Indonesia is introducing a golden visa scheme to attract foreign individual and corporate investors in an attempt to boost its national economy.

OpenAI founder Sam Altman became the first person to receive Indonesia’s golden visa. But which part of his sterling resume – which includes being a former Y Combinator president and an ex-CEO of Reddit – makes him particularly attractive for Indonesia? The American entrepreneur is expected to help grow the artificial intelligence ecosystem in Indonesia.

It is clear that the Indonesian government needed someone of Altman’s caliber to launch the golden visa with a bang, especially to draw the attention of other high-net-worth individuals.

The golden visa shows Altman’s willingness to help Indonesia nurture its AI talent. Hammam Riza, president of Korika, told CNN Indonesia that while a partnership with Altman is still in the works, one possible program is to develop a GPT-4 large language model for Indonesian as well as Indonesia’s regional languages, such as Javanese and Sundanese. Korika is a government-linked organization that facilitates AI research and innovation in Indonesia. Hartanto added that localization is critical to produce more AI engineers, build more use cases on top of OpenAI, as well as align government policies on AI. He hopes to see OpenAI launch a research center in Indonesia, while securing developer partnerships with local startups.

In June, Altman spoke at an event in Jakarta organized by Korika. Altman visits the town of Ubud on the island of Bali every year. He plans on regular visits to Indonesia in the future.

“There are several categories of golden visas apart from those based on investment/capital investment, one of which is the golden visa which is given to figures who have an international reputation and can provide benefits for Indonesia,” Silmy Karim, Indonesia’s director general of immigration, said. “With this golden visa, the hope is that Altman can contribute towards the development and use of AI in Indonesia.”

The five-year visa requires individual investors to set up a company worth $2.5 million. For the 10-year visa, a $5 million investment is required. Other countries around the world including the U.S., Ireland, New Zealand and Spain have introduced similar golden visas for investors, seeking to attract capital and entrepreneurial residents. Meanwhile, corporate investors are required to invest $25 million to get five-year visas for directors and commissioners. They need to invest $50 million to gain a 10-year visa.

Different provisions apply to individual foreign investors who do not want to establish a company in Indonesia. The requirements range from $350,000 to $700,000 in funds that can be used to purchase the Indonesian government bonds.

“Once they arrive in Indonesia, golden visa holders no longer need to apply for permission to enter the island nation,” Silmy Karim said.

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn where to go, what do and what to say.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book.

The post Indonesia Offers Golden Visa To Investors appeared first on Language and Travel Guide To Indonesia.

Most people think of Eat, Love, Pray when asked to name a Hollywood movie filmed in Indonesia. Indonesia’s big-screen history actually reaches back more than 90 years.

Goona Goona or The Kris (1932): This is a story about two young men, one a prince of royal Bali-blood and the other defined as a peasant. They are both in love with Dasnee, a slave girl possessing Bali’s sensuous charms. The prince marries a girl of his caste and the carpenter marries Dasnee. With the help of his sister, the prince gives Desnee a dose of goona-goona—a narcotic. The prince has his way with Desnee and leaves his sacred sword (a kris) in the bed. When the husband finds the sword, he rights the wrong in the traditional way. He avenges the wrong by killing the Prince with the kris.

The music is a mixture of Balinese and Western on an unsynchronized soundtrack. Filmed in Bali, it serves as an ethnographic film as much as one meant for entertainment. The movie is a charming depiction of life in Bali almost a century ago.

Legong, Dance of the Virgins (1935): Shot on location in Ubud between May and August 1933. It featured an all-Balinese cast. Upon release, it played for 10 weeks at the New York World Theater. Crowds were enchanted by the exotic culture that looked much brighter than war-torn Europe and a depressed America.

The UCLA Film and Television Archives reconstructed the film in 1992 using censored prints from the United States, Britain, and Canada. In 1935, scenes of nudity were trimmed for domestic release in the U.S. and shots of cockfights cut from the British prints. By splicing the remaining negatives, the film was restored to its complete length.

The Road to Bali (1952): In this musical/comedy, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby play two vaudeville performers working in Melbourne, Australia. After they realize that their local girlfriends are making wedding plans, they escape to Bali.

The duo joins a diving expedition led by the local island prince. They soon meet the Balinese prince’s sister (Dorothy Lamour), who rules the tropical island. When the divers uncover a treasure chest, the evil prince attempts to steal the treasure and the throne. The plot is a string of gags, one-liners and song-and-dance numbers, but the film helped build to Bali’s international fame and mystique, which helped put Indonesia on the radar for millions of new visitors.

South Pacific (1958): Based on James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 book Tales of the South Pacific this production is a classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

Nurse Nellie Forbush (played by Mitzi Gaynor) of the U.S. Navy falls for middle-aged French plantation owner Emile De Becque (Rossano Brazzi), but recoils upon discovering that he is the father of two mixed-race children. When Nellie leaves him, the heartbroken Emile agrees to take on a dangerous espionage mission. In his absence, Nellie struggles to reconcile her prejudices with her love for him — and after she spends time with his children and comes to care for them, fears that Emile may not return alive.

