Area :
Indonesia comprises 17,508 islands of various sizes –only 6,000 of which are inhabited. The five main islands are: Sumatra (473,606 sq km/182,861 sq miles), Java (132,107 sq km/51,007 sq miles), Kalimantan (539,460 sq km/208,287 sq miles), sulawesi (189,216 sq km/73,057 sq miles) and West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya, 421,981 sq km/162,928 sq miles). The islands stretch about 5,280 km (3,200 miles) across water, and when superimposed onto a map of North America , it covers the width from California to Bermuda ; on a map of Western Europe , it extends from eastern Ireland to the Caspian Sea . The total land area is 9.8 million sq km, 81 percent (or 7.9 million sq km) of which is sea.

Situation :
The Indonesian. archipelago is bisected by the equator, which passes through Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Halmahera. Geographically, it is situated between latitude 6° north and 11° south and longitude 94° west to 141° east. It lies between mainland Asia and Australia, bounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans. Located at the point where two of the world's greatest volcanic ranges collide, the physiography and geomorphology of the archipelago are strongly influenced by this. Population: In 2000, the government conducted an extensive census, but the results had not been tabulated at the time of publication. However, estimates are in the 220 million range, with 60 percent of Indonesia 's people concentrated on Java and Bali , which cover only 7 percent of the total land area. Indonesia is the fourth most populated nation after China , India and the United States , and comprises 300 ethnic groups. Life expectancy is 62 years.

Language :
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, adapted from Malay, the lingua franca of a minority group in Sumatra . Over 580 other languages and dialects are spoken.

Religion :
An estimated 87 percent of the population is Muslim, 6 percent Protestant, 3 percent Catholic, 2 percent Hindu, 1 percent Buddhist, and 1 percent animist. Religious freedom is protected by the Indonesian Constitution.

Time zones :
Indonesia 's considerable spread covers three time zones. Java, Sumatra and West and Central Kalimantan are on Western Indonesia Standard Time, 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Bali , Lombok , East and South Kalimantan , Sulawesi , Nusa Tenggara and West Timor are on Central Indonesian Standard Time, 8 hours ahead of GMT(the same time zone as Singapore and Hong Kong ). Maluku and West Papua (Irian Jaya) are on Eastern Indonesia Standard Time, at GMT plus 9 hours.

Weights and measures :
Indonesia uses the metric system. 1 km is 0.6 miles; 1 metre is 3.3 feet; 1 kg is 2.2 Ibs; 1 litre is 0.3 US gallons or 0.2 imperial gallons. To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 1.8 and add 32.

Electricity :
Most hotels use 220 volts. 50 cycles and round two-pronged plugs. However, it is not uncommon to find some using 110 volts, particularly in remote areas. Check before using an appliance. Some hotels supply adaptors on request.

Climate :
Indonesia 's climate is fairly even all year round, roughly divided into two seasons. wet and dry. The north- east monsoon brings drenching rain between November and April. And the tropical sun and the oceans combine to produce continuously high humidity (between 75-100 percent) everywhere. The south east monsoon tends to counteract this high humidity by blowing hot, dry air up from over the Australian land mass between May and october. Moving south-eastward. the influence of this dry monsoon increases. The transitional period between the two seasons alternates between sun-filled days and occasional thunderstorms. Even amid the wet season, temperatures range from 21-33 degrees Celsius (70-90 degrees Fahrenheit). except at higher altitudes. which can be much cooler. The heaviest rainfalls are usually in December and January.

Immigration :
All visitors to Indonesia must hold a passport for at least 6 (six) months validity after arrival and have proof of onward journey, either return or through tickets.

The citizens of 11 countries whose governments extend visa free facility to Indonesian nationals would have visa-free stays. Included in the 11 countries and administrative districts to be granted the 30-day visa-free facility are: Thailand , Malaysia , Singapore , Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines , Hongkong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, Chile , Morocco , Peru and Vietnam .

The nationals of another 20 countries and one administrative district will be able to apply for a purchased visa on arrival valid for either 3 or 30 days upon arrival in Indonesia . Visitors will be able to purchase a visa for a 3 day visit costing US$ 10 or US$ 25 for a 30 day visit.

The nations and districts eligible to purchase a visa on arrival are: the United States, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, the Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Norway, France, Poland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Taiwan. Citizens of countries not on the visa on arrival or visa free lists will be required to apply for a visa before entering Indonesia .

