Travel Tips

Before You Go
Health	Check with your physician for the lastest news on the need for malaria prophylaxis and recomended vaccinations before leaving home. Frequently considered vaccines are: Measles, Mumps and rubella (MMR); and oral polio vaccine. Gamma globulin every four mounths for hepatitis A is recommended. For longer stays many doctors recommend vaccination to protect against Hepatitis B requiring a series of shots over the course of 7 mounths. Vaccination fof smallpox and cholera are no longer required, except for visitor coming from infected areas. A cholera vaccination may be recommended but it is only 50% effective. Find out the generic names for whatever prescription medications
you are likely to need as most are available in Indonesia but not under the same brand names as they are known at home. Get copies of doctors' prescriptions for the medications you bring into Indonesia to avoid questions at the customs desk. Those who wear spectacles should bring along prescriptions. Check your health insurance before coming, to make sure you are covered. Travel agents should be able to direct you to sources of travel insurance. These typically include coverage of a medical evacuation, if necessary, and a 24-hour worldwide phone number as well as some extras like luggage loss and trip cancellation.

Before You Go
Hygiene	This is a problem in Indonesia. Away from the tourist areas few places have running water or sewerage. Most water comes from wells, and raw sewerage goes into the ground or the rivers. Tap water is not potable and must be boiled. Most cases of stomach complaints are attributable to your system not being used to the strange foods and stray bacteria. To make sure you do not get somethings more serious, take the following precaution:
	1	Don't drink unboiled water from a well, tap or mandi (bath tub). Brush your teeth with the boiled or bottled water, not water from a tap or mandi.

2	Plates, glasses and silverware are washed in unboiled water and need to be completely dry before use.
3	Ice is not madefrom boiled water. It comes from water frozen in govemment regulated factories. Locals who are adamant about drinking only boiled water are, in general, not fearful of the purity of ice. However we advise you err on the side of coution and forgo it.
4	Fruit and vegetables without skins pose a higher risk of contamination. To avoid contamination by food handlers,buy fruits in the market and peel them yourself.
5	To mandi (bathe) two the three times a day is a great way to stay cool and fresh. But be sure to dray yourself off well and you may wish to apply a medicated body powder such as Purol to avoid the nastiness of skin fungus, especially during the rainy season from October to March.

Diarrhea
A likely traveling companion. In addition to the strange food and unfamiliar micro-fauna, diarrhea is often the result of attempting to accomplish too much in one day. Taking it easy can be an effective prevention. Ask around before leaving about what the latest and greatest of the many remedies are and bring some along. Imodium is locally available as are activated carbon tablets that will absorb the toxins giving you grief. When it hits, it is usually self-limiting to two or three days. Relax, take it easy and drink lots of fluids, perhaps accompanied by rehydration salts such as servidrat. Especially helpful is young coconut milk (air kelapa muda) or tea. The former is especially pure and full of nutrients to keep up your strength until you can get back to a regular diet. Get it straight from the coconut without sugar, ice and color added. When you are ready, plain rice or bubur (rice porridge) is a good way to start. Avoid fried, spicy ar heavy foods and dairy products for a while. After three days without relief, see a doctor.

Intestinal Parasites
It is estimated that 80 to 90 percent of all people in Indonesia have Intetinal parasites and these are easily passed on by food handlers. Prevention is difficult, short of fasting , when away from luxury hotel reataurants and even these are no guarantee.It's best to take care of parasites sooner rather than later, by routinely taking a dose of anti-parasite medicine such as kombatrin (available at all apotik) once a month during your stay and again when you get on the plane home. If you still have problems when you get back, even if only sporadic, have stool and blood tests. Left untreated, parasites can cause serious damage

Cut and Scrapes
Antibiotic	Your skin will come into contact with more dirt and bacteria than it did back home, so wash your face and hands more often. Cuts should be taken seriously and cleaned with an antiseptic like Betadine solution available from any pharmacy (apotik). Once clean, antibiotic ointment (also available locally) should be apllied and the cut kept covered. Repeat this ritual often. Areas of redness around the cut indicate infection and a doctor should be consulted. At the first sign of swelling it is advisible to take broad spectrum antibiotic to prevent a really nasty infection.

