BFC - General Information for Visitors to Bali and Indonesia

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS TO BALI AND INDONESIA
Indonesia is made up of over 17.000 islands with over 300 distinct cultural groups and indigenous peoples.
The national language Bahasa Indonesia is generally understood right across the archipelago.


INDONESIAN INFORMATION ON THE WEB
INDONESIAN HOMEPAGE	indonesia.elga.net.id
General instruction to Indonesia with a range of links.
LIVING IN INDONESIA: A SITE FOR EXPATS	www.expat.or.id
Information, advice and links to the expatriate community.
TEMPO INTERACTIVE	www.tempointeractive.com
One of Indonesia's most respected magazines, offering good news articles in Indonesian and English.
THE JAKARTA POST	www.thejakartapost.com
The extensive website of Indonesia's English-language daily.
JAKARTA CITY GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICE	www.jakarta.go.id
Offers a host of info on where to go and what to see in Jakarta.

AIRPORTS & AIRLINES
Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is spacious, modern and efficient, but only has a few food and shopping outlets.
Bali's smaller Ngurah Rai International Airport has more varied shopping but can also be overpriced. Standard duty-free items are on sale at both airports.

AIRLINES - DOMESTIC
GARUDA INDONESIA	www.garuda-indonesia.com
GARUDA CITILINK	www.ga-citilink.com
MERPATI NUSANTARA AIRLINES	www.merpati.com
BOURAQ INDONESIA AIRLINES	www.bouraq.com
PELITA AIR	www.pelita-adventure.com

Other smaller airlines-Mandala Airlines, Lion Air, Batavia Air, Bali Air, Deraya, Dirgantara Air Service (DAS) and Sabang Merauke-Raya Air Charter (SMAC).


Domestic Departure Tax -varies from Rp. 12.000 to Rp. 20.000 depending on the airport. On top of the basic fares quoted by airlines, a 10% tax is added as well as an insurance fee of Rp 2500. Tax and insurance are aid when you buy a ticket, but departure tax is paid at the airport. Baggage allowance is usually 20kg, or 10kg for smaller planes. You may be charged for excess baggage.


AIRLINES - INTERNATIONAL
AIR FRANCE	www.airfrance.com
AIR NEW ZEALAND	www.airnz.com.nz
AIR PARADISE	www.airparadise.com.au
ANA	www.svc.ana.co.jp/eng
BALI AIR	www.bali-air.com
BOURAQ	www.bouraq.com
CATHAY PACIFIC	www.cathaypasific.com
CHINA AIRLINES	www.china-airlines.com
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES	www.cs-air.com/en
EVA AIRLINES	www.evaair.com
GARUDA INDONESIA	www.garuda-indonesia.com
JAL	www.jal.co.jp
KLM	www.klm.com
LUFTHANSA	www.lufthansa.com
MAS	www.nwa.com
MERPATI	www.merpati.co.id
NORTHWEST AIRLINES	www.nwa.com
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES	www.philippineairlines.com
QANTAS	www.qantas.com
SINGAPORE AIRLINES	www.singaporeair.com
SILK AIR	www.silkair.com
THAI AIRWAYS	www.thaiair.com

International Departure Tax - Airport Tax on International flights departing from Jakarta and Denpasar is Rp 100.000. Other airports charge Rp 75.000.

ARTS & CRAFTS
Indonesian is known for arts and crafts….

WOODCARVING
Woodcarving is the most enduring and widespread medium for artistic expression in Indonesia. Each culture has its own style, and the diversity and sophistication of the country’s woodcarvers is remarkable. Woodcarving often has a decorative as well as spiritual function, and objects from the outer islands are often intricately carved. Bali and Java also have strong woodcarving traditions, with Balinese woodcarving the most ornamental and intricate in Indonesia. The centre for woodcarving in Java is Jepara on the north coast of Central Java.

Carved masks - Masks are a specialized form of woodcarving. Though they exist throughout the archipelago and may be used in funerary rites etc, the most readily identifiable form of mask is the topeng used in the wayang topeng (masked dance-drama) of Java and Bali.

TEXTILES
Indonesian textiles come in a dazzling variety of fabrics, materials, techniques, color and motifs. Basically there are tree major textile groups.

The first is ikat, a form of tie-dyeing patterns and threads before weaving them together : this technique is associated with the proto-Malay people of the archipelago such as the ethnic groups of Nusa Tengara. The second is songket, where gold or silver threads are woven into silk cloth. This is strongest where Islam has made the most impact, such as Aceh on Sumatra and among the Malays of coastal Kalimantan. The third is Batik, the waxing and dyeing technique most clearly associated with those parts of Central Java where the greatest Javanese kingdoms were established. It was also taken up in Bali, Madura and Jambi in Sumatra, all of which have been subject to considerable Javanese influence.


