Indonesia
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and the most populous Muslim-majority country. It is made up of approximately 17,000 islands in Southeast Asia and consists of many distinct ethnic and linguistic groups that remain united by a shared Indonesian identity.
HEALTH NOTE: Avoid drinking the water in Indonesia! There is often bacteria in the water in Southeast Asia that can make stomachs that aren’t used to it very upset. What to do to avoid getting sick:
- Fill your water bottle with filtered water, not tap water (always available in hostels)
- If you are served ice with holes in the middle, it is safe to drink – avoid drinking water with ice that doesn’t have holes
- Brush your teeth with filtered water
- Do not drink your shower water
- Be careful with purchasing salads, fresh fruits, or vegetables – they may have been washed in unfiltered water, so either stick to things with peels or rewash them in filtered water.
BALI BELLY: Bali Belly is the infamous sickness that can come from the water or food in Indonesia, specifically on the island of Bali. Symptoms of Bali Belly include diarrhea, stomach cramps/pains, fatigue, and even vomiting.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET BALI BELLY: You can stick it out and wait until you leave Indonesia to fully recover, but I recommend going to a local medical center. For about $90 USD you can get an IV infused with antibiotics and vitamins and you will be feeling back to normal within 12-48 hours!
What to Expect
Language: Indonesian
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Electric Outlet: Type C or F
Banking: Mostly cash – ATMs available in cities
Transportation
Transportation in Indonesia is surprisingly easy, however, it can feel confusing at times. Below are some of the best ways to get around:
Taxis – These are the same as anywhere. Bluebird taxi is considered the most trustworthy and cheapest company but taxis are never really my go to.
Shuttles – Most hotels and hostels will book shuttles or private cars for you to get to your next destination.
Grab or GoJek – Get these apps on your phone before arriving in Indonesia. Similar to Uber, they will be much cheaper and more convenient than a taxi.
Motor Bikes – Motor bike rentals are everywhere and they are cheap. Only $5-8 USD for an entire day. The traffic can be bad, though, so be sure you are confident in your motor biking skills!
Fastboats or Ferries – Book fast boats with your hotel or hostel to get between different islands of Indonesia quickly. Ferries are slower and go between major island ports.
Cost
Indonesia is a pretty cheap country to visit. I budgeted about 400,000 Rupiah per day (equal to about $30 USD) not including accommodation. If you are staying in hostels, anticipate paying about $6-15 USD per night. Many transactions will be made with cash, so be sure to take out plenty whenever you find an ATM.
When to Visit
Indonesia sits on the equator so the temperature is relatively stable, maintaining a warm climate all year round.
There are two seasons: Wet Season (Nov-Apr) and Dry Season (May-Oct). Some areas of Indonesia see a large difference in rainfall during these seasons while other areas see very little change.
Monsoons and typhoons are fairly common occurrences as well, so be sure to double check any weather projections for the time you will be traveling.
Sylvia's Gap Year 