Timezones

Indonesia has three time zones—Western Indonesia Time which is GMT +7 (covering Sumatra, Java, Madura, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan), Central Indonesia Time which is GMT +8 (covering East and South Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, Nusa Tenggara) and the last is Eastern Indonesia Time which is GMT +9 (covering Maluku and Irian Jaya). The capital Jakarta is GMT + 7 or 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time.

Banking hours

Standard banking hours are from 8 AM to 3 PM from Monday to Friday. However several banks open their branches in hotels (and some in malls) longer than office hour, a few are open on Saturdays so you might want to check first. Jakarta has a number of international banks, even though you can also exchange currencies in some hotel cashiers and official money changers.

Office hours

Office hours start from 8 AM to 4 PM, or 9 AM to 5 PM. Lunch break occurs between 12 noon to 1 PM. Usually offices are closed on Saturdays, including government offices. Government office hours start at 8 AM and end at 4 PM.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Indonesian rupiah(IDR), commonly abbreviated as Rp. The largest banknote is Rp100,000, roughly equivalent to US$10. Bills also come in Rp50,000, Rp20,000, Rp10,000, Rp5,000 and Rp1,000. Aluminum coins are available in denominations of Rp500, Rp200, Rp100, Rp50 and Rp25. US dollars are also accepted for large purchases and hotel stays. Information of daily exchange rate can be found in newspapers or from the net. Most tourism resorts have money changer facilities. When you are traveling to remote areas it is advisable to exchange your money and clear your check. Credit cards are only acceptable in big hotels, restaurants and department store/shops.

Electricity

Electric power supply is 220 volts in all regions. So be careful with your 110-volt electronic equipment. The sockets will only fit with with two pins rounded-tip plugs (technically known as Type C, E, and F) or use adaptors. Most hotels and many restaurants in large cities provide internet connections or free WiFi.

Health Indonesia

The following health information is a general text that applies to all our travellers in Indonesia. Those who pay some attention to hygiene and skincare don’t usually run into health problems.

Food and Drink – Tap water is unfit for human consumption; you should drink mineral water instead. Clean your hands thoroughly before eating, even if you are only having a snack.

Sunshine and Heat – Sunburn is a frequent cause of health problems. Sunburn and heat strokes are easier caught than you may think.  Always wear a hat and good sunglasses as well as use the recommended factor of suntan lotion when you are walking, cycling and sunbathing. At high temperatures the body’s need for water increases very rapidly, as does its need for salt. Make sure you drink enough. Take it easy during the hottest hours of the day. Treat small scratches, wounds and insect bites before they become infected.

Diarrhea – Next to sunburn, the most common health problem is diarrhea. Travelers are often hit by it after they have been on holiday for only a few days. In most cases it is an utterly innocuous phenomenon caused by the change of diet, the heat or harmless bacteria, against which the body will soon develop its defences. The main risk is dehydration, especially in children. It occurs when the body loses more fluid, salt and sugars than it receives. The result is a feeling of listlessness and weakness. It can be prevented by drinking a solution of water and ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). It is sold in bags at the pharmacies and contains all the minerals and sugars that are evacuated with diarrhea. Instead of this solution you can also take non-carbonated soft drinks or heavily salted broth. For many people, fizzy drinks has a constipating effect in the first stages of diarrhea.

Vaccinations – The following information is a general recommendation of vaccines for this particular trip. The information is subject to change. Furthermore, necessary vaccinations vary depending on previous vaccinations you may have had, sensitivity to particular treatments, pregnancy, age etc. For these reasons, ALWAYS contact your GP before travelling. The recommended vaccinations for holidays like this are DTP (combined vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), typhus and jaundice vaccinations. Furthermore, you are advised to take preventative pills against malaria. The latest information regarding vaccines can be acquired on the internet or via your GP.

Luggage & clothing

Indonesia is a tropical country, so bring thin, cotton clothes with you. It is better to bring too little than too much clothing, as anything you feel you are lacking can be bought very cheaply in Indonesia. A raincoat can come in handy against  the rain. For the visit to West Java highland, a thick sweater or cardigan is necessary. A good, worn-in pair of walking shoes/hiking boots and a pair of slippers is all that your feet require. Remember that you must remove your shoes when visiting sacred sites, and slippers are useful in these instances.

Other important items include handkerchief, hand towels, sunglasses, sun creams, toiletries, a first-aid kit, a pen and note book, an alarm clock, your (valid) passport, all relevant travel insurance details/documents, copies of your passport and travel insurance details, sufficient money and/or travellers’ cheques, a list of numbers of your travellers’ cheques and the receipt of purchase (store separately), your flight ticket(s), a diary with important addresses. Pack all of these items into a weekend bag or backpack: do not bring a hard suitcase as this will prove difficult to transport. A shoulder bag or small backpack is useful for daily hand luggage. For storage of valuables or important documents, a thin money belt worn under your clothing is very useful. Make sure your hand luggage is sufficient for a possible period of 48 hours in case your main luggage is delayed. Pack a change of clothes, a toothbrush and any medication in your hand luggage.