CERAMICS
Indonesian pottery is usually unglazed and hand-worked, although the wheel is also used. It may be painted, but is more often left natural. The best known pottery centre in Java is just outside Yogyakarta at Kasongan, where intricate, large figurines and pots are produced. Lombok pottery has an earthy, primitive look with subtle coloring. Balinese ceramics show a stronger western influence and are more inclined to be glazed.

BASKETWORK & BEADWORK
Some of the finest basketwork in Indonesia comes from Lombok. The spiral woven rattan work is very fine and large baskets are woven using this method, while smaller receptacles topped with wooden carvings are also popular. In Java, Tasikmalaya is a major cane-weaving centre, often adapting baskets in Bali and Java, particularly Central Java.
PUPPETS
The most famous puppets of Indonesia are the carved leather wayang kulit puppets. The intricate lace figures are cut from buffalo hide with a sharp, chisel-like stylus, and then painted. They are produced in Bali and Java particularly Central Java.
JEWELRY
Gold and silverwork has long been practiced in Indonesia. Gold jewelry can be found all over Indonesia. The best-known jewelry is the silverwork of both Bali and the ancient city of Kota Gede within the city boundaries of Yogyakarta. Balinese work is nearly always hand-worked, and rarely involves casting techniques. The traditional centre for Balinese jewelry is Celuk.


BALINESE DANCE
Music, dance and drama are all closely related in Bali. In fact, dance and drama are synonymous, although some "dance" are more drama and less dance, and others more dance and less drama. Balinese dance tends to be precise, shifting and jerky, like the accompanying gamelan music. There is virtually no physical contact in Balinese dancing where each dancer moves independently, but convey the character of the dance. Dance is a regular part of almost every temple festival and Bali has no shortage of these.


BALI-DENPASAR
Bali is a tiny, extremely fertile and dramatically mountainous island just eight degrees south of the equator. It is only 140km by 80km, with an area of 5632 sq km. Bali's central mountain chain includes several peaks over 2000m and many active volcanoes. Bali's volcanic nature has contributed to its exceptional fertility, and the high mountains provide the dependable rainfall that irrigates the island's complex and beautiful rice terraces. South of the central range is a wide, gentle sloping area where most of Bali's abundant rice crops are grown.

Bali is a densely populated island with 3.124.674 inhabitants. The population is almost all Indonesian; 95% are of Balinese Hindu descent and could be described as ethnic Balinese. The Balinese have traditional caste divisions that resemble the Indian Hindu system, although there are no "untouchables". Nor is there separation of labor based on caste, except for the Brahmana priesthood. The main significance of caste is in religious roles and rituals, and its influence in Balinese language.


DENPASAR
The capital of Bali, Denpasar, has been the focus of much of the island's growth and wealth over the last 20 years. Denpasar means "next to the market" and the main market (Pasar Badung) is the biggest and busiest in Bali. Denpasar still has some tree-lined streets and pleasant gardens, but the traffic noise and pollution can make it difficult to enjoy.
BANKS

CENTRAL JAKARTA
Most banks are open 8am-4pm Monday to Friday and until 11am on Saturday. Handy banks near Jln. Jaksa:-
LIPPO BANK
Jln. Kebon Sirih Raya
(has ATM for MasterCard withdrawals)

Jln. Kebon Sirih Raya
(has ATM for MasterCard withdrawals)

BALI BANK ATM
Jln Jaksa (next to Djody Hostel)

BCA ATM
Jln. Haji Agus Salim (beside the Pho Hoa Restaurant)
Plaza Indonesia has a selection of banks, including BII Bank in the basement level, which has an ATM (Automatic Teller Machines).
There are also ATM's galore at the main post office near the National Monument.
BALI
Banks will exchange cash, and traveler's cheques are widely accepted in tourist areas. The USD is the preferred currency for exchange in less-visited areas. Rates tend to be better at the many authorized moneychangers compared to the banks. ATM's abound and provide cash-advance services against credit cards although it is always wise to carry some Rupiah with you.


BOOKSHOPS
JAKARTA
Ak'sara
Jln Kemang Raya 8B
This bookshop is in the city's affluent Kemang district and well worth a visit for its extensive range of English language titles.
QB World Books
Level 3, Plaza Senayan, Jln Asia Afrika
Also excellent

Sarinah Department Store
Jln Thamrin
This department store has a good travel book and map section.

Gramedia and Gunung Agung are the two big Indonesian chains with locations all over town.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity in Indonesia is 220V / 50 Hz AC. The sockets accommodate two round prongs, the same as in most European countries. Safe adaptors for foreign plugs are hard to find, so bring your own. The voltage supply is not stable in many parts of Indonesia, and a voltage stabilizer/surge protector is recommended for computers and valuable electronic goods.

FOOD
Indonesian food is not complex and tastes tend to stay separate, simple and substantial. Indonesians eat relatively simple but delicious meals. Eating only becomes a grand affair when communal feasts are held to celebrate family occasions. Aromatic coriander and cumin, together with chilies, lemon grass, coconut, sweet soy sauce and palm sugar are all important flavorings; sambal (chili sauce) and acar (pickles) are important side dishes. Fish is a favorite with Indonesians and seafood restaurants often a good standard. Indonesians traditionally eat with their fingers, hence the stickiness of the rice. Sate’ (skewered meat), nasi goreng (fried rice) and gado-gado (vegetables with peanut sauce) are some of Indonesia's most famous dishes.

