Indonesia Nusantara: Preparation to go to Indonesia

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DON'T LET YOUR TRAVEL BE UNPLEASANT BECAUSE SILLY MISTAKES!

Preparation will give you the best experience when you are in Indonesia. It is very common that people come to Indonesia and things go unexpected. Yes, Media tells you the beauty, but you will never experience the journey as beautiful as in the television! Some people hate preparation, then they simply go to Bali, scuba diving to Bunaken or simpy go to big cities like Bandung and Jakarta.

But do you know that Belitung Island is beautiful too (and cleaner, cheaper than Bali since it is less famous)? Or you may go to Sulawesi to see the ancient tradition of Toraja? They are great, but indeed, they need extra preparation!

So here are some tips before you go to Indonesia!

1. Set Your Goal Right

First, look at your budget. How much is your budget? Then see which destination you would like to go. In which islands is your destination? There are thousands of island in Indonesia. If you would like go to Bali on the first day, then the third day you dive in Bunaken , the sixth day you go to Raja Ampat, you will spent more time in the trips than in your destination. Also the prices are shocking, since that makes you go to ”the most famous places in Indonesia that dreamed even by the Indonesian people” all in about 1-2 weeks. You will also need too many local flights from an island to another.

It is also important to set the right schedule if you are going to see special traditional events.

Seek on Internet the tour packages; they often give you the favorite destinations in one province/area, so you won’t miss the favorite destination around you! And for your info, I usually only need about half the internet price when I arrange myself the trip based on Internet itinerary. So if you can find a rental car, hotel, and make your own itinerary, that will save you quite a lot of money. But if budget is not your problem, go ahead! Maybe you only want to be in Indonesia once, don’t miss the best!

2. Learn Some Local Words

Indonesia have a diverse language. It is always enough to remember “apa kabar?” (how are you?), “terima kasih” (thank you) or “permisi” (excuse me), But maybe you can get extra discount if you use local words to ask more discount. A phrase of “please give me more discounts” would help. It is like “punten, diskon lagi atuh” in Jawa Barat (Sundanese), “Diskon lah Amang (if the seller is a man)/ Diskon lah Inang (if the seller is woman)” in North Sumatera (Bataknese) etc. See on internet what the local tribe is, and find the words for “please give me more discounts”.

But simply ask in Indonesian language ”Minta diskon lagi dong” would makes them happy.

3. Food and beverage supplies

Hungry can be your big problem. In big city, your problem is the traffic. In rural area, your problem is you can’t find food stall easily. Bring healthy snacks and mineral water. A healthy snack of fruit such as bananas and apples, or cheese sandwiches would be needed. If you can, bring your own packed lunch, so do not bother looking for food in a crowd. Moreover, prices tend to be more expensive when you buy at a tourist spot.

4. In your Backpack

Bring other supplies. You must bring small towel and a change of clothes for your child. If necessary, you can also bring a change of clothes for yourself. Choose cotton materials that absorb sweat. When planning to visit tourist attractions like water sport or the beach, swimsuit becomes mandatory that need to be taken. Prepare gadget. Prepare electronic equipment such as cameras and mobile phones. Make sure all the equipment is already fully charged battery before you depart. It's good to carry a spare battery. Also, prepare your umbrella. The choice is always whether the day will be sunny, cloudy, or rainy. Unfortunately the weather forecast is undependable. So prepare for the worst.

5. Indonesia is Crowded

Mind the public holiday in Indonesia. A trip from Jakarta to Bandung is about 3 hours, but it may takes about 7-8 hours in holiday! Determine the meeting point at the tourist spot. Immediately set point to meet each other when someone is lost. For example, a security post near the gate or other strategic points. Remember to take a photo of your child when leaving and after change clothes. If you are separated from your child, then you have a recent photo of your child to facilitate the search for the child

6. For your own safety, do not look stupid!

A reminder from my tour guide when I went to Bali, sometimes the money changer give you higher rate, then when you give your dollar, maybe 200 dollars to them, they will give you back rupiahs, count it in front of you, then take one or two sheets from your money! You may speculate that all they had done is already procedural, maybe you will say it is the tradition in Indonesia, count it as tips, or it is a small money, so no problem. NO! It is illegal. Everything you find suspicious, you should ask! They will argue you. Take out your phone and make the video, and let the police decide is it right or not. If it is procedural they might be okay with that.

Beware of pickpocket. Don’t put your money in one place. Spread your money in your purse and your spouse, your child's bag, wallet, and supplies .Make sure your wallet is not thick of unimportant cards or paper. Pickpockets also have target references. They know Asian people will bring a lot of cash, and western often use card. So don’t bring too much cash for Asian! But Asian is more watchful with their belonging, so the pickpocket will target Western belongings.

Also beware of scammers. Any issues from around you, whether the place is closed, it is about 10 km ahead so you should take motorbike, The price is too high you better follow them, etc, etc, should be ignored until you see the real sign in the entrance. They will lead you to their expensive motorbike ride, or other unworthy expensive places (they are paid to lead you to those places). Learn the common scammers you will find around the tourist spot.

That’s all for now. Have a nice trip!

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