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The name Indonesia has its roots in two Greek words: "Indos" meaning Indian and "Nesos" which means islands. It is an appropriate description of the archipelago as there are estimated to be a total of 17,508 islands, of which only about 6,000 are inhabited, stretching for 5,150 km between the Australian and Asian continental mainlands and dividing the Pacific and Indian Oceans at the Equator.

Indonesia is in the center of the Indo-Pacific bio-sphere, and is the largest archipelago in the world. There are over 17,000 islands spread across 3,000 miles, and diving conditions are exceptional. It is one of the richest and most diverse marine habitats on the earth. The rich diversity of marine fish also extends to an equally rich diversity of marine corals (over 500 varieties). In addition to reefs, you can experience fantastic wall diving, "flying" drift dives, and many great wrecks.

What about the marine life? How about shrimp to whalesharks, squid to dolphins, sea horses to blue ribbon eels, scorpion fish to turtles, manta rays to..... well you get the picture, this place is loaded!!

While the infrastructure in Indonesia to support diving is still young, there are excellent dive centers, resorts and liveaboards throughout the area.

Climate:84 - 87F (29-31C)
Water Temp: 78 - 80F (26-27C)
Visibility: 80' - 100' (24 - 30m)

Feature Services

Blue Season Bali Jalan Danau Poso, Gang Wanasari 3b, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia, 80228 Tel. +62361270852 Fax. +62361270842 padi-idc@idc-asia.com http://www.idc-asia.com PADI IDC Asia - Blue Season Bali welcomes you to the only PADI 5 Star Instructor Course in Bali with a 100% success rate for all of our PADI IDC Instructor Internships. Offering the finest PADI (IDC) Instructor Development Courses in Asia today! Overnight safaris and daily fun diving trips are also offered.

Air services are available to all provincial district capitals and other remote areas operated by Garuda Indonesia. Merpati Nusantara, Sempati Air, Bouraq and Mandala Airlines.

Garuda Indonesia, the national flag carrier, operates on both international and domestic routes. Domestically it serves 33 cities including all the provincial capitals.

The only all-jet airline on domestic routes, it has several daily flights from Jakarta to other tourist destinations such as Bali, Medan, Ujung Pandang, Manado and Yogyakarta. It also operates shuttIe flights to Surabaya and Semarang several times a day. For visitors, Garuda Indonesia has introduced Visit Indonesia Air Passes which offers special fares on its domestic flights. The passes are sold in conjunction with travel on Garuda from Europe, USA, Australia and Japan, and have to be purchased from Garuda Offices in these areas. On its international network, Garuda Indonesia serves London, Amsterdam, Brussles, Frankfurt, Paris, Zurich, Rome, Vienna, Cairo, Abudhabi, Jeddah and Riyadh. In Asia and to points South, destinations are Ho Chi Min city, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, Manila, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Nagoya, Seoul, Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Portheland and Auckland. Garuda serves Honolulu and Los Angeles as well.

Merpati Nusantara Airlines is the second national carrier and flies to more than 100 destinations in Indonesia and has some international flights to Australia (Darwin), Brunei Darussalam, Davao (Philippines), and East Malaysia (Kuching). Bouraq and Mandala also have scheduled services. Indonesia's three main gateways are Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, Polonia Airport in Medan and Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali. Several international airlines serve Jakarta. Medan receives direct flights from Singapore, Penang and Kuala Lumpur operated by Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Silk Air and Garuda.

Bali is served by Garuda and Qantas and since 1986 Garuda initiated joint services with SIA, MAS, Cathay Pacific, JAL, Silk Air, China Airlines, Thai Airways Int'l, Continental Airlines and Royal Brunei for direct flights to Bali from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Brunei Darussalam, Guatemala, Hongkong, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, and Taipei and other service from Amsterdam, through Vienna and Abudhabi to Medan and Bali, offering easier accessibility and overflying Jakarta.