Bali Ha’i was based on the real island of Ambae, which is located in Vanuatu. Many scenes were filmed on the north shore of Kauai. Mount Makana was used as Bali Hai and is still known as Bali Ha’i today. Other locations included the island of Tioman in Malaysia. No scenes were shot on the island of Bali and no references to Indonesia were ever made. Despite the mythical location and confusion, the movie has added to Bali’s international intrigue for decades.

Jungle Book (1967): Say what you want, but the only place in the world with orangutans, tigers and sun bears is Sumatra, Indonesia.In this Disney classic, based on Rudyard Kipling’s book, Mowgli, an abandoned child raised by wolves, has his peaceful existence threatened by the return of the man-eating tiger. Facing certain death, Mowgli must overcome his reluctance to leave his wolf family and return to the man village.

Krakatoa, East of Java (1969): Imagine a boring version of Titanic with a volcano and tsunami instead of an iceberg. The title is infamously incorrect because Krakatau (to use correct spelling) is west of Java. The makers were aware of the error, but left the title unchanged as they felt it sounded more exotic. Apart from the volcanic eruption, the plot is pure fiction. In 1883, a Dutch ocean steamer, Batavia Queen, sails from Anyer in West Java to Krakatau to salvage a cargo of sunken pearls. The captain is forced to carry a load of convicts for transport to Madura Island. Various soap opera sagas take place among the passengers, divers and crew. The children rescued at the end don’t look Indonesian. The cataclysmic eruption can’t come soon enough. Unfortunately, most of the main characters survive. The movie was filmed in Italy and Spain.

The Ring of Fire, an Indonesian Odyssey (1972): A series of four documentary films that follow the decade-long journey of filmmaking brothers Lorne and Lawrence Blair.

Max Havelaar (1976): Set in Java in the dark days of colonialism, this film is based on a semi-autobiographical book, which chronicles an idealistic Dutch administrator as he encounters corruption, cruelty and poverty. Filmed in and around Bandung, West Java.

The Year of Living Dangerously (1982): This epic profiles a love affair set in Indonesia during an attempted coup in 1965 as they plot to overthrow President Sukarno. When journalist Guy Hamilton (Mel Gibson) arrives in Jakarta, Indonesia, he forms a friendship with photographer Billy Kwan (Linda Hunt). He meets British diplomat Jill Bryant (Sigourney Weaver), who gives him key information about an upcoming Communist insurgence. Hamilton stays to pursue the story, despite the danger.

Mel Gibson is at his best, as he observes Indonesia falling into chaos and extreme poverty under president Sukarno. Linda Hunt won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She makes her final stand in a famous scene at Hotel Indonesia.

The movie producers planned to produce the film in Jakarta, but Indonesia denied permission, so the bulk of the film was shot in the Philippines and Australia. It was banned in Indonesia until 2000, after the forced resignation of coup-leader and political successor Suharto in 1998. The title The Year of Living Dangerously was the title of his Indonesian Independence Day speech of 1964.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983): This unconventional war movie features the late David Bowie. The story takes place in 1942 in a Japanese prisoner of war camp near the West Java town of Sukabumi. The film is about the real-life experience of Lawrence van der Post, a South African who served as a British Army officer during World War II. He was captured and incarcerated by the Japanese in West Java. Once again, Indonesia was not part of the movie production. The producers filmed the movie in the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

Farewell To The King (1989): The film starred Nick Nolte in his finest performance. Based on the 1969 novel L’Adieu au Roi by Pierre Schoendoerffer, it tells the WWII tale of an American deserter Learoyd (played by Nolte) who escapes a Japanese firing squad. Hiding himself in the wilds of Borneo, Learoyd is adopted by a local tribe of Dayaks, who consider him divine because of his blue eyes and blond hair. Learoyd ascends to the throne of the Dayaks. When British soldiers approach him to rejoin the war against the Japanese, Learoyd resists, and his own tribe becomes threatened by the invaders.

The movie was shot entirely on location on the island of Borneo. This was the first time a Hollywood film crew had ventured to this part of the world to make a major motion picture. Director John Milius and co-producer Andre Morgan searched the world’s tropical areas for three months. Borneo became the perfect location.

“It was better than I imagined,” Milius said. “Misty mountains, winding rivers, ancient caves, beaches and incredible jungle.”

Unfortunately, they also discovered that bringing an international motion picture production to Southeast Asia was challenging.

“It was a nightmare to get everything and everyone to arrive in Kuching in time to film,” Morgan said. “Our crew came from Australia and England, the cameras and electrical equipment from Hong Kong, uniforms from Australia, guns and ammunition from the United States and actors from England, America, South Africa, Hawaii and Australia.”