Mosquito-borne Diseases
Malaria is very rare in Bali, particularly in the southerm tourist areas, but if you're heading beyond the island take a prophylactic such as chloroquine phosphate, usually prescribed two weeks before your departure and four weeks after returning home. Symptoms are fever, cough, muscle aches and diarrhea. The other mosquito concern is dengue fever, spread by the afternoon-biting Aedes aegypti, especially at the beginning of the rainy season in November. The most effective prevention is not getting bitten (there is no prophylaxis for dengue). Dengue fever symptoms are headache, pain behind the eyes, high fever, muscle and joint pains and rash. Portable nets (kelambu) provide protection at night when sleeping; you can buy these in most general stores for $5. They're a hassle to put up in hotel rooms but, upon request, your room will be sprayed for insects. Be sure this done long before you are ready to sleep if you want to avoid the smell. You can also buy mosquito coils: light one before you go out for dinner to drive the critters away. Insect repellant is not widely available, but sepermarkets do sell OFF!

Climate
The climate in this archipelago on the equator is tropical. In the lowlands, temperatures average between 21'C and 33'C, but in the mountains it can go as low as 5'C. Humidity varies but is always high, hovering between 60% and 100%. The rainy season is normally November to April, with a peak around January/February, when it rain for sereval hours each day. The rain is predictable, however, and always stops for a time, whwn the sun may come out, so it's not really so bad. Before it rains, the air gets very sticky. Afterwards it is refreshingly cool. The dry season, April to September, is a better time come, and especially June to August. This is the time to climb mountains or visit nature reserves; where wild bulls go in search of water and sea turtles lay eggs more often.

Etiquette
Bali may seem to have been placed here just for you personal enjoyment, but it is not a zoo. Be aware of Balinese sensibilities. Remember the Balinese are offended if the casual visitor does not dress appropriately when entering a temple. A sash over shorts and a T-shirt or a very brief top is not adequate. Have a sarong and sash a handy for temple visits and ceremonies, and wear long pants or a skirt and a decent shirt with collar when leaving the beach areas. Never use your left hand when giving or receiving objects, and don't beckon people with your finger, which is very rude. When you do accidentially use you left hand say "ma'af, tangan kiri" (excuse my left hand). Don't cross your legs exposing the bottom of your foot to anyone. Don't pat people on the back or head; go for the elbow instead. Hands on hips is a sign of superiority ar anger.

Security and crime
Bali has unfortunately fallen prey to most of the ills of petty crime. Keep an eye on your belongings when in crowds or riding in a bemo. Walking along the beach at night in Kuta and Legian can be more dangerous than romantic. Sanur is comparatively safe, at least for the present. Be aspecially careful on your first night in a small hotel or losmen. Always lock all windows and doors before going to bed-including those in the bathroom-as thieves are very adept at sneaking in while you are asleep. If you aren't taking them with you, deposit your valuables at the front desk during the day. If you possessions are stolen, report it to the police at once.

Passport loss
If you lose your passport, it will be difficult to get new documents to leave the country unless you have the proper official forms from the police. Always keep a photocopy of your passport and driver's license separate from the originals. You can then prove who you are to your consul in Bali, Surabay or Jakarta in case of theft loss. When theft occurs, report to your consulate. Verification of your identity and citizenship takes two or three weeks and involves going to the immigration office in Bali.

Time Zone
Indonesia has three time zones. Sumatra, Java, west and central Kalimantan are on west Indonesia time (greenwich mean time +7 hours). Bali, south and east Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara are on central Indonesia time (greenwich +8 hours). Maluku and Irian Jaya are on East Indonesia time (greenwich +9 hours).

Electricity
Two-pin plugs	Ussualy 220 volts, 50 cycles, with two-pin plugs in most places, but check before using your apliance because some still use 110 volts. Bali electricity is 220 volts.

