INDONESIA
TRAVEL GUIDE
Book your trip in a beat!
OVERVIEW
My 18-day Indonesia itinerary started as a rough outline on my travel notebook that only focused on 12 days of Bali and somewhere else that I decided to embark last min. This journey was supposed to start with 6-days of solo travel, 6 days of a creator’s retreat and the last 6 days of impromptu travel with my beloved. And it turned out better than I expected. From the sacred water therapy of melukat to a day organised by GetYourGuide to dedicated days of piety and the eleventh hour plan to wander the cultural street of Yogyakarta (Jogya). Indonesia is a great destination not only for solo, budget travellers but for adventurous couples as well as families looking to relax in an international destination.
INDONESIA Travel guide
Getting to Indonesia
Flights
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali is the most popular hub with numerous direct flights from around the world. Direct flights are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru.
Applying for Indonesia Visa
You can either apply for e-visa or get a visa-on-arrival. I wouldn’t recommend this as it takes considerable time due to the long queue! Also, if you have an electronic passport then you simply glide through a separate gate.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season when the climate is comparatively warmer, drier, laced with humidity while the wet season experiences occasional showers
- Dry season: May to September
- Wet season: November to March
Shoulder season is between March to June and September to November when tourism is low, influencing lower rates
v/s
traveller's wisdom
The entire internet might suggest you to avoid the wet season but it’s perhaps the best season to be there (I love wet seasons of Southeast Asia). Although crowds never seem to cease in Bali but exploring the other parts shouldn’t be passed on. Beaches might be closed because of the weather so you can always drop by to check for yourself. Be safe around the shores.
Local Food and Drinks in Indonesia
Nasi lemak, Nasi Goreng, Rendang, Satay, Gado-Gado, Soto, Bakso, Sambal, Bebek Goreng, Nasi Padang, Siomay, Pempek, Coto Makassar, Martabak, Mie Goreng, Babi Pangang, Nasi Uduk Klepon.
Types of Transportation in Indonesia
- A great way to travel is to book a bike or a cab on Gojek or Uber. Note that Gojek is cheaper than Uber and Grab.
- Intra-city Bus – leaves from Terminal Ubung, fares depend on the distance travelled.
- Inter-city Bus – leaves from Terminal Ubung, fares depend on the distance travelled.
- Ferry Services – From Sanur ferry services one can avail ferry to Lombok and Penida islands.
Applications to Download
- Gojek – for cabs, bikes and food
- Grab – for cabs, bikes and food
Things to Remember
- Local currency is the Indonesia Rupiah (IDR)
- Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Learn a few basic Balinese phrases, as while English is spoken.
- For calling either purchase a local sim or activate an e-sim.
- Carry portable fans.
- There’s an entry fee for everything, even temples.
- All the temples specifically mention that ‘Women are not permitted to enter the holy temple during their menstrual periods’.
EXPERIENCES & ITINERARIES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Indonesia visa-free for Indians?
No, Indonesia is not visa-free for Indians. Indian tourists should either apply for e-visa or opt for Visa on Arrival (VOA).
- What are the requirements of VOA for Indian passport holders?
Requirements as follows:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- A return ticket that acts as proof of onward travel
- Advisable to carry for proof of accommodation and financial resources (bank statements, sponsor letters) – Immigration officers may ask for these.
- Where can one apply for e-Visa for Indonesia?
- How much does Indonesia Visa cost?
The cost is based on the type of visa
Visa on Arrival
Single entry
Multiple entry
- How long does the Single-Entry Tourist Visa allow to stay?
1. For Visa on Arrival (VOA), it is 60 days, with an extension of another 60 days twice.
2. e-Visa validity is for a month
- What is the difference between Visa on Arrival (VOA) and e-Visa for Indonesia?
The Visa on Arrival is issued at the airport upon arrival and is valid for 30 days. The e-visa has to be applied online before entering Indonesia and allows flexibility with multi-entry options.
- What is the capital of Indonesia?
The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta
- How many time-zones are there in Indonesia?
1. Western Indonesia Time (UTC+07:00) – covering the western part of the country, i.e., islands of Sumatra, Java, and the western half of Kalimantan.
2. Central Indonesia Time (UTC+08:00) – covering the central part of the country, i.e – the eastern half of Kalimantan, as well as all of Bali, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and Sulawesi.
3. Eastern Indonesia Time (UTC+09:00) – covering the province of Papua.
- What is the time difference between India and Indonesia?
1. If you are in any of the places falling under Western Indonesia Time, then you are ahead of IST by 1.5 hours.
2. If you are in any of the places falling under Central Indonesia Time, then you are ahead of IST by 2.5 hours.
3. If you are in any of the places falling under Eastern Indonesia Time, then you are ahead of IST by 3.5 hours.
- What religion does Indonesia follow?
Predominantly Islam since 82.7% of the population is Muslim although Bali is a Hindu island but the total population of Hindus in Indonesia is just 1.7%
- What is the ideal duration of Indonesia Trip?
5-7 days are good for a trip to Bali, but it is advisable not to club with other islands in Indonesia. This is the largest country of Southeast Asia so covering it in its entirety isn’t feasible.
- How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Indonesia have?
There are 10 UNESCO heritage sites in Indonesia, namely
1. Borobudur Temple Compounds of Central Java
2. Prambanan Temple Compounds located on the border between the two provinces of Yogyakarta and Central Java
3. Komodo National Park between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores
4. Ujung Kulon National Park located at the south-west tip ofJava
5. Sangiran Early Man Site in Central Java
6. Lorentz National Park located in Indonesia’s Papua Province
7. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
8. Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a 9. Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
9. Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto, located in the inaccessible mountains of West Sumatra
10. The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks
- How many islands consist of Indonesia?
17,508 islands consist of Indonesian archipelago.
- What is famous in Indonesia to buy?
There are a lot of local products that one can buy from Indonesia
- Batik (a type of print)
- Wayang (puppet)
- Woodcraft
- Coffee
- Traditional Musical Instruments
- Silver Products and Precious Stones
- Unique Indonesian Miniature
- Mask
