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Indonesia tourist information with details about travel to and around the country. Where to stay and what to see is made easier with insider tips and hand-selected Indonesia links, by dedicated editors and visitors to TravelNotes.org - The Online Guide to Travel. Order Indonesia Travel Brochures - for Free.
Indonesia is a wonderful part of the world to explore with its semi-active volcanoes, jungles and deserted beaches. 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. Gateway
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in Jakarta: Sort Jakarta Hotels by: Hotel Price, Hotel Rating, Hotel Name. Weather in IndonesiaView 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. Bali Guide: Bali Transportation: Regions of
Bali: Villa Sembilan: Accommodation in BaliHotels
in Bali: Sort Bali Hotels by: Hotel Price, Hotel Rating, Hotel Name. UbudTry 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. Villa Bali Gita: Health RegulationsOfficially there are no vaccinations required. Malaria prophylactics is recommended as well as having a tetanus and polio booster if necessary. ClothingDuring the day, light cotton clothes are recommended. For mountain excursions you should take along some warmer clothes. Customs and TraditionsShorts 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 CeremoniesRemember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such. Religious GuidelinesAlways 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 RentalIndonesia 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: Dangerous SportsMake sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance that will cover any accidents. Drinking WaterDo not drink water from any taps. Bottled mineral water is highly recommended for your health. Petty CrimeThere 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 SeaCurrents 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 BaliIt 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: Street VendorsCan 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: Quinci
Villas: Accommodation in LombokHotels
in Lombok: Sumatra Orangutans: 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: Indonesia Travel Guides Books
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