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INDONESIA
Avoiding Drink Poisoning in Indonesia
What Is the Climate Like in Indonesia?
How Safe Is Indonesia?
What Should I Pack for Indonesia?
Canadian Embassy in Indonesia
Entry and Exit Requirements for Indonesia
More than 13,000 islands make up the Indonesian archipelago. It’s likely you’ve heard of the most famous of them: Java, Bali, and Lombok.
The first, Java, is the most populated island in the world, with more than 140 million people calling the landmass home. The island is where you can find Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city. Visitors to Central Java should stop at Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. The site itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination. The foreboding Mount Bromo makes for an excellent hike and offers a place to watch the sunrise over an otherworldly backdrop.
Made famous by the book Eat, Pray, Love, Bali is the ultimate tropical travel destination. The mental image of small villas nestled in palms and next to eternity pools is certainly not far from the truth, and Bali fulfills expectations for travellers visiting on any size of budget. Known for its distinctive island culture and cuisine, Bali has been voted one of the best islands in the world.
Near to Bali is Lombok Island. Less popular with travellers than its neighbour, Lombok is a stellar place to try your hand (and feet) at hiking a volcano. The famous Mount Rinjani is known for its crater lake, and the volcano is one of the most active in the world. Travellers can also walk through Lombok’s rice and tobacco fields if they’re in search of something a little less intense.
Of course, what would an archipelago be without beaches? The islands mentioned above and many more are rimmed with white sandy paradise. With each island offering a diverse experience, Indonesia will feel like a handful of countries in one.
Do I Need Vaccines for Indonesia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Indonesia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for Indonesia: typhoid, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and influenza.
| Vaccine | How Disease Spreads |
|---|---|
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Cholera | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito-borne |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors |
Travellers face a moderate risk of contracting malaria in Indonesia, especially when visiting the eastern provinces. Rural areas are most at risk. There is no malaria in cities such as Jakarta and Ubud or the popular tourists areas of Bali and Java. Precautions to prevent insect bites should be taken.
There are inadequate medical facilities in most of Indonesia, and travellers are often evacuated to Australia or Singapore. Ensure your travel health insurance plan covers out-of-country evacuation.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit the detailed Passport Health specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist by calling or book online now.
Avoiding Drink Poisoning in Indonesia
Travellers should be wary of drinking too much or drinking spiked beverages while in Indonesia. High import taxes on booze have made it tempting for bars to switch out alcohol with home brews that can be poisonous.
Alcoholic beverages have been found to contain methanol or other poisonous substances. This has caused serious health concerns in Canadian travellers visiting Bali, Lombok, Java, and Sumatra. Only drink at reputable bars and observe when your drink is being mixed, if possible. The symptoms of methanol poisoning are similar to tipsiness, and can include nausea and dizziness. Monitor yourself and your friends and find medical attention if concerns arise.
What Is the Climate Like in Indonesia?
Here’s what to expect in a few key destinations in Indonesia:
- Jakarta– Jakarta experiences a wet and dry season. Despite the change in precipitation, the temperature in the capital city remains similar throughout the year, with a daily average of 28º Celsius. Days are usually quite humid.
- Bali– The climate in Bali is also consistent throughout the year due to its location proximity to the equator. Daily temperatures can fluctuate between the 20º Celsius to 30º Celsius range and the rainiest months are December to March. Humidity drops substantially during the dry season.
- Central Java– This province in central Indonesia is a bit cooler than Bali, with daily averages between 18º Celsius and 28º Celsius. Mountainous territory including Mount Merbabu experiences lower temperatures due to elevation.
Monsoon season in Indonesia runs from November to March.
How Safe Is Indonesia?
The Government of Canada recommends travellers exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Indonesia, especially Papua province where there has been an increase in violent crime. Travel is not recommended to the region, and permits are required for those who do wish to travel there. Terrorist attacks targeting foreigners may be a risk in Aceh, Bali, and Lombok. Be respectful of local religious customs and stay continuously updated with local news reports. More regional warnings can be found on the Government of Canada’s travel advice and advisories page for Indonesia.
Armed robberies do occur in Indonesia, especially in large cities and tourist areas such as Bali and Lombok. Foreigners have been targeted, and travellers should mitigate their risk by carrying minimal items of value and not walking alone at night. Also be wary of petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching.
Be aware of methanol drink spiking and don’t accept food or other drinks from strangers. In the past, travellers have been drugged through these methods.
Gambling is illegal in Indonesia, and drug possession is seriously frowned on, especially for travellers. Drug offenses can result in severe penalties. Officials sometimes conduct random drug tests on travellers who may appear intoxicated.
Credit and debit card fraud is common in Indonesia and travellers should be careful where they’re using their card. Pay using cash when eating or staying in a non-reputable location. Ensure any photocopies of your credit card or any record taken by a hotel is destroyed before departure.
What Should I Pack for Indonesia?
Here are a few essentials you should bring to Indonesia:
- Proof of a return or onward plane ticket– Immigration may request to see proof that you plan to return to Canada or continue your trip outside of Indonesia. Carry a print out of your flight itinerary in case it is requested by officials.
- Imodium or other diarrhea medication– Have you heard the term “Bali Belly” before? Travellers are unfortunately often struck with stomach issues when in Indonesia. Having proper medication will ensure you feel better fast.
- Rain jacket– Rainy season in Indonesia lasts from November to March, and can cause monsoon conditions.
- Hand sanitizer– An important item for most travels, carrying hand sanitizer is especially important in areas where there may not be access to clean running water.
- Electrolyte sachets– Electrolyte powder that you can dissolve into a water bottle will be great to have on hand in case rehydration is needed after traveller’s diarrhea or after a long day in the sun.
Canadian Embassy in Indonesia
All Canadians visiting Indonesia should register online with the Embassy of Canada to Indonesia before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach you in the case of an emergency or evacuation. If you plan to purchase a local SIM card you can also enter your phone number to receive SMS updates from the office.
Embassy of Canada to Indonesia
World Trade Centre I, 6th Floor
Jalan Jend. Sudirman Kav. 29-31
Jakarta 12920
Telephone: +62 (21) 2550 7800
Fax: +62 (21) 2550 7811
JKRTA.Consular@international.gc.ca
Hours of Operation (consular section)
Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 12:00
Visit the Embassy of Canada to Indonesia website prior to your departure to confirm correct contact details for the Canadian Embassy in Indonesia.
The Government of Canada also operates a 24 hour Emergency Operations Centre. The collect call number to reach the centre while abroad is +1-613-996-8885.
Entry and Exit Requirements for Indonesia
Canadian travellers do not need a tourist visa if planning to stay in Indonesia for less than 30 days. If this is the case, travellers can receive a visa on arrival, so long as they provide proof of a return or onward ticket. Canadians will also need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Indonesia. At least one page must be blank to receive the visa. Visa extensions are available, and round trip airline tickets are always required.
There is a departure fee to leave Indonesia or travel by air within the country. This fee must be paid in cash. Some airlines include the departure fee in the ticket price, but this should be confirmed pre-travel. The price of this fee changes based on your airport of travel. This map is a good illustration of all applicable fees, though these can change with short notice.
If you have any questions about travelling to Indonesia or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or booking online now.