Entry and departure must be through the airport of Polonia ( Medan ), Batu Besar (Batam), Sultan Syarif Kasim II (Pekanbaru), Tabing ( Padang ), Soekarno Hatta ( Jakarta ), Ngurah Rai ( Bali ), Sam Ratulangi ( Manado ), and Juanda ( Surabaya ). Or through the seaports of Belawan (Medan), Sibolga (Sibolga), Batu Ampar, Sekupang, Nongsa (Batam), Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Teluk Bayur (Padang), Padang Bai (Bali), Jayapura (Jayapura), and Yos Sudarso (Dumai).

For other ports of arrivals and departure, a visa is required. For other nationals, tourist, visas can be obtained from any Indonesian embassy or consulate overseas for a period of 30 days. no employment is allowed on these visas or on the visa free entry facility

Custom :
Customs allow on entry a maximum of two litres of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of Tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult.
Carrying narcotics, arms and ammunition, pornographic objects / publications are stricly prohibited. Advance approval has to be acquired for bringing in transceivers. All movie films and video cassettes will have to be deposited for review by the Indonesia Film Censor Board.

There is no restriction on import and export of foreign currencies in cash, travellers cheques and other bank instruments which are fully convertible to rupiahs and vice versa . 

Airport Tax :
An airport tax of Rp. 100,000 per person is levied on all departing passengers on international flights. For those flying within Indonesia , airport tax costs Rp. 15,000 up to Rp. 20,000 per person .

What to Bring :
Travel as lightly as possible. As there are many good buys to be found in Indonesia and never enough luggage space for them.

Essentials are insect repellent. sunscreen. prescription medicines and perhaps an extra set of spectacles. Always hand-carry medicines, as checked-in luggage can get delayed or lost. Make sure all luggage is locked.

What to Wear :
Indonesians are concerned with how they present themselves, and are particularly mindful of modesty. As most Indonesians are Muslim. It is polite for women to keep their knees, midriffs and armpits covered. Singlets, halter tops, shorts and miniskirts are frowned upon, as are swimsuits anywhere else other than on the beach or at the pool. As it is humid, bring all-cotton clothing or the synthetic quick-dry variety for sale in camping stores throughout the world. Sandals or footwear that can be slipped off easily are a good idea, especially if planning to visit mosques or homes, as shoes are always removed before entering. Hiking boots may be required for trekking. Suits and party dresses are rarely worn. For formal occasions, men wear batik shirts and tailored pants; women, modest dresses, or ethnic outfits. A light jacket or sweater is welcome in mountain areas.

Photograph :
Most Indonesians love to be photographed, especially if they have children. but it's still nice to ask before shooting. Practically everyone understands" Foto?". Just point at the camera and. if you get a nod or a smile, click away. Older people may be shy; if they indicate "no", say "thank you" and move on.

It isn't polite to photograph people praying. Regular print film is available in larger towns, though developing them can be problematic. Slide film and fancy camera batteries are not easily available

Media :
There are two English-language daily newspapers: The Jakarta Post and Indonesian Observer. In addition, a few international newspapers - English-language and others are available at the newsstands of large hotels and major airports. Television is available everywhere, even in the most remote locations. Larger hotels have cable TV, so in addition to Indonesian channels, they receive CNN, HBO, MTV and the like.

Postal Services :
There are post offices in every major town and village. Hours are generally as follows: from Monday to Thursday 8am-2pm ; Friday (8am-noon) and Saturday [ 8am-1pm ) !

Telecommunication :
Telephone service is rapidly being modernised and overhauled throughout the country, meaning telephone numbers and area codes change frequently. Establishments such as hotels may have several telephone numbers, which may come in five to seven digits. Major hotels offer International Direct Dial (IDD). Dial 001 or 008 for an international line. Outside hotels, public telephones are at Wartel (warung telekomnikasi) offices, which sell telephone cards, often offer fax services and, recently, Internet services as well. Numerous cyber cafes also provide Internet access.

Telephone area codes: If calling from outside the country, dial 62 followed by the domestic area code, then the telephone number. If dialling in Indonesia from a different area code, simply dial the area code with a zero in front of it.

