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
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.