Nolte, well known for the extensive preparation for every memorable character he creates on screen, arrived three weeks early to adapt to the environment and learn the customs of the Iban tribes.

“No one would come all the way to Borneo for some American husband and wife relationship tale,” said Nolte. “It has to be a pretty unique story to film here.”

The journey into the interior took two days and the nightly accommodations were in a traditional longhouse. When he got there, Nolte was informed that he was the first white man ever to stay overnight at that longhouse. And, as a part of the tribal culture, Nolte was told he was required to kill a pig with a spear.

“The ritual had to be done just right, without too much blood, or the spirits will not be happy with you,” Nolte explained. “It was like a party, but it had structure. I had to meet, greet and drink with each member of the tribe.”

The stunt team included Terry Leonard and Terry Jackson. When filming in the mountainous highlands finished, Leonard and Jackson stayed behind as guests of the natives. The men have never been seen again.

Endless Summer II (1994): In this sequel to the original surfing movie, documentarian Bruce Brown again explores choice international surf destinations, this time visiting locations such as Alaska, Indonesia, Fiji, France and South Africa. Accompanying Brown are renowned pro surfers Robert Weaver and Patrick O’Connell.

The movie showcased one of the most famous surf destinations in Indonesia—G-Land on Java’s southeast coast. The crew filmed surfing legends Gerry Lopez, Rizal Tanjung and Laird Hamilton—the best section of the entire film. In 1995, Quiksilver hosted the first-ever world tour event at G-Land, which went down in perfect four- to eight-foot surf. World champion Kelly Slater took the title.

Today, there are four surf camps at G-Land, featuring Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, and fully stocked restaurants and bars. A week-long stay costs $500 to $1,000.

Paradise Road (1997): Based on true stories, the film follows a disparate group of expatriate women who flee Singapore in 1942, only to end up incarcerated in Sumatra. The women form a choir to lift their morale during three years of cruelty, deprivation and death. The real choir ceased when more than half of its members died and the remainder were too weak to continue. Filmed mostly in Malaysia.

Anacondas: The Hunt of Blood Orchid (2004): f you are a fan of reptiles, you must’ve seen this movie, the sequel of Anaconda (1997). Directed by Dwight H. Little, the film focused on the blood orchid, which only exists in this part of the world, and shot scenes in the mangrove forest in Kalimantan.

King Kong (2005): In this remake of the legendary movie, director Peter Jackson took the crew to Mursala Island in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra. The island was named Skull Island in the film, which won three Academy Awards.

Toute la Beauté du Monde (2006): Following a nervous breakdown, a widow travels to Asia to rediscover her zest for life…

The Fall (2006): Set in 1915, stuntman Roy Walker is hospitalized after a filming accident, when he meets a young girl recovering from a broken arm, and tells her a fantastical yarn that is visually depicted throughout the movie, with locations shot in exotic places around the world. Bali locations included the Tegallalang rice terraces and the Gunung Kawi temple in Tampaksiring, and with a rendering of the Kecak dance performed in front of it. Perhaps, the best way to cinematically portray the unique dance is against such exotic backdrops. The film won several international awards.

Eat Pray Love (2010): In this biopic Liz Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) is a modern woman on a quest to see the world, while rediscovering and reconnecting with her soul. After a divorce, Gilbert takes a sabbatical and steps out of her comfort zone, risking everything to change her life. In her travels, she experiences the simple pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of love in Ubud, Bali. Brad Pitt was one of the producers.

First, she travels to Italy, where she snacks her way from Rome to Naples. Then, she heads to an ashram in India, where she meets a bride-to-be and a remorseful man, who nurtures her altruistic side. Her journey of self discovery ends in Bali, where she reunites with Ketut, the Balinese healer who encouraged her reflection on life.

Amphibious (2010): This was the first 3D movie to be filmed in Indonesia — in the waters of Batam (North Sumatra), Kelapa Gading (Jakarta), and Anyer (Banten). The film was shot entirely in Indonesia, and director Brian Yuzna involved a local film production team member, Ananda Siregar.

The Act of Killing (2012): The Act of Killing is a powerful documentary about the so-called communist coup in Indonesia in 1965-66. The producers profile the lives of some of the executioners who murdered accused communists on the island of Sumatra. These henchmen recreate the stories of their murders, while inching closer to a showdown with their own conscience.

The film focuses on the perpetrators of the Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66 in the present day. The genocide led to the killing of almost a million people, ostensibly for belonging to the local communist community. When Suharto overthrew Sukarno, the President of Indonesia, following the failed coup of the 30 September Movement in 1965, the gangsters Anwar Congo and Adi Zulkadry in Medan were promoted from selling black market movie theatre tickets to leading the most powerful death squad in North Sumatra. They also extorted money from the ethnic Chinese as the price for keeping their lives. Anwar is said to have personally killed 1,000 people.

