Jakarta, Indonesia

Overview
Jakarta's nickname among expats is the Big Durian, and like its fruit namesake it's a shock at first sight: a sweltering, steaming, heaving mass of some 10 million people packed into a vast urban sprawl, the contrast between the obscene wealth of Indonesia's elite and the appalling poverty of the urban poor is incredible, with tinted-window BMWs turning left at the Gucci shop into muddy lanes full of begging street children and corrugated iron shacks. There are few sights to speak of and most visitors transit as quickly as possible.
Keep in mind that rules and regulations are very rarely enforced in all aspects of life in Jakarta. This is not so much an encouragement for you, but an explanation on why many of its citizens act so haphazardly, particularly on the road.
All that said, while initially a bit overwhelming, if you can withstand the pollution and can afford to indulge in her charms, you can discover what is also one of Asia's most exciting cities. There is plenty to do in Jakarta, from cosmopolitan shopping at Plaza Senayan to one of the hippest nightlife scenes in Southeast Asia.
Bars and Clubs in Jakarta
Jakarta may be the capital of the world's largest Islamic country, but if you're the clubbing type, its nightlife is arguably among the best in Asia. From the upscale X-Lounge to the seediest discos like Stadium, Jakarta caters to all kinds of clubbers, but bring a friend if you decide to brave the seedier joints (though they tend to have the best DJs). Fans of live music, on the other hand, are largely out of luck, at least unless they're into Indonesian pop.
When out and about, note that Jakarta has a fairly high number of prostitutes, known in local parlance as ayam (lit. "chicken"), so much so that much of the female clientele of some respectable bars (operated by five-star hotels, etc) is on the take, and would be happy with a small payment, gift, meal or other token of appreciation for the pleasure of their company.
Jakarta's most (in)famous nightlife district is Blok M in South Jakarta, or more specifically the single lane of Jl. Palatehan 1 just north of the bus terminal, packed with pubs and bars geared squarely towards Western visitors. While lacking the bikini-clad go-go dancers of Patpong, the meat market atmosphere is much the same with poor country girls turned pro. Blok M is now easily accessible as the southern terminus of BRT Line 1. For a more off-the-beaten track experience, head a few blocks south to Jl. Melawai 6 (opposite Plaza Blok M), Jakarta's de-facto Little Japan with lots of Japanese restaurants, bars and (what else?) karaoke joints.
To hang out where Indonesia's young, rich and beautiful do, head to Plaza Indonesia's EX annex, packed full of trendy clubs and bars. Plaza Senayan's Arcadia annex attempts to duplicate the concept, but with more of an emphasis on fine dining.
During the month of Ramadhan, all nightlife ends at midnight and some operations close for the entire month.
Activities in Jakarta
Cinema: Movie theater are a more affordable escape at around Rp25,000 for a plush seat in any of the capital's shopping malls. Beware the heavy hand of the Indonesian censor though. The price of popcorn, drinks are exorbitant. Several cinemas also show Indian, Chinese and Indonesian movies. The largest chain of cinemas in Indonesia is 21 group. Website: 21 Cineplex.
Fitness center: Large hotels provide free fitness centers for guests. Some hotels have sauna, spa, tennis court and jogging track.
Golf: Golf is the number one pastime of the upper classes and, as so many other things here, relatively cheap by Western standards. Green fees can go as low as Rp60,000 on weekdays, although the better courses are twice that, and weekend rates are considerably steeper at Rp300,000 and up.
Bowling: The fee for a game is US$ 2.00 to US$ 3.00. Guest can rent bowling shoes etc. The length of the lanes are 32 feet.
Soccer: Do not watch any soccer match in Jakarta, because the supporters often turn into hooligans/rioters. During and after certain soccer games, foreign tourists should not go near the Senayan sports complex. Source: Wikitravel, licensed under the GFDL

