Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 2:46 pm Post subject: Indonesia Do's and Don'ts
Don't travel to Muslim areas during the month of Lebaran, the major Muslim holiday, when most people fast during the day and restaurants are closed. (Lebaran is calculated by the Muslim lunar calendar and so falls somewhere between January and April.) Lebaran culminates in the final daylong holiday of Eid al-Fitr, when Javanese are obliged to return home to their villages to pay respect to their parents - which, for travelers, means you'll have a slim chance of booking a bus or train, and the roads are packed. In Bali, avoid arriving when the holiday of Nyepi ("quiet") is due. On Nyepi, Balinese stay at home the entire day in silence.
Do inquire first before entering a mosque or church - usually, there is a caretaker at the building. If you are not a member of that faith, you may be refused entry. If you're a woman planning to visit a mosque, do buy a scarf to cover your head.
Do be sure to buy accident insurance when you rent a motorcycle in Bali - and make sure it includes coverage to airlift you to Singapore if you are in an accident, as medical care on the island is poor.
Don't be offended if Indonesians inquire about your religion, your marital status or number of children. Those are common questions Indonesians ask each other, too.
Do be aware that possession of pornographic literature is a crime, and nudity is not appreciated by the locals.
Do purchase a sarong and waist sash if you are planning to visit Balinese temples. Otherwise you will have to rent them at the door (and they aren't as stylish).
Don't pay a brand-name price - particularly for watches, perfume or sunglasses - without looking closely to see you if you really are getting a brand-name product. What we first thought were "Ray Bans" turned out to be "Raymond Bensons."
Do expect to give small tips in exchange for taking someone's picture.
Do save enough rupiah to pay the airport departure tax.
Do be aware that AIDS is a serious problem in the Kuta beach area.
Do visit a Balinese cockfight if you have the chance. While the actual fighting is not to our taste, the accompanying festival atmosphere is fascinating: Crowds of men shout bets and press to get a view of the ring, while off to the sides, food stalls serve satay, roast pig and cool drinks under the shade of coffee trees. If you are taken to a cockfight by a driver, be sure to establish about how long you would like to stay - your driver might find the event a little more fascinating than you do.
Don't ever drink the water from the tap, regardless of what the hotel tells you.
Don't sign traveler's checks unless the cashier watches you sign. Indonesian banks may refuse to cash your check if they weren't watching every stroke of the pen.
Police have started clamping down on motorists who violate traffic laws: Failure to wear a seat belt can bring a fine of up to US$1,500, even though many cars in Indonesia aren't equipped with seat belts. When renting a car, insist on getting one with a seat belt.
Don't expect to be served alcohol by your hosts if it is an Islamic holiday.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Album
FAQ
Quizzes
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
