Asia Privilege Club

Indonesia is one of Asia’s most popular destinations and continues to lure the crowds. With its fantastic beaches, excellent hospitality, lovely landscapes, intriquing temples, tropical gardens and exotic Balinese culture, whether you’re coming to party or some peace and relaxation, the Indonesian islands offer all this and more.

In the mountains and beside the sea, from spas to surfing, food to festivals, Indonesia remains one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding travel destinations.

Activities

Beach lovers who arrive in Bali looking for sun and sand will not be disappointed, Kuta Beach on the southwestern side of the island being a tourist mecca bustling 365 days a year with people from all over the world. Hotels, guesthouses and restaurants are in abundance as well as all kinds of tourist infrastructure like dive tours, surfing lessons, souvenir stalls and gift shopping.

In Bali, the Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s main attractions at the southern end of town, just near to the rice slopes. More than 300 monkeys live here now, and the Buddhist ecology monks that are active at the site are committed to ecology and conservation and their successes with the flora and fauna of Ubud and Bali is acclaimed around the world.

Indonesian Islands offer a wide range of nightlife options with dance clubs and gay clubs side by side with sleek restaurants and elegant cocktail bars. You can dress up or have your bare toes in the sand while you drink and mingle.

Climate

Indonesia's climate is distinctly tropical. The east monsoon from June to September brings dry weather while the west monsoon from December to March generally brings rain. The period between these two are interposed by occasional rainshowers, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 33 degrees C. Heaviest rainfalls are recorded in December and January with humidity between 60-100 %.

Culture

Indonesian people are generally friendly and polite and while they understand that western culture is different to their own, it will be appreciated if their customs are respected. Religious customs should also be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Visitors should always be polite and avoid public displays of affection. It is considered impolite to use the left hand for passing or accepting things.

Appropriate dress is important in places of worship and women should dress conservatively, covering the shoulders and legs, especially in Muslim areas. The concept of 'saving face' is very important and public displays of anger, and personal ridicule and blame are considered extremely vulgar and bad mannered.

Festivals

If you travel to Indonesia in the month of January you can watch the New Year's celebration on 1st January. In this month you can also watch the Lomban Festival when the fishermen of Indonesia celebrate the Lomban Festival giving thanks to the sea for what has been caught by them throughout the year.

The Kasada festival in Indonesia is celebrated in the month of March when a tribute is paid by the Indonesians to their ascendants, offering flowers, chicken, fruits, etc.

The Bali Arts Festival of Indonesia is one of the most famous festivals in the country. This annual event takes place in September and continues for one full month. Exhibitions, cultural programs and contests are arranged at the time of this low budget festival enjoyed by people from all over the country.

The Java Jazz Festival of Indonesia is very famous and takes place in May. In this annual event, many Jazz artists come from all over the world and take part in this festival.

Food

Dining options in Indonesia are almost limitless. Choices would include burgers and fries at the Hard Rock Cafe, Burger King or KFC, or you can dine in high style at a International restaurants with food prepared by European chefs. Choose from the hawker trolleys, night markets or the vendors that wander the beaches, and there are plenty of local Hindu and Muslim dishes to try from all over Indonesia.

Cheap restaurants and western food is common in Bali as most of the major fast food chains operate here. Western style quality restaurants are also available and the food is fresh.

Indonesia also allows you to sample more authentic cuisine, with countless local restaurants and vendors serving up rice dishes, sambals, and delicious fruits like jackfruit and durian. Try an avocado shake or even do a local cooking course while you’re in one of the Indonesian islands.

Religion

Religion plays a major role in the life of Indonesians. It's stated in the first principle of the state ideology, "belief in the one and only God". A number of different religions are practiced in Indonesia and their collective influence on the country's political, economical and cultural life is significant.

The Indonesian Constitution states "every person shall be free to choose and to practice the religion of his/her choice" and "guarantees all persons the freedom of worship, each according to his/her own religion or belief". The government, however, officially only recognizes six religions, namely Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism.

Travel Tips

Greetings
You can introduce yourself with a handshake especially in a business environment, however, don't use your left hand as it's considered unclean. It is inappropriate to use the left hand to eat or to give or receive anything.

Religion
There are more than 500 languages and dialects spoken in the indonesian archipelago, belonging to the 350 different ethnic groups of the population. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, written in Roman script and based on European orthography, however in all tourist areas English is the number one foreign language spoken and written.

The Law
Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Indonesia.
Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory.
Drop your garbage into a waste container. In an effort to keep the city clean and healthy, the fine will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas.
Observe all normal precautions as regards to personal safety, as well as the safety of your belongings.

We hope these guidelines are helpful during your stay in Indonesia. More detailed information about Indonesian provinces are available by clicking the appropriate listing in our Main Menu. This is where you will also find a selection of businesses that are offering benefits and discounts to Asia Privilege Club Members.

Please send your questions and comments by submitting the Contact Form or send an e-mail to
indonesia@asia-privilege-club.com

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