Indonesia. The sleeping giant of Southeast Asia
13:35 Indonesia. The sleeping giant of Southeast Asia | |
 Indonesia markets itself as Wonderful Indonesia, and the slogan is quite true, although not necessarily always in good ways. Indonesia's tropical forests are the second-largest in the world after Brazil, and are being logged and cut down at the same alarming speed. While the rich shop and party in Jakarta and Bali. Upon arrival and disembarking from the plane, you'll immediately notice the sudden rush of warm, wet air. Indonesia is a warm place. It has no spring, summer, fall, or winter, just two seasons: rainy and dry, both of which are relative (it still rains during the dry season, it just rains less). While there is significant regional variation, in most of the country (including Java and Bali) the dry season is April to October, while the wet season is November to March. In the highlands temperatures will naturally be cooler, and there are even snow-covered peaks in Papua, whose mountains can soar above 5000 meters. Bring along a jacket if planning to visit eg. Mount Bromo on Java or Tana Toraja in Sulawesi. All visitors entering Indonesia by way of visa-on-arrival must have a return to point of origin, or onward destination ticket on their person when passing through immigration into the country (E-tickets are acceptable), or be able to present sufficient evidence of the means to obtain one to an Immigration official. This is often checked, and visitors who are unable to fulfill this requirement may be denied entry. More commonly the problem can be solved with a suitable "payment". Transit visas are available form Indonesian embassies and consulates and may be provided at the border under some (limited) circumstances. Often airlines carrying passengers to Indonesia may decline boarding for a departure to an Indonesian entry point if this cannot be provided. Visas on arrival can be issued to nationals of Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and USA for a maximum of 30 days, generally extendable once only for another 30 days at a local immigration office inside Indonesia. Obtaining a visa from an Indonesian embassy or consulate before travelling is also possible and will allow you to go through the immigration channel for visa holders rather than the sometimes congested VOA and Visa waiver channels at the immigration check-points. Pre-issued visas for tourism, social and business visits are normally issued for a period of up to 60 days visit duration. The airports are very comfortable - Juanda (Surabaya, East Java), Adisutjipto (Yogyakarta, Java), Adi Sumarmo (Solo, Central Java), Achmad Yani (Semarang, Central Java), El Tari (Kupang, West Timor), Hang Nadim (Batam, Riau Islands), Hasanuddin (Makassar, South Sulawesi), Husein Sastranegara (Bandung, West Java), Ngurah Rai (Denpasar, Bali), Polonia (Medan, North Sumatra), Sam Ratulangi (Manado, North Sulawesi), Lombok International Airport (Praya-Mataram, Lombok), Raden Intan II (Bandar Lampung, Lampung), Sepinggan (Balikpapan, East Kalimantan), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II (Palembang, South Sumatera), Sultan Syarif Kasim II or Simpang Tiga (Pekanbaru, Riau), Supadio (Pontianak, West Kalimantan) and Minangkabau (Padang, West Sumatera). Country also have a good advantages. Banks and money exchangers are widely available on Java, Bali and Lombok, but can be a major headache anywhere else, so load up with Rupiah before heading off to any outer islands. Money exchangers are very picky about bill condition, and pre-2006 dollars or any imperfect bills or (ripped, wrinkled, stained, or marked in any way) will normally be rejected. Banks will most likely reject any pre-2006 US currency. Counterfeit US dollars are a huge problem in the country and as a result the older your dollars are, the lower the exchange rate. You will get the highest exchange rate for dollars issued in 2006 or later and the exchange rate drops for dollars for currency outside a very narrow range of perceived acceptability. There are even different exchange rates according to the serial number for dollars from 1996. Banks and money exchangers on outer islands are sparse and will charge commissions of 10-20% if you can find them. In the reverse direction, money changers will be happy to turn your dirty Rupiah into spiffy dollars, but the spread is often considerable (10% is not unusual). Be very careful dealing with moneychangers, who are very