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Indonesia is a country of 13,000 islands stretching 3000 miles
from Asia to the Pacific with a population of 175 million
its the world’s largest Moslem nation and also big communities
of Hindus, Animists and Christians. It is one of the most
culturally diverse regions in the world. With 300 ethnic groups
there are as many languages as there are days in the year.
Bali is the most famous and popular of the Indonesian
islands. Many tourists are content to never venture further,
but those who do discover an ecology and wildlife which stuns
even the most seasoned traveller. Its a magical land of unexplored
rain forests, endless beaches, misty volcanos and a range
of wildlife and dazzling species.
The islands have been the site of many religious conflicts,
between buddhists, Hindu and muslim ,and now Bali is the retreat
for Hindus whilst the rest of the islands are in the main
of Muslim faith.
Language
The national language is Bahasa Indonesia, but English and
Dutch are widely spoken.
Cash
In Indonesia you can live for only a few dollars a day. You
don’t need to spend much more.
The Indonesian economy collapsed in 1997 causing massive poverty,
job losses and an economic crisis, but is currently more stable.
The unit of currency is the Rupiah (Rp).
Approximate conversion is:
£1 UK = 13,000 Rp
US $1 = 8000 Rp
1 Euro = 7000 Rp.
For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Climate
Indonesia has two seasons - the dry season (June to October)
and the rainy season from November to March, both of which
are hot, but cooler in the costal regions. In preference,
travel in the dry season is advised, but the rainy season
is far from treacherous. As it’s on the equator, the
climate is fairly tempered and always hot and humid in the
day and pleasantly warm at night.To cope with the heat you
can have an Indonesian bath or mandis, this involves
a lot of water and a very small bucket!
Dress
Although Indonesia is a Muslim country, it is not too strict
for dress, although head scarves and cover-all dresses have
become popular in recent years. Women can get a lot of sexual
hassle from local men trying their luck, so its advisable
to say you’re attached or married or wear a wedding ring.
Accomodation
There are cheap hotels throughout Indonesia called losmen,
but for just a few dollars a night you can find some spectacular
locations.
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