INDONESIA

With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia has much to offer, and markets itself as the Ultimate in Diversity.

With amazing natural beauty, delicious food, and some legendary islands, Indonesia is considered the world’s fourth most populous country. A kaleidoscope of a nation that sprawls along the equator for 5000km., Indonesia is a land of so many cultures, peoples, animals, customs, plants, sights, art and foods that it defies homogenization.

Total Area: 1,904,569 km2

Capital: Jakarta

Country Code: +62

Country Population: 252,164,800

Credit Cards: Credit cards are only acceptable in big hotels, restaurants, shops and traveling agencies. ATM’s are available but not reliable. Some may work but will have a low limit each day.

Currency: Rupiah (RP1 = 100SEN)

Departure Tax: Domestic RP80000 (Approx. CAD$13, US$10); International RP200000. (Approx. CAD$16, US$12)

Drives: Left

Electricity: Generally 220 volts AC, 50 Hz, but in some rural areas 110/220V AC, 50Hz

Ethnic Groups: Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26%

Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean

Official Language(s): Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects, the most widely spoken of which is Javanese.

Religion: Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, other 1%

Time Zone: UTC+7 – +9

Tipping: You are not obligated to tip your tour guides in Indonesia, but a small amount is always appreciated. Some restaurants will include 5-10% service charge to their bill. But if they don’t levy any service charge, you can tip between Rp10,000 to 10% of the total bill. Taxi drivers do not expect tips either, but we suggest your round up to the nearest Rupiah.