Entry Requirements

Visa Free Countries
Based on the strict application of reciprocity rules, the citizens of 11 countries whose governments extend visa-free facility to Indonesians, will continue to enjoy visa-free stays. The 11 countries and administrative districts that are granted the 30-day visa-free facility are: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Hongkong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, Chile, Morocco, Peru and Vietnam.

Visa-On Arrivals for 20 Countries
The nationals of 20 countries will be able to apply for a visa-on-arrival valid for either 3 or 30 days upon arrival in Indonesia. A visa for a 3 day visit costing US$ 10 or US$ 25 for a 30 day visit. The nations and districts eligible to purchase a visa-on-arrival are: the Arab Emirates, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Citizens of countries not on the visa-on-arrival or visa-free lists will be required to apply for a visa at an Indonesian Embassy before entering Indonesia.

Entry and exit must be made through certain specified gateways: By air through Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Manado, Biak, Ambon, Surabaya and Batam; By sea through Semarang, Jakarta, Bali, Pontianak, Balikpapan, Tanjung Pinang and Kupang. For other ports of entry and exit special visas are required. The maximum stay permitted is two months and is not extendible.

Health

International health certificates for smallpox and cholera are not required, except from travellers arriving from infected areas.

Customs

Indonesian Customs allows on entry a maximum of two liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cars, photographic equipment, typewriters and tape recorders must be declared to Customs upon entry and must be reexported. 'prohibited from entry are TV sets, radios, narcotics, arms and ammunition, printed matter in Chinese characters and Chinese medicines.

Advance approval has to be acquired for carrying transceivers and all movie films and video cassettes must be censored by the Film Censor Board. Fresh fruit, plants and animals must have quarantine permits.

There is no restriction on import or export of foreign currencies. However, the export or import of Indonesian currency exceeding Rp.50,000 is prohibited.

Exit

The Government of Indonesia has officially abolished the exit permit required for people leaving the country, effective from August 17, 1992.

Airport tax levied on passengers for international travel i Rp.21,000,- for travel within Indonesia regional variations occur. Expect to pay an average of about Rp.8,000,-.

Sports and Activities

When you are not diving and snorkeling, there are many activities to enjoy throughout Indonesia.

Indonesia is a sportsman’s playground, particularly so, for the water or beach enthusiast. There is good diving and snorkelling off Bali (Nusa Dua, Sanur, Padangbai), between Komodo and Labuhanbajo in Flores, around the Banda Islands and off Pulau Biak off the north coast of Irian Jaya. The sea gardens of Sulawesi, particularly around Manado, are legendary. Renowned surf spots include Ulu Watu in Bali, Grajagan in Java and Nias off Sumatra, but there is surf along the southern coast of virtually all the islands in Nusa Tenggara. Windsurfing enthusiasts are well catered for in the southern resorts of Bali. Rafting is a new activity now offered on Bali's Ayung River.

Sumatra has good jungle treks, particularly in Gunung Leuser National Park. Berastagi and Bukit Lawang are also popular trekking centres in Sumatra. More adventurous jungle trekking opportunities are available in Kalimantan and Irian Jaya. For those who want to scramble up mountain sides, Mt Bromo in Java and Agung in Bali are perfect climbing venues; Gunung Rinjani, the volcano that dominates Lombok, is a strenuous but worthwhile three-day jaunt.

For those who like to really be above the rest of the world, take a helicopter ride or try hang gliding or parachuting. Soar above the islands, feel the warm tropical wind in your hair and be as free as a bird as you view the splendour of the land and her beaches and outlying reefs below. Or look down into the eye of a volcano and be in awe of the power that simmers beneath, the surface.

If this is all a bit much for you and you prefer a more relaxed visit, cycling or horseback rides are available, play tennis, golf or volley ball or watch some entertaining ethnic entertainment. Whatever you want, be it strenuous exercise or a quiet stroll down a sandy beach, there’s something for everyone in Indonesia.

