Kintamani Volcano Tour and Barong Dance

This tour offers tradition, nature, art, spirituality and scenery. It includes a visit to the Batubulan village where you will experience the traditional Barong and Kris Dances. At the mountainous village of Kintamani, you will see spectacular views of the active volcano at Mount Batur. Other stops on the trip include the popular villages of Mas, Ubud and Celuk where you will see artisans at work designing wood blocks and craft items, paintings and gold and silver items. The tour also includes a visit to the 11th century Goa Gajah, called the Elephant Cave.

Mengwi Temple, Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot Tour

On this trip you will experience some history, spiritual customs, food and architecture. The excursion into the countryside is well-liked by many tourists. It involves walking through the magnificently terraced rice fields and tasting a sampling of traditional Balinese food of sweet potato and fried tapioca. Other attractions include the beautiful 16th century Royal Taman Ayun Temple of Mengwi that is surrounded by a moat and the hallowed Monkey Forest where you will see hundreds of monkeys in their natural habitat. Visiting the picturesque Sunset Temple at the famous Tanah Lot off Bali’s west coast is also a treat.

Ubud Arts & Crafts Tour

For sightseeing involving fine arts, prominent artists, art collectors and culture, a visit to three of Bali’s well-known artisan villages offers a treat of high-class arts, crafts and souvenirs. They are the Celuk Village that specializes in silver and gold jewellery, the Mas Village, which is known for its elaborate woodcarvings and the famous Ubud Village, known as Bali’s center for paintings. At Ubud you will find several galleries displaying and selling ancient and contemporary works of renowned local and European artists.

Bali Hai Sunset Dinner Cruise & Show Tours

You can enjoy a relaxing and romantic evening touring the scenic Bali harbor on a dinner cruise. The trip includes live entertainment by some of Bali’s prominent singers and dancers as well as delectable international cuisine and dancing to music provided by the disco.

Elephant Safari Ride

For a fun and adventurous tour that offers good value for money, visit the Bali Elephant Safari Park and Lodge and enjoy live and exciting elephant shows and rides in the Taro forest. You can also feed the elephants, have your picture taken with them and walk through the park to experience the gardens and the sights and sounds of wildlife.

Have you taken any Bali tours?

Photo by: tropicaLiving

Weather

December falls during the wet season, which lasts between October and April. Usually rain falls in downpours, which allows the travelers to explore the cities in between those. However, it’s also possible to rain for days. Generally it’s not a problem to travel in Indonesia during this time of the year , the muddy roads aren’t exactly in good shape for getting around the country.

Just remember that the peak of the wet season “shifts” with the month. From December to February, it is usually impossible to get to Nusa Tenggara, as the rough seas cancel the ferries. Also the northern part of Sumatra gets heavier rains until January. In Bali, the wet season makes almost no difference when it comes to traveling.

Some sample temperatures:

Jakarta avg high 30C / avg low 23C
Bandung avg high 27C / avg low 19C
Manado avg high 28C / avg low 23C
Medan avg high 29C / avg low 23C
Semarang avg high 30C / avg low 25C

>>read more about Weather in Indonesia

Flights and accommodation in Indonesia in October

Although December falls during the wet season , it’s also a peak travel time mostly in Bali and Java. So expect hotel prices to spike during Christmas. The same is valid for airfare to Indonesia . Make sure to book your ticket in advance. Although the prices tend to be higher, due to the many low cost carriers serving Indonesia, flying here during December won’t burn a whole in your pocket.

What to do

Pay attention to the region you visit and the particularities of the weather there. You wouldn’t want to deal with muddy roads while trekking on a volcano or exploring a forest, would you? Instead, head to the beach! There are plenty to choose from, so you won’t need to stay on the most popular ones. Pack a picnic basket and head to a secluded beach for some fun with your loved one.

December is still a a good time to explore the cities. For example, in Jakarta, make sure to visit the Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park. If caught by a rain shower, just go to a museum. Another option is spending the time in one of the Shopping Malls. You can look for bargains or you can try your bowling skills.