Outside the home, warungs (street stalls) and kaki limas (foot carts) are a familiar apart of Indonesian life where you will find some of the most authentic food at street level. At night, car parks, footpaths and intersections are crammed with eateries.
But be selective as hygiene can be questionable.

GOLF COURSES
Indonesia has some of the best-value golf in Asia.

GYMNASIUMS
Most 4 and 5-star hotels let non-guests use the swimming pool, spa and gym facilities for a fee.

HOLIDAYS
Ramadan
The ninth month of the Muslim calendar is the month of Ramadan, also known as bulan puasa "The fasting month". During Ramadan many Muslims obtain from drinking, eating, smoking, sex and other pleasures during daylight hours. The fast is symbolic of a person's faith, and is also a way for Muslims to feel an affinity for those who are less fortunate.

No one is forced to fast, but it's polite to be discreet and eat separately. Many restaurants and food stalls remain open, with a shade cloth over the door. At the end of the fasting month, travel can be hard to organize as Muslims head home to the villages to celebrate Lebaran with their families.

Lebaran
The first day of the 10th month marks the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Lebaran - also known as Idul Fitri. Lebaran begins with mass prayers at mosques and in city squares, followed by two days of family visits and culinary engorgement.

Hari Natal (Christmas Day)
Celebrated on 25th December

JAVA - JAKARTA
Java is the largest island and has a population of 120 million inhabitants crammed into an area half the size of Great Britain. Java is home to about 60% of Indonesians and the hub of the political and economic life, and it has more people, money, power and privilege than the rest of the country combined. Java is a long, narrow island, divided into three provinces; West, Central & East Java. It also includes the special regions of Jakarta (the capital) and Yogyakarta (Yogya), which is the center for Javanese culture and one of Indonesia's premier tourist destinations.

Jakarta
Jakarta with its population of 9,3 million is filled with all the good and all the bad of Indonesian life and is a monument to the nation's sprawling cultural diversity. Jakarta is primarily a city of government and business and not a tourist destination but parts of the old city, around the Kota district, offer an interesting insight into the capital's long history. The city also has some interesting museums, oversized monuments, theme parks and excellent shopping, dining and golfing possibilities.

Jakarta sprawls more than 25km from the docks to the suburbs of south Jakarta, covering 661sq km. The city center fans out from around Merdeka Square, which contains the central landmark of the National Monument. Jakarta does not really have a central focal point, but a number of centers separated by vast traffic jams.

MEDICAL SERVICES
Jakarta
SOS Medika Klinik
Tel: (62 021) 750 5980
Jln. Puri Sakti 10, Kemang
Offers 24hr English-Speaking appointments, as well as the full range of emergency and specialist healthcare services.


Bali
Of the several private clinics on the island, the most accessible and modern is SOS (Tel 62 361 710 505) and
BIMC (Tel 62 361 761 263). There is also the Legian Medical Clinic (Tel 62 361 758503) All open 24 hrs daily.
Further north in Seminyak is The Bali Klinik (Tel 62 361 733301)

The Embassies in Jakarta also provides a detailed listing of all medical facilities in Indonesia.

MONEY & EXCHANGE RATES
Currency
The unit of currency in Indonesia is the Rupiah (Rp or IDR).
Denominations of 25, 50, 100 and 500 Rupiah are in circulation in both the old silver-colored coins and the newer bronze-colored coins. A Rp 1.000 coin is also minted but rarely seen, and the Rp 25 coin has almost vanished. Notes come in 1.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000, and 100.000 Rupiah denominations.

Exchange Rates;
Generally speaking USD1 is about Rp 9000. For the latest exchange rates, check the currency converter at the website below ; http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi

There are plenty of options for exchanging money in Indonesia and it's wise to use all of them; carry some plastic, traveler’s cheques and cash. ATM's have sprouted up across Indonesia making the use of bank and credit cards more accessible and convenient. Cards and networks accepted by ATM's among Indonesia's main banks include

Bank Bali	Mastercard, Cirrus, Alto, Visa
Bank Central Asia(BCA)	Cirrus
Bank Duta	Mastercard, Visa
Bank International Indonesia(BII)	Mastercard, Visa, Cirrus, Plus, Alto
Bank Negara Indonesia(BNI)	Mastercard, Cirrus, Visa
Lippo Bank	Mastercard, Cirrus, Alto
The US dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency in Indonesia, but you can change all major
currencies in the main cities and tourist areas.

Tipping & Bargaining
Tipping is not normal in Indonesia, but is often expected for special service. Someone who carries your bag or guides you around a tourist attraction will naturally expected a tip. Taxi fares are usually rounded up to the next Rp 1000, hotel porters expect a few thousand Rupiah per bag.