adept at distracting your attention during the counting process and short-changing you as a result. As a precaution, consider bringing a friend along to watch over the transaction very carefully. Be aware of moneychangers who offer great rates. They will quote you one price, and start counting stacks of Rp.20,000 notes, and ask you to count along with them. This is a ploy to confuse and shortchange you. If they realise you are onto them, they will tell you that they have to subtract 6-8% for "commission" or "taxes". Reputable money changers will have rate boards advertising a rate slightly below the current market rate (or need to look up the current rate first) and not charge any commission. This isn't a guarantee you won't get short changed though. Always count your money carefully and don't change too much at once to avoid confusion over the large number of zeros and minimize the extent to which you can be ripped off. There're a lot of luxury hotels where you can enjoy your free time. Look here ! 1. Viceroy Bali - Ubud Viceroy Bali offers 25 luxurious villas in the highlands of Ubud. At Viceroy Bali all the villas are luxurious with private pools and spectacular views over Petanu River gorge and tropical forests. All villas have luxurious European fittings combined with Balinese architectural features. The decor of each villa is sumptuous, all have marble floors, luxurious furnishings, top quality beds with fine thread count linen, spacious marble bathroom with separate shower, bath, twin vanities, all have air conditioning, ceiling fans, 42' LCD satellite television, DVD player, espresso coffee machine and more. Prices $130-$250. 2. Mandarin Oriental - Jakarta After a multi-million-dollar renovation, Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta has now revealed itself as the most luxurious hotel in the city. 272 spacious rooms and suites, fine new restaurants led by star chefs, the perfect location in the heart of the city's financial and diplomatic district, and our legendary service make this luxury hotel a destination in its own right. Selamat datang kembali. Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta is a tranquil oasis in one of the world's busiest cities. It is perfectly situated for business in the heart of the city's financial and diplomatic district, with superb skyline views. The rooms and suites are spacious. The restaurants and bars, renowned throughout the city. And our attentive, personal service of the legendary standard that distinguishes Mandarin Oriental throughout the world. No wonder the hotel is popular with politicians, correspondents and captains of industry. Prices $150-$420. 3. The Laguna Resort and Spa - Nusa Dua Nestled among the majestic Nusa Dua peninsula on Bali's most beautiful beach, this luxury boutique resort is a dream escape. Crimson flowers, soaring palm trees, lush lagoons, and gardens welcome you into a tranquil haven. Gracious accommodations reflect a relaxed style and world-class comforts, along with caring services that make a guest feel like the only guest. Enjoy in-room check-in, 24-hour butler service, and the amazing Spa Villa with private spa treatments fit for royalty. Tee off at the Nelson-Wright golf course at the nearby Bali Golf & Country Club. Snorkel among the reefs. Or just savor the warmth of the soft sand beaches. Dining choices offer enticing options day and night, including the exotic Mayang Sari, poolside fare, and evening entertainment. Lagoon-access rooms allow guests to step off your balcony into shimmering waters. Discover a harmonious setting for everything from a formal beachfront dinner, to a business retreat, meeting, wedding, or festive theme party. A rare paradise to work and play, the The Laguna Resort and Spa is Bali's finest resort and meeting place. With delectable international cuisine, luxurious spa treatments, and endless ocean views, it's easy to see why the hotel was named to Conde Nast Traveler's 2004 and 2005 Gold Lists. Prices $150-$350.  