Welcome to Indonesia

With more than 17,000 islands to its name, Indonesia offers unlimited adventure and rich diversity. Immerse yourself in the cultures, peoples, traditions, foods, animals, plants and more of the world’s fourth most populous country.

Walk along Sulawesi’s white-sand beaches and dive world-renowned sites. Or, go off the beaten path to the beaches of Pulau Weh off Sumatra. Meet Komodo dragons and whale sharks in Komodo National Park or swim with stingless jellyfish in Kakaban Lake.

Climb an active volcano and get an amazing view of its crater. Visit a batik factory or tour a coffee plantation with its Javanese owner. Bliss out in Bali at an over-the-top beachfront resort. Hang with orangutans or discover the arts and crafts of Ubud.

Of course, don’t miss the Temple of Borobudur in Java, the world’s largest Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Bewitching and beautiful, Indonesia is a land of travel plenty.

Unique Facts

• There are 139 volcanoes in Indonesia, the third most in the world after the United States and Russia. It is thought that when Krakatoa erupted in 1883, it was the loudest sound ever heard.
• The largest individual flower on Earth, the Rafflesia arnoldi, is endemic to Sumatra. It’s also called the “corpse flower.”
• It is believed that approximately 44 of the world’s more then 100 uncontacted jungle tribes live in Papua and West Papua in east Indonesia.
• More than half of all wild orangutans live in Kalimantan Tengah in Central Indonesia Borneo, making it the orangutan capital of the world.
• There are more than 100 endangered species in Indonesia, including the Sumatran Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tarsius Tarsier (who looks a bit like Dobby the house elf from Harry Potter!).

Language

Indonesia’s official language is Indonesian.

When To Go

The best time to go to Indonesia is May, June or September, during the shoulder months around the dry season. The peak season is July and August and extremely hot and humid.

Airports

Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, Jakarta

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None required for stays of 30 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Indonesia: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F and L. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Rupiah

Getting Around

Be aware that traffic in Indonesia is dangerous and congested. Traffic signals are frequently ignored. Buses and trucks are typically dangerously overloaded and travel at high speeds.

As for public transportation, the oversight is not consistent and there have been numerous air, ferry and road accidents.

Use a reputable taxi company or hire a taxi either at a major hotel or shopping center.

Driver’s License

International driving permit required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Jakarta
Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 3 – 5
Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Telephone: +(62)(21) 5083-1000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(62)(21) 5083-1000 ext. 0 (operator)
Fax: +(62)(21) 385-7189
JakartaACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center
Jl. Raya Kuta No.2, Kuta
Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Tel: 62361 766181/62361 766158

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

Crimes typically involve pickpocketing, theft and armed car-jacking. Avoid travelling to isolated areas late at night. Beware of your surroundings, particularly vehicles or individuals that might be following you.

Credit card fraud is a growing problem. Avoid using credit cards when possible. Use an ATM in a secure location and check the machine for evidence of tampering.

Tourists and Indonesians have suffered from serious illness and have even died from “drink-spiking” and drink-poisoning incidents in clubs and nightspots in urban and tourist areas.