Today, Anwar is revered by the right wing of a paramilitary organization, Pemuda Pancasila, that grew out of the death squads. The organization is so powerful that its leaders include government ministers who are openly involved in corruption, election rigging and clearing people from their land for developers.

Invited by Oppenheimer, Anwar recounts his experiences killing for the cameras, and makes scenes depicting their memories and feelings about the killings. The scenes are produced in the style of their favorite films: gangster, Western, and musical. Various aspects of Anwar and his friends’ filmmaking process are shown, but as they dig into Anwar’s personal experiences, the reenacted scenes begin to take over the narrative. Oppenheimer has called the result “a documentary of the imagination”.

Some of Anwar’s friends state that the killings were wrong, while others worry about the consequences of the story on their public image.

After Anwar plays a victim, he cannot continue. Oppenheimer, from behind the camera, states that it was worse for the victims because they knew they were going to be killed, whereas Anwar was only acting. Anwar then expresses doubts over whether or not he has sinned, tearfully saying he does not want to think about it. He revisits the rooftop where he claims many of his killings took place, and retches repeatedly while describing how he had killed people during the genocide. 

The film is directed by Joshua Oppenheimer and co-directed by Christine Cynn and an anonymous Indonesian. The film earned the 2013 European Film Award for Best Documentary, the Asia Pacific Screen Award, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 86th Academy Awards. It also won best documentary at the 67th BAFTA awards. In accepting the award, Oppenheimer asserted that the United States and the United Kingdom have “collective responsibility” for “participating in and ignoring” the crimes, which was omitted from the video BAFTA posted online. 

After a screening for US Congress members, Oppenheimer demanded that the US acknowledge its role in the killings of “communists” across Indonesia. The United States helped fund the campaign that led to the removal of Sukarno (who courted support from the Soviet Union and China).

A companion piece to the film, The Look of Silence, was released in 2014. The film was ranked 19th on a list of the best documentaries ever made in a 2015 poll by the British Film Institute. In 2016, it was named the 14th greatest film released since 2000 by a poll of critics published by the BBC.

“The brilliant, Oscar-nominated film has prompted vigorous debate among Indonesians about the crimes and the need to hold responsible parties accountable, and suggests that it could have a similar effect in the United States, whose own role in the killings “has never officially been acknowledged, much less accounted for, though some of the relevant documents have been made available to the public,” said Bradley Simpson, historian at the University of Connecticut and director of the Indonesia/East Timor Documentation Project at the National Security Archive.

Alex Cross (2012): The Alex Cross film series is an American film series of three thriller films, based on the fictional character Alex Cross, who originally appeared in a series of novels of the same name by James Patterson. In the 2012 version of the series, Tyler Perry portrayed Alex Cross. Although most of the film was shot in the U.S., the production crew shot several scenes on Bali and on Nusa Lembongan Island.

Savages (2012): One of the scenes in this movie was shot on Moyo Island, West Nusa Tenggara. Director Oliver Stone cast John Travolta, Salma Hayek, and Blake Lively, who all spent a few days on the island to shoot the crime thriller.

Java Heat (2013): An FBI agent teams up with an Indonesian police officer to combat terrorists in Yogyakarta. The production involved a number of Indonesian actors, including Atiqah Hasiholan, Ario Bayu, Tyo Pakusadewo, Rudy Wowor, and Rio Dewant. The lead actors were Kellan Lutz and Mickey Rourke.

The Philosophers: After the Dark (2013): The filming took place in Belitung Island (Sumatra), Borobudur Temple (Magelang), Prambanan Temple (Yogyakarta), Mount Bromo (East Java) and Jakarta. The director, John Huddles, also involved Indonesian actress Cinta Laura.

Blackhat (2015): Jakarta played a major role in this film about hackers, which featured Australian actor Chris Hemsworth and directed by Michael Mann. It includes scenes at Tanah Abang, Sunda Kelapa, as and the Monas National Monument.

The Perfect Wave (2015): This adventure film is based on the life of Ian McCormack, who was stung by five deadly box jellyfish and survived. Scott Eastwood stars as Ian McCormack and as he recreates the day that changed him forever. This move was filmed in several locations, including Bali.

Gold (2016): The Bre-X gold swindle, which took place in Central Kalimantan more than 20 years ago, is a fascinating story, but this isn’t a great portrayal. The movie, starring Matthew McConaughey was filmed mostly in Thailand, but includes some stock footage of Jakarta.

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn where to go, what do and what to say.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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Traveling Indonesia can be done as cheap or as expensive as you want. Everywhere you go you will find cheap home-stays (losmen) as well as luxury villas for less than $50-$100 a night. Listed below are rough prices of basic costs for things in Indonesia. Generally speaking, a budget of $25-30 a day is pretty good. If you’re planning on doing loads of tours and activities during your time, consider stretching your budget up to $35 a day.

