INDONESIA FACTS

CAPITAL
Jakarta

LANGUAGE
Bahasa Indonesian & regional languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

CURRENCY
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
In cities and Bali ATMs are easy to find and cards are widely accepted.

PASSPORTS & VISAS
•   Validity of at least six months after your arrival back in the UK
•   Visas are not required

WHEN TO TRAVEL

High Season: July & August
Shoulder: May, June & September
Low: October – April

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SOCIAL CUSTOMS

What to Wear
Islam is the largest belief system in the country so dressing modestly is essential to respect local customs. This is particularly important if you’re planning to visit places away from mass tourism. Keeping covered will protect you from sunburn in the day and insect bites at night. Always remove your shoes before entering a mosques. For temples in Bali you should wear a sash and a sarong.  
The southern areas of Bali are more accustomed to western tourism. Swimwear is fine for the beach but you should dress again before walking round towns and going into shops. Nude and topless sunbathing are not okay.

Haggling
As with many Southeast Asian nations, if there isn’t a marked price it’s appropriate to barter. At first you might feel uncomfortable but soon you’ll enjoy it. You should always look to pay in the local currency and have a maximum price you’re willing to pay in mind – it can be very easy to get carried away! You’re more likely to get a good price if you’re friendly and keep smiling. Rudeness and aggression are not good tactics for negotiation and are generally seen as embarrassing.

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FOOD & DRINK

Indonesian cooking uses coconut, chili, lemon grass, cumin, coriander and palm sugar. Dishes always served with rice.

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TRAVEL

Air
Arrive into Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta or Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.

Bus
Travel between towns easily and cheaply

Boat
A variety of boats link the islands. Only book with reputable companies and don’t board boats that look overcrowded.

Car
Bali is a popular place to hire a car and explore.

Bike / Scooter / Motorbike
Rent one and travel at your own pace.