Visas, health and safety
Visa rules, dengue and bird flu, embassies and emergency advice.
Visa on Arrival now available in Palembang: South Sumatra
Great new for travellers wishing to enter Indonesia from South-East Asia as now they can enter through Palembang in south Sumatra at the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin International Airport .
Updated List of Embassies: Jakarta, West Java
Whenever you are in a spot of trouble on your holidays in Indonesia and in need of an embassy or consulate , then it really is essential you make a note of where the places are for your home country,…
Bali Travellers Warned on Dengue Fever Risk
Western Australian’s are being urged to take precautions against mosquitoes when travelling to Bali following a sharp outbreak of Dengue fever among travellers returning from the popular holiday…
First Aid Kits are a Necessity When Travelling
If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me “ I don’t need a First Aid Kit, I’m on holiday. Besides, I’ve got some band-aids in my bag ”.
Kampong Jamu: Kiringan, Central Java
Kampong Jamu , or the village of medicinal herbs, is the name people refer to when they are talking about the village of Kiringan , in Bantul , Yogyakarta .
Elephant Foot Bug Widespread: Riau, Sumatra
A mosquito-borne disease known as kaki gajah or elephant foot is ballooning out of control in Riau , according to health officials.
Mahkota Dewa Tea: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Give me an iced tea any day!. I am not a drinker of alcohol and thus find a lot of enjoyment in sipping an iced tea after a trek or when just relaxing with friends.
Consulates in Bali
Knowing where you need to go should you need assistance from your country’s consulate when in Bali is ideal.
Contaminated Wells: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Most travellers are aware of the importance of health when touring around. It is also important that you obtain a Hepatitis A & B vaccination even before you travel to your destination.
Foreign Embassies in Medan: Sumatra
It is always important to abide by the laws of the country you are travelling in, but, if you do find yourself in need of advice and assistance it is always comforting to know there is an embassy…
Water Quality Degraded in Tourism Areas: Bali
Ground water quality has severely worsened in several of Bali 's most popular tourism areas, including Nusa Dua .
Disabled People and Travel
A few years back on a visit to the island of Bali I had this misfortune of breaking a bone in my foot at Gunung Batur .
Your Health in Indonesia
Being prepared for your journey in regard to your health should be one of your major priorities.
National Condom Week
Well and truly gone are the days when you could have sex without using a condom. Even back then, there were other STD’s that could be contracted.
Dining Etiquette
When I wrote ‘ dining etiquette ’ I wasn’t referring to fancy restaurants but more like when you are eating in general with the locals of whatever island you are travelling in and using your hands.
Visas to Enter Indonesia
Unfortunately the days of obtaining a free 60 day visa on arrival in Indonesia are long gone. Most western travellers have to obtain a VOA or Visa on Arrival .
Foreign Embassies in Indonesia
There are occasions when you might need to seek advice or help from the consulate of your country when in Indonesia .
Four Indonesian Airlines Expected to Get Top Safety Ratings
The Transportation Ministry expects at least four national airlines to earn category-one ratings this October after successfully making significant improvements in their flight safety standards.
Sea Sacrifice to Fight Bird Flu: Bali
Alarmed by the spread of bird flu , the Bali provincial government and Hindu spiritual leaders have announced they will hold ritual animal sacrifices at sea to ward off evil influences.
Kangkung Cuisine: Indonesia
Water spinach, or kangkung , is available all year round in traditional markets and supermarkets. It can be found all over Asia.
Police Launch Web Site: Bali
The Bali Police announced the launch of its first Web site ( www.bali.polri.go.id ) in an effort to provide the public with a greater opportunity to monitor and evaluate the force.
New Eye Hospital: Bali
With its massive, black steel gate, white concrete columns, ubiquitous surveillance cameras and swarm of soldiers at the front gate, the brand-new facility evokes the atmosphere of a closely guarded,…
Visa to Boost Trade and Tourism to Bali
Visa International launched the " Explore Bali with Visa " program Tuesday as part of an effort to boost tourism and trade to Bali .
Water Still Poisonous: Jakarta, West Java
Studies have shown most of Jakarta's ground water is polluted with E. Coli and Coliform which can cause diarrhea and life-threatening cholera .
