Indonesia has equatorial tropical and humid climate all year. Seasonal differences are caused by shifting monsoonal rains. While some rain is to be expected any time of the year and doesn't greatly impact the diving experience, monsoonal rains also bring high winds which can make time spend on liveaboards less enjoyable or prevent diving activities altogehter.
For North Sulawesi, the Komodo region and Bali, the best time to dive is from May to October.
In South Sulawesi (Wakatobi & Pelagian) the periods of March-May and September-November are especially calm and sunny.
West Papua and other regions in Indonesia's have the best weather for diving from October to May.
Please note that strong currents are prevalent in many dive regions, and deep water upwellings cause big thermoclines. Despite the equatorial location, the ocean can surprisingly cool in some high current areas, for example the Bali Lombok channel and around the Komodo Islands, dipping down to 20°C (68°F).
Health
A few Indonesian islands like Bali are considered malaria-free, and some coastal regions and many island resorts, particularly in North Sulawesi, pose a comparatively low risk of infection. If you are planning to visit any low lying tropical rainforest areas, then malaria protection is strongly recommend anywhere in Indonesia.
Please check with your physician or medical centre on the type of prophylactic you should use and specifically discuss any drug's compatibility with diving and possible side effects.
Malaria is transmitted by a certain type of mosquito. Avoidance of mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers at dusk and dawn) should be an important part of your risk minimisation strategy. Places with swampy grounds are more prone to harbour the disease than dry, urban areas.
There are a number of drugs on the market which reduce the risk of infection. Still, there is no known way to exclude this risk 100%. Some popular prophylactics are:
Doxycycline - sometimes in combination with Maloprin is widely prescribed by doctors in Australia.
Malarone - This drug is very effective and more expensive but so far we are not aware of any major side effects reported.
Lariam - was very popular in the 1990s. It should be avoided as it has been proven to cause severe side effects.
With all travels into tropical climate you should have an active immunisation against tetanus and a current polio protection.
By far the greatest threat to health is sunburn. Give this your most careful attention. Always wear a sunscreen. Sunburn, seasickness, fatigue, coral cuts, fire coral burns, cuts and bruises are health hazards to be anticipated and can be avoided with common sense and care.
Medical kit suggestions
- Analgesic
- Insect repellent
- Anti-seasickness medicine
- Suntan lotion
- Sunblock cream
- Band aids (some large ones)
- Ear Drops alcohol/vinegar based. Daily use will prevent outer ear infections.
- Antibiotic ointment for coral cuts. Please your physician.
Clothing suggestions
Casual & comfortable clothing including a light jacket is recommended, as evenings can get cool and liveaboards usually keep their airconditioning high in all indoor areas. Please keep sun protection in mind and be advised to respect local customs by not wearing swimsuits, short shorts, or other inappropriate clothing in towns, villages or public places.
Fragile items such as camera, regulator, dive computer etc., should be packed in a small bag and taken as carry-on luggage. Clothing should be packed in one (or if necessary two) suitcases. Be sure your baggage is properly tagged.
Local time
The Indonesian island nation is spread out over almost 2 million square kilometers west to east right on the equator in South East Asia. Local time varies from GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) +7 in Java to GMT +9 in West Papua.
Language
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, a blend of many island languages which is very similar to Bahasa Malaysia. English is spoken in tourist areas only.
Currency
Official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Tipping
Tips have never been part of the culture, but tourism has changed local customs, and particularly those working in tourism have gotten used to receiving tips and being rewarded for very good service. There are no set rules, give as much as you see fit. On live aboard vessels it is customary to give the tip to the skipper of dive leader and ask it be distributed amongst the crew.
Electrical outlets
Electricity is the same as in most of Europe: 220/230V, 50 Hz, but there are different types of plugs in use: mostly two parallel prongs with and without earth connectors. It is adviseable to pack universal adapters. Converters aren't readily available for photographers with 110V systems, so better bring your own if you need to convert.
Airport transfers
Most resorts and liveaboards offer complimentary pick up services from the airport. This will be marked clearly on the product description
Departure tax
Airport taxes on departure are levied at every Indonesian airport. These taxes need to be paid cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). The fees for domestic departures vary between IDR 20.000-40.000 per person. At international airports the charges are higher, between IDR 100.000-150.000 per person.
Certification requirements
All scuba divers must carry a PADI open water equivalent certification. Most diving in Malaysia is conducted in small groups with local guides. Limited rental scuba gear is available on request.
Dive Insurance
All dive operators promoted by Diversion Dive Travel adhere to high safety standards for all their equipment. However, due to their remote location, all liveaboards and most land-based dive operators in Micronesia insist that all divers present current Diver Evacuation & accident cover on arrival. For a nominal yearly membership fee, the DIVERS ALERT NETWORK (DAN) provides year-round diver evacuation and accident cover. For more details on membership and insurance options, please contact your regional DAN office.
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled travel arrangements, Diversion Dive Travel strongly recommends that suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time of booking.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy covers any losses suffered as a result of cancellation due to medical circumstances, related medical expenses incurred whilst abroad & cover against loss or damage to baggage & personal items.
Alcoholic beverages
Indonesia is taxing imported wine and liquor at very high rates. Good resorts, restaurants and liveaboards do offer imported winw and liquor, however, be prepared to pay much more money then what you expect it to cost at home.
Duty Free limits are at 1l per person and it is quite strictly enforced.
The local brews "Bintang" and "Bali Hai" are cheap and very drinkable.
Safety
Indonesia is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society of about 80 million people. There are more than 300 different indigenous languages spoken throughout this vast archipelago, and apart from certain aspects of centralised bureaucracy based in Jakarta/Java, many islands have little else in common with each other.
While Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim nation, dive tourism operators seem to cluster in non-Muslim areas, for example in North Sulawesi, which is mostly Christian, Bali, or the very sparsely populated island regions around Eastern Indonesia or Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo).
In Bali, almost all families are Hindu, which makes their collective character, behaviour and way of life vastly different from Muslim Indonesia. The Balinese practice a unique version of Hinduism which emerged from a blend of Indian Hinduism, Buddhism and indigenous animist beliefs. Regrettably, in the past decade Bali has been the chosen target of terrorist activities imported from other islands, because most of the Indonesian tourism is centred there. This means that the densely populated southern beaches around the island capital Kuta could not be considered completely 100% safe, just like many other international holiday hot spots worldwide. However, there are no safety issues in the countryside, particularly around the very remote Northern coastline. The Balinese have always been the most peaceful, friendly and hospitable people imaginable.