Lombok, Indonesia

While tropical, hot and humid, Lombok is drier than neighboring Bali, which makes it a particularly attractive option during the October-December rainy season (it rains on Lombok too, but rarely for more than an hour). The peak of the tourist season, though, is May through August.
Sights in Lombok
Tanjung Aan, a beautiful area near the Kuta Beach. The sand is very unique that it looks like pepper. Come early as the beach guards will be there by then. Otherwise you may get bugged by lots of hawkers (mainly children) trying to sell everything.
See the local handicraft and weaving process in Desa (village) Sukarare. The price should be cheaper than in Sengigi shops.
Narmada Park (Taman Narmada). Located 10 km east of Mataram, this park was the relaxation place for king during feodalism time. This park has a Hindu temple and swimming pool. Also it has a fountain which called "Youth Fountain" which is believed to give long life to a person that drink water from the fountain. Entry fee for this park is cheap. It will cost around Rp 5000.
Activities in Lombok
Traditional massage. There will be a lot of women offering the massage service. For more professional service, ask the hotel staffs.
Snorkeling. There are several good sites between the Gili Islands. If lucky, you can spot and swim with turtles.
Eating in Lombok
Given that the very word lombok means "chili pepper" in Bahasa Indonesia, the local cuisine isn't quite as spicy as you might expect. Probably the best known local dish is is ayam taliwang, chicken stewed in a rich sauce of galangal, turmeric and (of course) chili.
A meal in a tourist-oriented restaurant will be around Rp. 20-40k per person. In a local restoran the same meal might be about Rp. 15k or less. On the road, simple warungs sell "nasi bunkus", a pyramid shaped parcel of about 400gm of rice with several tasty extras for as little as Rp. 5k. One very reliable option is nasi campur ( rice with several options, chosen by the purchaser) for about Rp. 10k or so. Note that rice is often served at ambient temperature. There are also 'padang' style restaurants where the food is presented on a pyramid of plates within a window. The price varies depending on what you choose, but about Rp. 20,000 with the ubiquitous choice of tea or iced tea (es teh tawar) - most grab one of the oranges or bananas on offer for dessert at Rp.500 a piece.
Alcoholic drinks are not available everywhere throughout the island, as Lombok is mostly Muslim. However, local supermarkets offer a variety of local as well as international beers. Note that beer is relatively expensive: a small bottle costs at least the same as a full meal in a "local" eatery.
The island's most touristic city, Senggigi, has numerous bars and clubs with the usual international favorites. The local favorite, though, is tuak, a red or white fermented palm wine with 2-5% volume. Source: Wikitravel, licensed under the GFDL

Bali, Indonesia

An island just to the east of the main Indonesian island of Java, Bali defines the word paradise. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality, and spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali Indonesia's unparalleled, number-one tourist attraction.
What to See and Do
Bali is one of over 13,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and is located just over a mile from the eastern tip of the island of Java. The island of Lombok is to the west. Bali, approximately 90 miles from east to west and 50 miles north to south, is home to about 4 million people. South
Seminyak is the most upmarket of the south coast's beaches, with high-end accommodation and mostly high-end restaurants and bars to serve residents and tourists. The atmosphere is more sophisticated and laid-back than Kuta, the most famous Bali beach that now suffers from overdevelopment. Seminyak's beautiful beach is quieter during the day, although this area too is developing fast.
Legian is located north of Kuta and south of Seminyak. For surfers, this is a great place to go.
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. More remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 200 feet above the roaring ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold. Uluwatu temple on its cliff-top perch
Central
Ubud. Far removed from the party atmosphere at Kuta, Ubud can be described as a magical, wonderful cultural center, famous for its arts and crafts. Half (if not more) of the town and nearby villages seem to consist of artists' workshops and galleries, mostly producing wares for tourists. There are some remarkable architectural sights, beautiful rice paddies and lush jungle, and the famous Monkey Forest-don't bring any food you don't want stolen!
North
The north of Bali is cooler and mountainous. For travelers, the main attractions are Lake Batur, set in a vast volcano caldera, and Gunung Batur (Mount Batur). The two hour climb to the summit of Mount Batur, still an active volcano, to watch the sunrise is an unforgettable experience. Nearby is Pura Ulun Danau Batur, the second most important temple in Bali.
Menjangan. There are great diving and snorkeling opportunities around Bali, but one of the best is Menjangan, a protected island in Bali Barat National Park. Fish of every color swim over spectacular coral formations in crystal-clear water.

