Indonesia

Travelers to Indonesia need a Dutch passport/Belgian International Travel Document that is valid for at least six months upon entry into Indonesia. For stays of up to 30 days, you can arrange an electronic Visa on Arrival online beforehand. The cost is IDR 500,000 (approximately €35) per person. It is still possible to purchase the Visa on Arrival upon arrival at the airport, but there is a risk that you may have to wait in line.

Approximately 2-3 days before arriving in Indonesia, you should fill out the Electronic Customs Declaration form online for customs. You will then receive a QR code that you must show, sometimes even before leaving for Indonesia, but at the very least upon arrival.

From February 2024 onwards, every traveler must pay a one-time tourist tax of IDR 150,000 per person (approximately €9) for their stay in Bali, either in advance online or upon arrival. It is possible to pay online or on-site with a credit card. Currently, cash payments are not accepted.

The average temperature in Indonesia remains around 26°C throughout the year. The best time to visit Indonesia is during the European summer months, generally from May to October. During this period, the least amount of rainfall occurs.

Indonesia has a tropical climate with humidity often exceeding 90%. There are hardly any differences between day and night temperatures in the lowlands, while in the mountains, an extra sweater or windbreaker may be necessary.

In Sumatra and Kalimantan, rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.

It is always recommended to seek advice well before your trip regarding the necessary vaccinations. Although there are officially no mandatory vaccinations for a visit to Indonesia, certain vaccinations are advised.

In general, vaccinations for D.T.P. (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio), Hepatitis, and Typhoid are recommended. Additionally, for stays on some islands, the use of anti-malarial tablets is sometimes advised. It is certainly important to protect yourself well against mosquito bites with a product containing DEET. Please contact Thuisvaccinaties.nl, your general practitioner, or the GGD for advice.

A holiday in the sun is wonderful, but the sun around the equator is much stronger than in the Netherlands. Especially at the beginning, take it easy with the sun and avoid the hottest hours of the day. Bring sunglasses and a hat or cap. Apply plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF and be especially careful in the sea. The cool water may make it feel like you are not getting sunburned, but the water actually intensifies the sun's rays. Also, be especially cautious with children. A child's skin is still very sensitive.

In the tropical heat, you will lose a lot of fluids. A deficiency can lead to severe headaches. We recommend drinking plenty of water and taking regular breaks out of the sun. For example, enjoy a delicious fruit shake under the parasol of a local bar.

In Java, it is five hours later in summer and six hours later in winter than in the Netherlands and Belgium. The time difference runs between Java and Bali; therefore, the time difference with Western Europe is one hour greater on Bali and Lombok. There, it is six hours later than in the Netherlands and Belgium in summer, and seven hours later in winter.

The currency of Indonesia is the Rupiah. One Euro is approximately 16,000 Rupiah (2023). Money can be exchanged at one of the many currency exchange offices. It is advisable to bring euros. These can be exchanged at any official bank. Credit cards can be used in Indonesia. Especially Visa and Mastercard can be used in hotels, restaurants, and more upscale souvenir shops. With a bank card bearing the Maestro logo, you can withdraw cash at ATMs of Indonesian banks.

If you wish to use your debit card outside Europe, please keep in mind that most Dutch banks have default settings for security reasons, restricting usage to within Europe. However, you can choose to extend this setting to 'world,' so your debit card can also be used outside Europe.

In Indonesia, there are several important holidays and celebrations. Many of these celebrations are based on the lunar calendar and therefore take place in different periods each year. Below is an overview of some key days and periods:

Independence Day
On August 17, 1945, Indonesia was declared an independent republic. This is celebrated annually on this day and is called Hari Merdeka. Most Indonesians have the day off. This means that travel can be busy, and certain tourist attractions, museums, and government offices may be closed.

Lebaran in Sumatra and Java
The end of Ramadan is extensively celebrated, especially in Sumatra and Java. This is known as Lebaran (or Idul Fitri). Most Sumatrans and Javans have the day off, and nearly everyone tries to return to their hometown. If you plan your travel during this period, be aware that the roads can be very crowded, many hotels may charge surcharges and be fully booked, and attractions may unexpectedly be closed. Additionally, fewer local restaurants may be open, and local guides may be less available.

Nyepi on Bali
Nyepi Day is celebrated annually on Bali. This is the Hindu New Year and is also called the 'Day of Absolute Silence.' According to Balinese belief, on this day, evil spirits come to Bali. To deceive them, the Balinese stay indoors, no lights are used, and no noise is allowed. The evil spirits think that no one is on the island and leave, only to return the following year in March or April with the new moon.

For tourists, this means that the resort must not be left. You are allowed to use the swimming pool and facilities, but not the beach. The airport is closed on this day, and no transfers or excursions can be arranged. For both Balinese residents and tourists, it is a day of absolute rest and a unique experience.

Nyepi Laut on Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida
In September-October, Nyepi Laut is celebrated, the day of silence at sea. This ceremony takes place only on the islands of Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida. On this day, boat traffic is prohibited, and you must stay at your resort.

If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a day off. Please note that some companies and institutions may be closed on these days, and services might be limited.