>>read more about Things to do in Jakarta

Regardless of which area of Indonesia you plan to head to, you must try the local food and yes, it also includes the durian. If you are not brave enough, just stick to the flavorful dishes.

Of course you can see a Komodo dragon in the Zoo, but how about search for them in the wild? Head to the Komodo and Rinca islands but make sure not to get too close to them as their bite can be lethal.

Photo credit

Weather

November falls during the wet season, which spans between October and April. Usually, rain comes in tropical downpours, but sometimes it’s possible to rain nonstop for days. So even though it’s not usually a problem to travel in Indonesia during this time of the year , the muddy roads aren’t exactly in good shape for getting around the country.

Some sample temperatures:

Jakarta avg high 31C / avg low 24C
Bandung avg high 27C / avg low 18C
Manado avg high 29C / avg low 23C
Medan avg high 30C / avg low 23C
Semarang avg high 31C / avg low 25C

>>read more about Weather in Indonesia

Flights and accommodation in Indonesia in October

November falls during the low season , which means you don’t need to worry about finding affordable hotels for you vacation in Indonesia. When it comes to flights , you’ll most likely come to the country via Singapore or Malaysia. Book ahead of time and expect low rates due to the many low cost carriers serving these routes.

What to do

Planning to spend time in the nature is not the best idea in November. The downpours make the roads muddy and that’s not what you want to experience while you plan to hike a volcano or explore a forest. But, if you want to spend some time in the nature, head to the beaches. In between two rain showers, you can catch some nice tan. There are plenty of beaches in the country so it’s a matter of choosing the right one for you.

November is a good time to explore the cities. In Jakarta, visit the Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park and if it you are caught by a rain shower, just visit a museum. In that way, you can learn more about the country you visit and hide from the rain. Another option is spending the time in one of the Shopping Malls. You can look for bargains or you can try your bowling skills.

>>read more about Things to do in Jakarta

Regardless of which area of Indonesia you plan to visit, don’t forget to try the local food. It’s flavorful, spicy and exotic and even if you had Indonesian food before , it’s not the same as eating it in Indonesia. If you are brave enough, try the durian. The custard-like filling with the latrine smell is an acquired taste. Some people love it and others cannot stand it.

Photo credit

Weather

Indonesia tends to have a fairy even climate year-round. The wet season spans from October to April and also coincides with the low travel season. Usually, rain comes in tropical downpours, but it’s possible to rain nonstop for days. Although it’s not usually a problem to travel in Indonesia during the wet season , the muddy roads aren’t exactly in good shape for getting around the country.

Depending on the island you want to visit, you should know that the wet season peaks in different month. On Sumatra, for example, in October the rain peaks in the northern part of the island.

Some sample temperatures:

Jakarta avg high 31C / avg low 24C
Bandung avg high 28C / avg low 18C
Manado avg high 30C / avg low 23C
Medan avg high 30C / avg low 23C
Semarang avg high 32C / avg low 25C

>>read more about Weather in Indonesia

Flights and accommodation in Indonesia in October

October definitely falls outside the peak travel season in Indonesia. That means you don’t need to worry about finding affordable hotels . When it comes to flights , you’ll most likely come to Indonesia via Singapore or Malaysia. Book ahead of time but expect lower rates than during the high season.

What to do

Unless you plan to explore the outdoors, you shouldn’t worry about visiting Indonesia in October. In Jakarta, you can explore Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park and if it happens to rain, just visit a museum to get out of the rain. Or you can head to one of the Shopping Malls. You can have fun shopping or you can try your bowling skills. Get on top of the viewing platform from Monas to see the city from above.

>>read more about Things to do in Jakarta

No matter which cities you plan to visit, there are plenty of temples and other religious buildings to visit. Just remember to wear appropriate clothing.

In between the rain showers, make sure to spend some time on the beach. There are plenty of lovely beaches in Indonesia , so you can choose the popular ones or the secluded ones.

If you plan to visit the province of Aceh, make sure to spend some time at the Tsunami Museum , which is also an educational center and an emergency disaster shelter.

Many places in Indonesia are well known for their nightlife. So, after you are done with the sightseeing, start exploring the bars and clubs.