Many everyday purchases in Indonesia require bargaining. This applies particularly to handicrafts, artwork and any tourist items but can apply to almost anything you buy, although restaurant meals, transport and accommodations generally have fixed prices. When bargaining, it's usually best to ask the seller their price rather than make an initial offer. As a rule of thumb, your starting price could be anything from a third to two-thirds of the asking price, assuming that the asking price is not completely crazy. But if you like it – buy it.

BALI
Banks will exchange cash, and traveler’s cheques are widely accepted in tourist areas. The USD is the preferred currency for exchange in less-visited areas. Rates tend to be better at the many authorized moneychangers then at the banks. Count and recount your money when using a moneychanger. ATM's abound and provide cash-advance services against credit cards, although it is always wise to carry some Rupiah with you.

POSTAL SERVICES
Post offices are usually open from 8am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and until around 1pm on Saturday.
In the larges cities, main post offices are often open for extended hours.

Mail to Australia or the USA usually takes around 10days. Mail to Europe is a little faster. Parcels up to a maximum weight of 7kg can be sent by airmail or up to 10kg by sea, which is cheaper. Letters and small packets bound for overseas or domestic delivery may be registered for an extra fee. Post offices also offer express mail service to 46 countries with a maximum of three days delivery time. Tariffs are reasonable compared to courier services. Mail is registered and traceable.

Jakarta
The main post office (Jln. Gedung Kesewnian 1-open 8am to 6pm) is in the octagonal building behind Jln. Pos to the northeast of the National Monument. For basic postal services, a few windows have extended hours until 10pm daily.

Wartels are found throughout the city and usually open daily from around 7am until midnight and some open 24 hrs. Faxes can be sent from most wartels and all major hotels.

Bali
Bali is one of the easiest places in Indonesia to send and receive mail. There are internet cafes everywhere, wartels (telephone offices) provide operator-connected phone services with country direct telephones in Kuta, Ubud, Denpasar, Sanur and the airport.

What Can't Be Mailed or Shipped to Quarantine Regulation Countries include:
Meat and meat products, fruit and vegetables, handicrafts made of unprocessed animal products such as rawhide, feathers, teeth and bones, dried flowers or handicrafts made from or containing seed, pine cones, bark, moss and straw, plants, seeds ad soil and dried plant materials.

SHOPPING
Jakarta
Shopping is one of Jakarta’s biggest attractions. Clothes, shoes and many other goods are very cheap, especially those that are locally made. Brand-name goods are available in profusion, but the genuine ones are rarely any cheaper than at home. Jakarta has handicrafts from almost everywhere in Indonesia.

Sarinah Department Store (Jln. Thamrin) is a good place to start for Indonesian crafts. The 33rd floor of this large store is devoted to batik and handicrafts from all over the country. The handicrafts are souvenirs rather than true collectibles, but the quality is high and the prices reasonable.

Pasaraya (Jln. Iskandarsyah ) in Blok M is similar to Sarinah but even larger. Handicrafts can be found on the 4th floor.


Pasar Seni at Ancol Recreation Park in north Jakarta, is a good place to look for region handicrafts and to watch many being made right there.

Jakarta’s famous Flea Market (Jln. Surabaya) is in Menteng. It has woodcarvings, furniture, brassware, jewellery, batik, oddities like old typewriters and many antiques. It is always fun to browse but be sure to bargain like crazy as prices may be up to 10 times the value of the goods.

Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua (Jln. Mangga Dua) is a huge wholesale market with some of the cheapest clothes, accessories and shoes, as well as a host of other goods. Across the road is the Mangga Dua Mall for computers and electronics, and the surrounding area has other shopping centers, making it Southeast Asia's biggest shopping precinct.

Blok M (Jln. Kebayoran Baru) is also huge and is a little more upmarket. The Blok M Mall, above the large bus terminal, has scores of small, reasonably priced shops offering clothes, shoes, music tapes and household goods. More upmarket is the nearby Pasaraya Department Store and multistory Blok M Plaza which is just across the main drag. Jln. Palatehan 1 is just to the north of the Blok M bus terminal, and has some interesting antique and craft shops.

Jakarta has dozens of other big, dazzling shopping centers, such as the exclusive and expensive Plaza Indonesia (Jln.Thamrin). Plaza Senayan (Jln. Asia Afrika) has everything from Marks & Spencer to Starbucks and even a Manchester United Store.

Bali
Shopping Centers
The Western-style shopping centers are the place to go for "practical" shopping such as household items, electrical goods, underwear, books and stationery. Matahari and Robinson department stores stock a wide range of clothes, cosmetics, leather goods, toys and baby things as does the newest and biggest, Bali Mall (Mall Bali). Most centers have western fast-food restaurants and an eatery, and amusement centers for kids; Tiara Dewata Shopping Centre in particular has lots of rides and playground areas. Kuta Square is easily the largest and most sophisticated group of shops in Bali and much of the Kuta region is now door-to door shops (and these are becoming steadily more sophisticated).
Markets
The pungent Pasar Badung is the largest and oldest market in Bali. It is very busy in the morning and evening, and a great place to browse and bargain. Most visitors head to the clothing and handicrafts section on the top floor; the "wet market"- for fruit and vegetables is downstairs. Pasar Kumbasari, (along the opposite side of the river from Pasar Badung), has handcrafts, fabrics and gold work. Pasar Burung is a bird market with hundreds of caged birds and small animals for sale.

