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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) |
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Dive Services
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Feature Services
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Diving Centers Werner Lau
Pondok Sari Beach Resort
P.O. Box 194 - Pemuteran, Singaraja
Tel: ++ 62 362 92337 or + 62 362 94738
Fax: ++ 62 362 92337
E-mail: info@wernerlau.com
Web: http://www.wernerlau.net/ |
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This new dive centre is directly on the Beach of the Pondok Sari Resort and
is equipped - as are all WERNER-LAU-diving centres - to cater for the special requirements and desires of the divers. |
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Diving
Centers Werner Lau
Matahari Beach Resort & Spa
P.O.
Box 194 - Pemuteran, Singaraja
Bali, Indonesia
Tel: ++ 62 362 92 312
Fax: ++ 62 362 92 313
E-mail: info@wernerlau.com
Web: http://www.wernerlau.net/ |
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The diving centre in the luxurious Hotel "Matahari Beach Resort"
is the ideal addition to our diving centre in Pondok Sari just 5 minutes away by car. We recommend that guests
wishing to combine diving with us with the luxury of a Relais & Catheaux Hotel stay at this hotel. |
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Diving
Centers Werner Lau
Alam Anda Dive Resort & Spa
Bali, Indonesia
Tel: (+62) 8124 65 64 85
E-mail: info@wernerlau.com
Web: http://www.wernerlau.net/ |
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On the north east coast of Bali, hidden behind coconut and orange plantations,
far away from all other tourists our Alam Anda Dive & Spa Resort lies directly by the sea. The newly renovated
and enlarged diving centre is managed by Werner Lau offering boat trips, equipment rentals and diver training. |
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Odyssea
Divers
PO Box 7788
Manado 95000 North Sulawesi Indonesia
Tel. +62 431 860999 (Ext 504)
Fax. +62 431 861333
info.desk@odysseadivers.com
www.odysseadivers.com |
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Odyssea
Divers offers an unforgettable journey throughout the world
class dive sites Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia have
to offer, by providing you with high quality scuba diving
facilities, equipment and services, in the comfort of a
beautiful beachfront resort and spa setting. |
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Siam Dive 'n' Sail
68/14 Patak Road
Mu 2, Karon 83100 Phuket
Thailand
Ph. +66 (0)76/330-967
Fax. +66 (0)76/330-990
info@siamdivers.com
http://siamdivers.com
Live-aboard
dive boats for safaris and diving adventures in Thailand,
Burma and the Andaman Sea. We are Thailand and Burma liveaboard
specialists. We also conduct PADI instructor courses (IDCs).
Be sure to visit our main website where we offer free information
on Thailand and Burma (Mergui) scuba diving with full dive
site descriptions and galleries. |
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Directory Listings
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Atlantis International
jl By Pass Ngurah Rai N.350
Sanur BALI Indonesia
Tel :62 361 284 312
fax : 62 361 282 824
HP: 62 8123805767
atlantis@balidiveaction.com
http://www.atlantis-bali-diving.com (English)
http://www.balidiveaction.com (French)
We give PADI Courses from OWD UNTIL Dive Master. The Course and Explorations are giving in English, French, German,
and Indonesian . We will like to propose our service of diving to your Guest.
Bali International Diving Professionals
Mailing Address: Jl. Danau Poso No. 26, Sanur, Bali, 80228, Indonesia
Tel.: +62 (0)361 270759
Fax.: + 62 (0) 361 270760
info@bidp-balidiving.com
http://www.bidp-balidiving.com
PADI 5*IDC Scuba Diving Centre, offering Technical diving, Dive packages, PADI courses, Day dives around Bali,
liveaboards, underwater photography/videography options.
Baruna Water Sports
Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 300B Tuban, PO Box 3419 Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Ph. +62 361 753820
Fax. +62 361 753809
baruna@indosat.net.id
http://www.komodo-divencruise.com
We offer Bali daily diving tours, packages, marine sports, expedition and live-aboard diving cruise to Komodo island
with m.v Baruna Explorer and m.v Baruna Adventurer.
Bunaken Divers - Sea Breeze Resort
JL. Pierre Tendean 89 Boulevard - Manado (Sea View Hotel)
North Sulawesi Indonesia
Ph. +62 811 43 9558
Fax. +62 431 859268
info@bunakendivers.com
http://www.bunakendivers.com
Dive Resort in Bunaken Island - Dive Courses - Diving Tour - Snorkeling Tour - Dolphine Tour - Beach Front Bungalows.
Global Aquatic Adventure Tours
J.l. Kesuma Sari no.9, Semawang Beach,
Sanur, Denpasar 80228
Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62-361-282 434
Fax. +62-361-286 302
diving@globalaquatic.com
http://www.globalaquatic.com
description: PADI authorized, European owned dive center located direct on the beach offering all courses and diving/safaries
in and around Bali with western instructors.
Tauch Terminal Resort and Liveaboards
Taman Griya
Jl. Danau Tamblingan X / 38-42
80000 Jimbaran
Bali - Indonesia
Tel.: ++62-361-774 504 or 772 923
Fax.: 778 473
E-Mail: happy@tulamben.com
http://www.tulamben.com/englidex.htm (English)
http://www.tulamben.com (Deutsch)
Tauch Terminal Bali - Kuta based diving. Tauch Terminal Resort Tulamben - Padi 5 Star Gold Palm IDC Resort at Balis
eastcoast, 100 meters of the famous USS Liberty shipwreck. Tauch Terminal Liveaboards - Cruising between Bali and
Komodo every Friday.
World Diving Lembongan
Pondok Baruna Guesthouse
Jungutbatu
Nusa Lembongan
Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 81 23900686
Fax: +62 366 24486
info@world-diving.com
http://www.world-diving.com
We are experts in diving the three islands of Lembongan, Penida and Ceningan east of Bali. Mola Mola, Mantas, Sharks,
Turtles, Rays and great coral. |
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Travel/Tips
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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. |
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