Country: Indonesia
Where is it?: Indonesia is in southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
Why do people go here?: With hundreds of unique islands, Indonesia has an immense amount of cultures and landscapes that it could take a traveler a lifetime to explore – and even understand. Those who take the time to get to the heart of Indonesia are rarely disappointed.
What are the main entry points?: Depending upon where you are coming from, there are millions of ways to get to Indonesia. Most travelers start in the legendary island of Bali.
Currency used: Rupiah
Country Code for Phones: 62
Area codes for Major Cities: Jakarta 21, Bali 361
Religion: Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, other 1%
Population: 230 million
Ethnic Groups: Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26%
Government: Presidential Republic
Languages: Bahasa Indonesia, English, Dutch
Major Cities: Bali, Medan, Surabaya, Padang
Attractions: Bali, Lombok, Sumatra
Accommodation: Indonesia Hostels
Tourism Office locations and links: Indonesia Tourism Office
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Irian Jaya, Komodo & Rinca
Health Issues: Maternal mortality in Indonesia is very high. Tuberculosis, leprosy, malaria, dengue, STDs
When to go: Bali sits 8 degrees south of the equator and enjoys a year round tropical monsoon climate. There is little seasonal variation in temperature and the main seasons are wet season and dry season. December through February is the wettest time of the year and July to September the driest.
Specific Events/Holidays: Indonesia has so many events it would be impossible to list all of them. Check Baliblog.com if you’re headed to Bali.
Getting Around: Getting around Indonesia is done in a variety of ways: trains, ferries, buses, rickshaws, motorbikes and good ole fashion walking. Most village transports are pick-up trucks with rows of seats along each side.
Good to know: BootsnAll has one of the best sites on everything about Bali. Check out Baliblog
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airports to fly into Indonesia are the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Ngurah Rai Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Indonesia travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