SOCIAL CUSTOMS & DRESS
Be very aware of local customs and standards of dress. Indonesia is a relatively conservative country where religious, family and social values are highly respected. Indonesians make allowances for western ways, especially in the main tourist areas, but there are a few things to bear in mind when dealing with people.

Handshaking is accepted between both sexes right across Indonesia, but a gentle squeeze as opposed to a knuckle-crushing grip is the way to go. To add warmth and sincerity, you'll find that many people follow the handshake with a touch of the heart. When meeting someone for the first time, Indonesians often shake hands and state their name at the same time.

Left-handedness in Indonesia is an anomaly and children are guided into using their right hand from an early age. The reason for this is that Indonesians use the left hand for cleaning themselves so it is good to get into the habit of using your right hand for passing items and eating.

Apart from shaking hands, physical contact between opposite sexes is minimal. However, contact between the same sexes is considered normal behavior and not to all sexual.

It is considered polite to bow your body slightly when walking across in front of somebody who is seated, or if interrupting people. At the same time you can say ‘purr misi’ (excuse me).

It has been said that touching someone's head is considered rude. This may be the case with an older person, but you will see people of the same age touching their friend's hair and people patting children on the head.

Talking to someone with your hands on your hips is impolite and considered a sign of aggression.

The correct way to beckon someone is with the hand extended and a downward waving motion with all the index finger crooked upward won't be understood and is considered rude. It is fine to point at something or to indicate direction, but rude to point at someone – best to gesture with the whole hand.

Hospitality is highly regarded, and when food or drink is placed in front of you, it is polite to wait until invited to begin eating. It is impolite to refuse a drink even when not thirsty.

While places of worship are open to all, permission should be requested to enter, particularly when ceremonies or prayers are in progress. Ensure you are decently dressed. Always remove footwear before entering a mosque. When entering someone's house, it is polite to remove your shoes. Women should never enter a Balinese temple when menstruating.

Indonesians will accept any lack of clothing on the part of poor people who cannot afford them; but for westerns, thongs, bathing costumes, short or strapless tops are considered impolite. Always dress appropriately.

SUPERMARKETS
Matahari & Hero are two major chains but there are plenty of others throughout Indonesia. Not every town has a supermarket but they always have a general store (toko umum). These stores carry a broad range of items (eggs, biscuits, beer, rice, oil, bottled water). Some general stores sell vegetables to car parts. On the streets of Indonesia you'll also find specialty shops and stalls. Most towns have a bakery (toko roti) and there is always the street corner kios barely bigger than a phone booth yet stocking an incredible amount of necessities. Whether you need batteries, beer or biscuits, the kios provides them all.


SWIMMING POOLS
Jakarta
Gelanggang Renang
This impressive swimming pool complex outside Jakarta has a wave pool with slide and is located within the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol Recreation Park.

Most 4 and 5-star hotels will allow non-guests use of their swimming, spa and gym facilities for a fee.

TELEPHONE & EMAIL SERVICES

Telkom is the government-run telecommunications company and has offices in many cities and towns. They are usually open 24hrs and offer telephone and fax services. These are the cheapest places to make International and long-distance phone calls and often have home country direct phones or allow collect calls.

Public Phones - The public telephones are either coin phones, chip-card phones (card are sold at Telkom offices, wartel, supermarkets, and other retail outlets) or the rarer credit-card phones. Most chip-card phones support International Direct Dialing (IDD); coin phones do not.

For IDD calls, dial 001, 007 or 008 followed by country code, area code (minus the initial zero) and the number you want to reach. It's cheaper to call on weekends and public holidays when a 25% to 50% discount applies or on weekends between 21.00 to 06.00.

Making reverse-charge (collect) calls isn't easy. The best answer is to use public phones and make a collect call via the Indonesian operator (101) but make sure it is collect rather than the more expensive person-to-person service.

Mobile Phones - Indonesia has a number of GSM networks and all have wide coverage in Java, Bali and the main regional centers. If your phone company offers international roaming for Indonesia, you can use your phone in Indonesia. Mobile calls are cheap in Indonesia, but check the roaming rates charged by your company. Indonesian telephone companies sell SIM cards that you can plug into your phone, which is usually a cheaper option.

Email & Internet Access - Internet cafes continue to sprout up across Indonesia, especially in tourist areas and sizable towns. Many post office throughout the country have a privately contracted internet service usually open in the evenings. Rates and server speed vary. Expect to pay between Rp 6.000 – Rp 15.000 per hour and the connection can be slow.


