Archive for September, 2006
Twenty years ago the bamboo / tropical style was popular in Bali. It still is to a large degree, but the problem with that look, is your place feels like its got one foot in the kampung. One of the newer styles is called ‘Zen‘, a minimalist approach, using black white and greys, and keeping the augmentation under control.
Places such as Ku De Ta use this kind of style, but I see elements of it all over. Just the day in Raja’s, at Bintang supermarket, I snapped a photo of a decoration, made from stones. This is really easy to do, you just have to go out to East Bali and find a beach with the type of stones you want. Many villas have a decoration around the edge of the house, made using simple piles of stones. This type of decoration is easy to maintain, but can work against you if your staff are angry at you.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 29th, 2006
Walking along Jl. Seminyak today, the sun was shining, the tourists were shopping and the traffic was crawling. Taking a bit more time to check things out today, I snapped a some photos of 3 places. Two I trust, and one I avoid.
The first place has a sign up saying ‘Petrol‘ and a tire, telling drivers they sell petrol in bottles and pump up tires. The guy who works there, is honest, he charges 5,000rp for a liter of petrol and pumps both tires on my bike for 1,000rp. Never a problem here. He is open all day and closes around 8pm.
The next place had a sign outside saying ‘Kunci‘ which means ‘key‘. These guys are from Java, the name of the place, ‘Dewata Kunci’ - locksmith.
They sell a range of padlocks (tiny - 9,000rp, small - 10,000rp, medium - 15,000rp, large Yale - 35,000 / 45,000rp). To get a house key made is 7,000rp per key. Opening hours are 10am-6pm (5pm during Ramadan).
Dewata Kunci
Jl.Seminyak #32A
Seminyak
(0361)8503410
That’s the 2 places I trust, now for the other place. Walking along Jl. Seminyak you’ll pass various little offices, about 5 ft wide, staffed by a teenager, who looks like he’s been up all night smoking crack. These ‘money changers‘ are to be avoided. When you live here, you can see it’s a joke, that these guys are changing money. There’s no certification, no safe, no staff, no examples of currency or notices hanging up. All you see is a sign out on the sidewalk, and a shabby desk inside. I’d rather hand money to one of the beggers outside Bintang supermarket, than to these guys.
source : baliblog.com
September 29th, 2006
Joe Joe is a little shop on Jl. Seminyak, across the street from Lemon Grass Thai restaurant. Joe Joe specializes in bags and shoes for ladies.
I spoke to the male staff, who is from Lombok. He told me the shop is open daily, from 9am-6pm.
The items on display were certainly eye catching and included purses for 25,000rp, sequined bags for 75,000rp and sandals for 65,000-75,000rp.
Joe Joe
Jl. Raya Semnyak #43C
Jl. Raya Seminyak # 30X
Seminyak
(0361) 732678
source : www.baliblog.com
September 29th, 2006
New expats in Bali have to spend time shorting themselves out. Chores such as finding a place to live, getting transport, organizing a visa, getting your mail, recieving a FAX, looking for a job, etc, can take time and effort. Krakatoa Business Center is one place that helps new expats organize all these thnigs in one place.
Krakatoa Business Center, is located on Jl. Seminyak, on the right side, going up from Jl. Dhyana Pura. The small office fullfills many functions. Krakatoa can help you buy land, find a house, can send and recieve FAX’s, phone calls, recieve mail, packages. They also have a large bulletin board, featuring villas for rent, and land for sale. The board is free for looking, and costs 5,000rp a week to advertize on.
Krakatoa has safety boxes for rent, at 50,000rp per month (1 week minimum at 14,000rp). The office also includes a reputable money changer and travel agent, and cargo forwarder. If the staff cannot deal with your requests themselves, they can point you to someone who will.
Opening hours are 9am-9pm Mon- Fri, and 9am-8pm Sat/Sun
Krakatoa Business Center
Jl. Seminyak #56
Seminyak
(0361) 730849
source : www.baliblog.com
September 29th, 2006
Here’s the best of Bali nightlife for the next 10 days provided by the Beat Magazine.
