Indonesia, getting there and around

The two main entry points to Indonesia are Jakarta and Bali . More carriers fly to Jakarta , but Bali , being the country's tourist capital, is also serviced by a great many routes. Jakarta and Denpasar require a departure tax of 100000.00, while other entry points charge 75000.00

If you're crossing borders, there are three land crossings to choose from. One is in Entikong, wedged between Kalimantan and Sarawak . The second is in Motoain, right between West and East Timor . Finally, there is the road from Jayapura or Sentani (Papua) which goes to Vanimo in Papua New Guinea . Make sure that you gather enough visa information before crossing any borders.

Going to Indonesia by sea is also possible from Malaysia and Sumatra . The most favorable ferry is the high-speed one plying the Penang-Medan route, but you may also board from Johor Bahru in Malaysia to Riau Islands . Speedboats from Kalimantan can take you to Sabah , Malaysia . You can also try ferrying from Dumai in Sumatra and Malaka (Malacca).

Getting around

The state of domestic air travel has been fluctuation since the economic crisis of the late '90s, but due to recent developments in budget airlines, more flights have been set domestically. When traveling by air in Indonesia , always check your flight status, as flights tend to get overbooked. Departure tax ranges between 12000.00 to 20000.00.

Driving around is also a good option, as Indonesian roads are well-built. Riding one of the ekonomi buses is a good bet for adventurers, while the more upscale commuters can take the luxury air-con buses. Traveling by train has been restricted to Java and Sumatra , but using this mode of transportation is a huge test in patience. They are quite cheap, but can be quite slow. Buy train tickets the day before you wish to leave to make sure you have a seat.

Other modes of getting around is the bemo, which are pick up trucks with seats along each side; the opelet, or mini buses; bajaj, the local name for auto rickshaws; becak for bicycle or pedaled rickshaws, and the dokar, or horse-drawn carriages. These are all highly affordable, and will give you quite an adventure.