Indonesia is vast, so you may need some vaccinations depending on where you’re traveling. It is recommended that you consult with your GP 6-8 weeks in advance of travel. They will assess your particular health risks before recommending any vaccinations.

Malaria is also present across Indonesia, so you will need to take anti-malarial medication. Wearing long sleeves and trousers is also advised, as well as insect repellent. This also protects against dengue fever. Remember, malaria can develop up to a year after exposure, so keep an eye on any symptoms.

Dengue fever exists in parts of Indonesia and is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, headache, severe joint, bone and muscular pain, but there is no vaccine and prevention is through avoidance of mosquito bites, so wear long sleeves and trousers, and apply repellent as often as possible.

Tap water is unsafe to drink – also be wary of ice in drinks and unpeeled fruit and vegetables that might have been washed in dirty water.

Avoid eating bushmeat such as monkeys or bats as these are often carriers of diseases – as well as often being inadvisable for environmental reasons.

Indonesia has some high climbs and trekking routes – make sure you’re aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness before you go.

Leeches are present in the lowland. These are more unpleasant than dangerous, but you can buy “leech socks” which are effective at stopping them, and keep your trousers tucked into your socks or boots.

Indonesia can be hot and humid, so stay hydrated at all times.

Bring a basic first aid kit and medication for sickness if planning to trek or cycle in remote regions. Also get the recommended shots before leaving home.

If you need to be hospitalized, travel to the mainland may be necessary, so be sure you have comprehensive travel insurance, which covers medical evacuation, along with any other activities you may be doing, such as high-altitude hikes, kayaking or diving.

Forest fires in Indonesia can cause serious air pollution in June to August; travellers with respiratory problems should exercise precautions.

Petty crime is common in Indonesia, including on Bali and Lombok. Incidents of bag-snatching and pick-pocketing occur and can become violent. Ensure your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure when walking in public areas and travelling on public transport. Exercise caution, particularly at night

Only book taxis with a reputable firm, or ask your hotel to book your transport in advance.

Credit card fraud, including skimming, is common in Indonesia. We recommend that you take extra care when using credit cards and ATMs and carefully check credit card statements for fraudulent charges.

There have been incidences of both tourists and locals becoming seriously ill from food and drink spiking. Do not leave food or drink unattended or accept any food or drink from strangers or recent acquaintances. Deaths and long-term ill-health have also been reported after drinking local moonshine/homebrew beverages. These should be avoided.

Credit card fraud is common in Indonesia’s cities, so be careful not to lose sight of your card during transactions.

Indonesia is a conservative country and you should dress modestly, particularly in rural areas, to avoid causing offence.

Homosexuality is not widely accepted and is considered taboo in Indonesia, so same-sex couples are advised to act discretely in public.

We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to Papua and West Papua provinces. The security situation remains unpredictable and there is a risk of kidnapping. Political tensions associated with anti-government groups and local rivalries can lead to violent clashes. Sporadic violence has occurred in Papua province, mainly in Jayapura, and in the central highlands. Clashes between security service personnel and civilians, and between groups of civilians, have resulted in deaths and injuries. If you are travelling to Papua or West Papua provinces, a travel permit known locally as a “surat jalan” is required. Should you need medical attention, limited facilities are available.

Demonstrations, often large-scale, are a feature of Indonesian life, especially in Jakarta, Surabaya, and other large cities. Most demonstrations pass without incident, but we advise travelers to avoid all demonstrations, rallies and large crowds as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Be aware of your surroundings, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities.

Indonesia is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes, with the potential threat of tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

On September 28, 2018, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the central region of the island of Sulawesi, resulting in many casualties. Due to damage from the earthquake and tsunami, infrastructure is still in a state of rebuilding and basic services may be difficult to obtain in Central Sulawesi, including the city of Palu, Donggala District, Sigi District and Parigi Moutong District.On 5 August 2018 a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the North East area of the island of Lombok, causing many fatalities and injuries, as well as impacting local infrastructure.

On 29 July 2018 a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the same area and was followed by several aftershocks. A volcanic tsunami occurred on 22 December 2018 killing 426 people and causing significant loss of infrastructure along the south Sumatra and north Java coastlines. Slips, flooding and landslides occur with little warning throughout the country.

There are a number of active volcanoes in Indonesia and many have high alert levels which, at times, necessitate evacuations. These volcanoes erupt from time to time and in the past have caused destruction and loss of life. Ash clouds have also caused disruptions to flights. Mount Agung, an active volcano on the island of Bali has erupted sporadically since September 2017, as has Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra. For active volcanoes, the alert level of Indonesia’s Natural Disaster Management Authority can change with little warning.

Inter-island travel by boat has its risks and a number of passenger boats have sunk in bad weather and due to mechanical failure. Passenger and cargo limits are not always observed and sufficient safety equipment may not be provided. We advise against boarding any ferry you believe to be overloaded or unseaworthy. We also recommend caution when taking tourist boats and to check that appropriate safety and communications equipment are on board.

