Dive
Centers, Liveaboards & Accommodations
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General
Information
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)
U/W Visibility: 80' - 100' (24
- 30m)
Getting
There
 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
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
Indonesia 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. When looking for Bali flight
information, please look for Denpasar
(DPS), this is the capital of Bali.
Getting to Manado, North Sulawesi
is best accomplished via Silk
Air from Singapore, a flight
of approximately 3 hours, 15 minutes.
There are 3 to 4 flights each week
depending on the season. Silk Air
is part of Singapore
Airlines. Manado is also serviced
by Garuda
Indonesia, Air
Asia, Batavia
Air, Lion
Air and Merpati
Airlines
Entry Requirements
All visitors travelling to Indonesia
must be in possession of a passport
valid for at least six months from
the date of arrival and have proof
of onward passage. Visas are not
required for nationals of Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil,
Brunei, Canada, Chile, Denmark,
Egypt, Finland, France, Greece,
Germany, Ice land, Ireland, Italy,
Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg,
Malaysia, Malta, 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
Emirate Arab and Venezuela.
Visa free entry is also allowed
for registered delegates attending
a conference which has received
official approval For those not
belonging to the above categories,
tourist visas can be obtained from
any Indonesian Embassy or Consulate.
Holders of a Certificate of Identity
(CI) from Hong Kong can obtain visas
for group travel, with a minimum
of 5 persons, from the Consulate
General of Indonesia in Hong Kong
for visits not exceeding 30 days.
Travel and accommodation should
be arranged by a tour operator.
Entry and exit must be in groups,
and through Soekarno-Hatta International
airport of Jakarta, "Ngurah"
Rai- Bali or Polonia Medan.
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,-.
Travel
Tips
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 may
be 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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