These clownfish are among the staggering variety of sea life you'll encounter in the warm waters off Bali

East
Amed. Most people come to Amed as a getaway, including expats from other parts of the island. It's a favorite honeymoon destination for tourists and is also popular with divers and snorkelers. Sailing trips in small Balinese sailboats can be arranged as well.
Besakih. High on the slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih is Bali's most sacred temple. Guided tours of the temple complex are possible.
Besakih temple is the most sacred of more than 20,000 temples on Bali
Tirta Gangga is famous for its water palace, a lovely maze of pools and fountains surround by a lush garden and stone carvings and statues.
All over Bali
Bali is a great place to get away from it all and relax. Numerous resorts and spas are waiting to pamper you in gorgeous natural settings.
A trip to Bali may be the most relaxing vacation you've ever had
Getting to Know Bali
Culture
Unlike any other island in largely Muslim Indonesia, Bali is a pocket of Hindu religion and culture, although Balinese Hinduism is so far removed from the original Indian variety that the casual eye will be hard put to spot any similarities. Every aspect of Balinese life is suffused with religion, but the most visible signs are the tiny offerings (sesajen) of flowers, glutinous rice and salt in little bamboo leaf trays, found in every Balinese house, restaurant, souvenir stall and airport check-in desk. They are set out and sprinkled with holy water no less then three times a day, before every meal.
Sesajen, or offerings--a common site on Bali
Balinese dance and music are also justly famous. As on Java, the gamelan orchestra and wayang kulit shadow puppet theater predominate. Dances include:
Barong or "lion dance" -a ritual dance depicting the fight between good and evil, with performers wearing fearsome lion-like masks.
Kecak or "monkey dance" -actually invented in the 1930s by early German resident Walter Spies for a movie but a spectacle nonetheless, with up to 250 dancers in concentric circles chanting "kecak kecak," while a performer in the center acts out a spiritual dance.
Festivals
There are an estimated 20,000 temples (pura) on the island, each of which holds festivals (odalan) at least twice a year and there are many other auspicious days throughout the year, meaning that there are always festivities going on.
There are some large festivals celebrated islandwide, but their dates are determined by two local calendars. The 210-day wuku or Pawukon calendar is completely out of sync with the Western calendar, meaning that it rotates wildly throughout the year. The lunar saka (caka) calendar roughly follows the Western year.
Funerals, called pitra yadnya, are another occasion of pomp and ceremony, when the deceased (often several at a time) are ritually cremated in extravagantly colorful rituals.
Galungan, a 10-day festival celebrating the death of the tyrant Mayadenawa. Gods and ancestors visit earth and are greeted with gift-laden bamboo poles called penjor lining the streets. The last day of the festival is known as Kuningan.
Nyepi, or Hindu New Year, usually March or April. This is the one festival worth avoiding: on Nyepi, also known as the Day of Absolute Silence, absolutely everything on the island is shut down and tourists are confined to their hotels. However if you are in Bali in the weeks preceding Nyepi you will see amazing colourful giants (Ogoh Ogoh) being created throughout the island. On Nyepi Eve the Ogoh Ogoh are paraded through the streets, an amazing sight not to be missed, especially in Denpasar.
Nyepi is a very special day to the Balinese as this is the day that they have to fool all evil spirits into thinking that no one is actually on Bali--hence the need for silence. If this can be achieved, then it is believed that the evil spirits will go looking elsewhere for their prey and leave Bali alone for another year. Balinese people are very religious and life is full of ritual-Nyepi is one of the most important days in their calendar. Police and security are on hand to make sure that everyone abides by this rule.
Hinduism on Bali is unique because it is woven into and around the original Balinese animistic religion. In a true sign of tolerance and acceptance, the two have become one for the Balinese.
Rice paddies and a religious shrine--two staples of Balinese culture
Arts and Crafts
The arts are central to Balinese life, and during your visit you will be delighted by the sheer variety of painting, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, and other creative objects wherever you look. If you're seeking high quality works of art to take home with you, Bali will not disappoint.
Wood carving. Bali's wood carvers are ubiquitous-just listen for the sound their mallets and chisels. All sorts of carved objects are produced. Only expert woodcarvers attempt the masks, such as those representing the demons Barong and Rangda, used in ritual dance performances. Mas and Puaya are two good places to find quality masks for purchase.
A traditional Balinese mask representing the demon Barong
Painting. Bali has a long tradition of painting, especially rich floral designs and flame-and-mountain motifs known as the Wayang style. During your visit you may hear the names of two Westerners--Rudolf Bonnet and Walter Spies--who did much to revive traditional Balinese painting and bring it to the world's attention.
Textiles. Batik, a richly ornamented fabric, is popular among tourists and locals alike, although batik is actually from Java. Authentic Balinese cloth is called ikat, made of silk, cotton or, today, synthetic materials.
Batik fabric, although not native to Bali, is found everywhere on the island