Piracy is a problem in Southeast Asian waters, particularly in the Straits of Malacca. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters.

Indonesia is a diverse country in both a cultural and religious sense, which often differs from region to region. Some areas, such as Aceh are extremely conservative, and expectations of high moral conduct are enforced. Sharia law operates in Aceh and it is expected that all visitors to the province behave in an appropriate manner and respect local customs. Travellers are advised to respect religious and social traditions throughout Indonesia to avoid offending local sensitivities.

People travelling or living in Indonesia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place, including a provision for medical evacuation by air and coverage for high risk adventure activities.

Travellers are urged to take note of Indonesia’s strict, and stringently enforced, laws against the possession, use or sale of illegal substances. 

Everywhere you go across Bali, you will easily be able to find people who speak English, especially in popular areas like Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak. However, the further you decide to go, the level of English lowers. With that being said, no matter where you go, the people who work in the tourism and hospitality industry always have a good understanding of the language.

Indonesia has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn where to go, what do and what to say.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

The post Travel Tips For Indonesia appeared first on Language and Travel Guide To Indonesia.

Two amazing countries, but very different. Indonesia is a relatively inexpensive destination known for beautiful tropical beaches, exotic jungles teeming with wildlife, and large urban areas full of culture and markets. Visitors to Indonesia are often surprised at the number of activities to do and places to visit, as once they step away from the beach, they find historic temples, eco-tourism adventures, jungle and mountain hiking, and more.

In the last decade, tourism has surged in Vietnam. The reasons are obvious, as this diverse and beautiful country offers much to do and see. While the beaches are nice, the real gems are the authentic local experiences, from floating markets in the Mekong Delta to trekking through the Hmong villages and rice terraces in the north. And don’t miss the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay.

Vietnam offers a terrific value to tourists as prices are cheap, accommodations are good, transportation is efficient, the food is amazing, and the locals are friendly.

Much of Indonesia is very close to the equator and quite tropical. Therefore, the seasons are divided between wet and dry depending on seasonal winds. The dry season is from May to September, while the wet season is from October to April. A few places have an exception to this (such as Sumatra), but you can expect warm tropical temperatures everywhere in the country.

Vietnam is very warm all year, so just accept that you’ll be in a tropical country. There is really no best or worst time to visit, as you’ll probably see the entire country during your trip, which spans multiple climate regions. At higher elevations, the weather is significantly cooler. Fortunately, some of the higher elevation towns are on the must-see list, so that should alleviate some of the heat during your trip.

In the north (Hanoi), summer months are hotter and have more rain, while winter months are dryer and cooler. In the central area, it’s dry but very hot from January to late summer, and rainy from the summer through December. In the south (Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta), it’s hot and dry in winter months, and hot and wet in summer months.

Other than the weather, local festivals in various cities might make you want to visit, or leave, a particular area for a short period of time, but this varies by location.

Is Indonesia more expensive than Vietnam

Indonesia’s economy is growing, as it is the world’s fourth most populated country. While the cost of living is generally cheap compared to other Asian nations, the large population means that demands for goods and services is on the rise. Imported goods from China, Australia, and other larger countries can be pricey, as can imported food. While budget travel options are very affordable, luxury services can get expensive, especially in more tourist-oriented areas such as Bali.

As a country on the rise, Vietnam as a whole is inexpensive. A large influx of tourists has led to a rise in the tourism business, but a pro-business government has allowed competition to flourish, leaving prices fairly low. This means that every mom and pop has opened a hotel or a restaurant catering to travelers. Quality might be inconsistent, but the options are plentiful.

Tourism has driven up prices in some areas of Indonesia, namely Bali, Lombok, and some of the surrounding islands known for their beaches and scenery. If other travelers are flocking to an area, then expect prices to be higher.

In the larger cities of Indonesia, it’s possible to find a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and activities at a variety of prices. Budget hotels and hostels are often found not far from high-end luxury hotels. If you want luxury, you can expect to pay a fair amount more for it, but it is still usually of good value and quality.

In the countryside, prices can be very cheap, especially in off-the-beaten path locations.

As Vietnam is a highly populated country, even visiting the smaller towns or the countryside means that plenty of infrastructure, accommodations, and restaurants are available. This means that prices are fairly consistent even in more rural areas compared to other countries. Rural in Vietnam does not have the empty feeling that it does in other countries.

In the big cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, and Hue, a variety of options are available for food and hotels. Prices can be higher if you want more luxury, but cheap options abound everywhere, too. Generally, the more touristy a destination, the higher one can expect prices to be for tourist-related activities. But food and other goods tends to stay consistent.

Negotiate. When you’re done, negotiate again. Vietnam is one of the most difficult countries in the world for bartering. It’s even worse than Thailand. Hold your line, stand firm, and be prepared to walk away if you don’t like the price. After that, you’ll be surprised at how prices will come down just a few seconds later. Read up on negotiating strategies such as “cut their offer by a third when you counter offer, and don’t pay more than half.”