•Tuesday Sept 26th
Bacio
Aficionado
DJs Chandra, Andre and cut price on a choice of cigars
F Lounge
F Live Session
Live roots and blues classics served up by The Fonz and The Special Guests, open mic and doubles pool competition. From 11pm
Ku De Ta
Film Night 2006
See Main Stage for details
MBarGo
The Asphalt Jungle
DJ P-pen and Javaica percussion’s turn to rock the decks. From 11pm
Double Six
Funk Up
DJ Helmy
•Wednesday Sep 27th
Bacio
Babes & Bubbles
Half price champagne, wine, and cocktails only for the ladies. DJ Fadi on the one and twos
ESC
1000 Wings
Enjoy the delight of chicken wings, only cost you 1000 rupiah, while DJ Agung on the smooth tunes
F Lounge
Femme Fatale
Teased with ease by DJ Riz and 2 for 1 on all Roskas for the ladies till midnight
Kudos
Drama Queen
Bollywood style, with Monica, Jennifer, and Brenda taking the stage along with hot dancers. From 11pm
MBarGo
BKK Style Dancers
Hip hop dance show and go-go dancers taking over the dancefloor. From 11pm
Paparazzi
DJ Tommy
Double Six
Prettylicious
DJ Nolly
•Thursday Sept 28th
Bacio
Disco Glam
DJ Jonny digs in the crates for nostalgic classics. From 10pm
ESC
Customer Appreciation Day
Enjoy Smirnoff vodka for just 15K plus complimentary tapas from 6-11pm and deep House beats from DJ Andy Delux
F Lounge
Sir Norman Jay
See Main Stage for details
Kudos
New 2QT2BSTR8 Show
Contemporary dance show feat divas, dancers and DJ U-you live. From 11pm
Paparazzi
The Faces
Fashion show by Puravida while DJs Deecoy & Spry (Switzerland) drop tech and minimal house
Ubud
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Literary extravaganza with lunches, seminars, discussion, poetry slams and more. Runs till Oct 3rd. See HereNow, for full information contact (0361)971257 or check ubudwritersfestival.com for full details
Double Six
Evolution
DJ Emon
•Friday Sept 29th
Harris Resort
Live@Harris with Saharadja
Bali’s own jazz-world music group live on stage. From 6.30pm. FDC 50k, extra buffet 48k
Bacio
Flavours
DJs Ai (Moonchild), Emon
F Lounge
Salsa Lovers
A new flavour for F Lounge, grab a partner and brush up on your moves. . From 11pm
Hu’u
The Hu’u Tribe
An invitation to experience the dynamic and hypnotic essence of thumping house tunes and beat of african drum with DJs Nason, Yudi and Benk-benk on jembe. From 11pm. FDC 100k
Kudos
Showtime
The glam and glitz of Vegas is on with dancers, artists and DJ U-you behind the decks. From 11pm
DeJaVu
F**k Me I’m Famous
C&C Models strutting on the catwalk, along with tunes by DJs Emon & Anastacia. From 11pm
MBarGo
Vital Instinct
DJ Fadi (SWE)
Dee Jay Cafe
The Duel #2
See Main Stage for details
Paparazzi
Funktology
DJ Broyz
Double Six
The Vibe
DJs Wilson, Anastacia
Tanah Lot
Cakolosal
See Main Stage for details
•Saturday Sept 30th
Blue Nightclub
Early Birds Get Lucky
Never early to party! live DJ, drink promo, and free cocktails for girls from 9-10pm
Bacio
Fever
DJ Billy the Kid (AUS)
F Lounge
Felicious
Toasted to perfection as Alex Joy throws down soulful and deep house beats. From 11pm
Hu’u
Solid Gold
Across the tracks, heading way back to the 70-80’s, as DJs Jonny and Yudi play stuff you remember from the school disco. From 11pm. FDC 100k
Kudos
Sweat
With fire breathers, and bondage show, sweat is guaranteed. Dresscode: leather and black. From 11pm
DeJaVu
Made In Heaven
Javaica percussion with combo performance by DJs Lanang & Anastacia. From 11pm
D’Glow
Conjuction for Reward Members
Dance performance, tequilla girls, bikini waitresses, DJ Rowland (JKT) and ART. From11pm
MBarGo
Hell’ktrocity
DJs Fadi (SWE), Leon. From 11pm
Double Six
Insomniac
DJs Ai (Moonchild), Emon
•Sunday Oct 1st
MBarGo
My Crib
DJs Fadi (SWE) and free welcome shot to ensure a smooth close to your weekend. From 11pm
F Lounge
Fuzzy
Tenderly stroked, soothing you with chilled house and downtempo grooves. From 11pm
Double Six
Rainbow Night
•Monday Oct 2nd
Bacio
DJs Chandra, Andre
MBarGo
Reggaeton Summer Riddim
DJs Lazy Bones (JPN) and Leon serving you the Latino version of R’n’B. From 11pm
Double Six
Pure Volume
DJ Dede
Paparazzi
DJ Tommy
•Tuesday Oct 3rd
Bacio
Afficionado
DJs Chandra, Andre and 20% off selected cigars. From 10pm
F Lounge
F Live Session
The Fonz and The Special Guests got the blues up on the red carpeted stage, open mic and pool comp for the hustlers. From 11pm
MBarGo
Asphalt Jungle
Percussionist Javaica and DJ P-Pen collaboratin’ and perpetratin’. From 11pm.
