Somewhere between the Indian and Pacific Ocean lays the beautiful country of Indonesia. You have probably been dreaming about exploring the unique rice fields in Bali, diving into the authentic atmosphere by visiting the ancient temples and relaxing by the white sandy beaches at one of the numerous Indonesian Islands. If you are ready to pack your bags and immerse yourself into this adventure, you should first learn how to plan a trip to Indonesia. Here we have shared the top 5 tips that you should consider first.
Visa and Entry Requirements
One of the main elements of knowing how to plan a trip to Indonesia, is being aware of the visa and entry requirements. First off, make sure that your passport will be valid for at least six months after your arrival. Most foreign nationals are allowed to stay in the country without having to apply for a visa beforehand. Visitors would normally receive a free visa upon arrival with a duration of 30 days. If you are planning a longer trip to Indonesia, however, you would need to apply for an extendable visa on arrival, that would allow you to stay for the initial 30 days plus another additional 30. If you are unsure how to proceed it is always a good idea to contact your local Indonesian consulate or embassy.
Best time to plan a Trip to Indonesia
The next step of planning your trip to Indonesia is to decide when to visit. Due to the tropical weather, there are two main season across the archipelago – wet and dry. The period between October and April is classified as the winter / wet season when downpours are short but intense and regular. During these months, the island is less crowded and prices are cheaper. The wet season is more suitable if you are planning a diving trip to Indonesia. The Indonesian peak season is around July and August and it is not advisable to plan a trip then, as it can get too crowded. To enjoy the dry season with clear days and lots of sunshine but without the masses of tourists, it is best to plan a trip in May, June or September.
Getting around Indonesia
One of the main challenges with planning a trip to Indonesia is actually getting around. If you would like to visit some of the most popular spots such as Bali, Jakarta, Sumatra and others it is best to travel by air. There are a number of local airlines that operate between the different regional airports, the most reliable of which is Garuda. Check Skyscanner.com to be aware what available flight options are there beforehand, but it is best to purchase tickets once you arrive to Indonesia. If you want to experience the country as a local, you should rent a scooter and become part of the hustle and bustle of the island.
Currency
The official Indonesian currency is Rupiah. You can expect to see notes from 100 to 100,000 RP. To have a better understanding of the exchange rate, be aware that $1 equals approximately 14757 IDR. If you will be traveling outside of the large cities, it is a good idea to have both coins and notes. In hotels and larger shops, however, you can also use Visa or Mastercard
Where to Go
The last step of planning your trip to Indonesia is deciding on the places you will be visiting. Despite the fact that Bali has become the most popular destination recently, there are a number of other locations that are worth stopping by. Penida Island, for example is a great quiet and secluded island, where you can truly experience Indonesia without the tourist crowds. For some hiking and diving adventure visit Lombok, while the beach resort of Jimbaran is perfect for sunbathing, relaxing and swimming. Last but not least, dive into the culture and traditions by visiting the Hindu temples at Ubud.
Did you find these 5 essential tips how to plan a trip to Indonesia useful? Are you ready to pack your bags and visit the archipelago?