TOURISM
Jakarta
For most visitors, Jakarta revolves around the modern part of the city to the south of the National Monument. Jln. Thamrin runs from the south-western corner of Merdeka Square down to the Welcome Monument roundabout and is the main thoroughfare, containing many of the big hotels and a couple of major shopping centers (Sarinah Department Store and Plaza Indonesia). North of the National Monument, the old city of Kota is Jakarta's main tourist attraction and nearby is the schooner harbor of Sunda Kelapa. The main train station called Gambir is just to the east of the National Monument. To the south, Jln. Thamrin becomes Jln. Jenderal Sudirman which is home to more hotels, large banks and office blocks. Further south are the affluent suburban areas of Kebayoran Baru, Pondok Indah and Kemang with their own centers and busy shopping districts, such as Block M in Kebayoran Baru. Kemang in particular is swamped with top-notch bars, restaurants and shops.

Jakarta Visitor Information Office
Tel:(21) 315 4094
Jln. Wahid Hasyim
Open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday & 9am-1pm Saturday
The Jakarta visitor Information office is in the Jakarta Theatre building opposite the Sarinah Department Store.


National Monument (Monas)
This 132m-tall column towering over Merdeka Square is both Jakarta's principal landmark and the most famous architectural extravagance of the former President Soekarno. Begun in 1961 as symbol of Indonesia's independence and strength, it was not completed until 1975. In the base of the monument is the National History Museum (open 8:30am-5pm daily) which tells the story of Indonesia's independence struggle. You can take a lift to the top of the column for a view of Jakarta. It is closed on the last Monday of every month.

KOTA
Jakarta History Museum
Taman Fatahilah, admission Rp 2.000 open 9am-1:30pm Tues-Fri & Sun, 9am-12:30pm Sat. The Jakarta History Museum is housed in the old town hall of Batavia (now Kota). It is probably one of the most solid reminders of Dutch rule within Indonesia. This bell-towered hall, in 1627 and expanded in 1707 & 1710, served the administration of the city. It was also used by the city law courts, and its dungeons were the main prison compound of Batavia. Today it contains lots of heavy, carved furniture and other memorabilia from the Dutch period.

Wayang Museum
Taman Fatahilah, admission Rp 2.000 open 9am-1:30pm Tues-Fri & Sun, 9am-12:30pm Sat. This museum has one of the best collections of wayang puppets in Java, and includes puppets not only from Indonesia but also China, Malaysia, India and Cambodia.

Balai Seni Rupa (Fine Arts Museum)
Taman Fatahilah, admission Rp 2.000 open 9am-1:30pm Tues-Fri & Sun, 9am-12:30pm Sat. Built between 1866 and 1870, the Palace of Justice building is now a museum. It houses contemporary paintings with works by prominent painters, including Affandi, Raden Saleh and Ida Bagus Made. Part of the building is also a Ceramics Museum with Chinese ceramics and Majapahit terracotta’s.

Gereja Sion Church
Jln. Pangeran Jayakarta
Located near the Kota train station, this church dates from 1695 and is the oldest remaining church in Jakarta. Also known as Gereja Portugis (Portuguese Church) it was built just outside the old city walls for the so-called "black Portuguese" - Eurasians and native captured from Portuguese trading ports in India and Malaya and brought to Batavia as slaves.

Sunda Kelapa
The old port has many magnificent Makassar schooners and near the entrance to the port is the Museum Bahari (Maritime Museum). The museum exhibits crafts from around the Indonesian archipelago and has an interesting collection of old photographs. The building itself is worth a visit and the sentry posts outside are part of the old city wall.

Further along the same street from the museum is the early-morning Pasar Ikan (fish market). It's an intense, colorful scene of busy crowds around dawn when the day's catch is sold. Later in the day it sells household items and souvenirs.

National Museum
Admission Rp 750 open 8:30am-2:30pm Tues-Thurs & Sun, 8:30am-11:30am Fri, 8:30am-1:30pm Sitting on the Western side of Merdeka Square, the National Museum built in 1862 is the best museum in Indonesia and one of the finest in the Southeast Asia. It is has an enormous collection of cultural objects from the various ethnic groups around the country and some fine bronzes from the Hindu-Javanese period, as well as many interesting stone pieces salvaged from Central Javanese and other temples.

Taman Prasasti Museum
Park of Inscriptions, Jln Tanah Abang open 9am-3pm Tues-Thurs & Sun, 9am-2:30pm Fri, 9am-12:30pm Sat. Kebon Jahe Cemetery has important historical figures from the colonial era are buried here.

Lapangan Banteng
Just east of Merdeka Square, in front of the Borobudur International Continental Hotel, Lapangan Banteng was laid out by the Dutch in the 19th century and the area has some of Jakarta's best colonial architecture.

