The summer season necessitates traveling to an exotic location you’ve never been to. You might find lots of recommendations coming from friends and even travel blogs. For sure, many of these have to mention Indonesia at some point. The country, situated at the deeper part of Southeast Asia, is known for its tranquil beaches coupled with lots of things to do even for experienced travelers.
With this in mind, imagine what the experience would be when you’re setting up travel plans to Indonesia. You wouldn’t want to visit unprepared, and considering it’s your first time traveling to the country, it pays to know what to do, what to expect, and what to avoid before finalizing your itinerary. This guide should lay down the basics of traveling to Indonesia on your first try. For sure, it will make for an unforgettable experience you would want to relive!
1. Learn about visa requirements
For the most part, Indonesia issues visas upon arrival with a maximum stay of 30 days. You can extend this for another 30 days in case you feel as though the initial duration wasn’t enough to savor the best parts of the country. Alternatively, you can opt for a B211A visa if you think you would spend more than 60 days in the country.
On the other hand, you can enter the country visa-free if you belong to a list of Southeast Asian countries subject to the Visa Exemption Arrangement. This type of visa, however, is not subject to renewal and can only be used for tourism purposes only.
2. Mark a list of destinations
Places like Bali and Island are often found in every list of top locations. Then again, it’s better if you go beyond these places and seek out destinations that are often underappreciated. To get a more in-depth experience with ancient Javanese culture, pay a visit to Jogja where you will find antiquated temples and bathhouses. If you want to experience the Indonesian nightlife outside of Jakarta, places like Kuta and Canggu are often listed among the world’s best party places!
3. Get a reliable guide
Every country has its fair share of bad apples and Indonesia is no exception. There’s always a good chance you will meet scammers out to cheat unknowing foreigners, but the country is generally safe. But in case you wouldn’t take any chances, consider working with a reliable agency that will provide you with a private guide. It will cost you a lot, but at least you have someone who can ensure your safety plus bring you to other amazing destinations!
4. Book your travel during off-seasons
Tourism in the country is bustling from the earlier part of June and the latter part of September since it’s the summer season in the West. Unless you have no problem booking a flight and hotel room in the Fall, you can take advantage of cheaper prices and less crowding when tourism activity dies down. You might not be able to get the best beach experience at this time of the year, so your best bet is to plan earlier at the start of the year.
Endnote
Indonesia is a beautiful country first-timers shouldn’t dare to overlook. It can be a hassle to arrange a trip, but by following the guide above, you can make the most of the experience and (perhaps) plan another journey the year after.
