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Bali Information Bali hostels, the beach is a major factor in any island holiday and Bali has a coastline which offers every possible water activity including surfing some of the best waves in the world, swimming with dolphins, cruises, snorkeling, diving, sailing and parasailing. For snorkeling and diving, the closest spots to Kuta are Benoa and Sanur beaches where all the relevant equipment can be hired. Further field, good destinations include Pulau Serangan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan in the south, Padang Bai, Candidasa, Tulamben and Amed in the east, Lovina, in the north and the amazing Pulau Menjangan in the north west. Bali's waves are world famous and range from safe beach breaks which regularly attract the beginners and pros.

Lombok Information Lombok hostels, located strategically between Bali to the West, Komodo Island in the East, and Tanah Toraja to the Nort West, Lombok is an excellent starting point for International Travel and Tourism. Only 20 minutes flight from Bali or 3.5 hours by ferry you can see "New Heaven". White sand Senggigi beach, and three Gili Islands, often mention by visitor a "Hoping Island", worthy visiting.

Jakarta City Indonesia Jakart hostels, the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, is a special territory enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta, covering an area of 637.44 square km. Located on the northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and as such has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world.

Medan Island Indonesia Medan hostels, is the provincial capital of Sumatera Utara ( North Sumatera ). It's a cosmopolitan city with over two milion residents, a business centre for big oil and agricultural companies. Impoerant international investments in the plantation culture had big influence on the developement of Sumatera after 1870, and medan grew from a small village into a thriving colonial city from 60.000 inhabitants in 1943.

Sumatera Island Indonesia Sumatera hostels, the legendaric 'Land of the Gold' from the ancient times is not the biggest island of Indonesia, it does also not have the biggest population, but most people think it's the island with the most variety. Actually it really offers something to everyone - wealthy rainforests, splendid white beaches and a stunning variety in traditional ethnical groups and vulcanic landscapes which belong to the most spectacular in the world.

Java Island Indonesia Java hostels, in contrary to the rest of Indonesia Java is ethnically pretty homogene. The population of the island consist mainly of Javanese, Sundanese and Madurese people. The two first groups form the native, while the Madurese came in the 18th century from the Island of Madurwa, close to Java. The Javanese are about two third of the total population of Java, Sundanese and Madurese have twenty and ten percent.

Pekan Baru Indonesia Pekan Baru hostels, logs fresh from the rainforest. Sometimes they have hear of selective chopping, but most of the time, this also says total destruction of the planets lungs.

Sulawesi Indonesia Sulawesi, the name conjures up romantic images of seafaring priates and Torajan princesses. Yet Sulawesi known as Celebes, offers a variety of cultural riches extending far beyond its colorful past. Contained within its unusual shape lie volcanic mountains lush tropical forests, brilliant green rice terraces, and deep dark lakers. Ancient customs and practices of its multiple ethnic groups are blended into the daily lives.

Kotamadya Palembang Indonesia Kotamadya Palembang, is the capital of South Sumatera Province and situated on the Musi River. The city is generally flat and large parts of it are regularly flooded by the tidal influence of the Musi River. The river flows right through the city, dividing it into two halves called the Ulu bank and the Ilir bank. The two sections of the city are linked with two bridges of considerable size and length.

Riau Indonesia Riau, although comparatively small in both size and population (about 2.5 million), is the heartland of the Malays and the cradle of Indonesia's Malay-based national language and culture. The first book of Malay grammar, the Bustanul Katibin, was written and published here in 1857. Its links with Johor on the West Malaysian mainland have been long and strong.

Dry season from April to the end of October is not as wet as the rainy season that is brought by the west monsoon from January to March. There is sun all year around, like it may rain all year around, and temperatures range between 21 and 33 degrees centigrade. Average humidity is 60-90%. In any case, the rainy season is no reason not to come. It is very unusual that it rains all day. It tends to rain in the afternoon almost at fixed hours.

Indonesia is a vast country that stretches over more than 5000 kilometers. It is generally a very safe place to travel. However, due to the sporadic turmoil in isolated places, such as Aceh, the Moluccas and borderline Irian Jaya, we advise you stay away from these specific destinations.

