GEOGRAPHY Indonesia is the largest archipelago and the fifth most populous country in the world. It has a total of 17.000 island of which about 6.000 island are inhabited and consists of five main islands : Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya and Java. The island stretches 5.120 km from East to West and 1.760 kms from North to South, between Australian and Asian continents and devides Pacific and Indian oceans at the Equator.

FOOD The Indonesian staple food is rice and there are many restaurants specializing in European, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Meanwhile a variety of beverages either local or import are available everywhere.

CLIMATE There are only two seasons, dry season between April and October, and wet season between November and March. The Temperature ranges from 21C (70F) in the highlands to 33C (90F) in the low lands, except in the higher country regions which are cooler.

CLOTHING Dress is normally casual and light clothing is advisable due to the hot and humid climate. Trousers or slacks and shirts are generally considered appropriate but a jacket and tie are required for formal or when making official occasions.

TIME Indonesian is devided   into three time zona. Western Indonesia Time (Sumatera, Java, West & Central Kalimantan) is 7 hours ahead of GMT. Central Indonesia Time (East & South Kalimantan, Bali, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara ) is 8 hours ahead of GMT  Eastern Indoneisa Time (Maluku & Irian Jaya) is 9 hours  ahead of GMT

ELECTRICITY Most hotels use 220 volts and at two pronged round plug. However, some hotel in provinces may still be using 110 volts. It is better to check before using appliance.

OFFICE HOURS Government  offices open : From 8.00 AM to 3.00 PM (Monday-Thursday), 8.00 AM to 11.30 AM (Friday) close on Saturday Business offices open : From 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM (Monday-Friday), 8.00 AM to 2.00 PM (Saturday) Bank open : From 8.00 AM to 3.00 PM (Monday-Friday) close on Saturday.

CURRENCY Main foreign currencies are exchangeable at the banks and money changers in major cities. Indonesian rupiahs come in denominations of the Rp 100.000,-, Rp 50.000,- , Rp 20.000,- , Rp 10.000,- , Rp 5.000,- , Rp. 2.000,- , Rp 1.000,- , in bank notes and the Rp 1000,- Rp. 500,- Rp 200,- and Rp 100,- in coins. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants in the main cities. 

LANGUAGE The National language is Bahasa Indonesia but English is spoken and written in all tourist destination areas.Dutch is spoken by the older generation and there still exist more than 300 ethnic group who speak more than 200 district languages. Diversity also extends to customs, cuisine and dress.

CUSTOM Custom allows on entry maximum of 2 liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes of 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfumes per adult. Photographic equipment, typewriter and radio cassette record are admitted provided they are taken out on departure.

RELIGION The majority of the population is Moslem, however the Indonesian constitution recognizes freedom of religion as specified in the first principle of the Pancasila (State Philosophy) - Believe in one supreme God, Churches, Hindu and Buddhist temple are found through the country.

IMMIGRATION All visitors to Indonesia must be in possession of passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival and have proof of onward journey either return or through tickets. Visa on arrival for 1 weeks stay USD 10 and for 1 month stay USD 25 (price subject to change without prior notice).

AIRPORT TAX Airport tax of Rp 150.000,- / person is levied on all passenger on international flights. For those flying within Indonesia, airport taxes are vary from Rp 40.000,- - Rp 25.000,- / person, depending on the airport. Levied for insurance on domestic routes if tickets are purchased in Indonesia.