Jewelry. Bali is known for its high quality jewelry, which is almost always handmade by local artisans. Traditional Balinese gold and silver work is now complemented by international styles and influenced by foreign designers living in Bali. The villages of Celuk and Kamasan are good places to look for jewelry.
Eating on Bali
Be sure to try the ubiquitous Indonesian dishes nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles). These dishes should rarely cost more than Rp 25,000 (sometimes a bit more if you add chicken-- ayam--or shrimp--udang), so their cost on a menu can be a good indicator of a restaurant's relative cost and value.
Some of the most authentic food can be found from roving vendors called kaki lima, which means "five legs." This comprises the three legs of the food cart and the vendor's own two legs. Go to the beaches of Seminyak at sunset and find steaming hot bakso, a delightful meatball and noodle soup, served up fresh for a very inexpensive Rp 5,000. You can season it yourself, but be forewarned: Indonesian spices can be ferociously hot. Go easy until you find your heat tolerance level!
Fire danger: These Balinese peppers can be scorching hot--eat with caution!
Authentic Balinese food is common on the island, but it has made few inroads in the rest of the country due to its emphasis on pork, which is anathema to the largely Muslim population in the rest of the country. Notable dishes include:
babi guling - roast suckling pig, a large ceremonial dish that must usually be ordered several days in advance.
bebek betutu - literally "darkened duck", topped with a herb paste and roasted in banana leaves. The same method can also be used for chicken, resulting in ayam betutu.
lawar - Covers a range of Balinese salads, usually involving thinly chopped vegetables, minced meat, coconut and spices. Traditionally, blood is mixed into this dish, but it's often omitted for tourists' delicate constitutions. Green beans and chicken are a particularly common combination.
sate lilit - Minced seafood satay, served wrapped around a twig of lemongrass.
urutan - Balinese spicy sausage, made from pork.
Drinking on Bali
Not being Muslim, the Balinese have nothing against a drink and alcohol is widely available.
Indonesia's most popular beer Bintang is ubiquitous, but local brand Bali Hai is nearly as popular. Bintang is a fairly highly regarded classic light Asian beer, but Bal Hai is a rather bland lager. Also available is the Bali-brewed microbrew Storm, available in several different flavors. Beer is, however, relatively expensive, though still cheap by Western standards.
Bali produces its own wines, with Hatten being the most popular brand, available in white, red, rose (most popular) and sparkling varieties. Bali's traditional drinks are arak, a clear distilled spirit that packs a punch, and brem, a fermented rice wine sold in gift shops in attractive clay bottles that are much nicer than the taste of the stuff inside.
Very cheap (Rp. 10,000) are fresh juices or their mixes (watermelon, melon, papaya, orange, lime, banana or any other possible juice). In Bali, avocado (alpukat) is used as a dessert fruit. Blended with sugar and ice - and sometimes chocolate - this concoction is uniquely Balinese.
Almost all restaurant menus have a section devoted to various non-alcoholic fruit-based beverages. It's not wise to drink the tap water on Bali, but bottled water is widely available, as are shops which will filter tap water-an environmentally friendly solution.
Sunset on a Bali beachSource: Wikitravel.org, licensed under the GFDL

