Travel Insurance for Indonesia
Indonesia is known for its rich cultural heritage, spectacular scenery, and tropical climate. It’s a popular vacation spot for Brits during the dry season from April to October. If you’re looking to spend your next holiday in paradise, this is the place for you. We’ve compiled all the important information you need to know before embarking on your trip to Indonesia and a few places you might want to visit.
Emergency Contact Information
The general emergency number in Indonesia is 112. This number will put you in touch with all emergency services. Alternatively, you can call 110 to reach the police, call 113 to reach the fire department, and call 118 or 119 for emergency medical and ambulatory services.
If you need consular services or need an emergency travel document, contact the British Embassy in Jakarta or the British Honorary Consulate in Bali. You should always purchase travel insurance before leaving for your trip. Make a note of your travel insurers contact information and keep your policy schedule and your policy wording with you in case you need to make a claim.
Travel Safety Tips
To enter Indonesia, you will need 2 blank pages in your passport and it must be valid for 6 months from the time you enter the country. You may be asked to show your return ticket as proof of onward travel.
You will need to apply for an e-visa online or apply for a 30-day visa when you arrive. If you overstay your visa, you will be fined 1 million rupiah (approximately £50) a day and if you overstay for more than 60 days, you may be detained. Be aware of fake visa agents running visa scams, as these are quite common.
You will need to bring a yellow fever certificate with you, and you should check the TravelHealthPro site for any other vaccinations you may require and health-related information for Indonesia. If you take any medication, check that you are legally allowed to bring it into the country. Make sure you have a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s note with you when you travel.
If you’re staying in private accommodation instead of a hotel, you will need to register your presence at the nearest police station or you will be fined 5 million Indonesian rupiah (approximately £250). Tourists will need to pay a 150,000 Indonesian rupiah levy (approximately £8) to enter Bali either online or upon arrival.
If you wish to drive in Indonesia, your international driving permit (IDP) will need to be endorsed by the Indonesian licensing office in Jakarta. The quality of road safety is low in Indonesia, with motorcyclists being the most likely to be involved in accidents, so travellers should take care when driving.
There are several active volcanoes in Indonesia, and the FCDO advises against travelling near Mount Ruang in Northern Sulawesi, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra, and Mount Semeru in East Java. Travellers should check for volcanic activity updates before leaving for their trip. Earthquakes happen regularly, and there are risks of heavy rain and flooding in the rainy season. Be aware that ash clouds and haze can affect air quality and have a negative effect on your respiratory health, so you may want to bring a mask with you.
The tap water in Indonesia is not safe to drink, so you should only drink bottled water. Do not accept ice in your drinks and use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, and travellers should be respectful of the local customs, especially during Balinese New Year and Ramadan. Aceh province practices Sharia law, and the consumption and possession of alcohol, illegal drug use, gambling, homosexuality, and premarital sex is illegal there.
There are several regions of Indonesia where there is religious and political unrest, including Aceh, Central Sulawesi Province, Maluku Province, and Papua. Travellers should check for any changes and updates before travelling to these areas.
Crimes against tourists are common in Indonesia. Food and drink spiking, sexual assaults, and rapes have been reported by tourists in Bali and Lombok.
Tourists should be careful about where they purchase alcohol because alcohol is generally stronger in Indonesia. Travellers should also be wary of purchasing counterfeit alcoholic drinks contaminated with methanol, which can cause hospitalisation or death. These drinks may look legitimate, and tourists are advised to only drink in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels, and are advised to avoid drinking spirits and drinking from already-opened bottles and cans.
Travellers should only use reputable taxi services that share a driver’s ID and licence plate number. Do not get into cabs on the street, even if they claim to work for a registered taxi company. Bag snatching, pickpocketing, and theft can occur in tourist spots, busy areas, and on public transport. Travellers are advised to avoid walking alone, especially at night.
For more information and updates on health, safety and security, and entry requirements, check out the FCDO travel advice for Indonesia.
Things to See and Do in Indonesia
Indonesia is a great destination for island hopping, discovering ancient monuments, and relaxing at a resort. Here are a few of our favourite places in Indonesia and some ideas of things you might want to do if you choose to visit them.
Jakarta, Java
Jakarta, on the island of Java, is Indonesia's capital city. Many tourists travel here to see Indonesia's Monumen Nasional (National Monument) and to visit the National Museum, the Museum Wayang (Puppet Museum), and the Fatahillah Museum (Jakarta History Museum). Another popular tourist attraction is the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park), a theme park based on Indonesian culture. The park features houses that were built in the style of each province, religious buildings, theatres, museums, gardens, an aquarium, and a play area for children. Jakarta is known for its street food and you can find some of the best shopping on Surabaya Street. The most popular day trip is the boat ride to the Thousand Islands, where you can go scuba diving and snorkelling.
Ubud, Bali
Ubud is one of the most beautiful towns in Indonesia. It's known for its stunning Hindu temples, such as Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati (Taman Kemuda Saraswati Temple), Pura Penataran Sasih (Penataran Sasih Temple), and Pura Tirta Empul (Tirta Empul Temple), as well as the Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave). Art and theatre are a big part of Balinese culture, and you can learn more about it at the Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets and the Agung Rai Museum of Art. If you head to the Bali Culture Center, you may be able to watch a Tek Tok (traditional dance) performance. Many people describe interacting with the long-tailed macaques at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary as one of the highlights of their trip. Take your camera on the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a scenic hiking trail which is just over a mile long, and don’t forget to bring it with you when you visit the Ceking Rice Terrace.
Bengkulu, Sumatra
Bengkulu is home to some of the best beaches in Indonesia, such as Tapak Paderi Beach, Sungai Suci Beach, and Jakat Beach. Panjang Beach is a favourite among tourists and offers great surfing opportunities. There are many interesting things to see here, such as Fort Marlborough, a fort once run by the East India Company; Stamford Raffles Palace, now home to the governor of Bengkulu province; and the former residence of Bung Karno, Indonesia's first president. Durian is native to Sumatra, and the perfect place to try it is Bengkulu, where it is used in many traditional dishes. Many visitors enjoy taking a multiday trip from Bengkulu to the small villages on Enggano Island.
