Kal Muller says in his books, Underwater Indonesia, "Indonesia is the least known of the world's best dive locations." By all accounts, he's right. The waters are extremely clear and not overly-populated by divers. It has one of the denest and most diverse marine environments in the world. Since the diving industry is relatively new, exploration for new sites, continues, promising more opportunities to divers.
ANNUAL DIVING CONDITION
| |
DEC-FEB |
MAR-MAY |
JUN-AUG |
SEP-NOV |
| INDONESIA: (Bali) |
| Water Temperature |
23 - 27 C |
24 - 28 C |
22 - 26 C |
24 - 28 C |
| Visibility |
20 - 30 M |
22 - 30 M |
25 - 35 M |
24 - 35 M |
| Air Temperature |
24 - 30 C |
24 - 32 C |
22 - 30 C |
24 - 32 C |
| Weather |
humid |
calm |
windy |
calm |
| Season |
rain |
some rain |
dry |
some rain |
CLIMATE Indonesia's tropical climate means that temperatures rarely drop below 20°C (68°F), and tend to remain above 30°C (86°F) all year round. However, due to the large number of islands and mountains in the country, some area can be quite cold below 20°c (highlands). Humidity levels are around 70% - 90% all year round; the best time to visit a particular area will usually be determined by the local rainfall patterns.
The dry season is from June to September, whereas the rainy season is between Decembers to March. However, Maluku and Bali area are slightly different, the rainy seasons is from June to September and the dry seasons is from December to March. | HEALTH most suitable policy for your needs; some only pay out once your claim has been verified, while others will pay your bills immediately, or even fly you home. Some credit card companies' offer travel insurance if you use your card to pay for your airfare. No particular vaccinations required entering Indonesia. Common disease such as travelers' diarrhea can be avoided by consuming fully cooked food or water. Generally tap water is not drinkable, unless stated otherwise.
Protecting yourself against mosquito bites or taking prescription anti malarial drug can prevent malaria risk in this region.
SAFETY Certain part of Indonesia is rather volatile. Try to avoid, Aceh, Jakarta, and West Kalimantan. However, if you are traveling to popular tourist's destination, it is relatively safe. It is, however, always advisable to take reasonable precautions. Be cautious to petty thefts. Do not leave valuables unattended in hotel rooms; most hotels and banks offer safe deposit boxes for this purpose. Similarly, do not leave valuables unattended while on the beach. A padlock is a useful thing to bring with you as it can be used to secure your luggage while using public transport, and to secure hotel room doors and lockers. A money belt that can be worn under your clothing will ensure that your credit cards, traveler's checks and cash remain hidden and safe. The emergency number for the police is 999.
VISA AND PASSPORT All visitors to Indonesia need a valid passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Visa are not needed for nationals from most countries with the maximum stay of 60 day visa.
Extensions are possible at all immigration offices. Nationals from Israeli and Portugal are prohibited from entering Indonesia.
CUSTOMS Duty free allowances include: 1 liter of alcohol or wine; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco. Souvenirs and gifts at a reasonable quantity. Prohibited Items such as TV sets, radios, narcotics, arm, movie film, and Chinese medicines and printings are not permitted. Drugs are banned, a note from your doctor is required if you need to bring along your medication.
CURRENCY The Indonesian unit of currency is the Rupiah (IDR). The exhange rate: 1 USD = IDR 10,000. Due to Asia Financial Crisis, the exchange rate is fluctuated. Always check the latest exchange before you depart. Notes come in the following denominations: 50,000; 20,000; 10,000; 5,000; 1,000; 500, 100, while coins available in: 100,50,25.
TIME There are three time zones: Sumatra, Java and West & Central Kalimantan are seven hours ahead of GMT; Bali, Nusa Tenggara, South & East Kalimantan and Sulawesi are eight hours ahead of GMT; and Irian Jaya and Maluku are nine hours ahead of GMT. |
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