Indonesia

With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world offering a virtually unrivalled range of holiday options. While the picturesque island of Bali remains the most well known and the most popular of Indonesia’s tourist destinations, there is so much more on offer for those willing to step off the beaten track. Pack your itinerary with visits to: the historic monuments and temples of Central Java; the world renowned dive sites of idyllically remote Raja Ampat; the extraordinary Island of Komodo, home of the unfathomably large Komodo Dragon; as well as a range of vast tropical forests providing sanctuary to incredibly diverse wildlife from Orangutans and other primates to critically endangered Javan Rhinoceros and Tigers. The range of choices is mind-boggling but, however you decide to spend your time on this remarkable group of islands, you are sure to have some truly exhilarating experiences and some unforgettable adventures.


Banking and Currency

Currency 

Local currency: Indonesian Rupiah 
Symbol: Rp 
ISO code: IDR 
Subunit: Sen 
Banknotes: Rp 1,000, Rp 2,000, Rp 5,000, Rp 10,000, Rp 20,000, Rp 50,000, Rp 100,000, Rp 200,000, Rp 500,000 
Coins: Rp 100, Rp 200, Rp 500, Rp 1,000 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 09:00 - 14:00 
Weekends: Limited hours on Saturday
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

*Check the specific hours of local banks for the most accurate information.


Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Air: 
Main airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, AirAsia 
International Airports: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali 
Domestic Airports: Numerous airports across the country 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Limited 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: MRT in Jakarta only

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 


Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Limited usage 
Meat: Yes (Ensure proper cooking) 
Street food: Yes (Choose reputable vendors) 

Local cuisine: Indonesian cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors, influenced by various cultures. Highlights include Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Satay (skewered and grilled meat), Soto (aromatic soup), and Rendang (spicy beef stew). Notable local drinks include Teh Botol (bottled sweet tea), Es Cendol (sweet-iced dessert), and Kopi Tubruk (strong Indonesian coffee). 

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated, typically around 5-10%. 


Climate and Weather

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 

Average temperature: 25-30°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30-35°C 
Average lows: 22-25°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25-30°C 
Average lows: 20-22°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is generally sunny and pleasant. 


Clothing and Dress Recommendations

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

 


Internet Availability

Airport: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Limited 


Electricity and Plug Standards

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances


Singapore

Located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia, this unique city-state consists of mainland Singapore as well as numerous smaller islands covering a total area of about 640 square kilometres. With its strong Chinese, Malay, Indian and western influences, this metropolis offers a dazzling melting pot of diverse cultures, exotic cuisine and a range of architectural styles. This multicultural population has resulted in a number of national cultural districts, such as Chinatown with its impressive Hindu shrines and temples adorned with marigold garlands. These pockets of traditional culture stand in stark contrast to the rows of glitzy state-of-the-art malls and futuristic skyscrapers. With all of this variety on offer, it is easy to see why famous natural historian William Hornaday described this remarkable city as 'the handiest and most marvellous city [he] ever saw'.


Banking and Currency

Currency 

Local currency: Singapore Dollar 
Symbol: $ 
ISO code: SGD 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $1000 
Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 


Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Air: 

Main airlines: Singapore Airlines, Scoot, SilkAir 
International Airports: Singapore Changi Airport 
Domestic Airports: None 

Road: 

Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 


Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Singaporean cuisine is a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. Signature dishes include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, chili crab, and satay. The city-state is also renowned for its hawker centers, offering a variety of affordable and delicious street food. 
Drinks: Notable local drinks include tehtarik (pulled tea), kopi (local coffee), and sugarcane juice. 
Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. 


Climate and Weather

Annual rainfall: Approximately 2340 mm 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 

Singapore has a tropical climate, so it does not experience distinct winter seasons. 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Singapore is from February to April, during the dry season, to avoid heavy rainfall.


Clothing and Dress Recommendations

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Singapore does not have distinct winter and autumn seasons. 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 


Internet Availability

Internet cafes: No 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes


Electricity and Plug Standards

Plug Type: Type G 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 


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