Bali, Indonesia

An island just to the east of the main Indonesian island of Java, Bali defines the word paradise. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality, and spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali Indonesia's unparalleled, number-one tourist attraction.
What to See and Do
Bali is one of over 13,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and is located just over a mile from the eastern tip of the island of Java. The island of Lombok is to the west. Bali, approximately 90 miles from east to west and 50 miles north to south, is home to about 4 million people. South
Seminyak is the most upmarket of the south coast's beaches, with high-end accommodation and mostly high-end restaurants and bars to serve residents and tourists. The atmosphere is more sophisticated and laid-back than Kuta, the most famous Bali beach that now suffers from overdevelopment. Seminyak's beautiful beach is quieter during the day, although this area too is developing fast.
Legian is located north of Kuta and south of Seminyak. For surfers, this is a great place to go.
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. More remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 200 feet above the roaring ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.
Uluwatu temple on its cliff-top perch
Central
Ubud. Far removed from the party atmosphere at Kuta, Ubud can be described as a magical, wonderful cultural center, famous for its arts and crafts. Half (if not more) of the town and nearby villages seem to consist of artists' workshops and galleries, mostly producing wares for tourists. There are some remarkable architectural sights, beautiful rice paddies and lush jungle, and the famous Monkey Forest-don't bring any food you don't want stolen!
North
The north of Bali is cooler and mountainous. For travelers, the main attractions are Lake Batur, set in a vast volcano caldera, and Gunung Batur (Mount Batur). The two hour climb to the summit of Mount Batur, still an active volcano, to watch the sunrise is an unforgettable experience. Nearby is Pura Ulun Danau Batur, the second most important temple in Bali.
At over 5,600 feet, Mount Batur gives tourists who reach the summit a commanding view of northern Bali
Menjangan. There are great diving and snorkeling opportunities around Bali, but one of the best is Menjangan, a protected island in Bali Barat National Park. Fish of every color swim over spectacular coral formations in crystal-clear water.
These clownfish are among the staggering variety of sea life you'll encounter in the warm waters off Bali
East
Amed. Most people come to Amed as a getaway, including expats from other parts of the island. It's a favorite honeymoon destination for tourists and is also popular with divers and snorkelers. Sailing trips in small Balinese sailboats can be arranged as well.
Besakih. High on the slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih is Bali's most sacred temple. Guided tours of the temple complex are possible.
Besakih temple is the most sacred of more than 20,000 temples on Bali
Tirta Gangga is famous for its water palace, a lovely maze of pools and fountains surround by a lush garden and stone carvings and statues.
All over Bali
Bali is a great place to get away from it all and relax. Numerous resorts and spas are waiting to pamper you in gorgeous natural settings.
A trip to Bali may be the most relaxing vacation you've ever had
Getting to Know Bali
Culture
Unlike any other island in largely Muslim Indonesia, Bali is a pocket of Hindu religion and culture, although Balinese Hinduism is so far removed from the original Indian variety that the casual eye will be hard put to spot any similarities. Every aspect of Balinese life is suffused with religion, but the most visible signs are the tiny offerings (sesajen) of flowers, glutinous rice and salt in little bamboo leaf trays, found in every Balinese house, restaurant, souvenir stall and airport check-in desk. They are set out and sprinkled with holy water no less then three times a day, before every meal.
Sesajen, or offerings--a common site on Bali
Balinese dance and music are also justly famous. As on Java, the gamelan orchestra and wayang kulit shadow puppet theater predominate. Dances include:
Barong or "lion dance" -a ritual dance depicting the fight between good and evil, with performers wearing fearsome lion-like masks.
Kecak or "monkey dance" -actually invented in the 1930s by early German resident Walter Spies for a movie but a spectacle nonetheless, with up to 250 dancers in concentric circles chanting "kecak kecak," while a performer in the center acts out a spiritual dance.
Festivals
There are an estimated 20,000 temples (pura) on the island, each of which holds festivals (odalan) at least twice a year and there are many other auspicious days throughout the year, meaning that there are always festivities going on.
There are some large festivals celebrated islandwide, but their dates are determined by two local calendars. The 210-day wuku or Pawukon calendar is completely out of sync with the Western calendar, meaning that it rotates wildly throughout the year. The lunar saka (caka) calendar roughly follows the Western year.
Funerals, called pitra yadnya, are another occasion of pomp and ceremony, when the deceased (often several at a time) are ritually cremated in extravagantly colorful rituals.
Galungan, a 10-day festival celebrating the death of the tyrant Mayadenawa. Gods and ancestors visit earth and are greeted with gift-laden bamboo poles called penjor lining the streets. The last day of the festival is known as Kuningan.
Nyepi, or Hindu New Year, usually March or April. This is the one festival worth avoiding: on Nyepi, also known as the Day of Absolute Silence, absolutely everything on the island is shut down and tourists are confined to their hotels. However if you are in Bali in the weeks preceding Nyepi you will see amazing colourful giants (Ogoh Ogoh) being created throughout the island. On Nyepi Eve the Ogoh Ogoh are paraded through the streets, an amazing sight not to be missed, especially in Denpasar.
