Make the Most of Your Indonesian Adventure
Travel Tips
Before you come
We recommend consulting with your doctor or local health official before traveling to Indonesia. The current CDC list of recommended immunizations can be found here. Yellow fever is not needed unless you are traveling through a country with a high transmission rate- Indonesia does not fall into that category. Depending on where you travel, malaria risk may also be low. We can provide local guidance on these issues.
The things that you will want to bring along are related to local conditions and limitations. Depending on the city or area that you visit, this list may change. We advise our guests on packing and preparation based on the tour itinerary, but there are a few things that we generally recommend.
In terms of clothing, we recommend more conservative options- longer skirts and flowy pants, longer shorts, shirts that cover more skin. Swimwear should be shorts and t-shirts or rashguards for ladies and swim trunks for men. This is practical because of the tropical sun as well as cultural. In Bali this is less important, but it still shows respect to the local people. In other locations it makes a big difference. We also recommend having a hat, sandals that can be easily removed, and waterproof hiking shoes for any off-road adventures.
Some supplies that people find helpful include mosquito lotion or spray (the local stuff is not as strong), sunscreen (again, local options are less effective), any medications (please advise us if you take any medications that are classified as narcotic) and general medicine (Tylenol or ibuprofen, motion sickness medication, anti-diarrheal, etc.), and a reusable water bottle. Hydration can get away from people quickly in the heat and humidity.
It is not necessary to bring large amounts of cash. We can advise on how much to bring depending on your itinerary. For example, you can pay for many things with a credit card in Bali. You can also get cash from local ATM’s using many US debit cards. You will want to check on international withdrawal fees with your bank to see if this will work for you. Any cash that you do bring should be in larger denominations and be as clean and crisp as possible to get the best conversion rate.
Getting here
US passport holders can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. You are required to show an outbound booking for less than 30 days from the date you enter the country and pay for a visa on arrival. The latest COVID requirements are that you be fully vaccinated (2 doses of an internationally recognized vaccine).
Before arriving you should print all travel documents and register your COVID vaccine with the Indonesian Health Ministry. We can provide assistance with this process. You will also fill out a health declaration (e-HAC) using the PeduliLindungi app and a customs declaration while on your entry flight to Indonesia. We will provide examples and directions on all of these requirements.
After landing you will clear immigration and customs and have the chance to exchange cash as you prepare for your onward travel. There is no COVID testing or quarantine requirement for international arrivals at this time if you are fully vaccinated. For domestic travel in Indonesia after you arrive, boosted travelers have no testing requirements or restrictions. You will need a COVID test before traveling domestically if you are not boosted.
If you are not fully vaccinated, please consult with us before planning your trip.
During the COVID pandemic there are certain ports of entry designated for Visa on Arrival. We will help you to choose the best port of arrival and port of departure depending on your itinerary. Jakarta, Bali, and Batam are the easiest points of entry for most travelers as these cities see the most traffic from international visitors.
Maximizing your experience
Indonesia is a hot-climate culture and a developing country, so things will work and look a little different than you may be used to. Be patient, be friendly, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.
Things may not run on time. Schedules change and are delayed often and little notice is given. Attractions may be closed without notice. You may see trash in places you don’t expect. All of this is normal and it helps to be prepared with a gracious attitude and perspective. This is home to our Indonesian friends and they love it. We show them honor when we enter their home with gratitude.
People will be excited to see you, especially outside of the major cities of Jakarta and the island of Bali where foreigners are more common. People may follow you around at times, practicing their limited English or trying to sell you something. Smile, be gracious, and let our guides handle any persistent sellers. Be ready for people to ask you for a photo often.
We will help to prepare you and provide local guidance during your visit. Even so, it helps to know ahead of time the kinds of things that you will encounter.
As a majority Muslim nation, pork and alcohol are considered unclean and forbidden. You can still find these items, but outside of Bali they will be harder to come by and more expensive. If you can live without them for trips into the other parts of Indonesia your trip will be more enjoyable.
You will also hear the call to prayer broadcast in many cities and villages. While many hotels in Bali and larger cities are insulated from this, it will be more noticeable in smaller cities and villages. Do not complain about this to locals- it is deeply insulting to do so.
The left hand is considered unclean and should not be used for anything in public. This is hard for our left-handed friends, but you can use both hands together to get around the issue. Eating should be done with utensils or the right hand only.
Footwear is removed before entering homes, which is why we recommend wearing sandals. Head coverings are not expected for non-Muslims. In Bali, you may be given a sarung to wear for certain activities or events. Otherwise there aren’t many special dress code considerations other than the general advice that more conservative is considered more respectful.
Public displays of affection are uncommon in most of Indonesia and will make people uncomfortable. Loud voices and big emotions are also considered impolite in many places. Americans tend to seem big and loud to our Indonesian friends. Minimizing that effect will help to provide a more positive experience.
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