Paparazzi
DJ Tommy
Double Six
Funk Up
DJ Helmy
•Wednesday Oct 4th
Bacio
Babes & Bubbles
Half price on champagne, wine and cocktails, but only for the ladies, DJ Fadi (SWE) presides over the music. From 10pm
F Lounge
Femme Fatale
Riz will tease you with ease till you drop to yer knees, plus 2 for 1 on all Roskas till midnight for the ladies
Kudos
2QT2BSTR8
Dance show with Monica, Patricia, Jennifer and hot dancers. From 11pm
Paparazzi
DJ Tommy
Double Six
Prettylicious
DJ Nolly
•Thursday Oct 5th
Bacio
Disco Glam
DJ Jonny all night long where boogie woogie will rules the night
F Lounge
Hip Shaker
Supasoul controllaz Wayne Wonder shakes a fonky payback from wayback. From 11pm
Kudos
Drama Queen
Chicago is in the house, along with its artists, dancers and tunes by DJ U-you. From 11pm
MBarGo
Bikini Show
The girls will strutting on the bar, in their sexy skimpy bikini provided by Bali’s own Surfer Girl. From 11pm
Paparazzi
Red Hot Thursday
DJ Rowland (JKT)
Double Six
Evolution
DJ Emon
Coming Events
•Friday Oct 6th
Bacio
Flavours
DJs Chandra, Andre, and special guest DJ
Sky Bar
Oakley Fashion Presentation
The wide range of their collection of wardrobe and eyewear on fall 06 will be on the stage. From 8pm
Kama Sutra
Ari Lasso Live On Stage
Ex-vocalist of Indonesian group DEWA, now solo, back to prove he’s still got the goods. Three successful albums already under his belt. “Rahasia Ilahi” (God’s Secret) and “Rahasia Perempuan” (Woman’s Secret) are already classics. what more reason do you need to check him out? From 11pm
Bahiana
Brazilian Carnival
Bringing the flavours of Rio with lavish outfits and samba beats! From 11pm
•Saturday Oct 7th
Bacio
Fever
DJs Chandra, Andre and guest performers
Paparazzi
Hottish Saturday
DJ Alfan
Double Six
Insomniac
DJ Emon
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source : www.baliblog.com
September 28th, 2006
Expats living in Bali often need the nuts and bolts, meaning hammers, drills, electrical and equipment etc. The one stop place is Ace Hardware in Kuta. Today I went over to Ace for a closer look.
Ace Hardware is an American company, with branches all over the world. Their range of goods is extensive, everything from garden, to automotive to interior decoration. Here in Bali the prices are somewhat higher than they are in the US, as the merchandise has to be imported and shoppers have fewer options if they don’t go to Ace.
Ace is located in the Kuta Galeria, at the Sunset Rd and Jl. Imam Bonjol. Its building is one large aircraft hanger, with everything laid out in separate departments.
Here’s a few of the items and prices for each department.
Outdoor living:
Gazebo - 299,000rp
Weber gas bbq ,size large, deluxe with attached table - 11,500,000rp
Weber charcoal bbq - 1,567,000rp
RubberMaid medium cooler - 419,000rp
Tyrano mountain bike - 5,255,000rp
Other stock includes camping equipment, sporting goods (leather soccer ball - 59,000rp), swimming goggles (34,000rp), Pet care products and garden loungers.
Lawn & Garden:
This section has tools, gloves, chemicals, ornaments.
1 gallon of Ace Home Insect Control - 135,500rp
1 petrol lawn mower made by White Outdoor - 7.7m rp
Paint:
This section includes paint, brushes, ladders and other gear.
