Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world with incredible and diverse beauty between Australia and Asia Mainland. As a tropical country with lush and green vegetation, it has the most beautiful panoramic of mountains, jungle, sea and lake. This most complex single nation on earth has customs, architecture, ethnology, dialect, and geography all its own.  Divided into 33 provinces and special territories, Indonesia is symbolized in the state motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika“ which means “Unity in Diversity“. In wayang puppets, unearthly gamelan music, exquisite textiles, matchless and varied cuisines, hundreds of tribes. Ancient ruins and historic sites, wild life and nature reserves and friendly people make Indonesia one of Asia’s fast travel discoveries.

CUSTOMS Customs allow on entry a maximum of one litter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars, and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. They must be declared to Customs. Prohibited are firearms, narcotics, drugs, pornography, Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers and cordless telephone. Films, video tape and laser disc must be screened by censor board. There is no restriction on import or export of foreign currencies and traveler cheques, however the export of Indonesian currency exceeding Rp. 5 million is prohibited.

FOOD The Indonesian staple food is rice – steamed, boiled of fried. Some accompanying dishes can be pepper hot, big red pepper or spicy ones, so it is advisable to ask before ordering. There are many restaurants specializing in European, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine. A variety of beverages are available everywhere keep to bottled drink if doubtful of water served in restaurants.

MANNERS Indonesia is very polite people. Handshaking is customary both for men and women on introduction and greeting and smiling is a national characteristic. If use of the left hand to give or receive is taboo, also crooking your finger to call someone is considered impolite. Pork forbidden for the Moslem and Beef for the Balinese Hindu but they are available at many restaurants.