around Bali.
Car Rentals Online:
If you prefer to drive yourself, book your car before you travel to save time and money.
Dangerous Sports
Make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance that
will cover any accidents.
Drinking Water
Do not drink water from any taps. Bottled mineral water is highly
recommended for your health.
Petty Crime
There have been a few cases of handbags being snatched after tourists
have changed money at banks or money changers. Put your money away in your 'bum-bag' or
hold onto your handbag tightly.
When changing large amounts of money please check each note carefully
as there are a number of (noticeably) fake notes in circulation.
When trying on garments do not take your jewellery off and leave it
lying around - give it to a friend or leave it in the hotel safe.
Swimming in the Sea
Currents and undertows can be strong. Always swim between the red and
yellow flags. Do not swim too far out and do not leave your belongings unattended on the
beach.
Tips for Taking Taxis in Bali
It is always best to order a taxi by phone; especially at night. If
you must hail a taxi on the street, be sure that the name of the taxi company is clearly
marked on it and insist on using the meter. Don’t fall for a driver who bargains or
claims that his meter is broken.
In the taxi, note the taxi's number and the driver’s ID. This may
come in handy if you want to register a complaint or trace belongings left behind. In
places such as Ubud, Sanur and Kuta there are many people who offer you transportation
services. If you must take any of their services, make sure you establish the price up
front.
There are licensed taxis at Bali’s airport. Avoid taking services
from 'brokers' who offer you transportation.
Some taxi companies and their telephone numbers:
Bali Taxi : 701111
Praja Taxi: 289090
Ngurah Rai Airport Taxi:724724
Pan Wirthi: 723366
Street Vendors
Can be overbearing at times, however they are trying to make a living,
so please be understanding but firm. If you would like to lodge a complaint, please do so
by taking down their vendor-card details and reporting it to the nearest police post or
police station. If you don't want to be pestered, it is best not to look at the wares and
avoid all eye contact.
Remember, in Indonesia, if you ask the price, you must want to buy!
Thirty-five kilometres (22 miles) east of Bali at its closet
point, or a mere 20 minute flight between airports, Lombok is considerably different from
Bali both physically, culturally, linguistically and historically.
It also has less tourist facilities, unspoilt beaches and a more
laid-back atmosphere.
Lombok's charm lies in its century-old, tranquil coastal areas with
virgin white beaches and green mountains, outside showers at your lodging and, in some
cases, no electricity.
Once you arrive in Lombok, you'll think you've stepped back to the
more pleasant, leisurely time of beautiful tropical villages and horse-drawn carts.
Here in Lombok, people live as they always have in a bustling cultural
mix. The crafts of Lombok are steeped in local tradition and the fabric weaving and
ceramics are famous around the world.
Lombok Island Interactive:
Stretching some 89 km, east to west, same distance north to south with a population of 3,2
million, the fascinating and unspoiled island paradise of Lombok is a great place for
those who need a complete escape.
Quinci
Villas:
Dubbed Lombok’s hippest hotel, this oasis of minimalist serenity is just ten minutes
north of the centre of Senggigi Beach town. Units are set on a beautifully landscaped
beachfront location under swaying palm trees, with many units boasting an ocean view and
opening out into their own private outdoor garden bathroom.
10% discount to Travel Notes members.
Accommodation in Lombok
Hotels
in Lombok:
Find hotels in Lombok with special online rates.
Sumatra Orangutans:
The Orang-utan story. The Hollitzers show you the results of their assignment.
A small percentage of the Sulawesi population continue to practice
animist rituals.
The best known are the death rites of the Toraja people, which are
undertaken to ensure the safe passage of the deceased into the next world.
PATA North Sulawesi:
The North Sulawesi Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association lists among its members
some of the finest resorts, hotels, restaurants, dive centres, airlines, and service
providers in the region.
Travel
to Indonesia:
Browse Amazon's best-selling list of books on travel in Indonesia.
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