Page 23 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

— Indonesia —

Entry requirements hot springs and the large lake of Danau Lindu. Seawalking
All visitors need a valid passport/travel document with is a new and popular activity that allows anyone to walk at a
minimum validity of six months beyond the period of depth of three metres along the ocean floor without carrying
intended stay. Free visa entry on arrival for 30 days is now heavy oxygen tanks. The Sea Walker helmets permit close
available for Australians. observation of the myriad fish and sea life Indonesia offers.
Activities Shopping
Beach resorts offer sailing, surfing, scuba diving and While Indonesian cities have air-conditioned shopping
windsurfing. Many areas are legendary for good diving, centres, supermarkets and department stores with fixed
snorkelling and surfing. Of the 60-plus golf courses in prices, bargaining is customary in smaller shops and
Indonesia, Bali offers three of international standard, particularly in the markets. The wax-and-dye art of batik
including the Greg Norman-designed Bali Nirwana Golf is one of the country’s best-known crafts, and silverwork,
Course. wayang puppets and leatherwork are all found in Java.
Woodcarvings, leather goods, paintings, clothing, bone work,
The more adventurous climber can tackle Mt Bromo in Java
or Mt Agung in Bali for a day climb, or try more strenuous bronze castings and stone statues are all available in Bali.
climbs such as Gunung Rinjani, the volcano that dominates Beautiful furniture and homewares are for sale or made to
Lombok. Traditional spectator sports include bull races, order in Kuta, and from a number of warehouses between
bull fights, rowing and unique ram fights, all held during Seminyak and Ubud. Sumba blankets, the song-kets of
festivals. Sumatra, the silks of South Sulawesi and the jumpuntan (tie-
dyed) items of Palembang can all be found in Jakarta.
Silat, a martial art, is regularly performed as a dance or an
exercise and is similar to karate. Camp Leaky, in the jungles Climate
of Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan, is the site It is hot throughout the year with daily temperatures from
of Dr Birute Galdikas’ study of wild orangutans and is the 26°C to 33°C with the wet season from October to April.
longest continual study by one principal investigator of any Wear informal, light cotton clothing. In the highlands a
wild animal, enabling visitors to witness the rehabilitation of sweater may be required. Discreet clothing should be worn
these amazing primates. at festivals, ceremonies and villages. A sarong or sash may be
required for temple visits.
On the island of Sulawesi is the impressive Lore Lindu
National Park, home to over 200 species of bird, the cuscus, Currency
tarsiers, anoa (a rare dwarf buffalo) and babirusa (an animal The rupiah is the currency unit of Indonesia. Most major
resembling both a pig and a hippopotamus). The park has foreign currencies can be easily changed in city banks,
been largely untouched by tourism and offers many different bureaux de change and large hotels. Credit cards are accepted
treks. Within the park are ancient stone megaliths, waterfalls, in major hotels and restaurants.

– 21 – www.paradises.com