Tipping :
Major hotels add a 10 percent service charge to bills. If it is not included in upscale restaurants, a tip of 5-10 percent is appropriate if the service has been satisfactory. In small town eateries, tipping is not expected. Airport and hotel porterage is Rp 2,000 per piece for small bags and Rp 5,000 for large ones. Tipping taxi and hired-car drivers is not mandatory, but rounding up the fare to the nearest Rp 500 is standard. However, if you are travelling with a hired-car driver and/or a guide, a tip is a good idea.

Medical Services :
Most drugs are available at pharmacies (apotik)without prescription, but if you need special medication, bring adequate supplies with you. International-standard medical treatment and specialist care is available in Jakarta and Bali at hospitals and clinics. If you are finicky, fly to Singapore where the medical facilities are among the best in the world. For visitors in eastern Indonesia , Darwin , Australia , may be easier to get to. It goes without saying that you should not leave your country without comprehensive medical insurance

Security & Crime :
Indonesia is certainly safer, on the whole, than most Western cities. There are pickpockets in crowded areas, thieves in cheap hotels, and the occasional scam artist. Take the usual precautions. Don't leave valuables unattended, be careful of your purse, wallet and backpacks in crowded areas. Don't lend money if you expect it to be returned. Report any theft immediately to police or security officers. (Without a police report, new passports and travel documents are difficult to obtain.) Exercise caution by carrying photocopies of your passport, tickets and travel documents, and keep the originals in hotel safes. All narcotics are illegal in Indonesia and prosecution means a long prison term -perhaps even death -and/or huge fines.

Etiquette :
Indonesians are remarkably friendly and courteous, but they are also staunchly conservative. Travellers who observe a few basic rules of etiquette will be assured of a warm welcome.Using only the left hand to give or to receive anything is taboo (the left hand is reserved for hygiene acts). as is pointing or crooking a finger to call someone. Don't make any offers to purchase unless you intend to buy. When bargaining, start at half the asking price and then work out a compromise. Rp 500 can mean the difference of a day's meal. so avoid quibbling over small sums. Many Indonesians are still very poor. So be prudent and don't display large sums of money. Begging is not a tradition. However. a small contribution at a temple. a village or a cultural conservation centre is appropriate and will be appreciated. Hands on the hips indicates defiance or arrogance. Especially when also standing with legs apart. When sitting, feet should be tucked away, not propped up with the soles facing another person. When visiting mosques and other places of worship, dress modestly and remove shoes.

Temple Taboos in Bali :
Visitors to a pura (temple) in Bali should dress properly for a festival in along hip-cloth. Sash and sleeved shirt, with men adding a folded head-cloth and short overskirt. If visiting a temple on non-festival days. sleeved shirts and long trousers or skirts are sufficient. but a sash is required. Many temples will loan a sash for a fee. but it's easier to carry one with you. Don't climb on any structure, even a wall. to take photographs and avoid using a flash as it distracts the worshippers.

Menstruating women and anyone with an open wound are forbidden to enter temples because of a taboo associated with blood.

Indonesian Rupiah :
Rupiah (Rp) come in bank note denominations of 100,000; 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 1,000 and 500
Coins come in 1,000, 500, 100 and 50 Rupiah.
Change is often not available in smaller shops. Carry a variety of coins and small notes, especially when travelling outside cities.
Current exchange rate (Feb 2005) is : 1 USD = Rp. 9,100,-

Changing money :
Bring only new notes (no coins), as practically no one will change dirty or torn bank notes. The best exchange rate is usually obtained at money-changers, found at the airports of all major cities, shopping & tourists areas. Hotels usually offer a lower rate, and banks often offer even worse rates. Particularly in Bali , where illegal money-changers know every scam in the book. stick to those advertising themselves as "Authorised". Count your money before leaving the counter and get a receipt. It is advisable to convert most of your money in the cities before moving towards the interior. Leftover rupiah is easily changed back into foreign currency at departure.

Travellers' cheques :
Major hotels. Banks and a few shops will accept them, but their exchange rates are slightly lower. (Most small towns won't accept them at all.) US-dollar travellers. cheques are more widely accepted.

Credit cards :
Credit cards are accepted in big hotels. international airline offices. city restaurants and shops. Don't count on using cards in the hinterlands. MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most large hotels and shops. Diner's Club and American Express are less prevalent. Don't be surprised if an additional 3-5 percent "handling charge" is added to the bill; this is an accepted practice.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) :
are found everywhere in the larger cities. Look for those affiliated with your international ATM network.