Lonely Planet - Indonesia Guide

Indonesias numbers astound: 17,000 islands (or is it 20,000?), of which 8000 are inhabited (or is it 11,000?), 300 languages spoken (or is it 400?). Yet its all one country with myriad adventures.

Gunung Agung as seen from Nusa Lembongan (), Bali DENNIS WALTON/GETTY IMAGES

The worlds fourth most populace country 245 million and counting is a sultry kaleidoscope that runs along the equator for 5000km. It may well be the last great adventure on earth. From the western tip of Sumatra to the eastern edge of Papua, this nation defies homogenisation. It is a land of so many cultures, peoples, animals, customs, plants, features, artworks and foods that it is like 100 (or is it 200?) countries melded into one. And were talking differences that arent just about an accent or a preference for goat over pork; we are talking about people who are as radically different from each other as if they came from different continents. No man may be an island but here every island is a unique blend of the men, women and children who live upon it. Over time deep and rich cultures have evolved, from the mysteries of the spiritual Balinese to the utterly non-Western belief system of the Asmat people of Papua.

Venturing through the islands of Indonesia youll see a land as diverse and unusual as those living upon it. Look at Sulawesi on a map and youll save yourself the cost of a Rorschach test. Or view Sumatra from the air and be humbled by a legion of nearly 100 volcanoes marching off into the distance, several capable of blowing at any time. Dramatic sights are the norm. Theres the sublime: an orangutan lounging in a tree. The artful: a Balinese dancer executing precise moves that would make a robot seem loose-limbed. The idyllic: a deserted stretch of blinding white sand on Sumbawa set off by azure water and virescent jungle hills. The astonishing: the mobs in a cool and glitzy Jakarta mall on a Sunday. The humbling: a woman bent double with a load of firewood on Sumatra. The solemn: the quiet magnificence of Borobudur.

This ever-intriguing, ever-intoxicating land holds some of the last great adventures on earth. Sitting in the open door of a train whizzing across Java, idling away time on a ferry bound for Kalimantan, hanging on to the back of a scooter on Flores or simply trekking through wilderness youre sure no one has seen before youll enjoy endless exploration of the infinite diversity of Indonesias 17,000 islands.

CURRENCY

Rupiah (Rp)

LANGUAGE

Bahasa Indonesia

MONEY

ATMs available and credit cards accepted in cities and popular tourist areas such as Bali. US dollars best for exchange elsewhere.

VISAS

A 30-day visa (which can be renewed once only) sold on arrival. Apply in advance to consulates and embassies for 60-day visas.

MOBILE PHONES

Cheap local SIM cards work with any unlocked GSM phone.

TRANSPORT

Planes, some trains, boats, ferries, buses of all sizes and cars with drivers will get you across the archipelago.

When To Go

HIGH SEASON (JUL AUG)

Tourist numbers surge across Indonesia, from Bali to Sulawesi and beyond.

Rates can spike by 50%.

Dry season except in Maluku and Papua, which are rainy.

SHOULDER (MAY, JUN SEP)

Dry season outside Maluku Papua.

Best weather in Java, Bali and Lombok (dry, not so humid).

You can travel more spontaneously.

LOW SEASON (OCTAPR)

Wet season in Java, Bali and Lombok.

Dry season (best for diving) in Maluku and Papua.

Its often easy to find deals and you can travel with little advance booking (except at Christmas and New Years).

Your Daily Budget

BUDGET LESS THAN 300,000RP

Simple rooms less than 150,000Rp

Cheap street meals under 20,000Rp

Travel like a local outside of major cities and tourist areas

MIDRANGE 300,0001.3 MILLION RP

Double rooms with air-con and internet around US$3070

Cheap flights to shorten distances

Guides plus meals in restaurants (where they exist)

TOP END OVER 1.3 MILLION RP

Stay at resorts, often noted boutique properties in remote places

Use flights and cars with drivers

Book special tours for activities like diving and visit top restaurants on Bali

Websites

Inside Indonesia ( www.insideindonesia.org ) News and thoughtful features.

Indonesia Traveling ( www.indonesiatraveling.com ) Info about Indonesias parks, nature reserves and wildlife.

Jakarta Globe ( www.thejakartaglobe.com ) Top-notch national English-language newspaper.

Jakarta Post ( www.thejakartapost.com ) Indonesias original English-language daily.

LonelyPlanet.com ( www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia ) Share knowledge and experiences with others.

Exchange Rates

Australia	A$1	10,000Rp
Canada	C$1	9700Rp
Euro zone		12,400Rp
Japan		100Rp
New Zealand	NZ$1	7900Rp
UK	UK1	15,400Rp
US	US$1	9600Rp

For current exchange rates see www.xe.com .

Important Numbers

Mobile phones are common across Indonesia; numbers usually start with 08 and dont require an area code.

Indonesia country code	62
International call prefix	001/017
International operator	102
Directory assistance	108

Arriving in Indonesia

Sukarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

Jakarta is the primary entry point to Indonesia but most people merely change planes here before continuing on to their final destination.

Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS)

Bali is the only airport with significant international service apart from Jakarta. Prepaid 24-hour taxis are available to all parts of Bali. Its 50,000Rp for Kuta, 80,000Rp to Seminyak and 200,000Rp for Ubud.

Travelling Responsibly

To visit Indonesia responsibly, try not to be invasive. Local environmental awareness is still nascent at best, but consider the following tips:

Watch your use of water demand often outstrips supply. Dont stay at a place with a pool, especially if the ocean is next door.