Regardless of which area of Indonesia you plan to visit, make sure to taste the local food. It’s flavorful, spicy and exotic. If you are brave enough, eat an entire durian yourself. Anthony Bourdain loves it, while Andrew Zimmern hates it. Well, the fruit is known to smell like a latrine and have feel like vanilla custard.

Photo credit

Quick summary

There are only two options to travel from Singapore to Jakarta: by air or by sea. The fastest and also cheap option is by air. With plenty of low cost carriers serving the route, the fares start at US$44* one way.

Flights from Singapore to Jakarta

Changi Airport (SIN) is the main airport serving Singapore and also a major hub in the area, being the fifth busiest airport in Asia. It has four terminals and one of them is dedicated to the low cost carriers operating at the airport. The airport is located about 17 km from the commercial center of Singapore. It is hub for Jetstar Asia Airways, Silkair, Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways, Qantas and Valuair.

Soekarno Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the airport which handles almost all international traffic to Jakarta. It also receives all domestic traffic. It is one of the most punctual airports in the world. The airport is hub for Batavia Air, Cardig Air, Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia AirAsia, Lion Air, Merpati Nusantara Airlines, Republic Express Airlines, Sriwijaya Air and Wings Air.

Flights between Singapore and Jakarta are run by: Batavia Air, Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia AirAsia, JetStar Airways, Lion Air , Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Sriwijaya Air, Tiger Airways , Turkish Airlines and Valuair. The flight time is 1h 35 min.

Should you plan to fly between the two cities in late December 2011, expect to pay from US$87 one way on Tiger Airways. In mid-March 2012, single airfare starts at US$44 on Indonesia Air Asia. Same fare applies for the best time to visit Jakarta (June to September).

>>read more about Flights to Jakarta

Ferries from Singapore to Jakarta

If you prefer a slower approach to traveling this route, then you can take the ferry from Singapore to Bintan and then catch another ferry to Jakarta.

The Singapore to Bintan route is served by several ferry companies. There are 5 departures per day during weekdays and up to 8 departures per day during weekends. The first ferry leaves Singapore at 9:10 a.m. Peak adult fare is SGD 30.75 (about US$24) one way and off peak adult fare is SGD 25.25 (about US$20).

From Bintan (Kijang port) catch a ferry to Jakarta operated by Pelini , the national ferry company.

Note:* at the time the article was written

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Visit the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park)

It’s another activity suitable for those who travel with the children. This is a cultural-based recreational area which presents a synopsis of the Indonesia culture and all aspects of the daily life in all provinces (26 at the time the park was built). The park comprises religious buildings, museums , theaters, monuments, rides and gardens. There are also restaurants and accommodation on site.

Spend a day at Ancol Dream Park

If you travel with the children, a visit to this park is a must. It comprises Seaworld, the Amusement Park , Dream World, Marina Ancol and Ancol Beach. There is a lot to do here, from playing bowling, to enjoying the rides or swimming. There is an entry fee to get into the park and most of the attractions have their own fees.

Monas – see the city from above and visit the National History Museum

Monas (National Monument) is Jakarta’s best known landmark. The 137 m monument is located in the center of Merdeka square. It also has an observation deck, with nice views of the city. Inside the base of the monument, there is the National History Museum which comprises a total of 51 dioramas, highlighting the history of the country.

Relax on the beach and snorkel at Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands)

Aside from being a national park , this is an area dedicated to tourism. It is easily accessible by boat from Ancol marina and comprises sandy beaches. It is an area popular for snorkeling.

The morning at Jalan Surabaya (Surabaya Street) market

For a different shopping experience, visit the antiques market at Jalan Surabaya (Surabaya Street). Learn to bargain for exotic souvenirs. You can find remains of porcelain made in Holland, which date back from the colonial rule or interesting wooden statues. Just take your time and explore the market.

Take photos at the bird market

We all know that it’s impossible to take any exotic birds out of the country (especially by plane), but no one stops you from taking photos of these superb creatures.

