Indonesia Facts

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago and stretches for more than 5000 kilometers across the equator between the Australian and Asian continental main lands and dividing the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
An estimated 17,500 islands, of which only about 6000 are inhabited, make up for a country which, with nearly 240 million people, is the fourth most populous nation in the world.

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CLIMATE & SEASONS

Indonesia has a tropical climate with a "dry" and a "wet" season. The dry season roughly falls between June and September, while the wet season roughly runs from December to March. The transitional period between the dry and the wet season is interspersed by the occasional heavy rain shower.
Temperatures normally range from 21°C (70°F) to about 35°C (95°F). At higher altitudes (mountainous areas) these temperatures can be much cooler. Humidity in the heaviest rainfall period between December and January is generally between 75% and 100%.
In the wet season the ideal tee off time is at around 6 in the morning since rainfall often starts at around 1 or 2 pm.
In the dry season an early tee off time is advisable. It enables you to avoid the hottest part of the day between 11am and 1pm. Usually in the dry season an afternoon tee off time is preferred due to pleasant temperatures after let's say about 2 in the afternoon.
Golfers are advised to wear light cotton fabrics and a visor or a hat, or they may even carry an umbrella during the hottest part of the day, while the use of a sun block lotion is preferred for those golfers with sensitive skins. Drinking of enough water or salt replacements is a necessity during the dry season. Golfers who are not so crazy about too much sun are better off playing during the morning hours or in the afternoon in the dry season.

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FOOD & DRINKS

The staple food of most Indonesians is rice. Vegetables, fish and meat is abundant and of great variety, especially in the clubhouse restaurant or in the restaurant of the hotel you're staying at. It is not advisable to eat anything from a street-side shop (or warung as they are popularly known for). From a street-side shop or warung, drink only the so called Aqua (mineral water) and only when the seal is intact.

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RELIGION

An estimated 85% of Indonesians are Muslims. Giving or receiving with the left hand is considered to be impolite, while touching of heads is absolutely out of the question.

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LANGUAGE

The Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, but English is widely spoken and certainly on the golf course as well as in hotels and in the better shopping areas. It is wise to travel with a guide, who can be of great help to you when it comes to negotiating prices at markets. Indonesian traders love negotiating, so don't be shy.

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TOURIST INFORMATION

From your hotel tourist information desk you can obtain information on tourist attractions, cultural events, restaurants, museums and shopping malls. They're happy to help you at anytime.

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ART & CULTURE

Indonesia is rich in Art & Culture. From graceful court and temple dances and boisterous play, the performing arts of Indonesia offer an astounding range of types and styles for the visitor to study or enjoy, reflecting, as they do, the soul and traditions of the various ethnic groups who support them. From Javanese Classical Court Dances, to Javanese Ballet (both predominantly in Yogyakarta and Surakarta -or Solo for locals), or, from Gamelan music from Central Java or Bali to Wayang Golek (the famous shadow puppet play), a world of wonders is opening up to you in its entire mystical splendor.

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IMMIGRATION & VISAS

All visitors traveling to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and have proof of onward passage. Check with your local travel agent whether a visa is required, which in most cases is available upon arrival and valid for 30 days (a so called visa-on-arrival). The visa fee (US$ 25 for a 30 day VoA) is to be paid in CASH, so make sure you have some cash dollars on hand when you come of the plane. For more information on visas and customs regulations visit this link.

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TIPPING

Major hotels and restaurants usually add 10% service charge to bills. Where it is not included, a tip of between 5 to 10% of the bill is much appreciated, if the service is satisfactory that is. Tipping a taxi driver is not mandatory but if service has been satisfactory a tip of 3 to 5000 Rupiah is sufficient. Hired-car drivers normally get a larger tip.

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BANKING & SHOPPING HOURS

Normal banking hours are between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm. Most banks are closed on Saturday and surely on Sunday. Most banks have ATM machines from which you are able to get money with your (home) bank card. Cash money can always be changed at the money changer. Most western currencies are accepted. Credit cards are only accepted in the places where indicated like in all of the major hotels, restaurants and shopping malls.
Shopping hours are between 9.00 am and 10.00 pm and shopping malls are open 7 days a week, including on Sunday.
Bargaining is customary in small shops and markets but not in the shopping malls.

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BUYING OF GOLF EQUIPMENT

Buying golf equipment in Indonesia could be cheaper than buying golf equipment in your own country. The latest golf equipment is available. Make sure, however, that you always buy from legitimate shops. Especially golf apparel and accessories are rather attractively priced in Indonesia. The Pasar Baru district (Jalan Pintu Air) is a genuine golfer's haven and the pro shops in this area often sell off current stocks for rather attractive prices. Due to stiff competition, bargaining in these shops is possible.

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FINALLY

Golfing in Indonesia is sheer luxury. It's ever so affordable and players are always accompanied by a caddie (man or woman) who knows the course and the greens best. They are well trained green readers.
Tipping a caddie is mandatory and comes down to between 100,000 and 150,000 Rupiah (about 11 to 16 US dollars based on average 2010 rate of Rp.9,000).
Presenting a caddie a drink at a watering hole is entirely up to you, but it is much appreciated and especially when temperature is in its highs.

Golfing in Indonesia is second only to golfing in Paradise. Some of the best golf courses in the world can be found under the always sunny skies of this beautiful country.
Golf Etiquettes are the same the world over and so are the rules as to wearing the right golfing attire. Stick to these rules and regulations and we promise you that you will have an unforgettable golfing time in Indonesia and we are sure that you will be coming back for more.

Happy golfing.

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