This information has been compiled for your reference in good faith but please use this only as a general guide. We advise you to check with relevant authorities with regard to the latest requirement for passport, visa, travel advisory, entry restrictions, health requirements, local currency etc as these are subjected to change with without prior notice and our information given below may not be as updated.

Best time to go: The weather in Indonesia is generally warm all year round, although the best time to visit is April to October. Outside of this time it can be wet, with short tropical downpours and humidity. There are two distinct seasons – wet and dry, however the temperature is fairly even between seasons. November to April normally is the rainy season in Indonesia.

Indonesia is the largest Archipelago in the world. There are 17,000 islands, out of which 6000 are inhabited by people

Visa: As per the current regulations, New Zealanders need a visa to enter Indonesia. NZ passport holders can get Visa on arrival on certain entry points at a payment of approx USD 35 per person or you can apply for E-Visa prior to your travel.

Marco Polo was the first European to reach Indonesia. He had travelled in search of spices which were valuable commodities in his country
 

Currency: Indonesia’s monetary unit is the Rupiah. Currency notes are in denominations of a Rp.1000, Rp.2000, Rp.5000, Rp.10.000, Rp.20.000, Rp.50.000, and Rp.100.000 while coins in circulation Rp.1000, Rp.500, Rp.200, Rp. 100 and Rp.50. You can change foreign currency cash or travelers cheques at the airport, banks and authorized money exchangers. Cash and credit card are widely accepted however some smaller or rural businesses may not accept credit cards.

The island country has also been a member of OPEC but it quit in 2008 as it no longer remained the exporter of oil.

Health: There are no recommendations for any special vaccinations or medications for Indonesia however it is wise to check that you are up to date with Hepatitis and Tetanus vaccinations. There are general food and water hygiene-related illnesses which can be prevented with slight caution and it is advisable to protect yourself from animal/insect bites. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms are similar to a common flu however dengue fever can be fatal if left untreated. Consult your doctor well in advance as you will experience change in climate, environment, food and water and general hygienic conditions. Your doctor will be able to help you prepare better.

Roughly one third of the active volcanoes in the world are located in Indonesia.

Public Transport: The public transportation is not the most efficient in Indonesia. The best way to get around is by local private cab services like Grab or Gojek. These services offer a convenient, safe, and cost-effective way to explore places.

Indonesia exports 3,000 tons of frogs’ legs to France each year.

Food and drinks: Indonesian food varies among different parts of the country and has many influences as a result of its history. Ingredients and techniques from India, Middle East, China and Europe have resulted in wonderful Indonesian dishes such as Nasi goring, gadogado, lumpia (spring rolls). Food is traditionally eaten with a spoon and fork and also with your hands.

Rice is the staple food of the country and a meal without rice is not considered as a meal itself. Indonesians also prefer spicy foods. The very common ingredients of Indonesian cooking include coconut milk, fish and chicken along with spices (especially chili).

Safety & security: Refer to the New Zealand Governments travel advisory website for updates – www.safetravel.govt.nz . Like in any other part of the world, a few precautions need to be taken to avoid any problems. Please do not leave your bags unattended at any times. Please use safe deposit in your hotel room or reception to keep your money or valuables including passport. When you leave the room, it is recommended that you lock your suitcase. It is also recommended to carry a copy of your passport including the visa page.

A common sight is a family of four people riding a motorcycle without any helmets and at the speed of 60 mph

Clothing:Indonesia is a predominately Muslim country and conservative dress is recommended. Women should cover their shoulders/upper arms and skirts and shorts should be at least knee length. T-shirt and shorts are suitable for men. If going for business, shirt and tie is recommended.

The Indonesian industry mainly imports chemicals, fuels, food-stuffs, and machinery and equipment’s while electrical appliances, rubber, plywood, oil and gas, and textile are the main export products here.

Language:Bahasa Indonesiais the official language. English is now the main second language and is widely spoken.

There is no word in the Balinese language for "art."

Gratuities: Hotels and restaurants normally add a service charge. Add 10% tip is recommended for taxi. The appropriate tipping for guides or drivers is about Rp50.000 - 100.000 per day, while for the restaurant is approximately 10% of your total bill.