A day at Ragunan Zoo

Ragunan Zoo is home to about 270 species of animals, including the Komodo dragon. All animals live in natural habitats. In total there are over 3,000 species inhabiting the zoo.

Test your karaoke skills

Karaoke is very popular all over Asia. If you are afraid of making a fool out of yourself in your home town, while in Jakarta you can sign to your heart’s desire. Who cares if you aren’t that good at it!? Or you can try your bowling skills.

Shop ‘til you drop

The malls, the markets and the duty free shops are a heaven for those who enjoy shopping. Who knows what you can find? From clothes to electronics, the latest DVDs with music and games…or just about everything you can think of.

Visit Istiqlal Mosque

The biggest Islamic nation in the world is home to one of the biggest mosques in the world: Istiqlal Mosque. It is located next to Monas in Central Jakarta.

Taste the local cuisine

Indonesian cuisine is spicy and flavorful. Skewered shrimp is one of the must-try dishes but more exotic combinations are also available.

Photo credits: Mini Indonesia , Monas , Antiques Market , Zoo , Shopping Mall , Mosque , Food

See the spectacular view from the Petronas Towers’ famous 41st floor Skybridge or go a 1000 feet higher up the Menara KL Tower with its decorative Islamic design topped with a revolving restaurant and viewing platforms. Nature lovers flock to the lush Kuala Lumpur Bird Park with its tiled walkways to marvel at every species of bird from barn owls to bald eagles. The Aquaria KLCC in the Juala Lumpur Convention Center has fascinating displays of the scalier creatures of land and sea ranging from tiger sharks to boa constrictors. A great way to beat the tropical heat, the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park in Banar Sunway has hair-raising rides and plenty of ways to get wet. The Batu Caves house sacred relics and the 272 steps to the shrine swarm with mischievous macaque monkeys.

Enjoying the warm sunny climate is even easier when you have booked a cheap hotel room that doesn’t require you to fudge one bit on your comfort zone. Check out these recommendations for cheap hotels in Kuala Lumpur with pools and bargain rooms so you spend less money staying in Kuala Lumpur and more time playing.

Citrus Hotel

This safe modern hotel in the Kuala Lumpur business district is a five-minute drive to the Putra World Trade Center. Contemporary rooms look out over the swimming pool and the restaurant offers free breakfast. In walking distance are thriving local markets, corporate sky scrapers and major hubs for bus lines.

Flamingo Hotel by the Lake

This hotel has a resort atmosphere with the landscaped lake and swimming pool outside and three restaurants to choose from inside. The air conditioned rooms are plugged-in with coffee makers, LCD TVs and free internet access. Popular shopping destinations like the Ampang Point and the Great Eastern Shopping Mall are nearby.

Cube Hotel

Boasting a prime location on Berjaya Times Square steps from the Monorail, this sweet hotel makes the most of their limited space by cleverly designing rooms in a spaceship motif complete with free WiFi and a flat screen TV. Very clean, these air-conditioned hideaways have private bathrooms with hot showers.

Continuing on from Malaysia? Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok is only a two hour flight north.

Photo by: Sham Hardy

M-Bar-Go Centred on Fun

Travelers going for a visit to Kuta will feel welcomed at the M-Bar-Go when they want a night that is centred on hip hop music and dancing. The M-Bar-Go features a huge bar space and relaxing area for fun with friends. It often features classic fashion shows, such as “beach couture” and more. The nightclub offers two floors and often features international models, suitable visual performances and a Plasma TV. M-Bar-Go also offers a VIP lounge area.

Mengwi Temple, Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot Tour

On this trip you will experience some history, spiritual customs, food and architecture. The excursion into the countryside is well-liked by many tourists. It involves walking through the magnificently terraced rice fields and tasting a sampling of traditional Balinese food of sweet potato and fried tapioca. Other attractions include the beautiful 16th century Royal Taman Ayun Temple of Mengwi that is surrounded by a moat and the hallowed Monkey Forest where you will see hundreds of monkeys in their natural habitat. Visiting the picturesque Sunset Temple at the famous Tanah Lot off Bali’s west coast is also a treat.