1 gallon (3.79 liter) Ace Flat Wall Paint (Acrylic latex) 230,000rp
1 quart (946ml) Ace Satin Wall & Trim (Acrylic latex enamel) 85,700rp
Basic step ladder - 597,000rp
Also includes exterior paint and spray paint.
Automotive:
Every accessory for cars except the car itself.
Turtle Wax Express shine - 53,000rp
Prestone ATF Stop Leak - 58,500rp
Shell Helix Motor Oil (1 liter) 31,500rp
Hardware:
Krisbow safe, 380*350*360 - 2m rp
Sentry Safe, fire & water safe, A5846603*472*472 - 6.2m rp
Locker set by Ace, featuring 12 lockers is a 6 foots stack - 1,729,000rp
Also available are locks, nuts, bolts.
A regular rotating Master Lock is 77,900rp
Tools:
J-Tech Double Open End Wrench Set, 5.5-2.7mm (9 pieces) - 272,000rp
Ace Adjustable Wrench (10 inch) 49,600rp
Krisbow 9 piece Ball Point Hex Key 45,000rp
Also available are tool boxes, trolleys, carts, pallet lifts, air compressors, drills, circular saws, hard hats, levels, tape measures,
Krisbow 600mm spirit level - 89,100rp
Electrical:
This section features interior lighting, flash lights, camping lanterns, ceiling fans, power strips.
Cleaning Supplies:
This section includes mops, detergents, scrubbing brushes
A 2.9 liter jug of Tide laundry soap is 191,000rp
Shout Stain Remover (650ml) is 57,000rp
Windex (768ml) is 54,500rp
Mop with head and handle is 73,300rp
Housewares:
This section includes cups, plates, vases, chairs, furniture, candles, picture frames, shelving, rice cookers, microwaves.
Kris microwave - 625,000rp
Kris stand up fan - 748,000rp
Also there is a large selection of Tupperware and dining accessories, air cleaners, irons, kettles.
Kris Dry Iron - 89,000rp
Looking at Ace from a 10,000ft level, I’d say most of there stuff is way overpriced, but it is handy to have a single place where you can come and pick up stuff that works.
Membership for a year is 100,000rp and will give you 5% off of everything you buy.
Ace Hardware
Istana Kuta Galeria
Jl. Patih Jelantik
Kuta
(0361)769328
Ace is open from 9am-10pm daily. Free parking available for cars and bikes.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 28th, 2006
Before I was a parent I had no interest in kids, and it was not my ambition to have them. Now that I have a son Jevon, I think it is the most wonderful thing. Its better than having a pet, because a pet will only take you so far. I mean the smartest dog will still be salivating and wagging its tail, even as its intelligence peaks. A kid however, is a different ball of wax.
One of the aspects of being a dad I most enjoy is to see, on a daily basis, how Jevon’s awareness grows, and how he starts to consider how his actions will affect others. Tonight we sat on the step on my porch, and watched a couple of gecko’s having sex. When I tried to photograph the action, my extented macro lens accidently tapped them, and they split.
As far as diet, Jevon is displaying ‘bule’ tendencies already. He doesn’t really like rice, but likes bread, spaghetti, milk, cheese and fruit juice. Ika said in the evening she gives him fried tempe (soybeans) in soy sauce and he loves it. when she tries to give it to him for breakfast he won’t
touch it. “There you are.” I said. “Us bule’s don’t want to eat the same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
The little bugger can now climb up on the table, climb out of bed and into the bathtub. He touched the hot iron the other day, so has an idea of what ‘hot’ feels like. So far we have not used a ‘Kiddie backpack’, only the sling that Ika had, or a push chair. We either carry him or he walks. In a restaurant he is happy to sit in his own chair. Having a kid in Bali has been very easy so far.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 28th, 2006
Since living in Bali I have met other expats, who have had their parents visit. The way it often works is a person moves to Bali, loves it, tells their parents about it, only to have them offer reasons why they don’t fancy coming out. These might include “Its too far,” “its too hot,” “I wouldn’t like the food,” “I can’t speak foriegn languages,” “its like the jungle,” “I heard they’re all Muslim out there.”
Let’s knock these on the head.
Its too far:
Bali is a long way fron N. America and Europe, but for mums and dads, who have time on their hands, a stopover in Dubai / Bahrein / Seoul, Hong Kong etc. could be a nice part of their trip.
