Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Official language: Bahasa Indonesia

After the arrival of Austranesian people into the archipelago between 2,500 BCE and 1,500 BCE, Indonesia quickly developed dozens of kingdoms, some short-lived and some lasting for a lengthy period of time, like the all-conquering Srivijaya kingdom of Sumatra, and the Javanese-Malaysian kingdom of Majapahit. Unfortunately, the arrival of colonial powers brought these kingdoms to a standstill.

Marco Polo regularly passed through the Indonesian islands during the 1200’s. However, it wasn’t until the 1500’s that European presence began influencing the area. The Dutch and the British began colonizing parts of Sumatra, Java and the modern day Malaysian peninsula and eventually, Dutch forces took control of Indonesia in 1619, although there were small British sections in Sumatra.

Throughout Holland’s colonization of Indonesia there were dozens of uprisings across the country, but these were usually rapidly suppressed by the Dutch. This lasted until the early 1900’s, when the Japanese defeated both the Dutch and British forces to control Indonesia and much of Southeast Asia. This was originally met with cheers from locals, but Japanese control soon became brutal and bloody. Following the surrender of Japan in 1945, the archipelago was returned to the Dutch, although they didn’t return to the islands due to Holland’s destruction during the war. This paved the way for Indonesian independence.

The post-1945 period saw Indonesia experience conflict after conflict. Even today, independence issues still prevail in several areas of the archipelago. After four years of fighting, Indonesia finally defeated the Dutch forces, and took their independence in 1949. President Sukarno ruled until 1965, when a military coup led by General Suharto replaced the nationalist government. More than 30 years of economic stability and growth followed, but not without the country’s fair share of revolts and violence.

Suharto quelled any uprising brutally. In 1997, the reformist movement brought down Suharto, leading to a democratically elected government in 2004. Post-1997 saw several important events take place. East Timor gained independence after three decades of fighting in 2002. In 2004, the Boxing Day tsunami crippled the country, killing many thousands of citizens. Much of the country’s long history is on display at Jakarta’s National Museum (Jl Medan Merdeka Barat) and the political past can be found at Jakarta’s most visited site, the Monas or National Monument (Freedom Square, Jakarta).

Modern day Indonesia may be thriving with well-preserved colonial structures and influences, but there are plenty of ancient cultures still evident throughout the archipelago.

Despite the many different cultures within and between islands, the largest influence in Indonesia was Hindu that dominated the island during the Majahapit civilization. Even today, many of the ancient traditions are derived from Hindu, including the legendary shadow puppetry known as wayang kulit and the gamelan orchestra.

The local people are generally easygoing and friendly to visitors, but there are important etiquette tips to remember. Never use the left hand for anything, and saving face has become an important aspect of modern Indonesian society.

The climate of Indonesia is almost entirely tropical. The uniformly warm waters that make up 81% of Indonesia's area ensures that temperatures on land remain fairly constant, with the coastal plains averaging 28 °C, the inland and mountain areas averaging 26 °C, and the higher mountain regions, 23 °C.

Foreigners can apply for this visa upon arrival in Indonesia if their nationality is included on visa-on-arrival 68 countries list. A holder of Visit Visa on Arrival is given a 30-day stay and can be extended at the Immigration Office for 1 (one) time, in order to have another 30 days stay. Mandatory requirements include: passport with minimum 6 months validity and return/through tickets.

Train travel in Indonesia is restricted to Java and a small network in Sumatra. In Java, trains are among the most comfortable, fastest and easiest ways to travel. In the east, the railway service connects with the ferry to Bali, and in the west with the ferry to Sumatra.

The best way to get around Bali is with a hired car and driver. This option gives you the freedom of roaming around the country without the hassle of having to drive yourself. Biking is another option, just be prepared to weave through chaotic traffic.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

• Drugs are not at all allowed in Bali. Do NOT try to use or take drugs with you. They do execute people (it happened before) and they take this very seriously!
• When we travel we can still talk about religion and politics, but these are always sensitive topics everywhere we go, maybe Balinese people will strike a conversation about your opinion in the global events and that is all right, some people love chatting, but make sure to stay respectful and careful when you discuss such matters, it will be even better to avoid discussing these sensitive topics.
• Do NOT accept drugs. They can be offered sometimes in Bali, but always say politely, “No, Thank you”.
• In Bali; it is said that the soul resides in the person’s head, so don’t touch a person or a child’s head because it is considered sacred.
• In Bali you have to wear a sarong and a sash when entering any Hindu temple, you can get one at the entrance.
• Give a donation to the temple.
• Don’t enter a temple wearing shoes and always cover up your shoulders.
• Don’t take off your t-shirt when walking the streets even if it is too hot. The majority of Bali follows Hindu traditions, so make sure to stay conservative and limit swimsuits to the beach only.
• Avoid pointing with your finger against the Balinese. They take it as a disrespectful manner.
• As a mark of respect; avoid walking on the ceremonial offerings in the street. They are extremely sacred and deserve respect.
• One way to enjoy Bali is to watch the religious ceremonies all around the island.
• To be more sociable try to learn some basic Balinese phrases.
• Don’t point at or touch someone with your feet, Balinese considers it very offensive.
• Don’t smoke in public areas. It is prohibited in restaurants, hotels, temples and tourist attractions since 2011 when the “smoke-free” by-law went into effect.