4. Grand Hyatt - Bali Bali is an island in the South Pacific where dreams come true. Grand Hyatt Bali is the crown jewel of resorts in Nusa Dua, the luxury stretch of magnificent beachfront on the island of Bali, and offers the comfort of a first-class hotel with the relaxing tranquillity of a secluded beach resort. Grand Hyatt Bali is the first choice hotel on this paradise island... whether for meetings, incentives, romantic getaways or honeymoons. It was designed to reflect a Balinese water palace and the hotel features clusters of low-rise buildings and private villas among waterfall-fed pools and landscaped hotel gardens on 40 lush acres. The individually controlled, air-conditioned hotel guest rooms and suites feature interior design that utilizes muted batik fabrics, graceful bamboo and the many native arts and crafts of Bali. All the Grand Hyatt Bali guests in the 659 hotel room accommodation can thrill to the sight of Bali's fiery sunset beaches, palm trees, clouds of butterflies, sensational tropical fruits and exotic flowers - all conveniently right beyond their hotel balcony. With five hotel restaurants to choose from, Grand Hyatt Bali offers a wide range of international cuisine including Balinese dishes at Pasar Senggol, the Balinese night market, and at the Watercourt, poolside Italian dining at Salsa Verde, genuine international specialities from the best of Asia and Europe's myriad of cuisine at the Garden Cafe, and Nampu, the hotel's Japanese restaurant. With state-of-the-art conference, meeting and banqueting facilities, Grand Hyatt Bali's catering department creates events for every special occasion held in Bali, from intimate engagement dinners to music and fireworks celebrations for thousands. Prices $185-$390. 5. Oberoi - Lombok The Oberoi, Lombok with thatched villas and pavilions clustered in tropical gardens along the sparkling sands of Medana Beach looks for all the world like a traditional Indonesian village. But this is a village with a difference. Opened in 1997, The Oberoi Lombok has become a key destination for those seeking luxury and privacy of a new order. Towering palms are reflected in mirror - like pools, panoramic ocean views stretch in every direction. This is the ultimate idyllic paradise island. The interiors of the private villas and pavilions marry every modern comfort and convenience with the simple grace and charm of the local architecture. Every guest apartment is secluded behind its own stone-built garden wall. Fine dining or more casual meals poolside are available throughout the day, always accompanied by Oberoi-style impeccable service-with-a-smile. Couples or honeymooners seeking total privacy can retreat to their own private pool and dining pavilion. Just 45 minutes northwest of Mataram Airport, the resort lies opposite the three Gili Islands, near the village of Tangung. Lombok has direct flights from Singapore with Silk Air. Domestic flights arrive daily from Jakarta and every 40 minutes from Bali. Transfers can be arranged from Mataram and from Lembar Harbour. Prices $160-$340. 6. The Dharmawangsa In modern Jakarta, space and tranquility are the most precious gifts a host can offer. At The Dharmawangsa spaciousness, serenity and sanctuary are hallmarks. Here, the art of gracious living is a blend of subtle sophistication and elegant intimacy, where guests are received as honoured visitors to a private residence. Set amidst the leafy quarters of Jakarta's most fashionable residential area, Kebayoran Baru, the hotel is within easy reach of the Central Business District and just minutes from the well-known entertainment area, Kemang. A unique, 100-room, ultra luxury, five-star boutique hotel, built as an exclusive, private Indonesian mansion with a distinct residential feel. Inspired by King Dharmawangsa from the 11th-century Majapahit kingdom, the interior design is a tribute to the grace and beauty of Indonesia's culture and heritage. Prices $190-$350. 7. Ubud Hanging Gardens A haven of peace and tranquility set in the heart of the tropical paradise of Bali. With thirty-eight luxury villas, each with a heated private infinity plunge pool overlooking the Ayung river, feel your stress ebb away as you relax into your private sanctuary, with sensational views of the surrounding verdant gardens of this tropical resort. Ubud Hanging Gardens offers you a tropical paradise experience never to be forgotten. Set in the steep rice terraces of Ubud with sweeping views across the Ayung River, each luxury Balinese style private villa provides the perfect location to escape, relax and unwind. The grand gardens conceived by the landscape architect William Warren together with John Pettigrew are unique. Nature is a spectacle here with exotic trees and essences of the tropics including cocoa, coffee, durian and a variety of bamboos, flame trees and orchids creating a symbiosis of tropical life. Prices $190-$310. | |
| Tags: | |
