We visited Indonesia in May 1997 (Java, Bali and Gili) we liked it so much we decided to go back in May 1998 (Sulawesi and Flores). Steven Buvens updated and expanded the Java site after his visit in 8/2000...

read more

Comments [0]

A visa is readily given at the border. There are however 2 important remarks: Make sure your passport is valid for more then 6 months, because I read several reports of people being sent back to Singapore, even in Denpasar f.i., because their passport expired within 6 months.The visa is valid for 2 months. If you overstay your visa, you can be pretty sure to get fined. Don't think you can get away with it, even at remote borders in Kalimantan. Price for overstaying your visa is 25.000 RP per day (12/98).

read more

Comments [0]

You can find excellent value for money in Java and Bali. Our experience was that the more touristic a place, the better the quality offered (maybe with the exception of Mt. Bromo). For about 20 to 30 US$, you can easily find a good middle class hotel in most places. This price includes a double room with shower, hot water, breakfast and swimming pool.

read more

Comments [0]

We spent a bit less then 2 weeks in Java. One thing we did underestimate were the long distances. However, Java hosts some sights which you shouldn't miss like: Prambanan temple, Borobudur temple, Mount Bromo

read more

Comments [0]

There are several touts offering you hotels. It can be a good deal but bargaining is essential. Koen managed to book a room at the Jayakarta Hotel for 60 US$ instead of the normal price 125 US$ (5/97). Nowadays, price should be much less though (2/99).

read more

Comments [0]

Cianjur city, situated between Bogor and Bandung, is off the beaten path. Not mentionned by guide books and completely tourist free. It?s a chance to drown you into Indonesian life as it is. It?s an alternative for Bogor.Getting there and awayFrom Jakarta : Go to bus stop, right in front of Hard Rock cafe near Jl. Jaksa,take air-conditioning bus to KAMPUMG RAMBUTAN,the fare is around Rp 3000 (3 thousand rupiahs),from kampung rambutan take Bandung bus, tell the driver to get you off in Cianjur,the fare for AC bus is Rp 15.000 and for economic bus is Rp 5000.

read more

Comments [1]

Koen stayed at Delta Gecko Lodge owned by Christina, an Australian-German woman. The "lodge" is about 4 km to the west of Pangandaran, so you have to take a becak and they will charge you 5000 Rp + they get a huge commission from Christina, that's why she wants you to stay at least 2 nights.The accomodation is basic with huts starting from 10.000 Rp going up to 40.000 Rp for the biggest ones. Since recently, they have some electricity. At night the place is lightened with candles. Huts have cold water. The beach is across the road. PS: apparently there is now electricity available from 6 till 11 pm.At the lodge you can rent motorbikes quite cheaply so you can visit town.

read more

Comments [0]

etting there and awayPlaneThe airport Adisucipto lies along the way to Prambanan, 10 km out of Yogya.A taxi to the Yogya?s city centre costs about 11.000 Rp (8/2000).Indicative prices (8/2000) for flights to : Jakarta (456.800 Rp)Denpasar (426.000 Rp)Surabaya (241.200 Rp)Bandung (268.700 Rp)Ujung Pandang (883.900 Rp)Mataram (529.700 Rp)TrainWhen you arrive at the trainstation (probably coming from Bandung) you can choose between a taxi or a becak. A ride to the citycenter will cost 5000 Rp for both (8/2000).Becak-drivers will start at the price of 10.000 Rp, ignore this of course.The best option is still the taxi. (fast, AC and no exhausted fume)BusMost popular way is to take a tour bus which takes you to Bromo, and onwards to Bali.

read more

Comments [2]

From Prambanan Koen went by car to Borobudur which is a trip of about 1 hour. This whole trip by rented car with driver (Yogya - Boko - Prambanan - Borobudur) costed 50.000 Rp (5/97), a more recent report quoted 80.000 Rp (7/98). You could also do a motorbike trip with the Via via cafe.

read more

Comments [2]

Getting from Borobudur to Dieng by public transport is a long trip. You could try to hitch with a tour group combining Borobudur and Dieng in 1 day if you catch them at the parking lot, but they leave at 8.30 am. By public transport, first take a bus to Magelang, then on to Wonosobo and then further to Dieng. In Wonosobo, you'll have to change busstations. You could do it by foot, but the road is pretty steep, or you could hire a horsecarriage. You can also do a tour Borobudur-Dieng in 1 day, either by tour, either by hiring your own taxi or minibus.

read more

Comments [1]