Eat the street food. In Indonesia, small street stalls are everywhere in urban areas. They offer delicious food at a cheap price. Also, buying food at local markets is significantly cheaper than at restaurants or larger stores.

Flying between the islands of Indonesia can get expensive. Instead, pick just a few islands and stick to them, or look for the less expensive ferries. Use public transportation whenever possible.

Shop around. Don’t go for the first thing you see, whether it be a small souvenir, a hotel, or an all-inclusive tour. Whatever it is that you’re looking at, chances are there’s another right next door. This might sound comical, but once you’re there, you’ll understand.

Overall, if you want to save money in Vietnam, go local. Eat local food, as it’s not only yummy and healthy, but also very cheap. Locally owned hotels and hostels are also very cheap. Think small and your wallet will thank you – and you’ll have a more authentic experience, too.

Take local transportation and avoid the multi-day tours that prey on tourists and backpackers. In Vietnam, buses go everywhere. Taxis are not too bad, either. With the conveniences of the tours comes the higher prices and less authenticity. Overnight buses are a good way to get around, while avoiding paying for a hotel room along the way.

While Indonesia is mostly a Muslim country infused with some hints of animism there are also islands and areas following Catholicism and Hinduism. It is a dynamic melting pot spread out over the 1700+ islands that Indonesia is home to. Vietnam mixes Buddhism with Confucianism and Taoism, known as Tam Giáo, which translates to ‘triple religion.’ Buddhism, influenced by the Chinese culture, is leading in the country.

Vietnam has more than 20,000 pagodas. Indonesia has many Hindu and Buddhist temples. When entering a pagoda or a temple, remember to take off your shoes to be respectful. In Indonesia, it is appropriate to wear a sarong covering your knees as well as something to cover your shoulders and breasts.

Borobudur Java: This ancient temple complex, located in ‘special region of Yogyakarta’ on the island Java is probably the most famous tourist attraction in all of Indonesia. While most people go to see the sunrise at Borobudur, I enjoyed going a bit, avoiding the crowds and really allowing myself to get enchanted by the beauty of this impressive archaeological site.

Lake Toba Sumatra: This is the world’s largest crater lake and the island in the middle, Pulau Samosir, is home to the indigenous Batak Tribe. Nature is beautifully untouched, the culture and architecture of the Bataks are unique and intriguing and you can be sure to find peace of mind here at Lake Toba in the north of Sumatra.

Orangutans: These human-like apes are native to Indonesia and they are living in the dense tropical rainforests of Sumatra and Kalimantan. You can go on a jungle trekking to spot them in their natural habitat, alongside other monkeys and creatures of the forest. Head towards the national parks of these islands and be amazed!

Bali: Though Bali attracts millions of tourists every year, this little Hindu island doesn’t lose its magic and the advantage of being a popular tourist hub is that Bali is home to beach clubs, world-class restaurants, and boutique shops. Traveling away from the busy tourist towns brings you to beautiful beaches, holy temples, mountains and rice paddies.

Komodo Island: During the boat trip to see the Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard in the world that only lives on Komodo Island near Flores, you will sleep on the boat deck beneath a million of stars, you will see hundreds of bats fly over during sunset and sunrise and you will get to go snorkeling with the magical manta rays.

Gili Islands: No traffic whatsoever. Only horse carts, bicycles, and beaches. The three Gili Islands, located just offshore at the island Lombok have something for everyone; nature and tranquility, beaches and parties and snorkeling and diving.

Volcanoes: All the islands in Indonesia are volcanic and they feature majestic holy mountains that you can climb or admire from a distance as the sun rises. If you are up for a good hike, put Mount Bromo (Java), Mount Agung (Bali) and Mount Rinjani (Lombok) on your bucket list.

Indonesia has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn where to go, what do and what to say.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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Indonesia has been a favorite holiday destination for decades, with tourists from Australia and Southeast Asia mainly flocking to Bali. But with a string of government campaigns, the industry is expected to diversify quickly.

Foreign visits to Indonesia grew at 19.34 percent in the first quarter of the year. Meanwhile, Thailand, with which Indonesia has always competed with for tourist dollars, grew just 6.97 percent.

New trends are driving this rapid growth, particularly a rise in Indian tourists, who are now outpacing Japanese and British visitors, a renewed focus on events and the development of the local halal tourism industry.

Indian tourists choosing Indonesia

Indonesia doesn’t boast just exquisite sceneries, but also diverse, rich cultures across the archipelago which are beginning to draw tourists looking for an experience – not just a beach holiday. Cultural tourism is growing to become a major interest of local tourists as well as foreign visitors.