At Home at Mannekepisr

You can truly get a taste of Europe, Bali style, by visiting the Mannekepis Bar & Bistro that is centre to the Kuta area. Mannekepis offers a refreshing twist on the European brown café scene. The bar and bistro is centred on Belgian specialties, including fried streak, chips and salad. This club features the best in jazz and blues music. It offers travellers valet parking and a relax setting that includes and aquarium with rare fish.

Mixwell Exuberance

Mixwell is a centre place for those that want nothing but exuberant fun and entertainment all night long. The club is a favourite among tourists, backpackers, and expats. It is a gay-friendly establishment that usually features dancing, plenty of live musical’s and drag shows. With a good-natured atmosphere, Mixwell offers traditional disco, house favourites and chart toppers.

The Luxury of Bacio

Bacio is centred on luxury entertainment and features the best in cocktails, wine, and gourmet dining. It is located right of the oceanfront of the centre Blue Ocean Beach. Besides a favourite catwalk, the upstairs lounge area features VIP guests and retractable skylighting. It offers the ultimate experience in luxury and classy atmosphere, and often features fashion shows and other lively celebrations. Bacio is a favorite among the most affluent tourist, expats and residents that enjoy the festive lifestyle and atmosphere at night in Bali.

The Casual Sky Garden

Located in the middle of the Kuta area, the Sky Garden is one of the most frequented nightclubs for backpackers and tourists. It includes three stylish floors for lounging dancing and relaxing. It is also one of the best places for casual meals. Backpackers love the Sky Garden because it offers suitably priced cocktails and nice views of the Kuta and Bali area. For a spectacular and most suitable experience, the Sky Garden offers a lookout bar on the roof of the establishment. Travellers can experience both local and international DJ’s at the nightclub.

What’s your favorite bar in Kuta?

Photo by: CillianStorm

While there are a few things to avoid in Bali that can make your stay less pleasant – money changers and street hustlers to name two – overall, Bali is safe for tourists and there is a ton to see and do. You can visit the bustling night markets of Bali’s only real city, Denpasar. Or head out of the city for hiking, exploring, surfing and beachgoing.

One of the most popular beach towns, Kuta, has become very touristy and prices have risen accordingly but there are still lots things to do for free in Kuta and all around the island.  If you step away from the more touristy areas, you can still find dirt cheap accommodations, food and activities throughout Bali, though even in popular spots like Kuta, prices are still low compared to Europe and North America.

Bali is just one of the many places to visit in Indonesia. It’s well worth a visit for a few days before exploring elsewhere in the country.

Photo by zsoolt

Getting to/from Indonesia by Bus – From Another Country

You can travel to Indonesia by bus from three countries it has land borders with: East Timor, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. You first need to apply for visa before getting a bus ticket.

Getting around Indonesia by Bus – From One Region to Another

Interregional buses typically connect the islands, mainly between Java and Sumatra. There are two types of buses: with air conditioning and without air conditioning (economy class). Traveling overnight is considered dangerous. The roads are poor and the drivers’ habits are not very safe, either. If you do travel by bus, keep your eye on your possessions at all time and don’t flash expensive items. In the wilder parts of the country, buses are known to the ambushed by bandits.

Getting around in Indonesia by Bus – Within a Region

There are intercity buses which link the cities within an island. However, the same rule applies. The roads are bad, the drivers’ are reckless. Traveling by day on short distances is not a problem. Do remember to watch your possessions at all time.

Getting around in Indonesia by Bus – Within a City

In Jakarta there are two types of buses:

• the Transjakarta Busway, which is a modern bus system, the buses have there own lanes and there are overhead bridges which connect both sides of the road. They run from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are applications available for iPhone and Blackberry, so travelers can download the map and plan their vacation.
• the regular buses, which are not as safe as the busway. They are both with AC and without AC (rates being higher for the AC buses).

Minibuses (mikrolet) and minivans (angkot) are used on smaller streets and the rates are lower than the bus rates.

Regular buses don’t stop at bus stops and the schedule is pretty much non existent. You can signal when you want to get off.

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