Travel Indonesia: Visa Rules To Must-Visit Places — All You Need To Know Before Exploring This Country

Travel Indonesia: Situated in the Pacific Ocean and home to 17,000 islands and hundreds of ancient Hindu temples, the Island Nation offers visas on arrival for Indians.

The gate of the Pura Lempuyang Luhur temple, located in Bali, is also known as the Gate of Heaven. ( Image Source :Canva )

If you're not just a tourist but also an explorer looking for a place with rich history, cultural diversity, and the stunning world of the ocean- Indonesia is your all-at-one-place destination. Known for its pristine beaches, glorious mountains, lush green forests, and joyful cities, Indonesia captivates every tourist with its charm and allure.

The word 'Indonesia' is derived from the Greek words 'Indos' and 'Nesos', which translates to 'Indian Islands'. A country with 17,000 islands is also the home of hundreds of ancient Hindu temples making it the largest archipelago in the world.

Situated in the Pacific Ocean, this country has a lot to explore, and for Indians, this paradise allows Visa on arrival (VOA), so without juggling much between the visa procedure, you can embark on a cherished journey.

Visa Procedure and Requirements:

In the past few years, Indonesia has become one of the most beloved destinations all over the world, including America and Europe. Boosting its travel and tourism, Indonesia provides Visa on Arrival (VOA) or E-visa to more than 100 countries, including India. So, if you're also planning to travel to the Island nation, this VOA will be your ticket to the wonderland.

For Indians, the Indonesia Government provides e-Visa for the following purposes:

1. Tourism visits
2. Government officials' visits
3. Business talks and meeting visits
4. Purchasing goods visits
5. Transit

For tourism, you can opt any of these 5 categories:

•  Tourist Single Entry Visitor Visa - 60 days
• B1 - Tourism (Visa on Arrival) - 30 days
• D1 - Tourism Multiple Entry Visa - 5 years
• D1 - Tourism Multiple Entry Visa - 1 year
• D1 - Tourism Multiple Entry Visa - 2 years

Most tourists prefer to take a Visa on Arrival, which is available for 14 to 30 days without extension. However, Indonesia has such a vibrant culture and ample natural wonders to explore that people who do remote works often remain in the country for 3 to 6 months or more using other tourism visa categories.

Tourism (VOA) Process:

The Indonesian government launched the Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) program in 2022 to provide an easier entry process for foreign travellers, although this visa is not extendable. 

Your first step to apply for the eVOA is to fill out the application form through the official website. You can opt for a Visa on arrival after reaching the airport as well, but nowadays tourists do not prefer to wait in line at the airport.

• Documents Required:

- Filled visa application form signed by the applicant.
- 1 latest passport-size photograph (white background) pasted on designated space
- Passport with a minimum of 2 blank pages and a least 6 months validity from the date of departure from Indonesia
- 1 Passport copy
- Statement of purpose to visit addressing to Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi
- Proof of health insurance/health protocol statement letter
- Return ticket
- Proof of funds to support your trip

You also have to pay a Visa Fee of Rs. 8,088/ after the document submission process.

Travel Logistics:

Situated on the equator, Indonesia has a tropical climate, which is why most tourists prefer to visit the Island nation in the dry season, that is from May to September. However, if you are a backpacker or planning a budget-friendly trip and love rain, October to April will be your ideal time to take this trip.

Indonesia is a wallet-friendly nation for Indians as well, and you can find flights starting from Rs 25,000 and upwards.

The cheapest way to reach this country is by air, as a road trip and a cruise trip can cost you a considerable amount of money. Indonesia has two major international airports: one is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang (just at the outskirts of Jakarta), and the second one is Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. A few other airports like Juanda Airport in Surabaya, and Hasanudin Airport in Makassar serve international tourists but have fewer flights.

Usually, flights from New Delhi to Bali airport take 7 to 8 hours, which prompts tourists to choose this country over others.

If you want a leisure trip on cruise and ferries, you can book your seat from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines as there is no direct service from India.

Indonesia has a well-connected internal transportation system including public and private options. In rural areas, you can opt for bike taxis, cycle rickshaws, buses, shared mini buses, and intercity trains. In urban areas, metro buses, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and Light Rail Transit (LRT) are available.

Indonesia has some amazing accommodation options which will make you fall in love with the country. Situated along the sea, there are multiple options to cater to your budget starting from Rs 700 per night to Rs 10,000 and more. Consider booking your stay in advance through online platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, or Hostelworld.com. You can find some boutique hotels or luxurious guesthouses in less touristy areas in an affordable price range.

Indian currency is strong, compared to the Indonesian Currency Rupiah, allowing Indian travelers to enjoy the trip without spending much out of pocket. As of May 6, 2024, there are almost 191 Indonesian rupiahs to Rs 1. Thus, you can easily plan a 15-day trip for under 1 lakh including all your expenses.

Language:

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language and is spoken throughout the country. However, people working in the tourism sector and living in metro cities are well-spoken in English as well. Although it's always better and fun to learn a few words from their language to make your experience more engaging. You can pick up a few words like Selamat Siang (good day), Selamat Sore (good afternoon), Selamat Malam (good evening or night), Apa Kabar (How are you), Maaf (sorry).

Discover Treasures of Indonesia:

Indonesia, also known as the 'Emerald of the Equator', is known for its diverse landscape, stunning beaches, delicious seafood, and rich cultural history. The place is home to more than hundreds of temples, including the Centuries-old Prambanan temple, which is also a UNESCO heritage site.

The world's largest Buddhist temple 'Borobudur Temple', dating from the 8th and 9th centuries is also situated in central Java and is one of the most visited due to its sculptures and architecture. Another well-known Hindu temple that has become a major tourist spot is the Pura Lempuyang Luhur temple, which is represented by the highest pura at the peak of Mount Lempuyang and is situated in Bali.

Indonesia is the perfect blend of unique culture and nature. While on one side, you will find city skylines throughout the country, on the other, you will have the chance to delve into unique locations like Menjangan Island, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, and Kalimantan.

One of the major attractions here is Bali which is known for its cultural festivals, rich coral reefs, floral, and faunal ecosystems and its majestic views. Bali is also a surfing hotspot and offers numerous water sports to make your trip adventurous. Teeming with mesmerising and breathtaking natural views, ancient temples, greenery, and ocean- this place will give your soul another life.

Yogyakarta is another major tourist destination known as the cultural heartland of the island of Java. With its architectural wonders, it also has vibrant markets and cultural festivals to delve into. To make your adventurous souls full of memories, you can visit Komodo Island, another UNESCO world heritage site.

Indonesia is an ideal destination for rejuvenation with a few UNESCO-recognized national parks like Komodo National Park, Tangkahan National Park, Tanjung Puting National Park, and Ujung Kulon National Park which have captivating biodiversity and wildlife. There are also many fascinating villages and cultural fests that work as the garnish on the plate.

Having some of the world's best cuisines and culinary delights, Indonesia also attracts food lovers. A few must-try flavours will be Nasi Goreng, Sate, Soto, Gado-Gado, rendang, and Bakso. However, if you are a vegetarian, do not forget to keep your ready-to-cook food with you as you will have difficulty finding veg food there.

There is so much to do and watch that will convince your mind to stay longer or to plan a second trip. So just pack your bags and delve into this magical journey to find a connection with yourself and nature in Indonesia.