SOUTH AMERICA 2025
Indonesia is one of the richest countries in the world for for culture, activities, wildlife, or sheer adventure.
It has anestimated of 13,466 islands. Indonesia is not only beyond Bali , Lombok (and the Gili Islands).
Under normal circumstances (ie pre-COVID), citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia are issued a free 30-day stamp on arrival. Alternatively, you can choose to pay US$35 for a "Visa on Arrival", which can then be extended for a further 30 days. An e-visa was recently introduced so that you can apply online prior to departure via the Indonesian Embassy.
It’s been said that one in ten of all the world’s languages are spoken in Indonesia. Many islands have their own unique languages (some have hundreds) and English is spoken only in tourist areas. Fortunately for the traveler, Bahasa Indonesia (literally "Indonesia language") is spoken by everyone, with the exception of the youngest pre-school children and some of the elderly in rural areas. It’s a relatively easy language to learn and Indonesian people from all walks of life will appreciate even minimal efforts to communicate in their own tongue.
Indonesia is tropical and wherever you go in this country you’re likely to want shorts, t-shirts, or beach clothing much of the time. It can be surprisingly chilly in the highlands, however, and if you plan to do some trekking or volcano climbing you will appreciate some warmer layers. Also beware that transportation are often surprisingly cold and aircon units in shopping malls and hotels are often set to frigid levels.
In beach areas it’s considered extremely impolite to walk around shirtless.
If you are visiting temples on Bali you will often be expected to wear a sarong and (for women) to cover shoulders. Religious buildings and ceremonies in most parts of the country will often be off-limits if you’re wearing shorts. In most of Muslim Indonesia dress codes are relatively relaxed but you are likely to feel more comfortable (and appear more respectful) in long pants in communities that are predominantly Muslim.
In Indonesia 87% of the country’s population are Muslim, however the Islamic restrictions are relaxed.
Also, vast tracts of the country are predominantly Christian and Bali itself is almost entirely Hindu. Intermingled with these "formal" religions – and sometimes almost inseparable from them – are an entire spectrum of animistic beliefs. Your trip will be all the richer for any attempts to understand and appreciate the beliefs of your hosts.
Most people realize that in Asia you shouldn’t walk into a house wearing shoes but it surprises many visitors to Indonesia that this also often extends to homestays and sometimes even to hotel rooms. While it is not strictly necessary, many owners of small souvenir shops also appreciate your politeness in leaving flip flops at the door.
Indonesia is very safe. However, it's worth staying alert in crowded bars and marketplaces as there’s a small risk of pickpocketing.
The vast majority of Indonesians from all regions (and all cultures and religions) are instilled with an almost inviolable tradition of hospitality towards strangers and travelers.
Indonesia has one of the strictest anti-drug laws on the planet. Possession of illegal drugs can result in up to four years imprisonment, while a conviction for trafficking can often result in a death sentence.
Even locals don’t drink tap water in Indonesia – they either buy bottled water or boil it.