Visiting Indonesia for the first time? From visa checks to temple etiquette, here’s a practical, product-free guide to keep your trip smooth across Bali, Java, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, Sumatra, and beyond.
1) Pre-Departure Basics
Do:
- Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity on arrival; keep digital + paper copies of ID and bookings.
- Check your visa/entry rules on official sources; consider applying online if available.
- Buy medical travel insurance that covers water activities (snorkel, dive, surf).
- Download offline maps, translation, currency converter, and a weather/tide app.
Don’t:
- Assume visa rules are identical across nationalities or ports.
- Pack heavy; Indonesia is humid—choose breathable fabrics and modular outfits.
2) Money & Connectivity
Do:
- Withdraw cash at bank ATMs (inside malls/branches), keep small bills for markets/tips.
- Use a local SIM/eSIM for stable data and ride-hailing.
- Split cash/cards between bags for redundancy.
Don’t:
- Rely only on cards—some warungs and boat kiosks are cash-only.
- Accept “dynamic currency conversion” on card terminals; pay in IDR.
3) Transport & Getting Around
Do:
- Use reputable ride-hailing/taxi apps where available.
- On boats, wear life vests; keep a dry bag for electronics.
- If renting scooters, wear a helmet, check brakes/lights, and ride only if experienced.
Don’t:
- Overpack your daily plan—traffic and ferries add buffer time.
- Underestimate distances between islands; domestic flights can save entire days.
4) Health & Heat Management
Do:
- Drink sealed water, carry electrolytes, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Pack a small first-aid kit (motion sickness, antihistamine, rehydration salts).
- Use repellent; long sleeves at dusk help against mosquitoes.
Don’t:
- Push through heat exhaustion—take shade breaks.
- Touch coral or marine life; it harms ecosystems and can injure you.
5) Culture & Etiquette
Do:
- Dress modestly for temples and sacred sites (shoulders/knees covered; sarong often provided).
- Use your right hand to give/receive items; greet with a smile and “Terima kasih.”
- Ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies.
Don’t:
- Raise your voice or show impatience; soft, polite requests work best.
- Enter restricted temple areas or point feet at shrines/statues.
6) Eating Safely (Halal, Veg/Vegan, Allergies)
Do:
- For halal: ask “Apakah di sini halal?”; confirm broths/oils.
- For veg/vegan: request tanpa daging/ikan/ayam/kaldu/terasi (no meat/fish/chicken/stock/shrimp paste).
- For allergies: state them before ordering and ask for clean utensils/fresh oil.
Don’t:
- Assume sambal or soups are vegetarian—many use shrimp paste or fish stock.
- Skip breakfast before boat days—steady energy prevents seasickness.
7) Safety & Scams
Do:
- Use hotel safes; carry only what you need day-to-day.
- If offers feel too good to be true, politely decline and move on.
- Save emergency contacts and your accommodation address offline.
Don’t:
- Leave bags unattended on beaches or in scooters.
- Accept unofficial “fees” at viewpoints; look for posted prices or official counters.
8) Photography & Drones
Do:
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before golden hour; bring a microfiber cloth for salt spray.
- Check drone rules; avoid flying near temples, crowds, or wildlife.
Don’t:
- Block pathways at viewpoints; share space and rotate spots.
- Ignore wind—use faster shutter speeds on ridgelines.
9) Sustainability & Wildlife Ethics
Do:
- Refuse single-use plastics; carry a refillable bottle.
- Choose activities that don’t touch or feed wildlife; follow ranger guidance in Komodo areas.
Don’t:
- Stand on coral, chase mantas/turtles, or collect shells.
- Litter—pack out what you bring in, especially on small islands.
10) Handy Phrasebook (Copy/Paste)
- Thank you: Terima kasih
- Excuse me / please: Permisi / Tolong
- How much?: Berapa harganya?
- No spicy / less spicy: Tidak pedas / Kurangi pedas
- Where is the mosque/temple?: Di mana masjid/pura?
- I have an allergy to…: Saya alergi …
Quick Checklist
Passport (6+ months) • Visa/e-Visa (if required) • Insurance • eSIM/SIM • Offline maps • Cash + cards • Reef-safe sunscreen • Repellent • Dry bag • Light rain shell • Modest outfit for temples • First-aid kit • Copies of documents