Its too hot:
During the wet season (Nov-Mar) it is extremely hot and humid. At the peak of the dry season (July-Sept) the weather is warm / hot during the day, but cool in the mornings and evenings, with lower humidity. The other night I put on a sweater as I was cold.
I wouldn’t like the food:
The popular tourist areas (Kuta/Legian/Seninyak/Nusa Dua/Sanur/Ubud) have an amazing array of international food places. If I want I can get fish & chips (Wrap a Snapper), just like in London, about 5 minutes from my house in Seminyak. If you can’t handle rice or spicy food, you never have to.
I can’t speak foriegn languages:
I know expats who have lived in Bali fulltime, for 15 years and can’t speak Indonesian. You really don’t have to worry about the language barrier.
Its like the jungle:
There is a little bit of jungle left in Bali, up around Batukaru, but for the most part Bali does not resemble a jungle. Driving around East Bali, or the hills of Tabanan, most people will be impressed with the sweeping rice terraces and exotic landscapes.
I heard they’re all Muslim out there:
Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, Bali is not. Even if you you visit Muslim Java /Lombok, you will not feel any weirdness, as people are pretty cool. I’m a Muslim and I won’t give you a hard time (unless you steal my Bintang).
Talking recently to a British expat who’s parents visited, he told me they had a good time, and liked Bali as the weather was cool, in the evening. They did not care to sample Indonesian food, and that annoyed him a bit. Whatever, at least they made it out.
I reckon most parents could find something they’d like in Bali, aside from the selection of good food. Shopping for gifts, getting spa treatment, going for a drive in the mountains, checking out the Irish music at Cat & Fiddle in Sanur, visit a village with a local, see a Balinese dance in Ubud. If the parents are active, that opens up a whole other range of possibilites, including hiking, snorkeling, horse riding on Seminyak beach.
If I was retired and living in a cold climate, taking a couple of months off in Bali, would be a thing i’d do every year.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 28th, 2006
The fabled island of Sulawesi is shaped like a tropical orchid, each “petal” a peninsula, ridged with lofty mountains and surrounded by coral reefs.
The Island is Indonesia’s third-largest island, with an area of 172,000 square km. Like all of Indonesia there is much cultural diversity here comprised of four major ethnic groups. It truly is a delightful potpourri of people and cultures ranging from the mysterious Toraja, who live in the mountainous center of the Sulawesi orchid, to the friendly folk of the lush northern region of Manado-Minahasa. The intriguing Bugis and Makassarese people from peninsular South Sulawesi are the stuff legends are made of. (The ‘bogey’ man of our childhood fears is rumoured to have started his career as a Bugis pirate!).
The topographical variety is complete, offering spectacular mountains, scenic coastline, lakes, rice patties, and dense jungles making Sulawesi one of the few islands where a traveler can experience such cultural and marine diversity without having to travel to another country.
ANIMALS
If you are looking for strange and different animals then Sulawesi can present a large array of unusual flora and fauna as well as several indigenous tribes. It is unique to explore, since it is home to such extraordinary animals as the babirusa, a pig-like creature with upward-curving tusks, three species of anoa, a rare pygmy buffalo resembling an antelope, four different varieties of black macaques, as well as saucer-eyed tarsier, maleo bird, a bit like a bush turkey and the marsupial cuscus.
MARINE LIFE
Sulawesi will not let you down when it comes to marine life as well, starting at the northern part of Sulawesi one can explore the underwater habitat for months and only begin to scratch the surface of what there is to see.
Bunaken National Marine Park was formally established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia’s growing system of marine parks. The park covers a total surface area of 89,065 hectares, 97% of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. Although each of these islands has a special character, it is the aquatic ecosystem that attracts most naturalists.
The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are extremely deep (1566 m in Manado Bay), clear (up to 35-40 m visibility), refreshing in temperature (27-29 C) and harbor some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. Pick any of group of interest - corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges - and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high. For example, 7 of the 8 species of giant clams that occur in the world, occur in Bunaken. The park has around 70 genera of corals; compare this to a mere 10 in Hawaii. Although the exact number of fish species is unknown, it may be slightly higher than in the Philippines, where 2,500 species, or nearly 70% of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific, are found.