Jakarta's Theme Parks
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Admission Rp 6.000 open 8am-5pm daily (about 18km from the city centre-allow 1.5 hrs to get there) In the city's southeast, near Kampung Rambutan, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah was built around the idea of a "whole country in one park". Opened in 1975, this 100-hectare park has full-scale traditional houses for each of Indonesia's provinces with displays of regional handicrafts and clothing and a large lagoon where you can row around the islands or take a cable car across for a different view. There are also a host of museums, theatres, restaurants and an orchid garden and bird park with a huge walk-in aviary amongst other attractions.

Taman Impian Jata Ancol
Basic admission Rp 7.500 open 24hrs
Along the bay front between Kota and Tanjung Priok, the people's "Dreamland" is built on land reclaimed n 1962. This huge landscaped recreation park provides non-stop entertainment, hotels, nightclubs, theatres and a variety of sporting facilities.

Attractions within Taman Impian Jaya Ancol include; Pasar Seni (Art Market), Seaworld Aquarium, another Oceanarium called Gelanggang Samudra, an impressive swimming pool complex named Gelanggang Renang which has wave pool and slide pool, and Ancol beach which is close to the city but not to the greatest place for a swim, although you can take a boat from the marina for day trips to one of the Pulau Seribu Islands.

The biggest attraction in the large Ancol recreation park is Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy Land open 11am-6pm Mon-Thurs, 2pm-8pm Fri, 11am-8pm Sat & Sun. Entry Rp 40.000/50.000). The park is very laid out and has a host of fun rides. All of the attractions have their own opening hours and price except for Pasar Seni where admission is free.

Ragunan Zoo
Open 7:30am-6pm daily. Admission Rp 2.000.
The zoo is 16km south of the city centre in the Pasar Minggu area. As home to 4000 animals, this large zoo has a good collection of Indonesian wildlife including Komodo dragons and orangutans.

Bali
Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali
Tel: (62 0361) 222 680. Admission Rp 750 open 7:30am-3:30pm Sun-Thurs, 7:30ap-1pm Fri.
The Bali Provincial State Museum comprises several buildings and pavilions set on quiet grounds. They incorporate architectural details of both the Puri (palace) and Pura (temple). The main building has a collection of prehistoric pieces and examples of traditional tools and artifacts. The northern pavilion houses dance costumes and masks, and the southern pavilion holds a varied collection of textiles.

Pura Jagatnatha
Next to the museum is the Jagatnathe Temple was built in 1953 and is dedicated to the supreme god, Sang Hyang Widi. Pura Jagatnatha is more frequently used than many Balinese temples, with local people coming every afternoon to pray and make offerings and can often be closed to tourists.

Taman Werdhi Budaya
Tel: (62 0136) 222 776. Jln Nusa Indah, admission Rp 1.000 open 8am-5pm Tues to Sun.
East of the city centre of Denpasar, Taman Werdhi Budaya was established in 1973 as an academy and showplace for Balinese culture. It's a quiet and shaded respite from the maddening traffic, and is worth a look around. There is a beautiful permanent collection of cultural artifacts, including; masks, shadow puppets, dance costumes, fabrics, woodcarvings and paintings. The objects are lovely to look at though most information is in Bahasa Indonesia only.

TIME
There are three (3) time zones in Indonesia:
Java, Sumatre and West & Central Kalimantan are on Western Indonesian Time - 3hrs behind Sydney (EST).
Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, South & East Kalimantan are on Central Indonesian Time - 2hrs behind Sydney (EST)
Papua and Maluku are East Indonesian Time -1hr behind Sydney (EST)


TRANSPORT
Getting Around Jakarta
Buses are the mainstay of Indonesian transport and the main form of transport in Java. In Jakarta everything is a distance, it is hot and humid, and hardly anybody walks so you will need to use some form of transport Jakarta has a comprehensive city bus network. Big, regular city buses charge a fixed fare Rp 3.300. The big express Patas Buses charge Rp 1.200 and the air-con Patas buses cost Rp 3.300. These are usually less crowded and the best option. These services are supplemented by orange toy-sized buses and in a few areas by pale blue Mikrolet Buses that cost between Rp 700 and Rp 1.500. The main terminal for Mikrolet and the numerous red and blue Metro Mini Buses is at the Pasar Senen station. The tourist office can provide information on buses around Jakarta.

Taxis in Jakarta are metered and cost Rp 3.000 for the first kilometer and Rp 130 for each subsequent 100m. Any toll road charges and parking fees are extra and paid by the passenger. Make sure the meter is used. Tipping is expected but not obligatory- it is customary to sound the fare up to the next Rp 1.000. Carry plenty of small notes-Jakarta taxi drivers rarely give change. Bluebird cabs are pale blue and have the best reputation.

Getting Around Bali
Bali is a small island with good roads and regular, inexpensive public transport. Traffic is heavy on the main roads around Denpasar but the minor roads are remarkable uncrowned. If you rent your own vehicle be careful. Motorbikes tend have the right of way. It's generally easy to find you way around with main roads are well signposted and maps are readily available. Off the main routes, most roads are surfaced but often very potholed and signage is not clear. An International Drivers License is required.