Nyepi is a very special day to the Balinese as this is the day that they have to fool all evil spirits into thinking that no one is actually on Bali--hence the need for silence. If this can be achieved, then it is believed that the evil spirits will go looking elsewhere for their prey and leave Bali alone for another year. Balinese people are very religious and life is full of ritual-Nyepi is one of the most important days in their calendar. Police and security are on hand to make sure that everyone abides by this rule.
Hinduism on Bali is unique because it is woven into and around the original Balinese animistic religion. In a true sign of tolerance and acceptance, the two have become one for the Balinese.
Rice paddies and a religious shrine--two staples of Balinese culture
Arts and Crafts
The arts are central to Balinese life, and during your visit you will be delighted by the sheer variety of painting, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, and other creative objects wherever you look. If you're seeking high quality works of art to take home with you, Bali will not disappoint.
Wood carving. Bali's wood carvers are ubiquitous-just listen for the sound their mallets and chisels. All sorts of carved objects are produced. Only expert woodcarvers attempt the masks, such as those representing the demons Barong and Rangda, used in ritual dance performances. Mas and Puaya are two good places to find quality masks for purchase.
A traditional Balinese mask representing the demon Barong
Painting. Bali has a long tradition of painting, especially rich floral designs and flame-and-mountain motifs known as the Wayang style. During your visit you may hear the names of two Westerners--Rudolf Bonnet and Walter Spies--who did much to revive traditional Balinese painting and bring it to the world's attention.
Textiles. Batik, a richly ornamented fabric, is popular among tourists and locals alike, although batik is actually from Java. Authentic Balinese cloth is called ikat, made of silk, cotton or, today, synthetic materials.
Batik fabric, although not native to Bali, is found everywhere on the island
Jewelry. Bali is known for its high quality jewelry, which is almost always handmade by local artisans. Traditional Balinese gold and silver work is now complemented by international styles and influenced by foreign designers living in Bali. The villages of Celuk and Kamasan are good places to look for jewelry.
Eating on Bali
Be sure to try the ubiquitous Indonesian dishes nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles). These dishes should rarely cost more than Rp 25,000 (sometimes a bit more if you add chicken-- ayam--or shrimp--udang), so their cost on a menu can be a good indicator of a restaurant's relative cost and value.
Some of the most authentic food can be found from roving vendors called kaki lima, which means "five legs." This comprises the three legs of the food cart and the vendor's own two legs. Go to the beaches of Seminyak at sunset and find steaming hot bakso, a delightful meatball and noodle soup, served up fresh for a very inexpensive Rp 5,000. You can season it yourself, but be forewarned: Indonesian spices can be ferociously hot. Go easy until you find your heat tolerance level!
Fire danger: These Balinese peppers can be scorching hot--eat with caution!
Authentic Balinese food is common on the island, but it has made few inroads in the rest of the country due to its emphasis on pork, which is anathema to the largely Muslim population in the rest of the country. Notable dishes include:
babi guling - roast suckling pig, a large ceremonial dish that must usually be ordered several days in advance.
bebek betutu - literally "darkened duck", topped with a herb paste and roasted in banana leaves. The same method can also be used for chicken, resulting in ayam betutu.
lawar - Covers a range of Balinese salads, usually involving thinly chopped vegetables, minced meat, coconut and spices. Traditionally, blood is mixed into this dish, but it's often omitted for tourists' delicate constitutions. Green beans and chicken are a particularly common combination.
sate lilit - Minced seafood satay, served wrapped around a twig of lemongrass.
urutan - Balinese spicy sausage, made from pork.
Drinking on Bali
Not being Muslim, the Balinese have nothing against a drink and alcohol is widely available.
Indonesia's most popular beer Bintang is ubiquitous, but local brand Bali Hai is nearly as popular. Bintang is a fairly highly regarded classic light Asian beer, but Bal Hai is a rather bland lager. Also available is the Bali-brewed microbrew Storm, available in several different flavors. Beer is, however, relatively expensive, though still cheap by Western standards.
Bali produces its own wines, with Hatten being the most popular brand, available in white, red, rose (most popular) and sparkling varieties. Bali's traditional drinks are arak, a clear distilled spirit that packs a punch, and brem, a fermented rice wine sold in gift shops in attractive clay bottles that are much nicer than the taste of the stuff inside.
Very cheap (Rp. 10,000) are fresh juices or their mixes (watermelon, melon, papaya, orange, lime, banana or any other possible juice). In Bali, avocado (alpukat) is used as a dessert fruit. Blended with sugar and ice - and sometimes chocolate - this concoction is uniquely Balinese.
Almost all restaurant menus have a section devoted to various non-alcoholic fruit-based beverages. It's not wise to drink the tap water on Bali, but bottled water is widely available, as are shops which will filter tap water-an environmentally friendly solution.
Sunset on a Bali beachSource: Wikitravel.org, licensed under the

