Indonesia Travel Tips! Things You Need to Know and Advice

Cemoro Lawang as seen from King Kong Hill

In just a few days of traveling around Bali and Eastern Java, we learned the necessary basics day by day that helped us throughout our stay in this country and made our lives much easier. Here's a list of what every first-timer in Indonesia should know:

1. Transportation. Local transportation in Indonesia is through their shared minivans called "Bemos." The cost is around 5,000 IDR per person. Note that these Bemos does not have a established schedule, usually the minivan will only leave once full. So keep that in mind especially if you are on a tight schedule. Other transportation option are as follows: Blue Bird Taxis, Grab a Car and Gojek. 

2. Mobile Apps. Here are some recommended mobile apps that you must have on your phone when traveling Indonesia. Gojek is an online transportation company in Indonesia. You can use this app in ordering food, booking transportation (taxi, scooter), digital payments and two dozen services. For Navigation Google Maps or MapsMe will be your bestfriend. We use MapsMe in finding trail commonly use by locals in Cemoro Lawang to avoid the hefty Mount Bromo entrance fee. It's quite reliable and more detailed than Google Maps. In booking online tickets, Traveloka will be at your service. For finding cheapest accommodations, AirBnb, Booking and Agoda will give you array of hotels, homestays that fits your budget. 

3. Visa. Under the Visa Exemption Rule, we are not required to have a visa to enter Indonesia if staying for tourism for 30 days or less. The only requirements you need: PASSPORT with six months validity, onward or return flight ticket and hotel bookings (or any proof that you have a place to stay).

4. Scam in Indonesia. There are many fraud and scam in bus terminal. They will try to force you to take the bus where they will get commissions. Others will sold you fake ticket, so make sure that you only pay when other passengers are paying.

5. WIFI. I recommend to buy a SIM that can provide reliable internet connection to keep you connected from the online world. Although most hotels and restaurant offers free internet connection, data through your SIM will be needed especially when you are traveling. There are three main telecommunications company in Indonesia: Telkomsel, Indosat and XL. We used Telkomsel and the connection never disappointed us. 

6. Electric Outlet. Expect the 2 pin socket and plug as used in larger parts in Europe. If your countrt does notbuse a 2 pin socket, most likely you will need a plug adapter, otherwise you wont be able to charge your devices. We have to buy a adapter which cost 80,000 IDR. 

I hope these tips will help you on your visit to this amazing country - Indonesia.