Visitors travelling to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and an airticket with a confirmed onward passage. 60 Day visas will be issued upon arrival for travelers from the following countries; Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom (Great Britain), United States of America, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Yugoslavia. Citizens from other countries have to apply for visa at an Indonesian Embassy first.

Stick to bottled water - do not drink from the tap even in the most luxurious guesthouse. Bottled water can be bought all throughout the country. Eat at established restaurants; traditional food stalls may look inviting but unless your system is adjusted to the local food preparation, they are best avoided. This is especially true for peeled or cut fruit, raw fish and ice cubes. Also it is wise to guard against sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Western currencies and traveler checques are easily changed at banks and moneychangers. Credit cards are widely accepted. In urban areas and certainly on Bali there are now plenty of ATMs. However it is advisable to conduct day-to-day transactions in the local currency, the Indonesian RUPIAH (IDR). Approximately USD. 1.00 = IDR. 10,000 (July 2001)

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia with numerous regional languages and dialects. In the major cities and in hostels English is widely understood. A few Indonesian words are highly appreciated, but not really necessary. In the outer regions such as Nusa Tenggara, English is not spoken widely. All our guides however do. On Bali and in the main destinations there are many guides available that speak German, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. Assistance in other languages is not abundant but can still be found.

Indonesia has come a long way in recent years in terms of hygiene. No actual vaccinations are presently required but in certain areas it is recommended to protect oneself by taking anti-malaria tablets. It is always a good idea to bring a good repellent and use it at dusk and in the early evening.

With so many rice fields around it can be no surprise that rice is the main staple of Indonesia. Indonesian food is spicy and rich in taste. Major cities serve a large variety of kitchens, Bali being leader. Here a great culinary competition has started and there is something for anybody’s taste, whether it is Italian or French, Thai or Malay, Mexican or American…

Indonesian batiks are world famous. Gold and silverware are reasonably priced. Woodcarvings and handicrafts also make attractive gifts. Indonesia is well known for good buys in clothing, leather products, electronics, etc. Bargaining is customary in small shops and markets, the art of which is to start at the half of the asking price and slowly increase your offer until a compromise is reached. Remember, it helps to smile while bargaining. Major hostels and restaurants usually add 21% service charge and tax to bills. Where it is not included a tip of 5% to 10% of the bill would be appropriate if the service is satisfactory. Airport porters expect Rp. 1,000 for a small bag and Rp. 2,000 for bags weighing more than 20 kg. Tipping taxi and hire car drivers is not mandatory; if however the service was satisfactory a basic tip of 5% is sufficient for a taxi driver but hired car drivers normally expect a larger tip.

When visiting Indonesia, visitors should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follows :

Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling.
A handshake should only be initiated by ladies. The traditional greeting or salam resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp.
The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friends outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the salam.

It is polite to call before visiting a home.
Shoes must always be removed when entering a home.
Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept.

The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or giving and receiving objects. The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage.

Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors.

Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.

Toasting is not a common practice in .
The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.

Do's

Reconfirm your outbound flight.
Drink a lot of bottled water as you may dehydrated easily.
Leave your important documents in your guesthouse safe and wandering around with the copies.
Shop around when intending to change money as the rate may vary, check if the commission is added or not.
Show your respect by wearing sarong when entering temple.
Change money at a reputable looking location, use your own (or the guesthouse's) calculator before changing!
Put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream (especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).
Be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your guesthouse safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!
Try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them).
Respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one, for instance, don't honk!
Haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods).

Don'ts

Stepping on offerings in the street.
Honking if a caught behind the slow pace of processions.
Attempt to swim outside designated areas on the beach.
Deal in or do drugs. The death penalty is await.
Touch people's heads even children, as it considers offensive.
Enter temple during menstruation.
Use your left hand in sacking or handing over something to someone as it is consider impolite. If there is no other option then express your apology.
Forget to take your passport (or a photocopy of your ID)
Swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Worry too much about the ice - it's government-quality controlled in established bars and restaurants.
Forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, motorbikes may not!