http://uangpanas.com/?id=mikhechy

Travelling to Vietnam

Entering Vietnam
To enter Vietnam, visitors must have a national passport and have an approved travel Visa from the Vietnamese Immigration Department. All passports and travel documents must be endorsed for travelling in Vietnam.

There is an airport tax for international flights: 12 USD (14 USD if from Hanoi). Domestic flights, no tax.

Visas
All visitors are required to have a valid visa to enter Vietnam. A one-month tourist visa is usually sufficient for most visitors though it is possible to arrange 3-month and 6-month multiple entry visas for regular visitors. All visitors must obtain visa approval from the Vietnamese Immigration Department before a visa is issued. Upon booking travel through Vietnam.com, Malaysia.com or other travel websites owned by FrequentTraveller.com, our travel agents can arrange your visa through our partners in Vietnam. Your visa will be sent to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate where the visa is to be collected once the following information has been forwarded: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and sex. This information should be forwarded at least one month before departure. One copy of the visa authorisation will be sent to the embassy or consulate where the visa is to be collected and a second will be forwarded to the person collecting the visa.

A fee is payable for the visa authorisation and to the embassy or consulate for the visa stamping. The person collecting the visa must complete two application forms and hand these in with two passport photos when collecting the visa. In situations where it is more convenient, agents are also authorised to issue visas on arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Danang International Airport in Danang and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The same authorisation procedure and a minimum of 5 working days notice is still required. In emergency cases agents can arrange a visa on arrival if notice of 2 working days is given. On entering Vietnam all visitors must complete a entry/exit form including a customs declaration (white/yellow colour). It is important that the bottom copy (yellow sheet) of this form is kept safe with your passport while in Vietnam and is presented to the customs and immigration officials on departure.

Weather
Hanoi and the north of Vietnam have a distinct winter and summer season with the mainly dry winter lasting from November through to April with average temperatures of 18-20oC. Summer lasts from May to October and is hot and humid with temperatures around 30oC. Hue and Danang in the centre of the country have very hot, dry weather from February to August with temperatures reaching the mid 30s Celsius, but can experience some quite heavy rainfall between September and January. Ho Chi Minh City and the south have a hot, dry season from December till April with average temperatures around 28oC and a rainy season lasting from May through till November. It rarely rains for long periods even in the rainy season with most rain coming in short, heavy bursts.

HANOI DANANG SAIGON
Av. Temp
(Celsium) Av. Rainfall
(mm) Av. Temp
(Celsium) Av. Rainfall
(mm) Av. Temp
(Celsium) Av. Rainfall
(mm)
Jan 17 18 22 102 27 15
Feb 18 28 23 31 28 3
Mar 20 38 24 12 29 13
Apr 24 81 27 18 30 43
May 28 196 29 47 29 221
Jun 30 239 30 42 29 330
Jul 30 323 30 99 28 315
Aug 29 343 30 117 28 269
Sep 28 254 28 447 27 335
Oct 26 99 26 530 27 269
Nov 22 43 25 221 27 114
Dec 19 20 23 209 27 56
Currency
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong although US Dollars are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open Saturday morning. In the major cities there are 'bureaux de change' and most hotels will change US Dollars although for other currencies it is usually necessary to visit a bank. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaux but can be difficult to change outside of the major cities. Visa Card and Mastercard are now accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops but US Dollars cash are still the most reliable form of money to carry. There are ATM machines in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but they are less available in more remote areas.

About Vietnam
Vietnam is a country filled with captivating natural beauty and tranquil village life. Its highlands and rainforest regions, continue to yield new species and team with exotic wildlife. Its islands and beaches are among the finest in all of Southeast Asia, and its cuisine is very possibly the most delicious you will ever find. Over two decades have passed since Vietnam was officially united, and in that time it has done a remarkable job of healing its wounds. Today, this gracious and graceful country is an outstanding travel destination.

Geographically, Vietnam is shaped like a long S, and it stretches the length of the Indo-Chinese Peninsula. Vietnam has a surface area of 128,000 square miles - making it about the size of Italy. China lies to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east.

The country has three distinct areas: north, central, and south. The north is known for its alpine peaks, the Red River Delta, the plains of Cao Bang and Vinh Yen, enchanting Halong Bay, and historic Hanoi. Central Vietnam is characterized by high temperate plateaus rich in volcanic soil and by spectacular beaches, dunes, and lagoons. It is also the location of the ancient imperial city of Hue. In the South, visitors encounter modern life in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and the fertile delta of the Mekong River. In addition, Vietnam has a large continental shelf and an archipelago of islands.