Money
The rupiah is the standard unit of currency. Notes come in denominations of 100, 500, 1.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000 and 50.000. Coin come in denominations of 500,100,50,25,10 and 5 rupiah. Money changers and banks accepting foreign currency are found in most tourist areas. Banks are generally open from 8:30 am to 1 pm, Monday to Friday and 8:30 am to 11 am on Saturdays. Some open until 2 pm on weeksdays and close on Sat. Money changers in Bali generally give just as good rates as banks, are much more numerous, and keep more convenient hours. Get a supply of Rp.1,000 and Rp500 notes when you change money, as traders often claim to have no change for big bills. When traveling in the countryside, Rp.100 notes are useful. Most major credit cards are accepted in the main tourist areas, but you may be asked to pay a 3% surcharge for using it. Visa and master card are the most commonly accepted cards.

Shipping and Freight
Shipping goods home is relatively painless in Bali. Items under one m long and 10 kg in weight can be sent via most postal agents. All the packing will be done for you at minimal charge, although it's always adviable to keep an eye on how it's done. Buy insurance. Larger, more important purchase are best sent by air or sea cargo. Air cargo is charged by the kilo (10 kg min), and can be costly. Sea cargo (min one cubic meter) is around $350 to the US or Europe and takes about 60 days. In sure your shipment: sea insurance is about 7% of the claimed value. When shipping cargo, you are responsible for clearing customs back home and for the transportation from the port of entry to your destination. This can cost up to $500 so cargo is only economical for large purchases.

Dance and entertainment

Kecak

In additional to the main hotels, Bali has many venues which present a wide variety of dance and drama performances. For the most traditional ambience, go to the Ubud area. Here classical dances (Legong, Topeng, Rajapala, Gabor and others) are held in princely mansions and neighborhood halls. A fire dance is held daily at Bone, between Ubud and Gianyar. The Puri Anyar in Krambitan, a former palace, also features local traditional dances. Check with your travel agent or with the local tourism office. Kecak, Barong and Keris are the most popular dances with tourists. The Art Centre shows, at 6 pm daily in Denpasar, are the best for Kecak while the venues at Singapadu

and Batubulan. Singapadu are excellent for Barong and Keris. Other venues are the La Galleria amphitheater in Nusa Dua and the Sri Wisata Budaya on Jl By-pass Ngurah Rai, just off Kuta on the road to Sanur. In Kuta itself, check with the Banjar Pengabetan neighborhood. Bali is also famous for its ceremonial dances. If you have a patience (there is no designated "show-time") and if you are ready to conform to the local rules of dress and behavior, you may well be in for the experience of a life-time. Ask Balinese friends for advice on attire and proper behavior, and check the calender of events on the Balinese calendar found in every Balinese house. No camera flashes, no shouts, no shorts and be discrete, please.

Custom
Narcotics, firearms and ammunition are strictlym prohibited. The standard duty-free allowance is: 2 liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco. There is no restiction on import and export of foreign currencies in cash or travelers checks, but there is an export limit of 50,000 Indonesian rupiah. All narcotics are illegal in Indonesia. The use, sale or purchase of narcotics results in long prison terms and huge fines. Once caught, you are immediately placed in detention until trial, and the sentences are stiff, as demonstrated by westerners currently serving sentences as long as 30 yearsfor possession of marijuana.

Keeping your cool
At goverment offices like imigration or police, talking loudly and forcefully doesn't make things easier. Patience and politeness are virtues that open many doors in Indonesia. Good manners and dress are also to your advantage.

Departure tax
Airport tax for departing passengers is Rp.100,000 for international routes and betwen Rp.20,000 and Rp.25,000 for domestic flights.

Traveling in Indonesia
Getting around in Indonesia is not-to those used to efficient and punctual transportation-effortless. Bookings are often difficult to make; flights and reservations are sometimes mysteriously cancelled. What seems like nerve-wracking inefficiency is really so only if one is in a hurry. If you have to be somewhere at a particular time, allow plenty of time to get there. Check and double-check your bookings. Otherwise just go with the flow.You can't just turn off the archipelago's famous jam karet-"rubber time"-when it's time to take an airplane and turn it on again when you want to relax. you will get there eventually. Peak periods around holidays and during the August tourist season are the most difficut. It is imperative to book well in advance and reconfirm your bookings at every step along the way. Travel anywhere in Indonesia during the week of islamic lebaran (Ramadan) holiday (usually around 14 or 15 march) is practically impossible. Find a nice spot and sit it out.