Oceanic currents may explain, in part, why Bunaken National Marine Park is such a treasure trove of biodiversity. Northeasterly currents generally sweep through the park but abundant counter currents and gyros related to lunar cycles are believed to be a trap for free swimming larvae. This is particularly true on the south side of the crescent-shaped Bunaken Island, lying in the heart of the park. A snorkler or diver in the vicinity of Lekuan or Fukui may spot over 33 species of butterfly fish and numerous types of groupers, damsels, wrasses and gobies. The gobies, smallish fish with bulging eyes and modified fins that allow them to attach to hard surfaces, are the most diverse but least known group of fish in the park. Biologists believe that the abundance of hard corals is crucial in maintaining the high levels of diversity in the park. Hard corals are the architects of the reefs, without them, numerous marine organisms would be homeless and hungry. Many species of fish are closely associated with particular types of corals (folious, branching, massives, etc.) for shelter and egg-laying. Others, like the enormous Bumphead Parrotfish, Balbometopon muricatum, are “coralivores” and depend on hard corals for their sustenance. Bony mouth parts fused into an impressive “beak” allow these gregarious fish to crunch corals like roasted peanuts.
Some 20,000 people live on the natural resources of Bunaken National Marine Park. Although there are inevitable conflicts between resource protection and use by people, the Indonesian government is taking a fairly unusual and pragmatic approach to park management. The idea is to promote wise resource use while preventing overexploitation. Local communities, government officials, dive resort operators, local nature groups, tourists and scientists have played an active role in developing exclusive zones for diving, wood collection, fishing and other forms of utilization. Bunaken Marine Park has become an important example of how Sulawesi, and the rest of Indonesia, can work to protect its natural resources.
NORTH SULAWESI
North Sulawesi is a land of magnificent coral reefs protecting beaches, mountains and active volcanoes, reminding the islanders and the world of the potential power of one of the earth’s most awesome forces. The people of North Sulawesi can be classified into four groups: Minahasa, Bolaang Mongondow, Gorontalo and the Sangir-Talaud. The Minahasans are centered around the Provincial capital of Manado, but the entire province has a strong tradition of trade and contact with the outside world. The Sangir-Talaud island to the north of the mainland, form a natural bridge to the Philippines providing a convenient route for peoples and cultures to easily move between Indonesia and the Philippines, and many traces of Filipino culture can still he found here. Apart from introducing a Strong political and religious structure, the Filipinos encouraged the local populations to raise coconuts, copra and nutmeg. Today the main industries of the province are copra and cloves. North Sulawesi has a larger concentration of coconut trees than any other part of Indonesia.
The Dutch, however, have had the strongest influence on the development of the region. First contact with European traders came in the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese, and with them they brought Christianity. It wasn’t until the arrival of the Dutch that Christianity became the predominant religion of the area. The provincial capital of Manado is one of the international gateways into Indonesia.
Regular flights to all parts of the Indonesia archipelago service this beautiful town, as well as the smaller airports of Gorontalo, Tahuna and Talaud.
For hotel reservations, diving holidays, airline tickets, Sulawesi tours and additional information please visit the website of Manado Safari Tours.
source:www.sulawesi-travel.com
September 27th, 2006
Entering Indonesia
Nationals of Israel will be refused entry unless they have applied to the Immigration Office in Indonesia, prior to travelling, to obtain a special permit.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all.
Visas
The Indonesia Minister of Justice and Human Rights has announced that the VISA on ARRIVAL (VoA) will be introduced on February 01, 2004 for foreign visitors arriving by air in Jakarta (SOE-HAT), Bali (Ngurah Rai), Medan (Polonia), Manado (Sam Ratulangi), Surabaya (Juanda), and Padang (Tabing), as well as sea ports of Batam, Tanjung Priok, Belawan, Jayapura, Benoa, and Tanjung Perak. In short VoA eligible visitors will pay an entry fee upon arrival.
The Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) is required for nationals of 20 countries and one Administrative District:
The nationals of the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Norway, France, Poland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Taiwan, Austria, Belgium, Egypt, India, Ireland, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Maldives, People’s Republic of China, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Spain will be able to apply for a VoA valid for either 3 or 30 days upon arrival in Indonesia. A 7-day visa will cost $USD10 while a 30-day visa will cost $USD25.
The 11 countries that retain visa-free status and need not purchase a VoA are: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macao, Chile, Morocco, Peru, and Vietnam.