The Indonesian archipelago boasts over one quarter of all the marine life in the world.

Internet: Internet/Wi-Fi is common in hotel accommodation in the larger cities. Internet cafes are popular and common in tourist areas however in rural areas it is less common.

Indonesia is home to some of the rarest creatures in the world that include small deer, fish that climbs trees to catch insects and spiders that built giant webs to catch small birds as preys.

Telephone: Indonesia has a dialing code of +62 fromNew Zealand. Telephone numbers of hotels arranged by us will be supplied to you in your itinerary. When calling New Zealand from Indonesia, you will need to dial 001 64.

The Dutch kept Indonesia colonized for almost 350 years, owing to the fact that many old Indonesians speak Dutch fluently. Many Indonesian words have been derived from Dutch.
 

Time Difference: Bali is 4hours behind New Zealand from April to September and 5hours behind from October to March.

Thanks to Indonesia’s geographical span, the country covers three time zones.

Photography: Taking photos of airports, government buildings and military establishments are prohibited. If you are taking photos of local ladies, please politely ask for prior permission.

The Borobudur temple is located in Indonesia. It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and was earlier one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Electricity: Voltage supply in Indonesia is 220 volts, plugs C,D& F. Some hotels have adapters available which you could borrow free of charge during your stay but it might be a good idea to carry one from home. Please visit this website for more information on plugs http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

Lingsar temple, the oldest temple in Lombok, is used as a place of worship by both Hindus and Muslims.

General: Normal office hours are 8am to 5pm weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. Indonesia has many festivals/holidays where businesses are closed. It is worth checking when planning a holiday. For emergencies call 110 for Police, 113 for Fire Service and 118 for Ambulance.

Bali
Bali is a tropical island paradise and a popular international destination ever since the early years of the century when artists began to visit the island and document its sensual beauty. Bali is one of the most visited islands in Indonesia. Bali is rich in culture, friendly local people (Balinese), and has many historic places such as Tanah Lot, Besakih (The mother of all temples), Singaraja, Klungkung and many more. The beaches in Bali are very often become the hot spot for surfer from Australia such as Kuta, Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Sanur. Apart from the powerful waves for surfing, Bali also has beautiful white sand along the Badung and Lombok strait. If you visit Bedugul and Kintamani, you will find the most beautiful lakes in Northern of Bali. You may visit Holy monkey temple called Sangeh in the North of Bali. Beware of your camera, hat and belongings as they can be taken away by scores of monkeys there.

Ubud

Ubud is a small town but it is home to the royal family of Bali. Despite its size, Ubud surprises every tourist with so many museums, galleries and an active art scenario. It is full of spas, yoga arenas and a Monkey forest; so if you do not feel like doing anything, at least there are monkeys to keep you busy.

Seminyak

Seminyak is not a proper city but it is more of a tourist destination. Although it was a town before but recently its status has been changed and now it encompasses Indonesia’s best beaches. If you are in a mood to enter the world of serenity and beauty, Seminyak is the place for you.

Kuta

Kuta city of Indonesia magnetizes surfers and sunbathers due to its beaches. And even one can find a great display of animals there too but do not worry they will not harm you. It is also known as the Sea Surfers’ Paradise. Discovered by the hippies in early 1960s, Kuta is a popular beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. It is also famous for its magnificent sunset, nightlife, and shopping options.

Legian

Legian is full of beaches but these beaches are way different from others present in Indonesia as Legion beaches showcases an aura of relaxation and peace. Though you can find seas surfers and all other water sports going on but still nothing spoils its relaxed and chilled out environment.

Denpasar

Denpasar is the capital of Bali and has a number of cultural and historical sites. It has many community temples called "Pura". Bali's picturesque countryside and most of the beautiful temples are just outside the limit of Denpasar. Some of the villages worth visiting are Celuk (for its silverware), Ubud (to have a glimpse at the finest of Bali's art-dance, music, and paintings) and Bedulu for its elephant cave.
Nusa Dua

The Nusa Dua tourist resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here. It is also famous for its mouthwatering cuisine. During the rainy season, the beach provides excellent surfing conditions.
Sanur

Sanur city hosts the world famous International Kite festival, which attracts millions of tourists every year. And another reason to rush to Sanur is its fantabulous spas which will reenergize every pour of your body.

