The name Indonesia has its roots in two Greek Words: "Indos" meaning Indian and "Nesos" meaning island. This is an excellent description of the archipelago, as there are an estimated 17,508 islands, some nothing more than tiny outcropping of barren rock, others as California or Spain and covered in dense tropical jungle.

The 17,508 islands spread from East to West Indonesia consists of 5 largest islands : Papua, Borneo, Celebes, Sumatera & Java and Approximately 6,000 of these islands are inhabited, with five main islands and 30 smaller archipelagoes serving as home to the majority of the population.

Populations - The islands and people of Indonesia constitute the fourth most populated nation in the world, with about 200 million people. The majority is of Malay descen. The population is predominantly Moslem. Nevertheless, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and other religions are freely practiced.

Climate - Situated completely in the tropics, Indonesia is known as the "belt" of emeralds across the equator. It has warm tropical weather with mostly sunshine and intermittent rain. The dry season lasts from June to September, and the rainy season from December to March. The transitional period between these two seasons alternates between gorgeous sun-filled days and occasional thunderstorms. Even in the midst of the wet season temperatures range from 21 degrees (70°F) to 33 degrees Celsius (90°F), except at higher altitudes which can be much cooler. The heaviest rainfalls are usually recorded in December and January. Average humidity is generally between 70% and 100 %.

Health - International certificates of valid small-pox, cholera and yellow vaccinations are required only from travellers coming from infected areas.

Currency - The local currency is the Rupiah. Major world currencies, either banknotes or travellers cheques, are easily exchanged at banks and moneychangers in major tourist destinations. It is advisable to carry sufficient amounts of Rupiah when travelling to smaller towns or outer provinces. Banknotes are available in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000, 100000, while coins come in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. (You'll need to show your passport to exchange money, and make sure you count what you're given). Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants in main cities.

Electricity - Most hotels use 220 volts 50 cycles and two-pronged plugs. However it is not uncommon to find some hotels using 110 volts, particularly in the provinces. Check before using an appliance. Some hotels supply adaptors on request.

Time - Indonesia streches across three time zones: Western part of Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, West and Central Kalimantan) + 7 GMT, Central part of Indonesia (Bali, South and East Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara) + 8 GMT, Eastern part of Indonesia (Maluku and Irian Jaya) +9 GMT.

Local Customs - Indonesians are trained to cope with stressful, interpersonal situations differently than Westerners. They tend to be nonassertive and continue to smile and maintain a calm appearance as they withdraw from a quarrel. When they avoid your gaze, it doesn't mean that they are afraid of you. Under most circumstances, eye contact is avoided, particularly if it's prolonged. Handshaking is customary, for both men and women, on introduction and greeting, smiling is a national characteristics. Traditional customs form a major part of family and community life. The use of the left hand to give or receive is considered ill-mannered. Likewise crooking your finger to call someone is impolite. Aggressive gestures and postures such as crossing your arms over your chest or standing with your hands on your hips while talking, particularly with older people, are regarded as insulting.

Scarves should be worn around the waist when entering Balinese temples. Never touch anyone's head. Indonesians regard the head as the seat of the soul, and it therefore is sacred.

Languages - Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. There are many dialects. English is the most widely understood foreign language.

Office Hours/Business Hours
Government offices open from 08.00 AM - 15.00 PM, Monday to Thursday, 08.00 AM - 11.30 AM on Friday. Business office hours vary. Some from 08.00 AM to 16.00 PM, others : 09.00 AM to 17.00. Most office closed on Saturdays. Bank hours are 08.00 AM or 08.30 to 16.00 hours - mostly Monday to Friday.

Shopping Hours - Many of Indonesia's main cities have department stores, supermarkets and large shopping complexes. Retail hours vary considerably, though most shops open from 09.00 AM to 21.00 PM, seven days a week. All department stores and many shops have fixed price policy, however, bargaining is expected in traditional markets and smaller shops.

Bargaining - If you like to bargain, then you'll have lots of fun in the markets and souvenir shops of Jakarta. But don't get carried away. The idea of bargaining is to arrive at a mutually acceptable price, not to squeeze the shopkeeper into bankruptcy. Negotiate for what you're worth, but don't be abusive or patronizing, and don't walk away from a purchase for the sake of Rp 1000! Bargaining is not universal, however, and more and more outlets are fixing the price of their merchandise.

Food - The main staple food of the majority of the population is rice. Coconut milk and hot chili peppers are popular cooking ingredients nationwide. Tastes range from very spicy dishes of meat; fish and vegetables to those that are quite sweet. The most popular dishes are "nasi goreng" (fried rice) which is often served for breakfast, lunch or dinner, "satay" barbequed meat or chicken on skewers and "gado-gado", a vegetable salad with a peanut sauce. All are most compatible with international tastes. In the main tourist centers and cities, restaurants catering to international visitors are many, from fine continental grill rooms to Japanese specialty restaurants. Chinese restaurants are found in all towns throughout Indonesia. Tropical and subtropical fruits are available year round. Bottled drinking water can be purchased everywhere.

Tipping - Major hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to bills. Where it is not included a tip of between 5% to 10% of the bill would be appropriate if service is satisfactory.

Clothing - Dress is generally informal in Indonesia. Light fabrics are recommended due to the warm, humid climate. For men, a jacket and tie is considered appropriate when making officials calls or non formal occasions. Or, follow local custom by wearing a long-sleeve batik shirt. It is recommended to bring a sweater or light jacket for travel to mountain areas. Shorts and beachwear are not considered appropriate except at sports facilities and on the beaches, and never appropriate for visits to temples, mosques and other places of worship.

Communications - Long distance calls within Indonesia are by direct dial. International Direct Dial (IDD) is available from major cities and hotels. Public phones counters are available in coins, cards, chips and (in some tourist areas) credit card. There are also some “WARTEL” or Telecommunication Kiosk where you can do IDD, long distance call, sending fax, etc. In big cities, you can also find some internet kiosk.