A few questions about Indonesia

I will be in Indonesia for 7 days (tecnically 5 with the way the flights are scheduled) and have a few questions.


Please keep in mind I will be traveling in Indonesia by myself, and I am female.


I heard one needs a visa to enter which can be obtained at the airport, in order to avoid inconvenience, potential for bribes is it possible to get the visa in HK. Do you recommend this?


As I'm only spending 2 days in Jakarta, I want to make the most of my time. Will arrive at 2:00 pm on the first day so will do some limited sightseeing in jakarta and on the next day want to go to 2 locations outside Jakarta (both less that 2 hours away from Jakarta). I'm apprehensive about taking bus or train for several reasons and wonder if the cost is reasonable to hire a car and driver to take me to these places. Or, is a tour a better alternative? I want to make the most of my time...


After Jakarta was thinking about going to Jayakarta, it sounds very nice in the guide. Has anyone been there, is it worth it to go there or shall I just take flight direct to Bali?


As for Bali, I don't know how to swim, not interested in diving and would get bored spending time just laying on the sand. Am more interested in culture and history and nature. Could you recommend where to go in Bali? Ubud, perhaps?


Thanks so much for your help! And, if anyone is going to be in Indonesia from 10/4-17/4 message me and perhaps we can get together or travel together if we have similar interests in where we want to go :)

you can get visa here in HK, however, its a long process: go to Consulate,Leighton Hill, fill out forms, photo's ect, then go pay at bank opposite, as they no longer take cash. Approx 4/5 days to get. or alternatively, VOA. Which is visa on arrival, depending on your length of stay, max 30 days, which is actually valid for only 29, will cost US$25.00 or US$15.00 if less than 7 days.

Don't pay with your credit card, pay in Ruphia, or US$, Ruphia can be ordered at HSBC Central Branch in advance or at HK Airport American Express change office.



The amounts to pay are clearly listed at the VOA office. which is located at the terminal, on your way to immigration, you must get VOA before attempting to pass immigration.

Traveling within Jakarta is a nightmare with heavy traffic, going nowhere, am serious about that.. its chaos, and don't even think of getting around by foot, as there are very few clear safe sidewalks. I would have your hotel arrange a car for airport pick up, and then you know its safe. again for your trips outside Jakarta take hotel driver. Its safe to be with a driver, but again, be cautious, take down the licence plate number, and driver name. Blue Bird taxi are safest, and drivers good/some with good English skills.


For trip outside Java/ Indonesia, you could look at yogyakarta, short flight there, and explore the UNESCO, Bororbodor Temple, truly magnificent, ancient Buddhist Temple, will take at least 4/5 hours to see, one of Asia's World wonders, its a university city, so lots of inexpensive places to stay.


Bali.. lots of choice, from beach to National Park, Ubud.. Garuda Indonesia runs several flights per day, around and 1hr plus flight. Jakarta is one hour behind HK, Bali, same time as HK. Ubud, is located about a 1 hour drive from airport in Bali/Denpasar, again lots of inexepensive places to stay, its nestled in deep valley, lots of hills and rice fields, and the Ayung river, with Mount Agung close by. Depending on you, you can white water river raft, you can quad bike up there, or regular bikes, touring thru small local villages.

Elephant/Animal park, Monkey Forest..... or stroll around the town. Many art galleries, and on the drive up there you can pass thru villages, selling handmade silver, wood carving ect. The area of Sayan is very nice, quiet and very green, the Four Season's is located up there, tremendous views over the river as are some of the larger Hotel's. Some fabulous Spa's as well, and in comparison to HK very inexpensive, of course F. Seasons is wonderful, but expensive. Google Spa's and see what comes up. Some excellent restaurants, Casa Luna, Bebek Becil, to Chris Salan's place, which sadly, I have drawn a complete blank on the name :(

Just enjoy your time in Indonesia...

Good Luck