Sanur is Bali's most famous tourist spot. It is at a short distance from Denpasar and public transport to and from the city is easily available. There are number of important hotels on this small island. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves and make it popular for windsurfing, boating and other water sports.

Bandung

Also known as the city of flowers and Paris of Java, it is the provincial capital of West Java and the third largest city of Indonesia. Bandung is located at a distance of 175 km from Jakarta and provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta. The majority of the populations are the native Sundanese from West Java, who are famous for their extroverted, easy-going nature and are reputed as zealous guardians of their ancient culture. Bandung ranks as the second best city to visit in this country.  You can visit a botanic garden, which is truly an eye candy, and then there is some Dutch Colonial architecture too. And if you want more, there is golf course, zoo and lots of food. Also you can visit GedungPapak building, BumiSilwangibuikding, Ciator hot spring (32 km north of Bandung) and KawahPutih craters at Ciwidey which change colours (40kms south of Bandung)

Java
Java is the political, geographic and economic heart of Indonesia and has been home to some of Indonesia’s most glorious kingdoms. It also represents some of the finest art and architecture, such as the Buddhist temple Borobudur and Hindu temple Prambanan. Not only does the island of Java offer the best introduction to travel in Indonesia, it is home to the nation’s capital, Jakarta, and more than sixty-five percent of the country’s population. With its soaring volcanoes dotting the landscape, dramatic coastlines and two of the world’s twelve World Heritage Sites, traveling through Java offers a wealth of experience and adventure.

Jakarta

Jakarta is the capital of and the biggest city in Indonesia and we rank it as the best city to visit in this country. Jakarta is busier than the rest of the country. However, one thing where Jakarta is unbeatable is its nightlife, which is crazy and full of fun.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is one of the most attractive and ancient historical cities in Java. Because of its proximity to Borobudur and Pramban Temple Complex, it is a major stop on the tourist route. Yogyakarta was established in 1755 when Prince Mangkubumi built the Kraton Palace, called himself Sultan and created the most powerful Javanese Kingdom since the 17th century. Today it remains a symbol of resistance to Dutch Colonial rule, as well as the centre for classical Javanese art and culture, including batik, Ramayana ballet, shadow puppetry and music.

Borobudur Temple

One of the greatest Buddhist monuments in Southeast Asia, Borobudur was built in the 8th century and stands on top of a hill surrounded by volcanoes and overlooking green fields. It is an immense multi-tiered structure with the Great Stupa (bell-shaped monument) at the top standing 128ft (40m) above the ground, surrounded by numerous smaller stupas, some still containing Buddha statues inside. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a major tourist attraction in Java.

Prambanan Temple Complex

Rivalling the Buddhist monument of Borobudur, this magnificent Hindu temple is the largest in Java and the most beautiful in Indonesia. Prambanan was built in the 9th century, possibly to compete with the splendour of Borobudur, or to celebrate the return to power of the Hindu dynasty in Java at the time. From May to October the Ramayana Ballet, a traditional Indonesian dance based on the Ramayana story, is performed on an open-air stage at the complex during the full moon and is a spectacular sight involving hundreds of dancers, singers and musicians.
 

Mountain Bromo

Mountain Bromo is one of the still active volcanoes in Indonesia and located in East Java Island. It surrounded by Sand of Sea and has 2,329 meters high and 10 km wide diameter in Tengger caldera. It has 250 concrete steps from the foot of mountain up to the edge of crater and the visitors are able to gaze inside the smoking crater. We took the Jeep to pass the huge Sand of Sea (it felt like you were at the desert) on the foot of Mountain while some tourists rode the horse. These sand are comes from volcanic ashes that erupted many years ago. It took me ten minutes to climb up to crater because you get tired easily on the high elevated area.