Dining

Eating out is an integral part of life in Indonesia and visitors are pleasantly surprised by the variety and selection of dishes on offer at the numerous eateries around the country There is so much to choose from that you are sure to find something to tempt your palette.

Indonesian Restaurants featuring Indonesian cuisine can be found all over Indonesia. Many regional dishes are popular far from home, including spicy hot Padang food, delicious chicken from Kalasan in Central Java, grilled fish from Ujung Pandang and scrumptious Chinese seafood dishes.

International Cuisine Part of the experience of living in any large metropolitan city around the world is the variety of international cuisine available to the residents of the city. In this respect, Jakarta and other main towns/cities in Indonesia are no exception and there are diverse international culinary delights for all to experience.

Hotels offer a good selection of international and national fare. Major five-star hotels often have several world-class restaurants each, with an international cuisine coffee shop and specialized national/international cuisine restaurants and theme bars.

Wine and drinks tend to be expensive and drinks may in fact cost you more than the food bill! Prices in hotel restaurants tend to be higher than other restaurants.

Shopping

Batik fabrics and clothing is good value and always makes for a good choice as gifts for friends and relatives back home.

Clothing
Tailoring is cheap and there are good tailors in the major malls and other areas within the country.

Antiques
Always a popular buy. Do be aware of fakes though and don't be disappointed when you get home, only to find you have been conned. Look at antique buying more as shopping for that special souvenir' then you won't be disappointed later.

Other than that the shopping choice is extensive and the best thing to do on arrival is go 'window shopping for a day (or two) then buy once you know what is available soon after. (If you leave shopping till the last minute you may not be able to find that special item you saw in a particular shop around a corner, down some or other lane...)

Traveler Tips

Time Zone
Indonesia is divided into three time zones: Western Indonesia Time (Sumatra, Java, west and central Kalimantan) is seven hours ahead of GMT. Central Indonesia Time (Bali, south and east Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara) is eight hours ahead of GMT. East Indonesia Time (Maluku, Irian Jaya) is nine hours ahead of GMT.

Currency
In major centres, travellers cheques in US dollars are readily accepted and most hotels in tourist or commercial centres will accept major credit cards. In other areas, small denomination bills in Rupiah are advisable. The Rupiah comes in 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 notes.

Currency Exchange
ATM machines are generally located in the major cities with few to none in outlying areas. Visa card cash advance is common, and they charge a small commission (5000Rp) in smaller cities. Banks provide an exchange service on weekdays between 9-00 & 15-00. No commission is charged for traveller’s cheques. Money-changers rates are usually slightly higher for cash. Compare with the banks themselves as to which offers the most competitive exchange rates amongst the banks. Better rates are given for higher denominations (50/100US$) of unmarked notes.

Languages
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language which is akin to Malay, written in Roman script and based on European orthography. In all tourist destination areas English is the number one foreign language spoken and written, some Dutch is still spoken and understood in the bigger cities. French is increasing in its popularity at the better hotels and restaurants. Generally the older generation speaks Dutch as a second language.

Health Vaccination of Hepatitis and Malaria are recommended especially visiting to Irian Jaya. If you are extending your trip with a tour to the more remote parts of the archipelago it is wise to consult a professional for advice as to what precautionary measures maybe necessary. Reasonable medical facilities are available in major towns but once outside these areas, medical services tend to be very poor. Make sure that you have adequate health insurance that covers evacuation and consider inoculations against typhoid, cholera, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis. There is a risk of malaria in many parts of Indonesia and it is recommended that you take advice regarding anti-malarial measures. It is always best to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

Customs and Rules

Indonesia has a high Muslim populace and it is important to understand and respect the local beliefs, especially during the fasting period of Ramadan. The country's main holiday period is at the end of Ramadan, when transport can be packed to overflowing. Prices can soar and travelling can be difficult.

Calling people by crooking your finger is considered impolite.

The head is sacred and should be respected.

