Top spots pretty much everywhere

It is hard to name an outstanding destination in Indonesia’s waters as they are almost all fantastic. Some swear by Raja Ampat and its phenomenal macro world, others prefer Bunaken with its dramatic steep faces and the big fish. The coast of Borneo is known for its giant turtles. Bali tempts you with ocean sunfish and sharks and near Flores with manta rays and enormous fish swarms.

Visa and currency

Entering Indonesia is possible with just your passport, which has to be valid for at least another 6 months. There is no need for a visa, but the stay is limited to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you then have to apply for a visa upon your arrival. The Indonesian currency is Rupiah, the smaller unit is Sen, but as a European, you will hardly ever get in touch with it: One Euro equals a five digit amount of Rupiahs (link currency calculator or widget). Rupiah is shortened with IDR.

Be mobile

Indonesia is one of the fastest growing and largest markets for mobile telephones. There are now more smartphones in Indonesia than inhabitants. The number of mobile phone providers is correspondingly high. Prices are comparatively cheap, SIM-Cards can be obtained easily. We strongly advise against using your own phone to make phone calls from Indonesia to Germany. You should also avoid to leave your phone with the German SIM-Card switched on. Roaming fees can make this a rather expensive experience. Our best tip: Switch your phone off before take-off, obtain a new card in Indonesia and change it and only then switch it back on again. These are the biggest mobile phone providers in Indonesia.

Health

The medical infrastructure in Indonesia cannot be compared with German standards. On the other hand, there are special risks which only occur in the tropics or warmer latitudes such as dengue fever or malaria. Visiting your GP prior to travelling to Indonesia is definitely a good move. Your appointment should, however, be at least 6 weeks before travelling, so you can get the relevant vaccinations if necessary.

Weather

Indonesia comes pretty close to the ideal of the endless summer. The greater part of the country is located roughly on the equator. There are no seasons as such, but there is a rainy season which differs from region to region. Even locally, the rainy season can differ a lot, e.g. on the eastern part of Gunung Agung on Bali there is very little rainfall, but on the western side there is a lot.

Daytime temperatures are around 30 Celsius and at night they are hardly ever less than 24 Celsius. Those who rely only on t-shirts and shorts, however, may miss out potentially. If you want to visit the Besakih temple in Bali or the colourful crater lakes of Kilimuthu on Flores, then you should dress warmly, since it gets cold in Indonesia’s mountains.

Interesting and surprising facts

Bali is known as the island of the 1,000 temples. This is a massive understatement. There are more than 20,000 temples on Bali.
A black and white, yellow or white sarong, which is wound around a tree or statue means that a god is sitting in this tree or statue or that it is consecrated to a deity.
The Komodo dragons on the island of Komodo and Rinca are the largest lizards in the world.
They are generally peaceful. A tip for tourists: Never leave the group and never approach a large Komodo dragon by yourself. It is stronger than a human and above all faster.