Most of Bali's public transport is provided by minibuses, usually called Bemo but on some longer routes the vehicle may be a full-sized bus. Denpasar is the transport hub of Bali and has bus/bemo terminals for the various destinations on the island. Be sure to ask the fare for the destination before boarding.

Tourist shuttle buses travel between the main tourist centers in Bali. There are three main routes and they don't go anywhere west of Tabanan or Bedugul:-
Kuta - Legian to Ubud, via Sanur
Kuta - Legian to Lovina, via Ubud and Kintamani or Bedugul.
Kuta - Legian to Lovina, via Ubud, Gianyar, Semarapura, Padangbai, Candidasa, Tirta Gangga, Culik, Tulamben Yeh Sanih and Singaraja

Shuttle buses are more comfortable and reliable than public transport, but also more expensive. Several shuttle bus companies operate out of Kuta - Legian, but the most reliable and established company with the widest network is Perama (Tel: (62 0361) 751 551. Book at least one day in advance. Shuttle buses will normally pick you up outside the travel agent where you booked or at another predetermined location for an extra Rp 5.000.

Metered taxis are common in Denpasar and the tourist areas of southern Bali. They are less hassle than haggling with Bemo drivers, but more expensive. Don't hire a taxi if the meter isn't working unless you negotiate a price beforehand. Taxis cost Rp 4.000 for the first kilometer and Rp 2.000 for each subsequent kilometer.

n the main tourist areas it is quite easy to rent a bicycle by the hour or the day, and it's a good way to get around locally. Mostly, they are 10-speed mountain bikes and are rented for around Rp 10.000 per day.


WEATHER
Temperatures are tropical year-round in Indonesia, so light and loose clothes are the order of the day, although it can get chilly in the northern mountain areas.

Jakarta is one of the hottest and most humid capitals in the world.
Across the island of Java the temperature throughout the year averages 22C to 29C and humidity averages a high 75%, but the northern coastal plains are usually hotter reaching up to 34C during the day in the dry season and oppressively humid. Generally the south coast is a bit cooler than the north and the mountainous regions inland are much cooler. The period from October to February is the wet season when at least some rain falls each day, often in short, torrential busts. It rarely rains at all during the remaining months. Average daily temperatures range from 25 to 31 degrees Celsius (80 to 90 Fahrenheit).

The island of Bali is only 8 degrees south of equator so temperatures are fairly hot all year around. In Bali the dry season is between April and September. The coolest months of the year are generally May, June and July with the average temperature around 28C. The rainy season is between October and March but the tropical showers alternate with clear skies and sunshine. The hottest months of the year are generally February and March with the average temperature around 30C.

QUICK REFERENCE of ESSENTIAL INDONESIAN

Hello	Salam
Excuse Me	Permisi
Goodbye	Sampai jumpa
Please (if asking for help)	Tolong
Thank you	Terima kasih
Can you speak English?	Apakah anda bisa berbahasa Inggris?
I (don't) understand	Saya (Tidak) mengerti
Yes	Ya
No	Tidak

Where is…?	…di mana?
Hotel	Hotel
Train station	Stasiun Kereta api
Bus station	Stasiun bis
Market	Pasar

How much is this?	Berapa harga ini?
What's the time?	Jam berapa?
Do you have a room?	Ada kamar?
Today	Hari ini
Tomorrow	Besok

I would like…	Saya mau…
To go to (Jakarta)	Pergi ke (Jakarta)
A one way ticket	Tiket satu jalan
A return ticket	Tiket pulang pergi

Left	Kiri
Right	Kanan
Straight	Terus
Stop	Berhenti

Greetings
Good morning(sunrise-10am)	Selamat pagi
Good day (10am-4pm)	Selamat siang
Good afternoon (4pm-sunset)	Selamat malam
Good evening (after dark)	Selamat malam
Good night (on retiring)	Selamat tidur

More informal greeting used between peers and friends include:
Hello	Halo / Salam ( literally means peace)
Where are you going?	Ke mana?
How are things?	Gimana?

Goodbyes
Farewell (when you're leaving)	Selamat tinggal
Farewell (when others are leaving)	Selamat jalan
See you later	Sampai jumpa
I'm going home now	Saya pulang dulu (literally means I go home now)
Bye	Da ah

First Encounters
What's your name?	Siapa nama anda?
My name is…	Nama saya…
I'd like to introduce you to...	Kenalkan, nama dia…
I'm pleased to meet you	Saya senang bertemu dengan anda
How are you?	Apa kabar?
Fine, and you?	Kabar baik, apa kabar?
What are you doing?	Anda buat apa?
What do you thing about..?	Apa pendapat anda tentang..?
Beautiful, isn't it!	Indah, bukan!
It's very lovely here	Indah sekali disini

For vegetarians
I’m vegetarian	Saya hanya makan sayuran
Without meat	Tanpa daging
Vegetables only	Hanya sayuran

Signs
Open	Buka
No…	Dilarang…
Entry	Masuk
Smoking