Patting someone on the head is not done among adults and should even be avoided with children.

In a villager's home, it is polite to be invited first before starting to eat.

Any loud public display is frowned on.

Climbing over monuments or places of worship is considered highly disrespectful. (In Bali, waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.

Take off your shoes when entering a mosque or temple

Take off your sunglasses inside someone's house, unless you have an eye disease.

Use your right hand when receiving something from or giving something to someone. Talking with one's hands on one's hips is considered impolite.

Scanty clothing is not advisable in public places in deference to local customs. Shorts are not allowed in mosques and women should have their arms and head covered.

Greeting people Indonesians are a polite people and very tolerant towards foreigners and their manners. Handshaking is customary for men and women alike on introduction and greeting, accompanied with the usual smile.

Pork is forbidden for Moslems, but is often available in many international restaurants and the international hotels and resorts.

Additional Traveler Tips

Don't flaunt your wealth: jewellery and heavy photographic bags don't belong in the streets of Jakarta. Keep them for your travels in Bali and Borobudur.

Travel light in Jakarta: it's hot, crowded and it wouldn't be nice to meet its worst citizens.

Tipping

Major hotels usually add a 10% service charge to bills. Where it is not included a tip of between 5% to 10% of the bill would be appropriate if the service is satisfactory.

Airport porters expect Rp.2,000,-for a small bag and Rp.3,000, for bags weighing more than 20 kg.

Tipping taxi and hire-car drivers is not mandatory, but if service has been satisfactory a basic Rp.1,000,- tip is sufficient for a taxi driver, Hire-car drivers would normally expect a larger tip.

Dress Code
In business circles, wearing a suit is the norm for both men and women. For formal occasions, either a suit or a long-sleeved, good quality, batik shirt are recommended for men, whilst evening or cocktail dresses are suitable for women. As Indonesia is primarily a Muslim country, modesty in dress is advised; remember to cover up if you intend visiting a mosque.

Taxes
11% government tax is levied on all bills. Restaurants may levy a tax of up to 21%

Business Hours
Banks and Government offices are open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday and some are open 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday.

Offices
Most government offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Commercial offices and businesses are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Saturdays. Hours for businesses and commercial offices are staggered.

Shops (Hours vary)
While shopping malls are open from 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. seven days a week, individual shops often close at 6 p.m.

Electricity
Cities run on 220 volts, 50 cycle's AC system. Rural areas may only be able to provide 110 volts.

Telephone
The international dial-up code for Indonesia is 62
When making international telephone calls from Indonesia, first dial 001 + country code + area code + telephone number

Public phones are available in coins, cards, chips and (in some tourist areas) credit card operated machines. There are also some wartel or Telecommunication kiosks where you can make IDD or long distance calls or send a fax, etc., in the bigger cities, one can find internet kiosks.

Water
Tap water is not safe to drink and ice cubes should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available but not always safe as there are some illicit brands of (claimed-to-be) mineral water from street vendors with no-guarantee that they are any better than tap water. Some approved and safe to drink brands include Aqua, Ades, Vit and Oasis. Ice cubes/bits from street vendors or small restaurants are sometimes made from un-boiled water, or crushed from ice blocks used for coolers. Those with weak stomachs are better off sticking with cold drinks from fridge.

Taxi Warnings
Calling for a taxi ensures safe travels, especially at night. Shop around to see which companies provide better service. In Jakarta the Blue Bird Group taxis have an ANI bid radio system (Automatic Number Identification), which enables the taxi nearest to your location to take your order. This cuts the time needed for the driver to reach you at your hotel.
If you are hailing a taxi on the street, try to spot a taxi from a well known and reliable taxi company. Look for the company name on the side of the vehicle and the crown light. When you get into the taxi, always make note of the taxi firm and the code number displayed on the dashboard or passenger doors. Check the driver’s name, ID and photograph on the dashboard. You would need this information to report problems to the taxi company.