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Practical Indonesian Travel Guide: What Every International Traveler Should Know (2025 - 2026)

Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements

  • Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

  • Visa: Indonesia offers several visa options including Visa Exemption, Visa on Arrival (VoA), and electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA). Certain nationalities can apply for an e-Visa online via the official portal evisa.imigrasi.go.id.

  • Visa on Arrival Fee: IDR 500,000 (about USD 35) for eligible countries on a 30-day stay, extendable once.

  • Customs Declaration: Complete the customs form online before arrival or on paper at entry points to declare goods or currency.

  • Bali Culture Tax: A one-time tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately USD 10) applies for all foreign visitors to Bali to support cultural and environmental preservation.

Top Destinations Highlights

  • Bali: Beaches, temples, yoga retreats, vibrant arts, and nightlife.

  • Java: Cultural heritage including Borobudur and Prambanan temples, Mount Bromo volcano.

  • Flores & Komodo: Home of Komodo dragons and world-class diving.

  • Lombok & Gili Islands: Pristine beaches, trekking Mount Rinjani.

  • Sumatra: Wildlife trekking, Lake Toba, and cultural heritage.

  • Kalimantan: Jungle adventures and orangutan sanctuaries.

  • Sulawesi: Unique culture, diving, and Toraja highlands.

  • Papua (Western New Guinea): Remote wilderness, Raja Ampat diving paradise.

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

  • Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; guide and driver tips range from $2 to $6 per day.

Best Time to Visit and Weather

  • Seasons: Indonesia has two main seasons - Dry (May to September) and Wet (October to April).

  • Ideal Time: The dry season, especially July and August, is the best time for beach activities, trekking, diving, and exploring cultural sites.

  • Temperature: Tropical climate with year-round warm temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F).

Key Entry Points

  • Main Airports: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta), Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali), Juanda International Airport (Surabaya), Yogyakarta International Airport (Yogyakarta), and Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Airport (Lombok).

"Indonesia, with its vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, offers an unparalleled diversity of culture, nature, and experiences. To help visitors prepare for an enjoyable and hassle-free trip, here is a practical travel guide covering essential information every international traveler needs before going to Indonesia."

Local Currency & Money Tips

  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

  • Cash & Cards: Cash predominates in rural areas; credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist hubs.

  • ATMs: Common in urban centers and major tourist destinations.

Language

  • Official Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia).

  • Local Languages: Over 700 local languages/dialects are spoken across the archipelago.

  • Tip: Learning basic Indonesian phrases can enhance interactions and bargaining in local markets.

Health & Safety

  • Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations unless arriving from Yellow Fever zones; recommended vaccines include Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis.

  • Personal Safety: Generally safe with low violent crime; watch out for petty theft in crowded areas.

  • Natural Hazards: Be aware of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity, particularly in Java and Sumatra.

Getting Around Indonesia

  • Domestic Flights: Best option for covering large distances quickly; Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and AirAsia operate popular routes.

  • Public Buses & Trains: Affordable and widely used, especially on Java; Transjakarta in Jakarta offers modern bus service.

  • Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Bluebird taxis are reliable; apps like Grab and Gojek offer convenient car and motorbike rides.

  • Ferries: Essential for island hopping; book in advance during peak seasons.

  • Motorbikes & Scooter Rentals: Popular for local travel in Bali and smaller towns but exercise caution due to traffic.

What to Pack

  • Travel documents, visa, and travel insurance.

  • Lightweight clothing suitable for tropical weather.

  • Basic medications, sunscreen, mosquito repellent.

  • Comfortable walking shoes, hat, and sunglasses.

  • Power adapter (Indonesia uses type C and F plugs).

Final Tips

  • Register foreign phone IMEI upon arrival to use Indonesian SIM cards.

  • Stay hydrated and avoid street food if unsure of its cleanliness.

  • Plan for flexibility—Indonesia’s vast size and diverse transport can affect travel times.