Tourism in Indonesia
is an important component of the Indonesian
economy as well as a significant source of its foreign exchange revenues. In 2009, the
number of international tourists arriving in Indonesia climbed 3.6% to 6.45
million arrivals from 6.43 million in 2008. In 2010, foreign tourists visited
Indonesia touched 7 million and predicts 7.7 million foreign tourists in the
2011 with new branding "Wonderful Indonesia" which reflected the
country's beautiful nature, unique culture, variety of foods, hospitable people
and price competitiveness in various kinds of services.[1]
The subsequent economical impact of this tourist influx in 2009 saw $6.3
billion US dollars spent by international tourists in Indonesia, at an average
spend of US$129.57 per day and US$995.93 per visit. Whilst the number of
arrivals increased in 2009 the total spent per visitor decreased leading to a
revenues shortfall of US$1.07 billion when compared to the previous year.[2][3]
Both nature and culture are major components of Indonesian tourism. The
natural heritage can boast a unique combination of a tropical climate, a vast archipelago
of 17,508 islands, 6,000 of them being inhabited,[4]
the third longest shoreline in the world (54,716 km) after Canada and the
European Union[5].
It is the worlds largest and most populous country situated only on islands.[6]
The beaches in Bali,
diving sites in Bunaken,
Mount
Rinjani in Lombok
and various national parks in Sumatra are just a few examples of popular scenic
destinations. These natural attractions are complemented by a rich cultural
heritage that reflects Indonesia's dynamic history and ethnic diversity. One
fact that exemplifies this richness is that 719 living languages are used across the archipelago.[7]
The ancient Prambanan
and Borobudur
temples, Toraja,
Yogyakarta,
Minangkabau,
and of course Bali, with its many Hindu festivities, are some of the popular
destinations for cultural tourism.
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Traveling to Indonesia (Bali) Tips and Info
Passport and Visa
Indonesia
Entering Visa Policy for Tourists.
Indonesian Government has conducted the new Entering Visa policies for tourists
who are entering to Bali and Indonesia as of 01 February 2004 as clearly stated
below:
The Tourists from the following countries are not requiring a Visa to enter
Bali and other regions in Indonesia.
Brunei
Darussalam, Chile, Hongkong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special
Administrative Region, Malaysia, Marocco, Peru, Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand, Vietnam
The Tourist from the following
countries are required and eligible for Visa-On Arrivals - with cost at US$25
per person for a stay of up to 30 days.
Algeria,
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Brazil, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Eqypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland´, India, Iran, Italy, Irish, Japan, Kuwait, Laos,
Latvia, Libya, Liechtenstain, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, People's, Republic of China, Poland,
Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South
Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Timor Leste,
Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States America.
IMPORTANT:
- The Visa on
Arrival can not be extended and converted into a different visa
- The Visa
purchasing process will take about 3-5 minutes per applicant
- There are
available 6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer set up to process
payments located at the airport
- Once
purchasing the visa on arrival, you will need to proceed to Immigration where
your visa will be processed.
Airport tax
To leave
from Indonesia to the country destinations or to local destination via airport,
Indonesian Government will apply the airport tax for every flight passenger at
cost
Domestic Airport
Tax is Rp. 40.000 per person
International
Airport Tax is Rp. 150.000 per person
Currency
Indonesia
Currency is called Rupiah (Rp). The Rupiah Notes are 100, 500, 1,000,
5,000,
10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 and Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000.
If you bring American Dollars (US$) to Indonesia and Bali for
further
transaction, please kindly noted that the following terms of US
Currency/ US
Dollar which not be accepted in major banks or companies as follows:
Series
Number with CB and DB code are not accepted
Year making
is lowest than 2004 are not accepted
Money where
there is its streak / illegally written/in a state of tearing/ its picture in
looked to be turn tail is not accepte
Money Changer
A lot of
small money changer shop are available in the island and run an illegal
business which might lose your money after changing. The modus of operandi this
shop is putting the exchange rate are more higher than the market exchange rate
which able to deceive you and building the interest to change your money there.
Once you are changing the money, some shop staff will surround you and having
nice talk to deceive you when the money calculation. Therefore in order to save
your money we recommend you to change the money in the bank or in the hotel
cashier although the exchange rates are below than the market exchange rate. In
case you have been rash to change the money at the illegal shop, please be
assuring:
Accommodation
Indonesia,
especially Bali as a tourist destination has a lot of choice for accommodation
from the high class until the lowest one which more popular called LOSMEN/GUEST
HOUSE. The availabilities of the accommodation are based on the choice of
location, hotel classification, facilities etc.
Credit Cards
Majority of
credit card are accepted by most of the hotel including the bar, restaurant and
shop in Bali a long with American dollar travel checque
Office Hours
Government
offices open from 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday in Jakarta and
close on Saturday and Sunday. In the provinces they close around 3.00 p.m. and
open on Saturday till 1.00 p.m.
Business offices have staggered hours. Some open for 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. or
9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Some stay open for half day on Saturday. Banks are open
from either 8.00 or 8.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Banks in hotels stay open longer
hours, and moneychangers till the evening.
Language
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language however
English is spoken in all tourist areas. Some Dutch and French are also spoken
in the big cities. Altogether, around 583 languages and dialects are spoken in
Indonesia, including those of the many ethnic groups of the nation. Some of
these include: Acehnese, Batak, Sundanese, Javanese, Toraja, Buginese,
Ceramese, and several Irianese languages. These languages are further
subdivided into dialects. Most of Tour guide speaks very well foreign
languages.
Weather
Indonesia
has two seasons, the dry season from June to October and the rainy season from
November to March. There are occasional showers during the transitional periods
and the general maximum temperature is 33°C (62°F) and the general minimum 21°C
(41°F). Humidity is high at all times.
Food and Health
The
Indonesian staple food is rice steamed boiled or fried. Some accompanying
dishes can be pepper hot - big red pepper or small green ones - so it is
advisable to ask before ordering. Please be inform to also ask the price before
ordering. There are many restaurants specializing in European, American and
Oriental cuisine including the fast food restaurants.
A variety of beverages (both imported or locals) are available everywhere
including very good Indonesian beer. Keep to bottled drinks if doubtful of
water served in restaurants. Travelers coming from infected areas are required
to submit International certificates of valid smallpox, cholera and yellow
vaccinations.
Shopping and Tipping
At most
hotels a service charge of 10% is added to the bill. In restaurants where a
service charge is not additional, a tip of 5 to 10% would be appropriate
depending on the service and type of establishment. The big cities have
shopping complexes, supermarkets and department stores where prices are fixed.
They stay open from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. everyday and some even on Sunday. At
small shops bargaining might be necessary.
Clothing and Manners
Dress is
normally casual and light clothing is advisable due to the hot, humid climate.
Trousers or slacks and shirts are generally considered appropriate but a jacket
and tie are required for formal occasions or when making official calls. For
certain formal occasions long-sleeved batik shirts are acceptable. For travel
to mountain areas, a light sweater or jacket is recommended.
Halter-tops and shorts are frowned upon in most places except around sport
facilities or on the beach. Proper decorum should especially be observed when
visiting places or worship. Indonesians are very polite people. Handshaking is
customary both for men and women on introduction and greeting, and smiling is a
national characteristic.
The use of the left hand to give or receive is taboo, also crooking your finger
to call someone is considered impolite. Pork is forbidden for the Muslim
population and beef for the Balinese Hindus but they are available at many
restaurants and markets.
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