Location: Southeast Asia
Area: 330,991 sq. Km
Capital: Hanoi
Deltas: Red River Delta in the North and Mekong River Delta in the South
Main Cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Thanh Hoa, Nam Dinh, Hue, Can tho, Nha Trang, Vung Tau.
Railway: 3,260 km;
Road: 177,300 km;
Waterway:17,000 km;
Ports: 8, main ports: Saigon and Haiphong
Airports: 3 international airports & 10 domestic airports;
Banks: 77
Telecoms: 2 million telephones (2.6 sets per 100 persons)
Hotels: 3,050 with 55,600 rooms including 500 international standard hotels
Universities and colleges: 109 with 297,900 students

Population
Today there are about 80 million people in Vietnam and the annual growth rate is about 1.3%. Eighty percent of nationals are ethnic Vietnamese, while the remaining twenty percent comprises more than fifty separate ethnic groups. About seven million of these ethnic minorities are members of the hill tribes or montagnards (French for mountain people), making their homes and livelihoods in the spectacular mountains of the north and central highlands.

Labour force: The workforce - estimated at over 40.5 million in 2003 - is growing at the even more rapid rate of 3.5% a year. Approximately 70% of the population is employed in agriculture and more than half is under the age of 25. Literacy rate: 88% (male: 92.6%, female: 83.8%)

Religion
Buddhism is the dominant religion in Vietnam usually combined with elements of Confucianism and Taoism. About 10% of the country's population are Catholic and there are also communities of Protestants and Muslims. Vietnam is also home to a unique religion called Cao Dai, a religious cocktail of all the world's major faiths.



Travel Tips
Clothes
Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for travelling in Vietnam. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics, but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter months warm clothing is needed for visiting the north of Vietnam. Visitors to Buddhist countries should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting religious buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a private home.

Electricity
The predominant power supply in most locations is 220V, but in some areas 110V is also used.

Food & Water
The cuisine of Vietnam comes as a pleasant surprise to many visitors and is definitely a part of the Vietnam experience not to be missed. One of the characteristics of Vietnamese food is that it is always fresh being bought the same morning straight from the market. Food is usually prepared with a minimum of oil and served with the ubiquitous fish sauce called nuoc mam. Typical Vietnamese dishes you can expect to try include pho, a type of rice noodle soup eaten for breakfast, cha gio, deep-fried spring rolls and goi ngo sen, a delicious salad made with lotus stems, shrimps and peanuts. Due to the strong Buddhist influence in Vietnam, vegetarian food is widely available.

It is not advisable to drink tap water in Vietnam but bottled mineral water is safe and available everywhere. Ice in drinks is generally OK in good standard hotels and restaurants but it is best to avoid it on street stalls or in country areas.

Health
No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advisable to take precautions especially if travelling off the beaten track. Medical facilities are rather limited in all countries and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before travelling in case evacuation is needed.

Language
Since the Vietnamese language has six different tones, it is difficult for most foreigners to speak, despite the fact that the Roman alphabet is used in modern Vietnamese. The same word can have six different meanings depending on the tone used to pronounce it. In the cities and larger towns, English is becoming popular and is now spoken by many younger people while some of the older generation still speak fluent French. Russian and Chinese are also spoken by some people.

Communications
Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms and it is possible to send faxes from hotels and post offices, although be warned, these services are expensive. Away from the major cities it may not always be possible to make international calls. Cyber cafes are becoming popular in the major cities in Vietnam and many travellers now prefer to keep in touch by e-mail. Post cards can be bought at all the main tourist sites and stamps are available from post offices and some hotel reception desks.

Shopping
Souvenirs to look out for in Vietnam include lacquerware, silk, conical hats, woodcarvings, hill tribe fabrics and handicrafts, embroidery, marble, ceramics, silver jewellery, antique watches and paintings. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have the best choice when it comes to shopping but Hoi An in the centre of Vietnam is also a very good place to hunt for bargains.

Hours of Business
Offices are usually open from Monday to Friday from 07:30 or 08:00 until 17:00 or 18:00 and often close for lunch between 11:30 and 13:00. Some offices also open Saturday morning. Shops open early and close any time between 18:00 and 22:00. Most shops are open 7 days a week.

Tipping
Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated in these developing nations. It is customary, though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped.

Public Holidays January 1 New Year's Day
January / February Tet or Vietnamese New Year. The actual dates vary from year to year according to the lunar calendar. Officially 3 days holiday but many businesses close down for a full week. This is the busiest time of the year for travelling in Vietnam and hotels, flights and trains are often full.
April 30 Liberation of Saigon Day
May 1 International Labour Day
September 2 National Day