'People's Pharmacies': Indonesia
The government has come closer to providing affordable drugs for the public by establishing the Apotek Rakyat ( People's Pharmacy ) program to enable people to procure inexpensive over-the-counter…
Charging the Big Dollar for Medical Services: Bali
Having your body suffer an ailment, no matter what it is, in Bali will cost you big bucks and of that you can be assured.
BreadTalk Goes Healthy
Not having one in Yogyakarta , every time Candika and I go to Bali then her first stop is BreadTalk. She loves the place and my wallet hates it!.
Anthrax Deaths: Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara
A spate of anthrax deaths has forced Indonesian authorities to seal off two villages and rush vaccines to the area.
Lepers in Indonesia
On the island of Bali you don’t see many lepers but if you travel to Java and Sumatra then they are prevalent in all the major cities and can be seen on the roadside begging for money, their open and…
New International Hospital: Yogyakarta, Central Java
There are numerous hospitals in Yogyakarta and all of different classes. I seriously hope you don’t need to attend a hospital on your trip to Yogyakarta, but if you did, then the newly opened…
Ngurah Rai Airport Safety in Doubt: Bali
Over the decades I have watched the Airport of Ngurah Rai in Bali grow from a virtual tin shed in a paddock to an internationally acclaimed airport servicing numerous countries around the world.
AirAsia Offers Insurance
Most travellers already have insurance and anyone travelling without it is an idiot. You will find a lot of airlines offer some kind of insurance albeit a bit suss.
Travelling in Papua
Going to and getting around Papua is not like you would in other islands, for instance Bali . The interior is rugged and mountainous and to some degree a certain level of fitness is needed.
Red Rice is Healthy: Indonesia
Rice is rice to me!. As long as it’s cooked properly I will clear the plate. Of course it depends on the grade quality and not inferior rice as only some households in Indonesia can afford.
Proposed New Visa Rules: Indonesia
When it first came out I thought it was a giant step back for Indonesia in regards to tourism . I’m talking about the 30 day visa which slams visitors USD$25 a pop.
HIV on the Increase: Indonesia
It is only common sense that when you travel with Indonesia and the time comes when you have the urge to become amorous and satisfy your sexual desires that you use a condom when engaging in sexual…
The ‘Belly’ Crisis
I am almost over a bad bout of gastroenteritis and about 70% fit, subsequently the reason for a lack of postings.
Bali Prepares for Possible Bird Flu Outbreak
In an ominous and disturbing article in the Jakarta Post yesterday, it appears the Bali Health agency has geared up for a possible outbreak of Avian Influenza on the paradise tourist island.
Chikungunya Hits Mataram Residents: Lombok
I considered myself fairly clued up regarding most of the ailments that one can contract when travelling in Indonesia but that was until I read an article in the JP about a fever called Chikungunya .
Bird Flu Detected in Yogyakarta: Central Java
The Bird Flu virus has infected a number of chickens and several birds in Yogyakarta . This doesn’t mean you should immediately cancel your plans to travel to the wonderful city!.
Visas for Indonesia
When travelling to Indonesia it is mandatory you have a visa to enter the country. These are obtained in a number of ways.
A Dissatisfied Tourist: Indonesia
From time to time I enjoy reading the letters section in any of the major newspapers and one letter in particular in the Jakarta Post was a good one albeit full of criticism for Indonesia .
Half of Indonesia Bird Flu Endemic
It’s nothing new that Indonesia has suffered losses of human life to Bird flu . For travellers, if you asked your doctor before travelling what was the best precaution, then he would probably…
Leprosy on the Increase: Sampang, Maduara Island
The number of lepers in Sampang district, Madura island in East Java province, is predicted to increase this year following their reluctance to get free medical treatment at local clinics and…
You Are Dumb Travelling Without Insurance
The title speaks for itself. If you can afford to travel, not only to Indonesia but anywhere in the world, then you can afford travel insurance.
Dealing with Dengue Fever: Indonesia
You have heard about dengue fever — demam berdarah (bleeding fever) or “break bone” fever. You probably know people who have had it. You know it is in Jakarta and it is a little dangerous.
Beware Herbal Medicines: Indonesia
I can recall the very first time I tried Jamu , the traditional herbal medicine. It was at Candika’s house and I was offered this bottle of oddly coloured fluid.