Expedia India’s Head Marketer Manmeet Ahluwalia told CNN Indonesia at least 36 percent of young couples prefer to spend vacations in places which offer cultural experiences, especially Indonesia.

Expedia India conducted a survey of millennial travellers from India and found that 34 percent chose exotic and diverse destinations including Chiyoda and Honshu Island in Japan, Jeju Island, Busan and Suncheon in South Korea and Indonesia’s West Sumatra Islands.

An influx of Indian tourists to Indonesia follows a new visa on arrival regulation.

“Now Indonesia is a popular destination for Indian travellers, especially with the new visa regulation that makes everything easier,” Shelly Chandhok, Country Manager of the Visit Indonesia Tourism Office in Mumbai, told Voyager’s World.

Indian tourists visiting Bali from January to May this year increased 32.27 percent from the same period a year earlier. Bali’s Regional Tourism Development Head Anak Agung Gede Yuniartha Putra pointed to newly introduced direct routes between Denpasar and Mumbai.

According to the Indian Embassy, only 10 percent of Indian tourists want to go to Jakarta while the remaining 90 percent wanted to visit Bali.

A Ministry of Tourism initiative to hold regular tourism events, with a focus on marketing and promotions, has also helped boost foreign tourists.

“To hit the marketing target, tourism promotions need to be intensified. For marketing strategy we use the DOT (Destination, Original and Time) approach and the BAS (Branding, Advertising and Selling) approach,” Deputy of Tourism Development of Archipelago Tourism Esthy Reko Astuti told CNN Indonesia.

Astuti also stresses the importance of marketing events throughout the year. Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya said annual international events are effective in increasing tourist numbers as well as helpful for tourists planning future visits.

One success operators hope to replicate is the international bike race Tour de Flores which has seen tourism rise in East Nusa Tenggara. The event was officially recognised by Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body for cycling, and trended on social media for a full week.

Halal Tourism

Halal tourism – holidays and vacations tailored for Muslim families who abide by Islamic law – is tipped to be Indonesia’s next big drawcard.

Halal tourism operators from ten countries flocked to the second Halal Tourism Business Meeting at Balairung Matraman Hotel in East Jakarta on June 10. The meeting saw the best in the industry gather to share strategy and knowledge in an industry predicted to reach Rp.4 billion (US$298,000) in Indonesia this year – double the revenue of 2016.

The meeting was welcomed as further momentum in promoting halal tourism in Indonesia, as well as building up the country’s general tourism portfolio.

The recent visit of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, and more importantly the last minute extension of his stay for extra holidays, caught the attention of the Islamic world and has boosted Indonesia as a world class halal destination.

Indonesia’s reputation in halal tourism has been recognised globally after winning 12 out of 16 awards at the World Halal Tourism Awards 2016 in Abu Dhabi.

The Crescent-Rating Global Muslim Travel Index, which tracks the performance of the industry across 100 destinations, saw strong potential in Indonesia’s halal tourism industry. Globally, the growth of the Muslim market is predicted to hit US$2.6 trillion, while the number of Muslim tourists is projected to increase by 9.1 percent this year.

Read the Full Story About Indonesia Travel Trends

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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Indonesia hopes to double the number of tourists that visit from other nations by 2019. This year, the island nation will launch an initiative to upgrade several tourist destinations around the archipelago in a bid to lure tourists to destinations other than Bali.

Top Diving Destinations

• Lake Toba (North Sumatra),
• Tanjung Kelayang (Belitung),
• Tanjung Lesung (Banten),
• Thousand Islands (Jakarta),
• Borobudur Temple (Magelang),
• Mount Bromo (East Java), Mandalika (South Lombok),
• Labuan Bajo (East Nusa Tenggara),
• Wakatobi (Southeast Sulawesi), and
• Morotai (North Maluku).

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism has added Komodo Island as one of the major marine tourist destinations. Other primary destinations include:

• Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi,
• Derawan in East Kalimantan,
• Raja Empat in Papua,
• Nias in North Sumatra,
• Mentawai in West Sumatra,
• Ujung Kulon in West Java,
• Anak Krakatau in Sunda Strait,
• Tomini in Central Sulawesi, and
• Bali West Nusa Tenggara
• Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara.

“The islands are the foundation of the blueprint for marine tourism development as we promote Indonesia,” Welly Rame Rohimone, acting head of the provincial tourism and creative economy office, said.

Komodo Island, the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon (Varanus kommodoensis), has been selected as one of the new seven Wonders of Nature. The tourist area is ideal for diving and cruise tourism. The Komodo dragon in Komodo National Park can be found on the islands of Rinca, Padar and Komodo. Komodo Island, with a land area of 390 square kilometers, has a population of over 2,000. The island has a beach with sand that appears pink as it contains a mixture of white sand and red sand, formed from pieces of Foraminifera.

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country is comprised of more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn more about Indonesia.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

The post Indonesia’s Marine Tourism appeared first on Language and Travel Guide To Indonesia.