Driving on your own

Self Driving

Driving in Bali is not for the faint-hearted. Vehiclesand creatures of every size,shape and description charge onto the road out of nowhere. The traffic is horrendous on the main highways. Drive slowly and carefully, and beware of the trucks at night. Road construction sites are not marked and few syclistshave reflectors. The condition of road networks has considerably improved in recent years, however, and driving off the beaten track is one of the best ways to discover Bali. Checkyour fuel gauge regularly as there are few gas stations away from the main road, Small roadside fuel shops, indicated by a "premium" board, sall gasoline fore the bit morethan the pertamina station. A valid international licence is required for driving caes and motorbikes, if you do

not have one, you can get a proposional licence at the local polres police headquarters located on the road between Denpasar and kerobokan. Insurance is not compulsory, but we strongly advise you get covered. If you can get a policy from most of the rental companies and travel agents.

Tours and travel agents
A number of travel agencies offer a variety of tours with knowledgeable, multilingual guides. A half day trip to Ubud or sangeh/Mengwi may run about $7 per person, while a day tour plus lunch and visit to shops and temples, with perhaps a barong dance at batubulan, should cost $15-$20.Hiring your own vehicle for a private tour naturally allows you much more flexibility. An AC vecicle with a driver/guide cost anywhere from $30 up to $60 per day, all inclusive. The guides on both types of tours do expect tips, however be aware that they are also get a 20-40 persent commission on any of your purchases in the large souvenir shops along the way. Your hotel or a travel agent will be able to arrange your tour. Bil and pacto are especially recommended. There are a number of cut-rate agencies in Kuta. The standard tours available are : Bedugu tour,Karangasem tour,Monkey forest tour, Tanah Lot tour, Ubud/Handicraft tour, Denpasar tour, Kintamani tour, Nusa Penida sailling, Turtle Island tour.

Traveling with children
On a happy day	Luckily for those with children, the Balinese are very gentle and love to have kids around, But you should bring essentials: sunhats, creams, medicines, disposable diapers if needed, special foods and separate water container for babies, so as to be sure of having sterile water always. Nights can sometimes be cool, so remember to bring some warm clothing for your tot. fresh milk, eggs, fruit which you can peel and porridges are readily available in the supermarkets here. Babysitters are available for a moderate charge at any hotel.

Staying in villages
Officially, the Indonesian govermment requires that foreign visitor spending the night report to the local police. This is routinely handied by losmen and hotels, who send in a copy of the registration from you fill out when you check in.Where there are no commercial lodgings, you can often rely on local hospitality. But when staying in a private home, keep in mind the need to inform the local authorities. One popular solution is to stay in the home of the local authority, the village head or kepala desa. Carry photocopies of your passport, visa stamp and embarkation card to give to officials when venturing beyond conventional tourist areas. This saves time, and potential hassles, for you and your host. Villagers in rural Indonesia do not routinely maintain guest rooms. If a cash arrangement has not been prearranged, you should leave a gift appropriate to local needs-biscuits, clothing, cigarettes or D-cell batteries for radios in remote villages. Not down their address and send prints of the photos you took of them.

Visas

The 2-month, non-extendable tourist pass is the only entry permit that comes without a great deal of paperwork, A visitor's visa, usually valid for 4-5 weeks, can be extended for up to 6 months, but is difficult to get. You must have a good reason for spending time in Indonesia (research, relatives, religious study) and you must have a sponsor and lots of supporting letters. Even with a sponsor and the best of reason, however, you might still be denied. The process can take days or over weeks, and extentions are at the discretion of the imigration office where you apply. A business visa, valid for 30 days and extendable to 3 mounths requires a letter from a company stating that you are performing a needed servis for a company in Indonesia. This is not intended as an employmentvisa, but is for investors, consultans, or the other business purposes. Two other types of passes are available: the temporary residense pass (KIM-S) and permanent residense pass (KIM). Both are hard to get.