Citizens of countries not on the VoA or Visa Free lists are required to apply for a visa at the nearest Indonesian embassy, consulate or foreign mission.
Process for Obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Visitors from countries with Visa-On-Arrival status will go to new ‘VoA Counters’ to have their passports stamped with the on-arrival visa before going to the Immigration Clearance Desk. An official bank will be attached in the VoA counters. Payment can only be made in US dollar bank notes or Indonesian Rupiahs equivalent. Payment by Credit-Card is under discussion and to be determined. In the bigger airports, like Jakarta and Bali, several rows of VoA counters will be provided.
Overstaying your Visa? - DON’T!
Overstaying a tourist visa (or any visa) is a serious offence in Indonesia. Fines, blacklisting, confinement and deportation are all possible penalties for infractions. Please take this seriously! If you inadvertently overstay your visa go immediately to an immigration office, once you realize it, and explain the circumstances. Delaying the report will only make the situation worse. There are only a few ‘legitimate’ reasons for overstay - the main one being inability to travel due a verified illness or injury. Also beware of the 30-day counting trap! Immigration officials count the 30-day period as: you arrive on the 1st day with a 30-day VoA, and you must leave on the 30th day (not the 31st day or the first of the next month etc.)
Weather
Indonesia is a tropical country, and the climate is fairly even all year round. There is no such thing as an Autumn or Winter, the year being roughly divided into two distinct seasons, ‘wet’ and ‘dry’.
The East Monsoon, from June to September brings dry weather while the West Monsoon, from December to March, brings rain. The transitional period between these two seasons alternates between gorgeous sun-filled days and occasional thunderstorms.
Even in the midst of the wet season temperatures range from 21 degrees (70�F) to 33 degrees Celcius (90�F), except at higher altitudes which can be much cooler. The heaviest rainfalls are usually recorded in December and January. Average humidity is generally between 75% and 100%.
Currency
Indonesian money is Rupiah (Rp) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of Rp100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 1000, 500 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Rp1000, 500, 100, 50 and 25.
$1.00 = Rp 8,722.00
�1.00 = Rp 16,286.00
About Indonesia
Population
245,452,739 (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 28.8% (male 35,995,919/female 34,749,582)
15-64 years: 65.8% (male 80,796,794/female 80,754,238)
65 years and over: 5.4% (male 5,737,473/female 7,418,733) (2006 est.)
total: 26.8 years
male: 26.4 years
female: 27.3 years (2006 est.)
Religion
Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, other 1% (1998)
Travelling Tips
Electricity & Water
Indonesia runs 127V AC/50Hz but is in the process of converting to a 230V AC/50Hz. This conversion is complete in principal cities. Indonesia uses a type C,F, and G plug so North Americans travelling with electronics will need adapters.
It is not advisable to drink tap water in Indonesia, but bottled mineral water is safe and available everywhere. Ice in drinks is generally OK in good standard hotels and restaurants but it is best to avoid it on street stalls or in country areas.
Clothing
With temperatures ranging between 20-35�C, light, casual clothes are the most practical. Natural fibres like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Indonesia’s often humid conditions. Casual clothes are acceptable in most places and a lightweight suit and tie are usual for business or formal meetings. Light cotton dresses are generally acceptable in most situations. Batik is popular for both men’s shirts and women’s dresses.
Communications
Telephone
IDD is available to main cities. Country code: 62 (followed by 22 for Bandung, 21 for Jakarta, 61 for Medan and 31 for Surabaya). Outgoing international code: 00. Many hotel lobbies have public phones which take credit cards and phone cards. State-operated phone booths (WARTEL), which work on a pay-as-you-leave basis, can be found throughout the country. For emergencies, dial 110 (police) or 118 (ambulance for traffic accidents) or 119 (ambulance for general health) or 113 (fire department).
Mobile telephone
GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Coverage may be limited to main towns and cities.
Fax
Faxes can be sent and received from WARTEL shops.
Internet
There are Internet cafes in all major cities and tourist destinations.
Telegram
These can be sent from any telegraphic office; in Jakarta facilities are available 24 hours a day, but services outside Jakarta are less efficient.
Post
Airmail to Western Europe takes up to 10 days. Internal mail is fast and generally reliable by the express service (Pos KILAT), but mail to the outer islands can be subject to considerable delays.
source : www.indonesia.com
September 27th, 2006
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